Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: The Double Exposure Murder (A Robyn Cavanagh Mystery) by Jeanne Quigley

The Double Exposure Murder (A Robyn Cavanagh Mystery)
by Jeanne Quigley

About The Double Exposure Murder

 

The Double Exposure Murder (A Robyn Cavanagh Mystery)
Cozy Mystery


Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Garland, a fictional town in Orange County, NY
TouchPoint Press
Number of Pages: 270

Robyn Cavanagh enjoys a thriving second career as a portrait photographer in her beloved suburban hometown of Garland, New York. Having built a large portfolio of high school senior photos and family portraits, Robyn is thrilled when math teacher Brooke Gibson hires her to take photos of a different subject: 16 Clover Lane, the house Brooke has recently inherited from her late great-aunt. Brooke will soon put the home on the market and wants Robyn to take the photos for the real estate listing. Robyn thinks the cozy house will attract prospective buyers—until she finds bride-to-be Brooke’s battered body in the garden shed.

 

When Brooke’s mother asks her help in canceling the wedding plans, Robyn plays amateur sleuth and gathers clues while also collecting refunds from Brooke’s wedding vendors. With help from her friend Will Vonderlin, Robyn assembles evidence of a possible love triangle, financial indiscretions, and neighborhood feuds and builds a suspect list that includes Brooke’s fiancĂ©, a jealous relative, a longtime rival, and a shady bartender. The clues lead Robyn to the killer and a spectacular July Fourth finale complete with a marching band and a parade of howling dogs.


 

Excerpt

Yogi and I arrived at 16 Clover Lane a couple of minutes before 10:30. Brooke’s Ford Focus was parked in the carport.

Brooke didn’t respond to the first ring of the doorbell. I pressed the button again and waited a few seconds. The front door was open several inches, so I called to Brooke through the screen door. When she still didn’t answer, I assumed she was either in the bathroom or the backyard. I opened the screen door and entered the house, Yogi at my heels. The door to the powder room was open, and Brooke wasn’t in any of the first-floor rooms.

“Brooke! It’s Robyn.” I yelled up the staircase opposite the front door. I listened for a few seconds then headed into the kitchen. “Let’s go out back.”

The mystery deepened when I didn’t find Brooke on the patio. More possibilities ran through my mind. Brooke could be on a stroll around the block or in a neighbor’s house for a quick visit.

I called Brooke’s cell; when it went to voice mail, I ended the call without leaving a message. I’d text her, but before I started the message, a breeze blew open the shed door. The creaky door closed with a soft thud; then, another puff of wind urged it open again.

I spotted a can of paint on the ground outside the shed. “I should’ve known Brooke would fix the shed.”

Curious about the paint color Brooke had selected, I crossed the yard and bent over the paint can. I thought Brooke might have selected sunny yellow to match the house, but she had purchased a dark green shade. New paintbrushes and a drip pan lay on the grass next to the can. Did she plan to enlist me to help with the shed’s facelift?

The shed’s door creaked open and closed a third time. I moved to secure the door shut, but first I peeked inside and experienced an adrenaline rush like I’d never had. Fighting a growing sense of panic, I wrapped a length of the leash around my hand and pulled Yogi away from the supine form on the shed’s floor.

I took a second look at the still figure, clad in cut-off jeans and a white tank top. “Brooke!” Brooke’s mouth was open, and her eyes stared at the roof. Her nose was bloodied, and scratch marks stretched from her shoulders to her wrists. Her collarbone jutted out at a sickening angle.

I pushed back the door and told Yogi to lie down, making him a makeshift doorstop. He obeyed and watched me check Brooke for a pulse and breath.

It was a futile attempt, I knew, but a necessary one.

I stepped into the doorway and called 9-1-1, my glance fixed on the steel-blade shovel on the ground next to Brooke’s body.

About Jeanne Quigley

Jeanne Quigley is the author of the Veronica Walsh Mysteries and the Robyn Cavanagh mystery series. Unlike her fictional sleuths, she has never been a soap opera star or an accountant (though she was an accounting major for a few minutes in the spring of 1985), but she has worked for an educational publisher and in the music industry. A lifelong New Yorker, Jeanne lives in her native Rockland County.

Author Links

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

Blog https://www.jeannequigley.wordpress.com

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7229196.Jeanne_Quigley

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jeanne-Quigley/e/B00F8GRI3S


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TOUR PARTICIPANTS 

May 30 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

June 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 2 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

June 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

June 3 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 4 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

June 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

June 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy  – REVIEW

June 5 – Nadaness In Motion – REVIEW

June 6 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 8 – Girl with Pen – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST

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The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart

 

Inspired by an incredible true story, this poignant novel tells of one woman’s fight for love, life and hope during a time of unimaginable darkness.

Ana Kaminski is pushed through the iron gates of Auschwitz beside her frightened young friend Ester Pasternak. As they reach the front of the line, Ana steps forward and quietly declares herself a midwife – and Ester her assistant. Their arms are tattooed and they’re ordered to the maternity hut. Holding an innocent new-born baby, Ana knows the fate of so many are in her hands, and vows to do everything she can to save them.

When two guards in their chilling SS uniforms march in and snatch a blond-haired baby from its mother it’s almost too much for Ana to bear. Consoling the distraught woman, Ana realises amidst the terrible heartache there is a glimmer of hope. The guards are taking the healthiest babies and placing them with German families, so they will survive. And there are whispers the war is nearly over… Ana and Ester begin to secretly tattoo little ones with their mother’s numbers, praying one day they might be reunited.

Then, early one morning, Ana notices the small bump under Ester’s thin striped clothing…

Amazon


About The Author


I wanted to be an author from the moment I could pick up a pen and was writing boarding-school novels by the age of nine. I made the early mistake of thinking I ought to get a ‘proper job’ and went into Factory Planning – a career that gave me some wonderful experiences, amazing friends and even a fantastic husband, but didn’t offer much creative scope. So when I stopped to have children I took the chance to start the ‘improper job’ of writing. It's not been easy but I love it and can't see myself ever stopping.

The Berlin Zookeeper is the first in my new series of WW2 novels. It's a dual timeline novel set in Berlin Zoo in the present day and at the climax of the war, as the keepers battle to save the lives of both their animals and themselves in the face of terrible hardships. Coming this August is The Secret Diary, exploring the troubles facing a bold group of young women trying to integrate back into 'normal' society after life as a tight-knit team of 'gunner girls' - and trying to hide the secret that binds them...

I also write medieval fiction as Joanna Courtney.

I'd love to hear from you via my website - @annastuartbooks.com, on twitter - @annastuartbooks,or on facebook - @annastuartauthor

 

My Review


 
We all know of the horrors that took place in Europe during WWII, and with this read we put faces on those who ended up in Auschwitz. Sadly, although fiction, this is based on fact, and we need to never forget!
There are so many emotions here, and with the hate being displayed, I love the women the author gives us, that give their all, they have love and compassion for their fellow men, and are will to go to their grave for others.
So much loss, and with my heart in my throat, I was page turning for answers, and looking for those who survived this madness, and for finding their loved ones!
The author did a great job of pulling me into this read and not letting go!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookoutour, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

 

After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.

Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay—the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. But just as Cressida arrives, so does Violet’s conscription letter. It couldn’t have come at a worse time; how will she ever find a suitably aristocratic husband if she has to spend her days wearing a frumpy uniform and doing war work?

Meanwhile, the local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother’s gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local Sewing Circle meeting, Grace asks for her help—but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills.

Before long, Cressida’s spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves.

Amazon 

 

About The Author


Hello, I'm the author of National Bestseller The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, The Spies of Shilling Lane, and The Kitchen Front. Before I began writing, I was a nonfiction book editor with a passion for the Second World War. My warm and cheerful grandmother would tell stories about that era, both funny and fascinating, and the books are based on these.

If you have read any of my books, do get in touch and tell me what you think. And please visit my website for free monthly giveaways.

www.JenniferRyanAuthor.com

 

My Review


 

I really enjoyed this book, and the author places us in England, with bombs dropping and building crumbling. We are given a set of characters that we soon care about, and we begin with famous dress designer Cressida Westcott, a women who gave up the nobility life and forged a path of her own.
We travel with Cressida back to her roots, and with no other place to live she ends up in her childhood home. From here her life is set on a new track, a niece she didn’t know Violet, an old friends daughter, he is the Vicar, Grace, and a town of giving people, end up changing the lives of many.
This page turner of a read gives us a taste of community life, those who give all to make a special day more enjoyable for young brides, throw in a bit of romance, and dark times become brighter.
A book that once finished you would love to continue with!
I received this book through Net Galley and Ballantine Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

Monday, May 30, 2022

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise by Terry Ambrose


Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise
by Terry Ambrose

About Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise


Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Satori (May 23, 2022)
Pages ~325 Pages
Amazon and GoodReads Links Coming Soon

Rick Atwood is happy to welcome Henry and Tara Nicholas to his Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast. Henry owns a bakery and Tara, a bookstore. They seem like a nice couple—until Rick’s daughter Alex overhears Henry talking on his cellphone to his real wife. The situation blows up the following morning when Tara discovers Henry has been lying to her—thanks in part to Alex’s interference. Tara disrupts the entire breakfast service. She then demands Rick evict Henry.

 

After finding Henry a room at the town’s motel, Rick hopes the drama is over. But when Henry is found dead the following morning, Rick feels partially responsible. He and Chief of Police Adam Cunningham launch an official murder investigation. They quickly find multiple witnesses who saw Tara in Henry’s room at the time of the murder.

 

Alex, convinced Tara is innocent, launches her own undercover investigation. Her discovery puts her in a deadly showdown with a sociopath on a bluff near the Seaside Cove Lighthouse. What happens on the bluff could make or break the official murder investigation.

About Terry Ambrose

Once upon a time, in a life he’d rather forget, Terry Ambrose, tracked down deadbeats for a living. He also hired big guys with tow trucks to steal cars—but only when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons such as—always keep your car in the garage.

Terry has written eighteen books, several of which have been award finalists. In 2014, his thriller, “Con Game,” won the San Diego Book Awards for Best Action-Thriller. His series include the Trouble in Paradise McKenna Mysteries, the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mysteries, and the License to Lie thriller series.

You can learn more about Terry and his writing at terryambrose.com.

Author links:
Website    Facebook      Twitter     Instagram     BookBub     Goodreads    Amazon

Purchase – Amazon – Coming Soon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 23 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

May 23 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT  

May 24 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 25 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

May 25 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

May 26 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

May 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews -SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

May 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 28 – Ravenz Reviewz – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 29 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 29 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

May 30 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

May 31 – Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST

May 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

June 1 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST

June 1 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

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Saturday, May 28, 2022

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series by Elizabeth Pantley

 


Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series
by Elizabeth Pantley

About Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones 

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Better Beginnings, Inc. (May 20, 2022)
~350 Pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09W42KVV1

A boyfriend who’s missing. Or was. . . Or is. . . A boat full of old bones. A community ice cream social. A friend in trouble, a spiteful witch, and an angry villain. The mysteries and fun abound in Destiny Falls. Hayden, Latifa, and their family and friends are up for the excitement and adventure.

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones follows the series format of combining two stories that blend into one. A murder mystery and the island mystery.

The Island Mystery: Hayden’s boyfriend Han is missing. But she swears she saw him zoom by in his car. She’d thought it was a surprise, and that he was home early from his secret service case. She was wrong. The surprise is that his signal isn’t pinging, and no one knows where he is. There appears to be black magic behind his disappearance. Can they learn who’s responsible and bring Han safely home?

The Murder Mystery: A pile of old bones is found in an ancient fishing boat. They could be tied to the disappearance of two young women years ago, back when many of the Destiny Falls people where in high school. Many of the citizens had bad history with the missing students. Do the bones belong to them, and what happened? Were the they murdered? And could the murderer be living among them?

Hayden and Latifa’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this fun and intriguing series.

About Elizabeth Pantley

Elizabeth Pantley says that writing the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic book series is the most fun she’s ever had at work. Fans of the series say her joy is evident through the stories she tells. Elizabeth is also the internationally bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the beautiful inspiration for the enchanted Destiny Falls world.

Author Links

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24811.Elizabeth_Pantley
Website:  https://www.nocrysolution.com/books/
Newsletter Sign-up: https://www.nocrysolution.com/mailing-list/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DestinyFallsMysteryandMagic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethpantley/
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/nocrysolution/_saved/
Blog:  https://elizabethpantley.com/
Audiobook:  https://www.amazon.com/Falling-into-Magic-Destiny-Mystery/dp/B09DTF3Y15
Series link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MCSN2KD

Purchase Link – Amazon – 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 20 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, GUEST POST

May 21 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

May 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

May 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 23 – Novels Alive – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 25 – Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT

May 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 26 – Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST

May 27 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 28 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – Ruff Drafts – REVIEW

June 2 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

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Celebrate Lit Presents: Stranded on Sparrow by Rachel Skatvold

 

Stranded on Sparrow

About the Book

Book: Stranded on Sparrow

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 26, 2022

Sparrow-SKATVOLD-Stranded-on-Sparrow-663x1024 

If His eye is on the sparrow, where does that leave her?

Lia Diaz’s life has become an illusion. Fired from her perfect job, she’s living a lie to avoid censure from her critical family. So when Lia gets a call about her nana’s recent fall, she heads to Nana’s house to help out and regroup.

Things are looking up until she discovers that her childhood refuge, Nana’s home on Sparrow Island, has been condemned in the wake of Hurricane Arley. Time to regroup—again.

Getting stranded on Sparrow Island while visiting the house was not in those revised plans.

After “rescuing” his niece and a motley crew of animals, some might say Zachary Nolan has a hero complex. Zachary never thought that he would live life as a single dad. However, as a web designer he is able to spend lots of time with Violet, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. A call for help when Lia gets stranded there sends him rushing to the rescue. That hero complex thing again.

A hero and his niece offer new hope to Lia—maybe God’s eye is on Sparrow Island after all.

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rachel-Bio-Pic 

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

 

More from Rachel

When I first saw the beautiful purple shade of the cover for Stranded on Sparrow, I knew I wanted to dedicate the book to my older sister, Jenny. Purple is her favorite color and like the main character in my book, Jenny is a talented photographer. She has taken most of my author photos and also our family photos every year. She has a good eye for choosing the right lighting and pose to perfectly complement the people she’s photographing. When my youngest son was a toddler, no professional photographer could persuade him to smile for a picture, except Jenny.

Besides her photography, Jenny was a positive role model for me growing up. She taught me how to be independent, comfortable in my own skin, and willing to try new things. She was also the person who taught me how to do my makeup. Similar to Lia in my book, Jenny’s adventurous and spunky personality makes her a fun person to be with. Through funny movie quotes, inside jokes between us and much more, she always manages to make me laugh when we are together. I am blessed to have a big sister like her.

This book is also inspired by a verse from Mathew 10:29-31. The verse says, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

There is a song my mom used to sing at church when I was a child that still encourages me called, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” It is comforting to know our Heavenly Father takes such good care of His creation and cares even more for us. Things will go wrong in life but we can have peace knowing God is in control and never abandons His children.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27

Texas Book-aholic, May 28

Inklings and notions, May 29

lakesidelivingsite, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

deb’s Book Review, May 31

Aryn the Libraryan, June 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

Miriam Jacob, June 4

Blossoms and Blessings, June 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

She Lives To Read, June 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 7

Blogging With Carol, June 8

Sylvan Musings, June 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1e374/stranded-on-sparrow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, May 27, 2022

Celebrate Lit Presents: Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes

 

Night Songs

About the Book

Book: Night Songs

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Women’s Christian Fiction/ Romance

Release date: April 12, 2022

Night-Songs-663x1024 

What’s a girl to do when her life sounds ripped from the lyrics of a country music song?

Charlotte Van Cleave’s hissy-fit reaction to her husband’s infidelity sours her world like a pot of boiled chitlins. She’s left with no husband, no job, and no home—well, besides the dilapidated farmhouse inherited from her nana.

But Charlie learned early that southern girls dig deep when things go sideways. She’d climbed out of the mire when her missionary parents were killed in Congo, endured two late-term miscarriages, and survived the death of her nana and papaw. Too poor to paint and too proud to whitewash, Charlie follows a new path with her interior design skills.

Derek Daniels spent his life serving his country until a helicopter accident ended his military career. Now back home on the family farm, he’s stuck between his philandering brother, Nicky, and the only girl he’s ever loved—sweet Charlie Van Cleave. Unwilling to cross a line, he vows to keep his feelings to himself. Easier said than done when Charlie discovers a mystery surrounding her parents’ death and asks him to help investigate.

What’ll Charlie and Derek have to do to turn those lyrics into a country hit?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jennifer-Siennes 

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education, but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies including several in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

 

More from Jennifer

I love everything about the South. The seasons are more vibrant, the pace is slower, and the hospitality warmer than what I’ve previously experienced. I wasn’t born and raised here, but I’ve always felt an affinity for it. When my husband and I relocated from Northern California to middle Tennessee over three years ago, I was happier than ol’ Blue layin’ on the porch chewin’ on a big ol’ catfish head. Yes, there are times we need a translator, but we’re quick studies.

 

Setting is an important element of storytelling, whether it’s fictional or true. I will be the first person to tell you, I don’t have much imagination. I don’t read or write fantasy or sci-fi because I can’t picture myself in the story. I am in awe of writers who are able to create an alternate world in their minds and then share it in a story. Me? I need to see it to write it.

 

For that reason, I was very excited about how this move from the only place I’ve ever known to one I’d dreamt about most of my life would impact my novels and novellas. We landed here in the middle of July to magnolia trees with waxy leaves as big as my head and sweet-smelling white blossoms I couldn’t enclose in both hands. Mockingbirds chattering all hours of the day (and a lone guy at night), bright red cardinals flitting from tree to tree, and even an armadillo or two lumbering across our yard.

 

The character of Charlotte Van Cleave (Charlie) was born out of my imagination. Why I can create fake people but not fake settings is anyone’s guess. Her nana and pawpaw’s dilapidated farmhouse is a real home that had been abandoned outside the city limits of Shelbyville, Tennessee—in Bedford County, which is also the title of the series. I saw the house through a real estate website, and fortunately for me, it was empty. My husband and I snuck around the perimeter looking through broken widows to get a feel for the place. It didn’t hurt that there were several photos on the website, as well.

 

The rest of the story came in fits and starts. I first decided on Charlie’s personality, because if I know that, it’s easier to trip her up with all manner of chaos. If you’re familiar with the enneagram personality indicator, she’s a three—the Achiever. The other main character, Derek Daniels, is a six—the Loyalist. Throw in missionary parents, sibling rivalry, and southern culture and a story was born.

 

While I was working on Night Songs the mockingbirds were particularly active. They’re the Tennessee state bird, so they’re always around, but it’s only during the mating season they are vocal. I was lying awake in the middle of the night, and I heard one of them singing. I’d only ever heard them during the day, so I was surprised. Why would a lone mockingbird be singing at night? What I learned after a little research is that only those who are mate-less will do this. It made me sad to hear the little guy over the next several nights, pouring out his heart. Not unlike Charlie Van Cleave. Thus, a title was born.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Daysong Reflections, May 18

Genesis 5020, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 20

Inklings and notions, May 21

Susan K. Beatty, Author, May 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 22

deb’s Book Review, May 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 26

Miriam Jacob, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28

Back Porch Reads, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1db53/night-songs-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Presents: All That the Locusts Have Eaten: God’s Redemption Through Loss and Heartache by Chuck Carr

 

Locusts Have Eaten

About the Book

Book: All That the Locusts Have Eaten: God’s Redemption Through Loss and Heartache

Author: Chuck Carr

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction, Christian Inspirational

Release date: August 22, 2020

All That the Locusts Have EatenAre you suffering from loss? Confused? Do you feel like the world is set against you? Inspiring, this dynamic narrative non-fiction read tells the true story of how one man journeyed from the pit of despair to the purpose filled life God intended him to live. Mingled with poetry, scripture, and literary allegories, this artistically crafted masterpiece is sure to breathe life into even those in the deepest struggles.

Chuck Carr was raised on a farm by Christian parents and attended church each Sunday. Right after graduation, he married his college sweetheart and lived a life of fulfilled dreams.

Until it all fell apart.

In the true story of All That the Locusts Have Eaten, Chuck recounts how tragedy after tragedy struck his life, nearly destroying him. Depressed, desolate, and devastated, Chuck leaned into his faith in God to find answers.

Interwoven in this raw and personal account, Chuck shares intimate journal thoughts and asks hard-hitting questions designed to make the reader think. In a hero’s journey applicable to us all, he reveals how he found restoration after years of heartbreak, and how God put his life back together.

All That the Locusts Have Eaten will encourage readers who have suffered any type of loss. If you have struggled with overwhelming difficulties, you are not alone. Like Chuck, you, too, can discover hope for the future once again.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chuck Carr 

As a former youth pastor, Chuck Carr has influenced hundreds of people throughout his life. Author of The Convergence, Navigating Grief, All That the Locusts Have Eaten, and Wonders In The Deep, he desires to help others live effectively despite hardships, as his testimony proves that sufferings can be changed into blessings. Losing a spouse in 2008, he strives to help those hurting from the same pain. While working on the family dairy farm, a life altering accident in 2018 left him with a traumatic brain injury, and his vision and life goal has been refocused to help others heal from devastating traumas. Now remarried to a woman of shared life goals, he has chosen to live with purpose despite his injuries, being an inspiration to others. He currently continues writing books and blogging and can be found at www.Chuck-Carr.com.

 

More from Chuck

Sometimes life hits you unexpected, and when it doesn’t let up, you might feel a bit bewildered.  That was me, when time after time I kept getting up, only to get knocked right back down again.  I couldn’t understand why bad things kept happening to me, a good person, a good man.  I was doing things the right way, so I thought.  I married a God-fearing woman.  I was using my life for God’s purpose.  I had devoted my life to teaching the next generation as a youth pastor.  Everything should have been smooth and easy, right?  Amid a dark storm, nothing seemed easy.  Why hardship hit so relentlessly was a mystery to me.  Things didn’t seem fair.  And when nothing made sense, I was reeling, searching, and found myself on the backside of the wilderness screaming to a God who only seemed to have a deaf ear turned my way.  Sound familiar?  In this book, I take you on a great journey to find answers when most answers seemed bleak, if not non-existent.  Take God’s hand with me, he’s there, I promise.  I’ll show you how his voice is so clear and distinct, even when we have trouble seeing which way is up.  All That the Locusts Have Eaten is a testament to how God can bring us through, and that, in unexpected ways.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

Simple Harvest Reads, May 25 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, May 26

For the Love of Literature, May 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 27

deb’s Book Review, May 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

Beauty in the Binding, June 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3

Splashes of Joy, June 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 5 (Author Interview)

Miriam Jacob, June 5

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chuck is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & signed 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1df1b/all-that-the-locusts-have-eaten-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Celebrate Lit Presents: Taming Julia by Jodie Wolfe

 

Taming Julia

About the Book

Book: Taming Julia

Author: Jodie Wolfe

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: November 2011

TamingJulia_w12704_750

In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.

Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

JodieCowboy2 

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania.

 

More from Jodie

I love mail-order bride stories, so I wondered what would happen if a pastor advertised for a genteel woman and the opposite showed up instead. I thought I could further complicate things by having the couple marry by proxy before she even arrives. Just that scenario alone made for a fun story to write.

 

My heroine, Jules Walker moved to Kansas from Texas to be a mail-order bride, even though she didn’t know what that was at the time. For most of her adult life, she’s helped her brother track outlaws in Texas as part of his job as a deputy US Marshal.

 

As part of the story, she has to come to terms with a traumatic event in her past. I won’t share more so I don’t spoil it for you, but I needed somewhere in Texas for this incident to take place. Because my husband’s aunt and uncle live in Texas, they were a wealth of resources when it came to accurately describing the area. One place in particular is called the Narrows and it’s situated close to them, but it’s on private property.

 

A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to travel and visit them. We received special permission to go on the private ranch and see the Narrows. It’s an unexpected area with sharp limestone rocks, and a deep cavern carved out by the Blanco River. Most times, it’s a sleepy waterway, but when the area has a flash flood, water rushes through the cavern and often to the top. When this happens, you can hear the water gushing from far away.

 

I so enjoyed being able to see the area first-hand. There are places where the water is shallow and others that are extremely deep pools. It has such a distinct beauty. At some point I hope to use this setting in another book.

 

That’s a small snapshot into how Taming Julia came to life. I hope you’ll enjoy the story of two unlikely people who are thrown together.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 25 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, May 28

deb’s Book Review, May 29

For the Love of Literature, May 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 2

Connie’s History Classroom, June 3

Inklings and notions, June 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 5

Blossoms and Blessings, June 6 (Author Interview)

Vicarious Living, June 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of an audio CD of 12 historical novels and novellas. Stories of chivalry, adventure and romance!!

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/1e36a/taming-julia-celebration-tour-giveaway

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Cats, Carats and Killers (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries) by T. C. LoTempio

  Cats, Carats and Killers (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries) by T. C. LoTempio About Cats, Carats, and Killers Cats, Carat...