tour + guest post + giveaway - a maiden's honor by josanna thompson
Monday, April 9, 2018
A Maiden's Honor
by Josanna Thompson
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GENRE: Historical Fiction / Romance
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BLURB:
Sarah Campbell is a rarity among women in her time. Raised by her Scottish father and the natives of
a remote island in the South Pacific, Sarah and her father embark on a perilous journey to Scotland.
Their crew betrays them and murders her father for the purpose of selling Sarah into slavery. She is
rescued by an unlikely hero, Hassan Aziz, the most feared pirate on the Barbary Coast. She quickly
discovers that she is unprepared for the complex world that is suddenly thrust upon her. Sarah must
find a way to survive in a world that intrigues and terrifies her.
a remote island in the South Pacific, Sarah and her father embark on a perilous journey to Scotland.
Their crew betrays them and murders her father for the purpose of selling Sarah into slavery. She is
rescued by an unlikely hero, Hassan Aziz, the most feared pirate on the Barbary Coast. She quickly
discovers that she is unprepared for the complex world that is suddenly thrust upon her. Sarah must
find a way to survive in a world that intrigues and terrifies her.
“Explain it in a way that she can understand,” Hassan shouted. “I want her to understand your
treachery. Tell her now, or I will cut off your ears, your nose, and every part of your body until you
confess your sin.” While several of his crewmen held Emile steady, Hassan pressed his saber against
the doctor’s ear. “This is your last opportunity to confess,” he warned as he pushed his saber deep
enough to draw blood.
treachery. Tell her now, or I will cut off your ears, your nose, and every part of your body until you
confess your sin.” While several of his crewmen held Emile steady, Hassan pressed his saber against
the doctor’s ear. “This is your last opportunity to confess,” he warned as he pushed his saber deep
enough to draw blood.
Beads of sweat rolled down Emile’s forehead. “I deceived you, Sarah.” His voice quivered as he
spoke in English. “We intended to murder your father when we decided to give you passage to
France.”
spoke in English. “We intended to murder your father when we decided to give you passage to
France.”
“What murder?” Sarah asked.
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{GUEST POST}
Getting Ready for a 1814 Polynesian Party
By
Josanna Thompson
Like all good historical fiction authors, I spent hours researching for my historical adventure,
A Maiden's Honor. My protagonist, Sarah Campbell lived most of her life on a primitive
Polynesian island. As I poured over journals written by James Cook and the first missionary to
Tahiti, I couldn’t help envisioning Sarah’s life on her beloved island, Tikutoa.
A Maiden's Honor. My protagonist, Sarah Campbell lived most of her life on a primitive
Polynesian island. As I poured over journals written by James Cook and the first missionary to
Tahiti, I couldn’t help envisioning Sarah’s life on her beloved island, Tikutoa.
The Polynesians were very social people. They gathered by the fire every evening for dancing
and story-telling. Sarah is a teenager. Like most young women her age, she spends her day
preparing for the dance. What did her day look like?
and story-telling. Sarah is a teenager. Like most young women her age, she spends her day
preparing for the dance. What did her day look like?
It's all about the dress
The Polynesians didn’t discover cotton and other textiles until European explorers visited this
region. They made their clothes from a paper-like cloth called tapa. Polynesian women spent
many hours stripping, soaking, mashing, and gluing thin strips of mulberry bark together. Once
they completed making their tapa cloth, the women painted intricate geometric shapes on the
fabric. Women turned the tapa into parus, or a wrap-around skirt. Sarah is the finest artist in her
village, and she paints brown hibiscus flowers on hers.
region. They made their clothes from a paper-like cloth called tapa. Polynesian women spent
many hours stripping, soaking, mashing, and gluing thin strips of mulberry bark together. Once
they completed making their tapa cloth, the women painted intricate geometric shapes on the
fabric. Women turned the tapa into parus, or a wrap-around skirt. Sarah is the finest artist in her
village, and she paints brown hibiscus flowers on hers.
Bath Time
Cleanliness was important to the Polynesians. James Cook observed that these natives frequently
washed their hands. Men and women also bathed together in a freshwater pool three times a day.
Once they were clean, the Polynesians spread Monoi oil over their bodies to keep their skin soft.
washed their hands. Men and women also bathed together in a freshwater pool three times a day.
Once they were clean, the Polynesians spread Monoi oil over their bodies to keep their skin soft.
Shaving, Polynesian Style
The Polynesians were fastidious about removing body hair. The natives believed that body
hair was unclean. Their instrument of choice? A sharp flat shell. Women also used fish scales
to trim their eyelashes and sculpt their eyebrows. (I think I'll pass on that.)
hair was unclean. Their instrument of choice? A sharp flat shell. Women also used fish scales
to trim their eyelashes and sculpt their eyebrows. (I think I'll pass on that.)
Polynesian Hairstyles
Like most societies, hairstyles were very important. Most Polynesian women wore their
hair shoulder-length. How did these women cut their hair when they didn’t have access to
metal scissors? Simple. The Polynesian people used shark’s teeth. They also used bamboo
combs to brush out the tangles. Sarah's burgundy hair is waist-length because her Scottish
father won't let her cut it. (Keeping his daughter's hair long is his subtle way of making Sarah
cover her bare chest.)
hair shoulder-length. How did these women cut their hair when they didn’t have access to
metal scissors? Simple. The Polynesian people used shark’s teeth. They also used bamboo
combs to brush out the tangles. Sarah's burgundy hair is waist-length because her Scottish
father won't let her cut it. (Keeping his daughter's hair long is his subtle way of making Sarah
cover her bare chest.)
Women often wore a crown of flowers and palm leaves for the evening festivities. However,
if a woman wanted to catch a particular villager’s eye, she tucked a flower behind her ear.
Not just any ear will do. Tucking a flower behind the left or right ear sent a different message.
A flower behind the left ear meant that the woman was taken; one behind the right indicated
that she was available. Tucking several flowers behind her right ear meant that she desperately
wanted to find a mate. Sarah wears a crown because she hadn’t met her special someone yet.
(Hint. This happens in Chapter 1.)
if a woman wanted to catch a particular villager’s eye, she tucked a flower behind her ear.
Not just any ear will do. Tucking a flower behind the left or right ear sent a different message.
A flower behind the left ear meant that the woman was taken; one behind the right indicated
that she was available. Tucking several flowers behind her right ear meant that she desperately
wanted to find a mate. Sarah wears a crown because she hadn’t met her special someone yet.
(Hint. This happens in Chapter 1.)
Time to Dress
After dinner, Sarah wraps her new paru around her waist and places a lei (a necklace made
from Tahitian Gardenias) around her neck. Her father signals his approval with a smile. She's
ready to party the night away.
from Tahitian Gardenias) around her neck. Her father signals his approval with a smile. She's
ready to party the night away.
A Maiden's Honor is packed with insights into the Polynesian culture. I also added excerpts
and short articles about my research in the Extras section of my website –
(www.josannathompson). Click here to read more. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs providing
deeper insights into the cultures portrayed in A Maiden’s Honor.
and short articles about my research in the Extras section of my website –
(www.josannathompson). Click here to read more. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs providing
deeper insights into the cultures portrayed in A Maiden’s Honor.
Josanna Thompson is the author of A Maiden's Honor and The Woman from Eden series.
She has lived in many different places in the United States, including the Southeast, the Midwest,
California, and the Northeast. When she is not writing; she enjoys traveling, exploring, and scuba
diving.
She has lived in many different places in the United States, including the Southeast, the Midwest,
California, and the Northeast. When she is not writing; she enjoys traveling, exploring, and scuba
diving.
Buy links:
tour and giveaway ~ just friends, to be yours by elana johnson
Friday, April 6, 2018
**both
books are standalones!**
book blast - written together by wendi zwaduk + giveaway
Thursday, April 5, 2018
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Wendi will be awarding a bracelet made by the author and a signed swag pack to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Spotlight/Guest Post/Giveaway - ICE by Lauren Carr
Monday, April 2, 2018
Book Title: ICE by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 380 pages
Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Police Procedural, Cozy
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: February 26, 2018
Tour dates: April 2 to 30, 2018
Content Rating: PG (It's a murder mystery and there is mild violence. Very mild swearing no F-bombs. No on-stage sex scenes.)
Book Description:
The clues for a close-to-the-heart missing person’s case heat up when Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on the cold case.
When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappear, the court of public opinion finds young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!
To read reviews, please visit Lauren Carr's page on iRead Book Tours.
Buy the Book:
Add to Goodreads
- - -
GUEST POST
Rebecca, one of literature’s greatest romance novels, which is filled with mystery surrounding the death of
and leave a feeling of hopelessness—which is another genre.
- - -
GUEST POST
Put a Little Love in Your Murder and Mayhem
By Lauren Carr
How is it that love and murder seem to go hand in hand when it comes to murder mysteries?
Think about it. We pick up a mystery because we want to read about murder and mayhem. Yet, somewhere,
someplace, whether it be in the forefront of the plot or in the background, there’s an interweaving of romance.
someplace, whether it be in the forefront of the plot or in the background, there’s an interweaving of romance.
Nancy Drew had Ned hanging around.
Perry Mason had Della Street at his beck and call—at least I think so. You could never really tell. That was one
of the things that kept readers coming back. Are they or aren’t they?
Mystery fans fell in love with Elizabeth George’s Inspector Thomas Lynley and his late wife Helen. When George
killed Helen off, I was as mad at Elizabeth George as if she pulled the trigger. (Actually, as the writer, didn’t she
killed Helen off, I was as mad at Elizabeth George as if she pulled the trigger. (Actually, as the writer, didn’t she
pull the trigger?)
Romance is not only found in murder mysteries. On the other side of the bookshelf, in the romance genre,
mystery often plays a big role in romance novels. I remember not being able to put down Daphne du Maurier’sRebecca, one of literature’s greatest romance novels, which is filled with mystery surrounding the death of
Rebecca, the first Mrs. DeWinter.
Even mysteries with unattached detectives, some who want nothing to do with love, or who are never
successful at it, usually seem to have a couple of characters who have been struck with cupid’s arrow
somewhere in the plot. It is not uncommon for the protagonist to be dragged into the mystery to save the
couple’s union. Does anybody know how often the hard-boiled detective has been hired by the wife of a
murder suspect to clear her husband or boyfriend’s name?
“Love is for suckers and fools,” the detective will grumble before going off to solve the case, only because he
wants to bring a smile to the poor lady’s pretty face.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I’m all for love and romance, especially when it means a big box of
chocolates on Valentine’s Day.
Love has a big part in murder mysteries. Mystery writers, including myself, seem to always write it in and
readers love to scoop it up. From the first installment of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, readers were anxious
for Mac and his lady love Archie to get together.
Why does love play such a big role in murder mysteries?
Well, the answer can be found in the definition of the two emotions.
Love: The definition of Love as defined by Google is “an intense feeling of deep affection.”
Murder: Also according to Google: “The unlawful, premeditated killing of another human being.” While Google
doesn’t go on to say it, it can go without saying that this act is brought about by an intense feeling, but not of
doesn’t go on to say it, it can go without saying that this act is brought about by an intense feeling, but not of
affection, the feeling that is opposite of love: hatred.
In my opinion the mixture of these two emotions, so extreme from each other, is akin to a literary sweet and
sour mix. In one chapter, we have the plot surrounding the intense act of murder, only be complemented by the sweet love scenes.
sour mix. In one chapter, we have the plot surrounding the intense act of murder, only be complemented by the sweet love scenes.
When plotting Ice, the first installment in the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, I could not resist adding a
little love to his life.
Chris’s wife had been killed two years earlier in the terrorist attack in Nice, France, leaving him alone to raise
three little girls by himself. After his father’s sudden death, Chris moves his family back to the family farm to
live with his mother. Note that he is surrounded by women. Even his mother’s two big dogs and his daughters’
three little girls by himself. After his father’s sudden death, Chris moves his family back to the family farm to
live with his mother. Note that he is surrounded by women. Even his mother’s two big dogs and his daughters’
rabbit, Thor, are female.
Then, Chris runs into Helen Clarke, a lieutenant with the state police. His first love, she had broken his heart
without any explanation when they were teenagers. Now divorced with a teenaged daughter, she is available
without any explanation when they were teenagers. Now divorced with a teenaged daughter, she is available
for Chris to make another go at being with her forever … or should he?
In this excerpt, they struggle to discuss the murder of a mobster while keeping their personal feelings in check:
Chris recognized the hard glare in Helen’s eyes.
The elevator was filled with frosty silence while it made its way to the main floor. Seemingly in
slow motion, the num-bers above the door lit and dimmed to indicate their descent.
slow motion, the num-bers above the door lit and dimmed to indicate their descent.
In his head, Chris knew the ride was not taking any lon-ger than usual—it only seemed that
way.
way.
“Anybody else chilly?” Francine asked with sarcasm from her spot between the two of them.
“I asked Peyton to the benefit for a reason.” Chris directed his statement over Francine’s
head to Helen.
head to Helen.
The elevator doors opened and Helen shot out like a race horse making for the finish line.
Chris chased after her.
Chris chased after her.
“We all know why you asked her, Studmuffin.” Francine dug her buzzing phone out of her
handbag. “She’s hot and you’re horny.”
handbag. “She’s hot and you’re horny.”
While running through the gaming room after Helen, Chris caught sight of what looked
like a German shepherd tucked between an elderly couple dancing with glee at the blackjack
table.
like a German shepherd tucked between an elderly couple dancing with glee at the blackjack
table.
That dog looks just like Sterling. Remembering the German shepherd he had left in the truck,
Chris stopped. Sterling! He whirled around. The elderly couple were dancing behind a tall
pile of chips. The stool where he thought he had seen Sterling was empty. Must have been
my imagination. He chuckled. Dogs playing blackjack? Have you lost your mind, Matheson?
Chris stopped. Sterling! He whirled around. The elderly couple were dancing behind a tall
pile of chips. The stool where he thought he had seen Sterling was empty. Must have been
my imagination. He chuckled. Dogs playing blackjack? Have you lost your mind, Matheson?
Chris refocused on catching Helen and spotted her at the top of the stairs leading into the
lounge. He caught up with her at the end of the bar. “Helen, you need to listen to me.”
lounge. He caught up with her at the end of the bar. “Helen, you need to listen to me.”
“About what? You can ask whoever you want to your mother’s fancy dinner dance. It isn’t like
we love each other.”
we love each other.”
The taste of a good romance in a mystery can take the edge off the gruesomeness of a killer plot, which is a
good thing. I have found that books with no romance or tender emotion between characters to be depressing and leave a feeling of hopelessness—which is another genre.
Personally, I prefer a little love mixed in with my murder and mayhem.
- - - - -
Watch the Book Trailer:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends May 5, 2018
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