October 31, 2017

Blackberry Burial by Sharon Farrow - Review

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

Book details
Series: A Berry Basket Mystery (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington (October 31, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496704886

Book description
Between a booming art scene and elaborate Independence Day festivities, July in lakeshore Oriole Point, Michigan, is always a blast. Especially when an explosive murder case crashes the fun . . .

As owner of The Berry Basket, Marlee Jacob has learned a thing or two about surviving the summer tourist season in Oriole Point. So she gladly agrees to help run the annual road rally in honor of the local Blackberry Art School’s centenary celebration. While alumni arrive from around the country, Marlee hopes the expansive Sanderling farm will make an appropriate starting point for the race—despite rumors that the land is cursed . . .

But when Marlee surveys the property, she stumbles upon a long-dead body hidden in the bramble. It’s a horrifying mystery to everyone except her baker, who’s convinced the skeletal remains belong to a former student who had gone missing twenty years earlier. As the Fourth of July activities heat up, Marlee must rush to catch an elusive murderer—before the next ‘blackberry victim’ is ripe for the picking!

Includes Berry Recipes!

Meet the author - Sharon Farrow
Sharon Farrow is the latest pen name of this award winning Michigan author. She is also the co-author of the two-time Agatha nominated Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins mystery series written under the joint pseudonym D.E. Ireland. A freelance writer since her twenties, Sharon has been published in mystery, fantasy, and romance; one of her short stories has been optioned for film. She currently lives along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline where the Berry Basket cozy mystery series is set. Visit her online at SharonFarrowAuthor.com, on Facebook Sharon Farrow Author, or Twitter @SharonFarrowBB.

My thoughts
I have enjoyed this book just as much as the first one in the series if not more. I like how the author gives you tidbits about the fruit in the title this one just happens to be blackberries. It was fun to go back to the Berry Basket and our friends from the little town. I liked how the people of the town have a special bond with each other. If my new puppy would have dug up a skeleton I think I would have been a little freaked out. I like that the author puts enough twists and turns in the story to keep you guessing. There were multiple suspects which made it fun to guess who was the actual one who was the guilty party. Be sure to have a snack handy while reading this book as reading about all the tasty treats will leave you hungry. This is one of my favorite series and I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

October 30, 2017

Lilac Lane by Sherryl Woods - Review

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

Book details
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: MIRA (October 17, 2017)

Book description
No one writes about friends, family and home better than Sherryl Woods. Told with warmth and humor, Lilac Lane is a brand-new story in her beloved Chesapeake Shores series, one readers all over the world have waited two years to read!

At the heart of Lilac Lane is Keira Malone, who raised her three children alone after her first marriage broke apart, and who, after years of guarding her heart, finally finds love again. But that love is short-lived when her fiancĂ© suffers a fatal heart attack. Grieving and unsure of what’s next, Keira agrees to move from Dublin to Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, to spend time with her daughter, Moira, and her new granddaughter, Kate, as well as to help her son-in-law, Luke, with his Irish pub, O’Briens.

Not wanting to live underfoot, she rents a charming cottage on Lilac Lane, replete with views of the ocean and her neighbor’s thriving garden—not to mention views of the neighbor himself. The neighbor is none other than Bryan Laramie, the brusque and moody chef at the pub, with whom Keira is constantly butting heads. But things get real when Bryan’s long-lost daughter, whom he hasn’t seen since she was a baby, shows up out of the blue. As Bryan and Keira each delve into their pasts, reopening wounds, the rest of the town is gearing up for the Fall Festival Irish Stew cook-off, and making no bones about whose side they’re on. It’s Kitchen Wars meets This is Your Life—a recipe for disaster…or a new take on love?

You won’t want to miss this epic return to Chesapeake Shores, a place we’re betting you’ll want to stay forever.


Meet the author - Sherryl Woods
With her roots firmly planted in the South, Sherryl Woods has written many of her more than 100 books in that distinctive setting, whether in her home state of Virginia, her adopted state, Florida, or her much-adored South Carolina. Sherryl is best known for her ability to creating endearing small town communities and families. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition.

Connect with Sherryl
Website |Facebook | Twitter

My thoughts
Let me start by saying that even though I have not read the entire rest of this series I was still able to enjoy this book. It was a nice light read for me even though there was some sadness and tough things the characters were going through. I was drawn to the book just by it's name along as lilacs are my favorite flowers then the story line drew me further in. The book was very heartwarming and makes me want to go back and read the entire series - which of course I will do. The characters in this book are people you love to be friends with and spend the day with. The way Kiera and Bryan play off each other was fun to watch. Of course the fall festival Irish stew cook off sounds like a good time too. I grew up in a small town and it was nothing like this one - had it been I maybe would have stayed. This is a feel good book that I recommend although don't do like me and start at the end of the series, start from the first one. 


Review tour for LILAC LANE:


Monday, October 16th: The Sassy Bookster – spotlight

Tuesday, October 17th: The Sketchy Reader

Tuesday, October 17th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, October 18th: Stranded in Chaos

Thursday, October 19th: Readaholic Zone

Friday, October 20th: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot

Monday, October 23rd: Katy’s Library blog and Instagram

Tuesday, October 24th: No More Grumpy Bookseller

Tuesday, October 24th: What is That Book About – spotlight

Wednesday, October 25th: Books and Bindings

Thursday, October 26th: Bookchickdi

Thursday, October 26th: Reading Reality

Friday, October 27th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, October 27th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy – spotlight

Monday, October 30th: A Holland Reads

Monday, October 30th: A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, November 1st: Novel Gossip

Thursday, November 2nd: Suzy Approved

Saturday, November 4th: Girl Who Reads

Monday, November 6th: Palmer’s Page Turners

Tuesday, November 7th: Bewitched Bookworms

Wednesday, November 8th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Thursday, November 9th: LiteraryJo Reviews blog and Instagram

Friday, November 10th: Thoughts on This ‘n That

Monday, November 13th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Tuesday, November 14th: The Romance Dish

Tuesday, November 14th: Blogging with A

The Murderer's Maid by Erika Mailman - Review and Giveaway


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

The Murderer's Maid by Erika Mailman

Publication Date: October 30, 2017
Bonhomie Press
Hardcover; ISBN-13: 978-0997066449
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Mystery


About the book
Bram Stoker Award finalist Erika Mailman brings the true story of the brutal murder of Lizzie Borden's father and stepmother into new focus by adding a riveting contemporary narrative. The Murderer's Maid interweaves the stories of two women: one, the servant of infamous Lizzie Borden, and the other a modern-day barista fleeing from an attempt on her life. Trapped by servitude and afraid for her own safety, Irish maid Bridget finds herself an unwilling witness to the tensions in the volatile Borden household. As Lizzie seethes with resentment, Bridget tries to perform her duties and keep her mouth shut. Unknowingly connected to the legendary crime of a century ago, Brooke, the illegitimate daughter of an immigrant maid, struggles to conceal her identity and stay a jump ahead of the men who want to kill her. When she unexpectedly falls in love with Anthony, a local attorney, she has to decide whether to stop running and begin her life anew. With historical detail and taut, modern storytelling, Erika Mailman writes a captivating novel about identity, choices, freedom, and murder. She offers readers a fresh perspective on the notorious crime and explores the trials of immigrants seeking a better life while facing down fear and oppression, today and throughout history. Intelligent and detailed, The Murderer's Maid is a gripping read from beginning to bloody conclusion.

“A complex and riveting parallax view of domestic crimes, decades apart.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Erika Mailman writes a page turner of a thriller that will fascinate as well as terrify.” — Margaret Lane, New York Journal of Books
"Fascinating, mesmerizing, and so darkly atmospheric that you keep looking over your shoulder as you read." ―Diana Gabaldon, internationally-bestselling author of the Outlander series
"The Murderer’s Maid is a fascinating and deeply chilling tale. Erika Mailman weaves a story that is by turns poignant, compelling, and murderously suspenseful." ―Kathleen Kent, author of The Heretic’s Daughter

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Powell's

My thoughts

This is the first book I have read by this author and I thought it was interesting. The story of Lizzie Borden has always intrigued me and now to hear about it from a maid's view - even though fiction was a new way to look at things. Then to add to the story you have the modern day character who has a mystery of her own. The author did a good job of telling two different stories in one book and making them fit together. Along the way she gives a few twists in the story which makes things a little more interesting. The book read nicely and held my interest until the end. I liked how the author was very accurate with her historical details. I felt as if she did some good research to get things just right. The only bad thing I have to say is that I do not care for the cover. There is something about it that creeps me out but that was easily handled by putting on a book cover. This did not keep me from enjoying the book. A good book to get you in the mood for a spooky Halloween. 


Meet the Author - Erika Mailman

Erika Mailman is the author of The Witch's Trinity, a San Francisco Chronicle Notable Book and Bram Stoker Award finalist, and Woman of Ill Fame, a Pushcart Press Editor's Book Award nominee. She's a Yaddo fellow and lives in Northern California with her family. For more information, please visit Erika Mailman's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a hardcover copy of The Murderer's Maid! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 8th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 16 Review at Unabridged Chick Feature at Passages to the Past 
Tuesday, October 17 Interview at Unabridged Chick 
Wednesday, October 18 Review at 100 Pages a Day 
Thursday, October 19 Review & Excerpt at Books of All Kinds Review at So Many Books, So Little Time 
Friday, October 20 Spotlight at Bookfever Review at Once Upon A Book 
Monday, October 23 Review at Poppy Coburn Review at A Bookish Affair
Tuesday, October 24 Guest Post at A Bookish Affair Feature at A Literary Vacation 
Wednesday, October 25 Review at Back Porchervations Feature at Must Read Faster 
Thursday, October 26 Review at Linda's Book Obsession 
Friday, October 27 Review at What Cathy Read Next Feature at The Reading Queen 
Monday, October 30 Review at A Holland Reads 
Tuesday, October 31 Review at The Maiden's Court 
Wednesday, November 1 Review at Pursuing Stacie Review at Books of a Shy Girl 
Thursday, November 2 Review at Book Nerd 
Friday, November 3 Review at T's Stuff Review at Just One More Chapter 
Monday, November 6 Review at A Book Geek Review at CelticLady's Reviews 
Tuesday, November 7 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books 
Wednesday, November 8 Review at The True Book Addict


October 29, 2017

Sleuthing Women II by Multiple Authors - Character Guest Post and Giveaway

 

Book details
Cozy Mysteries 
Self Published 
Publication Date: September 5, 2017 
Print Length: 675 pages 
ASIN: B074TVL3HG

Book description
Sleuthing Women II: 10 Mystery Novellas is a collection of ten mysteries featuring murder and assorted mayhem by ten critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling authors. Each novella is a tie-in to an established multi-book series—a total of over 800 pages of reading pleasure for lovers of amateur sleuth, caper, cozy, and female P.I. mysteries.

Frosted, A Moreno & Hart Novella by Allison Brennan & Laura Griffin—Three years ago LAPD Detective Scarlet Moreno and rookie cop Krista Hart were nearly killed during a botched sting operation. Now, they’re best friends and partners in the Orange County private investigation firm of Moreno & Hart. But their routine assignments are anything but safe.

Crewel Intentions, An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Novella by Lois Winston—Craft editor Anastasia Pollack receives a desperate call for help from former fashion editor Erica Milano, now in Witness Protection. Erica is being stalked and is afraid to notify the authorities. She once saved Anastasia’s life. Will Anastasia be able to return the favor before the stalker strikes?

No Quarter, A Cleopatra Jones Novella by Maggie Toussaint—Amnesia, the doctor says when accountant Cleopatra Jones wakes in a distant hospital. Hours later most of her memory returns. Detective Jack Martinez visits Cleo’s nearby wealthy client, only she’s dead and broke. To Cleo’s horror, she’s a murder suspect. Will she totally recover her memory before the killer returns?

What the Widow Knew, A Kali-O’Brien Novella by Jonnie Jacobs—Attorney Kali O’Brien takes on the case of a young woman accused of murdering her much older, very rich husband. As evidence mounts and other possible suspects are eliminated, Kali’s doubts about her client’s innocence grow. Meanwhile, Kali is also grappling with her feelings for longtime boyfriend Detective Bryce Keating.

The Magnesium Murder, A Periodic Table Mystery by Camille Minichino—While freelance embalmer Anastasia Brent prepares the body of a young bride-to-be, she learns the girl’s mother suspects foul play. Once again Anastasia is pressed into service as a sleuth, following a trail of clues in search of a murderer and justice.

Honeymoons Can Be Murder, A Lee Alvarez Novella by Heather Haven— When PI Lee Alvarez goes on her honeymoon with bridegroom, Gurn Hanson, they find a dead woman practically on their doorstep. Kauai breezes may be soft, but there are gale force winds of accusation against Gurn. Will Lee find the real killer before her new hubby gets sent to a Hawaiian hoosegow?

Smoked Meat, A Carol Sabala Novella by Vinnie Hansen—Baker and wannabe sleuth Carol Sabala visits her mother for a family Christmas get-together. It’s murder, in more ways than one.

A Deadly Fundraiser, A Talk Radio Novella by Mary Kennedy—When radio talk show host Dr. Maggie Walsh and her pals start digging up clues in a scavenger hunt at a glitzy fundraiser, the game suddenly turns deadly. Will Maggie and her team be able to crack the case and solve the crime?

The Color of Fear. A Kelly O’Connell Novella by Judy Alter—Kelly receives a written kidnap threat targeting her infant daughter, Gracie. Kelly’s assistant Keisha narrates as Kelly and her family plot their precautions, but as time passes and the threat still looms, fear takes a toll on the family…and on Keisha.

Papa’s Ghost, A Gladdy Gold Mystery Novella by Rita Lakin—Gladdy and her girls accept an assignment iat a famous resort in Key West, thinking it will combine business with pleasure. Once they arrive, Gladdy suspects something is strange. Not only is their client an unexpected shock, but so is the case of murder they are expected to solve. Can they succeed when a whole city is against them?

Some explicit language in a few of the stories.

Meet the author - Lois Winston
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

Website: www.loiswinston.com 
Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog: www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com 

Purchase Links 

Character Guest post
My Not So Quiet Life 
By Anastasia Pollack 

Some people crave the spotlight. Me? I’m a private person who would prefer to live a quiet middle-class life on my quiet middle-class street in a quiet middle-class suburban New Jersey town. I was doing just that until author Lois Winston came along. For the life of me, I don’t know why she set her sights on me, but ever since, my life has been anything but quiet.

My name is Anastasia Pollack, and I’m the magazine crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth of Lois Winston’s Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series. I suppose I should be honored that I have a series of books written about me, but given that Lois continually drops me into the middle of murder and assorted mayhem, I would have preferred the option of telling her to pick on someone else—or at least write me into a romance instead of a mystery. But no, she decided I needed to spend my days tripping over dead bodies.

As if that weren’t enough, she also pulled the carpet out from under my comfortable middle-class existence. Before Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the series, even opened, she killed off my husband. Turns out the guy had led a double life. After he dropped dead at a roulette table in Las Vegas (I thought he was at a sales meeting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), I discovered he’d been lying to me for years. He’d gambled away all our savings, including our sons’ college accounts, and left me in debt equal to the GNP of many a Third World nation. And did I mention the loan shark? Karl owed him fifty grand, and he didn’t care that Karl was dead.

Then, on my first day back to work after the funeral, I discovered a dead body glued to my office desk chair. It would be the first of many dead bodies I’d come across since Lois took over my life six books and three novellas ago.

Did Lois stop there, though? No, she did not. She moved my self-proclaimed Russian princess mother and my curmudgeonly communist mother-in-law into my home where they’re forced to share a bedroom. They get along as well as Mama’s cat and my mother-in-law’s dog get along. Their constant verbal fireworks receive play-by-play from Ralph, the Shakespeare-quoting parrot I inherited from a great-aunt. Believe me, I would have preferred inheriting her Royal Doulton china!

In Crewel Intentions, the novella that’s part of Sleuthing Women II: 10 Mystery Novellas, Lois at least gives me a respite of sorts when she sends me off to Western Pennsylvania for a weekend visit with our magazine’s former fashion editor. Of course, Lois couldn’t leave it as just a friendly visit. And once again I’m off doing the reluctant sleuth thing as I try to track down a stalker.

Giveaway



TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
October 16 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
October 17 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
October 18 – Laura's Interests - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 
October 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – INTERVIEW 
October 21 - Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW 
October 22 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT 
October 23 – Nadaness In Motion - CHARACTER GUEST POST 
October 24 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
October 25 – Readeropolis – INTERVIEW 
October 26 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT 
October 26 – Valerie's Musings – INTERVIEW 
October 27 – Back Porchervations - REVIEW 
October 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW 
October 29 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST 
October 29 –The Book's the Thing – GUEST POST 
October 30 – Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
October 31 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST

October 27, 2017

Murder Over Mochas by Caroline Fardig - Guest Post and Giveaway

 

Book details
Cozy Mystery 5th in Series 
Alibi (October 24, 2017) 
E-Book ASIN: B06XR15TRC

Book description
A blast from the past gets Nashville PI and coffeehouse manager Juliet Langley in hot water in this explosive mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Death Before Decaf. As a newly minted private eye, Juliet Langley has sworn to leave homicide to the authorities, limiting the scope of her investigations to cheating spouses and dirty business partners . . . like her ex-fiancĂ©, Scott O’Malley. When Scott shows up unannounced at her coffeehouse, Java Jive, Juliet’s first instinct is to punch him in the nose. Her second is to turn down his desperate plea for help with a case that’s way too dangerous for her liking. But when Scott drops dead before her eyes, Juliet isn’t going to wait around for someone else to clear her name. It’s only a matter of time before her tumultuous past with her ex-fiancĂ© comes out, so Juliet teams up with her ex-boyfriend, police detective Ryder Hamilton, to figure out who poisoned Scott. They soon confirm that Scott was involved in an illegal scheme that’s definitely grounds for concern. Just as romance is finally beginning to percolate for Juliet and her best friend, Pete Bennett, she has no choice but to head back to her hometown to seek out the truth. And she’ll need help from the locals to find the real killer—otherwise her happily ever after could easily end up including an actual ball and chain. Caroline Fardig’s thrilling Java Jive mysteries can be read together or separately: DEATH BEFORE DECAF | MUG SHOT | A WHOLE LATTE MURDER | BREW OR DIE | MURDER OVER MOCHAS

Meet The Author - Caroline Fardig 
CAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig’s BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
Social Media

Website: www.carolinefardig.com
Blog: http://www.carolinefardig.com/blog/
Twitter: @carolinefardig
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carolinefardigbooks

Purchase Links Amazon B&N kobo Google Play

Guest post
Java Jive-inspired sightseeing around Nashville 

I’ve had the best time writing the Java Jive series, and a big part of that has been the researching I’ve done. Some might call it “vacationing,” but I call it “immersing myself in my story.” When I hit the streets of Nashville and imagine Juliet and the gang hanging out at their regular haunts, it makes me feel like I’m in the story.

The first stop on any Java Jive tour of Nashville would have to be a coffeehouse. There are several, and my favorites are in the area just southwest of downtown, which is home to Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities and Music Row (all great places to visit, as they all are mentioned in the series).

Next up would have to be Centennial Park, home of The Parthenon. The murder in Mug Shot, the second book in the series, happens in the park, so there are plenty of scenes there. Walking around the beautiful grounds is fun in itself, but The Parthenon is not to be missed. I’ve seen the real one in Greece, but this one is just as interesting and has a history all its own.

No trip to Nashville would be complete without a walk down Broadway at night. Sure, you’ll be appalled by the swarms of drunken bridesmaids whooping it up at the numerous nightly bachelorette parties. But if you can get past that, Broadway is a really cool place to be. Loud, live music pours out of every open doorway up and down the main drag, and the food is unbelievable. The drinks aren’t bad, either, as long as you stay sober enough to dodge the many booze cruise pedal bars.

If you’re a musician, you’ll love the vintage guitar stores dotting the town. The awesome thing is, you can go in and play for as long as you want on nearly any guitar you want—old and new, big and small, electric and acoustic. I could have made an entire day out of it, but my non-guitar playing kids were ready to move on, especially since pancakes were promised.

The crown jewel of Hillsboro Village is the Pancake Pantry, and it has been for decades. Juliet goes on a lunch date there in Death Before Decaf and talks fondly about how many orders of pancakes she’d consumed during her college career. My son (a true pancake connoisseur) asked me one day this summer if we could make the 2+ hour drive to Nashville just to get some pancakes there. The reasoning might have been frivolous, but sharing a town like Nashville with the ones you love is always worth it.


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
October 23 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW, INTERVIEW 
October 23 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT 
October 24 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
October 25 – Celebrating Authors – SPOTLIGHT 
October 26 – Writing Pearls – REVIEW 
October 27 – A Holland Reads - GUEST POST 
October 29 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
October 30 – Back Porchervations - REVIEW 
October 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT 
November 1 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
November 1 - Varietats – REVIEW 
November 2 - Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 
November 3 – Cassidy's Bookshelves - REVIEW 
November 4 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST 
November 5 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

October 25, 2017

Room for Doubt by Nancy Cole Silverman- Guest Post and Giveaway

 

Book details
Cozy Mystery 4th in Series 
Setting - California 
Henery Press (July 18, 2017) 
Paperback: 278 pages 
ISBN-13: 978-1635112351 
Kindle ASIN: B06ZXY2K1X

Book description
When radio reporter Carol Childs is called to a crime scene in the Hollywood Hills at five thirty in the morning, she’s convinced it must be a publicity stunt to promote a new movie. That is, until she sees the body hanging from the center of the Hollywood sign. The police are quick to rule it a suicide, but something doesn’t add up for Carol. Particularly after a mysterious caller named Mustang Sally confesses to the murder on the air and threatens to kill again.

With the help of an incorrigible PI, her best friend, and a kooky psychic, Carol is drawn into the world of contract killers and women scorned. As she races to find the real killer, she finds herself faced with a decision that will challenge everything she thought she knew.

Meet The Author – Nancy Cole Silverman
Nancy Cole Silverman credits her twenty-five years in radio for helping her to develop an ear for storytelling. In 2001, Silverman retired from news and copywriting to write fiction full time. In 2014, Silverman signed with Henery Press for her new mystery series, The Carol Childs’ Mysteries. The first of the series, Shadow of Doubt, debuted in December 2014 and the second, Beyond a Doubt, was July 2015. The third, Without A Doubt, was released May 24, 2016. Room for Doubt was released on July 18, 2017 For more information visit www.nancycolesilverman.com

Author Links – Facebook - GoodReads - Twitter: @NancyColeSilve1 

Purchase Links Amazon B&N kobo
 
Click on book cover for more inform or to order from Amazon.

Guest post
Carol Childs speaks. 

Hi. My name’s Carol Childs and I’m one of those people you may think you know. But if we were to meet, my guess is you’d be at a loss as to why you thought I was familiar.

Which is no surprise.

You see, I’m one of those faceless voices you may have heard on the radio. Someone you shared a laugh with as you drove home or perhaps even called in to talk with about some topic of interest we both share. My bet is, you may even think of me as a friend. Which hopefully I am.

Most people who listen to the radio have a mental picture of who they’re listening to. And I’ve no doubt you have one of me, too. But, I probably don’t look anything like you might imagine. In fact, I’d bet we may have even passed at the grocery store or in line at the bank, and you had no idea who I was.

Which has its advantages.

Sunday night, the radio station gave me my first big break. I’ve started hosting a late night talk show. It’s exciting and something I’ve been looking forward to for some time. Trouble is, there’s a caller whose been calling-in to talk with me about a body the police found earlier this week on the Hollywood Sign. The police say it’s suicide, but I don’t think so. And now this caller, who says her name is Mustang Sally, is talking like she might have done it. She’s even threatened there may be more murders.

That’s what happens with talk radio. People call in and tell you things in confidence they’d never tell the police.

So the fact most people have no idea what I look like is good thing. I can pass right by you, knowing more than you or the killer might ever expect. I like to think it gives me a leg up on what the cops know. And for this case, I’m going to need all the help I can get.

I hope you’ll tune-in to see how things work out.

Giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
October 18 – Brooke Blogs - GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY 
October 19 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT 
October 20 – Readsalot – GUEST POST 
October 21 - The Montana Bookaholic – GUEST POST 
October 22 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT 
October 23 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW 
October 23 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW 
October 24 – Nadaness In Motion - CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY 
October 25 – A Holland Reads - CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY 
October 26 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
October 27 – My Reading Journeys - SPOTLIGHT 
October 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SERIES SPOTLIGHT 
October 29 – Lori's Reading Corner – GUEST POST 
October 30 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
October 31 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT

October 24, 2017

Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes


Book details
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books; Reprint edition (October 3, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0735222304
ISBN-13: 978-0735222304

Book description
Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She's never even been on a romantic weekend away—to anywhere—before. Traveling abroad isn't really her thing. But when Nell's boyfriend fails to show up for their mini-vacation, she has the opportunity to prove everyone—including herself—wrong. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed: independent and intrepid. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life? Funny, charming, and irresistible, Paris for One is quintessential Jojo Moyes—as are the other stories that round out the collection.

My thoughts
I listened to the audio version of this book. I really enjoyed Nell's story. She was a person I could really connect with. Her boyfriend was a real jerk but in the end he got his justice a little. The guy she met in France (his name has escaped my memory - I forgot to write it down) was a guy we would all like to meet. Their story could have gone on longer for me. Now as for the rest of the book and the other short stories I did not care for. It seemed to me that they were disjointed. They felt like you were only getting a part of a story, no real beginning or ending for me. Even though I did not like the second have of the book I am glad I listened to the book. 

Meet the author - Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.

She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.
Bio from Goodreads.

The Painter's Apprentice by Laura Morelli - Spotlight and Giveaway


Book Details:
Book Title: The Painter's Apprentice: A Novel of 16th-Century Venice
Author: Laura Morelli
Category: Adult Fiction, 482 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: The Scriptorium
Release date: November 15, 2017
Tour dates: Oct 16 to Nov 17, 2017
Content Rating: PG-13 (some adult situations but no sex or explicit violence)

Book Description:
Would you rather sacrifice your livelihood, your lover, or your life? When the Black Death comes knocking on your door, you’d better decide quickly.

Venice, 1510. Maria Bartolini wants nothing more than to carry on her father’s legacy as a master gilder. Instead, her father has sent her away from the only home she’s ever known to train as an apprentice to Master Trevisan, a renowned painter.

When the painter’s servants uncover the real reason why Maria has been sent away, they threaten to reveal a secret that could tear down her family and the future of their trade. She is forced to buy the servants’ silence, but as their greed steadily grows, Maria resorts to more desperate measures. She questions whether her heart’s desire is worth risking her family, her trade, and her future, but Maria’s sacrifices may amount to nothing if the plague arrives on her father’s doorstep before she is able to get back home.

From the author of the award-winning The Gondola Maker comes a rich tale of Renaissance Venice, a heroine with a lust for life, and love against all odds.

Pre-Order Campaign:
Laura Morelli's new book, The Painter’s Apprentice, is out on November 15, and she is offering a set of great bonuses exclusively to her readers. If you like to delve deeper into the “story behind the story,” you’ll want to take advantage of Laura’s pre-order package (ends Oct 31st), which takes readers behind the scenes of The Painter’s Apprentice with videos, pictures, commentary about Renaissance Venice, and other exclusive content. Learn more here and order your copy today!

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Other digital stores ~ iTunes
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:
LAURA MORELLI holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University, has taught college students in the U.S. and in Italy, and currently produces art history lessons for TED-Ed. She authored a column for National Geographic Traveler called “The Genuine Article” and has contributed pieces about art and authentic travel to CNN Radio, The Frommers Travel Show, and in USA TODAY, Departures, and other media. Laura is the author of the Authentic Arts guidebook series that includes the popular book Made in Italy. Her fiction brings the stories of art history to life. Her debut novel, The Gondola Maker, won an IPPY for Best Historical Fiction and a Benjamin Franklin Award.

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

Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Nov 25


October 23, 2017

16 Millimeters by Larissa Reinhart - Character Guest Post and Giveaway

Book details
Cozy Mystery/Romance 2nd in Series 
Past Perfect Press (October 17, 2017) 
Print Length: 320 pages 
Kindle ASIN: B074TW9MZ8
  

Book description
#StillAWannabeDetective In continuing her career-makeover quest as a for-real detective, ex-teen and reality star Maizie Albright has a big learning curve to overcome. A sleuthing background starring in a TV show— Julia Pinkerton, Teen Detective—does not cut the real life mustard. It doesn’t even buy her lunch, let alone extra condiments. Her chosen mentor, Wyatt Nash of Nash Security Solutions, is not a willing teacher. He’d rather stick Maizie with a safe desk job and handle the security solution-ing himself. But Maizie’s got other plans to help Nash. First, win Nash’s trust. Second, his heart.

Wait, not his heart. His respect. His hearty respect.

So when a major movie producer needs a babysitter for his hot mess starlet, Maizie eagerly takes the job. But when her starlet appears dead, and then not dead, Maizie’s got more than an actress to watch and a missing corpse to find. Body doubles, dead bodies, and hot bodies abound when the big screen, small screen, and silent screams collide. Maizie’s on the job, on the skids, and on thin ice, hunting a killer who may be a celebrity stalker. And Maizie just might be the next celebrity who gets snuffed.
About The Author

Larissa is a 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Best Mystery finalist, 2014 finalist for the Silver Falchion and Georgia Author of the Year, 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, 2012 The Emily finalist, and 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. Her family and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit, have been living in Nagoya, Japan, but once again call Georgia home. See them on HGTV’s House Hunters International “Living for the Weekend in Nagoya” episode. Visit her website, LarissaReinhart.com, find her chatting on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads, or join her Facebook street team, The Mystery Minions.

Website: http://larissareinhart.com/ 
Official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RisWrites 

Purchase Links Amazon B&N Kobo iBooks 

Guest post
Maizie Albright Star Detective 

Most people knew me as Julia Pinkerton: Teen Detective, although some (if you were in the six to twelve demographic) identified me as Kung Fu Kate. But Julia Pinkerton was where I truly realized fame.

I rebelled and gained infamy (as seen on The Insider, TMZ, or Extra). And ignominy (shown on the covers of Us Weekly, The National Enquirer, and inTouch).

Then finally, notoriety on the reality show All is Albright.

Somewhere between infamy and notoriety, my fiancé was busted, and I was accused of Accessory Before the Fact. Luckily I quickly de-accessorized (after the fact) which led to the kind but strict Judge Ellis to lay down some probationary requirements. I could move home to Black Pine, Georgia, live with my father, and get a job (in 10 days) that had nothing to do with celebrity life-styling. Or I could go to jail in California and see how the dice rolled at my trial.

Not only was the choice easy, it was the escape clause I had wanted but was afraid to take. I’d been taking criminal justice classes, having always had an interest in crime. While playing Julia Pinkerton, I got to take part in the Kids Police Academy and the show’s advisor, Detective *, had taken me under his wing.

It wasn’t that I couldn’t leave the celebrity lifestyle behind (sort-of). It was difficult to leave my manager behind. Her livelihood depended on me. Her celebrity status was linked with mine. She produced All is Albright. Also starred in AIA. Vicki had become a legend in her own right. But I was her pedestal. And my shoulders were getting tired.

The problem is Vicki Albright is also my mother. We both have sea glass green eyes except I’m a ginger and curvy. She’s blonde and thin. I may have twenty (Or thirty. Okay thirty-five.) pounds on her, but she’s a much bigger personality. She’s also smarter, savvier, and scheming.

Not to say I don’t love my mother. I’m just keeping it real.

So when I moved back to Black Pine and asked (begged) Wyatt Nash of Nash Security Solutions to mentor me, Vicki Albright followed. And she brought the show with her.

It is very hard to investigate privately when you’re a public persona. It’s impossible to privately investigate when a reality show is filming your every move.

I thought I had taken care of that factor after the success (and failures) of my first big case (that I wasn’t supposed to be on). However, All Is Albright is still filming in Black Pine. (Actually, there’s a lot film production in Black Pine. Georgia has become the new Hollywood. I can’t escape.) But they’re no longer filming me (Thank goodness. I didn’t want to get fired. Or kicked out of Daddy’s house), but Vicki is up to something. And I’m afraid that something has to do with my next case (that Nash didn’t want us to take. I insisted. We need the money. I’m making minimum wage for the first time in my life.). We’re watching (babysitting) a Hollywood starlet and Vicki wants to dig her manager claws into our starlet. Which I normally wouldn’t care (I don’t think), except this starlet is a hot mess and possibly involved in a murder.

Which means my ex-manager, I mean mother, might get embroiled in murder. I’ve never been able to stop Vicki from doing anything. Not from tiger mom-ing my career. Not from directing my love life (I didn’t know Giulio had been hired to be my lover). And not from keeping her away from a client who could possibly be a killer.

Giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
October 17 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW 
October 18 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW 
October 18 – Celebrating Authors – SPOTLIGHT 
October 19 – My Reading Journey - REVIEW 
October 20 – Valerie's Musings – GUEST POST 
October 22 – Lori's Reading Corner – GUEST POST 
October 23 – A Holland Reads - CHARACTER GUEST POST 
October 24 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT 
October 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – COZY WEDNESDAY – INTERVIEW October 26 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT 
October 26 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
October 27 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
October 27 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW 
October 28 – Jane Reads - REVIEW, GUEST POST 
October 29 – Socrates' Book Reviews - REVIEW 
October 30 – Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW 
October 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

October 22, 2017

Christmas in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts - Review

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

Book details
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: MIRA (October 24, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778330796
ISBN-13: 978-0778330790

Book description
Join USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts this Christmas as she returns for the final installment in her treasured Icicle Falls series

When Muriel Sterling released her new book, A Guide to Happy Holidays, she felt like the queen of Christmas. She’s thrilled when the new tree she ordered online arrives and is eager to show it off—until she gets it out of the box and realizes it’s a mangy dud. But rather than give up on the ugly tree, Muriel decides to make a project out of it. As she pretties up her tree, she realizes there’s a lesson to be learned: everything and everyone has potential. Maybe even her old friend Arnie, who’s loved her for years. Except, she’s not the only one seeing Arnie’s potential…

Meanwhile, Muriel’s ugly-tree project has also inspired her friends. Sienna Moreno is trying to bring out the best in the grouchy man next door, who hates noise, hates kids and hates his new neighbors. And while Olivia Claussen would love to send her obnoxious new daughter-in-law packing, she’s adjusting her attitude and trying to discover what her son sees in the girl. If these women can learn to see the beauty in the “ugly trees” in their lives, perhaps this might turn out to be the happiest holiday yet.

My thoughts
I am sad that this is the last book in this series and I will no longer be able to visit Icicle Falls. Once again the author takes us to the magical town of Icicle Falls to catch up with our friends we have all come to love. This time we get to follow along with Muriel as she struggles with jealousy. Since she is the one who has written the self help books that all the ladies enjoy reading it was hard to imagine her struggling with this issue but at the same time to see that not all are perfect. I liked the idea behind the ugly tree as we all have an ugly tree in our lives and should figure out a way to make it beautiful. Then we go to me Sienna and her little boy. What a nice woman who just deserves to be happy. If was fun watching her become a part of the town and the way she handled Mr. Cratchett and how he changed because of it. We also watched as Olivia tried to welcome a new daughter in law that she was not too happy about. I like Olivia and would have felt the same as she did about her daughter in law. What a character she was but in the end I really liked her and felt bad for her. I have loved this author's writing style are her books just flow and the story jumps off the pages. It is a can't put down book for me. This has been one of my favorite series and a go to author for me, luckily she will be giving us a new series next year. I am looking forward to seeing what she has in store for us readers. 

Meet the author - Sheila Roberts
Sheila Roberts lives on a lake in the Pacific Northwest. Her novels have been published in several languages. Her book, Angel Lane, was an Amazon Top Ten Romance pick for 2009. Her holiday perennial, On Strike for Christmas, was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network and her novel, The Nine Lives of Christmas, was made into a movie for Hallmark . You can visit Sheila on Twitter and Facebook or at her website (http://www.sheilasplace.com).

Seashells, Spells & Caramels by Erin Johnson - Book Blast

 

Book details
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 
Self Published 
Release Date - October 29, 2017 
Paperback: 286 pages 
ISBN-13: 978-1976214820
  

Book description
Imogen’s spent her twenties in Seattle, saving every penny and missing every party, to follow her dream of opening her own bakery.

When that dream goes up in flames, she accepts a spot in a mysterious baking contest—one she doesn’t remember entering. She travels to a bustling, medieval village off the coast of France and discovers an enchanting world of magic and mystery, and learns that she, too, possesses powers.

Unable to so much as cast a spell, Imogen struggles to keep up with the other witches and wizards who have come from all over the magical world to the Water Kingdom's big competition. She juggles relationships with a sweet new friend, a snarky baking fire, and a brooding, handsome baker. As Imogen falls for this bewitching world, she fears she won’t master her magic in time to win the job of Royal Head Baker, and will be forced to return to the shambles of her non magical life.

It only gets worse, when a competitor drops dead in the middle of the big white baking tent, and Imogen’s the prime suspect. Now, she’ll not only have to survive the vampire and psychic judges, but also clear her name by finding the real murderer, before they strike again.

With a killer on the loose, a missing prince, and the Summer Solstice Festival fast approaching, Imogen will have to bake like her life depends on it- because it just might.

Meet the author - Erin Johnson
A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh. In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).

Website: www.erinjohnsonwrites.com 
Twitter: @EJohnsonWrites

Purchase at AMAZON