Bookouture Blog Tour for The Lost Husband by Shari J. Ryan

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m here today as part of the blog tour for The Lost Husband by Shari J. Ryan. This was a WWII, historical fiction novel about a woman who survives Auschwitz and is sure she saw her dead husband, wearing a Nazi uniform. She won’t give up hope that he is alive.

Here’s the scoop:

Auschwitz, 1945. The gates are flung open. Prisoners flee for their lives. But as Celina stumbles toward safety, a man in a German uniform seizes her arm. She knows it’s impossible… but he looks just like her husband.

Celina has given up hope of ever leaving Auschwitz. Only memories of her beloved husband Noah keep her sane—her childhood sweetheart, her protector, once her entire world. If she allows herself to remember that he was killed, she knows she’ll be lost too…

Now, as the Soviets liberate the camp, Celina screams when a man in a German uniform grabs her. But the familiar green and gold sparkling in his eyes steals her breath. He looks exactly like Noah. But it can’t be him. Not here, not in this uniform…

As a Soviet officer hauls him away, Celina can’t let him go without making absolutely sure. Did her husband somehow survive the war, disguised as a German soldier?

To find the truth, she must follow as the Germans—now prisoners themselves—are marched away through the snowy forests of Poland. Staying hidden, and staying alive, will prove almost impossible.

But if it’s really Noah—and he’s still the good man Celina fell in love with—can she find a way to rescue him before she loses him all over again?

An inspiring, heartbreaking World War Two novel which celebrates the strength of human spirit and the power of love in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, The Choice and The Nightingale.

Here’s a little bit about Shari herself:

Shari J. Ryan is a USA Today Bestselling Historical Fiction writer. Her desire to write stories revolving Jewish livelihood during World War II stems from being a descendant of two Holocaust survivors. After the passing of Shari’s grandmother, she pursued an active interest in learning more about the inherited stories she yearned to understand better.

Shortly after earning a bachelors degree from Johnson & Wales University, Shari began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer. She then found her passion for writing books in 2012. In 2016, Shari began writing her first Historical Fiction novel, Last Words , a story about a lifelong journey through the eyes of a Holocaust survivor, and Shari quickly found a new passion to share untold World War II stories within a fictional setting. In 2023 she also began exploring her first foray into the world of gripping, twisty psychological thrillers.

Shari is a lifelong New England girl who lives to make people laugh. She is happily married with two wonderful sons and a spunky Australian Shepard, who fits right in with the family.

Thank you for my copy of this engaging story and for having me as part of the tour!

Bookouture Book Tour for The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Susanne O’Leary

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m here today as part of the tour for Susanne O’Leary’s newest novel, The Secret Bookshop in Ireland. Just the title drew me in! Secret bookshop? Ireland? Sounds great! I loved this story, from the main character and her dog named Brian Boru, to the bookshop and the people of the village. This is a sweet romance story as well (a clean read) and a story that leaves you feeling good inside.

Here’s the scoop:

‘It devastates me that this will be the first you’re hearing of the bookshop. But it’s yours now, and I hope it can heal you despite everything you might hear about our family. Good luck, dear Ciara, and remember to never give up…’

Standing amongst the wildflowers that border the abandoned bookshop, Ciara’s heart begins to swell. She never met her mysterious distant relative Martha, but there’s no denying that this place, filled with beautiful old books, is captivating. Trapped in a dead-end job and a tiny apartment in Dublin, this inheritance could change everything for her.

As visitors from Cherrywood village arrive to welcome Ciara, and she learns to love each priceless edition she now owns, it’s Ronan, the handsome lawyer with hazel eyes and husky voice who makes a lasting impression. Can he help her learn more about Martha? Why was Ciara chosen to protect the bookshop’s legacy, and why all the secrecy? The only certainty is the butterflies Ciara feels every time she locks eyes with Ronan. Is it crazy to imagine herself re-opening the bookshop and staying forever?

But nothing prepares Ciara for the letter she finds hidden high on the rickety shelves, for the heart shattering story of an abandoned baby and a devastating family secret. The truth about Martha could mean Ciara loses the bookshop forever.

Ciara is faced with an impossible choice: close the doors of her new home and return to her old life in Dublin, or stay to find out the truth and risk everything for a new life in Cherrywood…

An utterly gorgeous and romantic story about second chances that will sweep you away to Ireland. Fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Mary Kay Andrews and Rachel Hanna will devour this feel-good read.

About the Author:

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She’s been inspired to represent people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.
When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

It looks like this is the start of a new series – The Sisters of Cherrywood series – as this is Book 1. Yay!

Thank you for my copy and for having me as part of the tour!

Bookouture Blog Tour for The Glass House by Victoria Jenkins

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m here today to promote a new suspenseful read by Victoria Jenkins: The Glass House. This was a good one!

Here’s the scoop:

After my sister was killed, my parents vowed never to return to this place. But I made a promise to uncover the truth. And now that I’m back, her killer has nowhere to hide.

Standing in the impressive hallway of this luxury holiday home, it’s hard to imagine our little house once stood here. Someone wanted to bury the ghosts of the past when they built the glass house and tourists come for miles to stay here. I’ve planned every detail of this trip and made certain the locals won’t recognise me. It’s the only way I might get them to talk.

But soon it’s clear no-one wants me here. At first it’s little things like whispers and threatening looks. Then one night, when I return to the house, I notice my possessions are out of place and I’m sure I can see a figure in the darkness outside.

Then I hear the sound of breaking glass downstairs and my heart shatters. Someone has been watching my every move. They must know who I really am. But when I come face to face with my sister’s killer, am I prepared for what I will find?

A completely addictive and twist-filled psychological thriller perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Mary Kubica and John Marrs.

Here’s a bit about the author:

Victoria Jenkins is an English tutor and former secondary school teacher from South Wales who has been writing for years and day-dreaming about becoming a ‘proper’ writer for the past decade. She have an MA in Creative and Media Writing from the University of Wales, Swansea, where she wrote a lot of poetry while planning a lot of plots she hoped she would once day write. Victoria lives in South Wales with her husband.

I never tire of reading these “edge of your seat” thrillers that I’m trying to figure out while I read. This one was well-paced and kept me reading way past my bedtime! Thank you for my copy and for having me on the tour!

Spotlight on: Circus of the Vanishing Elephant by Tim Schooley

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m excited to be shining the light on a new novel coming out in September: Circus of the Vanishing Elephant by Tim Schooley.

It sounds so interesting and good! Thanks to the author and his publisher for reaching out to me.

HOW DO YOU MAKE AN ELEPHANT DISAPPEAR?

In 1974, the King Minos Circus is struggling to survive—until Christos “King” Minos unveils a dazzling new illusion: a vanishing elephant act starring Henrietta, the animal he loves more fiercely than he can admit.

But when Henrietta disappears during a parade, the trick becomes something far more dangerous.

Suspicion falls on Minos’s estranged daughter, Randi—an activist who has vowed to free the circus elephants—and on Ainge, the circus’s newest clown, a young man still haunted by his father’s rejection after learning he is gay. Minos feels betrayed by both and vows to recover Henrietta and bring those responsible to justice.

But are Randi and Ainge the villains Minos imagines? Their journey across the American West—through small towns, roadside shows, and shifting loyalties—forces them all to confront hard questions about family, freedom, and who truly belongs to whom.

Because in the end, the fate of Henrietta may not belong to the circus at all.

“Tim Schooley draws on his own experience as a Ringling Bros. clown to craft a vivid, propulsive novel about loyalty, spectacle, and the cost of holding on too tight. Historical fiction with real sawdust under its nails.”

— CITY BOOK REVIEW

“Set in the 1970s, the story follows a struggling circus after a beloved elephant mysteriously vanishes, setting off a journey filled with family conflict, loyalty, and questions about what freedom truly means. While the mystery keeps the pages turning, it’s really the relationships between the characters that make this story shine.

“Henrietta quickly became the heart of the novel, and I found myself completely invested in what would happen to her. The emotional depth caught me off guard, and I appreciated that the story explored difficult topics with compassion without ever feeling heavy-handed.

If you’re looking for a character-driven story with a unique premise, memorable characters, and plenty of heart, this is definitely worth picking up. A quick, engaging read that stayed with me long after I finished.”

–SECOND CHAPTER BOOKS

BUY LINKS — NOT affiliated with BBNB

https://www.historythroughfiction.com/store/p/circus-of-the-vanishing-elephant-paperback
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249567838-circus-of-the-vanishing-elephant

About the Author:

Tim Schooley brings firsthand expertise and authenticity to the story. A former Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus clown, he later became an appellate lawyer and law professor, teaching at UC Davis Law School and serving as managing attorney of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District. He is deeply involved in the Sacramento literary community, serving as Co-Chair of the Sacramento Book Festival and on the board of the Sacramento branch of the California Writers Club.

Bookouture Blog Tour for Second Chances at the Hopeful Hearts Bookshop by Debbie Johnson

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I loved the first book in this series, so I was thrilled to be able to be part of the tour for the second title! This is a sweet romance series with likable characters who seem realistic. It’s got some steam/spice, just so you know. For this title, I also had the audiobook, narrated by Helen McAlpine and Brendan Dempsey, which I really enjoyed listening to while I drove my car.

Thank you for having me as part of the tour and my review materials. I look forward to the next installment in the Bonnie Bay series!

Here’s the scoop:

‘The most important stories are told by our hearts. So come and discover your second chance at happiness, at our cozy village bookshop in Bonnie Bay…’

Single mother Jane can’t believe it when an invitation to Bonnie Bay falls from the pages of a book: the Scottish village she was supposed to run away to with her first love. Until he broke her heart, that is. But he’s far away now – and why shouldn’t she spend a summer there, daughter Beth in tow? They’ll snuggle up reading, stroll by the wild sea, and maybe even banish Beth’s teenage grumps.

But arriving in the charming village, Jane’s jaw drops when she sees a familiar pair of green eyes… it’s Rory Callaghan, her first love, and the boy who broke her heart. The problem? Rory is now very much a man. He’s taller, broader. His Irish lilt still makes her weak at the knees. And the sizzling spark between them crackles just like it used to.

Rory might be a long way from his Irish hometown, but he’s made a new home right here. The cozy bookshop is his refuge, and owner Moira his replacement family. So when Jane arrives it’s like an arrow through his heart. She’s still gorgeous, still his Jane. And the fierce look in her eye tells him she’s just as passionate as he remembers.

After promising to help Moira turn the bookshop into a community hub, and with Beth making friends, Jane can’t walk away. Soon, days at the bookshop turn into very late nights with Rory. And with them both spilling secrets, the real reason they broke up soon comes to light… but will this summer adventure turn into a second chance romance? Or will their hearts end up broken all over again?

A totally gorgeous escapist romance with a delicious sprinkling of spice, perfect for fans of Susan Mallery, Phillipa Ashley and Laurie Gilmore. Let million-copy bestselling author Debbie Johnson whisk you away to Bonnie Bay, where the bookshop is welcoming, the sea views are breathtaking, and the nights are steamy!

About the Author: Debbie Johnson

Debbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, England, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework. She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1 million books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, the popular Starshine Cove series, Maybe One Day , The Moment I Met You and Forever Yours . Her publishers include One More Chapter (HarperCollins), Orion (Hachette), Storm, and Bookouture (Hachette).

Bookouture Blog Tour for: With Her Baby on Her Back by Suzette D. Harrison

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’ve been away visiting family and I think there is no better time to for reading at leisure than during vacation! I read several novels this past week and this was one of them. This was a memorable one; it was both interesting yet emotional. I enjoyed it! I especially liked the character of Zinnie.

Here’s the scoop:

Will she ever see freedom for her babies?

Mississippi, 1848. It’s a bright spring morning when enslaved midwife Zinnie is forced to begin an unimaginable journey: two thousand miles on foot. Her newborn baby is strapped to her back, her two little girls holding her hands, as she walks behind the slavers’ wagons.

Every mile brings blistered feet, aching limbs and the constant terror of what might happen to her children. But Zinnie carries an unbreakable determination to protect them. When they cross state lines, could it be her chance to fight for their freedom?

Texas, present day. Elementary school teacher and single mom Lynette is exhausted, balancing work, motherhood and life-changing decisions about her future. Then, while sorting through her grandmother’s attic, she discovers a sapphire brooch hidden among long-forgotten treasures.

The brooch unlocks an extraordinary family story of courage, sacrifice and a woman who refused to give up. As Lynette uncovers the truth about her ancestors, will it have the power to change her life forever?

This utterly heart-wrenching and unforgettable novel is inspired by the true story of Biddy Mason, an African American woman and midwife who fought for her family’s freedom and saved countless lives. Perfect for fans of emotional historical fiction by Amy Harmon, Olivia Hawker and Marie Benedict.

About the Author:

Suzette D. Harrison grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Turning her love of reading into a rising literary career, Suzette was first published when her poetry appeared in her middle school’s creative journal. While Suzette pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. Literally! The award-winning author is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in pastry and baking, and is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.

Thank you so much for having me as part of the tour and for my copy!

Bookouture Blog Tour for The House of Pearls by Ali Mercer

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m here today as part of the blog tour for a new family drama: The House of Pearls. It was a gripping story that kept me engaged from start to finish. It reminded me a bit of a Kate Morton novel. I enjoyed it a lot!

Here’s the scoop:

A photograph of three young sisters. A forgotten pearl necklace that sends her tumbling through time…

Present day: single mother Elsa Dean is shocked when she inherits a sprawling three-storey house from her estranged uncle. Elsa hasn’t seen the golden stone façade in over a decade. Then an antique pearl necklace and a black and white photograph hidden behind a secret door in the attic sweeps her back into the past. Elsa sees her aunts, the three Merriwell sisters, each make their own terrible choice that will change their family forever…

1959: When sixteen-year-old Edie Merriwell finds herself pregnant just as her beloved mother dies suddenly, she has no-one to turn to. All she has left is her mother’s last gift: a tiny seed pearl on a delicate silver chain. She never takes it off. Her sisters could never understand. And her father is courting a new wife suspiciously quickly. Within a year, gossip about the Merriwell family will reach fever pitch, and none of the sisters will ever live in the beautiful house again.

History repeats itself at this house of pearls and lies. What really happened to Edie and her baby? Elsa has been keeping her own secrets too. Will she be brave enough to confront her tangled history and lay the ghosts of the house to rest for good?

An utterly gripping and heartbreaking tale of betrayal and a family secret that echoes down the generations. Perfect for fans of Louise Douglas, Eve Chase and Rachel Burton.

About the Author:

Ali lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and their two children. She decided she wanted to be a writer pretty much as soon as she learned the word, and attempted her first novel when she was at primary school. Ali studied English at University College, Oxford in the early 90s, then worked in educational publishing before doing a diploma in journalism at Cardiff University. She moved to London to work as a journalist and landed a job as a reporter at The Stage.
Ali began writing fiction in earnest after starting a family and moving to Abingdon. She also work part-time in publishing locally. Her son is autistic, and was diagnosed in 2011. The following year her novel Stop the Clock was published by Transworld, followed by After I Left You in 2014.

Thank you for my copy and for having me as part of the tour!

Where’s My Daughter? by L.G. Davis

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m excited to be part of this suspenseful story, the psychological thriller Where’s My Daughter? I love this type of novel – twisty, edge of your seat, don’t know who to trust, suspenseful treat! This one kept me guessing up to the end.

Thank you for my copy and for having me as part of the tour!

Here’s the scoop:

They told me my daughter died. But an anonymous note proves she’s alive… and I’ll do anything to get her back.


I open the envelope and a photograph slips into my hands. My coffee mug falls and shatters on the kitchen floor. It’s my precious sixteen-year-old daughter, Sadie. Her hair is shorter and she looks thinner. I thought she was dead.

We were told she drowned at summer camp. A tragic accident, though she was a strong swimmer. My heartbroken husband is the one who broke the news. But this photograph proves it was all a lie. I turn it over with shaking hands and read the note: She’s alive. Don’t go to the police if you want to keep it that way.

Hands shaking, I read on: Your husband knows more than he’s saying…

This totally gripping psychological thriller will have you hooked until the final breathtaking twist! Fans of Gone Girl, The Housemaid and Lisa Jewell will be up all night turning the pages.

About the Author: L.G. Davis

Liz’s story began in a refugee camp in Angola, where she spent the first eight years of her life. After that, she spent some years in Namibia (her home country), South Africa, and Germany. She now lives in Vienna, Austria, with her husband and two children. Liz wrote her first full-length novel at eighteen and hid it in a box under her bed. Several others soon followed it. Her passion lies in writing edge-of-the-seat psychological thrillers that give readers the same rush they would get on a rollercoaster.

Spotlight on The Fate of a Crown by L. Frank Baum

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

My friends at Streamroots Publishing reached out about this “new” title by an “old” author – L. Frank Baum – that most of us know from his Wizard of Oz series. Baum actually wrote quite a bit of novels for adults, and this one was first published in 1905. Now, fully restored and reprinted, here it is for 2026!

Streamroots sent me an article from Business Wire that highlights the title (full article found here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260616156474/en/Dropping-the-Baum-The-Wizard-of-Oz-Creators-Secret-1905-Novel-The-Fate-of-a-Crown-Steps-Into-the-Spotlight )

Published by Streamroots Heirloom, this curated Collector’s Edition is the first authoritative typographical restoration of Baum’s overlooked novel. Set during the 1889 Brazilian Revolution, the story delivers an immersive blend of political intrigue, romance, and action-adventure.

Previous editions of this classic contained flawed digital transcriptions or low-resolution scans. Streamroots Heirloom overcomes those obstacles, transforming Baum’s work into a premium reading experience tailored for modern young adult (YA) readers.

A Restored Masterpiece

Designed for Oz collectors, history enthusiasts, and families, the 256-page volume features:

  • 50+ Striking Illustrations: All-new, period-style artwork
  • Educational Tools: A historical timeline, a “Who’s Who” of the Brazilian Coup, and a Reader’s Guide
  • “Hidden Chapter” Archive: A QR code unlocking 1889 photos, maps, original covers, and a Restorer’s Journal

Three Expressions of a Classic

In addition to print, Streamroots has engineered uncompromised digital and audio formats:

  • Definitive eBook: A DRM-free, reflowable ePub pairing beautifully with the new illustrations
  • Premier Audiobook: The thriller’s first audio production, delivered in M4B and MP3 formats

“When we stumbled upon this unknown classic, the narrative took us by surprise,” said Tiffany Nesbitt of Streamroots Publishing. “By pairing Baum’s riveting craftsmanship with all-new artwork and an uncompromised digital experience, we want to give readers the thrill of discovering the unexpected side of the man who created Oz.”

Experience L. Frank Baum as never before. Claim your beautifully restored 1905 thriller in print, audio, or digital formats today at streamroots.org/the-fate-of-a-crown.

The Fate of a Crown: Brief Summary (Without the Spoiler) from the Publisher:

Seeking an escape from his predictable life in New Orleans, young American Robert Harcliffe accepts a secretarial position in Brazil working for the wealthy Dom Miguel de Pintra. But Robert quickly discovers his new employer is no ordinary businessman—he is the mastermind behind a secret republican conspiracy plotting to overthrow the Brazilian monarchy.

Thrust into a dangerous world of political intrigue on the eve of the 1889 revolution, Robert must navigate murderous spies, sudden arrests, and a household fractured by shifting loyalties. The stakes reach a boiling point when a priceless, specially cut emerald ring is stolen. As the sole key to a hidden steel vault containing the rebellion’s treasury and most incriminating secrets, its loss threatens to destroy them all.

Robert is thrown into a desperate chase to recover the emerald before the movement is exposed. With the fate of an empire hanging in the balance, who can he truly trust?

About Streamroots: Streamroots Heirloom combines meticulous historical preservation with modern technological flexibility to transform forgotten literary classics into premium, immersive reading experiences. From curated physical Collector’s Editions to DRM-free digital formats and high-fidelity audiobooks, Streamroots pioneers the future of literary preservation. Visit streamroots.org.

Here’s a link to the website: https://streamroots.org/the-fate-of-a-crown/ with more information.

Bookouture Blog Tour for The Irish Girl by Sandy Taylor

/ drbethnolan / Leave a comment

If you know me, you know I love a good, captivating historical fiction story; and, being half Irish (and half Italian) I do love stories about Irish immigrants. Thus, I was drawn to read The Irish Girl by Sandy Taylor, a story that focused on a young girl who escapes a ruthless criminal in London to try to make a new life for herself. While this story focused on the main character Ivy, it was a bit of a family epic, if you like those, with lots of side characters who each had their own story as well.

Thank you for my copy and for having me on the tour!

Here’s the scoop:

In the darkest days of war, can she find a place to call home?

1939: When tragedy strikes in the East End of London, thirteen-year-old Ivy Connell and her little brother Fred find themselves orphaned. Holding Fred’s small hand, she knows she must keep him safe. So Ivy decides to leave the bombed-out streets of the city in search of the Irish village her Daddy used to tell her so many stories about.

Somehow, she’s going to get them both to Ireland…

Ivy’s heard so much about the pretty village where her Mammy and Daddy fell in love. She hopes she might find her parents’ family still living there and a home away from the bombs. On the dangerous journey, they meet other orphans – bold and adventurous Lenny Brown and clever, talkative Arthur – and they travel together across the war-ravaged country.

The friendship between the children deepens with each obstacle they overcome, and they hold onto the hope that one day they will find a place to call home.

But will Ivy be able to reach the safety of Ireland? And if she makes it there, will she be reunited with her long-lost family – or is there more heartbreak to come?

From bestselling author Sandy Taylor, comes a heart-wrenching, emotional story of the power of friendship and the importance of hope in the most difficult times. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.

About the Author:

Sandy Taylor is the bestselling author of The Irish Boarding House, The Runaway Children, The Little Orphan Girl and many other heart-warming, emotional historical fiction novels. Her books have hit the top 5 in the UK and the US charts and she has almost 100 million KU pages read across her titles.

Sandy grew up on a council estate near Brighton. There were no books in the house, so Sandy’s love of the written word was nurtured in the little local library. Leaving school at fifteen, Sandy worked in a series of factories before landing a job at Butlins in Minehead. This career change led her to becoming a singer, a stand up comic and eventually a playwright and novelist.