tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89844470026466113532024-02-18T22:30:45.960-05:00Just One More ParagraphMusings of a Christian wifetweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.comBlogger901125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-62988758077361040582023-02-03T00:01:00.001-05:002023-02-03T00:01:00.235-05:00Review & Giveaway: Dark Of Night by Colleen Coble<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>Dark of Night</h2>
<h3> by Colleen Coble</h3>
<h4>January 9-February 3, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Dark of Night by Colleen Coble cover" border="0" height="305" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dark-of-Night.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<h4>The law is about justice—not grace. But perhaps ranger Annie Pederson can find a way to have both.</h4>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p>As if the last few months haven’t been hard enough—complete with threats on her life and the return of her first love, Jon—Annie has to figure out whether or not to believe a woman who claims to be her sister, Sarah, who was abducted twenty-four years ago at age five. Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, has plenty of questions about what’s going on in her mother’s life—but there are some stones Annie doesn’t want uncovered.</p>
<p>As Annie grapples with how to heal the gulf between her and her would-be sister and make room in her daughter’s life for Jon, she’s professionally distracted by the case of yet another missing hiker in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A woman named Michelle Fraser has now been abducted, and though the woman’s estranged husband is at the top of their suspect list, Annie and her colleagues will need to dig deeper and determine whether these recent mysteries are truly as unrelated as they seem.</p>
<h4>In this second novel of bestselling author Colleen Coble’s latest romantic-suspense series, Annie and Jon must fight for the future—and the family—that could once more be theirs.</h4>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<blockquote class="details">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Romantic Suspense<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Thomas Nelson<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> January 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 352<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 0785253742 (ISBN13: 9780785253747)<br />
<b>Series:</b> Annie Pederson #2 <br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3VIVWVS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3VSoSuS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3DcppAw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3ScdDu1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p>
</blockquote>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>Chapter 1</h4>
<p>Should she even be out here alone? Michigan’s U.P. was a whole lotta wilderness. Michelle Fraser’s shoulder blades gave a tingle and made her glance back to see if anyone was following her. No one there. But in spite of seeing no movement in the trees and bushes, she couldn’t discount her gut instinct. She’d been spooked ever since she left the safety of the women’s shelter.</p>
<p>Maybe it was just knowing she was out here with no backup that had her on edge.</p>
<p>The heavy scent of rain hung in the twilight air as she set the last of her wildlife cameras in the crook of a large sugar maple tree. A northern flying squirrel chattered a warning from its nest. The <i>glaucomys sabrinus</i>’s agitation made Michelle pull away in time to avoid being nipped.</p>
<p>Thunder rumbled in the distance, and a spooky mist blew through the forest. The sooner she was out of here, the better. Her last set of cameras hadn’t turned up the elusive mountain lions she’d been searching for, but a hunter in neighboring Ontonagon County had snapped a picture of a large male reclining on a rock. If she could acquire more data, it would aid her research for the magazine article proving mountain lions inhabited the area. And she had to have pictures.</p>
<p>She’d been obsessed with big cats for as long as she could remember. Even the various names held a fascinating mystique: catamount, puma, cougar, mountain lion, panther.</p>
<p>A mosquito landed on her arm, and she swatted it. Her hands came away with a drop of blood on her fingers. Yuck. She wiped the residue on her khaki shorts and turned to go back to her ATV. A sound erupted to her right, and it sounded like either a puma or a woman’s scream. The hair on her neck prickled, and she moved that way.</p>
<p>The scream pealed again, and she removed the lens cap on the camera slung around her neck. Her palms dampened, and her breath came fast. Walking toward danger might not be the smartest thing, but Michelle couldn’t help herself. She yearned to see a puma in the wild in all its power and beauty. Her knees shook as she pulled out a bullhorn from her backpack to frighten away the cat if it sensed her as prey.</p>
<p>Queen pumas would be protecting their litters in June, so she needed to be careful. Her lungs labored as she rushed in that direction. Her black belt in jujitsu wouldn’t do much against the speed and power of a puma. She seized a large branch to make herself seem bigger as she advanced through the forest. Evergreen needles clawed at her arms as she forced her way through a thick stand of white pine.</p>
<p>She paused on the other side and caught the glimmer of water. Lake Superior’s waves lapped at the rocky shore, and she spotted a yellow kayak riding the swells in the shallow surf. A discarded backpack bobbed beside it.</p>
<p>Her sense of unease grew as she observed the scene. Glancing around, she approached the water and snagged the backpack from the lake, then pulled the kayak onto the rocks. Her gut told her someone was in trouble.</p>
<p>Should she call out? If it was wildlife threatening the woman she thought she’d heard, Michelle could scare it off with a flare. But if the attacker was human, she didn’t want to give away her presence and put the woman in greater danger. She scanned the area for bear or cougar scat but found nothing.</p>
<p>The sound of oars slapping the water came from her left, and she ducked back into the shadow of the pines until she could tell the intent of the boaters. Two figures partially shrouded in mist paddled a large canoe around a rocky finger of the shore. The glimpse of broad shoulders through the fog indicated they were probably men. She strained to listen through the sound of the wind and water but couldn’t hear much.</p>
<p>She couldn’t put her finger on why she didn’t want them to see her. Maybe because they were men, and Brandon might have sent them after her.</p>
<p>“I know she ran this way. Trying to get to her kayak, eh.” The man’s heavy Yooper accent carried well over the water.</p>
<p>“Can’t see her through this mist,” the other man said. “I don’t know why I let you talk me into this. Your love life isn’t my business.”</p>
<p>“You owe me. Let’s try on down the shore. There’s a deer trail toward the road she might have tried to take.”</p>
<p>Their voices faded as their canoe moved past. She didn’t get a good look at their faces. Was a woman out there trying to escape an abusive ex? Michelle had seen plenty of that kind of trauma this past year and had experienced abuse personally.</p>
<p>Once they were out of sight, she stepped back into the clearing. “Hello,” she called softly. “Is anyone here? I can help you.”</p>
<p>She walked across the green mossy clearing, searching for a sign of an injured woman. The bushes to her left shivered and rustled, and she stepped closer. “Hello? Do you need help?”</p>
<p>The leaves parted as the mist swirled along the ground, and the pale oval of a woman’s face emerged. Long blonde hair hung in strings along her cheeks, and her eyelids fluttered as though she might faint. Michelle rushed forward and helped the young woman to her feet. She was in her early twenties with a slight build. Mud smeared her khaki shorts and red top, and she was barefoot.</p>
<p>She seemed familiar, and Michelle reached down to touch her forehead. She nearly recoiled at the heat radiating from the young woman. “Wait, aren’t you Grace Mitchell?”</p>
<p>They’d met when Grace first arrived at the shelter, but Michelle hadn’t immediately recognized her with the mud and dirt on her face and hair. The woman’s fever alarmed Michelle. “You’re burning up. We need to get you to a doctor.”</p>
<p>“I-I’ll be fine. Do you have some way out of here?”</p>
<p>“My ATV is this way.” Michelle put her right arm around the woman’s waist and helped her stumble toward the trail. “What are you doing out here?”</p>
<p>Grace paused and wiped the beads of perspiration from her forehead. “I spotted my ex driving past the shelter, and I knew he’d found me. That day we met, you mentioned a remote area you liked with a great camping spot, and I decided to try to find it. You know, hide out until I figured out where to go to get away from Roy. But I stopped by to get camping gear from my parents, and he must have followed me here. He’s out there somewhere. He and a buddy.” Her blue eyes flashed with fear. “I can’t let him find me.”</p>
<p>They reached the ATV, and Michelle got Grace situated, but it was a tight squeeze on the vehicle meant for one person. Michelle got water out of her backpack and helped Grace drink some. She grabbed her phone, too, and took a quick photo of the traumatized girl before she dropped it back into the pack.</p>
<p>Michelle started the machine and pulled out onto the trail back to the cabin where she’d been hiding out. She should have gotten out of here earlier since the weather had caused darkness to fall sooner than expected. It would be slow going on the rough trail with only the headlamps pushing the darkness back a short distance.</p>
<p>After only a few minutes, Michelle realized she’d gotten off the trail. She stopped the machine and looked around. Which way should she go? She consulted her compass and decided to push due west. They’d only gone a few feet when the ground gave out under the machine, and they went flying into the air. When Michelle hit the ground, something in her right leg snapped, and the excruciating pain was instantaneous.</p>
<p>She bit back a scream but couldn’t stop the moan as she pulled her knee to her chest. The swelling was already starting four inches above her ankle, but at least it didn’t appear to be a compound fracture. “I-I’ve broken my leg. Are you all right, Grace?”</p>
<p>When Grace didn’t answer, Michelle felt along the ground until she touched her thigh. “Grace?” She felt up the young woman’s body to her face.</p>
<p>Grace wasn’t breathing. “Oh no,” Michelle whispered. She checked her out in the dark as best as she could. No pulse.</p>
<p>Michelle dragged herself to the machine but it was on its side, and she couldn’t right it with her broken leg. No one would be searching for her out here, so she had to find shelter. But how?</p>
<p>The pain made it hard to think. She froze at the sound of movement in the vegetation. Something big was crashing toward her. A deer? A mountain lion or bear?</p>
<p>A man’s shoulders moved into sight, and his expression sent shivers up her spine. When he reached down to lift her up, the pain intensified in her leg, and her vision went black.</p>
<p>///</p>
<p>Law enforcement ranger Annie Pederson sat at a table by herself in the small interrogation room at the Rock Harbor jail and waited for Taylor Moore to be brought in for questioning. Maybe it was Annie’s imagination, but it seemed as if the beige paint on the walls reeked with the guilt and despair of countless years of interrogations. Even the clean scent of the disinfectant used in the area didn’t dissipate the unpleasantness. She didn’t like this space and wished she could have talked to Taylor at the coffee shop or somewhere more pleasant.</p>
<p>But this meeting might be the end of her lifelong search, so she would have faced even tigers in this place.</p>
<p>The door opened and Taylor entered. Several weeks ago Annie had hired her to help out around the Tremolo Marina and Cabin Resort and with Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, but the woman had been picked up for questioning about the necklace found belonging to a murdered girl. Her claim to be Annie’s sister, Sarah—kidnapped from Tremolo Island twenty-four years ago—had turned Annie’s every thought on its head. According to Taylor’s ID, she was twenty-nine, three years younger than Annie, so that detail matched Sarah.</p>
<p>Annie’s heart squeezed at Taylor’s ducked head and stringy locks. The bright-red hair dye was fading, and glints of her natural blonde color showed through. Her jeans and tee looked like she’d slept in them for days, and the scent of stale perspiration wafted from her.</p>
<p>Taylor glanced up, and Annie bit back a gasp at the defiance gleaming in those vivid blue eyes that matched Annie’s eye color instead of the muddy brown Annie was used to. Jon Dunstan had claimed Taylor was wearing contacts to change her eye color, and it seemed he was right.</p>
<p>Annie had prided herself on her ability to read people in her line of work. She’d always thought she could detect a liar with no problem. Taylor had completely snowed her. After Taylor’s impeccable references, Annie had trusted the woman with her child.</p>
<p>Sheriff Mason Kaleva ambled in behind Taylor. He gestured to the chair across the table from Annie. “Have a seat, Ms. Moore.”</p>
<p>In his forties, his husky form brought solace to Annie. He’d always been there for her and his town, and his kind brown eyes swept over her in a questioning gaze. She gave him a little nod to let him know she was okay.</p>
<p>Taylor’s eyes narrowed. “It’s Ms. Vitanen. Sarah Vitanen.”</p>
<p>A wave of dizziness washed over Annie, and she bit her lip and eyed Taylor closely. “You claim to be my sister, but do you have any proof?”</p>
<p>The chair screeched on the tile floor as Taylor pulled it out before she plopped onto it. “I should have expected you wouldn’t welcome me with open arms. After all, you did nothing to stop my abduction.”</p>
<p>Heat swept up Annie’s neck and lodged in her cheeks. “What could an eight-year-old do to stop an adult? If you’re really Sarah, what was the name of your favorite stuffed animal?”</p>
<p>“Cocoa,” Taylor said without hesitation. “It was a brown kitten. I couldn’t have a real one because Mom was allergic.”</p>
<p>Annie’s eyes widened. She caught her breath as she studied the other woman across the table. “Let me see your left knee.”</p>
<p>Rebellion flashed in Taylor’s blue eyes, and she leaned down to yank up her baggy jeans, then stood with her tanned knee exposed. A faded two-inch scar just below her kneecap matched the one in Annie’s memory. Sarah had gotten snagged on a large metal hook under the dock at the marina. It had taken fifteen stitches to close the wound, and Annie had helped her sister hobble around for several weeks.</p>
<p>But was that proof? Kids had scars from all sorts of things. She wanted to believe her sister was still alive, but was Taylor really Sarah?</p>
<p>Her breath eased from her lips, and Annie couldn’t speak for a long moment. “You really believe you’re Sarah? Did you research all that and make sure the details matched?”</p>
<p>Taylor just stared back at her with that same defiance. In Annie’s dreams, finding Sarah meant a tight embrace and happy tears, but Taylor’s stance with her arms folded across her chest and her jutting chin warned Annie off any displays of affection. Not that she was feeling any warmth toward the other woman in this moment.</p>
<p>When the other woman plopped back in her chair and didn’t answer, Annie licked her lips. “Why didn’t you tell me when you first showed up looking for work? Why the fake name? I’ve been searching for my sister for years.”</p>
<p>“Have you? Have you really?”</p>
<p>Annie glanced at Mason. “Ask him if you don’t believe me.”</p>
<p>Mason shifted his bulky form and nodded. “I’ve been helping Annie search. We’ve sent DNA samples numerous times over the past ten years. Her parents searched for Sarah, and even hired investigators, until their deaths.”</p>
<p>Annie hadn’t known that. Her parents’ business, the Tremolo Marina and Cabin Resort, operated on a shoestring, so they must have taken much needed money to try to find Sarah.</p>
<p>Annie shifted her gaze back to the woman across the table. Taylor twisted a strand of hair around her finger in a coil. Sarah used to do that too. If this was a scam, it was an elaborate one. With all her heart Annie wanted to believe it, but she couldn’t quite accept it. It was so sudden, and the circumstances were bizarre.</p>
<p>Mason cleared his throat. “We’ll need a little more proof. We can get the DNA back in a week or so.”</p>
<p>“I have nothing to hide,” the other woman said.</p>
<p>Annie had spent twenty-four years agonizing over her failure to save Sarah. The guilt had nearly swallowed her alive, though everyone told her she couldn’t have done anything. Until a few days ago, she hadn’t been able to recall much about that awful night. Maybe she hadn’t wanted to remember how she froze in fear when the kidnapper grabbed Sarah.</p>
<p>Annie fingered the scar on her neck where the attacker had wounded her with a knife. She’d been left for dead in the cold waters of Lake Superior, and while logically she knew she was no match for the gruff woman who’d snatched her sister, Annie had struggled to believe it.</p>
<p>“Were any of the things you told me about your life true? Those things you said about your m-mother?”</p>
<p>“I had a rotten life, if that’s what you’re asking. All those things I said about my mother were true. And it was all your fault.”</p>
<p>There was nothing Annie could say to counter that when her own conscience condemned her too. She was only too glad when her boss, Kade Matthews, texted her with a new case. Mason could continue the questioning about the necklace.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Dark of Night</i> by Colleen Coble. Copyright 2022 by Colleen Coble. Reproduced with permission from HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p><br /></p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 330px;"><img align="left" alt="Colleen Coble" border="0" height="200" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Colleen-Coble_Headshot.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="301" /></div>
<p>Colleen Coble is a <em>USA TODAY</em> bestselling author best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including <em>The Inn at Ocean's Edge</em>, <em>Twilight at Blueberry Barrens</em>, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.</p>
<h3>Connect with Colleen online at:<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2J1atJr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">colleencoble.com</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2IYBr48" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2IXHje1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub: @colleencoble</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2J0r7c0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram: @colleencoble</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2J0BSv1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter: @colleencoble</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2J0AF72" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook: colleencoblebooks</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2 style="text-align: left;"> My Thoughts:</h2><div>First, I must say that I'm a Colleen Coble fan - pure and simple. Will that influence my review? Well, possibly, but doubtful. Colleen writes a good story and she can really pull you in. Usually, I will read her books within a couple of days. Not so with this one. I found this one difficult.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, this is not in any means a negative review. I give it 5 stars, hands down because it's a great "keep you on the edge of your seat" thriller. So why did I find it difficult? It was the subject and some of the content. I had some interesting reactions to what happened to Michelle and to other characters in the book - especially the children. To get that reaction from me, you know it needed to be a well written and quite realistic story. Yes, this was definitely both for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I've been somewhat bored with some of the books I have read over the last year. Nothing really grabbed me, and those that did were definitely memorable, but this one, it was more. In fact, in certain places I needed to stop reading and put it aside. That hasn't happened to me in a long, long time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I won't get into details, but I will say that the characters were realistic and some really shook me for either their situations or their personalities. </div><div><br /></div><div>This book is why I love Colleen's writing. Her stories strike chords with me. She's brilliant and this book proves it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaway entries! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=308901" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>GIVEAWAY:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Harper Collins and Colleen Coble. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/ox7qug/dark-of-night-by-colleen-coble" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<p><script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-28249264333172377152022-12-25T11:02:00.005-05:002022-12-25T11:04:17.304-05:00Happy Holidays!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img.freepik.com/free-vector/elegant-merry-christmas-background-with-white-christmas-ornament_44538-4702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="626" height="337" src="https://img.freepik.com/free-vector/elegant-merry-christmas-background-with-white-christmas-ornament_44538-4702.jpg" width="561" /></a></div><br /><p></p>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-42906049912358614302022-11-27T00:01:00.001-05:002022-11-27T00:01:00.223-05:00Sounds Like Love - Book Spotlight #Giveaway<p> </p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-181880" height="259" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SOUND-LIKE-LOVE-BANNER-640.jpg" width="546" /> </h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;">Sounds Like Love</span>
<span style="color: #073763;">by Laura Ford</span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: 24pt;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">About Sounds Like Love</span></em></span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-181881" height="504" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SOUNDS-LIKE-LOVE.jpg" width="351" /> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="adc5b61447e4660e82c1fcc3221b3ab6" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sounds Like Love laura ford" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/152559298X/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=adc5b61447e4660e82c1fcc3221b3ab6&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7862196" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sounds Like Love</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7862196" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=adc5b61447e4660e82c1fcc3221b3ab6&_cb=1665600270063" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Setting - United Kingdom</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FriesenPress (July 29, 2021)</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Reading age : 12 - 17 years</strong> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hardcover : 150 pages</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-10 : 1525592998</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-13 : 978-1525592997</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Paperback : 150 pages</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-10 : 152559298X</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-13 : 978-1525592980</strong> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Digital ASIN : B09BTLYBWT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58710416-sounds-like-love"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-10339 size-full" height="41" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" width="130" /></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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…</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Laura Ford</span></em></span></h2>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-181882" height="225" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LAURA-FORD-300x225.jpg" width="300" />
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Laura Ford</strong> 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Author Link - </strong><a href="https://www.soundslikelovebook.com/">https://www.soundslikelovebook.com/</a> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Purchase Links - <a href="https://amzn.to/3rNhYZU" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> - <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sounds-like-love-laura-ford/1139925960?ean=9781525592980" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/sounds-like-love/id1578964443" rel="noopener" target="_blank">I tunes</a> <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sounds_Like_Love?id=a8A6EAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Google Play Store</a> <a href="https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000153763986/Laura-Ford-Sounds-Like-Love" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Direct from the publisher</a></strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>TOUR PARTICIPANTS</strong>
<strong>November 14 – <a href="https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/">Maureen's Musings</a> – REVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 14 – <a href="https://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com/">Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 15 – <a href="https://christyscozycorners.com/">Christy's Cozy Corners</a> – AUTHOR GUEST POST</strong><br />
<strong>November 15 – <a href="https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogspot.com/">Books a Plenty Book Reviews</a> – CHARACTER GUEST POST</strong><br />
<strong>November 16 – <a href="http://fuonlyknew.com/">FUONLYKNEW</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 17 – <a href="https://www.literaryau.com">Literary Gold</a> – AUTHOR INTERVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 18 – <a href="http://mochasmysteriesmeows.com/">Mochas, Mysteries and Meows</a> – REVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 19 – <a href="https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/">Lady Hawkeye</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 20 – <a href="https://imintobooks.com">I'm Into Books</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 21 – <a href="http://ow.ly/w3SA50vlKHY">#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 22 – <a href="https://guatemalapaula.blogspot.com/">Guatemala Paula Loves to Read</a> – REVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 22 – <a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/">Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book</a> – AUTHOR INTERVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 23 – <a href="https://debbiedelouise.com">Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog</a> – CHARACTER INTERVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 24 – THANKSGIVING</strong><br />
<strong>November 25 – <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">Celticlady's Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 26 – <a href="https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/">Sapphyria's Book Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 27 – <a href="https://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/">Just One More Paragraph</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="028877921445" data-template="56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921445/" id="rcwidget_o1ky69hx" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<strong>Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/be-a-great-escapes-tour-host/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/great-escapes-book-tours/">Click Here to Find Details</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/be-a-great-escapes-tour-host/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/great-escapes-book-tours/">Sign Up Today!</a><BR><BR>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-88015" height="154" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/great-escape-button160-1.jpg" width="160" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-42101332122106219912022-11-23T00:01:00.001-05:002022-11-23T00:01:00.232-05:00Longing is Violet Dusk - Spotlight and #Giveaway<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-181856" height="258" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LONGING-IS-VIOLET-DUSK-BANNER-540.jpg" width="541" /> </h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Longing is Violet Dusk: A Hazel Dean Mystery</span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">by Josalyn McAllister</span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Longing is Violet Dusk</span></em></span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-181855" height="502" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Longing-is-Violet-Dusk-Final-640x1024.png" width="314" /><br />
<strong><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="bfcda29e88d2052b05becb4b1b246301" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Longing is Violet Dusk: A Hazel Dean Mystery" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDD6J18R/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=bfcda29e88d2052b05becb4b1b246301&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_903283" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Longing is Violet Dusk: A Hazel Dean Mystery</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_903283" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=bfcda29e88d2052b05becb4b1b246301&_cb=1665518561544" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></strong><br />
<strong>Cozy Mystery</strong><br />
<strong>2nd in Series</strong><br />
<strong>Setting - Georgia</strong><br />
<strong>Eburnean Books (September 27, 2022)</strong><br />
<strong>Paperback : 302 pages</strong><br />
<strong>ISBN-13 : 979-8987053201</strong><br />
<strong>Digital ASIN : B0BDD6J18R</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62687991-longing-is-violet-dusk"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-10339 size-full" height="41" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" width="130" /></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>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.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With all of Hazel's efforts, can the missing woman be found before it's too late?</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Josalyn McAllister</span></em></span></h2>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-168196" height="213" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/JOSALYN-MCALLISTER-300x213.png" width="300" />
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Josalyn McAllister</strong> is a cozy fiction author whose most recent works include <em><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="d547068f4b3f1960b2669c3cfafed71e" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Love Over Easy" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1734971002/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=d547068f4b3f1960b2669c3cfafed71e&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9597442" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Love Over Easy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9597442" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=d547068f4b3f1960b2669c3cfafed71e&_cb=1623710229765" width="0" /></em> and <em><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="ce3cbb6c4e98deac944061d2193dd684" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Guilt is Midnight Blue" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0949QG9H1/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=ce3cbb6c4e98deac944061d2193dd684&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7959005" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Guilt is Midnight Blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7959005" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=ce3cbb6c4e98deac944061d2193dd684&_cb=1623710242330" width="0" /></em>. Josalyn started writing character descriptions at the tender age of seven, inspired by the works of LM Montgomery. In her teenage years, she moved on to Newsies fan fiction. Inspired by National Novel Writing Month, she wrote her first novel about a child she mentored in college. She has never stopped writing. Josalyn taught middle school history before deciding she would rather spend time with her own children than other peoples. A restless soul, she has moved all over the country and collected an eclectic array of hobbies. Her writing has a relatable quality that will charm and entertain you.</p>
<strong>Author Links</strong><br /> <br />
<a href="http://josalynmcallister.com%2C/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Website</strong></a><br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/josalyn.mcallister.5" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><br />
<strong><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20244955.Josalyn_McAllister" rel="noopener" target="_blank">GoodReads</a> </strong><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/josalynmcallister/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Instagram</strong></a><br /><br />
<strong>Purchase Links<br /> <br /> – <a href="https://amzn.to/3erpqH9" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <br /> – <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/longing-is-violet-dusk-josalyn-mcallister/1142380575?ean=9798987053201" rel="noopener" target="_blank">B&N</a> – </strong><br /> <br />
<br />
<strong>TOUR PARTICIPANTS</strong><br /> <br />
<strong>November 14 – <a href="https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/">Lady Hawkeye</a> – SPOTLIGHT </strong><br />
<strong>November 15 – <a href="https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/">Sapphyria's Book Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 16 – <a href="https://www.literaryau.com">Literary Gold</a> - SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 17 – <a href="https://readingismysuperpower.org">Reading Is My SuperPower</a> – REVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 18 – <a href="https://www.dianneascroft.com/blog/">Ascroft, eh?</a> – CHARACTER INTERVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 18 – <a href="https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/">Mythical Books</a> – REVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 19 –<a href="https://imintobooks.com"> I'm Into Books</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 19 – <a href="https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogspot.com/">Books a Plenty Book Reviews</a> – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST</strong><br />
<strong>November 20 – <a href="http://fuonlyknew.com/">FUONLYKNEW</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 21 – <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">Celticlady's Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 22 – <a href="https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/">Maureen's Musings</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 23 – <a href="https://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/">Just One More Paragraph</a> – AUTHOR GUEST POST</strong><br />
<strong>November 24 – THANKSGIVING</strong><br />
<strong>November 25 – <a href="http://ow.ly/w3SA50vlKHY">#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog</a> - SPOTLIGHT</strong><br />
<strong>November 26 – <a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/">Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book</a> – REVIEW</strong><br />
<strong>November 27 – <a href="https://guatemalapaula.blogspot.com/">Guatemala Paula Loves to Read</a> – REVIEW</strong><br /> <br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="028877921444" data-template="56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921444/" id="rcwidget_hirwkijf" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<strong>Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/be-a-great-escapes-tour-host/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/great-escapes-book-tours/">Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!</a></div><div><br />
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-88015" height="154" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/great-escape-button160-1.jpg" width="160" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-57442056620580151652022-11-19T00:01:00.001-05:002022-11-19T00:01:00.218-05:00Silence Says the Most - Review & #Giveaway<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-181825" height="244" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SILENCE-SAYS-THE-MOST-BANNER-640.jpg" width="515" /> </h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Silence Says the Most: An Olivia Penn Mystery</span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">by Kathleen Bailey</span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Silence Says the Most </span></em></span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-181826" height="505" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Silence-Says-the-Most-Cover-678x1024.jpg" width="334" /> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f9926b510b20287e586db118a750e006" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Silence Says the Most: An Olivia Penn Mystery" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGFRZDGK/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=f9926b510b20287e586db118a750e006&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2893582" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Silence Says the Most: An Olivia Penn Mystery</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2893582" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f9926b510b20287e586db118a750e006&_cb=1665434793279" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cozy Mystery</strong>
<strong>2nd in Series</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Setting - Apple Station, Virginia (in the Shenandoah Valley)</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Rhino Publishing LLC (October 25, 2022)</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hardcover : 304 pages</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-10 : 195627006X</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-13 : 978-1956270068</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Digital ASIN : B0BGFRZDGK</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62798073-silence-says-the-most"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-10339 size-full" height="41" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" width="130" /></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A heartwarming cozy mystery that celebrates the connections of friends and family with a Gilmore Girls vibe.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Five days before Halloween, fall turns frightful in Apple Station when a child’s drawing entangles Olivia in a murder at a park lake.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Can Olivia unmask the killer before the endangered evidence vanishes, and she becomes the next victim?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: 24pt;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">About Kathleen Bailey</span></em></span></h2>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-173398" height="300" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/KathleenBaileyAuthor-228x300.jpg" width="228" />
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Kathleen Bailey</strong> is the author of <em>The</em><em> Olivia Penn Mystery Series</em>. 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.</p>
<strong>Author Links</strong> <div><br /><div><strong>Webpage:</strong> <a href="https://kathleenbaileyauthor.com/">https://kathleenbaileyauthor.com/</a> </div><div><strong>Amazon:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/author/kathleenbailey">https://www.amazon.com/author/kathleenbailey</a> </div><div><strong>GoodReads:</strong> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/kathleenbailey" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/kathleenbailey</a> </div><div><strong>Bookbub</strong>: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-bailey">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-bailey</a></div><div><ul>
<li><strong>Purchase Links</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3RYLKFW" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong></div><div><strong> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silence-says-the-most-kathleen-bailey/1142360102?ean=2940186435525" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> </strong></div><div><strong><a href="https://books2read.com/silencesaysthemost" rel="noopener" target="_blank">All Retailers</a> </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>My Thoughts:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>TOUR PARTICIPANTS</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 8 – <a href="https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/">Maureen’s Musings</a> – SPOTLIGHT </strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">
<strong>November 9 – <a href="https://www.dianneascroft.com/blog/">Ascroft, eh?</a> – AUTHOR INTERVIEW</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 10 – <a href="https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com">Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 11 – <a href="https://readingismysuperpower.org">Reading Is My SuperPower</a> – REVIEW</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 12 – <a href="https://imintobooks.com">I'm Into Books</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 12 – <a href="http://fuonlyknew.com/">FUONLYKNEW</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 13 – <a href="https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/">Lady Hawkeye</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 14 – <a href="http://ow.ly/w3SA50vlKHY">#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 15 – <a href="https://www.literaryau.com">Literary Gold</a> – AUTHOR INTERVIEW</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 16 – <a href="https://christyscozycorners.com/">Christy's Cozy Corners</a> – REVIEW</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 17 – <a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/">Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book</a> – AUTHOR INTERVIEW</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 18 – <a href="https://mjbreviewers.wordpress.com/">MJB Reviewers</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 19 – <a href="https://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/">Just One More Paragraph</a> – REVIEW</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 20 – <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">Celticlady's Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>November 21 – <a href="https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/">Sapphyria's Book Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </p><p style="text-align: left;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="028877921443" data-template="56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921443/" id="rcwidget_4iu38xap" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<strong>Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/be-a-great-escapes-tour-host/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/great-escapes-book-tours/">Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">
<strong><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-88015" height="154" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/great-escape-button160-1.jpg" width="160" /></strong></p><div><strong></strong></div></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-78792137044520569802022-11-11T00:01:00.053-05:002022-11-11T00:01:00.245-05:00Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills - Review & #Giveaway<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>Concrete Evidence</h2>
<h3>by DiAnn Mills</h3>
<h4>October 31 - November 25, 2022 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills" border="0" height="300" src="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/concrete-evidence-by-diann-mills-cover.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="207" /></div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Praise for <i>Concrete Evidence</i>:</h3>
<p>"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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span>Shondra Brown for <em><a href="https://www.libraryjournal.com/review/concrete-evidence-1790563">Library Journal</a></em></span></p>
</div>
<p>"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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span><em><a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781496451897">Publisher's Weekly</a></em></span></p>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3><i>Concrete Evidence</i> Trailer:</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wra7qJmx1Xo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<blockquote class="details">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Romantic Suspense <br />
<b>Published by:</b> Tyndale House Publishers<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> October 2022 <br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 416<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781496451897 (ISBN10: 1496451899) <br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3pHzi1p" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3R7a9Jc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3dWT32g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3R6w43e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3CwI3T8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tyndale</a></p>
</blockquote>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>Chapter 1</h4>
<h6>Texas Hill Country</h6>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“Mornin’, sweet girl.”</p>
<p>“Can I treat you to a five-star restaurant for lunch?” He chuckled. “You’ll have to fly in the prime rib.”</p>
<p>“I’ve packed us a picnic, and I’m on my way to meet you. Just say where.”</p>
<p>“Drivin’ or ridin’?”</p>
<p>“You’ve hurt Darcy’s feelings.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“I hope I can always live up to that strength.”</p>
<p>“You already have. One day you’ll make the right man proud.” “Haven’t found him yet.”</p>
<p>“Time’s just not right. So when will you get here?”</p>
<p>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.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>Avery laughed. “No. I packed ham and cheese, jalapeño-bacon potato salad, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and apple pie. You can eat light this evening.”</p>
<p>“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?”</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Not going there today. After spending time with Granddad and finding out the source of her accounting problem, she—</p>
<p>A shot rang out from the direction of the cemetery.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”
</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Concrete Evidence</i> by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2022 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="DiAnn Mills" border="0" height="250" src="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/concrete-evidence-by-diann-mills-Author-NEW.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>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. </p>
<h3>DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3QTydj2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">diannmills.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3Tt3NWL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3wtvLHM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @DiAnnMills</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/2MxbnhH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @diannmillsauthor </a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3ApDVSE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter - @DiAnnMills</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3AMxYAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @DiAnnMills</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PPvu8Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube - @DiAnnMills</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2>My Thoughts</h2><p>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!</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>Overall - this is a wonderful, clean and suspenseful read that even contains messages of faith seamlessly woven into the story. I absolutely loved it!!</p><p>Make sure to add this to your TBR pile - you won't be sorry!!!!</p><p><br /></p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaway entries! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=308336" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Join In:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for DiAnn Mills. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/gvierf/concrete-evidence-by-diann-mills" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<p><script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-14681657958871216772022-11-05T00:01:00.001-04:002022-11-05T00:01:00.227-04:00Gavels, Tinsel and Murder - Spotlight<div class="separator"></div><p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-181745" height="265" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/GAVELS-TINSEL-AND-MURDER-BANNER-640.jpg" width="558" /> </h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavels, Tinsel and Murder: A British Cozy Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth</span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">(A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery)</span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">by Victoria Tait</span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></em></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Gavels, Tinsel and Murder</span></em></span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-181746" height="500" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/GAVELS-TINSEL.jpg" width="333" /> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="aac043bf2f8be24019b5e26ac29823bc" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Gavels, Tinsel and Murder: A British Cozy Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery)" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6Y4H13L/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=aac043bf2f8be24019b5e26ac29823bc&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8012841" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gavels, Tinsel and Murder: A British Cozy Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8012841" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=aac043bf2f8be24019b5e26ac29823bc&_cb=1665169494552" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cozy Mystery</strong>
<strong>4th in Series</strong>
<strong>Kanga Press (November 4, 2022)</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Number of Pages c. 240</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Digital ASIN : B0B6Y4H13L</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62619660-gavels-tinsel-and-murder"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10339" height="41" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" width="130" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A charity ball. A dead guest. Can an amateur sleuth solve the case or will it ruin Christmas for ever?</strong></p>
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.
<p style="text-align: justify;">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?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Can Dotty put aside her personal feelings and herald a murderer?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Christmas comes but once a year so buy Gavels, Tinsel and Murder today!</p></blockquote><p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Victoria Tait </span></em></span></h2><div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-158783" height="214" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/VICKI-TAIT.jpg" width="320" />
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For access to exclusive content, giveaways and freebies, sign up for my newsletter at my website: <a href="http://VictoriaTait.com">VictoriaTait.com</a></p>
<strong>Author Links</strong>
<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="https://victoriatait.com/">https://victoriatait.com/</a> <div><strong>Bookbub:</strong> <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/victoria-tait">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/victoria-tait</a> </div><div><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/victoriataitauthor/">https://www.instagram.com/victoriataitauthor/</a> </div><div><strong>Pinterest:</strong> <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/VictoriaTaitAuthor/_saved/">https://www.pinterest.co.uk/VictoriaTaitAuthor/_saved/</a> </div><div><strong>Goodreads: </strong><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20373879.Victoria_Tait">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20373879.Victoria_Tait</a> </div><div><strong>Purchase Link - <a href="https://amzn.to/3egs42c" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>TOUR PARTICIPANTS</strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>November 4 – <a href="https://www.literaryau.com">Literary Gold</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 4 – <a href="https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/">Lady Hawkeye</a> – SPOTLIGHT </strong></div><div><strong>November 5 – <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">Celticlady's Reviews</a> - SPOTLIGHT </strong></div><div><strong>November 5 – <a href="https://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/">Just One More Paragraph</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 6 – <a href="http://fuonlyknew.com/">FUONLYKNEW</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 6 – <a href="https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/">Sapphyria's Book Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 7 – <a href="https://christyscozycorners.com/">Christy's Cozy Corners</a> – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST</strong> </div><div><strong>November 8 – <a href="https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogspot.com">Books a Plenty Book Reviews</a> – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST</strong></div><div><strong>November 9 – <a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/">Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book</a> – REVIEW</strong> </div><div><strong>November 9 – <a href="http://ow.ly/w3SA50vlKHY">#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 10 – <a href="https://www.jenniferfaye.com/hearts-scribbles/">Hearts & Scribbles</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 11 – <a href="http://mochasmysteriesmeows.com/">Mochas, Mysteries and Meows</a> – CHARACTER INTERVIEW</strong> </div><div><strong>November 12 – <a href="https://imintobooks.com">I'm Into Books</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div><strong>November 13 – <a href="https://guatemalapaula.blogspot.com/">Guatemala Paula Loves to Read</a> – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/20f57o/dottys-christmas-giveaway" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script>
<strong>Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?</strong>
<a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/be-a-great-escapes-tour-host/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/great-escapes-book-tours/">Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!</a></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-88015" height="154" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/great-escape-button160-1.jpg" width="160" />
</div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-44212906258144736032022-11-01T00:01:00.001-04:002022-11-01T00:01:00.220-04:00It Came Upon a Midnight Shear - Book Spotlight<p> </p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-181802" height="279" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IT-CAME-UPON-A-MIDNIGHT-SHEAR-640.jpg" width="583" />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)</span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">by Allie Pleiter</span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About It Came upon a Midnight Shear</span></em></span></h2>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-181803" height="503" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/midnight-shear.jpeg" width="307" />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="04931f08aa77ee305329efb50a1dc45c" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RTNY7JM/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=dollycsthoug-20&linkId=04931f08aa77ee305329efb50a1dc45c&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3922891" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3922891" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=dollycsthoug-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=04931f08aa77ee305329efb50a1dc45c&_cb=1665352729361" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cozy Mystery</strong>
<strong>3rd in Series</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Setting - Maryland</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Berkley (November 1, 2022)</strong>
<strong>Mass Market Paperback : 304 pages</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ISBN-10 : 0593201825</strong>
<strong>ISBN-13 : 978-0593201824</strong> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Digital ASIN : B09RPVTR4M</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61204042-it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-10339 size-full" height="41" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" width="130" /></a></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A murder in her yarn shop’s backyard puts Libby Beckett’s holiday plans on thin ice.…</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 24pt;">About Allie Pleiter</span></em></span></h2>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-181804" height="300" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Allie-Pleiter-gray-shirt-for-press-200x300.jpeg" width="200" />
<p style="text-align: justify;">The bestselling author of over fifty titles, <strong>Allie Pleiter</strong>'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.</p>
<strong>Author Links</strong>
<strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/">https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/</a> <div><strong>Facebook Page:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter">https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter</a> </div><div><strong>Facebook group (books):</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie/</a> </div><div><strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/alliepleiter">https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/</a> </div><div><strong>BookBub:</strong> <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter</a> </div><div><strong>Amazon:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1</a> </div><div>
<strong>To subscribe to Allie’s newsletter:</strong> <a href="http://www.alliepleiter.com/subscribe/">http://www.alliepleiter.com/subscribe/</a> </div><div><strong>Purchase Links - <a href="https://amzn.to/3CTTqoF" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> - <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear-allie-pleiter/1140956549?ean=9780593201824" rel="noopener" target="_blank">B&N</a> - <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kobo</a> - <a href="https://alliepleiter.com/books/the-riverbank-knitting-mysteries/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear/#buy-today" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author</a> - <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593201824" rel="noopener" target="_blank">IndieBound</a> </strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div>
<strong>TOUR PARTICIPANTS</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 1 - <a href="https://cozyupwithkathy.blogspot.com/">Cozy Up With Kathy</a> – REVIEW</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 1 - <a href="https://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/">Just One More Paragraph</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 2 - <a href="https://christyscozycorners.com/">Christy's Cozy Corners</a> – AUTHOR GUEST POST</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 2 - <a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/">Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book</a> – REVIEW</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 3 – <a href="http://fuonlyknew.com/">FUONLYKNEW</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 3 – <a href="https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/">Maureen's Musings</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 4 – <a href="https://www.literaryau.com">Literary Gold</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 4 – <a href="https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/">Sapphyria's Book Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 5 – <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">Celticlady's Reviews</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 6 – <a href="http://ow.ly/w3SA50vlKHY">#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 6 – <a href="https://imintobooks.com">I'm Into Books</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 7 – <a href="https://readingismysuperpower.org">Reading Is My SuperPower</a> – REVIEW</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 7 – <a href="https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/">Lady Hawkeye</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 8 – <a href="https://www.dianneascroft.com/blog/">Ascroft, eh?</a> – CHARACTER INTERVIEW</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 8 – <a href="https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/">Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers</a> - SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 9 – <a href="http://novelsalive.com">Novels Alive</a> – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 9 – <a href="https://www.jenniferfaye.com/hearts-scribbles/">Hearts & Scribbles</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 9 – <a href="https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/">Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 10 – <a href="https://readyourwrites.blogspot.com/">Read Your Writes Book Reviews</a> – CHARACTER GUEST POST</strong> </div><div>
<strong>November 10 – <a href="https://elizabethmckenna.com/my-blog/">Elizabeth McKenna - Author</a> – SPOTLIGHT</strong> </div><div> </div><div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="028877921439" data-template="56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921439/" id="rcwidget_e7qkvdng" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> </div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<strong>Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?</strong>
<a href="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/be-a-great-escapes-tour-host/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/great-escapes-book-tours/">Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-88015" height="154" src="https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/great-escape-button160-1.jpg" width="160" /> </div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-45511171231002757672022-10-22T00:01:00.004-04:002022-10-22T00:01:00.225-04:00A War in Too Many Worlds: Spotlight & Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/a-war-in-too-many-worlds-by-elizabeth-crowens/" title="A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens"><img alt="A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-war-in-too-many-worlds-by-elizabeth-crowens-banner--2048x1152.jpg" width="600" /></a></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>A War in Too Many Worlds</h2>
<h3>by Elizabeth Crowens</h3>
<h4>October 17 - November 11, 2022 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens" border="0" height="305" src="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-war-in-too-many-worlds-by-elizabeth-crowens-Cover.jpg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h4>The Time Traveler Professor</h4>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h4><i>Time Traveler Professor, Book Three: A War in Too Many Worlds</i>, pairs murder, mayhem and mysticism in a mashup where <i>The Lost World</i> meets <i>The Island of Doctor Moreau</i>. Stay tuned for Book Four, <i>The Story Beyond Time</i>, the final book in this epic series.</h4>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3><br /></h3><h3>Praise for <i>A War in Too Many Worlds</i>:</h3>
<p>"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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3985607204?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1">Terry Shepherd</a></span></p>
</div>
<p>"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, <i>A War in Too Many Worlds</i> 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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span>Leanna Renee Hieber, award-winning, bestselling author</span></p>
</div>
<p>"Pack your best time-traveling attire, your sense of humor, and your open mind. <i>A War in Too Many Worlds</i> 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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span>Kerry Adrienne, USA Today bestselling author</span></p>
</div>
<p>"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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span>R.J. Koreto, author of the Lady Frances Ffolkes and <a href="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/tag/alice-roosevelt-mystery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alice Roosevelt historical mysteries</a></span></p>
</div>
<p>"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."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span>Jim Freund, host of radio program Hour of the Wolf</span></p>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<blockquote class="details">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Alternate History / Time Travel <br />
<b>Published by:</b> Atomic Alchemist Productions<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> August 16th 2021<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 293 <br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781950384075<br />
<b>Series:</b> Time Traveler Professor, #3<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3JIRvVH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3SGdIrg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3JN2JbF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3SGuQNJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Mysterious Bookshop</a></p>
</blockquote>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>CHAPTER 2 CONFESS THE CRIME</h4>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“I thought <i>something nutritious at Simpson’s would not be out of place</i>,” Arthur said.</p>
<p>“Didn’t Sherlock Holmes say something like that?</p>
<p>“He mentioned Simpson’s in <i>The Adventure of the Dying Detective</i>. 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.” </p>
<p>“Oh, how I hate wartime rationing.”</p>
<p>“Agreed. At the beginning of the war, Simpson’s managed to be exempt. In fact, an article in <i>The Times</i> 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.” </p>
<p>Wells added, “P.G. Wodehouse once wrote, ‘The God of Fatted Plenty has the place under his protection.’” </p>
<p>“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. <i>Allons-y!”</i></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>“Bertie, besides whatever you’re tied up doing for the Ministry of Information, what have you been writing, especially in the realm of fiction?” </p>
<p>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.” </p>
<p>Speechless, Arthur raised a brow. </p>
<p>“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.” </p>
<p>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?”</p>
<p>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?” </p>
<p>“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.” </p>
<p>“I’m surprised that your son Kingsley isn’t going to take up the pen like his famous papa.”</p>
<p>“I’ve been fortunate to have received an expositor’s blessing, but as you know, it can be a lonely, difficult, and penurious road.”</p>
<p>“But surely, he wouldn’t be going it alone. He’s got his father’s footsteps he can follow, not to mention his influence.”</p>
<p>“There are others who’d like to take advantage of those favors, and I’ve refrained.” </p>
<p>“Oh, there are?” </p>
<p>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!”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>Wells laughed. “This place will survive after the Martian invasion has obliterated half the population of London.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“Bertie, have you ever considered writing any sequels to any of your successful pieces of fiction?”</p>
<p>“Surely you don’t expect me to follow up with a happily ever after to <i>Anna Veronica</i>, a story which has summoned nothing but controversy...not to mention my condemnation by the heads of the Fabian Society.” </p>
<p>“Over Amber Reeves, I presume.” </p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>“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 <i>war to end all wars</i> 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 <i>Mr. Polly</i>, <i>Togo-Bungay</i>, and <i>The Research Magnificent</i> from several corners, I don’t think the public craves a sequel on the promotion of extramarital sex.”</p>
<p>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 <i>Mr. Breitling Sees it Through</i>, 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, <i>The Iron Clads</i>.” </p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“Like what you did with Professor Challenger in <i>The Poison Belt</i>?” Wells asked.</p>
<p>“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 <i>A War in the Air</i>. Jules Verne created the <i>Mysterious Island</i>, a sequel to <i>Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea</i>. Why don’t you have hapless Edward Penrick from <i>The Island of Doctor Moreau</i> shipwrecked again? Better yet, have your time traveler return from his journey and fire up his time machine one more time.” </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.”</p>
<p>Alarmed, Arthur gulped down his coffee. “You said the words, not I.” </p>
<p>“Good, because I have no interest,” Wells replied. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“Who do we have here?” Wells asked, surprised but amused at the unexpected interruption. </p>
<p>“He reminds me of one of the Baker Street Irregulars whom Holmes uses as confederates to get information on his suspects.” Arthur added. </p>
<p>The boy’s cap fell on the floor. Arthur bent over and picked it up. </p>
<p>“Alms for the poor?” the waif asked.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>A War in Too Many Worlds</i> by Elizabeth Crowens. Copyright 2022 by Elizabeth Crowens. Reproduced with permission from Elizabeth Crowens. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Elizabeth Crowens" border="0" height="303" src="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-war-in-too-many-worlds-by-elizabeth-crowens-author-scaled.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>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 <i>A War in Too Many Worlds</i>.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Elizabeth Crowens:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3Ae8Pi2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ElizabethCrowens.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3bNuaFK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PabJsx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @ecrowens</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3HYzu4q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @crowens_author</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3zGkLYg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter - @ECrowens</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3pbJq2g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @thereel.elizabeth.crowens</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaway entries! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=308214" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Giveaway:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Elizabeth Crowens. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.<br />
</h5>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/hmmxcv/a-war-in-too-many-worlds-by-elizabeth-crowens" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<p><script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-64746852236470566692022-10-19T00:01:00.001-04:002022-10-19T00:01:00.224-04:00The Road to Christmas: Sheila Roberts Interview<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am so very happy to welcome </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sheila Roberts</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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!!!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_b4dLcQ43WFUB9aZqbZPRqd2ltfEIUrBU9msTgHvjrpqiqCDYQmsboaIgOjbwraWiPq7D1orRYixM1skZyuG1N_T5CDVk-Hz0uCo40ZxVwwJ0uztg216a9IrJwuynXQkc9B5SQJfHBIPavWeyr5imwR69wujBMcM4vQ8n2hzwa9ykCaBRfF0_kBQ/s668/Sheila%20Roberts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="668" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_b4dLcQ43WFUB9aZqbZPRqd2ltfEIUrBU9msTgHvjrpqiqCDYQmsboaIgOjbwraWiPq7D1orRYixM1skZyuG1N_T5CDVk-Hz0uCo40ZxVwwJ0uztg216a9IrJwuynXQkc9B5SQJfHBIPavWeyr5imwR69wujBMcM4vQ8n2hzwa9ykCaBRfF0_kBQ/w448-h356/Sheila%20Roberts.png" width="448" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><br /> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>USA Today</i> and <i>Publishers Weekly</i> best-selling author </span><a href="http://www.sheilasplace.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sheila Roberts</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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 <i>Lifetime</i> and <i>Hallmark</i> 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.</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-430c0f8d-7fff-839d-f399-ecbdcfded74c" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her latest book is the women’s fiction/romance </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3BOS5yL" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Road to Christmas</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Harlequin/Mira, September ’22)</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit her website at </span><a href="http://www.sheilasplace.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.sheilasplace.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Connect with her at </span><a href="http://twitter.com/_Sheila_Roberts" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twitter</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/funwithsheila/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheilarobertswriter/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><center><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>The Interview</b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></center><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Please tell us a little bit about yourself.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="☺" aria-label="☺" class="an1" data-emoji="☺" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/14.0/263a/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx19dG0qc66Rl1-gBR59kD1oaDfVsD9n6_4foWlnh-XV5iHu9tTCvQn4gqrl8baSniyBQpVAnsAsItQ4Vfa83fVKHhHX9dilsLGauW566WDNpfbnA9I5jFm-txVTh6dS8S_S1bHybNqo5ofbmvMGOCbPlTEQBaA1TJ93CNbN5h5YXd7O46KV5AhxK/s640/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx19dG0qc66Rl1-gBR59kD1oaDfVsD9n6_4foWlnh-XV5iHu9tTCvQn4gqrl8baSniyBQpVAnsAsItQ4Vfa83fVKHhHX9dilsLGauW566WDNpfbnA9I5jFm-txVTh6dS8S_S1bHybNqo5ofbmvMGOCbPlTEQBaA1TJ93CNbN5h5YXd7O46KV5AhxK/w345-h259/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%207.jpg" width="345" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>In one sentence, describe "The Road to Christmas".</b></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>What inspired you to write it?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Do you have a favourite character? Why is s/he your favourite?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the first characters I adored was Elizabeth Bennet in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pride and Prejudice</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. 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.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>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?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDzIIcs6RsHnrPmUbTcsE2K_brXsIKuZIrxExezG-RbrkxKxKcVXRc3xqLODp8MINdr71mcaD1l9FpkTbrZ4vfJGdkfJnm--4q9BsqjBGGYvvRH9RnPXj9UnG8lUAcAQYKGRduqDI68JSOALD1ucCgH_P930_xD75IaXlYkyzSf3CDUcQEDLF7zaY/s702/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="516" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDzIIcs6RsHnrPmUbTcsE2K_brXsIKuZIrxExezG-RbrkxKxKcVXRc3xqLODp8MINdr71mcaD1l9FpkTbrZ4vfJGdkfJnm--4q9BsqjBGGYvvRH9RnPXj9UnG8lUAcAQYKGRduqDI68JSOALD1ucCgH_P930_xD75IaXlYkyzSf3CDUcQEDLF7zaY/s320/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas.png" width="235" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><br />Can you give us a hint on what your next project is? </b></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mermaid Beach</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, part of my Moonlight Harbor series. I’m excited about that one and hope readers will enjoy this next installment in the series.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Why are things like reviews and pre-orders such a big deal to you writers?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Thank you so much Sheila! It was such a pleasure getting to know you!</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Thank you so much for having me. I enjoyed chatting with with you!</span></span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVpnjLp8RYNl8gi22fLw-O5_-H55mU_Razkd_MXsXUG2NdTDQ2DklqxF8US_v-ZwWVd14-XxOEgpn14pKjZcbk0gZRHtBt1WAM_in3fsP-NVm0BpTzSzzOlCEuyqL39D3z2z4IhQ0y4wyHu43Q_KtxoRJ-_aT06RH6Fg7sesu0qR1oJmTsNibS0gq/s970/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%2011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="970" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVpnjLp8RYNl8gi22fLw-O5_-H55mU_Razkd_MXsXUG2NdTDQ2DklqxF8US_v-ZwWVd14-XxOEgpn14pKjZcbk0gZRHtBt1WAM_in3fsP-NVm0BpTzSzzOlCEuyqL39D3z2z4IhQ0y4wyHu43Q_KtxoRJ-_aT06RH6Fg7sesu0qR1oJmTsNibS0gq/w426-h132/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%2011.png" width="426" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDzIIcs6RsHnrPmUbTcsE2K_brXsIKuZIrxExezG-RbrkxKxKcVXRc3xqLODp8MINdr71mcaD1l9FpkTbrZ4vfJGdkfJnm--4q9BsqjBGGYvvRH9RnPXj9UnG8lUAcAQYKGRduqDI68JSOALD1ucCgH_P930_xD75IaXlYkyzSf3CDUcQEDLF7zaY/s702/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="516" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDzIIcs6RsHnrPmUbTcsE2K_brXsIKuZIrxExezG-RbrkxKxKcVXRc3xqLODp8MINdr71mcaD1l9FpkTbrZ4vfJGdkfJnm--4q9BsqjBGGYvvRH9RnPXj9UnG8lUAcAQYKGRduqDI68JSOALD1ucCgH_P930_xD75IaXlYkyzSf3CDUcQEDLF7zaY/w385-h524/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas.png" width="385" /></a></div></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline;">Title: The Road to Christmas</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline;">Author: Sheila Roberts</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline;">Publisher: Harlequin (MIRA)</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline;">Pages: 320</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline;">Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">BOOK BLURB:</span></h2><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Michelle and Max are not planning on a happy holiday. Their marriage is in shambles and the </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">D</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> 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. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">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. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">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.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">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.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41PnPPypX8_JTKzgR0-16kP74gBSxTIRmg1lE6lzESEUxrNpbXX34foGANWE--LDzqHn49VZ4LEqa1AqKD0uFkvcwsvl4NjkBpvPzLDi5AABZ0MZBpBKuix5Ckev3HTvl8jDsJjSj36REnxtq3j6hLkgf7tkO99asi-Cf00xfQ2lU0p19PJSBBHZM/s970/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="970" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41PnPPypX8_JTKzgR0-16kP74gBSxTIRmg1lE6lzESEUxrNpbXX34foGANWE--LDzqHn49VZ4LEqa1AqKD0uFkvcwsvl4NjkBpvPzLDi5AABZ0MZBpBKuix5Ckev3HTvl8jDsJjSj36REnxtq3j6hLkgf7tkO99asi-Cf00xfQ2lU0p19PJSBBHZM/s320/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%2012.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIBp_sY27TERcbD8Z7k3mwUE1B0z1ZSjpV18bRfm7ggnVC_XT-G8mh4PMFgFpmfFT6Gb4TuP3h1DlZZco4CgpoMOGgdc-J2xKVarX0pqTnLpF9DGU2_U-5OysPHSJzuO_1msNnqOPRIaXFfxf4zzfxKUIun3uRKYhSBAsSUL8DZg2qdaHe2XhOMN3/s2720/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%206.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2720" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIBp_sY27TERcbD8Z7k3mwUE1B0z1ZSjpV18bRfm7ggnVC_XT-G8mh4PMFgFpmfFT6Gb4TuP3h1DlZZco4CgpoMOGgdc-J2xKVarX0pqTnLpF9DGU2_U-5OysPHSJzuO_1msNnqOPRIaXFfxf4zzfxKUIun3uRKYhSBAsSUL8DZg2qdaHe2XhOMN3/s320/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%206.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.28571; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Book Information</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.28571; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Release Date: January 21, 2021</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.28571; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Publisher: Harlequin (MIRA)</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.28571; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Soft Cover: ISBN:978-0778386568; 320 pages; $15.29; eBook $11.99</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.28571; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Amazon: </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3BOS5yL" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://amzn.to/3BOS5yL</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Walmart: </span><a href="https://bit.ly/3UAwIZs" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://bit.ly/3UAwIZs</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p></span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2022/09/20/%f0%9f%93%9a-pump-up-your-book-presents-the-road-to-christmas-womensfiction-romance/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="643" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietjsC5e26V0dOHWjdO1ATLZxwfZ4LpwoBpQew51BeanjOau7aDOK_aZVWOqny57g7gl6nwomomZkeAhD57Kk8NUUQGMjz8XebvLibOrbO3MhoE4lz70lp7eqMQPIDSU78Qkuj1u_QSi1T_QMdnJX3jvm3GsNGt8LIalPsqtqbhciXyV3ydZo8mdw4/w438-h150/The%20Road%20to%20Christmas%20banner.jpg" width="438" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: large;"></span>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-8799538032370976452022-10-12T00:01:00.122-04:002022-10-12T00:01:00.299-04:00The Atlantean Horse - Tour & Review<p> </p>
<div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzn2VAVCc41hsyUAz_DGjR2kj9yCdTc7y1nKJTj7J8CnVI7fwp-bNdJ84t6Q49Fxu8InBgA-qbIG1XRUHzOm9W96V5ItO1P7ZgIWYUoxD0ESMRx8PfiszkhgAzO2jsjI0Dk1ACQb-SSJBoSD9jVdG8M-yh5WZB8iWLBOGiSi_A-avADTZU-6qSC0/s611/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="611" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzn2VAVCc41hsyUAz_DGjR2kj9yCdTc7y1nKJTj7J8CnVI7fwp-bNdJ84t6Q49Fxu8InBgA-qbIG1XRUHzOm9W96V5ItO1P7ZgIWYUoxD0ESMRx8PfiszkhgAzO2jsjI0Dk1ACQb-SSJBoSD9jVdG8M-yh5WZB8iWLBOGiSi_A-avADTZU-6qSC0/w561-h208/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%20banner.jpg" width="561" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><h1 style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 27pt; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arvo;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9786545f-7fff-86ba-4ce0-e6b63680220c" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Alegreya;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-04f27962-7fff-1f4f-8003-c813208892cd" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7a0a60a9-7fff-dfa2-e4bf-d1b86c539102" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Steeped in ancient mystery, an epic quest sends Rosa and Jerome into deadly danger as they search for the First of Five Feathers of the Phoenix…</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9786545f-7fff-86ba-4ce0-e6b63680220c" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGtoE6L2XtVnKBdPwH6rM2Ys8UlaV93lzHmPZievfKiP3F8xCBJv-G1Y44fpx0bs1VFEb3tsXrtQAcDDtu67_8BWWayTWyfdGROtuIU9ksgtyzXvxHxsMbK6S6J-v9yLzxaH80mSnK22PJlbspR6uBDFnRsTH8aQDck94swiTLil8bR0P4o0V4MM/s606/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%20xxx.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="606" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGtoE6L2XtVnKBdPwH6rM2Ys8UlaV93lzHmPZievfKiP3F8xCBJv-G1Y44fpx0bs1VFEb3tsXrtQAcDDtu67_8BWWayTWyfdGROtuIU9ksgtyzXvxHxsMbK6S6J-v9yLzxaH80mSnK22PJlbspR6uBDFnRsTH8aQDck94swiTLil8bR0P4o0V4MM/w438-h56/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%20xxx.png" width="438" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9786545f-7fff-86ba-4ce0-e6b63680220c" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-102923c2-7fff-fe0c-28d4-40a60bb8c338" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></span></div><p></p></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span>By Cheryl Carpinello</span></span></span></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi224E1wm_SI80XneU_ImksSE1NFYYilSHATd5m7LPdj7KDxzIctlwV2x3oQL0P0ooUA1cpJSkJlY3El0Sa5YqfgegPd4-wW60IHmjFistEC7bO_KbudIYkyDSKFUabzBICdis7sY6T72l7mDiQ7pyJ4L91CFlpTXXc4kjsGyTx4thB6ibg2RuXPa4/s726/The%20Atlantean%20Horse.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi224E1wm_SI80XneU_ImksSE1NFYYilSHATd5m7LPdj7KDxzIctlwV2x3oQL0P0ooUA1cpJSkJlY3El0Sa5YqfgegPd4-wW60IHmjFistEC7bO_KbudIYkyDSKFUabzBICdis7sY6T72l7mDiQ7pyJ4L91CFlpTXXc4kjsGyTx4thB6ibg2RuXPa4/w466-h640/The%20Atlantean%20Horse.png" width="466" /> </a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>Ancient Mystery…Mystical Prophecy…Biblical Horsemen</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span><i>One Epic Task</i></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>The Task: Retrieve the Five Feathers of the Phoenix to raise Atlantis so its people can return home.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>The Chosen: Cousins Rosa & Jerome
embark upon a perilous and personal quest to retrieve the first Feather.
Rosa’s special gift, kept far in the Past, will be revealed, and Jerome
will discover his.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>The Opponents: The Four Deadly Horsemen of the Apocalypse will stop at nothing, not even murder, to possess the Feathers.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>Join Rosa & Jerome as they risk all in their search for the First Feather!</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><h2><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b>Book Information</b></span></span></h2><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>Release Date: September 23, 2022</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>Publisher: Silver Quill Publishing</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span>Kindle: 149 pages; $5.99</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/3eHdTmT">https://amzn.to/3eHdTmT</a></span></span> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Alegreya;">Book Excerpt</span></b></span> <br /></span></p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: medium;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="background-color: #bdbdbd; border: 1px solid grey; padding: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_ERBSUW17FYHo9HhvcLuql7HHV4ESd94plQztTgaQn501zb4Jhit0NB6P9k-pVbNFIIkVAdLhpXjrPgnqGZaX_PpFlpxWMXUw041ge_kfYXYP3Lt4ugY8AHCr0jTQoE0ipKixFWDx4AS3jxBjqcxR85PhP2N56j_FLhGHTshweE1UJQL4tpqbHo/s576/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_ERBSUW17FYHo9HhvcLuql7HHV4ESd94plQztTgaQn501zb4Jhit0NB6P9k-pVbNFIIkVAdLhpXjrPgnqGZaX_PpFlpxWMXUw041ge_kfYXYP3Lt4ugY8AHCr0jTQoE0ipKixFWDx4AS3jxBjqcxR85PhP2N56j_FLhGHTshweE1UJQL4tpqbHo/s320/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%20cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Taking a deep breath, I wonder—for the first time in two years—at the ties that bind me, ties I now think of as a gift rather than a curse.</span></span><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><em>She said you would help. She said you could help because you walk in two worlds.</em></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">“What…what do you want?” Idiot, I tell myself. You know better than to ask that question.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">This time the man speaks out loud. “The time is now.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">I finger the ankh again, squeezing it, absorbing the warmth. "Time for what?"</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">"It is time for Atlantis to rise again. It is time to gather the Feathers of the sacred Phoenix bird to set the island in motion."</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">I blink as images of a sunken island and fleeing people, animals, and birds fill my head. “What…what do you want from me?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">“You are the one who must gather the Feathers on the Sun Days and bring them to the Atlantean Horse so that my people and my land can once more be united. It’s been too long, and our people wish to come home.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">“Me?” My eyes widen in disbelief.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">The man nods. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Putting my hands around my head, I try to block out the hundreds of voices from the visions running rampant through my brain. Voices crying out for help. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">A shiver travels down his body shaking me out of the trance. His hands vigorously rubbing his arms prompt me into action.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">"Get inside. You have no business being out in this weather dressed as you are." I open the screen door and move to the side to let him pass. No, don’t start. Don’t say a word. She sent him here. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. I know what I’m doing. I hope.<em> </em>I glance around the neighborhood to be sure no one else, especially Jerome, is around. Maybe I’m the only one who can see him, like Tut. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">
</span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">"Thank you, Rosa," he says, continuing to briskly rub his arms. "She didn't tell me that your world is wrapped in ice."</span></span></p>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7DMJVoS8HdD_KGBXVRXBE1FqtASXtMzwtsfNV55FKBWqI98-reTIDmi57T4STlz4NCUMaGBFRdRaSVrNaWoIR_kbh2xVTbm3fW1xpACV6CmtBBExtswadPf1zIzupUweisWNNINGG1MGB36xu5lYKnhOlBALoyEj_mLIlHXgb_EQiQNGxO7BV9o/s640/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7DMJVoS8HdD_KGBXVRXBE1FqtASXtMzwtsfNV55FKBWqI98-reTIDmi57T4STlz4NCUMaGBFRdRaSVrNaWoIR_kbh2xVTbm3fW1xpACV6CmtBBExtswadPf1zIzupUweisWNNINGG1MGB36xu5lYKnhOlBALoyEj_mLIlHXgb_EQiQNGxO7BV9o/w580-h435/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%208.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacXb_XQhaO6ZokAqH4I2yVHJjcF9TgXeKyqvYrRe2BHJiMCowtucgUTI_4PRpAXU0Jm7dNWR848FisYxkWXKTsD2HtSr1ooEcdQgUdYR-9jR5nv8s57mVMV5Q887L6leOJiijYDSQ-9l5NbXEAUyjWl3NPR6GjpwAT4tOS6iMljluxAMNTfJ5LCU/s640/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacXb_XQhaO6ZokAqH4I2yVHJjcF9TgXeKyqvYrRe2BHJiMCowtucgUTI_4PRpAXU0Jm7dNWR848FisYxkWXKTsD2HtSr1ooEcdQgUdYR-9jR5nv8s57mVMV5Q887L6leOJiijYDSQ-9l5NbXEAUyjWl3NPR6GjpwAT4tOS6iMljluxAMNTfJ5LCU/w571-h427/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%207.jpg" width="571" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLMYhVCYQuP0YlEcDuH7Kzu1CWgmQyjGLARb4KHZ5zTIXEQtutH3MrFYU7WcoMPCyRbaOzLDVW9JMhbODt6nyuIimSXU9nu-0kCrkTPHkxDKybSQLjiBlMLFwX3fcEfVz5tCRcJaL1hxAAgBrBIBxD9nUmcL979f5JGaR90riY1zX1mCiZ1lH2VQ/s640/The%20Rescue%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLw2QvwBLmIKFRfKqHQYoTR6HOP9iJEt8WWg07bxH845SnmcKQVDDIWHEazilk6rueIP7Pkr_cg4sNQiXiP04GnAjAZshTM0qFlfrk6nBIqKIBY5EhfEo6jxdUZzPtLn3WAee5_59A6FM9F_SbgciTVma_6gM2MGuE290QDdOBksQyQB9jp5Pn0w/s640/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLw2QvwBLmIKFRfKqHQYoTR6HOP9iJEt8WWg07bxH845SnmcKQVDDIWHEazilk6rueIP7Pkr_cg4sNQiXiP04GnAjAZshTM0qFlfrk6nBIqKIBY5EhfEo6jxdUZzPtLn3WAee5_59A6FM9F_SbgciTVma_6gM2MGuE290QDdOBksQyQB9jp5Pn0w/w546-h410/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%206.jpg" width="546" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Alegreya;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">About the Author</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTTrW_EqcS5zNjwVQrw8MegPUEjTUbemxkEUtL64Ympqq68EaEoZW-deImQ6cqKXVXOcUX2rXqhGPih1dcc-uUj29FM0msG_hT9_8oyfo9cZcCq9Ob8SQphpbepaWMReKjFG-Mn8rK5-2mFxbSCmYohgDsaOUsbEvIr57y2U9GW72yxqBLGnR7eU/s672/Cheryl%20Carpinello.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="672" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTTrW_EqcS5zNjwVQrw8MegPUEjTUbemxkEUtL64Ympqq68EaEoZW-deImQ6cqKXVXOcUX2rXqhGPih1dcc-uUj29FM0msG_hT9_8oyfo9cZcCq9Ob8SQphpbepaWMReKjFG-Mn8rK5-2mFxbSCmYohgDsaOUsbEvIr57y2U9GW72yxqBLGnR7eU/w640-h516/Cheryl%20Carpinello.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">I’m a lover
of mythology, myths, legends, and tales from the ancient/medieval
worlds. I enjoy exploring how these have transcended time/space to
influence our world today. Myths and legends don’t fade away; they are
just repackaged for a new audience.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">As a high
school English teacher, I continually challenged my students to find
connections between today and times long gone by. Some took more digging
than others, but the connections were always there. One of my
favorites, <i>Star Wars</i>, borrows several concepts from the Legend of King Arthur. The <i>Star Trek</i> series goes even further back into the mythology of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt as well as others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">I write
Arthurian Legend for young readers and teens (I never refuse to let
mature readers enjoy my stories!). These stories exhibit what I consider
to be cornerstones of that Legend: Courage, Honor, Loyalty, and
Friendship.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">My tales from Egypt and my new series <i>Feathers of the Phoenix</i> meld the ancient/medieval worlds with today. <i>The Atlantean Horse</i> (Book 1 of <i>Feathers of the Phoenix</i>) also brings the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse out of the <i>Bible</i>
and into the modern world. They and my main characters are after the
feathers of the Phoenix in order to bring Atlantis alive again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">P.S. I believe in magic and Unicorns!!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Website Link</b>: <a href="https://www.cherylcarpinello.com">https://www.cherylcarpinello.com</a> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Blog Link</b>: <a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/">http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Twitter Link</b>: <a href="https://twitter.com/ccarpinello">https://twitter.com/ccarpinello</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Facebook Link</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Cheryl-Carpinello/135937639839463"><b>https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1</b></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Goodreads Link</b>: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2924554.Cheryl_Carpinello">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2924554.Cheryl_Carpinello</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Instagram Link</b>: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/">https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/</a></span></p><p></p></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGazae-8AwtlRc3SZme9dGO2T_-yO-57wlCLO4WmWOapA7h8uiG2l7ofRbsjiuw4_-Ew3Y9SJGOXKVPoCFcMxuWiFbZpw5ybqRrFynK9k1e7Bm3RS-oPckWDUmWUsCpTaIABQKvQZSNFO-1t3hblFB667fiQxLW8U-ebT1GWLIMaDUAoxW3mtT2zw/s2720/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%205.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2720" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGazae-8AwtlRc3SZme9dGO2T_-yO-57wlCLO4WmWOapA7h8uiG2l7ofRbsjiuw4_-Ew3Y9SJGOXKVPoCFcMxuWiFbZpw5ybqRrFynK9k1e7Bm3RS-oPckWDUmWUsCpTaIABQKvQZSNFO-1t3hblFB667fiQxLW8U-ebT1GWLIMaDUAoxW3mtT2zw/w600-h407/The%20Atlantean%20Horse%205.png" width="600" /></a></div><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "Cherry Swash"; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When I began reading, I was just a little confused with the beginning of the story. This is book one, but I felt that with the references to past events, it felt more like you either should have read the previous series or this wasn't the first book. However, as the story progressed, it picked up and I found one didn't need to read the other series, but it did make you want to, to see what you missed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>The Atlantean Horse</i></b> is a fun read that holds the interest of the reader. It has action, adventure, suspense, thrills and danger - everything that will keep one turning the pages to see what happens next. Perfect for the targeted audience of young adults! As a mother, I would probably have given this book to my pre-teen to early teen to read, but was quite disappointed to find a few light curse used words in it. I know that this is quite normal these days for kids to use and made it realistic for the age of the people using it, but it's something parents should be aware of. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Would my children have enjoyed the book? Most certainly! With all the elements of a thrilling book with mystery and danger, I'm sure it would have entertained them and kept them turning pages all the way to the end, with the request to read the rest in the series! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;">Sponsored By:</span></div></div><br style="font-size: 15.4px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="956" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGTRcLd_orD-59vB2vvAswov7nZlYDnqE5ACbBUB0jj_DoLAalFbhstmx4QlllTdxPHAfoRbCHq8ytqhmYwA6jt4LgsrhWbR8NXL2eHsT0csN45jcioL1qjQM7eU1kKHhrp_Akl2VJBA/w400-h174/Pump+Up+Your+Book+Virtual+Book+Tours+Banner.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /></div>
<br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
I received a copy of this book through Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></i>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-25131263171744926442022-10-03T00:01:00.015-04:002022-10-03T00:01:00.224-04:00Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks - Spotlight<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fallout</span></h2>
<h3>by Carrie Stuart Parks</h3>
<h4>September 12 - October 7, 2022 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2><br /></h2><h2>Synopsis:</h2><div><br /></div>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9skHTX3rBuZMcSBsUfVcttzCtXNU_U1SnNydgmxn-nPhU-SA853Pz5SibrO569lJBeQfmzEAaiq0a_a1Tqp0ji5jSCcgiqbjwqIKYTvYCQgPHQq63aejEqQDDND7r_kORbd7fK2wQ1Go/w91-h140-p/fallout-by-carrie-stuart-parks--cover.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h4>Her carefully crafted life is about to be demolished.</h4>
<p>After a difficult childhood, Samantha Williams craves simplicity: jigsaw puzzles, lectures at the library, and the students she adores in her role as an elementary art teacher in the dusty farming community of LaCrosse, Washington.</p>
<p>But when an SUV crashes into the school where she teaches, her entire world is upended. She manages to keep all of the children safe, but her car isn’t so lucky. Oddly, her purse—containing her driver’s license, credit cards, and other identification—is missing from the wreckage.</p>
<p>After authorities discover that the driver in the school accident was shot seconds before the crash, Samantha quickly becomes entangled in increasingly strange events that have her looking over her shoulder.</p>
<p>Samantha has long tried to forget the tragedy of her past, but the twisting maze she discovers between the murdered driver, a deadly secret government project, and an abandoned town can't be ignored. Those involved are determined to keep these secrets buried, and they’ll use any means necessary to stop Samantha’s search for truth.</p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Praise for <i>Fallout</i>:</h3>
<p>"An intriguing story based on events around a part of Washington. Tight timeline with tons of action. Twists and turns that will keep readers engaged and guessing. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who want a whisper of romance included with the mystery."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: orange;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4619021255?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1">Cara Putman</a></span></p>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<blockquote class="details">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Suspense<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Thomas Nelson<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 13th 2022<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 336<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 0785239855 (ISBN13: 9780785239857)<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3P3gGng" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3yRLZfi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3amb9tc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3OSt4H7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p>
</blockquote>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>Prologue</h4>
<h6>Hanford, Washington<br />
November 23, 1988</h6>
<p>The November wind blew across the almost-barren plain, attempting to leach any warmth from the man’s black wool coat. He pulled the woolen balaclava higher on his nose and wished he’d worn goggles. The wind raised icy tears that blurred his vision.</p>
<p>Snow clung to the scant protection offered by basalt outcroppings and meager shrubs.</p>
<p>The moon provided weedy light, enough to avoid the sagebrush and tumbleweeds, but not enough to reveal the ground squirrels’ burrows. He’d fallen twice.</p>
<p>He paused for a moment to check his compass. He figured he’d covered about six of the eight miles. There was little chance he’d be detected. He’d approached the area by boat on the Columbia River, which flowed down the eastern side of the remote facility in South Central Washington State. Though the site was massive—570 square miles—the roads were heavily patrolled. After all, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation was the largest producer of postwar nuclear weapons.</p>
<p>Hanford’s creation of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, had provided the turning point in World War II. Afterward, the plant morphed into a Cold War arsenal against the Soviet Union until the last nuclear reactor finally shut down just a year ago.</p>
<p>He’d chosen the date carefully—Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. All the staff and workers would have left early in preparation for the holidays. Only a minimal number of employees would be working, and they’d not be inclined to venture into the frigid night.</p>
<p>Though he’d been on the Hanford Site since he’d left the river, his goal was the Hanford Tank Farms. The tanks held 53 million gallons of the highest-level radioactive waste found in the United States. He would be targeting the SY Tank Farm, three double-shelled waste storage units built between 1974 and 1976, located at the 200 West site. The tanks at this location were each capable of holding 1.16 million gallons of nuclear waste.</p>
<p>He shifted the backpack slightly. The bomb, made with C-4, was safe enough from his jostling cross-country run. It took a detonator to set off the explosion, which he’d rig once the materials were in place.</p>
<p>The tanks themselves were built of one-foot-thick reinforced steel and concrete and had been buried under eight feet of dirt, but the hydrogen from the slurry had built up in these particular tanks to dangerous levels. He didn’t need to reach the tanks themselves, only disable the exhaust vent and the temperature thermocouple assembly. He knew no maintenance work was going on around the tanks that might create a spark or heat, so chance of discovery was extremely slim.</p>
<p>He paused for a moment to catch his breath. He’d paddled down the treacherous icy river, then jogged for miles, but his fury fueled his drive. In February of 1986, the Department of Energy had released nineteen thousand pages of documents describing the declassified history of the Hanford operations. Hints of a darker truth were written between the lines, and more evidence came out in the batch of documents released the following year. Everyone else would have missed it, but he’d been able to piece the sequence of events together.</p>
<p>They’d grown rich while he’d been discarded like so much trash.</p>
<p>Now was his time to get even.</p>
<p>He’d use the threat of the bomb to force the acknowledgment of their role and his own innocence. Anything less than the possibility of a Chernobyl-size disaster would lead to a governmental cover up.</p>
<p>A massive press conference. Facts and figures. Undeniable evidence.</p>
<p>In the meantime, he’d personally take care of those directly responsible.</p>
<p>He increased his pace. <em>Soon now.</em></p>
<p>He knew this part of the facility well.</p>
<p>He found the location he’d identified before, knelt beside the various ports, detectors, and vents, and swiftly assembled the parts according to the bomb-maker’s directions. All that was left was the trigger mechanism. He’d placed it in a secure box inside his backpack.</p>
<p>The box was gone.</p>
<p>He ran his hands over the backpack again. Then again. Then a third time. It was gone. <em>Did I forget to pack it? No.</em> It was here in this backpack when he’d left home.</p>
<p>He broke out in a clammy sweat and rocked back on his heels. <em>How could this have happened?</em> Where had it dropped out? Could it be back in the boat? Somewhere on the ground between here and the river’s edge? Separated from him when he fell?</p>
<p><em>Calm down</em>. He had a backup. Even if he didn’t find the trigger, all it would take is a reasonable-sized explosion on the surface to start the process.</p>
<p>If it took the rest of his miserable life, he’d carry out his plan. They wouldn’t get away with it. Not this time.</p>
<h4>One</h4>
<h6>September 2015</h6>
<p><em>Bam! Bam!</em> An engine roared, growing louder, closer.</p>
<p>I glanced up from the shading technique I was demonstrating for my elementary-school art class.</p>
<p>A black Suburban was barreling across the parking lot directly at my classroom.</p>
<p>“Run!” I screamed.</p>
<p>The children didn’t hesitate, bolting for the door. I shoved the last boy outside toward the gym just as the Suburban smashed into the side of the building and plowed into the room. The portable classroom moved with a <em>screech</em>. Desks, chairs, books, glass, and chunks of the wall and ceiling exploded in a cacophony of sound and movement. Metal fragments, shattered glass, and hunks of wood pelted me. I found myself outside next to the gym doors, not knowing how I got there. I curled up and covered my head, praying nothing would crash down on me.</p>
<p><em>Hissssssssss</em>. The stench of an overheated engine and hot rubber made me gag.</p>
<p>The crushed front of the Suburban had shoved the classroom into a covered storage shed before punching through the opposite wall. Fluids hissed and dripped from under the smashed hood, right beside me. The shed had collapsed onto the SUV.</p>
<p>I was shaking so hard I didn’t think I could get my legs to work. <em>The children</em>.</p>
<p><em>Don’t worry about the children. Someone will help them. Someone will help me.</em> I just needed to stay put. <em>I’m safe here.</em></p>
<p>But they wouldn’t respond to someone calling to them. I taught them to be cautious.</p>
<p><em>If I move, the roof will come down on me. I’ll be crushed. Stay put and be safe. Someone will come for me.</em></p>
<p><em>But my students are frightened. I need to help them. Heavenly Father, help me.</em></p>
<p>I placed my hands on the ground. White powder drifted down on my head. Carefully I crawled away from the SUV.</p>
<p>The beam shifted, sliding sideways.</p>
<p>My crawl became a scramble.</p>
<p>The beam shrieked as it slid across the metal desk holding it up.</p>
<p>I plunged, then rolled away.</p>
<p>The roof of the shed slammed against the ground, sending up more dust and powder.</p>
<p>Leaning against the school, I waited until I could catch my breath. The glass in the door to the gym beside me had shattered. I couldn’t see anything of the driver. I slipped through the frame, wincing at the stabs of pain from the hurtled projectiles.</p>
<p>Ahead of me was a second door leading to the front of the school. A quick glance into the gym showed it empty. I was pretty sure the children had raced through both sets of doors, scattered, and found safety. I’d trained my class of first-through-third graders on what to do in case of an emergency or active shooter. The school board had rolled their eyes at me, assuring me that this was covered in the student handbook and that school shootings wouldn’t happen in a sleepy farming community like LaCrosse, Washington, population 330.</p>
<p>I’d finally convinced them. They allowed the drills and the self-defense class I offered on Tuesday evenings.</p>
<p>Fortunately, my art class was an after-school event, and the rest of the school was essentially empty. We met in a portable building because some of the classrooms were under repair for water damage.</p>
<p>I staggered outside. Mr. Parsons, the school maintenance man, rushed over to me.</p>
<p>“Samantha? Sam? Miss Williams? Are you all right? You’re bleeding. What happened?”</p>
<p>“Help me find the children first.”</p>
<p>“They’re fine. They ran as you taught them.” We looked around the manicured lawns in front of the school buildings.</p>
<p>“Olly olly oxen free!” I called out, voice shaking. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Olly olly oxen free!”</p>
<p>Slowly my class emerged from their hiding places. I counted them as they appeared. <em>Please, Lord . . . Five, six, seven, eight . . . nine.</em> All present and accounted for. My stomach tightened on what could have happened, would have happened, if even one of them had paused to ask, <em>Why run?</em></p>
<p>“Aren’t you supposed to just say ‘all clear’?” Mr. Parsons asked.</p>
<p>“I know the handbook says that, but anyone could access the emergency plans and use them against the children.”</p>
<p>Several of the children had tear streaks running down their faces, but as soon as they caught sight of me, they started to giggle.</p>
<p>“Miss Williams, you’re all white!”</p>
<p>“You have stuff all over you!”</p>
<p>“You should see yourself!”</p>
<p>I looked down. I was indeed covered in a white powder, probably from the recently installed smashed Sheetrock and insulation. “Oh my. It looks like I’ve turned into the magical snowman.”</p>
<p>“Nooo!” The giggles grew louder. “It’s not winter!”</p>
<p>I bent forward to be on eye level with most of them. “Maybe I’ve become Belle, the white Great Pyrenees from <em>Belle and Sebastien?</em>”</p>
<p>“That’s a dog.” The giggles became high-pitched laughter.</p>
<p>I grinned at them. “How about Casper, the friendly ghost?”</p>
<p>The kids were now laughing so hard they couldn’t answer for a moment. Finally Bethany gasped out, “You’re not dead.”</p>
<p><em>Thank You, Lord.</em> I straightened. “Well then, if I’m not a snowman, dog, or ghost, I must be Miss Williams, and you know what that means.” As they eagerly lined up, I said, “‘I am not afraid of storms . . .’”</p>
<p>“‘For I am learning how to sail my ship,’” the children finished.</p>
<p><em>Leave it to children’s books.</em> As they approached me, each one gave me a sign as to what type of interaction they wanted. Hands out to the side, a hug. Hand held up in the air, a high five. Closed hand, a fist bump. Right hand sideways, a handshake.</p>
<p>They all wanted hugs.</p>
<p>So did I.</p>
<p>Bethany was the last in line. I tried not to hug her the longest. Teachers aren’t supposed to have favorites.</p>
<p>The school buildings rested on a hill facing the town park. The wail of sirens and stream of cars and trucks announced the arrival of help and parents. I moved my small huddle of children around to the front toward the parking lot so their folks could find them. The parents, once reunited with their son or daughter, peppered me with questions.</p>
<p>“What happened?”</p>
<p>“Was anyone hurt?”</p>
<p>“Was that a drunk driver?”</p>
<p>“Are you okay?”</p>
<p>As I stumbled through various versions of “I don’t know,” a deputy from the Whitman County Sheriff’s Department strolled over. He had to be at least six foot three inches tall, with silver hair, thick black eyebrows, and dark brown eyes that looked like they’d ferret out the facts of any case. He smelled of cigarettes. His name tag said R. Adams. “Ma’am. Looks like you were in the building when the accident happened.”</p>
<p>“Yes. Is the driver—”</p>
<p>“Come with me.” He had a slight New York accent. We walked to the gym, then around to the back side where the accident happened. I had to trot to keep up with him.</p>
<p>“Do you know if the driver is okay?”</p>
<p>His long stride covered a lot of ground. “We don’t know yet.”</p>
<p>The raised gravel parking area near the gym was filling with the LaCrosse ambulance, volunteer fire department, and sheriff’s department vehicles. People were rushing around like ants in a disturbed mound. The Suburban was completely buried under the collapsed roof, and a large group of men and women were working to clear the debris.</p>
<p>Deputy Adams led me to the ambulance where an EMT waited. “Are you hurt?”</p>
<p>“I don’t think—”</p>
<p>“You have a cut on your head.” The EMT had me sit while he checked me over.</p>
<p>Deputy Adams kept an eye on the rescue efforts as he pulled out a small notebook. “You got all the children out safely?”</p>
<p>I winced as the EMT removed a sliver of glass from my hairline. “By the grace of God, yes. They’re all on their way home.”</p>
<p>He nodded and gave me a slight smile, softening his face. “Absolutely. How many people were in the SUV?”</p>
<p>“I don’t know.” I told him about what sounded like gunfire and the sound of an engine and getting the children clear of the room. I left out my cowering in the debris.</p>
<p>“Gunfire? Are you sure?”</p>
<p>“It could have been backfire.”</p>
<p>He looked around, then motioned for an officer to come over. They spoke for a few moments before the man left.</p>
<p>I glanced over at the gathered first responders, parents, and neighbors. What if—</p>
<p>“When did you first see the SUV?” Deputy Adams asked.</p>
<p>I pointed. “He, or whoever was driving, must have come up either First or Hill Avenue, crossed this lot, then shot straight into the building.”</p>
<p>A farmer drove up on a John Deere tractor and began lifting larger chunks of rubble with the bucket.</p>
<p>After the deputy took my name, address, and phone number, he handed me a business card. “I’ll be contacting you soon for your statement. You might want to head home as soon as possible. We want to clear the area.” He strolled away.</p>
<p>More people had arrived and pitched in to free the SUV and its occupants. A truck with a Miller Construction sign on the side parked next to us. Men in hard hats, work boots, and lime-green safety vests got out and set to work.</p>
<p>A pregnant woman in her thirties with long, dark hair pulled into a french braid drifted over and hovered nearby. When the EMT finished putting a bandage on my head and moved away, she approached me. “Hi. I’m Mary Thompson. I overheard you talking to that deputy. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”</p>
<p>“I guess. You’re a reporter?”</p>
<p>“No. Copywriter for a medical company in Spokane.” She rolled her eyes. “Boooooring. You’re Samantha Williams?”</p>
<p>I nodded.</p>
<p>“Well, Samantha—”</p>
<p>“Call me Sam.”</p>
<p>She grinned. “Sam then. You saved all those children. You’re so brave. I would have been scared out of my mind.”</p>
<p>Warmth burned up my neck and across my cheeks. “I . . . ah . . . so . . . um . . . what brought you to LaCrosse from Spokane?” I stood. “That’s 86.9 miles from here.”</p>
<p>“I was already here.”</p>
<p>An officer started herding the onlookers away from the crash. “Move on, folks. Nothing for you to do here.”</p>
<p>“Come on,” Mary grabbed my elbow and pulled me into the shade under a tree.</p>
<p>My brain was buzzing from the adrenaline and all the activity. “I’m sorry. I’m a little—”</p>
<p>“I bet you are. I guess I should start at the beginning. I’m following the story about the body they found last week. And the one they just found.” She waved her hand at the construction workers.</p>
<p>“Bodies?” I knew I was out of touch with the news. I didn’t own a television, computer, or phone. “What bodies? Wait . . . I’m not sure I want to know.” My legs started to buckle.</p>
<p>“Let me help you.” Mary grabbed my arm and helped me sit on a patch of grass. She sat next to me. “Can I get you something or—”</p>
<p>“No, I’ll be fine. Just a little woozy.”</p>
<p>“Take your time.”</p>
<p>Most of the onlookers had now moved around to the front of the school. With nothing to see, they started wandering back to their homes or cars.</p>
<p>She cleared her throat. “So do you want to talk about what just happened or—”</p>
<p>“No. You go ahead. You said there was a body . . . or was it two? Here at the school?”</p>
<p>“No, of course not. I followed someone to here and . . .” She paused at my expression. “I’m not weird or a stalker.” She twisted her lips. “As you can see, I’m pregnant. The baby’s father, my husband, Mike, disappeared two months ago. I reported it to the police but they’re not doing anything. I mean, he could be dead!”</p>
<p>I blinked at her. “Why would you think that?”</p>
<p>“Mike had—I guess you’d call it a wild streak. He had . . . questionable friends. Some issues with drugs in the past, stuff like that.” She absently rubbed her stomach. “I thought the baby would . . . redirect him.” She looked at me. “He’s a good man, just impulsive. And he’d never leave me. Not now. Not without telling me . . . something.”</p>
<p>I took a deep breath. The shaking threatened to start again. “So you thought one of the bodies—”</p>
<p>“Could be Mike.” She swiped a hand across her eyes. “That deputy.” She pointed to Deputy Adams. “I was told he was the investigator on the case. I’ve been following him around trying to get him to talk to me, but he says it’s an active case and won’t talk about it. I followed him here to the school earlier—he has kids here that he was picking up—and was giving it one last go around.”</p>
<p>“Did you find out anything?”</p>
<p>“No. Not yet.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a leather-bound notebook. “I keep track of everything.” She flipped it open and fanned the pages, displaying a mass of tightly written notes. “I won’t give up until I know for sure.”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Fallout</i> by Carrie Stuart Parks. Copyright 2022 by Carrie Stuart Parks. Reproduced with permission from Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 270px;"><img align="left" alt="Carrie Stuart Parks" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA5PCUEoVsEn2Sx7J-Pk9FjWJSoBzwT_mKzgpiTqA1Lu3aQLXS9_tWk2rHZXDTQqePanqJSfKOM3MDGo5BDYDRPtAtTvH1OPHnZsU7M1Zql0GQlEJBETbGVunt6Rr0FX2VGhGiPS6qjw/w140-h112-p/fallout-by-carrie-stuart-parks--author.png" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="250" /></div>
<p>Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy, multiple Carol, and Inspy Award–winning author. She was a 2019 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in mainstream mystery/suspense and has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Carrie Stuart Parks:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3AzPh8h" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.CarrieStuartParks.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3o686J7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/35F7OyH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @CarrieStuartParks</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3y9pa4F" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @carriestuarparks</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3bctmE3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @CarrieStuartParksAuthor</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and give away entries! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=307880" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>GIVEAWAY:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Carrie Stuart Parks and Thomas Nelson. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/g3ol9p/fallout-by-carrie-stuart-parks" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<p><script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-33302517073156260552022-10-02T16:20:00.000-04:002022-10-02T16:20:16.235-04:00Half Yard™ Winter Collection - Review<span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/m/9781782219293" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="594" height="320" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/m/9781782219293" width="246" /></a></div><br /><b>Half Yard™ Winter Collection: Debbie’s Top 40 Half Yard Projects for Winter Sewing</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: Debbie Shore</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Search Press</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: September 13, 2022</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781782219293</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 176</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700 !important;">A collection of Half Yard™ sewing projects for wintertime style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore.</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sew your own winter wonderland with just half a yard of fabric! Debbie has chosen her favorite winter designs from her much-loved Half Yard™ series, including five brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Whether you're decorating the house for the holidays, looking for crafts to keep the little ones occupied or searching for gift inspiration, you'll find a gorgeous collection of items to make: from classics such as stockings, advent calendars and fabric baubles to snugly slippers,gorgeous gift bags and cheeky Christmas gnomes!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie's friendly, easy-to-follow instructions and a beautiful photograph of the finished make.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I love Debbie Shore! When I want some inspiration, I will go to her YouTube Channel and binge watch to get my creative mojo going. Imagine my elation when I found a copy of her book "<b><i>Half Yard Winter Collection</i></b>" available for review! If you are anything like me, you have a lot of fabric in your sewing/craft collection that needs used, but you haven't found what you want to use it for. This book helps you use up your half yard cuts and make some lovely projects out of.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Half Yard Winter Collection</i></b> is written for all sewers/crafters. It starts with the basics and then moves into the projects. What I love about Debbie's project is most don't need a pattern, but only measurements. There is one project, Winter Gnomes, that uses the supplied templates, but outside of that, there's no need to trace or copy. With LOTS of beautiful photos for each project, one is certain to have a successful completed project, as these photos take the guesswork out of how to put things together and questioning if one has done it correctly. Much nicer than just written instructions! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The projects lean towards a shabby chic, however they will fit into any decor - just change out some of the fabrics, etc. if you prefer. I love so many of the projects included in this book. Some of my favorites are Winter Gnomes (they are ADORABLE!!), Draught Excluder, Snowman Wreath, Slippers (easily adjustable for any size) and a variety of bags/totes for gift giving or using yourself. There are so many lovely projects in this book that can be made for other times of the year by just changing the fabrics or embellishments.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I cannot say enough about Debbie Shore's <b><i>Half Yard Winter Collection</i></b>. It is definitely being added to my sewing and craft library in hard copy. I'll be ordering it the next time I place a book order. Yes, it's that good! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Highly recommended!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through Edelweiss+. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-8595496698076874852022-10-02T14:00:00.003-04:002022-10-02T14:01:47.731-04:00Cozy Knits - Review<span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://edel-images.azureedge.net/ea/TW/images/jacket_covers/original/9780760373538_ad6a7.jpg?width=1000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://edel-images.azureedge.net/ea/TW/images/jacket_covers/original/9780760373538_ad6a7.jpg?width=1000" width="264" /></a></div><br /><b>Cozy Knits: 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World </b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Authors: Sue Flanders, Janine Kosel</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Edited By: Kari Cornell</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Voyageur Press</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: March 15, 2022</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9780760373538</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 453</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Genre: Knitting, Crafts, Hobbies</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">Cozy Knits</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";"> presents 30 of the coziest, globally-inspired patterns for hats, mittens, and gloves—including stylish traditional projects from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">What is everyone’s favorite thing about hand knits? The coziness! This book offers 30 knitted patterns inspired by international knitting traditions for socks, sweaters, scarves, and hats.</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">If you are a fan of cozy fair isle—it’s in here. If you are looking for a cozy Norwegian knit pattern—it’s in here—the cozier the better. These </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">stylish projects are inspired by knitting traditions from around the world</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">, such as Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">Each project is partnered with </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">complete illustrated patterns</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">, beautiful </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">four-color photography</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">schematics and diagrams</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">, and </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">alternatives for yarns and needle weights and sizes</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";"> to help you get the results you want. The patterns range from simple to more complicated, making this a great book to grow your craft.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">With </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">Cozy Knits</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Open Sans";">, create beautiful and gift-able cozy knits for friends and family—or even maybe just for yourself!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Cozy Knits</i></b> is a treat for any knitter who loves to try something new. These smaller projects will be done in no time and one will enjoy learning something new as well as having a lovely finished item at the end.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The book is filled with patterns from some of my favorite designers: Nancy Bush, Dawn Brocco, Donna Druchunas, Lily M. Chin, Anna Zilboorg plus many others. The patterns are not only beautiful and well written, but there are also charts included for colorwork, etc. I cannot comment on the charts as my review copy did not included them, however, the instructions are clear and easy to understand. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Cozy Knits</i></b><span> is a gorgeous book filled with beautiful photographs and lovely patterns that will be <strike>demanding</strike> calling out to you to make them. It would be perfect for any knitter's library!!!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through Edelweiss+. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-12552082210700611312022-10-01T18:50:00.003-04:002022-10-01T18:50:16.503-04:00Halloween Party Ideas - Free Kindle Book<div><span style="font-size: medium;">Kindle Book - Free at the time of posting this short review. <b><u>Please check price before downloading</u></b>, as Amazon changes their pricing frequently.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OKjzIXpRL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="500" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OKjzIXpRL.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FDZK0YS" target="_blank"><b>Halloween Party Ideas - FREE </b></a><br /></span></center></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><b>MY THOUGHTS</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A very short and to the point guide for hosting a Halloween party. To me, this book had a feel more for young adults and teens that want to host a part for their friends. There are ideas for invitations, themes, decorating, games and foods. Sadly, there are no pictures included and the link at the end of the book for the pumpkin cookbook is a dead link. Overall, the book has lots of ideas and a few interesting recipes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This book is part of my own library and is a verified purchase through Amazon.</i></span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-21631073969689950052022-09-28T00:01:00.015-04:002022-09-28T00:01:00.225-04:00Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex - Book Spotlight<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvVbqGIG7JJOo8B5qePVSps3Mt8lqcpDbL9vSUgMgYu-qAuO1Z78Rh4_yJX6OyaKEZQ8o5XxxQ-R4Gc0fBPyqXSjse4GuqcAPL7v1eeA856jS-15c63Goah673Wdp2iH_9UBC91XBBatJ7iQY8eSr9Rw5x3zvfRpvtVGxhmHJ6zyY8HSKL5EvZic/s688/Grady%20Whill%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="688" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvVbqGIG7JJOo8B5qePVSps3Mt8lqcpDbL9vSUgMgYu-qAuO1Z78Rh4_yJX6OyaKEZQ8o5XxxQ-R4Gc0fBPyqXSjse4GuqcAPL7v1eeA856jS-15c63Goah673Wdp2iH_9UBC91XBBatJ7iQY8eSr9Rw5x3zvfRpvtVGxhmHJ6zyY8HSKL5EvZic/w619-h222/Grady%20Whill%20banner.jpg" width="619" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><h1 style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 27pt; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arvo;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9786545f-7fff-86ba-4ce0-e6b63680220c" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Join Grady and Aarush as they test the limits of their physical and emotional endurance…</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9786545f-7fff-86ba-4ce0-e6b63680220c" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9786545f-7fff-86ba-4ce0-e6b63680220c" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcJuOwHmik_ns7SJ1O6O0o3iQJYXvb57paaxjtJLGhecG0cIR7Gc1rjGEVG8zSUoEotHBB8ggYNBiTpmEzArAzGcOGIpHFXg7PMtNyfUchZY-8euifqR2J8bmY6qpz4rXvMyQa5KTsX3IR_bBrw5ey3IujgsGvtD9wkUDQTjxjO-u45jeVZ8AQMQ/s2496/Grady%20Whill%20xxx.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="2496" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcJuOwHmik_ns7SJ1O6O0o3iQJYXvb57paaxjtJLGhecG0cIR7Gc1rjGEVG8zSUoEotHBB8ggYNBiTpmEzArAzGcOGIpHFXg7PMtNyfUchZY-8euifqR2J8bmY6qpz4rXvMyQa5KTsX3IR_bBrw5ey3IujgsGvtD9wkUDQTjxjO-u45jeVZ8AQMQ/w572-h52/Grady%20Whill%20xxx.png" width="572" /></a></div></span></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-102923c2-7fff-fe0c-28d4-40a60bb8c338" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></span></div><p></p></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">By Carole P. Roman</span></span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKC617yT48t8Q9E_RmmyFngWrYjr3kY6XTiBMQ2gma72FJBXfL2l3MZgCmHxVXzWl60KWDXAT0qq0TGvMLeGoqUGxbPfS_cYt-CzO_Spn6QXDbEufOnpbifVS9r4-boonSNHDYlfrhiUlGh593ZObqOSg9yy8oLi9_ol6WuI6Tf0mv8_tYVwX7mY/s750/Grady%20Whill.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="524" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKC617yT48t8Q9E_RmmyFngWrYjr3kY6XTiBMQ2gma72FJBXfL2l3MZgCmHxVXzWl60KWDXAT0qq0TGvMLeGoqUGxbPfS_cYt-CzO_Spn6QXDbEufOnpbifVS9r4-boonSNHDYlfrhiUlGh593ZObqOSg9yy8oLi9_ol6WuI6Tf0mv8_tYVwX7mY/w448-h640/Grady%20Whill.png" width="448" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;"></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Even school bully, Elwood Bledsoe is attending.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Roman’s
writing is excellent: portraying wonderful, complex characters.
Narrated by Grady, the story reveals his kindness and humor. (“Aarush
lived in a smart home as opposed to my stupid home,” he tells readers).
It also illustrates the lovely symbiotic friendship between Grady and
Aarush, who protect each other from trouble and ridicule…With the book’s
many touching, funny, and edge-of-your-seat moments, readers will be
cheering to hear more from Grady.” </span><b>Blue Ink Review</b></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“With a page-turning plot and exciting twists and turns, this book is sure to become a treasured favorite.”- </span><b>Review by Book Excellence</b></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If
I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give
them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without
blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and
fascinating story. It’s filled with valuable life lessons, adventure,
peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters.” </span><b>Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite</b></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Harry
Potter meets Sky High. If you’re a fan of young adult stories where
protagonists go to mysterious schools to train their superhuman
abilities, don’t miss out on Grady Whill and The Templeton Codex.” </span><b>Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorite</b></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“With
a detailed descriptive narrative, great character development, and
compelling dialogue, the author has created a story that will have young
readers engaged to the very end.” Reviewed by</span><b> Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Reader’s Favorite</b></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 18pt;"><b>Book Information</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Release Date: July 18, 2022</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Publisher: Chelshire, Inc.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Soft Cover: ISBN: </b><b> 978-1950080434</b><b>; 286 pages; $10.99; eBook $8.99; FREE on Kindle Unlimited</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Amazon: </b><a href="https://amzn.to/3Qvn3kv"><b>https://amzn.to/3Qvn3kv</b></a><b> <br /></b></span></p><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: medium;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiMsQp-rWJcjQdlukg74FeyFNg4QiIvHewV9N-iUq6Z3uigefhfJEv33VVakbHDW3Vh8lqC3xvM3f1zvzUZ3A4LtavKxZC77gDFc7c2OYvkEzEfz96mXsFYnFTuqBePZLB1hPfj5QumJTH2RdoPEC1H-7jcdgDi0U2KnZC3sP3V6jLDmKHfqeMSM/s428/Book%20Excerpt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="56" data-original-width="428" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiMsQp-rWJcjQdlukg74FeyFNg4QiIvHewV9N-iUq6Z3uigefhfJEv33VVakbHDW3Vh8lqC3xvM3f1zvzUZ3A4LtavKxZC77gDFc7c2OYvkEzEfz96mXsFYnFTuqBePZLB1hPfj5QumJTH2RdoPEC1H-7jcdgDi0U2KnZC3sP3V6jLDmKHfqeMSM/s320/Book%20Excerpt.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="background-color: #bdbdbd; border: 1px solid grey; padding: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="1b0a2c80-7ad0-41b8-82c0-092b68e0944e" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-1b0a2c80-7ad0-41b8-82c0-092b68e0944e" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvLCJnB3GSR9yGsZFBdUB7kELLIIZFlOjrVpEkSs_1U_1bJJ_Bp5Ut_edip-Ny5S8-_RXnzU6xgANaq2Z__qYRcUfMa3JAnPgSxxwmD1waR2sFxZtKoXEohDejD-lfvsCXf0zFGu4QE_VQoJWb6bUYr96COOu170-OTW3XSkFvoNz_9nHjuBSpo8/s500/Grady%20Whill%20and%20the%20Templeton%20Codex%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvLCJnB3GSR9yGsZFBdUB7kELLIIZFlOjrVpEkSs_1U_1bJJ_Bp5Ut_edip-Ny5S8-_RXnzU6xgANaq2Z__qYRcUfMa3JAnPgSxxwmD1waR2sFxZtKoXEohDejD-lfvsCXf0zFGu4QE_VQoJWb6bUYr96COOu170-OTW3XSkFvoNz_9nHjuBSpo8/s320/Grady%20Whill%20and%20the%20Templeton%20Codex%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>PROLOGUE <p></p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="0433c768-cf3a-4207-ac08-a1d9f06e0eb4" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-0433c768-cf3a-4207-ac08-a1d9f06e0eb4" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">Scarface Mountain – Present Day </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="907792a4-56f2-4f62-99c1-60ea0884dfd8" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-907792a4-56f2-4f62-99c1-60ea0884dfd8" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">A <sup>BARELY COOLED LUMP of lava hardened under my </sup> feet. One of my sneakers was stuck between two small rocks in the solidifying mess. I stared at my foot in disbelief. Instinct told me I should be a human torch, my legs nothing more than toasted stumps. I glanced up, my heart beating wildly. We were trapped on the side of the mountain facing our school, separated by a burning sea of molten rocks. </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="8ed868b4-3df9-4176-b1e9-980bccb882f1" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-8ed868b4-3df9-4176-b1e9-980bccb882f1" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">The world around me steamed, the lava staining the sky burnt orange. Trees swallowed by molten rock looked like skeletal hands emerging from a grave that glowed beneath the blackened crust. I saw heat waves shimmering from the earth but felt none of its intensity. I pulled fiercely, feeling my ankle twist. Aarush steadied me as I nearly toppled over. He was </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="fe9804aa-dd72-4ef4-b64a-9acbc537cecf" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-fe9804aa-dd72-4ef4-b64a-9acbc537cecf" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">shirtless, his back slick with sweat and covered with scrapes. His fingers worked feverishly to free my foot. </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="960bcacd-61c7-4e32-a1ed-17308dc972b6" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-960bcacd-61c7-4e32-a1ed-17308dc972b6" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">Overhead two helicopter-sized pterodactyls circled the craggy summit. The wind from their leathery wings buffeted the two of us. I think the air they circulated stopped the patches of lava from cooking us alive, but what do I know? </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="b363cd73-6084-4fe0-a0aa-603f0e5dcf53" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-b363cd73-6084-4fe0-a0aa-603f0e5dcf53" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">“We better get moving, Grady. Leave your sneaker. We are risking getting burned by staying too long in one spot.” The ever-practical Aarush reasoned as he pulled the velcro releas ing my foot. I wobbled, then fell to one knee. </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="c3742f55-ac78-49ef-b12f-8e495079f041" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-c3742f55-ac78-49ef-b12f-8e495079f041" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">“Do you think they’re real?” I hollered to my friend over the noise, pointing upward. </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="5ba4d9f3-f46a-4894-8171-4be3f5196fe0" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-5ba4d9f3-f46a-4894-8171-4be3f5196fe0" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">“I’m not sure,” Aarush responded with a shake of his head. “Right now I can’t tell the difference between fantasy and real ity.” The answer to that question was resolved when one of the predatory birds spiraled downward in a dive. “We have to go that way!” He waved to the lee side of the mountain, where small brush fires dotted the hillside. “The lava appears to be traveling in the other direction.” His hands moved to push glasses up on his nose, only to realize they were long gone, lost in our escape. </p><p aria-label="Paragraph block" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block has-medium-font-size is-multi-selected is-partially-selected wp-block-paragraph rich-text" contenteditable="true" data-block="59b28a50-b490-445c-a763-45d46d4315a1" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" id="block-59b28a50-b490-445c-a763-45d46d4315a1" role="document" style="font-size: 20px; min-width: 1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">“Look out!” Aarush hunched down as the wind from the pterdactal’s wings fanned the area around us. “Oh yes, I’d say they’re real!”</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2shEkH8jc7Mbv2tiW_C3vRk0p5uknDs-gjZmLlotBhSM5s0pFuv5KLEKNLINAJUugGCcCOyJLG4eknpAMVjhq-1jNDQ89EYEfguI3DHmqjQCIJIO8E6viuswDI4P519fuusAr9GzWMk_yGX9z7zpMiggS5RNtZCs7doJUX5_M8wOjj5dyjEfqGIA/s640/Grady%20Whill%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2shEkH8jc7Mbv2tiW_C3vRk0p5uknDs-gjZmLlotBhSM5s0pFuv5KLEKNLINAJUugGCcCOyJLG4eknpAMVjhq-1jNDQ89EYEfguI3DHmqjQCIJIO8E6viuswDI4P519fuusAr9GzWMk_yGX9z7zpMiggS5RNtZCs7doJUX5_M8wOjj5dyjEfqGIA/w612-h459/Grady%20Whill%207.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoMdVrwJi9v2xSiQifFMnzINrGY_HLLC_MsTK-pCKwCvrawpS--7NyaWUhmA6ROP0izf2HMHwirezfAtZi8OGxahN_EngernAVNXL7oI350b5XwRx-Hvl5VHeMqZl2WHZczdg0EvA84KzeGN1nzWQbSV302yGpQwmDcfLOShs8t7i01o9GKBgL6o/s640/Grady%20Whill%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoMdVrwJi9v2xSiQifFMnzINrGY_HLLC_MsTK-pCKwCvrawpS--7NyaWUhmA6ROP0izf2HMHwirezfAtZi8OGxahN_EngernAVNXL7oI350b5XwRx-Hvl5VHeMqZl2WHZczdg0EvA84KzeGN1nzWQbSV302yGpQwmDcfLOShs8t7i01o9GKBgL6o/w619-h464/Grady%20Whill%208.jpg" width="619" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Wk_ChkYivGyEeK-z5UxLHZ1gOBP9sQhurrA5EQejaTQKRSKfxbCc8n2XH_lz0quEExpKO6OB_L2XzZveCRrZ5q6Xy-YUi9rWrtpD-Ke9uDgpEegsnrTlYGgAhmkHN_kTNYXbqaE7tofKr1HKAl1AKcXw8e1CN7c8xVSccbBI-gG-W3P8KXI_M48/s640/Grady%20Whill%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Wk_ChkYivGyEeK-z5UxLHZ1gOBP9sQhurrA5EQejaTQKRSKfxbCc8n2XH_lz0quEExpKO6OB_L2XzZveCRrZ5q6Xy-YUi9rWrtpD-Ke9uDgpEegsnrTlYGgAhmkHN_kTNYXbqaE7tofKr1HKAl1AKcXw8e1CN7c8xVSccbBI-gG-W3P8KXI_M48/w598-h449/Grady%20Whill%2011.jpg" width="598" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDycjAH7Fdkl-L7QA7JRRX-P3yKst5qYWLBz4l2c9skDJszzpconP_Hat6ok23JfkowCvzNDgWlj0adjHmSI9fE0rVFSMd6OxcJ7aoh3NT2byXaQTUaIm-rN65kzQJUaEQl1qmbCtMznyvF7DL9nW2YPxMiiipgsPOEupuv0VOh4ExAp_Fvf_Vtg/s495/about%20the%20author.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="41" data-original-width="495" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDycjAH7Fdkl-L7QA7JRRX-P3yKst5qYWLBz4l2c9skDJszzpconP_Hat6ok23JfkowCvzNDgWlj0adjHmSI9fE0rVFSMd6OxcJ7aoh3NT2byXaQTUaIm-rN65kzQJUaEQl1qmbCtMznyvF7DL9nW2YPxMiiipgsPOEupuv0VOh4ExAp_Fvf_Vtg/w400-h34/about%20the%20author.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><div style="color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.caroleproman.com"><b></b></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKTVjv_b2FE7NKkaZySqKOM5rRQbdNo6cz2D8fhBGfpfwPTTDSr1AX3U3NzzyA5FUeANT3oq3LW42Al9IyTi8cmvnKFDb-WqrDr6HVO4pAp98-YePCmqux7Kp2IgY2xVlWpZ59tOwVM8gs3yKfiZCXcKWeMijlI0idlK8jKwY0t2xvyd5WcKnKd4/s734/Carole%20P.%20Roman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKTVjv_b2FE7NKkaZySqKOM5rRQbdNo6cz2D8fhBGfpfwPTTDSr1AX3U3NzzyA5FUeANT3oq3LW42Al9IyTi8cmvnKFDb-WqrDr6HVO4pAp98-YePCmqux7Kp2IgY2xVlWpZ59tOwVM8gs3yKfiZCXcKWeMijlI0idlK8jKwY0t2xvyd5WcKnKd4/s320/Carole%20P.%20Roman.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Carole P. Roman</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">
is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether
it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her
books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of
children of all ages.</span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her best-selling book, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">She published </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mindfulness for Kids</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Carole has co-authored two self-help books. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with Julie A. Gerber, and </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marketing Indieworld</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">She
also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an
anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of
indie authors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Writing
is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents
herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of
reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and
grandchildren.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Her series includes:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Captain No Beard</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Nursery series</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Oh Susannah- Early Reader and coloring book</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Grady Whilland the Templeton Codex</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Giggles Galore- Coming in December 2022</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Mindfulness for Kids with co-author J. Robin Albertson-Wren</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids; 800 plus Jokes! 1 and 2</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Spies, Code Talkers, and Secret Agents A World War 2 Book for Kids</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Navigating Indieworld- with co-author Julie A. Gerber</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Marketing Indieworld- with co-authors Angela Hausman and Julie A. Gerber</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Adult Fiction under the pen name Brit Lunden</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">Bulwark</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">The Knowing- Book 1- A Bulwark Anthology</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">The Devil and Dayna Dalton- Book 9-A Bulwark Anthology</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Cherry Swash'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her latest book is the</span> <a href="https://amzn.to/3PHv1pv"><b><i>YA Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex</i></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visit Carole’s website at </span><a href="http://www.caroleproman.com"><b>www.CarolePRoman.com</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or connect with her on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/caroleproman"><b>Twitter</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/">Facebook</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></span></p></div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMClYYIw3xTBlIcO0HmdRY9LjfPwgRaWY6hr9mf9WGjJfOxpBODFJSd0GOFeLCV9U1e5cn09VA2sYQjpIN4yBKbWXHbpzch2jvz_Or41hiv6aoTULfLozLdzRTITquIhb2Ff5tOXSyhGDZAteo8-H8oUYAfWV-AEWlrBHa9AjufoN3lrFTVayBR0/s2720/Grady%20Whill%206.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2720" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMClYYIw3xTBlIcO0HmdRY9LjfPwgRaWY6hr9mf9WGjJfOxpBODFJSd0GOFeLCV9U1e5cn09VA2sYQjpIN4yBKbWXHbpzch2jvz_Or41hiv6aoTULfLozLdzRTITquIhb2Ff5tOXSyhGDZAteo8-H8oUYAfWV-AEWlrBHa9AjufoN3lrFTVayBR0/w640-h434/Grady%20Whill%206.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Cherry Swash"; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;">Sponsored By:</span></div></div><br style="font-size: 15.4px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="956" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGTRcLd_orD-59vB2vvAswov7nZlYDnqE5ACbBUB0jj_DoLAalFbhstmx4QlllTdxPHAfoRbCHq8ytqhmYwA6jt4LgsrhWbR8NXL2eHsT0csN45jcioL1qjQM7eU1kKHhrp_Akl2VJBA/w400-h174/Pump+Up+Your+Book+Virtual+Book+Tours+Banner.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div></div>
tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-60916520987852397632022-09-27T06:11:00.005-04:002022-09-27T06:32:44.834-04:00Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover265065-medium.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="255" height="346" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover265065-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br />Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Barbour Pub Inc</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: September 30, 2022</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781636093857</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 224</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span class="a-text-bold" face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;">When times are hard, the family budget gets tighter.</span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Do you struggle with feeding your family as the cost of everything rises? This cookbook is designed to help.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />New, from </span><span class="a-text-italic" face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic;">New York Times</span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;"> bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a valuable cookbook for when times are hard and costs are on the rise. Amish and Mennonite cooks offer recipes and advice for saving money, stretching a meal, and eliminating waste in the kitchen. Over 270 recipes are divided into traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will find this cookbook to be a wonderful addition to their collections.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/7113e272-df5c-491b-89cb-1ab194bcd561.__CR70,0,2592,3456_PT0_SX300_V1___.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/7113e272-df5c-491b-89cb-1ab194bcd561.__CR70,0,2592,3456_PT0_SX300_V1___.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />New York Times</i></b> bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards. <p> Wanda's ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. </p><p> When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. </p><p> To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at <a href="http://www.wandabrunstetter.com">www.wandabrunstetter.com</a>.</p><p></p><p></p></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook</i></b> is a treasure chest full of amazing recipes, Bible quotes, hints, sayings, and miscellaneous how-to's. The recipes are exactly what you'd expect from the Amish - down home comfort food that are not only delicious, but can be made with ingredients you probably have on hand. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was very pleased to find that not only are there the "normal" food recipes, but also included are one for making items like deodorant, bleach alternative, laundry soap, baby wipes, and other very useful miscellaneous recipes. I have tried a few and they work!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a wonderful canning/preserving section, but I will say that one must be aware that many of the Amish use the "old" ways of water bath canning meats and other low acid foods that is <u><b>not</b></u> recommended by the USDA. Meats that are water bathed in this book should now be processed in a pressure canner. <u><b>Please do your research</b></u> before canning any of these recipes. There is a free guide online that the USDA has put out called <b><i>The Complete Guide to Home Canning</i></b>. Am I saying not to use the canning recipes? Absolutely not. But do look up how to safely can the items. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook</i></b><span> </span><span>is a wonderful cookbook that should be a part of any kitchen. It is filled with some of the most mouthwatering recipes that many people associate with the Amish community. You'll find yourself pulling it off your shelf again and again. Yes, the recipes are that delicious!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-1484294835139117022022-09-23T07:30:00.002-04:002022-09-23T07:30:11.652-04:00Mornings with God by Emily Biggers - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover125120-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="255" height="360" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover125120-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mornings with God</span></b><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Prayers and Devotions for Women</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: Emily Biggers</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Barbour Publishing Inc.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: February 1, 2018</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781683222545</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 192</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>BLURB:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-weight: bolder;">Good mornings are guaranteed when you start the day off in prayer.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;">Dozens of faith-building prayers are accompanied by inspiring devotional thoughts and scripture selections—just for you. Featuring just-right-sized readings to fit into your busy morning routine and scripture selections from the beloved King James Version of the Bible, you’ll start your days off right with </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;">Mornings with God</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;">!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyone that has followed my reviews knows that I'm a KJV only gal. Imagine my delight when I found that this devotional uses the King James Version!! A big YAY! on my part.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Mornings with God</i></b> is a lovely devotional for women that has an easy format - The title of the day's focus, a prayer, then a small devotion, and then to finish it all off, a Scripture verse. This is a devotional that you can spend just a few minutes on, or use it to focus on as a morning reading/study. It's a great starting point to continue with for studies. Have a notebook and pen handy and you can write down your thoughts about the devotion for the day, or maybe you were led to search deeper and you can record your findings.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I love the simple format. It's concise and has a ton of potential. Sometimes the short devotional is something to think on throughout the day, sometimes there's questions and sometimes there's a reading "assignment". There are many times I'd start with the devotion and end up reading and getting into a more in-depth study. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Mornings with God</i></b> is written specifically for women. It's a lovely devotional that will start your day of right. Keep a notebook or paper and a pen handy and take notes when you want to remember something or if you had a thought or idea. You'll be surprised to find how much you get from this little book of devotions!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-11731497533595876432022-09-23T06:12:00.004-04:002022-09-23T07:30:40.850-04:00Star of Wonder by K. Lynn Smith - Review<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d1vbo0kv48thhl.cloudfront.net/books/covers/large/24917/1663422510.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="300" height="480" src="https://d1vbo0kv48thhl.cloudfront.net/books/covers/large/24917/1663422510.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Star of Wonder</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A Sweet Victorian Holiday Novella<br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: K. Lyn Smith</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: October 27, 2022</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Kindle Format</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Pages: 108</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>BLURB:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 class="book-profile__tagline" style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Will merry hearths and mistletoe thaw this pair before it’s too late for a second chance at love?</span></h3><div class="book-profile__blurb" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A soldier returns to claim the lady of his heart before she marries another in this frosty Victorian Christmas romance.</span><hr style="border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-top-style: solid; box-sizing: content-box; height: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 1rem; overflow: visible;" /><span style="font-size: medium;">The captain</span><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1rem;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Andrew Grey has long wished to make Aster Corbyn his, but a lady who’s always been surrounded by brilliance, from her astronomer father to her artist mother, doesn’t deserve mediocrity. So Andrew sets out to achieve, if not brilliance, at least a proper shine, and he asks her to wait for his return. Aaand wait. Then he receives the unwelcome news that Aster has gone and betrothed herself to another.</span><hr style="border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-top-style: solid; box-sizing: content-box; height: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 1rem; overflow: visible;" /><span style="font-size: medium;">And his lady</span><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1rem;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;">At six and twenty, Aster Corbyn thought she’d have married Andrew Grey long before now. But his letters have grown less frequent and she’s grown more impatient. After years of watching their star across an ocean of disappointment, she’s given up on him just as he’s apparently given up on their dreams.</span><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1rem;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;">When a St. Nicholas Eve snowstorm thwarts her travels, Aster finds herself stranded with her old friend, who is recently—and quite unexpectedly—returned from India. And to her irritation, Andrew is just as carefree and irreverent as she recalls.</span><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1rem;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Will merry hearths and mistletoe thaw this pair before it’s too late for a second chance at love?</span><hr style="border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-top-style: solid; box-sizing: content-box; height: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 1rem; overflow: visible;" /><span style="font-size: medium;">Star of Wonder is a complete story featuring a new generation from the Something Wonderful series. Fans of the series will enjoy this peek into the families of Harry & Celeste (The Astronomer’s Obsession) and Julian & Charlie (The Physician’s Dilemma) while new readers will love this stand-alone tale featuring an independent heroine and flawed-but-lovable hero.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;">ABOUT T</span><span style="color: red;">HE AUTHOR:</span></span></b></div><div><div class="profile__author__bio" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-top: 1rem;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Award-nominated author K. Lyn Smith writes sweet historical romance with swoony heroes. Sometimes a pig or two. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her own swoony hero, and when she’s not reading or writing, you can find her cooking with family, traveling or watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?</span></div><div class="mt-5" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 3rem;"><div class="book-profile__preference" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 1.5rem;"><div class="book-profile__preference__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #495057; font-size: 0.875rem; padding-bottom: 0.25rem; text-transform: uppercase;"><b>Author's WEBSITE</b></div><div class="book-profile__preference__content text-break" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://www.klynsmithauthor.com/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.klynsmithauthor.com</span></a></div><div class="book-profile__preference__content text-break" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><br /></div><div class="book-profile__preference__content text-break" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="book-profile__preference__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #495057; font-size: 0.875rem; padding-bottom: 0.25rem; text-transform: uppercase;"><b>Author's MAILING LIST</b></div><div class="book-profile__preference__content" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.klynsmithauthor.com/readers-circle" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.klynsmithauthor.com/readers-circle</span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Romances are usually not my thing, but there are times I just want to curl up with a nice cozy story that takes place around the holidays. Now that the days are becoming cooler, I am getting in that mood again. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Star of Wonder</i></b> is a sweet novella that takes place in Victorian England with the likeable characters, Aster and Andrew. Childhood friends, they both grew up and chose different careers, Aster, a teacher and Andrew, a voluntary member of the military. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The book starts out with letters and sets the stage for what is to come. A lost letter, a tragedy and a snowstorm all fit together to make a sweet holiday story that was both easy to read and clean but still had a few adult type innuendos that were humorous. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Star of Wonder</i></b> is a quick read that rivals any Hallmark Channel Christmas movie. That's a good thing - because it was exactly what I wanted!! If you are in the mood for a nice clean holiday romance, then this is the read for you!!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received a copy of this book through BookSirens. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></b></i></div></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-63896448887210888812022-09-22T07:47:00.002-04:002022-09-22T07:47:15.451-04:00The Maze - Review<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover259610-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="385" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover259610-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br />The Maze</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">John Corey #8</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: Nelson DeMille</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Scribner</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: October 11, 2022<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781501101768</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 432</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>BLURB:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; font-weight: bolder;">#1 <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times</i> bestselling author Nelson DeMille returns with a blistering thriller featuring his most popular series character, former NYPD homicide detective John Corey, called out of retirement to investigate a string of grisly murders much too close to home.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">In his dazzling #1 bestseller, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">Plum Island</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">, Nelson DeMille introduced readers to NYPD Homicide Detective John Corey, who we first meet sitting on the back porch of his uncle’s waterfront estate on Long Island, convalescing from wounds incurred in the line of duty. A visit from the local Chief of Police results in the legendary Detective Corey becoming involved in the investigation of the murders of a married couple who were scientists at the top-secret biological research facility on Plum Island.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">Fast forward through six more bestselling John Corey novels and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">The Maze</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"> opens with Corey on the same porch, but now in forced retirement from his last job as a Federal Agent with the Diplomatic Surveillance Group. Corey is restless and looking for action, so when his former lover, Detective Beth Penrose, appears with a job offer, Corey has to once again make some decisions about his career—and about reuniting with Beth Penrose.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">Inspired by, and based on the actual and still unsolved Gilgo Beach murders, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">The Maze</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"> takes the reader on a dangerous hunt for an apparent serial killer who has murdered nine—and maybe more—prostitutes and hidden their bodies in the thick undergrowth on a lonely stretch of beach.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">As Corey digs deeper into this case, which has made national news, he comes to suspect that the failure of the local police to solve this sensational case may not be a result of their inexperience and incompetence—it may be something else. Something more sinister.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;" /><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">The Maze</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"> features John Corey’s politically incorrect humor, matched by his brilliant and unorthodox investigative skills along with the surprising and shocking plot twists that are the trademark of the #1 </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">New York Times</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"> bestselling author, Nelson DeMille.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I had heard lots of good things about this series, so when it came up for review, I was excited to read it. I haven't read any of the series before, so I was jumping in with book #8 with the idea that I'd be missing some backstory, but I was not ready for what I jumped into.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The main character, John Corey, is a crass, foul-mouthed, over-the-top, sexist homicide detective. Even worse, is this book done in first person, so there's no way to even try to ignore his character since you're in his head at all times. Yes, if you haven't noticed, I don't like the character at all.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The mystery part of the book was not what I would call great either. What can I say besides this book wasn't for me in all aspects?! I'm not one for swearing, sexual content or just overall lewdness, so <b>I cannot in any way recommend this book</b>. After reading it, I felt like I had to wash my eyes and brain out - yes, it was that offensive to me. If it wasn't for the commitment I made to read and review, I would have dumped this book after chapter 1. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Worst part, <b>it has no place here on my blog</b>, except as a warning that this book is full of everything I do not stand for. It's extremely offensive and even though I've been assured by other readers of the series that the earlier books are not like this, I won't be reading any of them to find out if that's true! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-56294620033032260122022-09-22T06:16:00.002-04:002022-09-22T06:18:42.265-04:00Hungry Is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook - Review<span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover92004-medium.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="255" height="348" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover92004-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br /><b>Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: Shellie Rushing Tomlinson</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Shiloh Run Press</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: October 1, 2016</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781634097826</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 224</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>BLURB:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-weight: bolder;">Hey y'all! Come on inside! I want you to meet my family~</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">I’m Shellie. . .a Jesus loving, story stacking cook known as The Belle of All Things Southern. I'm having something of a family reunion, and I’m inviting all of you to join me--from close friends and second cousins, to my loyal radio listeners, beloved readers, and anyone else who stumbles across our get-together! </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">My specialty is delicious food born from a legacy of love and southern heritage, broken down into simple steps anyone can follow. Whether it’s my Bodacious Black Bean Salad or Fresh Veggie Frittata, Spicy Sausage and Crawfish Spread or Fudge Nut Muffins, my recipes will satisfy your hungry group and keep them coming back for more. </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;">Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce</i><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> is a collection of lip-smacking, rib-sticking dishes served with generous helpings of conversation because I truly believe the best meals come with a story. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif;" /><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Featuring dozens of tried-and-true recipes complemented by entertaining stories, your hunger--and your craving for humor--are sure to be satisfied! Eye-catching photos, guaranteed to make your mouth water, are included throughout. . .sure to be a much-appreciated gift or centerpiece on your very own kitchen countertop.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook</i></b> is a truly readable cookbook. This cookbook is pure Southern and is a true treasure! It is full of stories that are absolutely entertaining and the way it is written, you can just hear the stories being told around the kitchen table while you are sipping a sweet tea. I have spent more time than I'll ever admit to looking for a recipe for dinner and then finding myself reading the cookbook. Oh, the stories! I will never, ever hear "This Little Light of Mine..." without thinking of the little Boy Angel Cullen. OH MY!!! I laughed so hard I had tears rolling!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This book is not only fun, but it has some mighty good recipes in it as well. One of the things I really love is not only is there an intro to the recipe, but many of them have comments in the instructions that make it feel like you are cooking with a friend or relative. For example, there was a comment of how the original recipe called for 1/2 cup of sugar, but the author's uncle made the recipe and forgot to add it in. The sugar was not missed, so from then on, it has been omitted when making it. Great to know - and love the omission since we really don't need all that sugar, right?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sprinkled throughout the book are BELLE TIPs that are helpful and very useful hints, sayings and quotes and drop dead gorgeous photography. The recipes themselves are amazing - well of course they are, they are from a Southern Belle! I love Southern cooking and this book nails everything I love about it. Some of my favorite recipes are: Cajun Grits, Aunt Peggy's Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, Tomato Onion TART WITH Cornmeal Crust From Kitchen Belleicious, Brown Butter Maple Berry Skillet Cobbler From Kitchen Belleicious, and Aunt Debbie's French Market Doughnuts - just to name a few. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I had originally gotten an eBook of </span><b><i>Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook</i></b><span> from NetGalley to review. When it comes to cookbooks, if I find I really like them I'll go out and buy the book. This is one that I loved - so I added the comb-bound book to my collection (mine is a little different than the photo as it has a white comb binding). This book is one that is used a <b>lot</b> and not only for the cooking, but for the stories. I've read more stories and even the recipes to my husband or daughter than I ever thought I would out of a book, let alone a cookbook.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>What it all boils down to is, </span><b><i>Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook </i></b><span>is a must for anyone who loves to cook Southern food, read cookbooks, loves great recipes or just wants a great all-around useful and entertaining book. I love it and highly, highly recommend it!</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-37770613700646159202022-09-21T06:03:00.004-04:002022-09-21T06:04:27.316-04:00From the Farmhouse Kitchen - Review<span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover126629-medium.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="255" height="387" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover126629-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br /><b>From the Farmhouse Kitchen</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Authors: Dawn Stolzfus and Carol Falb</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Harvest House Publishers</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: March 6, 2018</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9780736971669</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 224</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">BLURB:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">Fresh, Simple, and Wholesome Recipes</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">From Our Family to Yours</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">From the farmhouse kitchens of mother and daughter Carol Falb and Dawn Stoltzfus comes a collection of over 150 delicious recipes plus charming stories of everyday life on an active, working dairy farm.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">Let Carol and Dawn show you how easy it is to share farm-to-table goodness with your loved ones, even if you don't have your own garden...or working farm. Cooking should be more than just prepping food. When you prepare healthy meals using high-quality whole foods, you extend the love of Christ to others and bless them with your servant's heart.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">From fresh salads to hearty entrees to tantalizing desserts, let these treasured recipes become part of your family's mealtime traditions and find joy in the simplicity of cooking fresh.</p></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>From the Farmhouse Kitchen</i></b> is written by a Mennonite woman and her daughter and is simply a fabulous cookbook. It contains family recipes that are categorized by the seasons. Throughout the book are stories about life on the farm and great intros to the recipes. I had to chuckle at the intro to the recipe for Asparagus, Peas, and Pasta. It tells about their asparagus patch and I swear, I could have written that myself! I have things in my garden that are the same way!!!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This cookbook is one that I enjoyed sitting down and reading. I loved the stories and they made me miss the farm life of my youth. The recipes are delicious. Every one that I tried came out wonderfully! Some of my favorites from the book are: Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, Cheesy Noodle Broccoli Soup, Ooey-Gooey Granola Bars, Stuffed Zucchini, Deep Dish Pizza, Sausage Balls and Baked Beef Brisket. That's only a sampling of those that I love!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is another neat detail to the book, and that is the instructions that are included to make your own deodorant and hand soap. Little treasures like this make the recipe book not only a little more fun but a little more useful than just straight up cooking!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>From the Farmhouse Kitchen</i></b> is a cookbook that is not only filled with delicious recipes, but the stories and DIY's make it something special and something you will find yourself turning to again and again. I know it has become one of my favorite cookbooks that is used a lot. In fact, while writing this review, I got really hungry for the Deep Dish Pizza. Guess what's on the menu for tonight?!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-27174869047245737062022-09-20T10:33:00.007-04:002022-09-20T10:44:22.647-04:00Sewn with Joy - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover90427-medium.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="394" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover90427-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sewn with Joy</span></b><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pinecraft Pie Shop Book #3<br /></b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Authors: Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Harvest House Publishers</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: September 1, 2016</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9780736961349</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 352</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">BLURB:</span></b><span> </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">Sometimes Dreams Come Together<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />One Piece at a Time</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">Joy Miller wanted nothing more than to be a wife and mother—especially now that her relationship with Matthew Slagel, the bishop's son, was deepening. But when a television crew rolls into Pinecraft, Florida, to film a new show about the Amish, tension threatens to rip apart their relationship...and the entire Amish community.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Joy is initially hired to sew costumes for the show, but she soon finds herself becoming increasingly involved in the production—a fact that upsets Matthew and his father. Yet the more Joy befriends the <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Englischer</i> production crew, the more she senses God working in their lives through her. Can she turn her back on this opportunity to share God's love? Will she and Matthew somehow be able to stitch together their dreams for the future?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Experience love, heartbreak, and hope in this sweet story of two worlds uniting in unexpected ways.</p></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Sewn with Joy</i></b> is the third book of the Pinecraft Pie Shop Series. Although part of the series, the book can easily be read as a stand alone and the reader won't feel like they're missing out on anything.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The main character, Joy Miller is a very likeable person. She's sweet and humble and tries her best to do what is right. Her beau, Matthew Slagel, is a person that seems likeable enough, but he had a side to him I didn't care for - the human side that has a temper and cares too much for what others think and say.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sewn with Joy deals with many issues and had a fantastic message behind it - not just a sappy Amish romance. I'm not sure if an Amish woman would have handled things the way Joy did, but I will say it made for a great story with lots of lessons about God, Christianity, forgiveness, love, and redemption. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Some of the topics brought up were real but may be triggers for some, including suicide, abortion, and infidelity. The issues were handled well and the message was fantastic! This is a book that focuses a lot on God's forgiveness and coming to Christ. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Sewn with Joy</i></b> is a great book that will inspire you to possibly get back into the Word and to remember what sacrifices were made on the Cross. An excellent book with a message for all!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-18050694086280565902022-09-20T07:48:00.009-04:002022-09-20T07:50:34.337-04:00One-Stitch Baby Knits - Review<b><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover160660-medium.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="255" height="331" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover160660-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><br />One-Stitch Baby Knits</span></b><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>22 Easy Patterns For Adorable Garments and Accessories Using Garter Stitch</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: Val Pierce</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Design Originals</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: June 10, 2019</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781054801102</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 144</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>BLURB:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway-Regular, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome your new baby to the world with lovingly knitted garments and accessories! This book is filled with easy-to-knit projects you’ll want to make for the baby in your life. Top knitwear designer and author Val Pierce presents 25 simple patterns for practical but adorable baby knits, from bootees to hats to blankets. Whether it’s a kimono-style jacket that you don’t have to pull over a newborn’s head or drawstring mittens that keep your little one from pulling them off, One-Stitch Baby Knits is full of thoughtful details that parents will love. Each and every one of these irresistible garments is made entirely with the garter stitch—the easiest stitch in knitting—making them accessible to beginners and quick and simple for more experienced knitters. Designed with small babies in mind, Val’s patterns can be readily customized to get exactly what you want in a garment that’s cheaper and sturdier than anything you’ll find in stores.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>One-Stitch Baby Knits</i></b> is one of those books that you will find yourself turning to again and again. It contains 22 patterns that are easy to construct and are based on just one simple stitch: the garter stitch. The garter stitch is one of those stitches that seemed to be overlooked because of it's simplicity, however there's no stitch that is as soft and squishy as well as absorbent (when it needs to be) as this stitch.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The author, Val Pierce, plays on this stitch to create some cute and beautiful items that would be welcomed by any new mother or mother-to-be. The items look more complicated to do than they really are, and the patterns are easy to read, follow and understand. The photography of this book is gorgeous and each photo calls out to you to make the item pictured.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Some of my favorite patterns are the </span><span>Easy Burp Cloth, </span><span>Bunny Earflap Hat, </span><span>Sleepy Cow Hat and Drawstring Mittens (featured on the cover), </span><span>T-Shaped Sweater and Simple Shoes, and the </span><span>Geometric Blanket. I love how nicely they all work up and the best part is how simple they were to make! The Geometric Blanket is a little more fussy with the color changes and weaving all the ends in then piecing it all together, but the finished product looks so much more complicated than the blanket was! The Easy Burp Cloth is not the normal square cloth but one that has an interesting shape and also another that looks so much harder than it really is to make. Then there's the Cow and Bunny hats - absolutely adorable and not at all hard to construct.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">One-Stitch Baby Knits is a book that needs to be added to anyone's library that knits for babies and new mothers as well as anyone who loves to make items to donate. This is a book that will be returned to again and again! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8984447002646611353.post-26589828292973335192022-09-19T07:32:00.004-04:002022-09-19T07:32:57.895-04:00Whittling Workbook - Review<b><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover259734-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="255" height="319" src="https://netgalley-covers.s3.amazonaws.com/cover259734-medium.png" width="255" /></a></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>Whittling Workbook</span></b><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author: James Ray Miller</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Release Date: August 3, 2022</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">ISBN: 9781497102705</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pages: 112</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Availability: Paperback and Kindle</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>BLURB:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;">The ultimate beginner-friendly project guide to whittling flat-plane carvings with a modern twist! </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic !important;">Whittling Workbook</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;"> is perfect for anyone seeking a range of easy wood carvings they can accomplish with just one knife – including roughing out. All you need is a block of wood and one knife to achieve any of the 14 wood carving projects featured within these pages! From a simple strawberry and a whimsical wand to a sailor, Martian, pig, and so much more, each project includes detailed step-by-step instructions to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Also included are insightful overviews on basic carving cuts, painting and finishing techniques, safety notes, and how to join a carving community. Author James Miller is a recent college graduate and a protégé of decorated Scandinavian-style carver, Harley Refsal. James has been a regular contributor to </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic !important;">Woodcarving Illustrated</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;"> since 2010 and published his first book, </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic !important;">Whittling Flat-Plane Animals</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;">, in 2020.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>MY THOUGHTS:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I bought a whittling/carving kit that had everything needed except for gloves and a strop. I opened the box, looked at the pattern and watched the video, but didn't begin as I felt somewhat intimidated by it. I just didn't feel comfortable as a beginner starting it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Then, quite by accident, I stumbled across the <i><b>Whittling Workbook</b></i> that was available for review. I jumped at the chance to request it and was thrilled at what I found. This book is a wealth of information! Perfect for the beginner, it explains in detail about tools, wood, how to cut the wood, how to finish the wood by painting, sealing, etc. Best of all, it also has some amazing step-by-step instructions for 14 projects including a hedgehog, grandma & grandpa, a sunflower and more!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Whittling Workbook</i></b> is filled with very detailed photographs that truly help one on their journey to learning the art of whittling. I have been so inspired with what I learned that I picked up that kit and started to whittle! I'm not finished yet, but at least I gained the confidence to try thanks to Mr. Miller! I can't wait to finish my kit so that I can move on to the projects in this book.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are interested in trying a new hobby that is inexpensive and relaxing, I recommend you pick up a copy of the <b><i>Whittling Workbook</i></b>. It is the perfect resource for the true beginner and will give you all the information you need to start creating your own lovely pieces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. </span></div>tweezlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582232237930976366noreply@blogger.com0