Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Laughing Can Kill You: A Hazel Rose Book Group Mystery by Maggie King

 

Laughing Can Kill You: A Hazel Rose Book Group Mystery
by Maggie King

About Laughing Can Kill You

Laughing Can Kill You: A Hazel Rose Book Group Mystery
Edgy Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Virginia
Olive Lane Press (December 6, 2021)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985231816
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09MMHLSSJ

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

Unless he’s dead.

When romance author Hazel Rose is dropped by her publisher, she sees herself heading down a path strewn with has-been authors. While disappointed, Hazel won’t give up without a fight—she signs up for a mystery-writing class, thinking that crime fiction will jumpstart her career.

 

But what’s a mystery-writing class without a mystery? So when Randy Zimmerman, an obnoxious classmate given to laughing at others’ expense, is murdered, Hazel tackles the case. Solving a real-life murder will surely lend authenticity to her creative writing.

 

She recruits her book group pals to help with the investigation. Trouble is, there are more suspects than they bargained for—even Hazel herself, who endured Randy’s thumbs-way-down review of her writing, had a motive.

A second body drives the stakes higher, and Hazel doubles her efforts to find who’s behind the murders, unearthing secrets that a killer would go to any lengths to keep hidden.

 

Will Hazel succeed? Or will this be “The End” for her?

 

About Maggie King

Maggie King is the author of the Hazel Rose Book Group mysteries. Her short stories appear in various anthologies, including the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, Murder by the Glass, and Death by Cupcake.

She is a member of James River Writers, International Thriller Writers, Short Mystery Fiction Society, and is a founding member of Sisters in Crime Central Virginia, where she manages the chapter’s Instagram account.

Maggie graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Business Administration and has worked as a software developer and a retail sales manager. She has called New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California home. These days she lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and two indulged cats. When Maggie isn’t writing she enjoys reading, walking, cooking, traveling, movies, British TV shows, and the theatre. Visit Maggie at www.maggieking.com

Author Links:

Website: http://maggieking.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieKingAuthr

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4758759.Maggie_King

 Purchase Links:

Amazon    Universal Book Link (ebook)    Barnes & Noble (print)     Bookshop.org (print)    GoodReads Link       Kobo

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 17 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 19 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

January 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GUEST POST

January 20 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 22 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

January 23 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

January 24 – Here’s How It Happened – GUEST POST

January 25 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

January 26 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 27 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

January 27 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 28 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 29 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

January 30 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

 

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The Five-Day Reunion by Mona Shroff

 

They ended their marriage, but they never fell out of love…

Law student Anita Virani hasn’t seen her ex-husband since the ink dried on their divorce papers. Now she’s agreed to pretend she’s still married to Nikhil until his sister’s wedding celebrations are over—because her former mother-in-law neglected to tell her family of their split! The closeness they share during the marriage act gives Anita new insight into the man she once loved.

 

THE FIVE-DAY REUNION by Mona Shroff (on-sale Jan.25, Harlequin Special Edition): They

 ended their marriage but they never fell out of love. Law student Anita Virani hasn’t seen her ex-husband

 since the ink dried on their divorce papers. Now she’s agreed to pretend she’s still married to Nikhil until

 his sister’s wedding celebrations are over—because her former mother-in-law neglected to tell her family

 of their split! The closeness they share during the marriage act gives Anita new insight into the man she

 once loved so deeply. And reignites Nikhil’s feelings for her…

 

About MONA SHROFF: Mona is obsessed with everything romantic, including chocolate, coffee 

and wine. PW calls her "a writer to watch" and Sonali Dev called her first novel, Then, Now, Always 

 a "sweet, angsty romance." She's blessed with an amazing daughter and loving son who have

 both gone to college. Mona lives in Maryland with her romance-loving husband.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Five-Day-Reunion-Mona-Shroff/dp/1335408371/ref=sr_1_1?key

words=THE+FIVE-DAY+REUNION+by+Mona+Shroff&qid=1637072917&sr=8-1 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-five-day-reunion-mona-shroff/1139911403?

ean=9781335408372 

 

The Shoe Diaries by Darby Baham

 

It’s never too late to put your best foot forward

From the outside, Reagan “Rae” Doucet has it all: a coveted career in Washington, DC, a tight circle of friends and a shoe closet to die for. When one of her crew falls ill, however, Rae is done playing it safe. The talented but unfulfilled writer makes a “risk list” to revamp her life. But forgiving her ex, Jake Saunders, might be one risk too many…

 

THE SHOE DIARIES by Darby Baham (on-sale Jan.25, Harlequin Special Edition): It’s never too late

 to put your best foot forward. From the outside, Reagan “Rae” Doucet has it all: a coveted career in 

Washington, DC, a tight circle of friends and a shoe closet to die for. When one of her crew falls ill,

 however, Rae is done playing it safe. The talented but unfulfilled writer makes a “risk list” to revamp her life

. But forgiving her ex, Jake Saunders, might be one risk too many.

 

About DARBY BAHAM: Darby Baham is a debut author with Harlequin Books Special Edition,

 where she signed a three-book deal in August 2020. She is also a senior managing editor with 

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center. 

 

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Diaries-Friendship-Chronicles/dp/1335408363/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=THE+SHOE+DIARIES+by+Darby+Baham&qid=1637072771&qsid=133-7575147-1798556&sr=8-1&sres=1335408363%2CB01M8O5HLY%2CB08TVPCZHW%2CB091571CTB%2CB07CWV59QR%2CB08H5GTV4R%2CB000BWZBYM%2CB07DXNZZL3%2CB0094GO6ZG%2CB08DD65JDR%2CB001HRXSKE%2CB08TWCNX12%2CB00A46NG9M%2CB0838LQKXT%2CB085JL1N16%2CB08G5VRMQ1&srpt=ABIS_BOOK 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shoe-diaries-darby-baham/1139911402?ean=9781335408365 

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335408365_the-shoe-diaries.html 

 

Their Secret Courtship by Emma Miller

 

They have almost everything in common…

except the thing that could keep them apart.

Much to her Amish mother's exasperation, Bay Stutzman isn't looking for a husband. That is, until a buggy accident on a stormy night leads to meeting handsome greenhouse owner David Jansen—who might just be Bay's perfect match. The only problem? David is a Mennonite. Now Bay is torn between her life among the Amish…and the man she can't envision a life without.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She's the author of the Hannah's Daughter's series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.

 

My Review

 A chance meeting that changes lives. A new friend, and with a lot in common, except religion.

Bay's mother is hounding her to marry, but would she accept a Mennonite? Will she loose her heart, only to lose her family?

There are answers here, but will David be able to juggle everything as his family life seems to be stumbling. Yes, sparks are flying, and we are walking with them, but you also might want to have the tissues handy, there are some rough times ahead.

I have read many books by Ms Miller, and this will not be the last.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.

Rancher's Forgotten Rival by Maisey Yates

 

Will amnesia turn these enemies into lovers? Find out in the first Carsons of Lone Rock novel by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates.

Welcome to Lone Rock, Oregon’s Wild West.

Chance Carson is the one man in Lone Rock who gets Juniper Sohappy all riled up. His family is ranching royalty. He’s arrogant, insufferable and obnoxiously charming—she’ll keep her distance, thanks. But when Juniper finds him on her property, injured and without his memory, she saves his life…and sort of lets him believe he’s her ranch hand. Making the entitled rancher work a little is one thing…but actually liking the man is another. Falling for him? No way. And yet the passion between them is as undeniable as it is unexpected. Will it survive the truth?

 

THE RANCHER'S FORGOTTEN RIVAL by Maisey Yates (on-sale Jan.25, Harlequin Desire): Will amnesia turn these enemies into lovers? It's a hero in distress, with a more than capable damsel on hand to save to him. Find out more about the book in this book #1 miniseries, Carsons of Lone Rock, by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates. Welcome to Lone Rock, Oregon’s Wild West. Chance Carson is the one man in Lone Rock who gets Juniper all riled up. His family is ranching royalty. He’s arrogant, insufferable and obnoxiously charming—she’ll keep her distance, thanks. But when Juniper finds Chance Carson on her property, injured and without his memory, she saves his life…and sort of lets him believe he’s her ranch hand. Making the entitled rancher work a little is one thing…but actually liking the man is another. Falling for him? No way. And yet the passion between them is as undeniable as it is unexpected. Will it survive the truth?

About Maisey Yates:Maisey Yates is a New York Times bestselling author of over one hundred romance novels. Whether she's writing strong, hard working cowboys, dissolute princes or multigenerational family stories, she loves getting lost in fictional worlds. An avid knitter with a dangerous yarn addiction and an aversion to housework, Maisey lives with her husband and three kids in rural Oregon. Check out her website, maiseyyates.com or find her on Facebook.

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Ranchers-Forgotten-Rival-Claim-Cowboy-ebook/dp/B098P74ZKQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=THE+RANCHER%27S+FORGOTTEN+RIVAL+by+Maisey+Yates&qid=1637071359&qsid=133-7575147-1798556&sr=8-1&sres=1335735402%2CB09FSCDNZJ&srpt=ABIS_EBOOKS 

Barnes & Noble:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ranchers-forgotten-rival-maisey-yates/1139758363?ean=9781335735409
Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335735409_ranchers-forgotten-rival.html 

 

My Review 

 I really loved the beginning of this read, and wish it had lasted a bit longer. In the end, you hope the truce forged would last forever.
Is it even possible for this new attraction to become something more? Will the families be able to come together and peace prevail?
This is a very quick read, and when it was over, I wanted to know about how these families made out. There is another book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Kidron Valley by Caryl McAdoo

 

About the Book

Book: The Kidron Valley

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Young Adult and Mid-Grade Readers

Release date: November 11, 2021

 

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle.
As evil heightens all over the world, Jackson, his best friend Al, and his girlfriend Aria learn to live in their new world, fighting off those who would kill, steal, and destroy family and neighbors in Red River County. The story is one of survival under the guidance of Uncle Roy and his brother and God’s Words of Knowledge and angel unaware. No one discounts the Great Pyrenees Boggs’ part either. Though Jackson still holds fast to his agnostic beliefs, God keeps making it harder for him to deny His existence and the sacrifice of His Son. Will he finally believe?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and nineteen grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-three years, live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

 

More from Caryl

Back in the day (2012), after my agent Mary Sue McAdoo Seymour had my first historical romance VOW UNBROKEN under contract with Simon and Schuster, but before its publication, she received a request for a mid-grade dystopian and asked if we—my husband and cowriter—wanted to write one.

 

We kicked it around and came up with an idea for THE KING’S HIGHWAY. Her client rejected the idea of an end times story for so young an age, but the ZonderKidz editor I pitched to at ACFW loved it! She updated me later it was going to committee.

 

Next thing I knew, doctors diagnosed her with a terrible disease, and she left the company before it was approved. Time marched on until I decided to publish it myself after we went Indie in 2015. By then it would be the Days of Dread Trilogy: THE KING’S HIGHWAY, THE SIXTH TRUMPET, and THE KIDRON VALLEY!

Those who read book one loved it! New to Indie publishing, I bit off almost more than I could chew that first year—eleven new titles! Between getting all those to market and writing sequels to my historical romance family saga, I never got around to write books two and three!

 

Fast forward to 2021. It appears the dominoes are falling; signs of the Apocalypse are coming more frequently, so we decided to get to THE SIXTH TRUMPET which debuted in June, followed with the release of THE KIDRON VALLEY in November!

 

I never planned to include all the Bible’s graphic descriptions of the Battle of Armageddon—it is mentioned, but I downplayed but it. While some soft-pedal the tribulation, I believe many of His children will live through it. I hope to bolster my young readers’ faith to be able to trust God for their protection and provision.

 

In the Days of Dread stories, I used dreams and visions to put my hero and some of his friends in that final battle without predicting any specific time—only Father knows the day and the hour! I believe, as Jackson discovers, there will be places of refuge where those who follow God ban together for mutual protection and benefit.

it’s so pleased me that many grandparents love these books as well. One read it twice, back-to-back because she loved it so much and didn’t want it to end! Though rampant evil throws the world into chaos, I believe His Chosen will walk in power and peace, spreading His Good News to the lost until the end!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

Inklings and notions, January 14

deb’s Book Review, January 15

For Him and My Family, January 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 18 (Spotlight)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 23

Cats in the Cradle Blog, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/17c55/the-kidron-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

Stolen from Her Mother: An utterly heartbreaking World War Two page-turner set between Ireland and America by Rachel Wesson

 

Galway, Ireland. 1941: While war rages across the world, Kate struggles on her family farm by the wild Atlantic Ocean. Living off rations and looking after her sick father, she doesn’t dare dream of falling in love.

But when she meets American airman, Tony, whose blue eyes are as stormy as the sea, her life collides with the war in ways she never imagined… They fall madly in love, stealing kisses in the rolling fields, and Tony vows to make her his wife.

Their time is cut short when Tony leaves for war, promising to come back for her. Only then does Kate learn she is carrying his child––but when her family find out, she is shunned and banished to a Magdalen Laundry.

Imprisoned in the home for unmarried mothers, where the windows are covered in barbed wire, the girls survive on scraps and sleep in a crammed dormitory. Kate writes to Tony to tell him about their child, but she never hears back… Is he even still alive?

And when she gives birth to baby Eve, Kate’s worst nightmare comes true: her precious child is sold to a stranger. But she made a promise to her darling daughter, and she’ll never stop looking for her. Can Kate escape, save her child and reunite her family before it’s too late?

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Rachel Wesson is the author of several best selling series including her latest based on the Orphan Trains. Having always been a fan of history, Rachel tries to combine her love of history with a good story.

Rachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that’s where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!

She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!

When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths.

After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn’t write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it’s a young person’s dream. Having three children you never see isn’t good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.

Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for “research” purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home – in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.

 

My Review

Warning once you turn the first page you won’t be putting this read down, it is that good!
The atrocities that were committed in the name of the church, and condoned by the Irish government, unreal, and yet, yes, this is a fictional book, but if you read the author’s notes, it is based on fact.
The story is wonderfully done, and you will feel like your walking in Kate’s shoes, and unfortunately, all that she had to endure.
I loved how far that author brings us into the lives of those we soon care about, and even with the conclusion, she shares these characters with us, so we are left without questions as to what happened.
This is not my first book by Ms Wesson, and it will not be my last.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review