The Passenger

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Joie Lesin will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

She’s a 1940s ghost whisperer.

Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home.

He’s the son of a ghost.

Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction.

Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?

The Passenger, a 1940s ghost story set in the California wine country, tells a tale of family connections, life-changing choices, and love—lost and found.

Read an Excerpt

Elizabeth’s stomach churned in nervous knots. She squirmed on the cloth seat, and her foot twitched. If he heard her erratic heartbeat, he’d realize how frantic she was—and hot. Perspiration built up on her forehead. Grabbing the metal handle, she rolled down the squeaking window, and inhaled the pure air. The fragrances of the forest filled her senses—the resinous scent of pine, the earthiness of soil, and damp detritus of fallen branches and decaying leaves. The surrounding land was alive, vibrant, and something more she couldn’t quite identify. Somehow, the vehicle they drove in and the path it traveled seemed out of place.

Gravel on the uneven road crunched and ground under the truck’s tires. Elizabeth sat straight in her seat and stole stiff, awkward glimpses at Giovanni. A frown marked his lips. His lean, well-defined face held soulful eyes bringing to her mind images of the sad little boy he must have been.

A thin red scar stretched down his right cheek and she itched to run a finger along the faded edges. She’d caress his stubble-shadowed chin and tell him how terribly his father missed him.

Instead, she stared out the truck window.

About the Author:

Award-winning, Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and poet. She is most recently the author of The Passenger (The Wild Rose Press, 2024) and her work is also featured in Scribeworth Magazine. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including mermaids and ghosts. Joie writes character-driven, emotional, atmospheric tales about heartache and hope.

Website: https://www.jlesin.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joielesin.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoielesin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoieLesin
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joie.lesin
Goodreads BookPage: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214564853-the-passenger

The Wild Rose Press Book Page: https://wildrosepress.com/product/the-passenger/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6WBVJB9
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-passenger/id6504288982
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-passenger-joie-lesin/1008401528?ean=2940185717905
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-passenger-48

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Sofia Shelley's "Dead Poets Sorority"

 Sofia Shelley's "Dead Poets Sorority" is an interesting  and unique blend of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, which revolves around a secret society of college girls who are resurrecting long-dead literary poets. The protagonist, Emma Reeves, is an ambitious student journalist who accidentally summons the spirit of a never-quite-famous poet, Nathaniel Harker, during her undercover investigation of the sorority.

The novel's initial chapters are a bit slow-paced, as the author takes her time to set up the premise and introduce the characters. However, this slow start does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, as it allows readers to immerse themselves in the world that Shelley has created.

The true strength of "Dead Poets Sorority" lies in the relationship between Emma and Nathaniel. Their tender moments are beautifully written, and their connection transcends the boundaries of time and space. Shelley's portrayal of Nathaniel as a brooding, romantic figure from the 19th century is both charming and alluring, making it easy for readers to understand why Emma would be drawn to him.

As Emma and Nathaniel's relationship deepens, the suspense in the novel builds, with the sorority sisters becoming increasingly suspicious of Emma's involvement with the supernatural. This adds an element of danger to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder if Emma will be able to protect Nathaniel from the sorority's wrath.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Dead Poets Sorority" is its exploration of the themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Through Emma and Nathaniel's relationship, Shelley examines the idea that love can transcend even the most profound of barriers, including death itself. This poignant message resonates with readers, making the novel a touching and emotional read.

In conclusion, "Dead Poets Sorority" is a captivating and well written novel that explores the power of love, the allure of the supernatural, and the dangers of dabbling in the unknown. While the beginning may be slow, the tender moments between Emma and Nathaniel, as well as the suspenseful plot, make this book a must-read for fans of romance and the supernatural. Sofia Shelley has crafted a unique and memorable story that will stay with readers after they've turned the final page.

Ghosted by Lori Matsourani

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lori Matsourani will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Also, the author has organized a Goodreads giveaway for the book: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/418301-ghosted.

When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?

Read an Excerpt

The fountain that night was magical. Spotlights positioned at the edges of the narrow brick patio lit the cast-iron maiden as she filled her goblet from an urn with a never-ending flow of water.

Nick stopped and retrieved his dime. Bethany fished a penny out of her pocket, and they counted to three before flinging their coins into the pool.

After settling on a nearby bench, he drew her into his arms. Was this it? The moment she’d wondered about, waited for? She looked up into his eyes and inhaled, filling her lungs with the scent of sunscreen and salty air. His scent. Then he leaned down, touched her cheek with his index finger, and brushed his mouth against hers. His lips, spiced with traces of red pepper flakes, were softer than she had imagined. Without thinking, she lifted her face to his, hungrily snatching more kisses until she’d spent her last breath.

“My wish came true,” he’d murmured, tightening his arms around her as his mouth rested on hers.

She’d whispered back, “So did mine.”

The memory dredged up the old ache, now muted by time. Nick thought they were still friends, although he’d been the one who ended their relationship. Was it possible he still thought about her, and his heart still pounded with the chemistry that had pulled them together so long ago?

About the Author:

Author Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.

Website: https://lorimatsourani.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.matsourani
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori.matsourani/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/lori_matsourani
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lori-matsourani.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lori.matsourani
X: https://x.com/LoriMatsourani
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alloriannam

Buy Links:

https://books2read.com/lorimatsourani
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9XCPLYD/thewildrosepr-20
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghosted-lori-matsourani/1147463084
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghosted/id6746414091
https://wildrosepress.com/product/ghosted/

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Tristan Gooley’s The Hidden Seasons

 Tristan Gooley’s The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature's Clues invites readers on a  journey through the subtle rhythms and signals of the natural world. As a blend of nature writing, observational guide, and personal reflection, this book stands out as a thoughtful exploration of how the earth’s quiet signs mark the passage of time. Its focus on the “hidden” or overlooked markers of seasonality makes it particularly timely and resonant in a world increasingly disconnected from natural cycles.

What struck me most about Gooley’s work is the author’s remarkable ability to attune the reader’s senses to nuances that often escape everyday notice—bird calls hinting at a shift in season, subtle changes in plant behavior, insects, or the moods of the weather that whisper changes to come. The book is structured around a natural calendar, guiding us month by month to observe these clues with renewed curiosity. This structure not only lends the work a gentle, immersive rhythm but also strengthens the notion that nature’s “seasons” extend far beyond the simplistic four-phases often relegated to textbooks. It really is an eye-opener.

Gooley’s prose is both precise and poetic, a combination that makes the book appealing to both the nature enthusiast and the casual reader. The writing is infused with a quiet enthusiasm and respect for the environment, encouraging mindfulness and a sense of awe. Unlike some nature books that lean heavily on scientific jargon, The Hidden Seasons remains accessible without sacrificing depth—each chapter reads like a conversation gently coaxing you to look more closely at the world around you.

However, the book’s charm occasionally borders on the niche, and readers unfamiliar with the natural world’s more subtle signs may find themselves challenged to connect with some of the finer details. At times, the level of observational detail can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re reading outside the context of actually spending time outdoors. Yet this also serves as an invitation to deepen one’s relationship with nature—to step into the slow, attentive practice Gooley models.

One of the highlights is how Gooley weaves historical and cultural insights into nature’s timing, showing how human traditions have long been entangled with these hidden seasons. It adds layers of meaning without detracting from the immediate sensory experience he encourages. The book thus functions not only as a guide but as a meditation on our place within the changing world.

So, The Hidden Seasons is a quietly enchanting read that encourages a profound re-engagement with the changing year. It is ideal for readers who appreciate lyrical nature writing and those seeking a deeper ecological awareness, a slow mover. While it may demand a patient and observant reader, the rewards of attuning yourself to nature’s subtle calendar are rich and lasting.

For anyone who’s ever paused to notice the first call of a migrating bird or the subtle shift in the quality of light, this book will resonate—and perhaps inspire you to slow down and discover the hidden seasons unfolding all around us.

The Lack of Light by Nino Haratischwili

 Nino Haratischwili, acclaimed for her International Booker Prize nominated The Eighth Life, wrote a masterful and emotionally resonant saga with The Lack of Light: A Novel of Georgia. This is an intelligent book, brimming with both grand historical sweeps and intimate, profound insights that linger long after the final page.

At its heart lies the unbreakable, yet ultimately tested, bond between four remarkably distinct women: Nene, the outsider Ira, Dina, and Keto. Their story unfolds in the heart of an old Tbilisi courtyard, a vivid backdrop against the tumultuous twilight of the Soviet Union. As their country teeters on the brink of an uncertain future, these inseparable childhood friends navigate rites of passage such as love and disappointment – amplified by the raw, dangerous realities of their changing world. From local mob wars and burgeoning romances to the devastating reach of civil conflict and a ravaging drug epidemic, their personal lives are inextricably woven into Georgia's fraught political landscape.

Haratischwili masterfully portrays how these external pressures threaten to swallow their worlds, yet, for a time, their friendship remains strong. However, an unforgivable act of betrayal and a tragic death ultimately shatter this seemingly indestructible bond, casting a long shadow over their lives.

Many years  later, the narrative skillfully shifts as the three survivors – Nene, Ira, and Keto – reunite at a major retrospective of their late friend’s photography. This powerful device allows the past to resurface, as the pictures on display not only chronicle the dramatic story of their homeland but also serve as a profound, confronting mirror to their shared history and staggering loss. Yet, in this confrontation, a glimmer of something new emerges, hinting at the difficult, but not impossible, path towards forgiveness.

The Lack of Light is an expansive, decades-spanning epic that invites readers to lose themselves within its pages. Haratischwili’s prose brings to life the vibrant colors of Georgia’s unique culture and its resilient people, making the setting as much a character as the women themselves. This is an emotionally bold and immersive experience, a novel that promises to resonate and will undoubtedly be a book readers will wish to return to again and again.

CURSE OF ASHMEDEI

 

CURSE OF ASHMEDEI

Michal Snaerravn

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GENRE:  Epic fantasy 

 

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BLURB:

 

The Black Star approaches, heralding the cataclysm of Hell's Gate. The pawns on the chessboard have played the opening gambits as the Races vie for its power. Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, finds himself drawn into a maelstrom of treacherous alliances and primeval magic. With a price on his head and outmanoeuvred by Druids and Trollbloods at every turn, he can't survive alone. An ancient Lycan who has lost his humanity is the only one he can trust.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Excerpt:

 

The sun began to slip behind the ragged slope, staining the wisps of clouds surrounding the peak in blood red. 

 

It was late summer, and the bitter katabatic wind was making its way down the slope, rustling a few dying leaves, and chilling my bones. A lone peregrine falcon drew lazy spirals high above the erratic maze of rocks and boulders, looking for the unwary marmot that enjoyed the evening sun just a bit too long. Crouched, I carefully studied nearly invisible tracks. It was the same company I had been trailing for weeks now, consisting of an armored party of more than a dozen men and women. The tracks wound along the steep slope and entered the open scree. Soon their trail would be lost in the jumble of jagged rocks and Troll-sized boulders. I hesitated, my tail twitching as it usually did when I was annoyed. The path they were on faced directly against the sun as it dipped into the glacial valley. I knew the valley well, and it was perfect for an all-too-easy ambush. I suspected the company had already detected my presence, and it would be foolish to tempt fate, especially when facing a dozen armed men … headed by a Druid, no less.

 

 Review: 

This tale is a thrilling tale that takes the reader on a journey through a world of ancient magic and treacherous alliances. The author has crafted a vivid and intricate universe filled with fascinating races, each with their own motivations and goals. The story follows Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, as he navigates the dangerous landscape of Hell's Gate.

Amnon's character is well-developed and relatable, as he struggles to survive in a world where everyone seems to be against him. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity make him a compelling protagonist, and his interactions with the ancient Lycan are both entertaining and heartwarming.

The supporting cast is also well-developed, with the Druids and Trollbloods serving as strong antagonists. The author has done a good job of fleshing out their motivations and making them believable threats to Amnon's survival.

One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is the rich and detailed world-building. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the history and lore of Hell's Gate, and this attention to detail adds depth and authenticity to the story. The magic system is also intriguing, with primeval spells and rituals that play a central role in the plot.

Overall, "The Black Star Approaches" is an engaging and well-written fantasy novel that will keep readers of this novel interested. With its entertaining and well-developed characters, intricate plot, and vivid world-building, this book is sure to please fans of the genre.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Michal Snaerravn is an outdoor enthusiast, an aficionado of the martial arts, and, above all, a sci-fi/fantasy nerd. A fan of all the timeless fantasy classics, he is eager to share his imagination: "Living in seven distinct cultures and reading hundreds of novels in four languages inspired a fantasy world that had to be revealed." He considers novel writing not for the timid, or for selling a million copies; it is for those who have a vision to share. "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

 

Curse of Ashmedei: Book 1

https://amazon.com/dp/1779418035

 

Golems of Beithir: Book 2

https://a.co/d/hW1YFT7

 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michal-Snaerravn/author/B0DHDBSC55

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnonofhadur/

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Michal Snaerravn will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5173

 follow the tour and comment; The tour dates can be found here:  https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/05/review-tour-curse-of-ashmedei-by-michal.html

Cinematic Destinies

 

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of CINEMATIC DESTINIES, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It's easy... just complete the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive one from the author! Plus, one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card!

So, what's the book about? Here's the info:

For fans of Tessa Bailey and Hannah Grace, Cinematic Destinies is a feel-good, contemporary romance about a trio of adult children searching for love and beauty in the shadow of their parents’ legendary Hollywood fairy-tale romance.

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester met on the location shoot for Jean Mercier’s film Celebration. The world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program in New York City—and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia, her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps, has been cast in Jean Mercier’s final film, mysteriously titled Beauty. When she arrives on set in Iceland and meets her costar, sparks fly. Is history repeating itself? How has growing up in the shadow of the world’s most iconic love story affected each of the Forrester children?

Reviews

“If you’re a romantic with a brain and a heart, this is your jam . . . I closed the book with a full heart and a goofy grin.” Literary Titan, 5-star review

“Cinematic Destinies is a stunning and poignant celebration of romance, the magic of movies, and life itself. The exotic Icelandic film set, well-drawn characters, and smart writing make this book impossible to put down . . . This is a gorgeous novel.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Leavy’s latest must-read novel features a trio of romantic storylines about the quest for love and identity in the shadow of a Hollywood fairy tale . . . Cinematic Destinies is a spellbinding ode to love, art, and what it means to live.” —Mary E. Weems, author of Blackeyed

About the Author:

Patricia Leavy is an award-winning, best-selling author. Formerly Associate Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College, she has published more than fifty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than one hundred book honors. Her most recent novel, Shooting Stars Above, was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.” She has also received career awards from the National Art Education Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, and other organizations. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established “The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cinematic-Destinies-Novel-Carpet-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DWNGNM1Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Patricia Leavy will award a free digital copy of her upcoming book CINEMATIC DESTINIES to the first 7500 people who enter the Rafflecopter and one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card.

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