Monday, September 26, 2016

The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy Review + BLOG TOUR


The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy Review

I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review and including me in the blog tour for this novel! This novel takes place in Paris, 1900 and follows the story of a young girl named Gabrielle as she takes her life into her own hands and makes a name for herself in the City of Lights. I would have to say that this is not the regular type of novel that I read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the tale of Gabrielle and the people that she encountered. The writing is absolutely beautiful, Brenda does such an amazing job creating this historical world that we are exposed to throughout the novel. The French phrases and words that are thrown into the dialogue and descriptions really allowed myself as a reader to immerse myself into the story and understand the time that the novel took place. As a person who truly appreciates the French culture and language, it really struck a place in my heart as well as in my brain. There were so many interesting people that our main character was introduced to as we dove further into the story, and I began to enjoy their presence the more that they were written into Gabrielle's life. I highly recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction novels as well as any type of literature that focuses around Paris and the Parisian lifestyle in the 1900s.



The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy
Publication Date: June 15, 2016
Publisher: Rebelight Publishing

Art is Gabrielle's passion, but her parents have other plans for her future-marriage to a man three times her age who holds nothing but disdain for art. Gabrielle is determined to escape life as the baron's trophy wife and the confinement of traditional roles. She flees her privileged home in the French countryside for Paris and the grandmother who understands her passion. When she cannot locate her grandmother, Gabrielle is left on her own in the City of Lights. The art world of Paris, 1900, brims with excitement, opportunity, and risk. Should Gabrielle trust her new friends, or will they take advantage of her hopes and dreams?

Link to Goodreads:




Brenda Joyce Leahy has travelled to France five times but finds there’s always more explorations awaiting her. She loves historical fiction and thinks she was born a century too late but can’t imagine her life without computers or cell phones. So, perhaps, she arrived in the world at just the right moment to tell this story.

She grew up on a farm near Taber, Alberta but now lives with her family near the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Alberta. After over 20 years practicing law, she has returned to her first love of writing fiction. She is a member of several writing organizations, including the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): her profile there is http://www.scbwi.org/members-public/brenda- johnson-2. The Art of Rebellion is also profiled on the Humber School of Writers’ website at http://creativearts.humber.ca/programs/school-writers/published- books. Brenda is also a member of the Historical Novel Society: http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org, and leads a YA/MG writers’ critique group in Calgary.

The Art of Rebellion is her first Young Adult novel, published by Rebelight Publishing, spring 2016.



Giveaway Information: Contest ends September 30, 2016

 Two (2) winners will received a physical copy of The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy (US/Canada)

 Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy (INT)


Link to Rafflecopter Giveaway: 

Friday, September 16, 2016

Bleeding Hearts by Dana Louise Provo Review + BLOG TOUR


Bleeding Hearts by Dana Louise Provo

I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter blog tours for including me in their blog tour for this novel and sending me a copy for an honest review. 
First off, this book was absolutely amazing in every way, shape, and form. The premise of the book is so interesting and unique compared to what is out in bookstores today, that it had drawn me right into the story. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it has blown me away and is one of the best novels that I have read this year. When I began to read the book, I had not expected to receive it in the form of flashbacks and present state, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this method really brings the story together, and we get to experience the repercussions of the events that play out throughout the novel and reminisce in the past. Cami, Issac, and Carson are such complex characters in their own way, they each have an essence that brings something to the table that no other character can. The bonds that are formed throughout the story are so realistic that it seems as though this story is jumping off the page and becoming a reality. The plot thickened every chapter and the author was able to bring the story to life in such a way that it pulls the reader in and has them sitting on the edge of their seat. I am so excited to see that this was just the first book in a series, and cannot wait until I can read more of her work. I highly recommend this book to fans of thriller novels such as Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Survive the Night by Danielle Vega.


Dana Provo has always loved books and reads everything from young adult fantasy to adult historical romances. When she’s not reading or writing her next novel, Dana can be found riding her horses and getting ready for competition. Dana lives with her husband and two house plants in Richmond, Virginia.




Saturday, September 10, 2016

Catalyst Moon: Incursion by Lauren L. Garcia Review


Catalyst Moon: Incursion by Lauren L. Garcia

I would first like to thank tumblr user "chrissylvania" for recommending this book to me and sending me a link to read it. Thank you! I would also like to thank Leo from Inkitt for sending me a physical copy of the book as well! This was such an amazing read - the characters were all unique in their own way, and their development was written very smoothly and realistic. As soon as you begin reading the book, you are immediately thrown into the action and plot line, and are introduced to the main characters that you will be seeing throughout the book. There was never a dull moment while I was reading this book - there was always some sort of action, situation, or confrontation - making this the perfect read for those who love to be on the edge of their seats reading a book that is constantly moving at a fast pace. You will fall in love with the characters and root for their success throughout the entire book, hoping for the best, as any reader would. There is a dash of romance in the book, but it does not overtake the entire plot, which is refreshing to see, and allows the readers to become invested in the plot, rather than the romance alone. Also, huge plus - no love triangle!! - this was such a nice aspect of the book because it took away the constant struggle of choosing who Kali, the main character, would end up with. I highly recommend this book to fans of Blackmoon Beginnings by Kaitlyn Hoyt and The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, both include a fantasy aspect and romance that will draw the reader in until the very end. Please check this book out, and support Lauren L. Garcia and her fantastic writing!