Sunday, December 25, 2022
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Sounds Like Love - Book Spotlight #Giveaway
Sounds Like Love by Laura Ford
About Sounds Like Love
Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age
Setting - United Kingdom
FriesenPress (July 29, 2021)
Reading age : 12 - 17 years
Hardcover : 150 pages
ISBN-10 : 1525592998
ISBN-13 : 978-1525592997
Paperback : 150 pages
ISBN-10 : 152559298X
ISBN-13 : 978-1525592980
Digital ASIN : B09BTLYBWT
Wendy is a bright spark who wants to find love and travel the world, but she questions how her dreams can become a reality as her world changes around her.
When Wendy arrives at her beloved grandmother’s house to collect a box of keepsakes, she picks up more than she bargained for - a green-eyed tabby cat with amazing qualities. This is just the start of a high-speed adventure, leading Wendy towards bright new horizons… if only she’ll give the cat a chance…
About Laura Ford
Laura Ford writes novels, short stories, and poems across a wide range of human and animal experiences. As Laura is an avid cat lover, a number of special felines tend to find their way into Laura's stories as well.
Laura graduated with an honours degree in British law while also writing fiction in parallel. Now based in California with her husband and two beguiling Siamese cats, Laura most enjoys using her imagination and memories to paint vivid stories. An avid traveler and seeker, Laura is always exploring new concepts for more stories to come.
Author Link - https://www.soundslikelovebook.com/
Purchase Links - Amazon - Barnes & Noble I tunes Google Play Store Direct from the publisher
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 14 – Maureen's Musings – REVIEW
November 14 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 15 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 15 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 18 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW
November 19 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT
November 20 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
November 21 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
November 22 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
November 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 23 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 24 – THANKSGIVING
November 25 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 27 – Just One More Paragraph – SPOTLIGHT
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Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Longing is Violet Dusk - Spotlight and #Giveaway
Longing is Violet Dusk: A Hazel Dean Mystery by Josalyn McAllister
About Longing is Violet Dusk
Longing is Violet Dusk: A Hazel Dean Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting - Georgia
Eburnean Books (September 27, 2022)
Paperback : 302 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8987053201
Digital ASIN : B0BDD6J18R
After a stressful foray into crime fighting, Hazel Dean is relieved to resume normality, taking care of her family and book shop--until her ability to see emotions in color pulls her into another crisis.
One night at book club, Hazel sees a swirl of jarring purple, blue and black encompass a young mother. Realizing that the woman might be in trouble, Hazel recommends a book that she hopes will provide some comfort and guidance.
To her horror, the young mother goes missing the following week. Hazel feels responsible and becomes obsessed with finding her. But the search isn't the only thing Hazel is juggling. She's also trying to help the missing woman's children, evade a young reporter, and deal with the sudden reappearance of an old high school flame.
With all of Hazel's efforts, can the missing woman be found before it's too late?
About Josalyn McAllister
Josalyn McAllister is a cozy fiction author whose most recent works include Love Over Easy
Website
GoodReads
Purchase Links
– Amazon
– B&N –
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 14 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT
November 15 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 16 – Literary Gold - SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
November 18 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 18 – Mythical Books – REVIEW
November 19 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
November 19 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 22 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 23 – Just One More Paragraph – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 24 – THANKSGIVING
November 25 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog - SPOTLIGHT
November 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
November 27 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Silence Says the Most - Review & #Giveaway
Silence Says the Most: An Olivia Penn Mystery by Kathleen Bailey
About Silence Says the Most
Silence Says the Most: An Olivia Penn Mystery
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Apple Station, Virginia (in the Shenandoah Valley)
Rhino Publishing LLC (October 25, 2022)
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 195627006X
ISBN-13 : 978-1956270068
Digital ASIN : B0BGFRZDGK
A heartwarming cozy mystery that celebrates the connections of friends and family with a Gilmore Girls vibe.
Five days before Halloween, fall turns frightful in Apple Station when a child’s drawing entangles Olivia in a murder at a park lake.
Olivia’s hometown is gearing up for its annual Halloween festival, and pumpkins, corn mazes, and autumn vibes are everywhere. All is cozy in the crisp fall air as excitement builds for the costume parade on Friday. A casual Monday lakeside picnic lunch with her forever friend, though, sets off a chain of events that catches Olivia in the wrong place at the wrong time.
When a body is discovered amid an algae bloom under mysterious circumstances, everyone points fingers, but one among them is not telling the truth. The only apparent witness to the crime is a child who doesn’t speak. Motives abound, suspects are plenty, and it’s up to Olivia to discover why the child has implicated her as the key to solving the murder.
Can Olivia unmask the killer before the endangered evidence vanishes, and she becomes the next victim?
If you like small town, cozy mysteries with heart and humor, a charming cast of characters, and a twisty plot that celebrates the connections of friends and family, you’ll love Silence Says the Most, the second book in The Olivia Penn Mystery Series.
About Kathleen Bailey
Kathleen Bailey is the author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. Kathleen has degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She previously worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over twenty years with children who have special needs. She now spends her days obsessively plotting and sleuthing in Virginia where she lives with her husband and adorable feline fur baby. When she is not incognito, she is a member of Sisters in Crime and the James River Writers.
Author LinksWebpage: https://kathleenbaileyauthor.com/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/kathleenbailey
- Purchase Links
My Thoughts:
You've heard the old saying "You can never judge a book by its cover", but in this case, I chose to read this book BECAUSE of its cover. It called to me and demanded that I read it to find out more about the cover. It's a gorgeous cover - autumn trees, a body of water and a dock.
The cover art did not disappoint me for what was between the covers of the book. As you may have already guessed, the storyline takes place in autumn making it the perfect read for now. It starts out being captivating from the get-go and for me, the story line held my interest all the way through. I could use the cliché stating it was full of twists and turns, but I won't since one would expect a good mystery to have that as well as all the red herrings.
The storyline was very interesting and there were times I became quite concerned for the main character, Olivia. She's a likeable character that doesn't always make the best decisions (but then who does?) and her normal job has influenced her to not be as careful as she should be.
I love the whole storyline - the involvement of interesting side characters, beautiful park/forest and interesting small town living. Everything here made this the perfect cozy to read - especially at this time of the year.
I so want to tell you more about the story and what happened and wow! - I never saw that coming. I want to tell you more about the boy, his mom, the quite interesting neighbor, and... but I won't. You really need to pick up a copy of this captivating book and read it yourself!
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 8 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 10 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT
November 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
November 12 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
November 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 13 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT
November 14 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
November 15 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 16 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW
November 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 18 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
November 19 – Just One More Paragraph – REVIEW
November 20 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 21 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
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Friday, November 11, 2022
Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills - Review & #Giveaway
Concrete Evidence
by DiAnn Mills
October 31 - November 25, 2022 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:
On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be . . . until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. To make matters worse, Avery’s just discovered a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.
Desperate for answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire community.
Praise for Concrete Evidence:
"VERDICT Mills ... delivers another action-packed novel that offers intrigue and an adventurous ride. Recommend to fans of Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, and Carrie Stuart Parks."
Shondra Brown for Library Journal
"The confident plotting keeps the mysteries coming, and red herrings will have readers guessing the culprit through to the satisfying conclusion. Fans of Colleen Coble and Susan Sleeman will savor this thrilling standalone."
Concrete Evidence Trailer:
Book Details:
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Published by: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication Date: October 2022
Number of Pages: 416
ISBN: 9781496451897 (ISBN10: 1496451899)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Goodreads | Tyndale
Read an excerpt:
Chapter 1
Texas Hill Country
AVERY ELLIOTT SPURRED HER HORSE across one of the thirty-five thousand rolling acres of the Brazos River Ranch in the blazing heat. The sultry August wind blew through her hair, bathing her damp face and shoving aside her pensive mood. Granddad had told her once that if he could lasso the wind, he’d ride that bronc to eternity. She’d framed the saying and placed it in the reception area of their office.
Granddad had left at dawn to ride fence and enjoy some solitude and think time. His work habits overruled his stomach, which meant he wouldn’t stop to eat until he’d inspected a recently repaired stretch. Then the Internet had gone down ending her morning’s work. A good excuse for her to get away from the office and spend special time with him.
She lightly grasped the reins of the most wonderful quarter horse on the planet and the perfect cure-all for the morning’s frustration. Closing her eyes, Avery allowed Darcy’s rhythmic gallop to soothe her.
Avery slowed the mare to a walk and twisted her phone from her jeans pocket. Pressing on Granddad’s name in Favorites, she breathed in the sweltering heat and envisioned him fumbling for his phone.
“Mornin’, sweet girl.”
“Can I treat you to a five-star restaurant for lunch?” He chuckled. “You’ll have to fly in the prime rib.”
“I’ve packed us a picnic, and I’m on my way to meet you. Just say where.”
“Drivin’ or ridin’?”
“You’ve hurt Darcy’s feelings.”
“Give her my apologies. I’m west of the river about a mile from the family cemetery. Should be a nice breeze there this morning. We could talk and have lunch with your grandma.”
“Good. I’d planned to stop at her grave while I was out.” The oaks bordering the family plots would offer relief from the hundred-degree temps. With the abundance of summer rain, the area brimmed with green and vibrant wildflowers. “I’ll make sure she has flowers on her grave.”
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. Guess I’m a sentimental old man who never got over his first love.”
Someday Avery wanted the same kind of love. She remembered the woman with warm brown eyes and a loving touch who fell prey to a stroke nearly fifteen years ago and never recovered. “You’re not a sentimental old man but one who misses his wife and best friend.”
“I see her in you.” He sighed. “You have a spirit of strength deep in your heart. Others think you’re quiet—until you’re riled. Then you’d give the devil a run for his money.”
“I hope I can always live up to that strength.”
“You already have. One day you’ll make the right man proud.” “Haven’t found him yet.”
“Time’s just not right. So when will you get here?”
Avery studied the familiar landmarks—thoroughbred horses grazing to the south and cattle taking advantage of the Brazos River. Why anyone would choose to live away from nature’s beauty made little sense to her. “About thirty minutes.”
“You didn’t bring tofu and carrot sticks? Mia’s new diet is killing me. The doctor doesn’t need to worry about my cholesterol or weight because she’s starving me.”
Avery laughed. “No. I packed ham and cheese, jalapeño-bacon potato salad, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and apple pie. You can eat light this evening.”
“I have a political dinner at six o’clock and a deacon meeting at seven thirty. Hey, how did you get the forbidden food past Mia?”
“She was upstairs while I hurried in the kitchen.” Their housekeeper and cook had entered the back side of her sixties and refused to slow down, but Granddad and Avery kept trying. Both knew better than to tell Mia to cut back on her pace unless they were looking to be chased down the road with buckshot in their rears. Granddad had no room to talk. He faced the big seven-oh in October, and he’d made no plans to ease back.
She slipped the phone back into her jeans pocket and hurried Darcy on. Avery wanted to arrive at the picnic site well before Granddad and have lunch set out for him.
Her thoughts crept back to the accounting issue from this morning. A work problem had made another moment at the ranch office torture, and getting away from the computer served as the perfect antidote. In examining Elliott Commercial Construction’s records before the auditors arrived next week, she’d found a discrepancy. A paid bill for materials was much lower than it should have been. Why hadn’t she seen this weeks ago at the completion of the Lago de Cobre Dam? The original bid for the project included the cost to supply additional rock and expand the footprint, footers, and other foundational elements to compensate for the soft ground. Those materials were ordered, canceled, and still the specs showed the work had been completed per the contract.
She’d contacted the material’s supply company, and the accounting manager confirmed they’d invoiced what they supplied. Yet Avery’s files didn’t reflect a different supplier for the required foundation, as though Granddad had substituted inferior materials or hadn’t followed the specs. He’d never sacrifice safety. Even the idea scraped raw against her conscience.
A call had gone to Craig, the foreman, but only voice mail greeted her. The accounting mess would drive her nuts until she resolved it, but she’d have to wait. Granddad would laugh at her fears about the dam’s potentially faulty construction and explain the discrepancy. Accurate details ruled her thoughts, and perfectionism had a way of eating at her logic. A lot of good her Ivy League education accomplished when the numbers didn’t add up.
Granddad said Avery shared his insight and discernment. The ability took practice, prayer, and purpose—his favorite three p’s as though he’d outlined a sermon. But Granddad was wrong. She must have made a mistake, and the error warred within her.
Avery rode the path to the family cemetery. Elliotts had owned this property and been buried there before Texas became a state. Irish, English, and Scottish heritage—hard workers and fighters for faith, family, and freedom. Which had a lot to do with Granddad’s name, Dad’s, and hers—Avery Quinn Elliott, respectively Senior, Junior, and whatever that made her. Fortunately, Granddad went by Quinn or Senator, Dad went by Buddy, and she was simply Avery. Proud family and heritage, although Dad and Mom slipped in applying all three traits of being an Elliott.
Not going there today. After spending time with Granddad and finding out the source of her accounting problem, she—
A shot rang out from the direction of the cemetery.
She dug her heels into Darcy’s side and bolted ahead. Had Granddad met up with a wild pig, a rattler, or even a two-legged varmint? The latter caused her to slow the mare and circle a grove of trees. If she needed her Sig, the firearm rested in a saddlebag beside the packed lunch. Granddad wasn’t in sight. Only his stallion.
She dismounted and grabbed her gun. Tying Darcy to a slender oak, Avery moved closer to the iron gate of the cemetery entrance and prayed he hadn’t been hurt. How had he been a mile west of here when she called him?
Hesitant to call out for him and draw the shooter’s attention to her, she hid behind an oak. A riderless motorcycle—a shiny, blue Yamaha Tracer 9 GT—had parked in the shadow of more trees outside the far edge of the iron fence, a few yards from a worn path leading to the main road.
On the opposite side of the cemetery, Granddad bent over a man, whose blood stained his chest and pooled on the ground. He felt for a pulse and lifted his head to the cloudless sky. In Granddad’s gloved right hand rested a gun. He shoved the weapon into his front belt and lifted his phone to his ear.
“He’s dead. This has to end.” Granddad scanned the area, no doubt searching for someone. “I want Avery kept out of this, but I’m expecting her in the next twenty minutes.” He kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. “He parked on the road and walked back. She isn’t to know about any of it. I’ll handle the situation on my end. . . . Yes, I’ll be careful and not let the authorities know what happened. Look, I need to move his body out of sight. He was a friend, one of the best. I despise where this has gone.” Granddad waved his hand. “I told you Avery won’t be a problem.”
***
Excerpt from Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2022 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on:
diannmills.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @DiAnnMills
Instagram - @diannmillsauthor
Twitter - @DiAnnMills
Facebook - @DiAnnMills
YouTube - @DiAnnMills
My Thoughts
Politics, a beautiful ranch, unloving family members, contracts and murder make this book one of those books you cannot put down! I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and this was one I didn't figure out. Yes - I was blindsided by the ending!
The characters were enjoyable and I found myself quite attached to a couple by the end of the story. Ms Mills did a wonderful job developing these characters! I really enjoyed Avery and her kindness and caring personality.
I did have a few moments of questioning if the character stepped a bit out of the way I had expected them to act, but then again, I didn't have a real issue with it - just a passing thought or two. Then again, I do have a habit of overanalyzing things at times.
Overall - this is a wonderful, clean and suspenseful read that even contains messages of faith seamlessly woven into the story. I absolutely loved it!!
Make sure to add this to your TBR pile - you won't be sorry!!!!
Tour Participants:
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Saturday, November 5, 2022
Gavels, Tinsel and Murder - Spotlight
Gavels, Tinsel and Murder: A British Cozy Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery) by Victoria Tait
About Gavels, Tinsel and Murder
Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Kanga Press (November 4, 2022)
Number of Pages c. 240
Digital ASIN : B0B6Y4H13L
A charity ball. A dead guest. Can an amateur sleuth solve the case or will it ruin Christmas for ever?
Aspiring antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, is excited about organising a ball in a Cotswold country house. When a lecture on modern art leads to a kiss under the mistletoe she thinks all her Christmases have come at once. But her festive cheer turns sour when a partygoer is found dead on the dance floor.The police ask Dotty to help wrap up the case of a stolen painting, but as the search continues she becomes entangled in the murder investigation. When this amateur detective realises the culprit could be a close friend, will she face the Yuletide music?
Can Dotty put aside her personal feelings and herald a murderer?
Gavels, Tinsel and Murder is the fourth book in the charming Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. If you like to eat, drink and be merry with a group of entertaining characters, then you’ll be entertained by Victoria Tait’s festive tale.
Christmas comes but once a year so buy Gavels, Tinsel and Murder today!
About Victoria Tait
I was born and raised in Yorkshire, UK, and never expected to travel the world. But I fell for an Army Officer, and I’ve followed him from Northern Ireland, up to the Scottish Highlands, across to Africa and the Kenyan Savannah, back to the British Cotswolds, and we are now living in Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Southern Europe.
I never expected to be an author, but all this moving is not ideal for holding down a job. Instead, I’ve taken the experiences of the places I’ve lived to write vivid and evocative cozy mystery books with determined female sleuths.
I have two fast growing teenage boys, and together we’ve learnt to ski on the Bosnian mountains. I also enjoy horse riding, mountain biking and I’ve started running as a way to improve my physical fitness, mental well-being and shed some excess pounds.
For access to exclusive content, giveaways and freebies, sign up for my newsletter at my website: VictoriaTait.com
Author Links Website: https://victoriatait.com/Purchase Link - Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 4 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
November 4 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT
November 5 – Celticlady's Reviews - SPOTLIGHT
November 5 – Just One More Paragraph – SPOTLIGHT
November 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 6 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 7 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 8 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 9 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
November 9 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
November 10 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
November 11 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 12 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
November 13 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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Tuesday, November 1, 2022
It Came Upon a Midnight Shear - Book Spotlight
It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
by Allie Pleiter
About It Came upon a Midnight Shear
It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Setting - Maryland
Berkley (November 1, 2022) Mass Market Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593201825 ISBN-13 : 978-0593201824
Digital ASIN : B09RPVTR4M
A murder in her yarn shop’s backyard puts Libby Beckett’s holiday plans on thin ice.…
The holiday season looks merry and bright for Libby and her friends at Y.A.R.N. The store is expanding for a holiday boom, and she’s gathered Collinstown’s businesses to decorate a community Christmas tree. Dashing “Gallant Herdsman” Vincenzo Marani arrives to showcase the rare vicuña, whose coat produces the world’s most luxurious yarn. It’s a perfect yuletide—until Libby’s ex-husband, Sterling, turns up in town…and then turns up dead.
The murder unravels Libby’s life faster than a hand-knit Christmas stocking. The luxe yarn goes missing, Sterling’s domineering family comes to town, and the vicuña attempt an escape. If Libby can’t stitch up a solution to the case, she may be trading in her knitting needles for a set of handcuffs.
About Allie Pleiter
The bestselling author of over fifty titles, Allie Pleiter's twenty-year career has sold 1.6 million books. Allie also coaches on writing productivity and speaks nationally on time management for creatives. Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.
Author Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter
Facebook group (books): https://www.facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie/
To subscribe to Allie’s newsletter: http://www.alliepleiter.com/subscribe/
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 1 - Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
November 1 - Just One More Paragraph – SPOTLIGHT
November 2 - Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 2 - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
November 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 3 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 4 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
November 4 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 5 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 6 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
November 6 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
November 7 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
November 7 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT
November 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 8 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers - SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT
November 10 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 10 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
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Saturday, October 22, 2022
A War in Too Many Worlds: Spotlight & Giveaway
A War in Too Many Worlds
by Elizabeth Crowens
October 17 - November 11, 2022 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:
The Time Traveler Professor
The secret diaries of John Patrick Scott pick up at the close of 1917. British intelligence sends Scott to work undercover in Berlin with his old partner-in-crime, Wendell Mackenzie, as his outside contact in Paris. Back on the Western Front, Scott discovered his ability to see the ghosts of the dead. Unsure if that’s a blessing or a curse, he takes this one-step further, employing spirits in the world of deception and intrigue. As the Russian monarchy crumbles and the Red Baron meets his final match, for Scott, true love is always beyond arm’s reach. His long-lost patrons and paramours, Sophia and Francois Poincaré, resurface but as potential enemies of the Crown.
Arthur Conan Doyle vows to retrieve his stolen time machine from H.G. Wells. Scott is still at odds with Doyle, who still refuses to publicly acknowledge his contributions for ghostwriting Sherlock Holmes, and Doyle encounters Harry Houdini in the most unlikely of places. Get ready for a wild ride.
Time Traveler Professor, Book Three: A War in Too Many Worlds, pairs murder, mayhem and mysticism in a mashup where The Lost World meets The Island of Doctor Moreau. Stay tuned for Book Four, The Story Beyond Time, the final book in this epic series.
Praise for A War in Too Many Worlds:
"You'll find that time stands still as your turn the pages and enjoy the roller-coaster plot, the only disappointment arriving when you reach the final moments of this extraordinary story... and want more."
"Meticulously researched and wholly evocative of its time period; rich detail, immersive atmosphere and clever use of documented Victorian interests in the paranormal give Crowens’s latest novel distinct authenticity. The difficult task of channeling such bold and beloved icons as Doyle, Wells and Houdini is confidently and capably handled. Brimming with specificity, historic flavor and intriguing supernatural fancy, A War in Too Many Worlds is an impressive feat of fact weaving into fiction; sure to please history buffs as well as the more fantastical at heart in equal measure."
Leanna Renee Hieber, award-winning, bestselling author
"Pack your best time-traveling attire, your sense of humor, and your open mind. A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens, the third book in the Time Traveler Professor series, is a vibrant, explosive treatise on the intersection of magic, science, and spirituality. The book is both a loving nod to an era when magic and science were separated by a hairsbreadth, and a Jungian exploration of time, memory, and mysticism. Though the topics are erudite, the author’s wit and humor combined with karmic twists, musical accompaniment, and a historical who’s who, keep the book moving to its thrilling and unexpected climax. The entire series is highly recommended, and I can’t wait to see what happens next."
Kerry Adrienne, USA Today bestselling author
"This genre-bending trip through time and space offers the same delightfully loopy charm as a Doctor Who episode—but with its own irresistible allure, as if Douglas Adams and Jules Verne collaborated with a little help from Kafka. Crowens jumps effortlessly from the mournful haunts of Berlin during the Great War to the unpredictable travels of H.G. Wells and Arthur Conan Doyle. Exotic—and yet strangely familiar—characters keep popping up to entertain us. However, even among the amusements are laments of lost loves and lost opportunities—along with ghosts (both real and imagined)—all of which elevate the story. Indeed, together with the many fantastic elements, we are moved by the strivings and desires of the all-too-human characters, who will stick with you long after you get to the last page."
R.J. Koreto, author of the Lady Frances Ffolkes and Alice Roosevelt historical mysteries
"Take your favorite elements for a paranormal mystery adventure— from Victorian times into the 20th century, historical (and then some) characters like Conan Doyle, Jung, Houdini, and a few surprises. Add the MacGuffin of a mysterious red book, and you will understand the delights of Elizabeth Crowens’s series featuring the Time Traveling Professor. Things come to a head in the third book in this delightful series. If you need to escape this world for a bit, try the one she has so beautifully built for you."
Jim Freund, host of radio program Hour of the Wolf
Book Details:
Genre: Alternate History / Time Travel
Published by: Atomic Alchemist Productions
Publication Date: August 16th 2021
Number of Pages: 293
ISBN: 9781950384075
Series: Time Traveler Professor, #3
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | The Mysterious Bookshop
Read an excerpt:
CHAPTER 2 CONFESS THE CRIME
Arthur Conan Doyle made a reservation for H.G. Wells to dine with at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, one of the poshest establishments London had to offer. Both Arthur’s and Wells’s cars pulled up to the curb at the same time. Dressed to the nines, each gentleman appeared as if he were bound for the opera with top hats and the finest of formal wear.
“I almost feel guilty dressing for the occasion.” Wells adjusted his dinner jacket and mumbled that they were tailored for men who were far less pudgy. “Like it’s anti-patriotic to be celebrating while others are in misery.”
“I thought something nutritious at Simpson’s would not be out of place,” Arthur said.
“Didn’t Sherlock Holmes say something like that?
“He mentioned Simpson’s in The Adventure of the Dying Detective. After feigning a fatal illness and starving himself for three days to look the part, he looked forward to breaking his fast by dining here. Rest assured, I planned this so we wouldn’t arrive on their mandatory meat-free day of the week.”
“Oh, how I hate wartime rationing.”
“Agreed. At the beginning of the war, Simpson’s managed to be exempt. In fact, an article in The Times said in an obituary of its head chef, ‘Thomas Davey was a culinary patriot. He commanded a brigade of 100 men, and under his supervision 1,400 pounds of English meat, 300 pounds of turbot, 100 pounds of Scotch salmon, and two wagons full of vegetables were prepared every day.”
Wells added, “P.G. Wodehouse once wrote, ‘The God of Fatted Plenty has the place under his protection.’”
“Come,” Arthur said. “They’re strict in enforcing penalties on latecomers. My hunger is talking, and I’d hate to be turned away due to a ridiculous rule. I’ve been so looking forward to their famed silver trolleys piled high with meats-a-plenty. Allons-y!”
The maître d’ ushered them to a back table where the gentlemen settled in and got comfortable. He returned with menus and apologized for their abbreviated wartime menu. Although food was on his mind, Arthur’s main objective of the evening was to ferret out any information possible whether his theories held water that Wells was the prime suspect in the theft of his time machine.
“Bertie, besides whatever you’re tied up doing for the Ministry of Information, what have you been writing, especially in the realm of fiction?”
Wells took a sip of water and carefully placed his napkin on his lap, his words calculated and deliberate. “My publishers requested I steer clear of controversial politics. They suggested I try my hand at detective stories since yours have been so popular.”
Speechless, Arthur raised a brow.
“No need to worry.” Wells laughed. “You’ll find no competition in my corner. My brain has refused to wrap itself around such a concept divergent from my true nature. Try likening it to a fish trying to swing from trees with a simian’s prehensile tail.”
Arthur took a moment for the scientific analogy to sink in. “Or like Sherlock Holmes insisting on following the advice of a bunch of gypsy fortunetellers?”
Wells nodded. “Pretty much along the same lines. With this bloody war dominating everything in our daily lives, it’s impossible not to speculate about utopian futures and what life should be, or how it would turn out if certain actions were taken. What about you?”
“The political scene doesn’t seem to be my calling. You know... with my unsuccessful attempt at running for a Parliamentary seat in Edinburgh back at the turn of the century. Whether I like it or not, Holmes stocks the larders of my extended family. I have, however, been writing a series of non-fiction books on the history of the Great War. With so many members of my clan putting their lives at stake on the battle lines, I wonder how many more mouths I might have to feed. There’s my brother Innes, my brother-in-law, Malcolm Leckie, a few cousins and, of course, my oldest son, Kingsley, from my first marriage are all serving over there. Maybe Kingsley will make a success of his medical career as opposed to my failed practice in ophthalmology.”
“I’m surprised that your son Kingsley isn’t going to take up the pen like his famous papa.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have received an expositor’s blessing, but as you know, it can be a lonely, difficult, and penurious road.”
“But surely, he wouldn’t be going it alone. He’s got his father’s footsteps he can follow, not to mention his influence.”
“There are others who’d like to take advantage of those favors, and I’ve refrained.”
“Oh, there are?”
On that cue, Arthur changed the subject, not wanting to tread on an unwanted path. “Ah, here’s our waiter. How about a bottle of wine? It’s not often that anyone gets to forget a war is going on. Let’s pick a claret or a hearty pinot noir from Beaune for our carnivorous celebration!”
He looked around at the half-empty dining room in dismay, aware he needed to distract his dinner companion from further inquiry on a subject he wanted to keep secret.
“So few patrons...it’s sad. One would assume Simpson’s was shutting its doors and going out of business,” he said with a sigh and glanced around the room. “I don’t recognize a single soul.”
Wells laughed. “This place will survive after the Martian invasion has obliterated half the population of London.”
The men placed their orders and continued their conversation. As much as pleasantries and small talk were always welcome, Arthur knew he had to stick to an agenda.
“Bertie, have you ever considered writing any sequels to any of your successful pieces of fiction?”
“Surely you don’t expect me to follow up with a happily ever after to Anna Veronica, a story which has summoned nothing but controversy...not to mention my condemnation by the heads of the Fabian Society.”
“Over Amber Reeves, I presume.”
“And others. I’m lucky my wife Jane has the capability to turn off her sensitivity like a spigot. We might have our differences, but she is a good mother to our children, and the resulting firestorm could’ve been even more disastrous. I’m a staunch proponent of feminist free-will and liberation and wholeheartedly have supported the Suffragette Movement, but I resent being branded as a libertine. In the end, the Fabian Society was comprised of socialist idealists with their stuffy Victorian mores.
“Having the financial clout to speak my mind on the page has had its advantages, but I doubt if the full expression of sexual passions is in vogue when the war to end all wars takes precedence. Rebecca West, my darling, has written literary critiques in my defense, but others have not been so forgiving. Maybe it’s an attack —a class war of sorts—that I’ve achieved notoriety and success where others haven’t, and it’s always easier to cut another down than to improve upon one’s own shortcomings. I could come up with plenty of theories. However, with such scathing attacks on Mr. Polly, Togo-Bungay, and The Research Magnificent from several corners, I don’t think the public craves a sequel on the promotion of extramarital sex.”
Breaking out into a sweat, Wells started to grab a gravy-soaked napkin by accident but reached for his handkerchief to wipe off his damp forehead, instead. “Our unfolding history will dictate an encore to Mr. Breitling Sees it Through, and I mentioned it in one of our earlier conversations that I’m concerned my political and technological predictions will bode ill for mankind. Don’t consider it farfetched that our German enemies might’ve raided my garbage and invented weapons of doom and destruction from the outtakes of my manuscripts. We already have tank warfare to answer for after I wrote my story, The Iron Clads.”
“Bertie, you’re making this way too personal. Let’s appeal to the simple, Troglodyte mind and communicate in plain English.” Arthur took a moment to savor the smells of his special-prepared mutton curry. He’d have to choose his words with care—a sensitive topic, to say the least. “I was thinking more along the other end of the spectrum—of capitalizing upon the success of your scientific romances.”
“Like what you did with Professor Challenger in The Poison Belt?” Wells asked.
“Precisely. I’ve even considered writing a third novel in that series. Have one of your heroes go back to the scene of the crime. Ha! Here, I’m speaking in terms of Scotland Yard. Suppose you have Bert Smallways embark upon another aerial adventure in a follow up to A War in the Air. Jules Verne created the Mysterious Island, a sequel to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Why don’t you have hapless Edward Penrick from The Island of Doctor Moreau shipwrecked again? Better yet, have your time traveler return from his journey and fire up his time machine one more time.”
Arthur gave a hard stare, convinced his friend was skirting the subject. His brief silence was broken by the waiter asking if they cared for any dessert.
Wells viewed Arthur with serious concern. “Please don’t be redundant about your friend who has invented a time machine, and you’re inviting me over to try it.”
Alarmed, Arthur gulped down his coffee. “You said the words, not I.”
“Good, because I have no interest,” Wells replied.
A street urchin, clutching a loaf of bread and followed by several irate members of Simpson’s kitchen staff, rushed toward their table just as Arthur was about to elaborate.
“Who do we have here?” Wells asked, surprised but amused at the unexpected interruption.
“He reminds me of one of the Baker Street Irregulars whom Holmes uses as confederates to get information on his suspects.” Arthur added.
The boy’s cap fell on the floor. Arthur bent over and picked it up.
“Alms for the poor?” the waif asked.
“Cute kid,” Arthur said, reaching in his pocket for spare change. The kitchen staff scolded the child and swiped back the bread, but when they noticed his grubby hands caked with grease and soot, they declared it ruined and unfit for their customers and gave it back with disdain. The maître d’ caught up with the gentlemen, accompanied by his security detail, who apologized and escorted the intruder pell-mell out the door.
In the end, Arthur was no further from his objective than whence he started. He still couldn’t prove Wells had stolen his time machine and, to make matters worse, he realized their diminutive beggar was also a sly pickpocket. His wallet, along with his cherished gold timepiece, which he hadn’t secured on a chain, was gone. Wells had to pick up the tab.
***
Excerpt from A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens. Copyright 2022 by Elizabeth Crowens. Reproduced with permission from Elizabeth Crowens. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Currently New York City-based, worked in the entertainment industry in NY and LA for over 25 years. Writing credits include Black Belt, Black Gate, and Sherlock Holmes Mystery magazines, stories in Hell’s Heart and the Bram Stoker Award-nominated A New York State of Fright, and three alternate history/SFF novels. Recipient of the MWA-NY Leo B. Burstein Scholarship, City Artists Corps / New York Foundation of the Arts grant, a Glimmer Train Honorable Mention, an Eric Hoffer First Prize, two Grand Prize and five First Prize Chanticleer Review awards, including a 2022 Grand Prize in the Chanticleer Review Cygnus Awards for Science Fiction for A War in Too Many Worlds.
Catch Up With Elizabeth Crowens:
www.ElizabethCrowens.com
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Instagram - @crowens_author
Twitter - @ECrowens
Facebook - @thereel.elizabeth.crowens
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Wednesday, October 19, 2022
The Road to Christmas: Sheila Roberts Interview
I am so very happy to welcome Sheila Roberts today. I'm sure that you don't need an introduction, as you all know her either by her books and/or by the movies that have been based on her books. I am humbled, as well as excited because she's taken the time out of her busy day for an interview!!!
USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-selling author Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under various names, ranging from romance to self-improvement. Over three million books have been sold to date. Her humor and heart have won her a legion of fans and her novels have been turned into movies for both the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. When she’s not out dancing with her husband or hanging out with her girlfriends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends and chocolate.
Her latest book is the women’s fiction/romance The Road to Christmas (Harlequin/Mira, September ’22)
Visit her website at http://www.sheilasplace.com. Connect with her at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have been writing for a loooong time and I love what I do. It’ so much fun to sit around and make up stuff. 
When I’m not writing I’m playing tennis, going line dancing, watching movies with my husband, hanging out with girlfriends or throwing a party. And, of course, there’s reading. So many books, so little time!
This is a road trip story involving three branches of a family tree, everyone on their way to their holiday destination – three different adventures and one big happy ending.
What inspired you to write it?
That is a good question. Often I am inspired by something that happens in my life or something I read about or see. This time it just came to me that it would be fun to write about a road trip. Road trips are always interesting and often things happen that you didn’t even remotely plan for. So a road trip story offers lots of potential for drama, laughter and falling in love. I hope I’ve given readers all of that in this book.
Do you have a favourite character? Why is s/he your favourite?
One of the first characters I adored was Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. A determined woman, who never let the opinions of others (including a snobby Mr. Darcy) shake her sense of worth. IMHO, we all should get in touch with our inner Elizabeth Bennet.
I know some authors have strange rituals when they write. Some have to have a certain food, lock themselves in a room, only work at night, etc. What's yours?
Alas, I’m boring in that respect. I have no ritual. Much as I enjoy writing, it is still a job. So every day I sit down with my laptop, enter my fictional world, and get busy creating.
Can you give us a hint on what your next project is?
We writers are always working ahead. Right now I’m halfway through next year’s Christmas book and enjoying it immensely. (Christmas is my favorite season!) Soon I will be hearing from my editor and polishing my spring release, Mermaid Beach, part of my Moonlight Harbor series. I’m excited about that one and hope readers will enjoy this next installment in the series.
What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?
Why are things like reviews and pre-orders such a big deal to you writers?
I know it’s not an esoteric or exciting question, but a bit of business it would be good for readers to know. That first week of sales is important, therefore pre-orders are important. A first week of good sales can land a writer on a best-seller list, and our publishers love it when that happens. And we love it when our publisher is happy. Also, it’s a validation for a writer’s work. The same is true of reviews, because those reviews help boost our visibility on sites such as Amazon, and introduce us to new readers. We writers so need our readers. If nobody knew of us, who would we have to tell our stories to? As you can see, reader support is really important. And let me tell you, it’s really appreciated!
Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?
Only that I appreciate you all so much. I love hearing from readers and I really enjoy interacting with them on social media. So come find me on Facebook (funwithsheila), Instagram (sheilarobertswriter) and now, TikTok sheilarobertswriter, funwithsheila)
Thank you so much Sheila! It was such a pleasure getting to know you!
Thank you so much for having me. I enjoyed chatting with with you!
Title: The Road to Christmas
Author: Sheila Roberts
Publisher: Harlequin (MIRA)
Pages: 320
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance
BOOK BLURB:
Michelle and Max are not planning on a happy holiday. Their marriage is in shambles and the D word has entered their vocabulary. But now their youngest daughter, Julia, wants everyone to come to her new house in Idaho for Christmas, and she's got the guest room all ready for Mom and Dad. Oh, joy.
Their other daughters, Audrey and Shyla, are driving up from California and hoping to meet a sexy rancher for Audrey along the way. What they don't plan on is getting stranded on a ranch when the car breaks down.
The ones with the shortest drive are Grandma and Grandpa--also known as Hazel and Warren. It's still a bit of a trek, and Hazel doesn't like the idea of driving all that way in snow, but Warren knows they'll have no problem. They have a reliable car--and snow tires and chains if they need them. They'll be fine.
Surprises lie in store for all three sets of intrepid travelers as they set out on three very different adventures, all leading to one memorable family Christmas.
Book Information
Release Date: January 21, 2021
Publisher: Harlequin (MIRA)
Soft Cover: ISBN:978-0778386568; 320 pages; $15.29; eBook $11.99
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BOS5yL
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3UAwIZs
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