Romance Novels to Enjoy this Spring
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 22, 2023
If you’re a regular on the Hidden Gems blog, you’ll know that romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program. Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up new books every chance they get. If you’re looking for a new read to enjoy the spring weather with, there’s something for every romance reader on this list! Deadly Twist by Kendall Talbot With 220+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Deadly Twist is a standalone novel, but is the second in the three book Maximum Exposure series, which will have your heart pounding from romance and adrenaline. For those who are fans of Lara Croft, this series is for you! “…This is a superbly written romantic suspense with descriptions so vivid and graphic, you will feel the steamy jungle heat and hear the mosquitos buzzing around!” Silke explains in their… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Lauren Smith
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 14, 2023
Today’s interview is with multi-genre, and multi-pen name author Lauren Smith who also writes as Emma Castle and Daphne Hunt. She shared with us her journey to publication and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about her writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? LS: I write romance, historical fiction and cozy mysteries under the names Lauren Smith, Emma Castle and Daphne Hunt. All of my writing has a timeless feel no matter the subgenre. I’m an attorney who now writes full time. HG: Fantastic. You’re both traditionally published and self-published. Can you explain to readers what that means for an author and how it differs when it comes to the publication process? LS: I first started out in my career publishing with a small publishing house that… Read More >
Spring Break Books for Your Young Adult Readers
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 7, 2023
Are your middle-grade or young adult readers looking for books to read over Spring break? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers recently loved the following titles, and we bet the young adult readers in your life will, as well. Who knows – you may find yourself a fan of the following titles, too. Finding Frances by Kelly Vincent With 40+ ratings and a 4.5 average star rating, Finding Frances follows Retta Brooks as her world is suddenly turned upside down by domestic violence. Ian Y. describes further in his five star Amazon review, “A story of how a teenager finds herself and her inner resilience to overcome the traumas of her parents’ abusive relationship. Her authentic voice and struggles are evocatively written and have deep emotional impact. At a time when domestic violence laws and funding are in a state of flux globally, it’s imperative to shine a light on relationship… Read More >
Children’s Books to Read During Spring Break
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 28, 2023
Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for a great bedtime story to enjoy with your youngest book lovers. With spring break on the horizon, we have a list of books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well. Bellies to the Sky by Colleen Canning With 100 ratings and an impressive 4.6 average star rating, Bellies to the Sky is recommended for children ages 3-9 years old. According to the book description, this bedtime book will help lead your little one -and you – to a peaceful night/s sleep. “The best part of life is sitting with a little one and reading to them and watching their wonderment,” writes Debi H. in her 5-star review. “Bellies To The Sky manages to keep their attention while learning… Read More >
Horror Stories to Read Under the Covers
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 21, 2023
The weather got you down? Looking for a bit of excitement during the February blahs? Here are tales that will thrill you and keep you turning the pages. We’re focusing on horrifying hidden gems that our readers loved, and hope you will, too. Read them now or add them to your Goodreads to-read list for the future. The Brother’s Curse by Christine M. Germain With 110+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, The Brother’s Curse is the first of the three book The Brother’s Curse Saga series and is a heart-pounding tale indeed. Crystal, who moves back home after the death of her parents is quickly launched into a race to flee from paranormal brothers who are on a quest to procure one of her mother’s heirlooms. “…A tension-building story with fantastic horror elements and engaging dialogue,” Ashon R. writes in their five star Amazon review. “In my opinion, the… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jeanne Felfe
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 14, 2023
Today’s interview is with author Jeanne Felfe. According to her official bio, Felfe writes character-driven stories from the heart, often defying genre-classification. She shared with us her journey to publication and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about Jeanne’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JF: I’m a “life happens” kind of writer. Most everything I write has a real-world feel to it with strong female characters (never damsels in distress) in dramatic situations. While Bridge to Us is technically a romance, it leans toward women’s fiction. HG: Wonderful. Tell us a bit about your publishing journey. How did you know you were ready to take on the “author” title? JF: I’ve been an on-and-off-again writer for many years. It wasn’t until my mother passed in 2012… Read More >
Fantasy Novels to escape the Winter Chill
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 7, 2023
If you are looking for an escape from the cold of winter, this list is for you. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of recently top rated fantasy novels that our Hidden Gems ARC readers raved about. Cyrus Longbones and the Yeti Kingdom by Jeremy Mathiesen With 40+ ratings and a 4.7 star average, Cyrus LongBones and the Yeti Kingdom is the second in the three book Cyrus LongBones series. Cyrus must free his village from the grips of an evil Queen. Mike writes in his five star Amazon review, “My 13 year old grandson and I have read both books and thoroughly enjoyed them. If you like action/adventure/fantasy, I would definitely recommend this series…This book is listed under children’s/young adults, but as a grandparent six times over I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long time…” “This book was a rollicking good time and just… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: K.T. Rose
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 31, 2023
Today’s interview is with horror author K.T. Rose. She shared a lot about her writing and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about K.T.’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? KTR: I write horror. All of it is on the darker side of the spectrum, so reader beware. HG: What feeling do you hope readers are left with when they finish one of your novels? KTR: There is hope on the other side of a tragedy and true life lessons can be learned through horrific experiences. HG: Ah, I love that. Could you tell us a bit about your publishing journey? How did you know you were ready to take on the “author” title? KTR: Back in 2016, I was dealing with some personal trauma and decided… Read More >
Women’s Lit Books to Add to Your List
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 24, 2023
Did you resolve to read more books in 2023? According to Wikipedia, Women’s fiction is an umbrella term for women centered books that focus on women’s life experience that are typically marketed to female readers, and includes many mainstream novels. If you’re looking for books to add to your queue, take a peek at these titles our readers loved. Intersections by Poornima Manco With 20+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Intersections follows four women from each individual perspective, exploring the depths and complexity of female friendships over time and through tragedy. Hollene G. writes in her five star Amazon review, “ Intersections took me on a very emotional read, my heart breaking for these young women, so much completely out of their control as they try and navigate both their friendships and life in general. It’s a beautiful book, well written, full of emotional highs and lows…” CheekyChiquita further… Read More >
5 Fantasy Authors to Check Out This Year
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 17, 2023
Each month we have the opportunity to interview the writers that bring awe-inspiring stories to your eReaders. From debut authors, to seasoned pros we’ve enjoyed getting to know these folks and learning about their inspiration and lives outside of writing. Today we’re pleased to bring you a round-up of five recent interviews with fantasy authors dedicated to bringing you stories full of wonder and imagination. Self-published and traditionally published authors face a lot of competition to be seen with well over 1 million books published every year, according to Bowker. Through the Hidden Gems ARC program, we’ve introduced readers to books in over 15 genres from authors of all walks of life, from just starting out to well seasoned pros. It’s been an honor connecting readers and writers through stories and feedback. The Hidden Gems ARC program is 100% free for readers. Each morning we send out offers for books… Read More >
