Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Murder Under A Cold Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery by Abigail Keam

 

Murder Under A Cold Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery
by Abigail Keam

About Murder Under A Cold Moon

Murder Under A Cold Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery
13th in Series
Setting – At Blackhaven Hall in England
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Worker Bee Press (September 30, 2024)
Number of Pages – 230
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CSXV3J1N

Mona Moon and her new husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth are on their honeymoon at last. They are invited to a weekend party by an old friend of Robert’s family—Lady Eustacia. Mona and Robert arrive in a substantial downpour to find several other couples awaiting the appearance of their hostess.

When Lady Eustacia fails to come downstairs, Mona and Robert search the manor house only to find the lady missing. It is then they discover the telephone wires have been cut and none of the cars are able to drive into town due to the storm. Mona and Robert believe the invitation was a ruse, but for what purpose? And how do they help Lady Eustacia?

About Abigail Keam

Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series, which weaves real people and events into the story line. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. There is an addendum at the end of the mystery to give more information. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy.”

Miss Abigail currently lives on the Palisades bordering the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters.

AWARDS

2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking 2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

Mona Moon Series

Murder Under A Blue Moon
Murder Under A Blood Moon
Murder Under A Bad Moon
Murder Under A Silver Moon
Murder Under A Wolf Moon
Murder Under A Black Moon
Murder Under A Full Moon
Murder Under A New Moon
Murder Under A British Moon
Murder Under A Bridal Moon
Murder Under A Western Moon
Murder Under A Honey Moon
Murder Under A Cold Moon
Murder Under A Mystic Moon

Author Links

Website https://www.abigailkeam.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/author.abigailkeam/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abigailkeamauthor/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/abigailkeam/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailkeam

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=abigail+keam&qid=8fG4Xtuv2k

Purchase Links – Amazon –  Kobo  – B&N – Google  – Apple 

: a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 30 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 1 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 2 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 4 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 6 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Token of Love Author: Carrie Turansky

 

About the Book

Book: A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal.

 

 

 

 

More from Carrie

Come with me to London!

My latest novel, A Token of Love, is a dual-time story set in London during the late Victorian Era and present day. That prompted my husband and I to take a trip to London earlier this year. We were especially delighted to visit the Foundling Museum which tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity home in England. The Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum tie the historical and contemporary plots together in A Token of Love.

Thousands of children were taken in by the Foundling Hospital when their mothers could no longer care for them. Some of the mothers left small items such as coins, thimbles, and pieces of jewelry with their infants as identifiers in the hope that if their situation changed, they might be able to return and reclaim their child. Those items were called tokens, and we saw several of them on display at the Foundling Museum.

Each token is unique and represents a mother’s love and desire to be reunited with her child. It was very moving to view them on display and think of all the heartache and hope behind each token.

More than two years ago, I saw an image of the tokens on Pinterest. That sparked my curiosity, and I followed the research trail to learn more about them. That led to the Foundling Museum’s website, which offers a treasure trove of information and personal stories about the mothers and children connected by those tokens. What I discovered helped me develop the characters and plot for A Token of Love. The story highlights one mother who gave her daughter into their care, then eight years later tries to reclaim her. But her daughter is missing, and that sets off a series of events that stirs all of London. Family drama, romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery will make the story meaningful for readers.

If you like stories based on true events in history that will touch your heart and lift your spirit, then I think you will enjoy reading A Token of Love!

If you’d like to see more photos from my research trip to London and the Foundling Museum, I hope you’ll visit my website photo page!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Connie’s History Classroom, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Devoted To Hope, October 10

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Live.Love.Read., October 11

Stories By Gina, October 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 13

lakesidelivingsite, October 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 14

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 17

Inspired by Fiction, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 18

Labor Not in Vain, October 19

To Everything There is A Season, October 20

Romances of the Cross, October 20

MY REVIEW

 

This is a dual time read, 1885 and present time, and the author weaves a story that will have you page turning for answers.

A destitute young unwed mother gives her daughter to the London Foundling Home, along with a token of her love, and a way to recognize her daughter among the thousands of other children.

Modern day the home is now a museum and they want to keep the history alive, and meet the temporary director Janelle, and her journey with a film director, both trying to earn money to keep this historical place going. Of course, we are met with obstacles, and meet more characters. One highlights the plight of teenagers and the threat of evil lurking, but not only now but also in the past.

There is a bit of sweet romance in both time periods, but the focus is on saving these children, and opening your eyes to what is going on.

This is a story based on a real place but most of the read is fictional, a great Christian read to get lost in!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of A Token of Love!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5461/

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Season For Grace (Briar Creek Love Book 3) Author: Stacy T. Simmons

 

About the Book

Book: A Season For Grace (Briar Creek Love Book 3)

Author: Stacy T. Simmons

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: August 20, 2024

How much love does it take to melt an icy heart?

Grace Fuller has dreamed of being a writer for as long as she can remember. As the deadline for submitting her first novel looms, she has six months to finish and won’t let anything stand in her way. Renting a cabin nestled in the mountains of Briar Creek, North Carolina, Grace plans to buckle down and get to work with no interruptions. Except the young man she once flirted with at her sister’s wedding lives just below her. And he’s distractingly handsome.

Logan Whitlock was captivated by Grace two years ago but let his pride and fear of rejection get in the way of their budding romance. Beneath his imperious façade, the former quarterback and homecoming king is riddled with doubt. How could this beautiful, confident woman love him for who he is, apart from the trappings of the Whitlock wealth and privilege?

Love can conquer many things, but a cold heart unmended and unmelted is harder to break open than even a diamond.

How will Grace chip away Logan’s icy exterior and melt his heart instead of just being another glossy page in the book of his life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Stacy T. Simmons wrote uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Her thirty-four years of marital bliss was a great contributor. She was a mom of two grown children, and she loved her menagerie of pets she liked to call her “Noah’s Ark.” In October of 2022, Stacy was called home to be with the Lord.

 

 

 

 

More from Beth

A Promise for Stacy

My sister, Stacy T. Simmons, was incredibly proud to become a published author. The day her first book, A Promise for Faith, was released was one of the happiest of her life. Stacy didn’t start writing until she turned 50 but once she began pursuing her passion, she was unstoppable!

Her commitment to nurturing and promoting other authors while working full time and writing her novels was a testament to her strong faith and kind heart. Stacy was the sweetest, most thoughtful, loyal, and faithful person I have ever known, and her loss was heart-wrenching. It was only after she passed away that I learned about the tremendous impact this gentle soul had throughout the Christian fiction community.

As Stacy lay on her deathbed after experiencing surgical complications, I promised her two things. First, I would be a second mother to her daughters. Second, I would finish writing the final book in her Briar Creek Love trilogy, which was halfway complete.

What was I thinking? In that agonizing moment, knowing her time on earth was slipping away, I wanted my sister to know that I would look after her most precious loves – her girls and her “book babies.”

The months that followed were a haze and, in my sorrow, it was difficult to even read Stacy’s words, much less try to write in her style. But “fueled by faith and caffeine,” and with the Lord’s unwavering support, I was able to fulfill my promise to Stacy.

A Season for Grace is full of love and laughter and brings the stories of all three Fuller sisters to a close. I hope I’ve done Stacy’s memory justice, and that you enjoy your final visit to Briar Creek!

Blessings,

Beth Collins

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, September 24 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Vicky Sluiter, September 26 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Fiction Book Lover, September 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

For the Love of Literature, September 30 (Spotlight)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Artistic Nobody, October 2 (Spotlight)

DevotedToHope, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Guild Master, October 4 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 6 (Spotlight)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Beth is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5452/

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery by Sharon Michaels

 

 

Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery
by Sharon Michaels

About Barks and Clues 

Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Small Town USA
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (May 22, 2024)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 105 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8326299345
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CVVD5Y67 (February 29, 2024)

If you like a cozy mystery that has…
A fun, clean whodunit with twists and turns.
Three generations of one family sleuthing together.
Dog detectives sniffing out clues and bad guys.
A small town with hidden secrets.
A close-knit community coming together to solve crime.
… then this is the short read book for you.

Retired police detective Maya Thompson is living a quiet life in the small town of Sunridge Junction with her son, Ethan, and her granddaughter, Lily. When their peaceful neighborhood is hit by a string of break-ins, Maya suspects there might be more to these crimes than meets the eye. Together, Maya, Ethan, Lily and their three clever and adventurous dogs, Digger, Dash, and Daisy, begin investigating the burglaries.

The dogs follow their noses, and the humans follow the dogs to an old fishing shack and a mysterious inventor. The man claims his innocence and insists he is being framed for the break-ins. The reclusive inventor explains that someone is trying to sabotage him and steal his inventions. He pleads with the crime-solvers to help prove his innocence and bring the true culprits to justice. Maya reluctantly agrees, finding it difficult to let go of her desire for justice.

With its quirky characters, fun plot twists, and a sprinkling of canine charm, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who believes that heroism has no age limit.

About Sharon Michaels

Bestselling author Sharon Michaels writes sweet, clean, and fun cozy mystery short reads about mature, smart women and men who know how to enjoy life. Small towns, close friends, a hint of romance, and a fur-baby or two makes solving mysteries fun and exciting.

 Today I happily write in the cactus filled desert of the southwest United States. My extremely supportive husband and I love exploring the beauty of our country. As I travel, I write fun and interesting things in my notebook so I can share these memories with you in stories and books.

* Short, Sweet Cozy Mysteries
* Keeps You Guessing Stories
* Smart, Mature, Believable Characters

Author Links
Website: https://SharonMichaelsAuthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharonMichaels/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharon-michaels

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2691207.Sharon_Michaels

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharon_michaels_author/

Links to Purchase:
A Canine Cozy Mystery Series
Series Links
Amazon U.S. Link     Amazon Universal Link 

 Barks and Clues
Amazon U.S. Link    Amazon Universal Link

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 2 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 4 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 4 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW

October 5 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR GUEST POST  

October 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

My Review

I enjoyed this very quick read. If you want a story that grabs you and gets right to the point, includes some danger, and them takes you to the ending this will do it.
I loved the dogs that we can read their thoughts, and they know just what to do. Come and join retired police detective Maya Thompson for an adventure.
Yes, there are some great surprises here!
I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here

Celebrate Lit Presents: Crack the Stone Author: Emily Golus

 

About the Book

Book: Crack the Stone

Author: Emily Golus

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: September 22, 2023

I am Valshara, the black stone born of fire. Break me, and my edges turn into knives.

Condemned to a slave camp for her crimes, goblin convict Valshara Sh’a makes a death-defying escape to freedom. But navigating Vindor’s treacherous cavern system is only the beginning of her troubles. An encounter with a rogue king turns her world upside down, and a bargain with fairy tricksters leaves her with a human child she doesn’t know how to care for.

As she tries to smuggle the boy through the walls of a barricaded city, Valshara can’t let down her guard. Because somewhere in the darkness behind her, a bounty hunter rises—relentless as nightfall and merciless as death itself.

Emily Golus re-imagines Victor Hugo’s beloved Les Misérables as an epic fantasy adventure about suffering, redemption, and the extraordinary power of love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Emily Golus is an award-winning fantasy author with nearly 20 years of professional writing experience. Golus aims to engage, inspire, and show how small acts of courage and love create meaningful change. Her books feature diverse cultures, authentic characters, and cinematic fantasy settings.

Her first novel, Escape to Vindor, won the 2018 Selah Award for Young Adult Fiction, and a spin-off novel, Crack the Stone, won the 2024 Kudos Award for Fiction. Golus lives in Greenville, S.C., with her husband, Mike, who is her greatest supporter. They have two active little boys and enjoy hiking, making Thai food, and exploring small towns in the Carolinas.

 

More from Emily

Crack the Stone is a fantasy re-spinning of Victor Hugo’s redemptive masterpiece, Les Misérables. I’ve taken the major themes and characters of the original novel and recast them within the fantastical world of Vindor. The heart of the story is the same—a stone-hearted convict on the run from the law finds unexpected redemption—but there are new twists and turns along the way.

The Jean Valjean character—now a fierce goblin warrior named Valshara Sh’a—finds herself fleeing through treacherous caverns, an ensnaring forest, and a West African-inspired city under siege. Her pursuer, an expert bounty hunter who has never failed to catch his quarry, is dead-set on returning her to slavery.

Complicating everything is the human boy Valshara rescues from a fairy ring. The precocious and chaotic child not only jeopardizes the goblin’s escape, but starts to melt her obsidian heart.

Crack the Stone focuses primarily on Hugo’s themes of scandalous redemption, legalism, and the transforming love between a mother and child. Other elements of the novel—lovesick Éponine, the red revolution flag, the barricade, the Elephant of the Bastille—have been remixed in unexpected ways to support the redemption arc.

If you’re a fan of the book (or the musical!) you’ll enjoy the fun Les Mis “Easter eggs” throughout. But even if you’re not familiar with the original, you can still get swept up in Crack the Stone’s epic story of suffering, love, and light in the darkest places.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, September 21

Vicky Sluiter, September 22 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25

For the Love of Literature, September 26 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 27 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, September 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, September 29

Guild Master, September 30 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, October 2 (Author Interview)

Just Your Average reviews, October 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 4 (Author Interview)

Denise L. Barela, October 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize of a paperback copy of Crack the Stone, an obsidian arrowhead pendant, two Vindor stickers, a Vindor mini-map, a Vindor bookmark, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5447

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Meditation and Mischief: Magical Mystery Book Club by Elizabeth Pantley

 

Meditation and Mischief: Magical Mystery Book Club
by Elizabeth Pantley

About Meditation and Mischief

Meditation and Mischief: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – A resort on a tropical island
Better Beginnings, Inc. (September 15, 2024)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 349 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8339068211
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CVW72ND4

When this club selects a book, magic happens!

This book club does more than read their books – they are absorbed into them to become the amateur sleuths! In order to leave the book, they must solve the mystery and reach The End.

In this journey they travel to The Golden Island Wellness Retreat for yoga, meditation, workshops, and spa treatments. They’ll bond with nature and improve their spiritual wellbeing. They’ll find their inner peace – and a dead body, of course.

Graduates from an acting college have gathered at the retreat for their ten-year reunion. Old friends reconnect, but apparently, so have old enemies. The book club must evaluate the attendees to determine whose baggage has led to murder.

 

EXCERPT:

Frank strolled into the room, hopped up on the counter and stretched. His nose and whiskers twitched. “Ahhh, the life enriching aroma of fresh coffee. Which of my dear friends can I count on to prepare me a bowlful?”

“I gotcha, Frank,” said Forrest.

“While you’re at it, can you pour me a cup?” asked Sebastian, who was busy at the griddle whipping up a stack of pancakes.

“And me, please,” called Valeria over her shoulder as she took stacks of plates and bowls out of the cabinet.

The bustle of the kitchen continued until the counter was loaded with food and a second fresh pot of coffee was brewing. The peacefulness of last night had morphed into the high energy of anticipation that buzzed through the air. Today we’d pick a new book and embark on an unknown journey into a cozy mystery book. It was funny to think that in the old days a trip to the theater in the city, or a hike through the park were the only journeys I took. Now I knew I could land anywhere in the world – this world or another one – and I’d meet some kind of paranormal beings and be instrumental in solving a mystery. All with this motley group of people who’d become like family to me. Well … people, a talking cat, and a friendly ghost. My life had certainly changed.

 

 

Brunch was served and we sat around the table chatting and eating.

“I know your library has only cozy mysteries,” said Valeria. “But wouldn’t it be great to go into other kinds of books, too?”

“No,” said Zell, wrinkling up her face. “Cozies are all I ever read.”

“Wouldn’t you like to venture into a nice romance story?” Sebastian made kissing noises.

“Heaven forbid,” chortled Zell. “Any men my age would be wrinkled old prunes.”

Sebastian spit out his coffee, and several of us laughed along with him, including Zell.

“What about biographies about famous people, then?” asked Valeria.

“Boring.” Frank gave an exaggerated yawn.

“I’d enjoy a travel book,” said Moonbeam. “It would be fun to explore a new place without having the added stress of a mystery to solve.”

“If you mean tour groups and taking pictures of old cathedrals, count me out,” said Sebastian. “We get to travel to places not on any map or globe and meet paranormal beings! That’s far more interesting to me. I mean, we got to visit a sprite kingdom, Moon! How much better does it get than that?”

Moonbeam smiled. “I did love the fairies.”

 

By the time we dilly-dallied over our meal, caught up with everyone’s news, and had taken our time cleaning the kitchen, over two hours had passed. People were already filling small plates of food to carry downstairs to our book club meeting. We rarely had leftovers with this group.

Zell didn’t even wait for us to leave the kitchen before she pulled out her drum and slung it around her neck. She handed her plate to Sebastian and began tapping out a drumroll as she marched toward the basement door. Everyone followed her in a parade of excitement.

Forrest, Valeria, and Atticus had grabbed pairs of chopsticks and were tapping out rhythms on the end tables and coffee table. The fact that all of them were playing different rhythms didn’t seem to bother them at all.

Moonbeam began her ritual chant asking for the spirits of exploration and adventure to fill the room, and Sebastian joined her, while tapping out his own rhythm with a pair of spoons. Mollie swooped up to blow gently on the chandelier which added a pleasant tinkling to the diverse orchestra.

I made my way to the front and put my hand on the doorknob. All the tapping, chanting, and tinkling came to a halt, and an air of expectation surrounded us. I began the countdown, and everyone joined in.

“Five … four … three … two … one!”

 

About Elizabeth Pantley

Elizabeth writes well-loved cozy mysteries in two series: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, two very different places. Both are rich, gorgeous, natural places, and inspire the settings in many of her books.

Author Links

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DestinyFallsMysteryandMagic

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/destinyfallsmystery/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/series/345907-magical-mystery-book-club

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-pantley

GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/345907-magical-mystery-book-club

Purchase Link: Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 30 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

September 30 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Review Thick and Thin – REVIEW

October 3 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 4 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 4 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 6 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 10 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 11 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 13 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
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Celebrate Lit Presents: Collision Course Author: Millie Norwich Inman

 

About the Book

Book: Collision Course

Author: Millie Norwich Inman

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 17, 2024

The shocking death of the popular Prince of Wales launches his young heir from innocent childhood into a roiling caldron of jealousy and intrigue. Set in all the glory of eighteenth century England, the young crown prince is urgently prepared for his aged grandfather’s throne.  Under the wing of his godly mentor, the prince staggers through a minefield of hazards.

Parallel to the prince’s journey, is the story of a down-and-out firebrand statesman, considering retirement from the House of Commons because he’s under the king’s extreme disfavor. An alliance between the two ensures the prince’s safe ascension. It also renders his godly mentor and the statesman, the two most powerful men in Great Britain. Then, in the face of escalating war, a shocking twist changes everything.

Collision Course is a slice of real history with real people fleshed out and facing the real challenges of living in a fallen world.  It shatters stereotypes as it treks through England’s finest gardens and dines with kings and statesmen all the while peering into the universal nature of the human soul and the heartbeat of corrupted constitutional government. This is the true, untold story of alliance, ambition, betrayal, war, loss, and recovery that set the world stage for the American Revolution.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Millie Norwich Inman holds a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis. She taught school and raised a family before dabbling in freelance for periodicals.  A fair measure of success added to profound sorrow over the loss of Western Civilization culture and history, launched her into extensive research for this engaging slice of pre-American Revolution history. On two trips to England she read at the British Library and Richmond Records Office, and traipsed through fabulous architecture and scrumptious gardens. At home in Texas, she took advantage of the Trinity University, Rice University, and University of Texas San Antonio Libraries, as well as the amazing Inter-Library Loan System from her hometown Boerne Library. Similar to the research style of NYT bestseller, America’s First Daughter, some of the wittiest dialogue in Collision Course has been lifted and adapted from original letters.

More from Millie

Collision Course is a walk in the park to smell the roses compared to an all-nighter-adrenalin-rush. And the third Earl of Bute is a reluctant hero-protagonist. He’s far more interested in creating calming garden vistas than in jumping into the heart of a rough-housing political fray.

Lord Bute is John Stuart (b. 1713), a descendant of the Stuart kings of Scotland on his father’s side and the powerful Campbell Clan on his mother’s. Branches of the Campbell Clan were still known as the fiercest of highland fighters when Bute was in his twenties. The Highlanders identified as Catholics but knew little of Jesus, and I dare say, never seemed to have heard of the Bible. So, their war-like tendencies really went berserk, after the Bloodless Revolution of 1688. Whenever the banished Catholic heir, the debauched “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” felt sufficiently resentful to sail back from France and contend for the crown, he’d swing by Scotland and enlist belligerent Highlanders. On these occasions, the Campbells would take a respite from murdering the MacDonalds and bludgeoning Lowlander Presbyterians, to gleefully enlist for a bloody tromp into England.

However, by the third “Bonnie Prince” invasion in 1745, Lord Bute’s branch of the Campbell Clan had experienced a come to Jesus. Godly education had become a family priority. Since Lord Bute’s godly father had died when he was nine, his godly mother had tucked him under the wings of her two godly Campbell brothers. Bute’s Campbell uncles were entrenched in the Edinburg intelligentsia. Intellectuals were Christians. Enlightenment academics followed Christians. Bute’s Campbell family branch were Scotland’s civic leaders, innovators in banking, business, jurisprudence, and republican statesmanship in addition to their stellar reputations in science, theology, medicine, and literature.

Lord Bute’s Campbell uncles, along with his Stuart father, were instrumental in the forming the United Kingdom and in installing Protestant royalty, to act in the interest of all their subjects, on the throne of England. The value of the common man was a novel idea. Bute’s uncles ran the elections for nineteen Scottish representatives to Parliament in Westminster. So, it’s really no wonder, that in the third invasion of Prince Charlie tyrants, three contingents of militia from the Campbell Clan fought for British liberty under George II’s favorite son, the Duke of Cumberland. Campbells fought Campbells.

It was in this third invasion that the young protagonist prince’s uncle, the Duke of Cumberland, became feared as “The Butcher.” After Cumberland led the government’s final victory, and as the “Bonnie Prince” slipped away on his ship back to France, the Duke of Cumberland ran a genocide campaign of the most war-like Highlanders (30 something Campbells). That ended the north Britain invasions and turned thoughts to a walk in the park-like gardens. Let Collision Course begin.

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Blossoms and Blessings, October 1 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, October 2 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Millie is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book and a $75 gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5446