Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Ripped Genes (Tri-Star Investigations) by Lawrence E Rothstein

 

Ripped Genes (Tri-Star Investigations)
by Lawrence E Rothstein

About Ripped Genes

Ripped Genes (Tri-Star Investigations)
Cozy-ish Mystery/Police Procedural
2nd in Series
Setting – Greater Chicago area; Algoma, WI; Webster Groves, MO
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press (January 13, 2025)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509259406
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509259403
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DLBQ4DHX

Marko Korb is a fat, egotistical, and brilliant detective, Bosnian Jew, and a veteran of the war with Serbia. His associate, Kelan Su, is a Chinese-American woman who does most of the investigative legwork. She is a former Chicago police officer, licensed attorney, and martial arts expert. Desmond St. Clair, chef, tech expert, and former British SAS commando, joins the duo.
Alan Scanlon, a medical scientist, head of the Shabel Institute, fraudulently patented and restricted the research on the gene for the rare genetic disease, feraxia. Golda Merino, the mother of a child with feraxia and head of a group that supported Scanlon’s research, is charged with Scanlon’s murder.
The Tri-Star Investigations trio work with Attorney Cheryl Dain defending Golda. The detectives must discover the killer while negotiating Chicago’s underworld and politics.

About Lawrence E Rothstein

I am a retired lawyer and university professor who has published in constitutional law, privacy law, political theory and labor law. Born and raised in Chicago, I am now residing with my wife and family in beautiful southern Rhode Island.  I have lived and traveled widely in Europe.  As an avid reader of crime fiction, I have always wanted to write detective novels. I consider this my third career. Venetian Bind published in May 2024 was my first Tri-Star Investigations novel. Ripped Genes is my second and I am well into my third, The Tell-Tale Art. As a lover of food and cooking, I include many scrumptious meals and some recipes in my novels and on my website.

Webpage: www.Rothsteinsmysteries.com;
Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/Rothsteinsmysteries;
GoodReads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209521954-venetian-bind
Instagram   BlueSky

Purchase links: Amazon Kindle  – Amazon Paperback   Barnes & Noble – Author Website  

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 27 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 28 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 3 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

March 4 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

March 8 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 10 – Wine Cellar Library – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 12 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Celebrate Lit Presents: Hidden Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book Four) Author: S.F. Baumgartner

 

About the Book

Book: Hidden Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book Four)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Mystery, Thriller

Release date: September 24, 2024

Abducted. Trapped. Hunted. Grace Benson must find a way out… or die trying.

After her harrowing escape from a kill order, Grace thought she’d return to a normal life, only to be abducted from her home.

Meanwhile, FBI investigations into the murders of a congressman and his staff uncover a shocking link to Grace’s abduction, threatening international stability.

Desperate to survive, Grace allies with an unlikely partner—a child who knows the bunker’s secrets—but as they navigate the treacherous tunnel system, a misplaced step echoes through the corridors, alerting a deranged captor who now closes in, gun in hand.

If you like Alex Cross, Gabriel Allon, you will like this unpredictable, fast-paced suspense thriller.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner writes fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers. Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series, Living Secrets, was selected as one of the Top Picks in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. Her love for writing comes second only to her love of reading. When she’s not busy writing about complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents, she spends her time binge-watching crime TV shows, such as NCIS, or playing with her cats. If you enjoy James Patterson’s style—specifically short chapters—you’ll love her Mirror Estate series.

 

 

More from S.F.

I’m so excited to share Hidden Secrets, the fourth book in my Mirror Estate Psychological Thriller series. For those who’ve been following Grace Benson’s story, this is the next chapter in her journey—a deeply personal one with plenty of the twists, danger, and suspense you’ve come to expect from my writing.

If you’ve read Tangled Secrets, you know that Grace finally uncovered the truth about her birth mother. That revelation opened doors to even more questions, and in Hidden Secrets, she takes the next step: discovering the identity of her birth father. Of course, in Grace’s world, nothing is ever simple. This isn’t just a straightforward search for a man from her past—it’s a journey wrapped in danger, deception, and murder.

Writing this book was such an adventure for me. Grace is a character I’ve grown to love, and putting her through these intense, high-stakes situations is always a mix of excitement and challenge. This time, she’s dealing with abduction, espionage, and a web of lies that keeps tightening around her. Every step she takes toward the truth comes with a cost, and watching her face these challenges while staying true to herself was as rewarding to write as I hope it is for you to read.

But I’ll admit, Hidden Secrets didn’t come together without a few struggles. I rewrote several scenes to make sure the story flowed the way it needed to. The pacing, the tension, and the timing of the twists had to be just right. I love keeping readers on the edge of their seats, but it takes some effort to make sure every piece falls into place.

One of the things I think makes this book stand out is how personal it is for Grace. Yes, there’s plenty of action, danger, and intrigue, but at its core, this story is about family and identity. Grace’s search for her father forces her to confront parts of herself she didn’t even know were missing. I wanted readers to feel that emotional depth while still delivering the suspense and surprises that make a Mirror Estate thriller what it is.

The reviews so far have been incredible. Hearing that readers are loving Grace’s latest journey means the world to me. Some have mentioned how much they appreciated the balance between the emotional moments and the fast-paced action, which makes me feel like all those rewrites were worth it!

If you’re already a fan of the series, I think you’re going to love where this installment takes Grace. And if you’re new to Mirror Estate, don’t worry—Hidden Secrets stands on its own. You’ll get plenty of context to enjoy the story, but starting at the beginning will definitely give you a richer experience.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 20

Inspired by Fiction, February 21

The Lofty Pages, February 22

Vicky Sluiter, February 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

Book Looks by Lisa, February 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 26

Stories By Gina, February 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

For the Love of Literature, February 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 1

For Him and My Family, March 2

Artistic Nobody, March 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54158

Every Deadly Suspicion by Janice Cantore

 

Thirty years after a federal agent and two suspects disappeared in the wilderness, the case is cold, and they’ve never been found. Now their suspected killer is about to go free. But is the truth really what it seems?

In Dry Oaks, California, Chief of Police Hanna Keyes has long believed her father, Joe, is a murderer, justly imprisoned. When she’s told he’s dying and is being given compassionate release from prison, she wants nothing to do with him. But taking him in might be Hanna’s one shot at cracking the cold case, so she reluctantly agrees to oversee his care.

Joe’s arrival in Dry Oaks seems to set off a chain reaction of crimes. Then an infamous true-crime podcaster comes sniffing for information, and Hanna’s first love, Jared, shows up just when she least needs the distraction. As Hanna tries to convince Joe to reveal what he knows about the missing persons, evidence in the cold case surfaces at a suspiciously rapid pace . . . suggesting there’s more to the murders than people thought.

With Joe’s strength failing, Hanna and her colleagues look for answers, not only about the past but also about recent criminal dealings in Dry Oaks. As the puzzle pieces start to fit together, it becomes clear that there’s a sinister plot at work, far more wide-reaching than anyone suspected, and that someone is desperate to silence the truth at any cost.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She's always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today's Christian Woman before tackling novels. She now lives near the Gulf Coast in Florida. She loves swimming, bike riding, golf, and walking her dogs, Abbie and Tilly.

Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Code of Courage is her latest stand alone novel. Janice also authored the Line of Duty series - Crisis Shot, Lethal Target, and Cold Aim, the Cold Case Justice series—Drawing Fire, Burning Proof, and Catching Heat—the Pacific Coast Justice series—Accused, Abducted, and Avenged—and the Brinna Caruso novels, Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat. Breach of Honor is another stand alone.

Visit Janice's website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore or with the Romantic Suspense A-Team athttps://www.facebook.com/groups/191544598913684.

 

My Review

I really enjoy books by Janice Cantore, and this one did not disappoint, she wraps everything up, we do get all the answers here.
The book starts out with a plane crash, and ends with a fire, there are murders here, starting 35 years ago, is everything connected?
The setting for this story is a small town in California, and there is a wealthy family that has a hand in a lot of things, like a lot of small towns.
This is Christian suspense at its best, and with your heart in your throat at times, you will be page turning for answers, and they do come, yes, there are some big surprises here. Some sad events, but keep page turning for the justice we hope for.
There is some sweet romance, and a big theme of forgiveness, and immense love for family.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Ambush by Colleen Coble

 

 

Paradise Alden's childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then, life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered in the foster care system, her first love's betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust--in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.

After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She's hoping the wildlife refuge where she's accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future, but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn't responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father's death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town's moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 5 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

 

My Review

I knew when I chose this read that it would be a good one, and Colleen Coble didn't disappoint! If you enjoy a faith based read with non-stop action, this book has it.
You think you know the reason all these dangerous incidents are happening, but then there is something else, another different incident.
Yes, there are murders, and shots fired, sabotage, arson, then add in flooding and tornadoes. I was wondering if everything was related, but wow, and then some answers come, but then what we did know changed! Cliff hanger!
I felt so sorry for Paradise, she is a Veterinarian, and now accepting a new job at an animal sanctuary in her old hometown, Nova Cambridge, Alabama. It must have taken a lot of courage to come back here. A place where her parents were murdered, and a place where she will be taking care of big cats, she is still recovering from a mauling by a leopard.
Then there is Blake Lawson, he is home helping his mother take care of his brothers, and the sanctuary, after the untimely death of his stepfather.
Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS by Lisa Rogak

 

The incredible untold story of four women who spun the web of deception that helped win World War II.

Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII.

As members of the OSS, their task was to create a secret brand of propaganda produced with the sole aim to break the morale of Axis soldiers. Working in the European theater, across enemy lines in occupied China, and in Washington, D.C., Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene forged letters and “official” military orders, wrote and produced entire newspapers, scripted radio broadcasts and songs, and even developed rumors for undercover spies and double agents to spread to the enemy. And outside of a small group of spies, no one knew they existed. Until now.

In Propaganda Girls, bestselling author Lisa Rogak brings to vivid life the incredible true story of four unsung heroes, whose spellbinding achievements would change the course of history.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Lisa Rogak is an independent journalist with over three decades of experience in the biz. She's written about everything from high-tech and cats to food and travel, and after all this time, she is still amazed that it's possible to make a living by indulging her natural curiosity and asking total strangers really nosy questions...

Her books have twice appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers List, and have been nominated for the Edgar and Anthony Awards. Her newest books include Cats on the Job: 50 Fabulous Felines Who Purr, Mouse, and Even Sing for Their Supper, and The True Tails of Baker and Taylor: The Library Cats Who Left Their Pawprints on a Small Town . . . and the World, which she co-authored with Jan Louch, a retired librarian who cared for the world-famous Scottish Folds.

She lives in New Hampshire.

 

My Review

 This is such an eye opening read, the woman behind the scene that actually helped win WWII.
Through the words of the author she brings these women to life, and we learn a lot about them from beginning to end of their lives.
This is a book about Jane Smith-Hutton, Betty MacDonald, and Zuzka Lauwers, and Marlene Dietrich, the last being the only one I had heard of before.
All of these women came from vastly different background, but what they each had to offer, was exactly what the OSS, predecessor to the CIA, needed at the time. They really never got the recognition each and every one deserved!
I loved this informational read, and am so glad that others will get to meet and know these amazing women whom sacrificed so much!
I received this book through Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: His Grace’s Governess Author: Jackie Killelea

 

About the Book

Book: His Grace’s Governess

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historic Romance

Release date: February 4, 2025

A governess with a secret. A duke with a broken heart. Can love heal their wounds?

Miss Eleanor Clairbridge, at five and twenty, has resigned herself to a life without love. With her family’s London townhouse threatened by dwindling finances, she accepts employment as a governess to help support her widowed mother and preserve her cherished childhood home. When Eleanor arrives at Ivy Grange Estate, the last thing she expects to find is a spark of attraction between her and her new employer. Determined not to risk her position, she resolves to keeps her distance. There is more than one reason a romance between them can never be.

Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has no intention of finding love. Since losing his family in a tragic carriage accident five years ago, he has devoted himself to protecting his young niece, the only family he has left. But when his niece’s enchanting governess arrives at the estate, Edmund finds himself reconsidering his vow never to love again. Why then, as he seeks to know her more, does she seem determined to avoid him at all costs?

As Eleanor fulfills her role as governess, her past begins to catch up with her, threatening to unravel the secrets she holds dear. Both Eleanor and Edmund must confront their deepest fears and decide whether to succumb to the darkness within or brave the path to healing and love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

 

 

 

More from Jackie

In His Grace’s Governess, much trouble befalls Edmund and Eleanor as they attempt to sort out their close proximity to and burgeoning feelings for one another, but there is one scene in particular that I enjoyed researching.

In one scene of the novel, Mr. Roskilly(the gardener at Ivy Grange Estate) worries at Eleanor plucking the plant Rabelera–otherwise known as Greater Stitchwort–from the ground. He fears that danger will befall Eleanor if she takes it from the garden and Eleanor, misunderstanding him, even believes at one point that Mr. Roskilly might be threatening her. But, why is Mr. Roskilly so worried? Is he really so concerned that Edmund’s hackles will be raised when he sees that Eleanor has plucked a few mere flowers from the garden–and with his niece, no less?

Indeed, that is not where his concern lies, for if you read the passage closely, you’ll see that Mr. Roskilly is Cornish. This is an important factor. When doing my research for the novel, I found that, in Cornwall, it is believed that Greater Stitchwort is the property of the pixies. It is believed that to pick it is to take it from them and to anger them, and if you anger them then there is all the chance that they may well retaliate for you having stolen what was theirs. Truly, they may even enchant you, according to legend. Having read this and being sufficiently intrigued, the scene was born! I do hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do.

Here is an excerpt from it so you know what I’m referring to:

“Hope yer walk’s went well. ’Tis a fine day fer one.” He grinned, revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. His Cornish accent was thick, with a friendly tone to his voice.

Eleanor returned his smile and nodded. “It certainly is. What better way to spend a morning than to enjoy the sun in these beautiful gardens? They’re the finest I’ve ever seen.”

She could’ve sworn there was a hint of a blush on the man’s tawny face. “I than’ ye, miss. We do our righ’ bes’, and keepin’ i’ as i’ is makes ’is Grace ’appy. Ever since…” The man trailed off, a growing look of concern on his face.

What had he been about to say? Something about the duke or his family?

“Greater Stitchwort.” He spoke with a grave edge to his words, looking intently at the flower in Rose’s hand.

Eleanor’s gaze flitted from the man to the flower, her brows furrowing. “Is something wrong, sir?”

The man tilted his head, flicking his eyes to the side in a plea for a private conversation.

I will not say whether this decision to pick the plant affected Eleanor later on in the story or not, but I’ll leave you with this: Do consider all of the plants you touch before you decide to place your hand upon them and pull them from the ground.

Happy reading!

Jackie Killelea

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Texas Book-aholic, February 19

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Stories By Gina, February 22 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, February 28

Pause for Tales, February 28

Book Looks by Lisa, March 1

Blossoms and Blessings, March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54157

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Hiding the Witness by Deena Alexander

 

Hiding the Witness
by Deena Alexander

About Hiding the Witness

Hiding the Witness (Love Inspired Suspense)
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Number in Series – Jameson Investigations #2
Setting – Upstate New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (February 25, 2025)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335980458
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335980458
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CYHHX6KS

Rescuing a child

makes her a killer’s target.

Racing into a burning cabin to search for survivors, firefighter Diana Cameron stumbles upon an unconscious child—and two bodies with bullet wounds. When a sniper targets their narrow escape, Diana has no choice but to team up with bodyguard Chase Mitchell to keep the little girl safe. Uncovering the identity of the murder victims is the only way to find the killer. But as they’re chased by gunmen into the mountain wilderness, can they protect a tiny witness from the unknown…when the truth is more sinister than they imagined?

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, 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/X: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander
• BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander
• Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/492177/92188784823633445/share
• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deena-Alexander/author/B08C1VKZFZ

Purchase Links – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Harlequin – Apple – Google Play 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 25 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 25 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

February 26 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

February 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 1 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

March 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 4 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 5 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

March 6 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

March 8 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

March 9 – Wine Cellar Library – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 10 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

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Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Side Dish of Death (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries) by T. C. LoTempio

 

A Side Dish of Death (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
by T. C. LoTempio

About A Side Dish of Death

A Side Dish of Death (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page Publishing (February 25, 2025)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 257 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DW4JDTH5

When a celebrity chef is murdered, Shell McMillan has to cook up a plan to trap the killer of a man for all seasonings . . .

With adopt-a-cat month in full swing in Fox Hollow, pet shop owner Shell McMillan decides that hosting a night of murder mystery dinner theater will be a fun way to raise funds for the cause. But she didn’t realize that the celebrity chef she’d hired for the event would turn out to be a tyrannical snob, or that her scoundrel of an ex-fiancé would turn up with his own shady agenda. Still, the show must go on, and as the lighthearted plot on-stage unfolds, the scene off-stage turns decidedly darker when the chef is found murdered.

Rather than question an entire roomful of possible suspects, Shell determines that looking into the victim’s past will lead her to the culprit more quickly. What she finds is that the chef had left behind a disreputable past and a trail of disgruntled people, including a long string of women he’d wronged and a host of others who may have been out for revenge. But as Shell closes in on the killer, the killer is closing in on her. And she’s discovering that while too many cooks can spoil the broth, being a murderer’s next target can really ruin your appetite . . .

About Toni Lotempio 

While Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic.  She and her cat pen the Nick and Nora mystery series originally from Berkley Prime Crime and now with Beyond the Page Publishing.  They also write the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries and the Tiffany Austin Food Blogger Mysteries, also available from Beyond the Page.  A new series, Cozy Bookshop Mysteries, debuts from Severn House in July. Catch up with them at ROCCO’s blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com, or her website, www.tclotempio.net

Social Media Links

Webpage: http://www.tclotempio.net

Blog: http://www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toni.lotempio.5

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Smashwords

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 25 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT  

February 26 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST  

February 27 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 28 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

March 2 – Celticladys Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 3 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 4 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 8 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

March 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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

Celebrate Lit Presents: Love and Chocolate Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

 

About the Book

Book: Love and Chocolate

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: September 13, 2024

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

A couple of years ago while I was planning my upcoming writing projects, I knew I wanted to write a series of books about siblings but couldn’t decide where or went to set the stories. Lots of research later, I discovered the 1898 Columbian Exposition here in the United States and the various inventions associated with that event. Further study led me to Milton Hershey who attended that World’s Fair and was so enamored with the concept of chocolate production for the masses that he sold his caramel company to enter the chocolate business – a risky proposition at that time. As I read more about Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney-Hershey, I knew I had the beginnings of a story.

The owner of Beck’s Chocolates in my latest release Love and Chocolate is inspired by Milton Hershey, and I enjoyed creating my own “company town,” Cocoaville in which to set the story. Taking place in 1914 prior to the beginning of World War I, the story explores the mixed feelings about German Americans that were prevalent at the time as well as themes of second chances and forgiveness.

In the early days of my career, I worked in a printed circuit board factory, but I knew nothing about chocolate or how to manufacture it. Research for Love and Chocolate included interviewing a close friend who is a chocolatier and trying various brands of chocolate to understand the difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few fun facts I learned about chocolate along the way:

• The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to realize the benefits of cacao beans, ground and soaked in water approximately 5,000 years ago.
• Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption.
• The smell of chocolate can help relax and reduce stress.
• It takes two to four days to produce a single serving chocolate bar.
• Cote d’Ivoire is the single largest producer of cocoa, providing roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply.
• The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,000 pounds.
• It takes about 400 cacao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
• Cacao trees can live up to 100 years.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

lakesidelivingsite, February 16

Book Looks by Lisa, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Devoted To Hope, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Sylvan Musings, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Mary Hake, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.r

Celebrate Lit Presents: Our Trustworthy God Epic Book Launch

 

Book Title: Our Trustworthy God

 

Author Name: Sarah Howley

 

Genre: Bible Study

 

Release Date: March 28, 2025

 

Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You

 

Have you ever felt like in life’s most challenging moments, trusting God can be a struggle—even impossible? What if you knew that God not only invites you to trust him but is trustworthy himself and trusts you in return? Our Trustworthy God warmly welcomes you into a deeper understanding of the mutual relationship he longs to have with you, one built on love, trust, and active engagement.

With your guide, Sarah K. Howley—founder of InspiritEncourage, author, and speaker—you will walk through those difficult moments when trust feels scary, discovering how God’s faithfulness shines brightest in your darkest times. Through rich, Scripture-based insights, Sarah unpacks why God is always trustworthy and how his boundless love continually works for your good.

Through this study, you’ll find:

·       A deeper awareness of God’s active love and trust in your everyday life

·       Confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when challenges arise

·       Practical steps to strengthen your relationship with God, built on mutual trust

·       Encouragement to openly confront doubts and questions about your faith

·       Guidance on how to live as a trustworthy person, reflecting God's faithfulness in your life

Our Trustworthy God explores the incredible truth that God trusts you, reminding you that your relationship with him is neither one-sided nor blind but vibrant and deeply mutual. You’ll be invited to reflect on what it truly means to live in faithful connection with your loving God despite the pains of life and evils of the world.

Approachable yet deeply rooted in Scripture, this study is perfect for individuals or groups seeking to strengthen their faith and experience the joy of walking in a two-way relationship with the God who loves and trusts you.

 

Book Excerpt

They went beyond the surface, and I shared personal issues, not just work issues. I admitted to these friends that I had problems or needed advice, and they did too. We both shared our lives and the significant things that were going on. We listened and even acted on what we heard; we supported each other with a shoulder to cry on or a sympathetic ear to listen. That intimacy developed. We both shared and listened and leaned and heard; we liked each other.

These were mutual relationships. Eventually, even the mess-ups and the vulnerabilities didn’t stand in the way of being comfortable with each other. Whatever happened, I knew I was accepted. We both did.

But I admit it hadn’t been a mutual relationship with God, not like those relationships with friends. There wasn’t the kind of intimacy of a two-way, mutual relationship. But it began to happen as I understood more about him and the trust between us. In understanding more about trust, it broke open some kind of imaginary boundary between me and God. I broke through to intimacy with God and a new nearness. I stopped worrying and started believing in him and his promises. I stopped just “reading” his Word and began understanding who he is.

 

 

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

 

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About the Author

 

 

 

Sarah K. Howley is the founder of InspiritEncourage and author of several Bible studies. She is a certified counselor by the Chiesa Apostolica in Italia and holds a master’s degree in education. Sarah often travels the world, usually with espresso in hand. Follow her at inspiritencourage.com to keep in touch.