The Book of Wine and Sorrow by Eric Avedissian ~ @angryreporter @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #ThebookofWineandSorror #EricAvedissian #Fantasy #UF #UrbanFantasy #Adventure

The Book of Wine and Sorrow by Eric Avedissian

The Martyr's Vow series, Book 4

Urban Fantasy/Adventure

Date Published: 12-15-2025

Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing

About the Book:

Newlyweds Armand and Vonnie are traveling to Armenia, where Armand hopes to reconnect with his estranged culture and investigate his family’s troubled history. But when a sadistic oligarch kidnaps them, their honeymoon spirals into a living nightmare.

Frightened and far from home, Armand and Vonnie race against time to locate a powerful artifact before their captor does, or they’ll join the dead in the underworld forever. The couple’s frantic quest takes them to lush mountains, desolate monasteries, and bustling markets, but they’re not traveling alone. A distant cousin with a penchant for stretching the truth, a mythological strongman who hurls boulders like skipping stones, and a stuffy ghost with a love for poetry join them on this macabre treasure hunt.

Armand must summon the courage of his ancestors and sacrifice himself for love, or the Scribe of Death will come for his beloved.

 

Bittersweet and brutal, The Book of Wine and Sorrow is the thrilling conclusion to The Martyr’s Vow series and a heart-aching testament to survival and wrestling with your demons.

 

 About the Author:   

 

 Eric Avedissian is an adjunct professor and speculative fiction author. His published work includes the award-winning novel The Ocean Hugs Hard and the Martyr’s Vow series (Accursed Son, Mr. Penny-Farthing, Blood Family, and The Book of Wine & Sorrow). His short stories appear in various anthologies, including Across the Universe, Great Wars, and Rituals & Grimoires. Avedissian received a 2024 Fellowship in Prose from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and a ridiculous number of books. Find him online at www.ericavedissian.com if you dare.

Contact Links:

Website

Twitter: @angryreporter

Goodreads

Instagram: @ericavedissian

Threads: @ericavedissian

Preorder Today:

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It Came Upon One Christmas Eve by S. R. Kerr ~ @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #ItCameUponOneChristmasEve #SRKerr #Holiday #ShortStories

It Came Upon One Christmas Eve by S. R. Kerr

 

Holiday Short Stories

About the Collection:

This is a selection of short stories perfect for the dark, cold nights of the Christmas season. Each warm tale is set on Christmas Eve and is best enjoyed from a comfortable armchair by the fireside, as the special ambience of Christmas fills the room and our hearts.

Within these six stories, you will discover a rich variety of seasonal magic. One tale takes you to a snowbound ancestral home, where family secrets are finally revealed beneath a blanket of white. Another follows a German refugee in the 1940s who, by joining the local junior football team, finds hope and a sense of belonging during the festive period.

You'll also encounter unexpected meetings at a lonely country crossroads, where characters' destinies become entwined on the most magical night of the year. The collection journeys further afield to the warmth and wonder of an Australian Christmas, where high summer temperatures provide a striking contrast to the traditional spirit of the season.

One story features two old neighbours returning to their hometown, doing their utmost to recreate the cherished Christmases of years gone by. Each narrative offers its own unique perspective on the joy, togetherness and wonder that define this special time of year.

This book is lovingly crafted for readers of all ages and backgrounds who delight in the spirit of Christmas. Let these stories bring warmth and festive cheer into your home.

About the Author:

Steve's interest in writing came from the early 1970s when his somewhat unconventional English teacher encouraged his creativity. His creativity and imagination went back however to childhood when he would create stories and draw them in a series of pictures. He has always had a strong interest in History and music. As a teenager he composed many songs but never met with success his creative abilities were slowly channeled into writing books.His first Novel " A Cafe In Arcadia",about life in an insular Greek town, was published in 2014. He had already published " The Christmas Tree Of Tales " in 2013 under the name S R Kerr Under the same name,he also published another book of short stories for Christmas,"It Came Upon One Christmas Eve"..In 2021 he published another novel "The Winding Streets Of Kolonaki" set in Athens..His last book to be published was the non-fiction Eurovision ;A Plea For Respect(Continental Songs And British attitudes). He counts a love of music in his interests as well as travel and reading. He has travelled extensivly to places as diverse as Pakistan and Peru and hopes to visit Japan, Hong Kong and the USA in the near future. Growing up next to the beach on the River Tay in his home town was a a major influence on him as was living in a castle. He was always interested in anthropology and visiting other countries where he often immersed himself in their culture. Places he visited and lived in inspired much of his writing, as did his interest in psychology, people watching. He worked as a lecturer, tutor, journalist ,civil servant in London where at a point he shared a house with the group The Test Department. He is at the moment working on three other books 1)Short Stories For Christmas 3)The afternoons of Sanjay Bassinger. 4.)The Golden Road To Glyfada

 

Contact Links:

Youtube

AuthorsDen

 

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#BookReview ~ Starlight Over Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy ~ @GeorginaTroy @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

Starlight Over Hollyhock Farm

Will sparks fly at Hollyhock Farm this summer?

When a hit TV series sets up camp at Hollyhock Farm, Jersey’s tranquil lanes are turned upside down. Radio DJ Callum Preston is used to high-maintenance guests – but nothing prepares him for interviewing the star-of-the-hour actor Riley Sharp, or meeting his beautiful, overworked PA, Tasha Dodds.

As Callum and Tasha grow closer in the island sunshine, the farm becomes the backdrop for more than just the cameras. But with paparazzi scandals brewing and Callum's family thrust into the spotlight, will their Jersey summer end in heartbreak – or be the start of something wonderful?

My Review:

Starlight Over Hollyhock Farm is the fourth book in the Hollyhock Farm series. I love being back in Jersey. Things looks a little bit different now that there's a tv series being filmed at Hollyhock Farm. Amid all the chaos, there may be a romance blossoming, if Tasha and Callum can overcome some obstacles.

I really enjoyed Tasha and Callum. They are multi-dimensional and written well. The author's descriptions of Jersey are vivid, and I felt like I was in the story with the characters. Every book in this series has been truly amazing. I enjoyed the author's writing style, pacing of the story, and character development. I can't wait to read more by Georgina Troy.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She lives close to the beach with her husband and three rescue dogs. When she’s not writing she can be found walking with the dogs or chatting to her friends over coffee at one of the many beachside cafés on the island.

 Social Media Links: 

Facebook: @GeorginaTroyAuthor

Twitter: @GeorginaTroy

Instagram: @georginatroyauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GeorginaTroyNews

Bookbub profile: @GeorginaTroy

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#BookReview ~ Fury by Heather Atkinson ~ @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #Gangland #CrimeDrame #Action

Fury

They’re feared in the streets and fury runs in their veins.

The MacGregors don’t back down from a fight—and they never forget a grudge. Known across Glasgow as The Bloody MacGregors, the family built their empire with bare fists and broken rules.

Virgil MacGregor walked away from it all. He wanted peace. A quiet life. No more blood on his hands. But trouble doesn’t care what he wants - and neither do his family.

Now his brothers are working for Toni McVay, the ruthless Queen of Glasgow, and chaos is spilling onto Virgil’s doorstep. Dragged back into the game, he’ll have to fight harder than ever to keep control—of the streets, his brothers, and his fiery estranged wife, Ember, who has unfinished business and a score to settle.

With enemies circling and old wounds reopening, the temperature is rising and the MacGregors are about to face their biggest battle yet.

This time, it’s not just about power—it’s about survival...

My Review:

Fury had me on the edge of my seat from the second Virgil's family showed up unexpectedly to his new sanctuary. He left their empire for a quiet life in a caravan, no longer wishing to be part of anything violent, but it seems his family is unaccepting of this change. Virgil's brothers have gotten in over their heads, and his grandmother, mother, and estranged wife need him to come home and reign them back in and away from trouble. As such, Virgil slowly gets sucked back into the life he wanted so desperately to leave behind.

Fury is a dark and violent crime drama. I was pulled in and kept engaged through the entire story. The grittiness of this gangland novel is not for the faint of heart. The author crafted Virgil's story with precision and terrific writing. Each scene leaves you craving more so be prepared to not want to put this book down until you read the last word. You'll be on the edge of your seat, wondering what the author has coming at you next. 

This is my first experience with Heather Atkinson's books, and it won't be my last.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books - predominantly in the crime fiction genre. Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @booksofheatheratkinson

Instagram: @heatheratkinsonauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HeatherAtkinsonNews

BookBub profile: @charsop1608

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#BookReview ~ A Quarterback for Christmas by Linda West ~ #SportsRomance #Romance #Football @pumpupyourbook

When pro quarterback Nash Jordan tears his ACL, he gets drafted to his hometown team the Buffalo Bills. Humiliated, broken and in need of healing, he finds the perfect solution to his problem is the girl that broke his heart...

Title: A QUARTERBACK FOR CHRISTMAS

Author: Linda West

Publisher: Independent

Pages: 177

Genre: Holiday Romance

Format: Kindle / FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About the Book:

He’s Buffalo’s hometown hero. She’s the one who got away. When fate and a little Christmas magic bring them back together, love might just score the biggest comeback of all.

When Buffalo’s hometown quarterback Nash Jordan gets traded back just before Christmas, his career—and his heart—are both on thin ice. A lingering injury threatens his future, until help arrives in the most unexpected form: Eden Landers, the woman he never stopped loving.

Eden’s a talented chef with a hint of magic in her kitchen, and healing others is what she does best. But moving into Nash’s guest house to help him recover stirs up more than old memories. Between snowstorms, laughter, and late-night meals, love begins to simmer again.

Can they trust each other enough for a second chance? Or will fear and fame keep them apart once more?

Heartwarming, wholesome, and full of Christmas cheer, A Quarterback for Christmas is a cozy holiday romance about love, forgiveness, and finding your way home.

Read sample here.

My Review:

A Quarterback for Christmas is a delightful sports romance filled with magic. The story is filled with misunderstandings, longing, and hopefulness. I love the second chance romance trope and this story delivers. I really loved Sir Wolfgang. He has his own sections at the end of some of the chapters and love his POV. As a Michigander, it was exciting to "watch" the Superbowl in this story. I may not be a sports fan but I still love it when my state is represented.

This is a heartwarming tale that kept me entertained from the very beginning.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

A Quarterback for Christmas is available at Amazon.

Read a Book Excerpt:

The rain had just started when Nash Jordan stepped off the practice field, helmet in hand and sweat soaking through his gray workout shirt. His leg ached every time he shifted his weight, a dull reminder of the ACL tear that still hadn’t fully healed. He told himself it was nothing—it had to be nothing—but the tightness in his jaw said otherwise.

“Jordan,” one of the junior trainers called. “Coach wants to see you.”

Nash nodded and headed down the long hallway toward the coach’s office. The walls were lined with framed photos of better days—division titles, playoff wins, smiling faces. For a split second, he imagined one of those photos showing him, wearing the Rams jersey with a championship ring on his finger.

The coach was waiting behind his desk, arms folded and expression unreadable. “How’s the leg?”

“I’ve been better,” Nash admitted with a half shrug. “Probably just a minor flare-up. I’ll be back to full speed real soon.”

The coach took a breath. “You know we believe in you, Nash. You’re one of the best quarterbacks we’ve had come through here.”

Nash gave a small smile. “Thank you, Coach. I appreciate that.”

“That’s why this is hard.” The coach paused. “We just traded you to Buffalo.”

Nash blinked. “Buffalo?”

“They need a backup for Allen. It’s a solid deal—next year’s first and second round picks. You’ll get a fresh start.”

Nash stared at the floor as the words sank in. Buffalo. Snow, cold, his old high school stadium. And him—once a top draft pick—now a backup. “Right,” he said quietly. “Buffalo.”

The coach stood and offered his hand. “You’re going to have a great career, son. I know it.”

– Excerpted from A Quarterback for Christmas by Linda West, Linda West, 2025. Reprinted with permission.

About the Author:

Linda West is a best-selling Amazon author in fiction and non-fiction. She lives in the snowy wonderland of upstate New York with her husband and magical cat.

Her latest book is the holiday romance, A Quarterback for Christmas. You can visit her website at http://www.morningmayan.com.

Sponsored By:

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#BookReview ~ A Lot To Unpack by Portia MacIntosh ~ @PortiaMacintosh @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #WorkplaceRomance #ForcedProximity #Romance

A Lot to Unpack

It’s going to be a bumpy ride... 👀

About the Book:

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job - which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

My Review:

A Lot to Unpack is a fast-paced workplace romance. Liberty's dream job comes with a bit of baggage. She's now working for the company who's app had her boyfriend cheating all over town. She's enjoying the job, though, and loves that she gets to travel. However, things change when one of the co-owner's of Match asks Liberty to pull a fast one on her boss, and other owner, Jordan. 

This novel is a wonderful forced proximity, workplace romance. I loved meeting Liberty and Jordan and getting to know them. I enjoyed the author's writing style. The author created wonderful characters, a vivid world, and an engaging story.  

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.

From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @macintoshportia

Twitter: @PortiaMacintosh

Instagram: @portiamacintoshauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNews

Bookbub profile: @portiamac

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#BookReview ~ Rosie's Garden of New Beginnings by Linda Corbett ~ @lcorbettauthor @rararesources #ContemporaryRomance

Rosie’s Garden of New Beginnings

Rosie Steadman needs a new start. It’s over a year since her husband died, and there must be more to life than her job in retail. When she spots an advert to rent a garden, it feels like the perfect project.

Media celebrity Connor Forbes is currently lying low in his brother’s flat after a public break-up and, with job prospects drying up, finding someone to look after the overgrown garden is the least of his problems.

For both Rosie and Connor, it’s a strictly business arrangement. But can they keep it that way?

As Rosie gets to know the man beneath the tarnished image, she finds it harder to resist his charms, but she’s been hurt before and Connor has a reputation – can this really be a second chance at love?

My Review:

Rosie's Garden of New Beginnings is a heartwarming romance. Rosie is a widow and after mourning for a year, Rosie wants something more than a life in retail. For those of us who have ever worked in retail, we sympathize and empathize with you, Rosie. Her fresh start takes her to a garden for rent. More than just vegetation flourish in Rosie's garden. The owner, Connor Forbes, celebrity-in-hiding, is trying to straighten up his image. A friendship blossoms between these two opposites and I was totally here for the shift. 

This includes several sensitive themes but the author writes about them beautifully and with sensitivity and care. The characters are well-written with great personalities and charm. I enjoyed the world created by Linda Corbett, how it was set up, and how it was developed. Rosie's Garden of New Beginnings was written with realism and emotion. I was engaged from the very beginning and am glad I picked up a copy of this book.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Meet the Author:

Linda writes contemporary romantic fiction, and is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. In 2020 she was the recipient of the Katie Fforde Bursary, and her debut novel, Love You From A-Z, was a contender for the RNA’s Joan Hessayon Award.

For many years Linda wrote a regular column for a disability magazine, illustrating the humorous aspects of life with a complex disability. She is also a member of Shine – the charity that supports individuals and families living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and three permanently hungry guinea pigs, and when she’s not writing she can usually be found reading, crafting, cuddling guinea pigs or pottering in the garden.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/lindacorbettauthor

https://twitter.com/lcorbettauthor

https://www.instagram.com/lindacorbettauthor

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#BookReview ~ An Apple Butter Christmas by Terry Lynn Thomas ~ Small-Town Christmas Romance ~ @rararesources

An Apple Butter Christmas

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas

A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

About the Book:

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he'd buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

If you love:

• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic

…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter's night.

My Review:

An Apple Butter Christmas is a cozy romance with a tad bit of drama. I love me a good second-chance romance and this story fits the bill. Diana has returned home to help save her family's orchard from greedy real estate agents and developers. As Diana faces the possible sale of her orchard, the reuniting with her ex-boyfriend, and coming face-to-face with the town bully, her stress levels increase. Thank goodness for being part of a close-knit community of family and friends. They rally behind Marchcroft Orchard in hopes to deter any sale, development, or cancellation of the annual Apple Butter Festival. What ensues is a myriad of misunderstandings, relationship challenges, and lies. I enjoyed watching the story unfold, the misunderstandings get set straight, relationships shift and evolve, and the deceit revealed.

This is a sweet, small town romance and I felt like I was walking into a movie. The setting is magical, well-described, and vivid. I enjoyed the characters and interactions, including the not-so-nice ones. They all have a part to play in An Apple Butter Christmas. If you're looking for a magical second-chance romance set during the holidays, look no further. Grab yourself a copy of An Apple Butter Christmas.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Meet the Author:

 Terry Lynn Thomas is a USA Today best-selling author who writes contemporary legal thrillers and historical mysteries set in World War II. Her debut cozy Christmas romance, Apple Butter Christmas, will release in November of 2025. Her stories are known for their strong female protagonists and the emotional connection between her characters.

When she isn't writing, Terry Lynn likes to watch British mysteries, read books about found family and friendship, paint, garden, and take long walks with her husband and dogs.

Social Media Link:

Facebook

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