Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Murder on Tour (Mystery Bookshop) by V.M. Burns

Murder on Tour (Mystery Bookshop)
by V.M. Burns

About Murder on Tour

Murder on Tour (Mystery Bookshop)
Cozy Mystery
9th in Series
Setting – Michigan
Kensington Cozies (November 28, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496739485
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496739483
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZBPW627

Bookstore owner and Michigander Samantha Washington is thrilled to see her debut historical mystery finally on the shelves, but a killer seems determined to steal away the spotlight . . .

While Sam wraps up her first whirlwind book tour, Nana Jo has kept Market Street Mysteries running smoothly. The last stop is a prestigious book festival in Sam’s hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. But not everyone thinks the guest of honor, bestselling author Judith Hunter, deserves stellar reviews. Sam witnesses nasty arguments between Judith and two different authors—who accuse her of plagiarism and sabotage . . .

When a publicist is poisoned during a cocktail reception, Sam wonders if the killer missed the intended target. It’s a twist that echoes the plot of Sam’s mystery, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. But fact can be stranger—and deadlier—than fiction. How much collateral damage is the killer willing to risk? With feisty Nana Jo and the girls from Shady Acres Retirement Village lending a hand, Sam tries to solve the case before the festival delivers another fatality . . .

About V.M. Burns

Valerie (V. M.) Burns is an Agatha, Anthony, Edgar, and Next Generation Award Finalist. She is the author of the Mystery Bookshop, Dog Club, RJ Franklin, and Baker Street Mystery series. Valerie is a member of Crime Writers of Color, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Dog Writers of America, and Thriller Writers International. Valerie has a Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern University, a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University. In addition to writing, Valerie works as a manager at a call center, and is also a mentor in the Writing Popular Fiction MFA Program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Born and raised in northwest Indiana, Valerie now lives in Northern Georgia with her two poodles.

Author Links

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/v-m-burns

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16534140.V_M_Burns

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

Website: vmburns.com

Purchase Links

Amazon Apple Books-A-Million Barnes and Noble Bookshop.org Google Play Hudson Booksellers Target KOBO Walmart

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

November 28 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

November 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 28 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 29 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – Island Confidential – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 30 – The Book Diva’s Reads – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 30 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

November 30 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

December 2 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

December 2 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

December 2 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

December 3 – My Reading Journeys – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

December 3 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

December 4 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Nadaness In Motion – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

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Celebrate Lit Presents: Building Character Through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

About the Book

Book: Building Character Through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books

Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

Genre: Devotional

Release Date: May 27, 2023

Bring the Bible into bedtime. After reading the picture book together, families can read the short devotion, discuss compelling questions (questions for younger and older children provided), and end with prayer together as the children prepare to sleep. The book includes 25 devotions matched with 25 popular and classical picture books. Each devotion includes a section for parents to go further in the discussion or to add an activity to continue the conversation the following day.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terrie Hellard-Brown uses her experiences as a mother of four (three on the autism spectrum), 35+ years in ministry (15 in Taiwan), and 35 years teaching to speak to the hearts of readers. She writes and speaks to empower children and adults to embrace everyday discipleship every day. She teaches workshops and writes devotional books, children’s stories, and Christian education materials.

Her podcast, Books that Spark, reviews children’s books that spark imagination, emotion, questions, and discussion leading to teachable moments with our kids.

Her blog discusses living as a disciple of Christ while discipling our children. She challenges us to step out of our comfort zones to walk by faith in obedience to Christ and to use the nooks and crannies of life to disciple our children.

More from Terrie

As an English teacher, pastor’s wife, and missionary, I LOVE books. I’ve taught every grade from pre-K to community college in my career and taught the Bible to people who didn’t know anything about the Bible or Jesus, and through it all, I’ve come back to the joy of picture books and the simplicity of sharing stories that change lives. Of course, I love teaching Shakespeare, Dickens, and C. S. Lewis, but picture books are still where my heart is. So, it was only natural that I combined my two favorite things: picture books and the Bible.

My friends affectionately call me the Picture Book Lady since I have one to offer for almost any topic, event, or purpose. This new devotional book is no different. A dear friend said one day, “You should write a devotional book based on picture books!” Who wouldn’t jump at such a fun project!?

I chose some of my favorite picture books where I found connections to Scripture, and I began to write devotions to go along with each book. I wanted to use general market books so that we can use whatever book we’re reading with our children to make spiritual connections and bring in lessons naturally in those teachable moments. That’s how Building Character Through Picture Books was born.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

Fiction Book Lover, November 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 22

For Him and My Family, November 23

Blossoms and Blessings, November 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 26 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

Cover Lover Book Review, November 28

Lots of Helpers, November 29

A Reader’s Brain, November 30 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

Guild Master, December 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terrie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and paperback copy of book!!

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/29096/building-character-through-picture-books-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense) by Deena Alexander

Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense)
by Deena Alexander

About Christmas in the Crosshairs

Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense)
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Setting – Seaport, Long Island, New York
Love Inspired Suspense (November 28, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335597794
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335597793
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BTJ3BSJW

A baby in need of protection—

and a hitman in pursuit.

After evading an attack, defense attorney Adam Spencer is on the run from a dangerous hitman. The killer’s wife is Adam’s only hope at apprehending the criminal—until she lands in the hospital. Now he must depend on her twin sister, Jaelyn Reed, to find the answers they need…all while protecting the baby niece Jaelyn didn’t know she had. But with threats at every turn, trust may be the deadliest trap…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About Deena Alexander

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena’s love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links

Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html
Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander
Newsletter: https://gmail.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d7e6e9ecdc0888d7324788ffc&id=42d52965df
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deena-Alexander/author/B08C1VKZFZ

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 28 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW

November 28 – Just Another Teen Reading Books – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 29 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

November 30 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 30 – Diane’s Book Journal – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

December 2 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

December 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 3 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

December 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

December 6 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

December 6 – Sapphyria’s Books – REVIEW

December 7 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

December 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

December 8 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

December 8 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

December 11 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

My Review

Wow! The author grabbed me with a great twist right at the very beginning! I found the answers to all of this went very deep, and actually very sad. There is so much action and a baby becomes the center to helping. Jaelyn is loved in this small town, and when she is thought to be injured, but people are soon seeing double. Enter Adam Spencer, a man whom has had his life destroyed, but still willing to help, and feeling he could have done more. Can you imagine finding a baby in a locked closet? Well yes, a beautiful baby girl, but why would anyone do that. Answers come along with more questions, but yes, sadly we do get most questions answered. I did love the epilogue! I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

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Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Spiked Punch (Maddie Sparks Mystery Series) by Lesley A Diehl

Spiked Punch (Maddie Sparks Mystery Series)
by Lesley A Diehl

About Spiked Punch

Spiked Punch (Maddie Sparks Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Upstate New York
Camel Press (November 14, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1684921252
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1684921256
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C6NR8C3G

On the other side of seventy, Maddie Sparks decides to spice up her life by changing her writing interests from cozy mysteries to romance. She also determines her appearance should reflect this transformation in her writing career. A sassy new haircut and more fashionable clothes complete the newer Maddie Sparks. Before she can begin this new chapter in her life, a stabbing death in the quiet country village she has made her home shocks the town’s residents.

When her son is accused of the murder, Maddie and the acting county sheriff come together to find the real killer. Their relationship soon blooms into more than one of shared determination to solve the murder. As they enjoy a hike in a nearby park, someone shoots the sheriff, barely missing Maddie. Another killer could be loose in the area, and the person may be closer to Maddie than she realizes. Maddie discovers parts of herself she didn’t know existed: real life romance with the sheriff, a talent for sleuthing and room in her life for a fuzzy, orange cat named “Spike.” This recent lease on life may be more exciting and more dangerous than Maddie expects.

About Lesley A. Diehl

Cows, Lesley learned growing up on a farm, have a twisted sense of humor. They chased her when she went to the field to herd them in for milking, and one ate the lovely red mitten her grandmother knitted for her. Determining that agriculture wasn’t a good career choice, instead she uses her country roots and her training as a psychologist to concoct stories designed to make people laugh in the face of murder. “A good chuckle,” says Lesley,” keeps us emotionally well-oiled long into our old age.” She is the author of the Eve Appel mysteries from Camel Press as well as several cozy mystery series and numerous short stories. Go to her webpage to find out more: www.lesleyadiehl.com.

Author Links
Website www.lesleyadiehl.com

Blog www.lesleyadiehl.com/blog

Facebook www.facebook.com/lesley.diehl.1

GoodReads www.goodreads.com/3414925.Lesley_A_Diehl

Amazon www.amazon.com/author/lesleydiehl

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo –

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 15 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Cozy, Suspenseful, and Sweet – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 18 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

November 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 20 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 22 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 23 – THANKSGIVING U.S.

November 24 – Sapphyria’s Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 25 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

November 26 – My Reading Journeys – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 27 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

November 28 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 29 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

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

The Amish Christmas Promise by Amy Lillard

A proposal out of obligation

Could become a promise of love…

Pregnant Amish widow Mattie Byler is stunned to find her late husband’s shunned twin brother at her door. Samuel Byler is back to fulfill a promise: to marry Mattie. Only he’s not the rogue Mattie remembers. This Christmas, he’s determined to do right by her and the community. Saying “yes” feels impossible. But if Samuel's vow won’t heal her grieving heart…maybe his love can.

Amazon

About The Author

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.

My Review

Amy Lillard brings us a story of inspiration, but also a story of forgiveness from the community and from oneself.

This is an Amish story of shunning, and yet there is some compassion. A story of doing what a bother wanted, and yet, living through your own pain.

A young widow with two daughters and another baby on the way, she is dealing with so much, and yet, you will see her living her faith, yet struggling with the rules!

A man unjustly accused, comes back after finding out his brother has died, he for once wants to do the right thing, but can he?

This is a page turner for answers, but it is also a story with so much emotion, and I loved how the story worked out, just wish it was a bit longer!

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

When Hattie Finds Love (Paradise Valley #4) by Amy Lillard

Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?

Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?

Amazon

About The Author

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

My Review

This is a story of second chances and more than one, but it is also a story a story of seasoned citizens finding happiness and a companion.

What starts out as an innocent bet, get grumpy Christian to smile and I'll wash the copper vats, and it is not a fun job at the popcorn shop, all that sticky sugar!

How could anything go wrong, surely outgoing Hattie can get a quick smile, and so a journey of lunches, ice cream, and of course whoopie pies.

I loved this page turner, and be aware this one will make you hungry, there is a lot to do with food, and maybe a few laugh out loud moments, along with some sweet romance!

I really enjoyed the epilogue!

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

Monday, November 27, 2023

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Cry Wolf (An Alaska Untamed Mystery) by Lark O. Jensen

Cry Wolf (An Alaska Untamed Mystery)
by Lark O. Jensen

About Cry Wolf

Cry Wolf (An Alaska Untamed Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Alaska
Crooked Lane Books (November 7, 2023)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639104550
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639104550
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BQLHWGDL

Perfect for fans of Paige Shelton, an Alaskan tour guide is bracing for winter when she realizes that the wolves aren’t the only predators on the prowl.

With boat tours off the coast of Alaska shut down for the winter, tour guide Stacie Calder is joining the dedicated team at the Juneau Wildlife World, a wild animal sanctuary. Along with Sasha, her husky companion, she’s prepared to spend the long season in the scenic park. But not everyone is so chipper about the newcomers—least of all, Stacie’s new manager, Oliver Brownling. He constantly gives Stacie a hard time, specifically because she brought Sasha along with her. That is, until his mauled body is found in a remote part of the sanctuary containing wolves.

When it becomes clear that a human was responsible for the brutal murder, all eyes are on Stacie. Encouraged by her friend, Officer Liam Amaruq of the Alaskan State Troopers, Stacie is resolved to find the murderer but knows that her investigation will be difficult with the long suspect list she’s made. Did the sanctuary director plot to get rid of Oliver? Or maybe it was one of Oliver’s coworkers, upset over a missed promotion? Stacie wonders about some of the newer employees, especially since Oliver’s personality made it easy to make enemies.

With the weather worsening, Stacie and Sasha are forced to stay at the sanctuary with the wolves—and her colleagues. As the storm gets worse, it’s clear that this killer has a taste for blood and may strike again. Will Stacie be able to find the murderer, or will the hunter become the hunted?

About Lark O. Jensen

Lark O. Jensen is the pseudonym of Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer. Lark wrote Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed mystery for Crooked Lane Books, in 2022, and the second in the series, Cry Wolf, has just been published. Linda has also written the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series and the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink and the Pet Rescue Mysteries and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Linda additionally writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and her stories often involve dogs.

Author Links

Website: http://www.LindaOJohnston.com

Blog: https://killerhobbies.blogspot.com (Wednesday blog)

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

Writerspace: https://www.writerspace.com/author/linda-o-johnston/

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Crooked Lane Books –

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 20 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 20 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

November 21 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

November 21 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW