The Owl Bookmark Blog - Interview and Giveaway

Today, as part of my virtual book tour, I am being interviewed over at The Owl Bookmark Blog where I get to answer questions like, "What was the easiest part of writing Road from the West?" and, "What do you have planned to write next?" Rumor has it there's also a giveaway in full swing, so if you still want to win a copy of Road from the West, head on over there to enter.

Three Reviews + Kindle Nation Daily

I neglected to post yesterday, so today I have three new blog reviews of Road from the West to tell you about. The first is over at A Few More Pages:

....I definitely would like to continue reading about Tancred's adventures, and since this book only takes us part-way on the Crusaders' journey to Jerusalem, I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series. There are too many questions still left to be answered: Will Tancred make it to Jerusalem? Will Alexandra win his heart? Will Bohemond gain the riches and power he is after? I must find out what happens!

The second review is at By the By Books:

Lortz's narrative is wonderfully written. The writing is very simple, but in a good way. I felt that this section of history, which is almost 1000 years old, was fresh and easily understandable for today's reader....

And the third review is over at The Owl Bookmark Blog, a website which has the most whimsically delightful header:

It is very obvious right off the bat that Lortz did her research and probably is as familiar with the Crusades (all of them)as she is with the back of her hand.  This novel is full of historical facts and anecdotes as well as a very realistic setting that allows Lortz's historical prowess to show....

 In other news, Road from the West is the featured sponsor over at Kindle Nation Daily today. KND is a website with a large e-mail subscriber list that alerts Kindle owners about great finds in the e-book world. The site owner, Stephen Windwalker, is a pleasure to work with, and we've really enjoyed the ads that he's put together for both I Serve and Road from the West.

Bippity Boppity Book - Review and Giveaway

Today Road from the West is being reviewed over at Bippity Boppity Book. This is a blog I love to stop by quite often, and it is also the host of the Chivalrous Deeds: Historical Fiction Challenge which I am participating in this year. Head on over there to participate in the giveaway or to read the rest of this review:

As someone who has never read a thing about the First Crusade, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.... I liked the main character Tancred because it is clear that even though he was raised by his Uncle, their ideologies are completely different and Tancred proves himself time and again throughout the Crusade that his Uncle’s way is not the only way.  Also as a former Soldier I liked that Tancred was all about what was best for his Soldiers and able to swallow his pride for their benefit....

The Musings of a Book Junkie - Author Interview

Today, The Musings of a Book Junkie is graciously hosting an author interview with moi. And I must say, it's one of my favorite sets of questions that I've had to answer so far. Head on over there if you want to see my responses to queries like, "The Crusades have a bad reputation. Why should we learn about the Crusades?"

Peeking between the Pages - Review and Giveaway

Today's stop on the virtual book tour is over at Peeking between the Pages. Head on over there for a giveaway and to read the rest of this review of Road from the West:

The author’s writing is very descriptive and really brought to life this time period for me. What I enjoyed most about this novel is that it wasn’t only about battles and blood and guts. It was actually about the people – the soldiers and what they were thinking and planning. Yes there were battles but I came away from this novel caring about some of the characters like Tancred and Alexandra.  From the beginning of the story I felt drawn to Tancred and his family and it made me want to read more.