Readers looking for a suspenseful thriller with mysterious twists and turns abounding will love Gabriel Valjan’s TURNING TO STONE!

Join us for this Thriller book tour from Sept 21 to Oct 23, 2015! If you're interested in this tour, please fill out the sign-up form.

Book Details:

Book Title: Turning to Stone by Gabriel Valjan
Category:  Adult Fiction, 385 pages
Genre: Thriller / suspense
Publisher:  Winter Goose Publishing
Published: June 2015
Available in:  Print, ebook (mobi for Kindle) 
Will send books: USA & Canada
Tour dates:  Sept 21 to Oct 23
Content Rating:  PG

Book Description:

Alabaster Black aka Bianca Nerini returns as an investigation into a public official’s assassination pits Bianca and her friends against a backdrop of financial speculation, female assassins on motorcycles, and the Camorra—the most ruthless of Italian organized crime gangs—in Gabriel Valjan’s TURNING TO STONE, the fourth book of the highly praised Roma series.

En route to a secret meeting, Aldo Giurlani—the regional commissioner of Lombardy in northern Italy and a specialist on organized crime—is assassinated in the middle of a public square.

More mysterious is the package sent to Giurlani’s hand-picked team of five top investigators within the Guardia di Finanza (GdF), the Italian law enforcement agency that investigates illegal financial transactions, from money laundering to drug trafficking. Within the package are five copies of a book entitled Man of Smoke written by Aldo Palazzeschi.

Then there is Bianca’s tenuous online contact with a mysterious online contact known as Loki, who delivers a cryptic message to her, takes on a new twist with the appearance of a brilliant young obsessive-compulsive man who joins her team.

Complicating matters even further, old enemies and, more problematically, Alabaster’s former employer—Rendition, a murky covert U.S. government agency that does more than just investigate financial crimes—still have grudges to bear against her.

As new mysteries unfold, Bianca’s group quickly discovers that Naples might just be the most dangerous city in Italy.

Readers looking for a suspenseful thriller with mysterious twists and turns abounding will love Gabriel Valjan’s TURNING TO STONE.

Buy the book here:  

Amazon     
Barnes & Noble

You are welcome to also sign up to read the first three books in the series. Just choose this option on the sign-up form. All the books are stand-alone novels.

ROMA, UNDERGROUND (Book #1)

Savvy forensic accountant Alabaster Black is hiding in Rome from her former employer, covert U.S. organization “Rendition.” While there under an assumed name she meets Dante, an investigator, erstwhile explorer and member of the Roma Underground, a band of amateur archaeologists who map the city beneath Rome. With Italian artifacts disappearing at an alarming rate, Alabaster and Dante search for answers and create a trap for the thieves. Through a mysterious online contact Alabaster learns she is being followed, and with her safety at risk she is forced to rethink her chosen alliances and discover hidden truths about herself.

“A provocative thriller with a riveting and surprising plot.” 
—M.J. Rose, International bestseller

“...the strong, captivating heroine and an allure of conspiracy and organized crime make this novel an undoubted success.” 
—Kirkus Book Reviews

“Conspiracy, double identities, car chases and espionage, all against the backdrop of magical Rome, with its great food and marvelous art history, make this an entertaining, intriguing read.” 
—Blogcritics Book Reviews in Brief


WASP’S NEST (Book #2)

In the highly anticipated sequel to Roma, Underground, Bianca returns to the U.S. for her former employer, the covert organization Rendition, to investigate Cyril Sargent and Nasonia Pharmaceutical. Although ambivalent about the assignment and uneasy about her online “friend,” Loki, she is enticed into researching what Sargent is doing with insect genetics that might upset the world of cancer research and treatment. Old friends Farrugia and Gennaro uncover a twisted conspiracy from their past and join Bianca in Boston where they will experience conflicted loyalties, question allies, and confront uncertain enemies, as they’re drawn into the wasp’s nest.

“Again, Valjan successfully conflates multiple sophisticated narratives that bring the past and present together, which the archaeological theme of the last novel also helps accomplish . . . Black is back and just as entertaining as ever.”
—Kirkus Book Reviews

“…a compelling reading, action-packed and with intriguing characters. The plot had plenty of twists and turns, some surprising secrets, and it kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing until the very end.”
—The Book Junkie


THREADING THE NEEDLE (Book #3)

Milan. Bianca’s curiosity gets a young university student murdered, but not before he gives her a file that details a secret weapon under development with defense contractor Adastra. Guilt may drive her to find justice for the slain Charlie Brooks, but she is warned by the mysterious Loki to stay away from this case that runs deep with conspiracy. Bianca must find a way to uncover government secrets and corporate alliances without returning Italy to one of its darkest hours, the decades of daily terrorism known as the “Years of Lead.”

“It is even more to Gabriel Valjan’s credit that with Threading the Needle he, as an American, was nonetheless capable of unusual insight into the Misteri Italiani, the Italian Mysteries, without taking any prejudicial standpoint, one way or the other, or putting the blame on anyone, but rather inviting readers to judge for themselves.”

—Claudio Ferrara, Italian journalist and translator

“But after the first few pages, I knew I was committed to the end of the book ... and would be reading the two earlier books…Characters, plot, ideas, background: In Threading the Needle, Valjan weaves it all into an international crime novel worth the read.”

—Beth Kannell of Kingdom Books, a specialty mystery bookshop in northeastern Vermont.

About the author:  

Gabriel Valjan lives in New England, but has traveled extensively, receiving his undergraduate education in California and completing graduate school in England. Ronan Bennett short-listed him for the 2010 Fish Short Story Prize for his Boston noir, Back in the Day. His short stories and poetry have appeared in literary journals and online magazines.

Connect with the author:   Website     Twitter     Facebook

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Sept 21 - Essentially Italian - book spotlight on all 4 books / giveaway
Sept 21 - Coffee, Books & Art - book spotlight / giveaway
Sept 22- T's Stuff - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sept 23 - Il Mio Tesoro - review of Roma Underground
Sept 24 - Vic'sMedia Room - review of Roma Underground
Sept 24 - The Autistic Gamer - review of Roma Underground
Sept 25 - Vic's Media Room - review of Wasp's Nest
Sept 25 - Working Mommy Journal - review of Roma Underground / giveaway
Sept 28 - Roughseasinthemed - review of Roma / Wasp's Nest / Threading the Needle
Sept 28 - Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author - book spotlight / interview / giveaway
Sept 28 - Working Mommy Journal - review of Wasp's Nest / giveaway
Sept 29 - Vic's Media Room - review of Threading the Needle
Sept 29 - Library of Clean Reads - review of Roma Underground / giveaway
Sept 30 - Vic's Media Room - review of Turning the Stone
Sept 30 - Pure Jonel - review of Roma Underground
Oct 1 -     Book and Ink - review of Roma Underground / author interview
Oct 2 -     The Autistic Gamer - review of Wasp's Nest
Oct 5 -     Il Mio Tesoro - review of Wasp's Nest
Oct 5 -     Studentessa Matta - review of Roma Underground / giveaway
Oct 6 -     Pinky's Favorite Reads - book spotlight
Oct 7 -     Pure Jonel - review of Wasp's Nest
Oct 8 -     Book and Ink - review of Wasp's Nest
Oct 8 -     Bound 4 Escape - review of Roma Underground / giveaway
Oct 8 -     Studentessa Matta - review of Wasp's Nest / giveaway
Oct 9 -     The Autistic Gamer - review of Threading the Needle
Oct 9 -     Bound 4 Escape - review of Wasp's Nest / giveaway
Oct 9 -     Library of Clean Reads - review of Wasp's Nest
Oct 12 -   A Mama's Corner of the World - review of Turning to Stone / giveaway
Oct 12 -   Olio by Marilyn - review of Roma Underground / giveaway
Oct 12 -   Roughseasinthemed - review of Turning to Stone 
Oct 13 -   Il Mio Tesoro - review of Threading the Needle
Oct 13 -   Deal Sharing Aunt - review of Turning to Stone
Oct 13 -   Pure Jonel - review of Threading the Needle
Oct 14 -   Working Mommy Journal - review of Threading the Needle / giveaway
Oct 14 -   Library of Clean Reads - review of Threading the Needle / giveaway
Oct 15 -   Book and Ink - book spotlight of Threading the Needle 
Oct 15 -   Olio by Marilyn - review of Wasp's Nest / author interview
Oct 15 -   Studentessa Matta - review of Threading the Needle / giveaway
Oct 16 -   The Autistic Gamer - review of Turning to Stone
Oct 19 -   Bound 4 Escape - review of Threading the Needle / giveaway
Oct 19 -   Olio by Marilyn - review of Threading the Needle
Oct 19 -   Studentessa Matta - review of Turning to Stone / giveaway
Oct 20 -   Il Mio Tesoro - review of Turning to Stone / guest post
Oct 21 -   Pure Jonel - review of Turning to Stone / guest post
Oct 21 -   Working Mommy Journal - review of Turning to Stone / giveaway
Oct 22 -   Book and Ink - book review of Turning the Stone
Oct 22 -   Olio by Marilyn - review / author interview of Turning to Stone
Oct 23 -   Jorie Loves a Story - review of Turning to Stone
Oct 23 -   Bound 4 Escape - review of Turning to Stone / giveaway
Oct 23 -   Library of Clean Reads - review of Turning to Stone / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway!

A sweeping epic historical fiction tale of love, drama, sacrifice, and redemption,
set among the beautiful landscape of Sicily.

Join us for this Historical Fiction book tour from Sept 7 to 25! If you're interested in this tour, please fill out the sign-up form.

Book Details:

Book Title: A Song for Bellafortuna:  An Inspiration Italian Historical Fiction Novel by Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco
Category:  Adult Fiction, 284 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: Cefalutana Press
Published: May 2015
Available in:  Print, ebook
Will send books: USA & Canada
Tour dates:  Sept 7 to 25, 2015
Content Rating:  G

Book Description:

A Song for Bellafortuna is an inspirational Italian Historical Fiction novel concerning a young man's desire to free his Sicilian village from the domination of one family's long reign.

For years, the beautiful, yet secluded, hilltop village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, was a great producer of wine and olive oil. The entire village prospered. However, after the arrival of the Vasaio family, production dwindles and the villagers soon find themselves in crushing debt to the Vasaios. Only one family in the village remains outside the control of the Vasaios, but the reason haunts Antonio Sanguinetti every day of his life. Antonio is determined to erase this legacy by offering financial and emotional support to his fellow villagers. He introduces them to the choral song from Verdi's opera, Nabucco, which becomes the rallying cry for the villagers and offers them hope for a better life.

When Antonio's only son, Giuseppe, discovers his family's past, he becomes determined to take on the Vasaios and remove them from power. Led by the young Giuseppe, a plan is hatched that could result in either complete freedom for the villagers, or if it fails, forever solidifying the Vasaios' control. Find out what happens in A Song for Bellafortuna, a sweeping epic historical fiction tale of love, drama, sacrifice, and redemption, set among the beautiful landscape of Sicily.

Where to buy the Book:    Amazon

Meet the author:  

Award winning and bestselling author, Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, lives in New Orleans. His first novel, Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera, became an Amazon bestselling novel and was awarded the 2014 Pinnacle Achievement Award in Historical Fiction. Amazon also has named his book as a Top Rated Novel in Italian Historical Fiction.

His most recent novel, A Song for Bellafortuna, was shortlisted in the William Faulkner - William Wisdom Competition. He is an estate planning attorney in New Orleans, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Connect with the author:    Website     Twitter    Facebook

Tour Schedule:

Sept 8 - Essentially Italian - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Sept 9 - 100 Pages a Day - review / giveaway
Sept 10 -Griperang's Bookmarks - review / author interview
Sept 11 -Il Mio Tesoro - review / guest post
Sept 14 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway
Sept 15 - NorthernMSW - review / guest post
Sept 15 - Italophilia - book spotlight 
Sept 16 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway
Sept 17 - Vic's Media Room - review / author interview
Sept 17 -Cassidy Salem Reads and Writes - review / giveaway
Sept 18 - View from the Birdhouse - book spotlight / giveaway
Sept 21 - Book and Ink -review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 22 - Rockin' Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 22 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway
Sept 23 - allthingsbookie - review / giveaway
Sept 24 - Studentessa Matta - review / giveaway
Sept 25 - The Autistic Gamer - review
TBD - Book Stop Corner - review /  giveaway

 Born with an inheritance of loss into a society that has predetermined what she can and cannot do, Caterina vows to live a life of her choosing.

Join us for this Historical Fiction book tour from September 7 to 25, 2015! If you're interested in this tour, please fill out the sign-up form.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Inheritance by Marianne Perry
Category:  Adult Fiction, 280 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher:  iUniverse
Published: November 2012
Available in:  Print, ebook (ePub)
Will send books: USA & Canada
Tour dates:  September 7 to 25, 2015
Content Rating:  G

Book Description:

The Inheritance tells the story of a family disintegrating from conflicting loyalties in Calabria, Italy. Set during the period 1897 to 1913, the region was subject to earthquakes and tsunamis; the land harsh and poverty the norm. Superstition clashed with religion and a class system ruled the people. Calabria is the perfect backdrop for the tragedy that unfolds in The Inheritance.

Caterina is an atypical woman, and The Inheritance chronicles her life from birth to young womanhood. Born with an inheritance of loss into a society that has predetermined what she can and cannot do, she vows to live a life of her choosing. Caterina refuses to allow the limits of her gender, the constraints of her class and the demands imposed by those in power to stand in her way. Caterina remains steadfast in her commitment to become the woman she imagines. Her decisions ignite conflicts and fuel a chain of events that result in dire consequences for all whose path she crosses.

Praise for The Inheritance:

“Like a classic star-crossed love story, the novel is written with lush detail enriched with both likable and loathsome characters. In particular, Perry builds strong and decisive female characters. Although the key action doesn’t occur until the final chapters, Perry’s exquisite descriptions will transport readers back to the time and place of Lorenzo and Caterina’s romance-the brilliant colors in villa gardens, the smells and tastes of decadent food, and the menacing sounds of the ocean during an earthquake. After the engrossing storylines come to an abrupt end, a cliff-hanger will leave readers anxious for a sequel to continue Lorenzo and Caterina’s tragic story. Solid characters and vivid imagery capture the mood, traditions and uncertainty of the time.” – Kirkus Reviews, December 7, 2012

“The premise for The Inheritance was inspired by the author’s genealogical research in Calabria, Italy. Marianne Perry’s research trip to Cosenza province is obvious in her vivid descriptions of the setting of “The Inheritance”. The landscape, colours, culture, native food, plants and flowers, and even the weather are all vibrantly described……Perry deftly weaves secrets and betrayals throughout the entire book, not only among the two families but the supporting characters, as well….Marianne Perry weaves a very vivid tale that might well have happened hundreds of times over the centuries. “The Inheritance” will definitely make you think about how our ancestors came to be aboard a transatlantic vessel for a perilous three week voyage to being a new life.” – Amanda Morehouse, The Ontario-Canada Genealogical Society, August 2014

Buy the book:    Amazon  ~   Barnes & Noble   ~  Chapters/Indigo

Meet the author:   

Family dynamics, genealogical research to solve ancestral mysteries and international travel are Marianne Perry’s priorities. A second-generation Canadian-Italian, she is the author of The Inheritance, a historical fiction set in Calabria, Italy from 1897 to 1913 inspired by her grandmother’s early life in Calabria. With a thirty-year career in education and communications, Marianne holds a Master of Education Degree from The University of Western Ontario (Canada). 

A past member of the Board of Trustees, the Canadian National Arts Centre Corporation, she has also published non-fiction genealogical articles throughout North America. As a girl, Marianne fell in love with The National Geographic Magazine and dreamt of exploring the world. With her recent visit to Antarctica, she achieved her goal of stepping foot on every continent. The mother of two grown children, Marianne and her husband live on the shores of the St. Mary’s River, which drains Lake Superior on the outskirts of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. She continues to research family history and write non-fiction genealogical articles. In addition, she is working on her second novel and planning further adventures.

Marianne blogs about genealogy, travel, family and writing on her website. Visit her at http://www.marianneperry.ca. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Goodreads.

Connect with the author:    Website   ~   Twitter   ~    Facebook


TOUR SCHEDULE:

Sept 7 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway
Sept 7 - 3 Partners in Shopping - review / giveaway
Sept 8 - Olio by Marilyn - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 8 - Singing Librarian Books - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 9 - The Autistic Gamer - review
Sept 10 - Griperang's Bookmarks - review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 10 - Il Mio Tesoro - review / author interview
Sept 14 - allthingsbookie - review / giveaway
Sept 14 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway
Sept 15 - View from the Birdhouse - book spotlight / giveaway
Sept 15 - FLY HIGH! - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sept 16 - The Things We Read - review
Sept 16 - Zerina Blossom's Books - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Sept 17 - Rockin' Book Reviews - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 17 - Studentessa Matta - review / giveaway
Sept 17 - 100 Pages a Day - review / giveaway
Sept 18 - Vic's Media Room - review
Sept 21 - Book Stop Corner - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 21 - Book Nerd - review
Sept 22 - Essentially Italian - review / giveaway
Sept 22 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway
Sept 23 - Italophilia - book spotlight / author interview
Sept 24 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review
Sept 25 - Book and Ink - review / guest post
Sept 27 - Writers and Authors - book spotlight


Enter the Giveaway!