Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

The Story (from Tyndale's website) : Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone. The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart. Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her linge...

The Story: In this intriguing novel of romance, mystery, and clever disguise set in Victorian England, a young woman investigates the murder of her own father. After the mysterious death of her father, Miss Gillian Young takes a new job as the principal costume designer at the renowned Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. But while she remembers her father as a kind, well-respected man of the Police Force, clues she uncovers indicate he’d been living a double life: a haunting photograph of a young woman; train stubs for secret trips just before his death; and a receipt for a large sum of money. Are these items evidence of her father’s guilty secrets? His longtime police partner thinks so. Then Gillian meets the dashing Viscount Thomas Lockwood. Their attraction is instant and inescapable. As their romantic involvement grows, Gillian begins to suspect even Lockwood’s motives. Does Lord Lockwood truly love her? Or is his interest a front for the desire to own her newly inherited property...

Ughhhh...you guys. 2017 you say? Why are we talking about 2017 already when 2016 is only half through?! Well, one word -- books!!!!! There's nothing I look forward to more than a good book from my favorite author, and two of my very favorite writers (as in most of their books are on my keeper shelf) are releasing new books right around the same time. Party time for Renee!! Laura Frantz's A Moonbow Night is publishing from Revell in January 2017... From Amazon : On the vast, uncharted Kentucky frontier of the 1770s, Temperance Tucker has learned to be fleet of foot, accurate with her rifle, and silent about the past. But her family secrets complicate her growing attraction to a handsome Virginia land surveyor with a harsh history of his own. Will the hurts and hardships of the past prevent them from a fulfilling future? Read more about the book on Laura's website . Pre-order a copy . ...and the final installment in Sandra Byrd's Daughters of Hamp...

Bride of a Distant Isle Daughters on Hampshire, Book 2 by Sandra Byrd Copyright 2016 Howard Publishers ISBN: 9781476717890 The Story: An unforgettable romance set in Victorian England,  Bride of A Distant Isle  is the engrossing story of Annabel Ashton, who fights to save her family home and her mother's honor while trying to figure out if the man she loves wants her—or just wants to use her to achieve his own ambitions. Miss Annabel Ashton is a teacher at the Rogers School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she takes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall at Milford-on-Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge. Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial rui...

Mist of Midnight Daughters of Hampshire By Sandra Byrd Copyright 2015 Howard Books ISBN: 9781476717869 The Story: In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands. Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes. That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's ...

Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers. I hope you all are enjoying time spent with that special someone, be it a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, or in my case a good book. Yeah. I'm a single lady, so my only boyfriend is in whatever novel I happen to be reading or TV show I'm bingeing on. In honor of book and TV boyfriends everywhere, I thought I'd post a few prospects -- that is new stories that appear to be promising for those of us wanting to spend a little time in fictional worlds with favorite characters. I'm always on the lookout for a fun romance or a heart-wrenching drama to pass the time, so please post new books or movies that you're looking forward to in the comments section. Here's my top 5 in no particular order. 5. The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz  (September 2015, Revell Publishers) From Amazon: In the aftermath of the American Revolution a destitute young woman agrees to a marriage of convenience and becom...

Thank you all so much for bearing with me throughout these 4 wonderful years. For those of you who just found my blog this week, WELCOME! I hope you like what you see here. I wish I could give you all a ton of prizes I luv you all that much! Since I can't give prezzies to everyone (sad face) I have to host giveaways with a select number of random winners. Read on to see what you have the chance at nabbing today... In case you don't know, I am a fan of pretty much all things British , especially regency set novels and British television. While it isn't a Regency novel, Sandra Byrd 's Roses Have Thorns  IS set in England and it IS one of my all-time favorite books. I don't know about you but I can't think of anything more British than tea so I thought I'd give away another copy of Roses Have Thorns (slightly used) ,  a brand new "Tea Time" print garden flag, AND an adorable, brand new, floral tea cup set (2 cups, 2 saucers, and storage box) all to ...

Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I By Sandra Byrd Copyright 2013 Howard Books ISBN: 9781439183168 The Story: From the acclaimed author of To Die For comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court. Like Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, Sandra Byrd has attracted countless fans for evoking the complexity, grandeur, and brutality of the Tudor period. In her latest tour de force, she poses the question: What happens when serving a queen may cost you your marriage—or your life? In 1565, seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiancé has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth’s circle. But in a court that is surrounded by Catholic enemies who ...

If anyone is interested in reading an incredible story on what life was like for royalty in the 16th century I highly recommend Sandra Byrd's Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I . If you are already over your book buying budget for the month there are many opportunities during the CBA blog tour to enter to win the book! Visit the blogs below to check out reader reviews or enter the giveaways where available! Monday, April 15 - Kimberly S. @ The Book Barista (Review and Giveaway) Tues., April 16 - Serena C. @ Edgy Inspirational Romance Wed., April 17 - Margaret C. @ Creative Madness Mama Thur., April 18 -  Jendi @ Jendi’s Journal Fri., April 19 -  Lynelle C. @ Aspired Writer Sat., April 20 - Kathleen B. @ Lane Hill House (Review and Giveaway) Mon. April 22 - Renee @ Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot Wed. April 24 - Deena P @ A Peek at My Bookshelf Thur. April 25 - Ruth A. @ Booktalk and More Sat. April 27 - Rissi C. @ Dreaming Under th...

Roses Have Thorns:A Novel of Elizabeth I by Sandra Byrd Copyright 2013 Howard Books ISBN: 9781439183168 As you may or may not know from reading this blog I just adore the Ladies in Waiting series by Sandra Byrd. I've enjoyed each book immensely and the latest, Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I which made it's debut on Amazon and in stores everywhere today, is no exception! Check out my review of the first two books HERE and HERE and look for my review of Roses Have Thorns next week. To celebrate the release of Roses Have Thorns , Sandra is offering a very special "Books and Blooms" giveaway where you have the chance to win 1 of 3 terrific prizes. If you're like me, there's nothing better than that feeling you get when you win a great book. Sandra is offering a book, OR a handmade Elizabethan style necklace from fellow my blogger Christy Janes ' Etsy shop, Belle on a Budget OR a $25 e-gift card to Heirloom Roses. YOWZAS! is the word ...

Hi all, since it's almost 11pm here chances are you've already enjoyed a night out with your sweetie or if you're a single gal like me, you're ready for a night in with one or two of your book boyfriends! Since I don't have a someone special right now I thought I'd treat myself to a day of rest and relaxation with my Kindle. Boy, did I get a lot accomplished! I read two books straight through with a break in between for some sustenance (Nutella toast for lunch & sub sandwich and a slice of DQ ice cream cake for dinner). Needless to say I'm in pain now but both books were worth a little eye discomfort. So, if you're looking for a way to unwind after a night out on the town or you're just snuggling under the covers by yourself please check out the reviews below and make sure you read the fine print! Both books are on sale today only (Feb. 14, 2013) for $0.99 each! Fine print: On Sale! $0.99 February 14, 2013 only. Bon Appetit (French Twis...

Let Them Eat Cake (French Twist, Book 1) by Sandra Byrd Copyright 2012 Kindle E-Book What's it about? Book One in the French Twist Series.  Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends. When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be! So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révo...

If you're like me you plan to spend Valentine's Day at home reading but even if you do have plans with that special someone you can still take advantage of a great Kindle freebie February 10 - 14th. Sandra Byrd is offering the first book in her romantic French Twist series, Let Them Eat Cake, free on Amazon! Even if you don't have a Kindle e-reader you can download the free Kindle App on your computer and take advantage of this great deal! If you've already read Let Them Eat Cake and enjoyed it you can pick up books 2 and 3, Bon Appetit and Piece de Resistance, for a special price of $0.99 each -- that's a $4 savings if you buy both books! So even if you don't have a Valentine's Day sweetie you can still enjoy some romance in the form of a good book. Look for my reviews of all 3 books throughout the week right here on this blog. Don't forget to "Like" the books on Amazon! Buy Let Them Eat Cake (French Twist, Book 1) FREE on Februa...