Category: iread

June 18, 2025

The Price of Truth

In The Price of Truth, shocking betrayals surface and long-buried secrets claw their way to the light, Karis realizes the price of truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay.

About The Price of Truth

Seventeen-year-old Karis Russo is no stranger to pain. Still reeling from her father’s death, she’s weighted down by grief she can’t seem to outrun. But nothing prepares her for the night that upends her life once again.

After attending the grand opening of The Aragon Luxury Resort and Spa, Karis wakes up bloody and bruised with no memory of what happened. Determined to find the truth, she embarks on a relentless quest for answers.

Her investigation takes a surprising turn when she learns Mason Whitman, practically Duncan High “royalty”, has harbored a crush on her for years. His charm and their undeniable chemistry throw her into a tailspin. Caught between piecing together the night she lost and embracing the possibility of love she never saw coming, Karis convinces herself she can juggle both worlds.

But the deeper she digs into the mystery of that fateful night, the darker the truth becomes. As shocking betrayals surface and long-buried secrets claw their way to the light, Karis realizes the price of truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

You can enter to win a signed copy of this book (US only) here.

About the Author

The Price of Truth is Michele Clarizio’s first book in the Chasing Peace series. Michele is a near-native of Denver, Colorado, where she’s fortunate to have her adult children, Mackenzie and Matthew, nearby.

For more information and to stay informed about the next Chasing Peace novel, please visit MicheleClarizio.com and be sure to join her email list.

Connect with Michele on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 16, 2025

Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree

In Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree, with each new generation, precious souls are called upon to serve a higher purpose. But each calling is forged in challenge and fear, and every journey hinges upon the choices made.

About Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree

In the deepest dark, there is only light.

With each new generation, precious souls are called upon to serve a higher purpose. But each calling is forged in challenge and fear, and every journey hinges upon the choices made.

In present-day North Carolina, Gabriel is devoted to his wife, Jennifer, and their five rambunctious kids… until the day tragedy strikes the Connor household, setting in motion a chai of events that will transform humanity.

In ancient Rome, young Gabrielus leaves his humble village to become a protector of the emperor. He dreams of bringing glory and wealth to his family and returning a hero to his love, Jennamine. But the path ahead is steeped in grief and vengeance, and Gabrielus will be forced to make a choice that echoes through the ages.

One soul. Infinite journeys. A universe of possibilities.

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Enter to win a signed copy of this book (US/CAN) here.

About the Author

At the base of a mountain in Connecticut sits a peach orchard in a quiet neighborhood. Here, hawks soar high as coyotes slink among the trees, leaving trails of wisdom and mystery. In the early hours, the veil between worlds is as thin as the morning mist. This is where Daniel E. Chambrello sits and thinks. As the youngest of five, Daniel is a born observer, preferring solitude as he questions everything from consciousness to Catholic doctrine. While journeying and experiencing love, heartbreak, and so much in between, Daniel’s knowing has expanded, and his questions have grown deeper. When a good friend handed him a book by a spiritual teacher, it was a life-defining moment, confirming all Daniel had known as truth and further kindling a story that he’d felt called to write since childhood. In this ethos, Daniel’s first novel sprung forth—a spiritual guidebook weaving together love, adventure, and truths that are best felt rather than described.

Disclosure: This post is part of a spotlight tour, I received no compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 9, 2025

Red Sun Rising

Red Sun Rising is a sweeping epic fantasy series, perfect for fans of political intrigue, morally complex characters, and dynastic power struggles.

About Red Sun Rising

Power is not inherited. It is taken—by blood, by fire, by force.

The Empire is rotting from within. Corruption festers in its courts, rebellions simmer at its borders, and old gods whisper in the shadows. Amid the chaos, one family sees opportunity.

House de Bordeaux has long stood on the fringes of power—noble in name, forgotten in legacy. But when a mysterious death fractures the imperial line, a brutal new game begins. As alliances crumble and enemies multiply, the de Bordeaux heirs must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice in their pursuit of the throne—and what darkness they’ll awaken along the way.

From the first clash of voltedge swords to the final echo of betrayal, Red Sun Rising is a gripping tale of ambition, treachery, and the high cost of empire.

The first installment in a sweeping epic fantasy series, perfect for fans of political intrigue, morally complex characters, and dynastic power struggles.

You can pre-order this book on the website and Amazon.

Enter to win a signed copy (US only) here.

About the Author

Allen Lyle lives in Athens, Georgia, (GO DAWGS!) where he shares his home with his wife, four cats, a sweet pup, and several hundred books. A lifelong devotee of science fiction and fantasy, he fell under their spell at a young age and never looked back. Allen considers himself a lifelong devotee of science fiction and fantasy, He has always been drawn to the intersection of history and the speculative—asking questions like, “What if the Byzantine Empire had rockets?” or “What if Tolkien’s world had pirates?”

An avid gamer, Allen has spent countless hours orchestrating dynastic dramas in Crusader Kings III, an inspiration for his debut novel. His fascination with history extends beyond pixels and pages—he’s an enthusiastic collector of antiques, a lover of travel, and a devoted fan of minor league baseball. When he’s not writing, Allen can be found painting miniatures or reading. His debut novel takes readers thousands of years into a post-apocalyptic future where the kings and queens of Europe—now called Yuropa—rule once more. It’s sure to hit the sweet spot for fantasy, scifi, and history lovers alike…just like Allen.

Connect with Allen on his website and Goodreads.

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 9, 2025

Pei’s Pineapple Cakes

Pei’s Pineapple Cakes is a charming story of courage, adventure, and the love between grandchildren and grandparents.

About Pei’s Pineapple Cakes

While visiting her grandmother in central Taiwan, Pei finds herself in the middle of a mystery. The pineapple cakes from her grandmother’s bakery have disappeared! Soon Pei is collecting clues as she embarks on a quest to find the missing pineapple cakes.

From traditional Taiwanese artisan craftsmanship to picturesque villages of central Taiwan, Pei discovers the beauty of her grandmother’s hometown. This is a charming story of courage, adventure, and the love between grandchildren and grandparents.

Pei’s Pineapple Cakes is an elaborately illustrated picture book that makes an ideal gift:

-Real locations from central Taiwan make for an inspiring geographical, historical and cultural reading experience
-Storyline sparks dialogue around kindness, empathy, courage, and resilience
-Exquisite illustrations of Taiwanese artisans’ craftsmanship foster appreciation for heritage and traditions
-Bilingual text in English and Mandarin encourages learning in both languages

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, B&N, BAM.

Enter to win a signed copy of Pei’s Pineapple Cakes (US only) here.

About the Author

Crystal Z. Lee is a bilingual writer who divides her time between the U.S. and Asia. Crystal grew up in Taipei and later returned to live there in her adult years. Some of Crystal’s fondest memories in Taiwan include boating at Sun Moon Lake, chasing butterflies in Maolin, making pineapple cakes and eating her way through night markets with her family. Besides children’s books, Crystal’s other published works include poetry and a novel. Her other book about Taiwan is titled Kai the Dancing Butterfly. She is also the author of Mei’s Mermaid Mission, A Unicorn Named Rin, and Love and Other Moods.

You can connect with the author on their website, Instagram and Goodreads.

About the Illustrator

Allie Su grew up in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She often finds her illustration inspiration from the great outdoors. One of her favorite places to hike in Taiwan is Sun-Link-Sea Forest in Nantou. She adores Taiwanese cuisine and night market foods, such as stinky tofu, vegetarian noodles and taro pastries from Taichung. Allie also illustrated Mei’s Mermaid Mission and Kai the Dancing Butterfly.

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

May 22, 2025

Higher Love

This heart-wrenching family drama delves into the enduring impact of secrets, the power of unconditional love, and the strength found in facing our pasts.

About Higher Love

In 1986 Austin, Texas, sixteen-year-old Stephanie steps into sixty-two-year-old Lauren’s life, her uncanny resemblance cracking open a buried past. Claiming to be the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption forty-five years ago, Stephanie upends Lauren’s life—already complicated by her remarriage to Brett after thirty-three years apart. Stung by her adoptive grandmother’s deception, Stephanie stays, her past of tragedy and self-harm forging a fragile bond with Lauren and Brett. When Stephanie’s trust fund evaporates, crushing her college dreams, Lauren sacrifices all to give her a future—only to face a bittersweet twist that echoes the past and changes everything. This heart-wrenching family drama delves into the enduring impact of secrets, the power of unconditional love, and the strength found in facing our pasts

You can pre-order the book on Amazon.

Enter to win a signed copy (US only) here.

About the Author

Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired registered nurse who worked in the cold, stark environment of operating rooms and the highly charged setting of psychiatric facilities, now resides in the Texas Hill Country. There, she crafts fiction centered on complex women of the twentieth century. Her debut novel, Sweet Jane, garnered multiple accolades, including the adult fiction prize at the Texas Author Project, and was a finalist for prestigious honors like the Sarton Award and the Eric Hoffer Award, among others. Her second book, Just One Look, was selected as a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick. Her third novel, I’ll Be Seeing You, revisits characters from Sweet Jane. Her fourth novel, Higher Love, a continuation of her third, is slated for release in Spring 2025. Easley’s award-winning short stories and poetry have been featured in various anthologies.

You can connect with her on her website, X, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.