Friday, June 30, 2023

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: A Crafty Collage of Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery) by Lois Winston

A Crafty Collage of Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)
by Lois Winston

About A Crafty Collage of Crime

A Crafty Collage of Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
12th in Series
Setting – New Jersey and Tennessee
Independently Published (June 16, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 258 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C4BHYXLB

Wherever crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack goes, murder and mayhem follow. Her honeymoon is no exception. She and new husband, photojournalist (and possible spy) Zachary Barnes, are enjoying a walk in the Tennessee woods when they stumble upon a body on the side of a creek. The dead man is the husband of one of the three sisters who own the winery and guest cottages where Anastasia and Zack are vacationing.

When the local sheriff sets his sights on the widow as the prime suspect, her sisters close ranks around her. The three siblings are true-crime junkies, and thanks to a podcaster who has produced an unauthorized series about her, Anastasia’s reputation for solving murders has preceded her to the bucolic hamlet. The sisters plead for her help in finding the real killer. As Anastasia learns more about the women and their business, a host of suspects emerge, including several relatives, a relentless land developer, and even the sisters themselves.

Meanwhile, Anastasia becomes obsessed with discovering the podcaster’s identity. Along with knowing about Anastasia’s life as a reluctant amateur sleuth, the podcaster has divulged details of Anastasia’s personal life. Someone has betrayed Anastasia’s trust, and she’s out to discover the identity of the culprit.

Craft project included.

About Lois Winston

USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Lois Winston began her award-winning writing career with Talk Gertie to Me, a humorous fish-out-of-water novel about a small-town girl going off to the big city and the mother who had other ideas. That was followed by the romantic suspense Love, Lies and a Double Shot of Deception.

Then Lois’s writing segued unexpectedly into the world of humorous amateur sleuth mysteries, thanks to a conversation her agent had with an editor looking for craft-themed mysteries. In her day job Lois was an award-winning craft and needlework designer, and although she’d never written a mystery—or had even thought about writing a mystery—her agent decided she was the perfect person to pen a series for this editor. Thus, was born the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, which Kirkus Reviews dubbed “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” The series now includes twelve novels and three novellas. Lois also writes the Empty Nest Mysteries, currently at two novels, and one book so far in her Mom Squad Capers series.

To date Lois has published twenty-one novels, five novellas, several short stories, one children’s chapter book, and one nonfiction book on writing, inspired by her twelve years working as an associate at a literary agency. To learn more about Lois and her books, visit her at www.loiswinston.com where you can sign up for her newsletter and follow her at various social media sites.

Author Links

Website: http://www.loiswinston.com

Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r2e9v1

Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog: www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/anasleuth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/722763.Lois_Winston

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lois-winston

Purchase Links:
Amazon Kobo Barnes & Noble Apple Books

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 19 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

June 19 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

June 20 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 20 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 21 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

June 22 – Jane Reads – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 23 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 23 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 24 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

June 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 25 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 26 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

June 27 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 28 – My Reading Journeys – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 30 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 30 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

July 1 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 2 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Celebrate Lit Presents: Beneath a Peaceful Moon Author: Debby Lee

About the Book

Book: Beneath a Peaceful Moon

Author: Debby Lee

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: June, 2023

Mary’s Language Skills Could Help End the War in the Pacific
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Mary Wishram is desperate to hang on to her few loved ones, a brother fighting in the South Pacific and Japanese friends in a relocation camp. Determined to end the war by any means necessary, she is willing to use her language skills as Yakama tribe member to become a spy and face any danger to bring them all home safe.

John Painted Horse struggles with the loss of his father who died in WWI for a country that didn’t consider him a United States citizen, much less give him the right to vote. He is desperate to bring long overdue recognition and honor to his people, no matter the cost.

Can they heal from their past traumas and find a peace, love, and a deeper relationship with God, before it’s too late?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Debby Lee was raised in the cozy little town of Toledo, Washington. She has been writing since she was a small child, and has written several novels, but never forgets home. The Northwest Christian Writers Association and Romance Writers of America are two organizations that Debby enjoys being a part of. As a self professed nature lover, and an avid listener of 1960’s folk music, Debby can’t help but feel like a hippie child who wasn’t born soon enough to attend Woodstock. She wishes she could run barefoot all year long, but often does anyway in the grass and on the beaches in her hamlet that is the cold and rainy southwest Washington. During football season, Debby cheers on the Seattle Seahawks along with legions of other devoted fans. She’s also filled with wanderlust and dreams of visiting Denmark, Italy, and Morocco someday. Debby loves connecting with her readers through her website at www.booksbydebbylee.com

More from Debby

MY ATTEMPT AT MEATHOD WRITING

It was a warm, sunny September morning on my uncle’s farm, where I used an entrenching tool to dig my foxhole. A gentle breeze blew as I dug, and cooled my sweat-streaked forehead. The little shovel, with a handle roughly three feet long, did a fair job of breaking the dirt beneath my feet. Scoopful by scoopful, I managed to dig a hole about two feet deep, six feet long, and three feet wide.

I stood over this gaping pit that looked more like a grave. This was where I intended to sleep when darkness fell. I wondered, asked myself, “Will I make it through the night?”

My husband and I walked the perimeter of my uncle’s property. We noticed evidence of coyotes not more than one-hundred yards from my foxhole. Though my husband agreed to sleep in his truck not far from me, with a loaded pistol at the ready, we were still nervous about my sleeping arrangements. A few relatives laughed at my idea. I’m sure they thought I wouldn’t last more than a few hours out there that night.

I found a bucket old tin cans and a roll of string. I used my entrenching tool as a hammer and pounded holes in the cans and then strung a trip wire. Surely this would scare away any curious predators. I hoped.

My husband did tell me, “If you hear wolves or coyotes howling, get in the truck!”

By this time it was late in the evening and I was starving. In an attempt to stay in character, I reached for an MRE. That’s Meals Ready to Eat, today’s equivalent to K rations and C rations. I never thought I’d be hungry enough to suck cold mashed potatoes from a plastic pouch.

I went to bed that night clutching my entrenching tool, ready to fight off any critters who ventured too close. Sleep didn’t come easy that night. The ground was hard, uneven, and cold, bone-chilling cold. I shivered and shivered in a futile effort to keep warm.

The things that ran through my mind. I gazed at the inky, black sky and located the North Star. I thought of runaway slaves. How cold and terribly frightened they had to have been. And how brave and courageous, too.

Later, I realized my trip wire was enough to alert me to coyotes, but not snakes or rats. Was I strong enough, mentally, physically, to beat off a hoard of rats? A pack of hungry coyotes, if they broke through my tripwire?

Honestly, I was terrified. Not necessarily of falling to sleep, but falling to sleep and being jolted awake having to fight for my safety. I meditated on scriptures and continuously whispered, “If I can just make it until daylight.”

I don’t think I slept more than three hours that night, an hour here, another there. The sun lightened the gray sky. I climbed from my foxhole, my back and muscles were stiff and sore, but I was thankful to see the sun.

I was thankful for so much more. My night in a foxhole was ludicrously luxurious compared to those brave soldiers who fought during WWII and the wars since then. At least I didn’t have to contend with bombs or grenades raining down on me.

I can’t imagine going to bed night after night, wondering if bombs, grenades, or gunfire would pierce the air, wondering if my buddies and I would be shot or blown to bits, wondering if I’d live to see sunrise. My respect for soldiers grew a thousand-fold that night.

I’ve visited my uncle’s farm several times since then. I always gaze across the partially wooded forty acres and I remember that night. And remember the sacrifices our soldiers made for me, for democracy, and for freedom.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 28

lakesidelivingsite, June 29

Cover Lover Book Review, June 29

Texas Book-aholic, June 30

For Him and My Family, June 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 1

Connie’s History Classroom, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Mary Hake, July 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 4

Pause for Tales, July 5

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 6 (Author Interview)

annette_reads_daily, July 6

Betti Mace, July 7

Labor Not in Vain, July 8

Blossoms and Blessings, July 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 9

Lights in a Dark World, July 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debby is giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift 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/2678d/beneath-a-peaceful-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Murder To My Ears (An Octavia Fields Mysteries) by Rebecca McKinnon

Murder To My Ears (An Octavia Fields Mysteries)
by Rebecca McKinnon

About Murder to My Ears

Murder To My Ears (An Octavia Fields Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Independently Published (June 30, 2023)
Print Length 260 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C7LT56BD

Octavia Fields should know better than to judge things by their appearance. After all, most people don’t expect a nomadic hippie to be a classical violist—let alone one who runs a seasonal music shop at Aerie Pines, the summer home of the Aerie Peaks Symphony.

But when her business season starts off on the wrong note, it’s obviously the persnickety concertmaster’s fault. If he hadn’t turned up dead—leaving Octavia to find his body— she wouldn’t have to deal with the handsome detective who isn’t sure what to think of her impressive arrest record.

With symphony members cornering Octavia to pass on “evidence” by way of sotto-voce rumors, it shouldn’t surprise her to learn the helpful musicians aren’t the only ones who believe Octavia’s helping with the investigation. When a threatening letter arrives, it’s clear the killer thinks she’s playing harmony to the detective, too.

When the detective doesn’t appear to be making progress on the case, Octavia decides it’s up to her to solve the mystery—before the killer hears their cue to silence her!

About Rebecca McKinnon

Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.

Website/Social Media Links:

Website – https://rebeccamckinnon.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMcKinnonAuthor

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamckinnon_author/?hl=en

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4993788.Rebecca_McKinnon

Purchase Link – Amazon -

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 21 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 22 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 22 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

June 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 23 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 24 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

June 24 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 25 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

June 25 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

June 26 – Jane Reads – REVIEW

June 26 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

June 27 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

June 27 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 28 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 28 – StoreyBook Reviews - AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 29 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

June 29 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 30 - Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 30 - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Heart for News Author: Susan K. Beatty

About the Book

Book: A Heart for News

Author: Susan K. Beatty

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 30, 2023

Will a heart for news get a scoop on love?

Though Margo Durand invests her whole heart into working for her family’s newspaper, her father refuses to modernize, and she harbors a secret fear of approaching interviewees and all things dangerous—except riding her Vespa everywhere. But when Margo follows evidence that two government officials are corrupt, Margo discovers danger, intrigue, and a legal sort of blackmail.

Professional race car driver, Steve Grayson, arrives to finish recuperating and overcome his fear of getting back on the track while pursuing his desire to open a race car driving school on Le Cadeau Île. If he can find the money and convince the owner to sell.

When Margo’s best friend sets Margo up with Steve as a tour guide, conveniently forgetting to tell him Margo is a reporter, they tour the islands until Steve is willingly dragged into the investigation. The investigation only opens new questions, creates new trials, and has the potential to destroy their budding romance.

Does pursuing a relationship just before he leaves to take part in one last racing season even make sense?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan K. Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her life-long dream of becoming a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September 2019, and now an awarding winner author, this is her third novel, with several novelettes and short stories to her credit. She is passionate about finding courage through faith and grit. Susan lives with her husband of forty-nine years in Southern California. Add children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the mix and she has little time for her favorite hobbies of reading, watching classic movies, British crime dramas, and traveling.

More from Susan

Long ago, when I was a journalism student and then a newspaper reporter, the idea of running a small-town newspaper “out west” fascinated me and was part of my daydreams. Of course, there hadn’t been an “out west” for decades before I had such ideas.

When Celebrate Lit asked me to be part of the Suamalie Islands series and I needed to choose a business for my main character, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to run a small-town newspaper, at least in fiction.

Margo, the main character, works for her father, the owner and publisher. But he’s stuck in the 20^th century, and our modern heroin dreams of bringing the paper into the 21^st century, much to her father’s despair. It was fun to explore the push and pull between generations, between old-school methods and new technology.

Although Margo is the heroine who finds the courage to expose the corrupt politicians, she has one major flaw, a fear, that hinders a news reporter’s job. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, so you’ll have to read A Heart for News to find out what her problem was.

Then there’s the male main character, Steve Grayson, a famous race car driver, who comes to the Suamalies to recover from a racing accident and to face his own fears. And to pursue his own dream of building a driving school and racetrack.

After a rocky beginning, Margo and Steve collaborate to meet those fears head on and to see if, together, they can realize their impossible dreams, and just maybe find love.

I hope readers are encouraged overcome their fears and to pursue their own so-called impossible dreams.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 20

Aryn the Libraryan, June 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22

She Lives to Read, June 23

An Author’s Take, June 24

Texas Book-aholic, June 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 27

lakesidelivingsite, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Simple Harvest Reads, June 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 2 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/26778/a-heart-for-news-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

A Single Dad in Amish Country: A Clean and Uplifting Romance by Patricia Johns

All single mom and soon-to-be commercial pilot Hazel Dobbs expects from her Amish B&B vacation is gorgeous farmland, fresh air and delicious food. No one mentioned handsome landscaper Joe Carter—or his irrepressible little girl. Suddenly Hazel sees the possibilities of a whole new family. But with her biggest dream finally on the horizon, falling in love looks like the ultimate crash landing.

Amazon

About The Author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance for Harlequin Inc. and Kensington Books.

She writes from Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband and son.

My Review

This read is part of a series, but they can be read alone.
This is a story of single parents, one with her daughter about to leave the nest for college, and then he has a preschooler, yes, both have daughters.
Not much in common, well, experience, and a precocious four year old, brings these two together.
He thinks he might want a wife to stay home and make the family whole, one who will take care of his daughter. She is finally able to do her own thing, she is about to land her dream job, and fly free.
Can these two find common ground? Well the journey for answers will keep you page turning, and kept my attention!
Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck

Twenty years ago, the summer of '77 was supposed to be the best summer of Summer Wilde's life. She and her best friends, Spring, Autumn, and Snow--the Four Seasons--had big plans.

But those plans never had a chance. After a teenage prank gone awry, the Seasons found themselves on a bus to Tumbleweed, "Nowhere," Oklahoma, to spend eight weeks as camp counselors. All four of them arrived with hidden secrets and buried fears, and the events that unfolded in those two months forever altered their friendships, their lives, and their futures.

Now, thirtysomething, Summer is at a crossroads. When her latest girl band leaves her in a motel outside Tulsa, she is forced to face the shadows of her past. Returning to the place where everything changed, she soon learns Tumbleweed is more than a town she never wanted to see again. It's a place for healing, for reconciling the past with the present, and for finally listening to love's voice.

Amazon

About The Author

Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is the recipient of RT's Career Achievement Award.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was filmed for an original Hallmark movie.

Hauck has been acclaimed for her split time novels and royal romances.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

In other news, she's recently learned how to hard boil an egg. She's quite proud.

Visit her at www.rachelhauck.com or www.facebook.com/rachelhauck

My Review

Four Florida friends from kindergarten are about to sprout their wings and go to college in the fall, but alas a teenage prank, and they are doing community service in Oklahoma.

This story is told in dual time, spanning twenty years, and begins at the camp they are sent to, and it becomes a catalyst to life changing decisions, but the four do add a new member!

The story is primarily Summer's life, but yes, we do get involved in Springs, Autumns, and Snows, and baby Seasons! They are also dealing with a death of a season's brother. There are big bomb shells, and wow surprises, I never saw coming!

By the end of the summer you will wonder if the Season's will even still be friends, but keep turning those pages!

I received this through the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Her Pretend Amish Boyfriend (Surprised by Love #5) by Rachel J. Good

Hiding a painful secret, valley newcomer Noah Riehl is looking for a fresh start with few complications. He hopes his job at the Farmer’s Market will give him the quiet life he craves. But light-hearted Caroline Hartzler has other ideas. She practically falls in love with him at first sight. And when she asks Noah for a not-so-simple favor—and won’t take no for answer—he finds himself reluctantly agreeing…

Caroline refuses to listen to the gossip that has followed Noah into the valley, or even to her own daed’s warnings. She’s taken with Noah and his gentle, generous spirit. In fact, he’s the perfect person to help her discourage an unwanted suitor—by pretending they’re courting. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Caroline must remind herself that their relationship is just a temporary ruse. But she’s not the only one struggling. . . Secretly, Noah’s feelings for Caroline deepen more than he thought possible, helping him renew his faltering faith. But when rumors about his past threaten to ruin them both, they must pray that the truth leads them to the blessed union they long for.

Amazon

About The Author

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities. In searching for the best Amish soft pretzels, she's visited many Amish markets, auctions, and mud sales. Because of her love of Amish food, she tries to include recipes in her books as often as possible. When she's not traveling, she spends time with family and writing.

In addition to her Amish novels, she's written more than 60 books, including children's educational books, adult nonfiction, and fiction for children and teens under several pen names. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Rachel enjoys meeting readers and speaks regularly at book events, schools, libraries, churches, book clubs, and conferences across the country. She also loves talking about Amish life, using authentic Amish clothes and goods, and/or doing coloring parties.

You can connect with Rachel on her website (http://www.racheljgood.com) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels).

My Review

This is book 5 in this series, an we are reunited with old friends, and some not so welcoming!

This is Caroline's story, and yes, we have met her previously, but this is also Noah Rielhl's story, he is now an auctioneer. Fate puts these two together and we are there to see how people react to this. To get out of a sticky situation, Caroline insinuates that Noah is her boyfriend, um, and thus the title of this read comes into play.

When some serious facts become know, everyone is soon shaking their heads and changing their mind as to their opinion of a young man. Enter our dear Mrs Vandenberg, and her inspirational wisdom, and we are gifted another page turning read!

Will justice be served?

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

this Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.

Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she's kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they're up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.

As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what's really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.

Amazon

About The Author

Cindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker. Raised and living in the mountains of East Tennessee, she spins tales of life in the deep crevices of the Appalachian mountains. Cindy is proud of her mountain heritage and her desire is to see this culture live on in history. "Children aren't taught in school about the innovation and determination of the mountain people or about the heritage that is richly embedded in them. These are the people who helped forge America and these are the people who have the brawn and guts to stand by their families, heritage, and beliefs." Cindy's desire is to continue to weave the stories, despite their hardships, that show the resilience of the Appalachian culture. Being raised in these mountains and having family who practiced the old ways, Cindy writes from a deep love and experience of the mountains of East Tennessee. Who better to pen the stories of the people, than someone who knows it first hand.?

Aside from her writing, Cindy co-founded ChristianDevotions.us and served as managing editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of Iron Stream Media. She teaches at Christian Writers Conferences and ladies retreats and ladies conferences across the country. Her devotions are heartfelt and honest. Edgy and inviting. Cindy serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life coach. She shares mentoring with Lori Marett at Writing Right Author Mentoring Service. Author of four non-fiction books, Cindy's fiction debut novel, Mercy's Rain(Kregel Publishing), won book of the year and her second novel, Liar's Winter has won numerous awards. Cindy's 3rd Appalachian Novel, Revell Publishing, What Momma Left Behind, also received a gold medal in the national Illumination Awards and was named Christian Market Novel of the Year. She has contributed to CBN.com and InspireaFire.com and serves as the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit her at www.cindysproles.com or contact her at cindyksproles@gmail.com

My Review

A story that will pull you in and not leave until the end.

Prayers to not die alone, are answered here, but is the person here for Minerva, or for what wealth he is hoping to find?

Well more than one person shows up on the old mountain looking for Minerva Jenkins, and they are looking for the gold, but one look at the place that this 94 year old woman lives in, and they should know there isn't any gold, but sometimes gold isn't what we think!

A woman who has lived her life playing second fiddle, but as we page turner we learn more and more. I felt sad for Minerva, such a young age to marry, 14, and never see her folks again.

There is drama, and there is feisty Minerva, and she sure tells it like it is. Enter Del, she tells him to get lost and not return! He does of course!

What a wonderful job the author does bringing this story alive, we get to know Minerva, and how she guards secrets, and in the end I was glad she did.

This is a read that shows how prayers are answered, not always as we want, but how they should be!

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

A Murder of Aspic Proportions (A Sunflower Café Mystery, #2) by Amy Lillard

Twenty-something Sissy Yoder never imagined herself running her Aunt Bethel’s café, but her help is needed, so she’s making a go of it. And she must admit that life in tiny Yoder has been anything but
dull–she’s already solved one homicide—after being named the prime suspect in the case! Enjoying a peaceful respite after all that excitement, Sissy just wants to write her advice column, hang out with her loyal Yorkie, Duke, and procure some of local farmer Walt Summers’ scrumptious “To Die For” tomatoes for the Sunshine Café’s menu. But when the unsavory Summers–resented by just about everyone in town–turns up murdered in his garden shed, it’s up to Sissy to roll up her sleeves, dig for some clues, and weed out the culprit.

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

We are back with Sissy Yoder, and she is still helping out her Aunt Bethel at the Cafe in Yoder Kansas! The place is full of Yoder's, and most are related to Sissy, even if she doesn't really know them. Her parents had left the faith, and she is now reconnecting with them.

Now this is the second book in this series, and again Sissy discovers a body! Is she again a suspect? Well, we are on a journey for answer, and enjoy the memorable people of this town, along with a lesson on fertilizer!

Could there also be a romance about to start for Sissy? Guess I'll wonder about that as I look forward to the next book in this series!

A fun read!

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

Monday, June 26, 2023

Celebrate Lit Presents: Unassailable Author: K.J. Rowe

About the Book

Book: Unassailable

Author: K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/Young Adult

To be picture perfect on the outside can cause people to think you have it all together on the inside. Which is exactly the case for Hope Meyer.

Stuck in a dead-end job with no vision for her future, parents arguing at home and newly-single under terms she bitterly objects to, Hope puts on a brave front in the face of friends. Only, she’s not as subtle as she thinks. Called out on her pretense by a close friend and, drawn into a mission project that causes her to question everything she’s been led to believe, Hope finds herself floundering.

Until recently, the perfect hair, manicured nails, a wardrobe straight out of a fashion magazine and a handsome suitor by her side had defined her. Now seeing those things as insignificant, and understanding why her boyfriend left, Hope turns to her youth minister for help; with one burning question in mind:

Who was she?

Set on a path of self-discovery, Hope finds her day to day both unraveling and piecing together like a jigsaw as her perception begins to alter.

Will she embrace how God defines her and ultimately learn what true happiness is?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

More from K.J. Rowe

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my family members…

However as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened, moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a famers wife, that He resurfaced the writing desire and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.