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My Journey Began With Trixie Beldon
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Second Shot at Love by Rose Verde -Release Day
Friday, June 28, 2019
Crepe Expectations by Sarah Fox -Silver Dagger Tour-Book Review/Gveaway
About the book
When a murder case from the past heats up again, it’s up to Marley McKinney to sort through a tall stack of suspects in the latest Pancake House Mystery. . .
Although it’s a soggy start to spring in Wildwood Cove, the weather clears up just in time for the town to host an amateur chef competition. Marley McKinney, owner of the Flip Side pancake house, already signed up to volunteer, and chef Ivan Kaminski is one of the judges. But when Marley visits her landscaper boyfriend Brett at the site of the Victorian mansion that’s being restored as the Wildwood Inn, she discovers something else pushing up daisies: human remains.
The skeleton on the riverbank washed out by the early-spring floodwaters belonged to eighteen-year-old Demetra Kozani, who vanished a decade earlier. While the cold case is reopened, Marley must step in when some of the cook-off contestants fall suspiciously ill. Stuck in a syrupy mess of sabotage and blackmail, it falls to Marley to stop a killer from crêping up on another victim. . .
Although it’s a soggy start to spring in Wildwood Cove, the weather clears up just in time for the town to host an amateur chef competition. Marley McKinney, owner of the Flip Side pancake house, already signed up to volunteer, and chef Ivan Kaminski is one of the judges. But when Marley visits her landscaper boyfriend Brett at the site of the Victorian mansion that’s being restored as the Wildwood Inn, she discovers something else pushing up daisies: human remains.
The skeleton on the riverbank washed out by the early-spring floodwaters belonged to eighteen-year-old Demetra Kozani, who vanished a decade earlier. While the cold case is reopened, Marley must step in when some of the cook-off contestants fall suspiciously ill. Stuck in a syrupy mess of sabotage and blackmail, it falls to Marley to stop a killer from crêping up on another victim. . .
And I thought
A fast page turning ride filled with suspects and more than one crime.
I enjoyed the plot(s). I enjoyed the characters.
Marley is savvy and sweet at the same time.
Brett her boyfriend is supportive and just a great guy all around.
Others in the cast are interesting and charming . . . well some of them. A couple end up being sent down the river.
I enjoyed the small town feel.
If your a fan of a good Cozy Mystery check this one out.
It will draw you in and make you hungry all at the same time.
The recipes at the end are mouth watering.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads.
Read an excerpt
I enjoyed the plot(s). I enjoyed the characters.
Marley is savvy and sweet at the same time.
Brett her boyfriend is supportive and just a great guy all around.
Others in the cast are interesting and charming . . . well some of them. A couple end up being sent down the river.
I enjoyed the small town feel.
If your a fan of a good Cozy Mystery check this one out.
It will draw you in and make you hungry all at the same time.
The recipes at the end are mouth watering.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads.
Read an excerpt
The last diners of the day left the restaurant shortly after two o’clock, and I locked the door behind them, flipping the “open” sign to “closed.” Leigh Hunter, The Flip Side’s full-time waitress, untied her red apron from around her waist. Patricia Murray’s daughter, Sienna, did the same with her apron. Sienna was seventeen and still in school, but she worked at the pancake house on the weekends.
“Did you know that Logan’s entering the amateur chef competition?” I asked Sienna.
“Yep. He’s a really good cook. He got into watching cooking shows about three years ago, and now he can make some really amazing stuff.”
“I hope he does well in the competition,” Leigh said.
“He will,” Sienna said with confidence. “My friend Ellie Shaw’s entering too. She didn’t really want to, but her mom thought she should.”
“Why didn’t she want to?” I asked.
“She’s kind of shy. I don’t think she likes the idea of cooking in front of an audience.”
“Maybe she’ll forget anyone’s watching once she gets cooking,” Leigh said.
“I hope so. She’s really talented, especially with desserts.” Sienna headed for the break room to fetch her jacket, and soon she and Leigh had left the pancake house for the day.
Talking about cooking made me wonder if Brett would be finished work by dinnertime. I sent him a text message asking him how things were going. I tidied up the pancake house while waiting for his response. It came about half an hour later. He figured he’d have to work until six o’clock, but he hoped he wouldn’t have to stay at the inn any longer than that.
Hungry? I wrote in another text. I can bring you a snack.
I love you, was his quick response.
Smiling, I finished up my remaining tasks and grabbed a can of soda from the kitchen before heading out. I walked to Marielle’s Bakery and picked up two doughnuts and half a dozen chocolate chip cookies. From there, I set a course for home. The Wildwood Inn sat on the outskirts of town, and making the trip on foot would have taken a while, so I decided to make a quick stop at home to pick up my car.
After checking on my cat, Flapjack, and Brett’s dog, Bentley, I set off in my hatchback. When I reached my destination, I followed a long driveway toward the beautiful white Victorian mansion and continued along the branch that led around the house to the large detached garage, built in the same style as the inn. I parked my blue hatchback next to the cube van Brett used for his lawn and garden business.
With the paper bakery bag and soda can in hand, I wandered around the garage until I could see clear to the back of the inn’s property. An expanse of green lawn stretched from the mansion to a white gazebo—a
new addition, Brett had told me. Beyond the gazebo, flagstone pathways wandered around numerous flower beds. Brett had been working hard to add some color before the garden party. He’d already transplanted numerous types of flowers in a variety of hues and would add more over the coming days. Some of the flower beds farther back in the garden were home to recently planted rosebushes, which would bloom in a few weeks’ time.
As soon as I started across the lawn, I spotted Brett near the back of the property, working away at one of the last flower beds, only a stone’s throw from the woods that bordered the garden. There was a small cottage in the back corner of the lot, but I couldn’t see anyone else around. The garden was peaceful, the only sound the chirping of birds in the trees.
I followed the flagstone pathway past the flower beds, raising a hand in greeting when Brett looked up and saw me approaching.
“I come bearing food,” I said as I reached him.
He grinned and drove the spade he was holding into the soil so it would stand upright on its own. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”
I glanced around the garden. “You’ve made a lot of progress since the last time I was here. It looks great.”
“I need to work at a couple of other sites this week, but hopefully this job will be done in the next two weeks.” He pulled off his work gloves and tucked them into the back pocket of his jeans. “How was your day?”
“Great. Everything went well at The Flip Side. A lot of people were talking about the garden party. They’re going to love what you’ve done here.”
“Hopefully Lonny and Hope will love it too,” he said.
“They will,” I said without any doubt. “They like what you’ve done so far, right?”
“So far so good,” he confirmed.
I held up the paper bag and can of soda. “Your snack.”
“Thank you. You’re the best.”
“I can’t say I was disappointed to have a chance to see you before tonight.”
He grinned. “I’m definitely not disappointed either.”
He led me to a stone bench at the end of the garden that faced the flower beds, the mansion visible in the distance. I sat with him and snacked on one of the doughnuts while he devoured the other one along with a couple of the cookies. When I’d finished eating, I rested my head against his shoulder.
“It’s so peaceful here,” I said, listening to the birdsong coming from the woods behind us.
Brett took a long drink of his soda. “It’s definitely a nice place to work.”
I raised my head. “Speaking of which, I should probably let you get back to it.”
He eyed the rosebushes sitting in pots near one of the flower beds, waiting to be transplanted. “Another two hours or so and then I’ll be heading home.”
I got to my feet and set the paper bag on the bench. “I’ll leave these here in case you want more.”
Brett set down his soda can as he stood up. He took my hands, pulling me in close. “Thanks for stopping by, Marley.”
He gave me a lingering kiss that I reluctantly pulled away from.
“See you later.”
I was about to set off along the garden path when something small and black streaked toward the tree line. I spun around to follow its progress.
“A kitten!” I exclaimed. “Did you see that?”
The tiny black cat paused at the edge of the woods, its green eyes wide, one ear twitching while the rest of its body remained frozen.
“Does it belong to Lonny and Hope?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” Brett said. “I caught a brief glimpse of it earlier today, but that’s the first time I’ve seen a cat around here.”
I took a careful step toward the kitten. It dashed beneath a bushy fern and hunkered down, out of sight except for the tip of one black ear.
“It looks way too tiny to be out here on its own,” I said.
“We can take it up to the house and see if that’s where it belongs. If we can catch it, that is.”
As if it had heard Brett’s words, the little kitten darted out from its hiding place and zipped away, deeper into the woods.
“Catching it might not be possible, but I don’t want to leave it in the woods. Maybe we can at least get it to run back this way.”
“We can try,” Brett agreed.
We moved off in opposite directions, planning to circle around into the woods and hopefully herd the kitten back to the garden. I tried to move quietly as I entered the woods, not wanting to scare the cat farther into the forest. Despite my efforts, twigs still snapped under my feet and the underbrush rustled as I picked my way through the trees.
I could hear rushing water somewhere nearby and realized we were close to the Wildwood River. My concern for the kitten shot up. Although the water level was on its way down now, the river was still higher than usual and could be dangerous for anyone who got too close to the slippery, unstable banks. I didn’t want the kitten going anywhere near the water.
As I moved deeper into the forest, the dirt beneath my feet became soggier. Through the trees, I caught sight of the river, still swollen and muddy, hurtling its way toward the ocean. I swept my gaze from left to right, desperately seeking out any sign of the kitten.
“Can you see it?” I called out to Brett when he came into view. We were almost to the river now, and I had to talk over the sound of the rushing water.
“Not yet,” Brett called back.
At the sound of his voice, something moved slightly a few feet away. I peered at a small, hollowed-out cavity at the base of an old tree. It was dark inside the hole, but I was certain I’d seen movement. I crept closer
to the tree, moving slowly and cautiously.
I was about to crouch down in front of the hole when the kitten darted out of the hollow tree. I dropped to my knees and grabbed at the kitten, ending up flat on my stomach, my arms outstretched ahead of me. A fallen tree branch poked at my ribs, cold moisture was seeping through my jeans, and I had a face full of ferns, but I also had a wriggling kitten in my grasp.
“Are you okay?” Brett asked as he hurried over to me.
“I caught it!” I said through the ferns.
I couldn’t see too well, but I heard Brett reach my side. One of his hands brushed against mine.
“I’ve got it. You can let go now.”
I released my firm but gentle hold on the cat and climbed to my feet, brushing pine needles and clumps of mud from my clothes. I smiled at the sight of Brett holding the little kitten against his chest, but when I reached down to brush a clod of mud from my knee, my smile slipped away.
“Brett…”
“Are you hurt?” he asked with concern.
I shook my head and stepped back before pointing at the ground.
Next to the patch of ferns I’d landed in, a partial human skull poked out through the mud.
“Did you know that Logan’s entering the amateur chef competition?” I asked Sienna.
“Yep. He’s a really good cook. He got into watching cooking shows about three years ago, and now he can make some really amazing stuff.”
“I hope he does well in the competition,” Leigh said.
“He will,” Sienna said with confidence. “My friend Ellie Shaw’s entering too. She didn’t really want to, but her mom thought she should.”
“Why didn’t she want to?” I asked.
“She’s kind of shy. I don’t think she likes the idea of cooking in front of an audience.”
“Maybe she’ll forget anyone’s watching once she gets cooking,” Leigh said.
“I hope so. She’s really talented, especially with desserts.” Sienna headed for the break room to fetch her jacket, and soon she and Leigh had left the pancake house for the day.
Talking about cooking made me wonder if Brett would be finished work by dinnertime. I sent him a text message asking him how things were going. I tidied up the pancake house while waiting for his response. It came about half an hour later. He figured he’d have to work until six o’clock, but he hoped he wouldn’t have to stay at the inn any longer than that.
Hungry? I wrote in another text. I can bring you a snack.
I love you, was his quick response.
Smiling, I finished up my remaining tasks and grabbed a can of soda from the kitchen before heading out. I walked to Marielle’s Bakery and picked up two doughnuts and half a dozen chocolate chip cookies. From there, I set a course for home. The Wildwood Inn sat on the outskirts of town, and making the trip on foot would have taken a while, so I decided to make a quick stop at home to pick up my car.
After checking on my cat, Flapjack, and Brett’s dog, Bentley, I set off in my hatchback. When I reached my destination, I followed a long driveway toward the beautiful white Victorian mansion and continued along the branch that led around the house to the large detached garage, built in the same style as the inn. I parked my blue hatchback next to the cube van Brett used for his lawn and garden business.
With the paper bakery bag and soda can in hand, I wandered around the garage until I could see clear to the back of the inn’s property. An expanse of green lawn stretched from the mansion to a white gazebo—a
new addition, Brett had told me. Beyond the gazebo, flagstone pathways wandered around numerous flower beds. Brett had been working hard to add some color before the garden party. He’d already transplanted numerous types of flowers in a variety of hues and would add more over the coming days. Some of the flower beds farther back in the garden were home to recently planted rosebushes, which would bloom in a few weeks’ time.
As soon as I started across the lawn, I spotted Brett near the back of the property, working away at one of the last flower beds, only a stone’s throw from the woods that bordered the garden. There was a small cottage in the back corner of the lot, but I couldn’t see anyone else around. The garden was peaceful, the only sound the chirping of birds in the trees.
I followed the flagstone pathway past the flower beds, raising a hand in greeting when Brett looked up and saw me approaching.
“I come bearing food,” I said as I reached him.
He grinned and drove the spade he was holding into the soil so it would stand upright on its own. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”
I glanced around the garden. “You’ve made a lot of progress since the last time I was here. It looks great.”
“I need to work at a couple of other sites this week, but hopefully this job will be done in the next two weeks.” He pulled off his work gloves and tucked them into the back pocket of his jeans. “How was your day?”
“Great. Everything went well at The Flip Side. A lot of people were talking about the garden party. They’re going to love what you’ve done here.”
“Hopefully Lonny and Hope will love it too,” he said.
“They will,” I said without any doubt. “They like what you’ve done so far, right?”
“So far so good,” he confirmed.
I held up the paper bag and can of soda. “Your snack.”
“Thank you. You’re the best.”
“I can’t say I was disappointed to have a chance to see you before tonight.”
He grinned. “I’m definitely not disappointed either.”
He led me to a stone bench at the end of the garden that faced the flower beds, the mansion visible in the distance. I sat with him and snacked on one of the doughnuts while he devoured the other one along with a couple of the cookies. When I’d finished eating, I rested my head against his shoulder.
“It’s so peaceful here,” I said, listening to the birdsong coming from the woods behind us.
Brett took a long drink of his soda. “It’s definitely a nice place to work.”
I raised my head. “Speaking of which, I should probably let you get back to it.”
He eyed the rosebushes sitting in pots near one of the flower beds, waiting to be transplanted. “Another two hours or so and then I’ll be heading home.”
I got to my feet and set the paper bag on the bench. “I’ll leave these here in case you want more.”
Brett set down his soda can as he stood up. He took my hands, pulling me in close. “Thanks for stopping by, Marley.”
He gave me a lingering kiss that I reluctantly pulled away from.
“See you later.”
I was about to set off along the garden path when something small and black streaked toward the tree line. I spun around to follow its progress.
“A kitten!” I exclaimed. “Did you see that?”
The tiny black cat paused at the edge of the woods, its green eyes wide, one ear twitching while the rest of its body remained frozen.
“Does it belong to Lonny and Hope?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” Brett said. “I caught a brief glimpse of it earlier today, but that’s the first time I’ve seen a cat around here.”
I took a careful step toward the kitten. It dashed beneath a bushy fern and hunkered down, out of sight except for the tip of one black ear.
“It looks way too tiny to be out here on its own,” I said.
“We can take it up to the house and see if that’s where it belongs. If we can catch it, that is.”
As if it had heard Brett’s words, the little kitten darted out from its hiding place and zipped away, deeper into the woods.
“Catching it might not be possible, but I don’t want to leave it in the woods. Maybe we can at least get it to run back this way.”
“We can try,” Brett agreed.
We moved off in opposite directions, planning to circle around into the woods and hopefully herd the kitten back to the garden. I tried to move quietly as I entered the woods, not wanting to scare the cat farther into the forest. Despite my efforts, twigs still snapped under my feet and the underbrush rustled as I picked my way through the trees.
I could hear rushing water somewhere nearby and realized we were close to the Wildwood River. My concern for the kitten shot up. Although the water level was on its way down now, the river was still higher than usual and could be dangerous for anyone who got too close to the slippery, unstable banks. I didn’t want the kitten going anywhere near the water.
As I moved deeper into the forest, the dirt beneath my feet became soggier. Through the trees, I caught sight of the river, still swollen and muddy, hurtling its way toward the ocean. I swept my gaze from left to right, desperately seeking out any sign of the kitten.
“Can you see it?” I called out to Brett when he came into view. We were almost to the river now, and I had to talk over the sound of the rushing water.
“Not yet,” Brett called back.
At the sound of his voice, something moved slightly a few feet away. I peered at a small, hollowed-out cavity at the base of an old tree. It was dark inside the hole, but I was certain I’d seen movement. I crept closer
to the tree, moving slowly and cautiously.
I was about to crouch down in front of the hole when the kitten darted out of the hollow tree. I dropped to my knees and grabbed at the kitten, ending up flat on my stomach, my arms outstretched ahead of me. A fallen tree branch poked at my ribs, cold moisture was seeping through my jeans, and I had a face full of ferns, but I also had a wriggling kitten in my grasp.
“Are you okay?” Brett asked as he hurried over to me.
“I caught it!” I said through the ferns.
I couldn’t see too well, but I heard Brett reach my side. One of his hands brushed against mine.
“I’ve got it. You can let go now.”
I released my firm but gentle hold on the cat and climbed to my feet, brushing pine needles and clumps of mud from my clothes. I smiled at the sight of Brett holding the little kitten against his chest, but when I reached down to brush a clod of mud from my knee, my smile slipped away.
“Brett…”
“Are you hurt?” he asked with concern.
I shook my head and stepped back before pointing at the ground.
Next to the patch of ferns I’d landed in, a partial human skull poked out through the mud.
Buy the book
Add to Goodreads
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Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Kensington
Visit the tour
Enter the giveaway
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Died In The Wool by Melinda Mullet-Spotlight-Great Escapes Tours
About the book
No good deed goes unpunished in the Whisky Business cozy mystery series as distillery owner Abigail Logan uncovers dark secrets—and murder—at a local charity.
Photojournalist Abi Logan is finally ready to put her hectic career on hold and set down roots in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Studying the business and art of distilling whisky at Abbey Glen and volunteering at the Shepherd’s Rest women’s shelter in her spare time seem a surefire way to find the peace and stability she craves. It’s also the logical way to take her mind off her personal life. Abi’s business partner, Grant MacEwan, is facing a career-threatening disability, and as much as Abi longs to be there for him, he seems to prefer the company of a rival.
But as Abi becomes more involved with Shepherd’s Rest, she discovers that their refuge is elusive. When the shelter is rocked by a murder/suicide, Abi is outraged by the police’s lack of attention to these already marginalized women. Increasingly confident in her own skills as an investigator, Abi steps in to find out what the police will not: who left one young woman dead and another missing. But when more deadly deeds come to light, Abi must race to unravel the connections between the shelter’s benefactors and the women they have pledged to protect—and expose the killer before he strikes again.
Melinda Mullet’s delightful Whisky Business mysteries can be read together or separately. Enjoy responsibly:
SINGLE MALT MURDER | DEATH DISTILLED | DEADLY DRAM | DIED IN THE WOOL
SINGLE MALT MURDER | DEATH DISTILLED | DEADLY DRAM | DIED IN THE WOOL
And others are saying
Mullet’s books are always easy to read and quite enjoyable . . . The author balances the perfect amount of details with subtle hints about the person’s appearance, just enough to picture it but also throw in your own ideas.
This cozy mystery series by Melinda Mullet is quickly becoming one of my very favorites and Died in the Wool is the best story yet . . . an outstanding novel that is a cut above other stories in this genre.
~The Power of Words
~The Power of Words
Died in Wool by Melinda Mullet is a thrilling book about whisky, raising sheep, and life in Scotland. Ms. Mullet has created a wonderful cast of characters in this series, and I enjoyed learning about them.
~Baroness’ Book Trove
~Baroness’ Book Trove
DIED IN THE WOOL is a mystery that grabs you by the heart. Grappling with some of today’s most troubling issues while providing an entertaining and thought provoking mystery it’s a mystery not to be missed.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
~Cozy Up With Kathy
A wonderful part of this story is the interactions and friendships. Abi is a great protagonist, she is smart, caring, independent and of course willing to do what she believes is right.
~Carla Loves To Read
~Carla Loves To Read
Visit the tour
To read reviews, interviews and guest posts click here.
Giveaway
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Death by Dissertation by Kelly Brakenhoff-Great Escapes-Book Review
About the book
Ambitious Cassandra Sato traded her life in Hawai’i for a dream position as Student Affairs VP at Morton College in tiny Carson, Nebraska. She expected the Midwestern church casseroles, land-locked cornfields, and face-freezing winters would be her biggest challenges, but it’s her job that’s rapidly becoming a nightmare.
A deaf student is dead and the investigation reveals a complicated trail of connections between campus food service, a local farmer’s beef, and the science lab’s cancer research. Together with her few allies, Cassandra must protect the students caught up in the entanglement.
Dealing with homesickness, vandalism, and a stalker, Cassandra is trapped in a public relations disaster that could cost her job, or more. No one said college was easy.
And others are saying
Death by Dissertation is a great start for a debut author and I can’t wait to see what other adventures await Cassandra Sato.
~Only By Grace Reviews
~Only By Grace Reviews
Death by Dissertation was so great!!! I love cozies but I’m always looking for something different that stands out. Death by Dissertation didn’t disappoint in any sense.
~The Layaway Dragon
~The Layaway Dragon
If you’ve ever struggled to fit in at a new job, or if you just enjoy a wry and compelling mystery, pick up Death By Dissertation. The academic personalities were so recognizable that I couldn’t help but laugh (and cringe). I can’t wait for the next installment!
~Island Confidential
~Island Confidential
Death by Dissertation has collegiate spirit, a complex crime, scientific exploration, an avaricious killer, and a gifted gumshoe.
~The Avid Reader
~The Avid Reader
Death by Dissertation is an engaging mystery with puzzling clues that introduces readers to a plucky protagonist . . . Author Kelly Brakenhoff is to be commended for her insider observations and realistic portrayal of campus politics and life in a small college town.
~Book Club Librarian
~Book Club Librarian
Find yourself caught up in this heartwarming academic cozy mystery featuring a strong and determined female sleuth.
~Mallory Heart’s Cozies
~Mallory Heart’s Cozies
And I thought
It is always fun to get into the beginning of a new series and this one did not disappoint.
Not only does author Kelly Brakenhoff spin a good tale she seems to write from the heart.
This story is engaging and keeps you a bit on the edge of your seat as you watch for clues and try to figure out just what was up.
The story is centered around a college and those interested in staying in touch with Academia and love a good Cozy will be pleasantly pleased with this offer.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and Social Media.
This review will also appear on My Journey Back-The Journey Back on a date in the fear future.
It is always fun to get into the beginning of a new series and this one did not disappoint.
Not only does author Kelly Brakenhoff spin a good tale she seems to write from the heart.
This story is engaging and keeps you a bit on the edge of your seat as you watch for clues and try to figure out just what was up.
The story is centered around a college and those interested in staying in touch with Academia and love a good Cozy will be pleasantly pleased with this offer.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and Social Media.
This review will also appear on My Journey Back-The Journey Back on a date in the fear future.
Buy the book
Purchase Link – Amazon June 22 – 30 – Just $0.99!!
Visit the tour
To read more reviews, guest posts, interviews and recipe posts
click here.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Her Billionaire Bellboy by Sophia Summers-Book Review
About the book
Royals, Billionaires and what happens when they clash. Princess Tess fells a connection with the tall, surprisingly Alpha bellboy until she finds out he's one of the wealthiest people on the planet and a competitor.
Most are intimidated by the ex-football player famous CEO Trent Hudson. Except for Tess. Everything about the way she stands up to him sparks his interest and his desire to win.
Buy this awesome billionaire, royals, famous athlete mash up now. Always Clean. Always sweet. Always swoony. And meet some characters from my other books.
Most are intimidated by the ex-football player famous CEO Trent Hudson. Except for Tess. Everything about the way she stands up to him sparks his interest and his desire to win.
Buy this awesome billionaire, royals, famous athlete mash up now. Always Clean. Always sweet. Always swoony. And meet some characters from my other books.
And I thought
A case of mistaken identity begins a sweet romance with all heart.
I really enjoyed Her Billionaire Bellboy I was a bit curious how
author Sophia Summers would pull this one off.
A Royal falling for a commoner? But as is Summers specialty she
weaves a plot/story that is remarkably believe able.
I enjoyed the characters. Trent and Tess just grab you and each others hearts. They just are meant to be together.
But, her father the reigning King has other ideas.
Tess proves herself a strong person and even stronger would be
'Queen' in the end.
I have enjoyed each and every book that I have read by this
author.
If your a fan of Sweet/Clean Romance add this one and this author to your 'must reads'.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads my blog
My Journey Back-The Journey Back and on social media.
Read a preview
Not convinced yet? Click here to read a preview.
Buy the book
Friday, June 14, 2019
The Corpse Wore Stilettos by M J O'Neill-Great Escapes Tour-Review/Giveaway
About the book
SHE WORE A DONNA KARAN MARKED FOR REPOSSESSION
Since Kat Waters’s father took a trip to the slammer on what she’s sure are trumped-up racketeering charges, life’s been tough. All their assets are frozen, and she’s down to the last few pairs of Jimmy Choos she can swap for rent. To keep her family out of the homeless shelter, the former socialite took a job at the local morgue—a job she’s about to lose when the body of a murder victim goes missing on her watch.
HE WORE A CAPTIVATING SMILE
While Kat’s processing the latest victim in the prostitute serial killings, ex-Special Forces soldier Burns McPhee strolls in with an air of confidence, expecting access to the Jane Doe. While Burns tries to flirt his way into examining the latest victim, whom he thinks is connected to the death of his best friend, someone else steals the body right out from under them.
THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS
Dodging questions from the cops and kidnapping attempts from a body-snatching psycho, Kat and Burns forge a deal. He’ll clear her name and keep her safe if she gets him information on her peculiar coworkers, one of whom he’s certain is involved with the body heist. But digging up secrets can lead to a lower life expectancy. The unlikely team will need all their talents not to end up as the morgue’s next clients while they hunt for a murderer, the missing corpse, and a pair of diamond-studded stilettos.
And others are saying
I was busting a gut with this book. It’s hard to make death humorous, but MJ O’Neill has done a terrific job with this book.
~Literary Gold
~Literary Gold
This is well-written, and the characters you’re supposed to like are multi-dimensional and likable.
~Christa Reads and Writes
~Christa Reads and Writes
Character guest post
Beauty on a Budget with Kat Waters
Hello to all of you out there and thanks so much for hosting me. I’m Kat Waters. You might have recently seen my family mentioned in the papers connected with some mafia misfortune.
Let me start off by expressing my gratitude for the outpouring of support shown to my family since Grand’s abduction. We particularly appreciate all the Stand with Grand t-shirts we’ve seen protesting her boyfriend, Claude’s, recent incarceration. The love of the Grand Groupies has really worked its magic on Grand’s spirits. She’s already started a Slammer Jammer, (incarceration scrapbook) to aide in proving Claude’s innocence. A study from the Urban Institute estimated that thirteen percent of all arrests result in wrongful conviction and you can be assured that we’ll keep fighting for Claude.
Today I’m excited to share with you tips and tricks I’ve recently acquired for beauty and fashion on a budget. Our resources may be limited, but a little ingenuity can ensure healthy, glowing skin, hair and nails, packaged in smart fashion, completed (of course) with great shoes!
Skin Care
The largest organ in the human body is our skin. We all have about three hundred million skin cells that carry eleven miles of blood vessels. With each of us having approximately twenty-one square feet of skin, representing fifteen percent of our body weight or about nine pounds, taking care of our skin should be a top priority for all of us.
Now I’m sure you’ve all seen the ultra-expensive creams and regiments on the market. I’m here to tell you that this is not a case of you get what you pay for. Even before our recent change in circumstances, I was not a fan of most of these companies. Not only do many of them use toxic chemicals, their history of testing on poor animals like my pet piggy Maybell is an atrocity.
Instead, try these low cost, natural remedies.
- Pore opening – mix brown sugar and honey right from your cupboard to make a great exfoliating sugar scrub
- Follow that up with Pepto-Bismol face mask – Smooth a layer of the pink liquid on your face and let dry, then rinse. The salicylic acid in the medicine will tighten your skin and reduce redness
- Can’t afford a facial? Two words – Hot Chocolate. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants called flavonols that help fight free radicals making skin youthful for longer. Any quality hot chocolate will be just as effective as expensive salon products. As an added bonus, the cocoa butter in the chocolate also protects your skin from UV rays!
Hair Care
The most beautiful hair is clean and chemical free and the best way to ensure your hair’s cleanliness is a clarifying shampoo. The good ones can cost a pretty penny though. Instead, I’ve come to rely on apple cider vinegar, economically available in your grocery aisle.
Fashion Forward
They say that clothes make the woman, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to look well put together. Remember - while other’s may be looking and judging, you are the most important person you dress to impress. If you feel good, your confidence will shine through. So try one of these tips to boost your fashion self-assurance:
- Foundations – Twenty tops that can go with ten pants, five shorts and two skirts will give you three hundred and forty outfit options.
- Fabric first – Cotton, linen and tweed often look expensive even if they aren’t
- Embellish like a boss – Swap buttons on economical jackets and sweaters with more expensive counterparts to instantly make your pieces appear expensive
- Accessorize to express – a bright scarf picked up thrifting can make your basics pop or change the mood of an outfit from whimsical day outing to classic elegance for evening.
- Slip it on – investing in a slip is a must for a woman on a budget. Most economically manufactured clothing isn’t lined. A slip will keep your fashion flowing
- Two words – fabric shaver – cheap way to preserve your knitwear
No post on fashion would be complete without a shout out to a cause near and dear to my heart. If you happen to have some extra suits or dresses hanging in your closet, consider giving them to your local women’s shelter. One of the largest impediments to women in crisis finding jobs that can support their families is having the appropriate clothing for interviews.
One final word to all those budget conscious fashionistas – don’t forget your pets! I’ve found some gorgeous pieces I’ve been able to adapt for my pet pig Maybell from some of the high end thrift sites. Belts can make functional and beautiful collars and tiny tot tutus complete her outfit.
If you have a fashion or beauty tip for someone on a budget, hit me in the comments. I love to learn and share terrific new tips!
And I thoughtKick off your Stiletto's and settle in for a fun and
read!
And your in luck because this is the first in the series and a perfect place to start!
The cover had me going and then I read the synopsis . . . Burns and a captivating smile. . .ex Special Forces I was hooked.
Even the story/plot kept me hanging on.
Kat is fun and quirky and a great leading lady that seems to get into trouble every time she turns a corner. And then there's the family drama that causes her to 'sell off' her shoes!
This one is a laugh a minute and filled with suspects to keep you guessing.
I can't wait for the next one!
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads and social media.
Buy the book
Visit the tour
To read more reviews, interviews and guest posts click here.
Giveaway
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Release Day-Book Spotlight- Every dog has his day by Chloe Grace
They say every dog has his day.Well today I've had mine.
Hey, I'm Albertus Eagle and it turns out I'm an unwitting pet detective. I haven't always been such a successful legal beagle, but when I'm confronted with a case that is so personal I can't ignore it, I discover I have a passion for finding those who don't want to be found.
Cleo the cat? Well, she tags along for the ride.
I've not only found myself a new home after the untimely demise of my previous owner, but I've also made amends with the cat. It turns out she's not that bad, really.
On top of that, what sends shivers racing down my spine to my paws, is that we've fingered a killer.
How?
Because you humans underestimate us animals. And while you go about your business ignoring our very existence, the cat and I are listening and taking notes.
Click here for purchase options
Info provided by the author
Women Who Soar by Paulette Harper-Book Tour and Giveaway
About the book
Women Who Soar is a book collaboration project of women who stepped out on faith, launched their own businesses and released their dreams and purposes into the world. These powerful women have dispelled lies, overcome difficult challenges, refused to take no for an answer and are now soaring and creating the life they deserve. Their stories are moving, revealing, encouraging and empowering. They have resolved to use their testimony to pave the way for other women to soar into their destiny.
And I thought
Women Who Soar is an inspiring book. The stories are moving and share each of the writers trust and belief in God and his plans and purpose.
This is a must read.
I enjoyed reading Women Who Soar and will save to read again.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and social media.
Buy the book
Women Who Soar is an inspiring book. The stories are moving and share each of the writers trust and belief in God and his plans and purpose.
This is a must read.
I enjoyed reading Women Who Soar and will save to read again.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and social media.
Buy the book
About the author
Beginning her career in 2008, Paulette is an award-winning, bestselling author and the founder of WNL Coaching and Marketing Services. Along with being an ordained Elder, she is the author of several books and founder of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours, a service to help promote authors of the Christian genre and authors of clean books.
As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Elder Paulette's desire is to empower, influence and cultivate women to move forward while dealing with issues that hinder women from becoming all they are created to be. Her topics are biblically sound and pertinent to the needs of today's women. Paulette is a mother, grandmother and Bible teacher. Paulette has appeared on numerous radio and Television shows.
Combining enthusiasm with an energetic speaking style, audiences describe Paulette's presentation as inspiring, enriching and encouraging. She is committed to speaking a message that is always uplifting and edifying.
As a writing coach, she is the visionary behind her own writing ministry called "Write Now," a literary program that specializes in coaching aspiring writers in the areas of creativity, development, and publication of Christian books. She provides her listeners with tools, resources, and opportunities to help them succeed in the writing business.
Her books have ranked consecutively on the Black Christian Publishers Bestsellers List for Independent Publishers (non-fiction category).
Visit the tour
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
No Angels For Christmas by Petie McCarty-Goddess Fish Promo- Review/Giveaway
About the book
No Angels for Christmas . . . a cozy romantic mystery with suspense from The Mystery Angel Romances series. An angel hidden in every book waiting for you to figure who . . .
Child psychologist Rachel Kelly isn't quite sure how to handle the situation with her newest client -- a six-year-old boy who says he can talk to angels and one is coming to help Rachel. She already has her hands full of trouble this Christmas season, and things quickly take a turn for the worse when a stalker crashes Rachel's Christmas party and takes her young clients hostage.
Police negotiator, Lt. Jake Dillon, walked away from his fiancée Rachel when she suddenly balked at having kids. His kids. Yet when the hostage crisis erupts, Rachel calls Jake first. Now he has a choice to make -- stand back and wait for the cavalry to save Rachel or step in and try to save her himself. Time is running out, and Jake may be their only chance for rescue.
Unless Rachel's little angel-spying client is telling the truth…
Child psychologist Rachel Kelly isn't quite sure how to handle the situation with her newest client -- a six-year-old boy who says he can talk to angels and one is coming to help Rachel. She already has her hands full of trouble this Christmas season, and things quickly take a turn for the worse when a stalker crashes Rachel's Christmas party and takes her young clients hostage.
Police negotiator, Lt. Jake Dillon, walked away from his fiancée Rachel when she suddenly balked at having kids. His kids. Yet when the hostage crisis erupts, Rachel calls Jake first. Now he has a choice to make -- stand back and wait for the cavalry to save Rachel or step in and try to save her himself. Time is running out, and Jake may be their only chance for rescue.
Unless Rachel's little angel-spying client is telling the truth…
Read an excerpt
Jake whipped his BMW into the Azalea Center parking lot and switched off his headlights in one smooth motion. Guided by the light from the few streetlamps, he coasted to a silent stop next to Wally’s Jeep, though his emotions had urged him to come screeching around the corner like the cavalry. Common sense and the need for stealth won out. He couldn’t risk driving the trespasser underground only to have him surface later after Jake had gone.
Clicking off his interior lights, he drew his Sig Sauer from the glove compartment, then climbed out and pushed the car door in until the latch quietly held. He waited several seconds to let his eyes and ears take in the entire scene. Damn. All the landscaping crowded around the Center provided a multitude of places for a trespasser to hide.
He put a hand on the hood of Wally’s Jeep. Still warm, even in the cold night air. A brief stab of guilt hit him for dumping his team so abruptly in the Beef n’ Barrel. Couldn’t be helped.
He scanned the closest landscape beds for some sign of Wally. A stiff north breeze whipped across the parking area, stirring up leaves and debris. Barely visible through the treetops, the almost-full moon blazed bright.
He made his way past the large perimeter oaks to the interior sidewalk and began a slow circle of the building, checking sections of garden as he paced. All the offices on the west side of the building were unoccupied, and all windows were dark, a few with vestiges of their interior visible due to adjacent emergency lighting.
Rachel’s office just around the corner faced the back of the property. At this time of night, her office interior would be entirely visible with her lights on. Jake knew this because he’d snuck over here enough times in the last few months to observe her office from the garden. He was pathetic and every few weeks had needed a glimpse of her to get by. A wry smile twitched the edges of his mouth. He could’ve been called in as a trespasser on any one of those nights should someone have spotted him and cared enough to make the call.
Careful to remain off the sidewalk, he silently paced toward the back garden. If the trespasser was a stalker, then the perp probably knew the Center had no security guard and no security system. A fact that had always bothered Jake.
At the back corner of the property, he crossed the sidewalk to inspect the landscape areas adjacent to the building. With quick steps, he shifted from one landscape bed to another. Crouching as he left the larger camellias, he moved through the shorter azaleas and Indian hawthorn.
Clearing the corner, his position even with the back of the building, he paused to reconnoiter and stared at the faint pool of light cast by an overhead office. Rachel’s office.
As his gaze rose to the second-floor office, his eyes searched for the all-too-familiar figure. Without thinking, he straightened to his full height, clearly visible to anyone glancing out the window. Yet no one searched for a figure in the garden. All eyes in the office were busy.
Rachel stood with Olivia and her children on one side of the conference room. On the other side of the room, a man in a worn red jacket and baseball cap faced them—pointing a gun.
This was Jake’s horrible nightmare.
Clicking off his interior lights, he drew his Sig Sauer from the glove compartment, then climbed out and pushed the car door in until the latch quietly held. He waited several seconds to let his eyes and ears take in the entire scene. Damn. All the landscaping crowded around the Center provided a multitude of places for a trespasser to hide.
He put a hand on the hood of Wally’s Jeep. Still warm, even in the cold night air. A brief stab of guilt hit him for dumping his team so abruptly in the Beef n’ Barrel. Couldn’t be helped.
He scanned the closest landscape beds for some sign of Wally. A stiff north breeze whipped across the parking area, stirring up leaves and debris. Barely visible through the treetops, the almost-full moon blazed bright.
He made his way past the large perimeter oaks to the interior sidewalk and began a slow circle of the building, checking sections of garden as he paced. All the offices on the west side of the building were unoccupied, and all windows were dark, a few with vestiges of their interior visible due to adjacent emergency lighting.
Rachel’s office just around the corner faced the back of the property. At this time of night, her office interior would be entirely visible with her lights on. Jake knew this because he’d snuck over here enough times in the last few months to observe her office from the garden. He was pathetic and every few weeks had needed a glimpse of her to get by. A wry smile twitched the edges of his mouth. He could’ve been called in as a trespasser on any one of those nights should someone have spotted him and cared enough to make the call.
Careful to remain off the sidewalk, he silently paced toward the back garden. If the trespasser was a stalker, then the perp probably knew the Center had no security guard and no security system. A fact that had always bothered Jake.
At the back corner of the property, he crossed the sidewalk to inspect the landscape areas adjacent to the building. With quick steps, he shifted from one landscape bed to another. Crouching as he left the larger camellias, he moved through the shorter azaleas and Indian hawthorn.
Clearing the corner, his position even with the back of the building, he paused to reconnoiter and stared at the faint pool of light cast by an overhead office. Rachel’s office.
As his gaze rose to the second-floor office, his eyes searched for the all-too-familiar figure. Without thinking, he straightened to his full height, clearly visible to anyone glancing out the window. Yet no one searched for a figure in the garden. All eyes in the office were busy.
Rachel stood with Olivia and her children on one side of the conference room. On the other side of the room, a man in a worn red jacket and baseball cap faced them—pointing a gun.
This was Jake’s horrible nightmare.
And I thought
I enjoyed previous books I have read (and reviewed) by the
author Petie McCarty. I have read one Rom Com and the previous book in this series.
I have to say that No Angels For Christmas is a page turning thriller that will keep you interested to the end.
You'll want to see everything turn out o.k. for everyone.
The characters get under your skin and refuse to let go.
I was rooting for Rachel and Jake.
If you like a great thriller check this one out.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and social media.
Buy the book
Visit the tour
To enter the Giveaway and read more reviews visit the tour.
Click here.
