July 31, 2018

Shattered Silence by Marta Perry - Spotlight and Excerpt



Book details

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN (July 31, 2018)

Book description
A woman on the run seeks sanctuary in a peaceful Pennsylvania Dutch community—and finds a protector in the most unlikely of men…

One moment Rachel Hartline is secure in her career and community. The next, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time—watching her ex-husband commit a crime that puts her in unfathomable danger. Fear and hurt send her home to an Amish farm and the family she’s always trusted. But a private investigator is close behind—and he may be a threat to her in more ways than one…

Cold, calculating Clint Mordan isn’t convinced Rachel is as innocent in her ex-husband’s schemes as she claims, but when her ex’s enemies target Rachel, Clint is driven to keep her safe. Maybe the terror in her beautiful eyes and the target on her back aren’t an act. But as his feelings toward her deepen, Clint realizes he’s the only one who can keep Rachel alive in a game where only the killer knows the stakes.



Meet the author - Marta Perry
Marta Perry realized she wanted to be a writer at age eight, when she read her first Nancy Drew novel. A lifetime spent in rural Pennsylvania and her own Pennsylvania Dutch roots led Marta to the books she writes now about the Amish. When she’s not writing, Marta is active in the life of her church and enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children and six beautiful grandchildren.

Connect with Marta
Website | Facebook

Excerpt
CLINT EYED THE woman in the car ahead of him. He’d seen the movement of her head when she spotted him in her rearview mirror. Was she going to confront him here and now?

No, apparently not. Rachel Hartline pulled out, signaling as if he were any other driver close behind her. If she was shaken that he was on her tail so quickly, she didn’t show it. She might still try to lose him, but he was ready for that…even grimly amused at the thought.

But Rachel made no move to do any such thing, and after a couple of turns, it was clear she was headed home. Good. There were a few things they had to talk about.

He’d checked in with Logan to learn that according to the watchman, Rachel had visited the offices last night. The security camera had caught her arrival and departure. It hadn’t shown anything of Paul Hartline, after he'd supposedly left for the day. If he’d been there, he must have left by an unmonitored hallway. And if Attwood had taken their advice, that wouldn’t have happened.

When he’d heard about Rachel’s visit, the flicker of sympathy Clint had felt earlier was extinguished. Obviously she knew something, even if she hadn’t been involved. And he intended to know what that was.

Clint frowned. Logan had questioned the night watchman, who’d insisted she’d been in the offices alone only for a few minutes. He could have been covering up for his own laxity in letting her in, but the film bore out what he said. Even so, if she knew how to get into the files, it would take only that long to make a copy.

As for his insistence that she hadn’t been carrying anything but her handbag when she left…a flash drive wouldn’t take up much space at all. His jaw hardened. Yes, Rachel had a lot of explaining to do.

Marta Perry’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Tuesday, July 24th: Reading Reality
Wednesday, July 25th: Books a la Mode – excerpt
Wednesday, July 25th: @girlandherbooks
Friday, July 27th: Moonlight Rendezvous
Monday, July 30th: A Holland Reads – excerpt
Tuesday, July 31st: Books & Spoons
Wednesday, August 1st: Splashes of Joy
Thursday, August 2nd: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Thursday, August 2nd: Stuck in Books – excerpt
Monday, August 6th: Cheryl’s Book Nook
Tuesday, August 7th: Blooming with Books 
Tuesday, August 7th: What is That Book About – excerpt
Wednesday, August 8th: Mystery Suspense Reviews
Thursday, August 9th: Mel’s Shelves
Friday, August 10th: Jathan & Heather
Monday, August 13th: From the TBR Pile
Tuesday, August 14th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy – excerpt
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July 26, 2018

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 12, 2018)

Book description
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.

When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.

Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.

Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.


Meet the author - Rachel Hauck
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower.

Connect with Rachel
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

My thoughts
I enjoyed the setting and time period of this story. This is kind of considered a time-slip novel since it takes place in two different time periods. The Revolutionary time period is always one of my go-time settings. Rachel did a good job in capturing the time and place. I felt as if her research showed through. She also did a good job of going back and forth between the stories. When I would be reading one story I found I could not wait to see what happened with the first story. I thought all the characters were strong and liked the way each of their personalities showed through. The author created another great book. 


Tour participants
Monday, July 23rd: Write Read Life
Tuesday, July 24th: The Romance Dish
Wednesday, July 25th: Running Through the Storms
Thursday, July 26th: A Holland Reads
Friday, July 27th: Kritter’s Ramblings
Monday, July 30th: Books & Bindings
Tuesday, July 31st: From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, August 1st: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Thursday, August 2nd: Jathan & Heather
Friday, August 3rd: @ladyofthelibrary
Monday, August 6th: Blooming with Books
Monday, August 6th: Fiction Aficionado
Tuesday, August 7th: A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, August 8th: What is That Book About
Thursday, August 9th: Girl Who Reads
Friday, August 10th: Broken Teepee
Monday, August 13th: Here’s to Happy Endings
Tuesday, August 14th: Empowermoms
Thursday, August 16th: Read Eat Repeat
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July 21, 2018

Tail of the Dragon by Connie di Marco - Review and Giveaway

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details
Genre: Mystery
Published by: Midnight Ink
Publication Date: August 8th 2018
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 0738751065 (ISBN13: 9780738751061)
Series: Zodiac Mystery #3
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads

Book description
San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought murder would be part of her practice, but now, Julia’s former boss and current client has asked for help. He has serious problems at his law firm. Two attorneys and a paralegal have received death threats and the only common denominator between all three is a case long settled — the highly publicized Bank of San Francisco fire. Julia’s convinced a woman is behind the threats, perhaps even the widow of the man who died in that same fire, but no one wants to listen — they can’t believe astrology could provide a clue. Before Julia can help her client, two lawyers are dead and her own life is threatened. Can she unmask the killer before he (or she) takes another life?

Meet the author - Connie di Marco
Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti. Tail of the Dragon, third in the series, will be released on August 8, 2018.

Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of MWA, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.

Catch Up With Connie On: Website, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!

My thoughts
I had fun going back to this series to see what Julia was up to. It was nice of Julia to help out her former employer. But as they say no good deed goes unpunished - proof she found a dead body. This was a fast but fun book to read. The author did a good job of keeping you guessing right up until the end. I also liked how the characters seem to bounce off of each other and therefore make a great cast. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Giveaway:
This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Connie di Marco. There will be 1 winner of 1 Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on July 16, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.


Tour participants


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July 20, 2018

The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul - Review


Book details
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Diversion Books (April 18, 2017)
ISBN-13: 978-1682308356

Book description
Fan-favorite Bravolebrity Patricia Altschul from the primetime show, Southern Charm, finally brings fans of the show her opus on etiquette and living a glamorous champagne Southern lifestyle (on a beer budget). From how to throw the best party, to how to dress for an event, to how to handle a drunken bore at the dinner table, to how to deliver the perfectly-phrased insult (like her now iconic "shameless strumpet"), THE ART OF SOUTHERN CHARM will delight fashionistas and millennials alike as Patricia--and Michael the Butler--offer advice and tips on emulating the grand dame of Charleston

Meet the author - Patricia Altschul
Patricia Altschul has been featured in publications including Vogue, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, People; and she is the surprise break-out star of the Bravo hit reality series, Southern Charm. Wise, cultivated, elegant, and funny, Patricia is a consummate hostess and a lifestyle icon whose unique combination of class and sass has endeared her to fans of all ages.

Patricia has earned her status as a preeminent tastemaker. She received her Master’s Degree from George Washington University, where she lectured on Art History. She was a highly-successful art advisor who also amassed her own art collection and has served on the board of the New York Historical Society and other institutions. In addition to being an academic and a philanthropist, she has done a life-long tour-of-duty at the top of the social ladder in Washington, D.C., Oyster Bay, and on Manhattan’s storied Fifth Avenue, where she observed--and ultimately dictated--the modern-day rules of civility. Patricia, who really puts the “social” in social networking, has a glorious brain, the best legs, a killer sense of humor, and expertly curates every aspect of her life.

My thoughts
If you are a fan of Southern Charm and Patricia then you will love this book. As I was reading this book I could hear Patricia talking to me through the book just like she would be talking to Shep, Thomas or Kathryn. This was a very quick read for me as I just could not put it down. Patricia gives you some good tips on how to have your own Southern Charm and she even shares with you some of her favorite recipes. Glad I picked this book up. 
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The Complete Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem - Review


Book details
Age Range: 5 - 7 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
Series: Brambly Hedge
Hardcover: 248 pages
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks; 1st Edition edition (October 27, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0007450169

Book description
The mice of Brambly Hedge have been delighting adults and children alike for more than thirty years. All eight of the classic picture books are brought together in this exquisite volume.

The mice of Brambly Hedge made their first appearance in 1980 when the four seasonal stories were published. Ever since, readers have loved exploring the miniature world of the hedgerow and meeting the families that live there.

In this collection the mice have many adventures, but they always have time for fun and relaxation too. Whatever the season, and whether they are by the sea, in the High Hills, or simply at home by the fire, there is always someone ready to lend a helping hand.

Contains: Spring Story, Summer Story, Autumn Story, Winter Story, Poppy’s Babies, Sea Story, The High Hills, The Secret

Meet the author - Jill Barklem
Jill Barklem was drawn to the natural world ever since childhood. While training as an illustrator at St Martin’s School of Art, her long journeys to college gave her time to escape into the imaginary world of a colony of mice, later to be developed as the enchanting miniature world of Brambly Hedge.

My thoughts
I loved this book. I picked this book up because of the drawings I have seen online. The stories were adorable and I loved how the first ones were broken into seasons. It was fun to read about the lives of the little mice. I could sit and looks at the illustrations in this book all day. I think this is a must have in your children's collection. 
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July 18, 2018

Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips by Erin Johnson - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book details
Cozy Mystery 6th in Series 
Self Published 
Publication Date: June 23, 2018 
ASIN: B07DMBNCM2
 

Book description
A bewitched prison. A brother with a deadly request. Can a magical baker launch a jailbreak and still keep her prince in the process?

Imogen’s magical bakery is thriving and she loves the company of the Water Kingdom’s dashing prince. But she’s not so enamored with the time she’s forced to spend with his awful Royal Family. She also can't help but worry that the increased media scrutiny could reveal her secret contact with the Royal Family’s sworn enemy: her own brother.

When her sibling shows up and demands Imogen spring his cronies out of jail, she flat out refuses. But when he threatens to hurt the ones she loves the most, she balances her allegiance to the prince with her plan for a covert prison break. Can Imogen keep up family appearances and avoid betraying the kingdom or will her pie-in-the-sky scheme become a recipe for disaster?

Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips is the sixth standalone book in a clever paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like crafty witches, charming romances, and fabulous French settings, then you'll love Erin Johnson’s enchanting adventure.

Meet the author - Erin Johnson
Erin Johnson is a native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh. In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more). Website: www.erinjohnsonwrites.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/EJohnsonWrites. Twitter: @EJohnsonWrites Purchase Link - Amazon 

Giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
July 16 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
July 16 – Babs Book Bistro - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 16 – Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
July 16 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 17 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY 
July 17 – Mallory Heart's Cozies - REVIEW 
July 17 – The Cozy Pages – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 17 – Sapphyria's Books - REVIEW July 18 – Valerie's Musings – REVIEW 
July 18 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 18 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT 
July 19 – My Reading Journeys - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 19 – Varietats - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY 
July 19 – MJB Reviewers - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 19 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 20 – Teresa Trent Author Blog - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 20 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
July 20 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW 
July 21 – Mysteries with Character – SPOTLIGHT 
July 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW 
July 21 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW 
July 22 – Celticlady's Reviews - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 22 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 22 – The Montana Bookaholic - REVIEW


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A Souffle of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber - Review and Giveaway

 

Book details
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 
Crooked Lane Books (July 10, 2018) 
Hardcover 296 Pages 
ISBN-13: 978-1683315865 
Digital ASIN: B075QMR44B
  

Book description
The buoyant mood at Bistro Rousseau deflates when Chef Camille’s sister, Renee, turns up dead in the chef’s kitchen, and Mimi Rousseau must tease the real killer out of a mélange of menacing characters.

Crush Week in Nouvelle Vie is a madhouse—in a good way. Tourists pour into town for the pressing of the Napa Valley’s world-renowned grapes and all the town’s businesses get a nice lift, including Bistro and Maison Rousseau. Mimi is raising the ante this year with a Sweet Treats Festival, a wonderland of croissants, cakes, tarts, and soufflés crafted with expert care by the area’s top talents.

Chef Camille’s sister Renee is managing the festival with a cast-iron fist, upsetting everyone, including her sister. Which is bad for Camille when Renee turns up dead in the chef’s kitchen. Mimi is still building her business, so her first course of action is to whip up answers and catch the unsavory perpetrator before Camille takes a dusting and gets burned.

Meet the author - Daryl Wood Gerber
Agatha Award-winning Daryl Wood Gerber is best known for her nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries and CHEESE SHOP MYSTERIES, which she pens as Avery Aames. She will soon debut the new French Bistro Mysteries. Daryl also writes stand-alone suspense: DAYS OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!

Author Links Visit Daryl or Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. Daryl’s Blog – Avery’s Blog – Mystery Lover’s Kitchen – Killer Characters – Facebook: Daryl Avery Twitter: @AveryAames @DarylWoodGerber Goodreads: Daryl Wood Gerber Avery Aames Purchase Links Amazon B&N BookBub Kobo 

My thoughts
I always look forward to when I get a chance to read a new book by this author. The French bistro theme is enjoyable to me. I think it would be a nice place to have a bite to eat. Then in this installment you add in the Sweet Treats Festival, who would not want to go to that for a day out. I like how the author writes so that the story is fast paced. She likes to keep you guessing right up until the end on who killed Renee - Chef Camille's sister. You may be a little hungry while reading this book with all the great foods that Mimi talks about. I am looking forward to going along with Mimi in the next book in this series and see what she is up to next. 

Giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
July 6 – The Book Diva's Reads - SPOTLIGHT 
July 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 
July 6 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
July 7 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 
July 7 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT 
July 8 – The Power of Words – REVIEW 
July 8 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST 
July 9 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
July 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 
July 10 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW 
July 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 
July 11 – cherylbbookblog - REVIEW 
July 12 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST 
July 12 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST 
July 13 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
July 13 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST 
July 14 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW 
July 14 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT 
July 15 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW 
July 15 – Lisa Ks Book Review - REVIEW, GUEST POST 
July 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 
July 16 – That's What She's Reading – GUEST POST 
July 17 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW 
July 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW 
July 18 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW* 
July 19 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 
July 19 – Valerie's Musings – REVIEW, GUEST POST
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July 17, 2018

17 Cents and a Dream by Daniel Milstein - Review


Book details
Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: Gold Star Publishing (March 25, 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-0983552741

Book description
Through pure determination, fortitude and attitude, Daniel pulled out of impossibly difficult situations. His story is true, his story is a personal inspiration to me and I hope it will inspire you too to maximize your potential and go for the greatest of dreams.” - Mark Victor Hansen, Bestselling Author, Chicken Soup for the Soul.

On a cold December night in 1991, a young boy with seventeen cents in his pocket first set foot in the United States. Twenty years later that young man found himself the founder and CEO of a Multi-Million dollar corporation. Daniel Milstein’s harrowing story about how his mother, father and brother escaped the oppressive government of the U.S.S.R and immigrated to the United States and carved out a life for themselves has been described as the quintessential immigrant story of the era

Meet the author - Daniel Milstein
DANIEL MILSTEIN is founder, president and CEO of Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group. He has been recognized as the #1 loan officer in the United States; has achieved more than $3 billion in personal mortgage originations; and is one of the top 40 finance professionals in the nation, ranked by National Mortgage Professional Magazine. Milstein led the company to the Inc 500 list and one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. Gold Star has over 500 employees in 43 offices across the U.S. and has been named a Top Workplace in Michigan for three years by the Detroit Free Press. Milstein holds an honorary doctorate and BBA in business management from Cleary University, Ann Arbor, from which he graduated with honors. He is the author of The ABC of Sales: Lessons from a Superstar, which in March 2012 sold 10,000 copies and became the #1 sales book on Amazon.com and the thirty-first top seller of all ebook sales. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

My thoughts
I thought this was a very good an interesting book. I really have a hard time describing how I feel about it but in a good way. When you are growing up and you hear about a disaster in another country you don't really know how it affects people. After reading Daniel's story of going through Chernobyl - I just can't imagine. Then after reading what his life was like and the things he had endured really makes you thankful for what you do have and have had in your life. We take a lot for granted in our country. Reading this book also proves that if you really want something and you work hard enough you can achieve it. 
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Caramel Crush by Jenn McKinlay - Review


Book details
Series: Cupcake Bakery Mystery (Book 9)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (April 4, 2017)
ISBN-13: 978-0399583810

Book description
When a breakup via cupcake threatens to crumble their friend’s life for good, Mel and Angie race to solve the murder as this New York Times bestselling series continues…

Love is in the air at Fairy Tale Cupcakes as Angie prepares for her wedding, but co-owner, Mel, is preparing for a breakup. Her old friend, Diane Earnest, is dumping her fiancé after discovering he’s only marrying her for her money. She wants Mel to personally deliver a batch of caramel breakup cupcakes to the louse and give her a play-by-play of his reaction.

When Mel finally tracks the man down, the look on his face isn’t the reaction she was expecting: he’s dead. After the police arrive and see the incriminating cupcakes, Diane becomes their prime suspect. If she hopes to taste freedom again, Mel and Angie must make sure the real killer gets their just desserts…

Meet the author - Jenn McKinlay
Jenn McKinlay, the New York Times bestselling author of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries (including Vanilla Beaned, Dark Chocolate Demise, and Sugar and Iced), has baked and frosted cupcakes into the shapes of cats, mice, and outer-space aliens, to name just a few. Writing a mystery series based on one of her favorite food groups (dessert) is as enjoyable as licking the beaters, and she can’t wait to whip up the next one. She is also the author of the Hat Shop Mysteries (Assault and Beret, Copy Cap Murder) and the Library Lover’s Mysteries (Better Late than Never, A Likely Story).

My thoughts
I love when I get to visit Mel, Angie and the gang at Fairy Tale Cupcakes. I have to agree with the gang as Angie was becoming quite the bridezilla at time as she is planning her wedding to Tate. After Mel feels she has to repay Diane an old debt she finds a dead body in the most unusual place. I really did not care for Diane and was angry when I found out the real story behind the debt Mel thought she owed. There was two people that I had in mind for the suspect but boy was I wrong. The author leaves a cliff hanger at the end of this book regarding Marty and now I can't wait to get to the next book. 
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July 16, 2018

Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert - Spotlight and Giveaway

 

Book details
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 
Crooked Lane Books (July 10, 2018) 
Hardcover: 300 pages 
ISBN-13: 978-1683315957 
Digital: ASIN: B075QJHPR9
  

Book description
Autumn leaves aren’t the only things falling in the historic Virginia village of Taylorsford—so are some cherished memories, and a few bodies.

October in Taylorsford, Virginia means it’s leaf peeping season, with bright colorful foliage and a delightful fresh crew of tourists attending the annual Heritage Festival which celebrates local history and arts and crafts. Library director Amy Webber, though, is slightly dreading having to spend two days running a yard sale fundraiser for her library. But during these preparations, when she and her assistant Sunny stumble across a dead body, Amy finds a real reason to be worried.

The body belonged to a renowned artist who was murdered with her own pallet knife. A search of the artist’s studio uncovers a cache of forged paintings, and when the sheriff’s chief deputy Brad Tucker realizes Amy is skilled in art history research, she’s recruited to aid the investigation. It doesn’t seem to be an easy task, but when the state’s art expert uncovers a possible connection between Amy’s deceased uncle and the murder case, Amy must champion her Aunt Lydia to clear her late husband’s name.

That’s when another killing shakes the quiet town, and danger sweeps in like an autumn wind. Now, with her swoon-inducing neighbor Richard Muir, Amy must scour their resources to once again close the books on murder.

Meet the author - Victoria Gilbert
Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. She has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director.

When not writing or reading, Victoria likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers, and is represented by Frances Black at Literary Council, NY, NY.

Victoria lives in North Carolina with her husband and some very spoiled cats. This is her first Blue Ridge Library mystery.

Author Links: Website/blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/ 

Giveaway



TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
July 9 – The Ninja Librarian - REVIEW, GUEST POST 
July 9 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW 
July 9 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 10 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW
July 10 – Curling Up by the Fire – REVIEW 
July 10 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
July 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
July 11 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST 
July 11 – Varietats – SPOTLIGHT 
July 12 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW 
July 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 
July 14 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 
July 14 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
July 15 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW 
July 16 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW 
July 16 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
July 16 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT 
July 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 
July 17 – That's What She's Reading – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
July 17 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 18 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW 
July 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
July 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 
July 19 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 
July 19 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 20 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 
July 20 – Island Confidential – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 20 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST


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July 15, 2018

Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details
Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: July 24th 2018 by Kregel Publications 
ISBN: 9780825445347

Book description
With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted--especially not a man like the too-smooth Viscount Carmichael. His reputation as a flirt and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.

Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms. He's gambled with plenty of ladies' hearts as easily as he has with their husbands' money. But lately he's wondered if there's more to life--and if his actions might prove unworthy of an admirable wife such as his friends have found.

When Serena's guardian asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not to woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character.

Then the lady's painting leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the earl apparent and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.

This second novel in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the rich historical detail and evocative writing her readers enjoy. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

Meet the author - Carolyn Miller
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She is married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!).

A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Her favourite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.

Her stories are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times.

My thoughts
Carolyn Miller has hit it out of the park again with this new addition to her second series. She has a way of drawing you into the story and making you feel a part of the characters lives. I thought she also did a great job of setting the Regency scene/theme in this story. It is also fun that she includes characters from the previous book in this one so you don't forget about them. Then you have Serena's many secrets that you learn about as you make your way through the book. I thought the characters played well off of each other and enjoyed getting to know each of them. This book was a quick read for me as well as a very enjoyable one. I recommend that you give this author a try. 
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July 10, 2018

Tied Up With Strings by Madeline McEwen - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book details
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Imajin Qwickies, 
An imprint of Imajin Books (December 11, 2017) 
Print Length: 85 pages 
ASIN: B077PLNWY9
  

Book description
An Imajin Qwickies® Mystery/Crime Novella Big mysteries often come in small packages…

When curmudgeonly private detective Betty Grape visits a young friend, who is housesitting in a remote village in England for Christmas vacation, something seems out of place. Her friend, Catia, is visibly nervous. Is she worried about the young men in the decrepit caravan in next door’s back garden? Or is Catia involved in the disappearance of the homeowner’s invalid wife?

As an American, Betty discovers the locals are full of friendly gossip but taciturn about solid facts. Though they are determined to keep Betty from butting in on their territory, she blunders through the social morass of narrow-minded foreigners and their broad Dorset accents. Can she unravel the tight knots of this mystery? Will she find the perpetrator under thickly thatched rooves or behind floral chintz curtains?

Meet the author - Madeline McEwen
Madeline McEwen is an ex-pat from the UK, bi-focaled and technically challenged. She and her Significant Other manage their four offspring, one major and three minors, two autistic, two neurotypical, plus a time-share with Alzheimer's. In her free time, she walks the canines and chases the felines with her nose in a book and her fingers on a keyboard.

Author Links Website http://www.madelinemcewen.c 

Giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
July 9 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW 
July 10 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
July 10 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT 
July 11 – Island Confidential – GUEST POST 
July 11 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT 
July 12 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW 
July 12 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
July 13 – Carole's Book Corner - REVIEW 
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July 14 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
July 14 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
July 15 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW 
July 15 – Rosepoint Publishing – SPOTLIGHT 
July 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 16 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST 
July 17 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 17 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
July 18 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST
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July 5, 2018

The Pumpkin Patch by Sandi Smith - Guest Post and Giveaway


Book Details:
Book Title: The Pumpkin Patch by Sandi Smith
Category: Adult Fiction, 316 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Mindstir Media
Release date: November 5, 2017
Tour dates: June 25 to July 20, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 + M

Book Description:
How can one small-minded, angry person destroy the lives of so many people in her path, connecting them all together in a game of destruction and heartbreak? It is possible, but what pushes a person to enjoy inflicting pain to such an extent, leaving a trail of hate, anger, and defeat behind her, which only seems to make her stronger and more satisfied. Ms. Terri Plotski, owner of the Authors’ Book Agency, is that person, who, unknowingly, with a single thread of hate, has connected the lives of a small group of people, bringing them together with one single common denominator. Anger. The anger from this small group of people is building, but it has nowhere to go, or does it? Ms. Terri Plotski, owner of Authors’ Book Agency, has gone missing.

To follow the tour, please visit Sandi Smith's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author - Sandi Smith


Sandi Smith spent her time as a young girl combing the shelves of the public library. She has always enjoyed the magic that books have to offer and was inspired by her high school English teacher, Mr. Coolidge to embrace the arts. The author found her calling as a writer early one morning as her first story came to her in the form of a poem. Since then she has written more than 15 children’s books, with her most popular series about the adventures of an adorable spider in the A.R. Achnid series.

Sandi is happily married to her inspiration and husband of 40 years, John. She continues to write for her two precious grandchildren. When she’s not penning a new story, Sandi and John like to camp, kayak and to enjoy the simple life in their home in Pembroke, NH.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

Guest Post
Writing by the Seat of my Pants 
by Sandi Smith

Definitely, the Pumpkin Patch was written by the seat of my pants. Whenever I got words, I never knew what was going to come into my mind. For The Pumpkin Patch, it started out with just one line – Her secretary found the note. That was it. Nothing else to guide me or even give me a hint as to what I was going to write. As I started to get other words, the book seemed to be going in the direction of a love story, and the story of a young woman who had lost her mother at a very young age, or so I thought.

One night, I started getting the name “Mary Elizabeth” in my head. What came to me after that were words of sadness and tears, with some anger at her mother and father. I never did get a definite story plot. What I did get were different characters. I would write a chapter on Mary Elizabeth, thinking that, okay, we’re going to write about the trials of a young woman growing up without a mother, and that would be it, but as I waited for more words to guide me in a direction, nothing came. It would be maybe a month or two later, sometimes even six months later, that I would get more words.

At one point, when I started getting more words, the story line seemed to change. I had words about the war in Vietnam. I didn’t even know what I would do with those words. When I wrote them, I felt sad and disoriented, as if someone was telling me a story that needed to be told. It was rather upsetting at the time, but I kept writing the words, waiting to see what the connection was to this story. Then about a month later, there was a new character. A character that I couldn’t even begin to understand what it was doing in this story…that was the character with the name of Janice. She was a character that was self-absorbed and only seemed to care about herself. What could this character have to do with Mary Elizabeth?

It seemed to me that, if the story was heading in the original direction I thought it was heading, that Mary Elizabeth would need someone who was a little more receptive to Mary Elizabeth’s disappointments that she had had in her life, not someone who only cared about herself. At that point, I actually thought that maybe I had two different stories going on at the same time.

But, as I did with my first novel, I just kept writing down the words, writing chapter after chapter, not exactly sure where it was all going. I knew there was a connection between all of the new characters I was writing about, chapter after chapter, and eventually it all came together. There was one main character that connected them all, and brought them together as one. Each chapter connects them all together in a web of deceit by this one woman, and it would come to a breaking point. 
 
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends July 28, 2018


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July 1, 2018

Bamboozled by Barbara Barrett - Spotlight

Book details
Cozy Mysteries 2nd in Series 
Self Published (April 3, 2018) 
Paperback: 272 pages 
ISBN-13: 978-1948532037 
Digital ASIN: B07C9CLL4R
  

Book description
Essential oils distributor Dorcas Wiley is the boss everyone loves to hate. So when she turns up dead, killed by her own trophy, disgruntled saleswoman Cathy Broderick is the obvious suspect in her murder. Despite opportunity, motive and incriminating evidence, Cathy declares her innocence and enlists her mah jongg pals—Sydney Bonner and her cronies Marianne, Micki and Kat—to help save her from the death penalty.

Hot off a recent and nearly deadly investigation, the women are cautious about putting themselves in peril again. Syd’s spouse isn’t thrilled about another mystery in their lives, either, but he can’t resist the plea of Cathy’s husband. Soon, Syd is leading the way as they tangle with grumpy salespeople, the victim’s estranged husband and boyfriend, a mysterious housekeeper, a litigious customer, an annoyed sheriff and Cathy’s own arrogant lawyer.

The women have their own issues to deal with in their central Florida town of Serendipity Springs. Kat faces a health challenge, Micki fields a mysterious inquiry from her ex, Marianne has a chaotic anniversary and Syd wrestles with her husband over who’s really in charge. But nothing puts everyday life into perspective like the moment when their investigation brings them face to face with danger.

Meet the author - Barbara Barrett
Barbara Barrett started reading mysteries when she was pregnant with her first child to keep her mind off things like her changing body and food cravings. When she’d devoured as many Agatha Christies as she could find, she branched out to English village cozies and Ellery Queen.

Later, to avoid a midlife crisis, she began writing fiction at night when she wasn’t at her day job as a human resources analyst for Iowa State Government. After releasing eleven full-length romance novels and one novella, she returned to the cozy mystery genre, using one of her retirement pastimes, the game of mah jongg, as her inspiration. Not only has it been a great social outlet, it has also helped keep her mind active when not writing.

Bamboozled, the second book in her “Mah Jongg Mystery” series, features four friends who play mah jongg together and share otherwise in each other’s lives. None of the four is based on an actual person. Each is an amalgamation of several mah jongg friends with a lot of Barbara’s imagination thrown in for good measure. The four will continue to appear in future books in the series.

Anticipating the day when she would write her first mystery, she has been a member of the Mystery/Romantic Suspense chapter of Romance Writers of America for over a decade. She credits them with helping her hone her craft.

Barbara is married to the man she met her senior year of college. They have two grown children and eight grandchildren.

Author Links Website – http://www.barbarabarrettbooks.com 
Subscribe Cozy Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/BBCozies 
Purchase Links Amazon B&N

TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
June 28 – Valerie's Musings - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
June 28 – Babs Book Bistro - SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
June 29 – The Power of Words – REVIEW 
June 29 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
June 30 - A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
June 30 - FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
June 30 - The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
July 1 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
July 1 – cherylbbookblog – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY 
July 1 – A Holland Reads - SPOTLIGHT 
July 2 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST 
July 2 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 
July 3 – Teresa Trent Author Blog - CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY 
July 3 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW 
July 4 – Varietats - REVIEW, GUEST POST 
July 5 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST 
July 5 – Island Confidential – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
July 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST 
July 6 – Fiction Obsession – REVIEW 
July 6 – Christa Reads and Writes - SPOTLIGHT 
July 7 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY 
July 7 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT 
July 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 
July 8 – Lisa Ks Book Review – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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