Samantha Hastings

1851.  Bounced from one begrudging relative to another their whole lives, orphaned identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter have always relied on each other for love and support, even though the sisters couldn't be more different. Brash Sophie wants to be an inventor, and demure Mariah wants to be an artist. Both long to visit London for the summer―Sophie to see the Queen’s Great Exhibition and Mariah to study the world’s finest collection of paintings. But when their cantankerous aunt answers their letter pleading for a place to stay, she insists she only has time and room to spare for one of them. So, Mariah and Sophie hatch a clever scheme: They will travel to London together and take turns playing the part of "Sophie". At first the plan runs like clockwork. But as the girls avoid getting caught by increasingly narrow margins and two handsome gentlemen―both of whom think they’re falling in love with the  real  Sophie Carter―enter the equation, the sisters fin...

Solving Sophronia by Jennifer Moore My rating: 5 of 5 stars A twisty mystery with sweet romance! Lady Sophronia wants to be more than a society columnist, she wants to write newspaper articles that matter. She happens upon a murder investigation and much to the dismay the head detective, she’s really helpful. But as the dead bodies stack up, they have to solve the mystery before becoming the newest victims. Sophie is a very sympathetic character because her mom and sister are THE WORST. Complaining about her looks and her weight. But luckily, she has a unique and charming grandmother and some amazing friends (aka the Blue Orchid Society). I’m excited to read the next edition in the series! View all my reviews

A VICTORIAN MYSTERY GIVEAWAY! We love a good mystery and we hope you do too. To enter: like my Facebook author page and  Author Jennifer Moore Then comment if you’re Team (Miss) Marple or Team (Sherlock) Holmes for a chance to win: -Signed copy of SOLVING SOPHRONIA by Jennifer Moore -Signed copy of THE LAST WORD by Samantha Hastings -Tote bag -2 The Blue Orchid Society makeup bags -Faux pearl earrings -Quill pen -Scrunchie US only. Ends 6/28. For an EXTRA entry: Share this post on Facebook. Keep checking back, because I’m doing giveaways every week until THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER comes out on July 14th! The next giveaway will be a $25 Amazon gift card. Enter here:  https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHastingsAuthor/

The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith My rating: 5 of 5 stars I absolutely loved THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY! 🌸🌸🌸 It’s the story of two young Japanese teens during WWII. Hana and the rest of her school friends have stopped going to school and instead help with the war effort. They worked in the fields and now they clean and cook for pilots who are about to die. Kamikaze pilots who believe that sacrificing themselves will save their families and their country. Taro is a violinist, turned pilot. He knows he’s going to die, yet in the last few days of his life, he meets a girl named Hana. And together they share the transformative power of music. 🌸🌸🌸 I don’t think I’ve ever read a WWII book from the Japanese perspective and it was just as powerful and moving as THE BOOK THIEF. Hana and Taro were such beautifully human characters who were doing their best. Their story is both heartbreaking and hopeful; showing the horrors of war and the power of music. View a...

Are you an aspiring author? Do you write historical romance? Submit your first chapter for a chance at a free critique by me and the Lit Service crew! Here's more info:  https://litservicepodcast.wixsite.com/litnation/submissions

Enter on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram  (go to all three for more chances to win!) Comment if you’re Team Jane (Austen) or Team Charlotte (Bronte) for a chance to win:   -Signed copy of THE LAST WORD -DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Jennieke Cohen (seriously THE most charming Regency romance) -Jane Austen socks -Tote bag -Bath bombs -Spoon earrings -Quill pen -Scrunchie US only. Ends 6/19. Stay tuned, because I will be doing giveaways all month until THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER comes out on July 14, 2020.

Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Julie Wright My rating: 5 of 5 stars It’s a delightful romcom set in Hollywood. Silvia is an amazing film editor, but she’s overwhelmed because she’s doing her boss’s work too. By chance, she meets an old co-worker from another studio and he helps her with the finishing touches of her project. Sparks fly, but he’s dating someone else. Can Silvia find her own happy ending in Hollywood? 💋💋💋 I loved all the Audrey Hepburn references, including Silvia naming her glass eye after her. I especially loved Silvia’s relationship with her grandmother. And the sweet romance was worthy of the silver screen.💋💋💋 I love the friends to lovers trope and this one was fantastic! 💋💋💋 View all my reviews