Samantha Hastings

To celebrate the release of A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY, I'm doing giveaways all month on my Facebook and Instagram accounts. Enter weekly!

 A book AND dress # giveaway on Instagram❤️❤️❤️ from my dear friend Jacqueline Firkins. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to receive an authentic 1860s style dress! And A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY ❤️❤️❤️

In case you missed my November newsletter. Here's a link:  https: //mailchi.mp/a64927653f23/november-newsletter I'm so excited to share in my newsletter that A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY is a Whitney Award nominee. Learn more here.

November is NANOWRIMO, National Novel Writing Month! Writers try to reach 50,000 words in their novel in just one month. I’ve done NANOWRIMO twice and I’ve reached my word count both times.  Here’s some tips to help: Don’t edit. If you don’t know what to write, skip to a scene that you do. Don’t try to get it perfect. Try to get words down.  Set a specific daily word count and don’t stop writing each day until you reach it.  Don’t give up  😁

The Bone Charmer By Breeana Shields Book Discussion Questions   1.       “It’s not healthy to know too much about your own future,” Della says. Would you choose to have a bone kenning? 2.       Latham says that, “Fate is predictable, but choice isn’t.” And Saskia insists that the power of choice is “the greater luxury.” How are Saskia, Bram, Declan, and Della’s choices unpredictable? Is the power of choice a luxury? 3.       “Trying to escape your fate is like trying to make a toad croon like a songbird...No matter how good your intentions, you’re just wasting your time.” Do you believe in fate?  Do you believe there is a perfect mate for you? For everyone? Would you choose to be bone-matched? 4.       “You have a hundred possible futures, my love,” Della says. Do you think that’s true for everyone? Every age? 5.       Gran explains that fa...

  A GOLDEN FURY by Samantha Cohoe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A perfect read like for fans of Addie Thorley’s AN AFFAIR OF POISONS. Thea and her mother are alchemists, but just before they’ve completed the philosopher’s stone her mother locked her out of their lab and went mad. Thea is sent back to England to a father who doesn’t know she exists and only her notes and her letters from Will. Both her father and Will want her knowledge, but who can she trust? And is the stone cursed? Thea is a passionate and intelligent heroine that is sure to appeal to modern readers. She is naive at times, but her heart is always in the right place. The setting is as explosive as the alchemy; beginning in Revolutionary France and then to England on the brink of war. I loved the references to Mary Wollstonecraft’s VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN. There’s a strong feminist streak that I adored.

It's time to celebrate Christmas in October! A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY comes out today. Here is what other authors are saying: In case you missed my October newsletter, you can still read it here!  I hope you have a wonderful day.

  “I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but like everybody else, it must be in my own way.” -EMMA by Jane Austen.   What makes you perfectly happy?  For myself, my husband, chocolate, a good book, and a bubble bath  🛀🛀🛀 I’m adoring Sally Britton’s Inglewood series. In the four I’ve read (there’s one more), each of the five friends finds happiness in their own way.  In RESCUING LORD INGLEWOOD, Esther and Silas find happiness in a convenient marriage.  In DISCOVERING GRACE, twin sisters Grace and Hope find joy in switching places.  In SAVING MISS EVERLY, Hope finds happiness and love while being marooned on an island.  In ENGAGING SIR ISAAC, Millie and Isaac learn there are second chances in love and life.  This Saturday, September 19th, I get to take over Sally’s group for the day:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/SallysSweetRomanceFans/ I’m going to be doing multiple posts and giveaways! Join the group if you’d l...

 What are some of your favorite romcoms?  ONE WAY OR ANOTHER by Kara McDowell has all of the charm and romance of a Hallmark movie plus the depth and drama of a well-written novel. Paige suffers from crippling anxiety and even the smallest of decisions, sends her into a spiral of overthinking. So when she is offered two different ways to celebrate Christmas, she is undecided. Go to New York with her mom on her first airplane ride and do all the things on her list. Or, enjoy the holiday at her best friend’s cabin who she also happens to be in love with. Fate and a knock on the head, give her the opportunity to enjoy both options... I loved seeing how the two “fates” differed and how they were the same. I also enjoyed Paige’s character growth in both scenarios. And what is a Christmas story without romance? Well this one has plenty of misunderstandings, misses, and holiday kisses. 

 Bertie is a bit of a disappointment to his parents; sandwiched between Vicky and Alice (both genius-level intellect), he’s ordinary. More charming than virtuous. More spontaneous than serious. But because he is male, he is the heir to Queen Victoria’s throne. He’s only 19, but his sister Vicky is already vetting princesses in Europe for his future wife. He and Drina are friends, and he wants to help her break the entail on her family’s estate. 👑👑👑 He’ll eventually become King Edward VII, but his friends still call him Tum Tum. 👑👑👑 Preorder gifts and purchase links. 

 This week I’m going to highlight two REAL royal characters! Queen Victoria, her husband, and eight of her nine children are characters in A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY.  Princess Alice is the third child and at the ripe old age of 17 needs to pick a prince fast (her older sister Vicky was engaged at 14; yikes!). Her parents have given her until Christmas to pick her future husband. Luckily, her best friend Drina is ready to help her find the perfect prince.  Preorder gifts and purchase links.  

 A Royal Christmas Quandary Preorder Links! Get a prize pack in the mail when you preorder. Info here.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll be doing a #giveaway every Monday for five weeks on Facebook and Instagram! I’m celebrating the release of A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY on Oct 6, 2020. It’s a full-length ebook for only $7.80. Get a prize pack in the mail when you preorder it. I’ve also partnered with some lovely authors for double the swag two of those weeks. Enter every week for the best chance to win! Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Instagram

Have you ever created a list of attributes for a spouse/partner?  I did in high school and it’s a hoot! There’s like 30 requirements (most of them are ridiculous).  MR. MALCOLM’S LIST by Suzanne Allain is definitely a book you’ll want to add to your TBR list! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ When Julia learns from her cousin, Lord Cassidy, that Mr. Malcolm has moved on because she didn’t meet all the requirements on his list, she’s livid. She comes up with a scheme—have Mr. Malcolm fall in love with her old school fellow, Selina, and then have her snub him for not meeting HER list. Selina is eager to be London and is told by Julia if she doesn’t follow through with the scheme, she’ll lose her invitation. Both Selina and Mr. Malcolm have instant attraction, but Selina is piqued that she is being tested from his list. And Julia is out for revenge at all costs.  Mr. Malcolm’s list for an acceptable wife is worthy of Mr. Darcy. He’s looking for perfection, but he realizes by the end that love can’...

Interviews, reviews, exclusive excerpts, and guest posts by me! July 13th – Kait Plus Books  >> Interview – Hurn Publications  >> Review – Tiggy’s Books   >> Interview – Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm  >> Review July 14th – Bitch Bookshelf  >> Review – Living in a Bookworld  >> Excerpt – 100 Pages A Day  >> Review – I Can Has Books?  >> Review – The Caffeinated Reader   >> Review July 15th – Adventures in Writing  >> Review – Uneek Book Lover  >> Review – JeanzBookReadNReview  >> Interview – The Heart of a Book Blogger   >> Guest post July 16th – The Avid Reader  >> Review – gracelwrites – a voyage across pages  >> Review – Dilyana’s World  >> Guest post – Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author  >> Excerpt – Emelie’s Books  >> Review July 17th – Bookworm for Kids  >...

Don’t miss any of the stops on   #theinventionofsophiecarter   Storygram tour! Enter the   #giveaway   each day 🎩🖤🎩🖤 July 12-  @the_bookish_astronaut July 13-  @amanda.the.bookish July 14-  @readingmypages July 15-  @beverageandbook July 16-  @morrigans_books July 17-  @the.magicalpages July 18-  @xenatine My instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/samanthahastingsauthor/ Direct link to post:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqmuLDgeyC/

If you missed my July Newsletter, here it is:  https://mailchi.mp/56482215d40d/july-newsletter I'm doing a giveaway with Joanna Barker on Facebook and Instagram . Check it out! The Invention of Sophie Carter comes out in one week! Preorder now!

 I loved SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT by @sarablarson so I was thrilled to read an eARC of the second book: WARRIORS OF WING AND FLAME 🔥🔥🔥 (coming out 10/27/20) My spoiler free review:  Hold on tight because this story is one wild and exciting gryphon ride!  🔥🔥🔥 Larson masterfully spins tension, action, and romance together. There are plenty of steamy kisses that will make your toes curl! And surprises that will make your jaw drop. But the heart and beauty of the story is the love and devotion between the two sisters. 🔥🔥🔥 Aren’t these character cards gorgeous? I had to get a close up 🔥🔥🔥

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

The Bone Thief by Breeana Shields My rating: 5 of 5 stars Everything I wanted it to be and more. I can’t recommend this duology enough! Saskia is intent on revenge. She’s returned to Ivory Hall (a magic school) but with another version of hers memories. Including, a deep love for a boy who doesn’t love her in this reality. She and a team of friends are a part of the Bone Games. A dangerous competition that will require their wits, strength, and consciences. Leading to a heartfelt, satisfying conclusion without being schmaltzy. Saskia’s growth as a character and her acceptance of her choices, bad and good, was one of my favorite parts. The romance was full of longing and the perfect amount of slow burn. The friendships were such a beautiful part of the story. You couldn’t help but love her Bone Games team. The fantasy-world was unique and well-developed. A must read! View all my reviews

Far from Normal by Becky Wallace My rating: 5 of 5 stars I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Squeals! More squeals! The most squeals! I utterly adored and entirely loved this book and I’m just starting on my overuse of adverbs. Maddie is a normal girl from Normal, Illinois. She goes to Chicago for the summer to work as an intern at a PR company so that she can get a recommendation letter for college. Her summer starts with a crash thanks to her aunt’s dog and her slim bicycle skills. Luckily the accident results in an charmingly awkward meet cute with a handsome boy named Gabe. The sparks and soccer balls fly from there when she’s tasked by the PR firm to help improve his image. But someone is trying to sabotage her at work and she worries about getting her heart too involved with a client. I honestly loved it so much that I went back and read my favorite parts, twice. The voice is believable and relatable. The twists are fun, some expecte...

Read The Invention of Sophie Carter  BEFORE it's published!  Win one of 15 advanced reader's copies on Goodreads !   Open until May 22, 2020.

Where one story ends, another begins. 1861. Miss Lucinda Leavitt is shocked when she learns the author of her favorite serialized novel has died before completing the story. Determined to learn how it ends, Lucinda reluctantly enlists the help of her father’s young business partner to track down the reclusive author’s final papers. Mr. David Randall is overwhelmed by his workload. He's eager to prove to the world—and to himself—that he's capable of following in his late father's footsteps. He doesn’t have the time for this endeavor, but Lucinda is not the type to take no for an answer. Their search for the elusive Mrs. Smith and the rightful ending to her novel leads Lucinda and David around the English countryside, but the truths they discover about themselves—and each other—are anything but fictional. Goodreads   *   Amazon   *   IndieBound   *   Target   *   Barnes and Noble   *   Walmart  ...

Readers looking for a light, fun read full of holiday mischief will be delighted by Samantha Hastings'  A Royal Christmas Quandary , perfect for fans of  A Christmas Prince. When you spend Christmas in a castle, anything is possible. 1860. Lady Alexandrina Gailey is looking forward to a cozy holiday at Windsor Castle with her best friend, Princess Alice, and her long-time crush, Lord George Worthington. But Drina's plans are all but dashed when Alice's parents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, declare that Alice must choose one of two royal princes to become engaged to before Christmas. There's just one problem: George, a junior member of the Foreign Office, has accidentally misplaced one of the princes. Together, Drina and George scour the town of Windsor for the missing prince, desperately hoping to deliver him to the royal dinner party with the queen and king none the wiser. They might just need a royal Christmas miracle to pull it off. Book Grou...