Showing posts with label Jacquie Biggar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jacquie Biggar. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know

 


The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

The awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, T. Powell Coltrin, Natalie Aguirre, and Pat Garcia!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional
 

April 3 question - How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?

 

Hmm. Good question. I’ve been blogging since dinosaurs roamed the earth. You?

As far as liking it, I prefer it to Facebook. I know it’s out there for everyone to see, but blogging doesn’t have the audience it once did and it feels more intimate. Almost like messaging  your friends.

AND

March/April Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

FINDING ME, THE DEFIANT SISTERS: Book 2 by Jacquie Biggar

Renee and Izzy were as close as sibs could be till their father killed himself and Renee took off, leaving Izzy to take care of their younger brother and deal with the heartbreak of desertion from the person she trusted most in the entire world. Now Renee has come home to heal the breach. She’s determined to stay, and make a life for her and her family, even if Izzy is trying her best to run her off with hurtful words and lack of trust.

FINDING ME touches on the raw subjects of suicide and abandonment with the delicacy of feeling we have come to expect from the author. Ms. Biggar is a master at putting her finger on the pulse of acerbated emotion and she tips the scales with this tale. Her worldbuilding adds another layer to the rich fabric of this story. Once again Ms. Biggar has delivered.

Her fans will devour this latest offering. And for those who have never read her, I’m sure they too will be polishing off this story at breakneck speed. A must read for those that love new adult romance.

Available at Amazon

 

ZODIAC ACADEMY, THE AWAKENING: Book 1 by Caroline Peckman and Susanne Valenti

Twin girls who have practically raised themselves find out they are not only fae but of royal blood.  They are taken to Zodiac Academy Where they must prove themselves to werewolves, vampires, dragons and a host of other magical creatures.

ZODIAC ACADEMY, RUTHLESS FEY: Book 2 by Caroline Peckman and Susanne Valenti

The Celestial Heirs fight back against the powers that are trying to destroy them, specifically four male students that want to rule the fae kingdom.

ZODIAC ACADEMY, THE RECKONING: Book 3 by Caroline Peckman and Susanne Valenti

 In this series, the girls take on their magical form. Keeping the reader, and the twins, guessing as to what they’ll become to the very end.  I’ve got to admit, I didn’t see what creature they’d turn into coming. AND if that’s not enough, Darius’s evil father uses them for his own twisted ends.

Available at Amazon

 

THE KEEPING PLACE by Mae Clair

Nicole Seabrooke is riddled with guilt about the death of her sister and the part she played in it. Ten years later when her sister’s body is found, she goes home to face the devils that drive her and solve the mystery surrounding her sister’s death.

Of the many books of Ms. Clair’s that I’ve read, this is my hands-down favorite. I was enthralled with this story and found it hard to put down.  The book keeps the tension building as it travels seamlessly back and forth from past to present, keeping the reader on edge, caught up in one era and wondering what’s happening in the other. The world building is well done, painting a backdrop that allows the reader to glide onto the page and join the characters. Characters that are flawed but relatable. And with all these threads to pull together, the pacing never falters. All in all, this is a read I highly recommend, particularly for those that love a good mystery or just an enjoyable, well-crafted tale. 

Available at Amazon

 

JUBAL STONE: U. S. MARSHAL: BLOOD TRAIL TO HELL by Casey Nash

This is the first book in a series of fifty so you can see it’s quite popular with Western readers.  In this book we meet a very young Jubal and find out how he became a U.S. Marshal. The storyline is interesting and the language authentic. My only minor grumble with the book: I would have liked to have seen more showing and less telling.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HELL AND BACK by Craig Johnson

Book #18 takes a deep paranormal turn when Walt wanders in a different time dimension while his body lies battered and broken.

DAUGHTER OF THE MORNING STAR by Craig Johnson

In Book #17, Walt is trying to discover what happened to a missing Cheyenne girl while making sure her sister doesn’t meet the same fate. The story line continues in book 18. Like many in the series, this book contains mystical overtones.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve gone back and started rereading Joan Smith’s Regency Romances. Has anybody else out there read her? I love her books. They are sweet, sparkling and witty. I read both e and paper, but I have Joan's books in paper and they are a gazillion years old. In fact, SWEET AND TWENTY is literally falling apart. I was going to read it, trash it and order a new copy, then I realized the only way I could get another one was too get it in e, so I hauled out the packing tape and taped it back together:) If you like regency, I highly recommend her. Just don’t pick them up, if you’re looking for steam. They’re gentle romances. 

With all the divisiveness in our world today, sometimes you just need the sweet. 

Available at Amazon


 

 

AND


Did you know, Louisa Mae Alcott, among others, wanted Mark Twain's THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN banned?

For more info:

'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' | Top 10 Censored Books | TIME.com

 


 


 


 

Friday, March 22, 2024

Your Weekend Read: THE DEFIANT SISTERS DUET - BOOK 2 by Jacquie Biggar

 



Finding Me: The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book 2

Jacquie Biggar



Thank you for sharing my new release on your blog today, Sandra. It’s deeply appreciated!
A few years ago, a regular customer of my restaurant lost her husband to suicide. It shocked
our small community and devastated her family. They seemed like a happy, loving couple, so
what happened?
The same occurred to a famous, well-loved dancer called tWitch. He and his wife had three
children, the youngest only two years old. And yet, he, too, is gone.
This led me to wonder (and worry) about the children left behind. How do they handle the
loss of their father? Do they blame themselves? Each other?
The Defiant Sisters Duet is an exploration of two sisters, Renée and Izzy, affected differently
by the loss and how it eats at the family’s dynamics.




Finding Me
Izzy

My life is not like I dreamed it would be. I had the foolish fantasy of finishing high school,
going to college, making something of myself- maybe even becoming famous.
Instead, I'm the infamous kid of the father who killed himself in the family's backyard.
How's that for a legacy?

Renée

I came home for my mother's funeral, but I'm staying to mend bridges with my sister. We have
another chance, and whatever it takes, we need to come together as a family or live the rest of
our lives knowing we let our brother down.
They say pride goes before a fall, but it doesn't tell us how to avoid the scrapes along the way.



Excerpt:
“Mrs. O’Brian is getting around much better now. She’ll only need my help for another
week or two at most. I was thinking—”
“What?” Izzy swings around, eyes flashing fire. “That it’s time for you to head back to the
big city? I agree. We were doing just fine until you showed up. You’ve barely been in town a
month and already you’ve managed to hit a pedestrian, break up an engagement, and ruin my
relationship with Ben. All in a day’s work, right, Renée?”
“Don’t forget the swim in a swollen river,” I say, cringing at the venom in her voice, even
though I know it’s mostly the pain talking. Simon mentioned hearing she had split up with her
boyfriend who was coincidentally her boss. It must make for a tense workspace. I want to
console her but know she would just shut me down. We don’t have that kind of relationship
anymore. We haven’t in a long time.
Instead, I chuckle and take a seat at the table. “Wow, I feel like the evil witch in those fairy
tales we read as kids.”
“If the shoe fits…” she mumbles.

 I was known as the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese queen before we bought our restaurant in 2001, and I got a crash course in cooking for crowds, lol


My family likes to tease me for setting off the fire alarm one year while cooking Christmas morning breakfast. Not my fault; the bacon did it.

My favorite comfort food is homemade soup. Cream of potato, seafood chowder, and hamburger soup are the top three, but I like almost all of them except pickle soup- yuck!
 

Jacquie Biggar is an award-winning author of romance who has been listed on USA
Today's bestseller list. Her writing is centered around tough, alpha male characters who fall for
strong and independent contemporary women. She resides on Vancouver Island with her husband
and would love to hear from readers worldwide!

In her own words: "My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I'm not being a klutz, I'm a wife, a
mother of one, a grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat. Watching reality TV shows such as
The Voice and Amazing Race is one of my guilty pleasures. Every Monday night, you can find

me laughing at the judges shenanigans as I'm plastered to my armchair. I love hanging out with
my husband at the beach, taking pictures, and reading romance novels (what else?). I have a
slight obsession with Tim Hortons, enjoy gardening, everything pink, and talking to my friends"

Subscribe to her Newsletter and follow her on these sites:
Amazon | Website | Facebook | Newsletter
 Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads | Bookbub

LINKS:

Amazon 

Universal Link 

TBR List 

BookBub

 

 

 


 






Wednesday, March 6, 2024

IWSG Wednesday

 


The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional

March 6th question: Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?

Good question.  I’ve used AI for guest posts but I haven’t tried a synopsis. In fact, I’m not sure how to even approach that. It seems like by the time you’d given it the information, you would have written it yourself. I’m anxious to hear from folks that have used it for a synopsis and how it worked out. I feel like AI is here to stay so we might as well take advantage of it. On the other hand I hope it doesn’t put us out of business.

For those pitching: #IWSGPit March 27th.

AND: Saturday, April 13, 2024:
Beyond the Pen all-day workshop at Brier Creek Community Center, Morrisville NC

Register here!

 

                                                                                   Bookbrush Image


Four souls shrouded in darkness…

A wary vampire relying on the assistance of a young woman to guide his clan to an ancient fortress. A talking shark with no knowledge of his earlier life who befriends a girl with issues of her own. A werewolf trapped by his secret smitten with a young woman battling trust issues of her own. And an alien devoid of all emotions pledged to a Terran woman determined to keep her own feelings intact.

These souls must discover the power of love if they hope to escape the darkness surrounding them…


LINKS:

Amazon print –

Amazon eBook - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWYM915Q  

iTunes - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6476887107

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940167675377

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9798988625155\

Gardners - https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword=9798988625155

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206112336-in-darkness

 

February/March Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

DEPTH OF WINTER by Craig Johnson

In Book #14, Longmire is traveling deep into Mexico to save his daughter Cady, who has been kidnapped by Bidarte, a vicious drug lord and Longmire’s sworn enemy.

Available at Amazon

LAND OF WOLVES by Craig Johnson

In Book #15, While Cady is trying to recover, in Cheyenne, from her harrowing kidnapping experience, Walt is back in Absaroka County, trying to recover from near mortal wounds. But there’s no downtime from murder and once again Walt is on the job.

NEXT TO LAST STAND by Craig Johnson

In Book #16, with the help of several scooter riders in the Veteran’s Home Walt is on the trail of a murderer and art thief.

 

THE SOUL WHISPER’S DECISION by Gwen Plano

Sarah Jameson is in a deadly accident and has the rare opportunity to either join her children, who died in the accident, in the afterlife or stay on earth with her grieving husband who is already suffering from PTSD before his family is ripped from him.

This is a story geared for those who enjoy Christian Faith, Spiritual Faith, and Faith and Spirituality reading. The author’s background in counseling and religion are in evidence in this thought-provoking story.

Written in first person present.

Available at Amazon

 

 

THE WYVERN, THE PIRATE, AND THE MADMAN by Lou Kemp

Celwyn the magician, Professor Kang the automat, Bartholomew the scientist, Nemo and Jules Verne board the Nautilus for another adventure. Tara and Valentine, both vampires, round out this steampunk fantasy. The sea and the lands visited, while chasing a pirate ship, are well-described and evocative. Many decisions are made over a cup of tea and sumptuous meal. Unfortunately, while the friends are on the high seas saving folks captured by the pirates, danger is lurking at home. 

This steampunk fantasy could almost be called a steampunk opera.

Available at  Amazon

 


 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Jacquie Biggar

If you are looking for stories to lift your spirits, this is a heartwarming collection that is geared for Christmas but can be enjoyed all year long. The author effortlessly draws the reader into the stories and her vivid descriptions bring them to life. SILVER BELLS, MISTLETOE INN, LOVE ME, and A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS are all feel good holiday romances that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm heart when you finish. So, grab your hot chocolate, curl up on the sofa with this lovely collection and enjoy. AND Jacquie has a new release coming this month.

Available at Amazon