Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Die, Die, Birdie (Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series) by Joanna Campbell Slan

 


Die, Die, Birdie (Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series)
by Joanna Campbell Slan

About Die, Die, Birdie


Die, Die, Birdie (Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
19th in the Series
Setting – Missouri
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Spot On Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8289334954
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8349429880
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FDT3Q8C9
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When her son’s new pet becomes evidence in a murder case, scrapbook store owner Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler discovers that some family secrets are worth killing for.

All eight-year-old Erik wanted for his birthday was a bird. What he got was Solo-a traumatized lovebird whose mate was recently devoured by a boa constrictor at a local pet shop.

But when Kiki learns that Solo originally belonged to Ruthie Goldman, a beloved member of their temple community who died after a brutal home invasion, she realizes this is no ordinary rescue pet.

Solo may be small, but he’s carrying big secrets-literally. X-rays reveal the tiny bird has swallowed several diamonds from the robbery that killed his previous owner. Now someone is desperately trying to track down Erik’s feathered friend, and Kiki’s family is in danger.

As Detective Chad Detweiler investigates the diamond theft that triggered Ruthie’s fatal stroke, Kiki uncovers a web of family betrayals, frozen embryos, and twisted ideas about genetic purity.

With her trademark blend of humor, heart, and small-town Missouri charm, Kiki must protect her family while helping to solve a murder that hits frighteningly close to home. Because when inheritance, infertility, and identity collide, even the most loving families can harbor deadly secrets.

“Fans of cozy mysteries will delight in this charming blend of family drama, small-town secrets, and feathered friends. Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler proves once again that the most dangerous mysteries often begin with the most innocent questions.”

About Joanna Campbell Slan

Joanna is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author

who has written more than 70 books, both fiction and non-fiction. Currently, she writes four ongoing mystery series: the Kiki Lowenstein cozy mysteries (Agatha Award finalist/first novel/contemporary); the Jane Eyre Chronicles (Daphne du Maurier Award for Literary Excellence winner/historical); the Cara Mia Delgatto mysteries (contemporary); and the Friday Night Mystery Club mysteries (set in 1980s). She’s also the editor and co-author of the Sherlock Holmes Fantasy books.

Her publication career began as one of the earliest Chicken Soup for the Soul contributors, and her stories appear in five of those New York Times bestselling books. Joanna’s first non-fiction book, Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience (Simon & Schuster/Pearson), was endorsed by Toastmasters International and lauded by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter. Her books on scrapbooking have won fans all over the world, and she has taught scrapbooking techniques in Europe and on cruise ships, as well as in the United States.

When she isn’t writing, Joanna is an avid crafter. Contact Joanna at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com.

Follow her on social media by going here  https://www.linktr.ee/JCSlan

Purchase Link – Amazon – 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 25 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 25 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 26 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 28 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

August 28 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 28 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 29 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 29 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 30 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 31 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

August 31 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

Readers can enter. Die, Die, Birdie (Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series) by Joanna Campbell Slan

https://kingsumo.com/g/1vjyk61/die-die-birdie-kiki-lowenstein-mystery-series-by-joanna-campbell-slan

 

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
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Celebrate Lit Presents: Cruise to Death Author: Sara L. Jameson

 

About the Book

Book: Cruise to Death

Author: Sara L. Jameson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2021

When opera singer Riley Williams agrees to sub as a musical-theater performer on a luxury Rhine/Moselle riverboat cruise, she gets more than she bargained for. Not only must she come up with 250 Broadway songs, she is required to dance with the male passengers. Dance—the subject she nearly failed in her Conservatory courses, and the cause of her recent flop in a European Opera House. To make matters worse, she overhears two terrorists at a café in Antwerp, Belgium, discussing the transfer of deadly agent X to the highest bioterrorist bidders.

Interpol agent Jacob Coulter, an anti-terrorism desk analyst in Brussels, Belgium, insists on serving as an undercover agent after his best friend Noel is murdered by terrorists from the Brussels cell he infiltrates. Shortly before Noel dies, he manages to tell Jacob snippets of the terrorists’ plans. Plans that seem to involve the same riverboat cruise Riley is on. When Interpol learns of Riley’s encounter with terrorists, Jacob’s supervisor insists he work with her to identify the terrorists and retrieve agent X. But their relationship is fraught with distrust because of Riley’s suspicious past and a romantic attraction neither of them wants.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sara L. Jameson won Scrivenings Press’s grand prize publishing contract in January 2021. They released her debut romantic suspense novel, Cruise to Death, in June 2021. Death in High Places, (Book 2 in the Troubled Waters series), released February 2023, followed by Vengeance in Vienna, July 2024.

In real life, Sara is a multi-published, former university professor who writes non-fiction under her real name and edits book manuscripts for other authors. She also pens WWII historical novels. When not at her computer, she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, dog-sitting, and spending time with friends.

More from Sara

For someone who loves to swim and enjoys cruising on a ship as long as land is in sight, a European riverboat cruise solved my anxiety. Cruise to Death was conceived during a Uniworld cruise that originated in Antwerp, Belgium, where my family had lived twenty-fives years prior and fallen in love with the country.

But the lack of security on the cruise concerned me. Especially when our ship docked parallel to another cruise line, and all passengers passed through the other boat to disembark and re-embark without staff scrutiny. Perfect place for someone not on your cruise to hide, right?

Perfect fodder for a romantic suspense novel. Add in a pickpocket who craftily robbed a family member, and a budding novelist determined the crime wouldn’t go unremembered. You know those writers’ T-shirts warning you whatever you say and do might end up in a novel—sometimes it’s true.

Part of the fun writing this story was a chance to retrace the stops along the Rhine and Moselle rivers and stay in settings that appear in the novel. If you have a chance to take a riverboat cruise, I highly recommend it!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , August 14

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 15

Stories By Gina, August 16 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 23

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 24

Guild Master, August 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 26

Fiction Book Lover, August 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a 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/00adcf54278

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Celebrate Lit Presents: Epic Book Launch Vengeance in Vienna Author: Sara L. Jameson

 


 

 

About the Book

Book: Vengeance in Vienna

Author: Sara L. Jameson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 16, 2024

A moonlight sail. A sniper on the shore. A terrorist financier determined to kill Jacob and all he holds dear.

 

Interpol Special Agent Jacob Coulter and his fiancée Riley Williams set out on a moonlight sail, but a sniper turns their idyllic Austrin vacation into a deadly nightmare.

On temporary assignment to the Vienna Interpol office, Jacob must apprehend a notorious terrorist financier and uncover his operations in Austria. But the financier is determined to destroy all Jacob holds dear. And that includes his kid sister and his fiancée, Riley Williams.

 

Opera singer Riley Williams is tired of dodging terrorist attempts on her life. When she insists on helping Jacob catch the financier and his henchmen, she gets into more trouble than she bargained for.

 

But the financier’s tentacles of evil reach far deeper into the Austrian economy than Jacob and Riley suspected. What they uncover appalls them. The clock is ticking. Can Jacob find them before it’s too late?

 

Book Excerpt

Apart from her Mae West life vest, Riles was an ethereal vision in white. Pompom hat, turtleneck, down puffer vest, and cords. Perfect for October.

He tacked again. Booking their first vacation had been a good idea. If they survived the obstacles in the water.

Tonight, her thousand-watt smile lit her face nonstop. “Admit it. Aren’t you glad we rented the boat?” The lilt in her voice rippled like one of her opera arias.

“Uh-huh.” He’d have preferred something less risky. Something that might not endanger her. Danger he couldn’t prevent. Or protect her from. Not with a terrorist financier determined to kill them.

Out of habit, he patted his waterproof-covered phone in his pocket. Scanned the port and starboard shores. Moonlight glimmered on the inky water, silhouetted the treetops and houses, mostly gated estates. Best he could tell, no movement on land. If Armand’s goons showed up, he and Riles would be easy pickings.

Eighteen days since their last fiasco. Austria was hundreds of miles from London, but how long could their luck hold out? Forgiveness wasn’t on Armand’s must-do list. Jacob flexed his neck, but the cramps in his muscles refused to budge.

 

 

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

 


Excerpt One: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-vengeance-in-vienna-by-sara-l-jamesonlaunch.html
Excerpt Three: https://booksyoucanfeelgoodabout.blogspot.com/2025/09/vengance-in-vienna.html
Excerpt Four: https://storiesbygina.com/?p=9247
Excerpt Five: https://purpleshadowhunter.blogspot.com/2025/08/vengeance-in-vienna.html
Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/vengeance-in-vienna-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/vengeance-in-vienna-epic-book-launch-and-excerpt/

 

About the Author

 

 


 

Sara L. Jameson won Scrivenings Press’s grand prize publishing contract in January 2021. They released her debut romantic suspense novel, Cruise to Death, in June 2021. Death in High Places, (Book 2 in the Troubled Waters series), released February 2023, followed by Vengeance in Vienna, July 2024. She is currently working on books 4 and 5 of the Troubled Waters series for Scrivenings Press.

 

In real life, Sara is a multi-published former university professor who has also written non-fiction under her real name and edits book manuscripts for other authors. She also pens WWII historical novels. When not at her computer, she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, and dog-sitting.

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos (Giovanna Rogers Mysteries) by Sharon Marchisello


Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos
(Giovanna Rogers Mysteries)
by Sharon Marchisello

About Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos


Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos (Giovanna Rogers Mysteries)
Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Galapagos
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Milford House Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 26, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 340 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FFR9Y2GW
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Giovanna Rogers restarts her career as expatriate manager of the new Leisure Dreams resort hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Due to her youth and limited proficiency in Spanish, she struggles to gain the respect of her staff and the company’s executives. She has to prove to them that she got the job because of merit, not because the CEO is a family friend. And prove to herself that she can overcome a past business failure and make the hotel a success.

When the story opens, Giovanna and her staff prepare for the hotel’s grand opening. Friends, family, and corporate bigwigs fly in for the event. Renowned documentary producer Claire Costello and her film crew have arrived; Giovanna has the staff send a bottle of champagne to Claire’s room to welcome the VIP guest. The next morning, Claire is found dead in her bed; the cause of death is apparent poisoning. Now Giovanna must work with her boyfriend, local police detective Victor Zuniga, to solve the case while juggling the details of the grand opening and controlling the narrative around the mysterious demise of a VIP guest on the property.

Complications in her relationship arise when Giovanna’s ex-boyfriend decides to join her family to attend the grand opening. Her best friend and several of her employees have a history with Claire. And Claire’s team is somewhat dysfunctional, keeping secrets and telling contradictory stories. Despite Giovanna’s efforts to maintain normalcy and apprehend the culprit, things continue to worsen.

About Sharon Marchisello

 

SHARON MARCHISELLO is the author of two other mysteries published by Milford House, the fiction imprint of Sunbury Press: Going Home (2014) and Secrets of the Galapagos (2019), which is the prequel to Murder at Leisure Dreams – Galapagos. She also writes the DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mysteries from Level Best Books. Besides novels, Sharon has published short stories in anthologies and online magazines; one was a 2022 Derringer finalist. She has written travel articles, training manuals, screenplays, book reviews, and a nonfiction book (Live Well, Grow Wealth – 2018). She earned a Bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, the Atlanta Writers Club, and the Hometown Novel Writers Association. Retired after 27 years with Delta Air Lines, Sharon now lives in Peachtree City, Georgia. She serves on the boards of the Fayette Humane Society, Hometown Novel Writers Association, and the Friends of the Peachtree City Library.
She loves to travel, including a trip to the Galapagos Islands in 2014.

Author Links:

Website: https://smarchisello.wordpress.com/

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

Twitter/X https://twitter.com/slmarchisello

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4297807.Sharon_Marchisello

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmarchisello

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

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sharon-marchisello

Purchase link:  Sunbury PressAmazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 25 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 28 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

August 29 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT  

August 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

August 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 31 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 1 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 1 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 2 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 3 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 4 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 5 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

September 6 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

September 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

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

 

Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward

 

Aboard the Titanic, where opulence knows no bounds and the horizon seems limitless, two women fight for the futures they dream of, fraught with secrets that could change everything.

Hannah Martin is clinging to the hope that six days on this grand ship will heal the wounds in her marriage to Charles. Beneath her poised exterior lies a desperation to mend what was shattered and conceal a secret that could upend their lives forever.

Louisa Phillips, spirited and uncompromising, is escaping her family’s insistence on a passionless marriage. But this daring step could also sever the deepest bond in her life.

As the ‘unsinkable' ship strikes the iceberg, amidst the chaos and icy waters, lives are changed forever. In the face of impending doom, what dreams will Hannah and Lou decide are worth saving, and at what cost?

 

About The Author


 

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and two cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.

Facebook: @DonnaAlwardAuthor

Instagram: @donnaalward

 

My Review


This is such a great story that the author gives us. As we embark on on the notorious ship Titanic, we know from the start what the outcome will be, sadly.
This is a story of love and loss, but there is hope, along with all the sadness. The author had me caring about these people, some are famous, and others we know now.
This is a story of deep friendship, and sharing of deep loss. We know the facts, and some cowardness, and of course greed.
This is also a story of moving on, forgiveness, and being there for one another.
I did love the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and was not required to give a positive review.  


Monday, August 25, 2025

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library (Mrs. Christie Series) by Amanda Chapman

 


Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library
(Mrs. Christie Series)
by Amanda Chapman

About Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library


Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Greenwich Village in New York City (primarily near Washington Square)
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 26, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593818814
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593818817
Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593818831
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DP3R1Q9G
Audiobook ASIN B0DPJK5BPS
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Book conservator Tory Van Dyne and a woman claiming to be Agatha Christie on holiday from the Great Beyond join forces to catch a killer in this spirited mystery from Amanda Chapman.

Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family. For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder— that has not yet happened.

But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.

Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths —including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”

About Amanda Chapman 

Amanda Chapman (aka Amy Pershing) is a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith. Under the name Amy Pershing, she is also the author of the Cape Cod Foodie mysteries. An enthusiastic fan of traditional mysteries and of New York City, she found herself wondering, “What if someone recreated Agatha Christie’s personal library -– even to the furnishings and architecture — in New York City? What would happen in that space?” And thus MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY — the first in a new series — was born.

Author Links

Website www.amandachapmanauthor.com

Follow Amanda Chapman on Goodreads

 

 

Purchase Links
PenguinRandomHouse  – AmazonB&NBookshop.orgKobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 18 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Salty Inspirations – COCKTAIL RECIPE

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

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

August 22 – Hall Ways Blog – SPOTLIGHT

August 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 24 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

August 25 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 25 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 27 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

August 28 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 29 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 29 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 31 – From the TBR Pile – REVIEW

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: Just a Piece of Stone Author: Mary Ann Hake

 

About the Book

Book: Just a Piece of Stone

Author: Mary Ann Hake

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Adventure Novel

Release Date: April 29, 2025

A Special Stone—A Family Legacy

Suspense and a Hint of the Supernatural

Travel backward in time as the Goldberg family experiences moments of history—including the Holocaust, meeting Leonardo Da Vinci, castles, knights, battles, and thefts. They also face kidnapping, explore caves, flee as refugees, and live under various conquerors. Just a Piece of Stone begins in the United States and moves to Europe and Asia, with each chapter sharing a story about a different boy in a different time period. From grandfather to grandson for thousands of years, Just a Piece of Stone travels the world. Join the adventure!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Ann Hake has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, curricula, and more (for both children and adults) in periodicals and books plus hundreds of book reviews online. Just a Piece of Stone is her first published novel. The first two picture books in her series about a blind girl, The Smells of the Seasons, received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award and were featured on the Arkansas PBS summer literacy program, Rise and Shine. She has worked in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She has also taught writing to children and at writers’ conferences. She continues to work as a freelance editor along with her writing. She and her husband live in beautiful Oregon.

 

More from Mary

About eight years ago I had an idea: What would happen if a boy found a stone during the time of Moses during the Israelites wandering in the desert and the stone was handed down from generation to generation? I’m not going to say exactly where the rock came from because that’s part of the suspense in the book as readers try to figure out its origin, which is revealed in the final chapter.

So I looked up the approximate date of the Israelites in the Wilderness after leaving Egypt and then figured out how many generations there might be to the present day and the ages of the boys and the grandfathers in each chapter. I decided the stone would be handed down from grandfather to grandson and they would be blessed with long lives so there wouldn’t be too many chapters in the book. It was like putting a puzzle together. I originally planned fifty chapters then realized in the midst of writing that this would be too long for the age group, so I changed to thirty-five, with Old Testament ancestors summarized in the chapter prior to the finale.

I also chose to start the story in the present day with a boy getting a mysterious stone in the mail then go backward in time all the way to the days of Moses. I came up with a list of character names, gleaned from the Bible and historical info, and looked at timelines to choose dates of interesting historical events and places for the chapters’ settings.

This took years researching time periods and culture, and I learned so much. I read, watched videos, and listened to an oral history by a Holocaust survivor, whose facts I used in the chapter set in Nazi Germany. I saved dozens of pages of notes and pictures. Since the original character who found the stone was a Hebrew, I kept the family Jewish throughout the novel. So, in addition to intriguing historical tidbits and accurate locations for Jewish settlements and refugee situations, I incorporated Jewish culture and customs. I also gave the characters appropriate occupations for the settings. A glossary at the back provides pronunciations and definitions of unfamiliar words.

From chapter 2 on each chapter features the boyhood of the grandfather from the previous chapter as we move continue to move backward through time. In the Kindle version, you can click to go to any chapter you wish. Each chapter offers a separate short story within the entire family saga about the prized stone. Throughout the historical tale, we witness God’s protection and care for His followers. I also tried to model people of diverse backgrounds getting along, except, of course, for the authentic historical incidents and battles included.

Last summer when we visited Oregon’s Painted Hills, I met three generations of a Jewish family on vacation. The son is a rabbi and a mohel from New York. I told them about my story and enjoyed visiting with them. He told me the stone should be sapphire, so I changed its color to blue.

A publisher expressed interest early on, but never followed through. An agent said my writing was beautiful but declined representation. The unpublished manuscript was a finalist in the Cascade Writers Contest in 2020. Children who read the chapters one by one begged for more and for the book to be published. Eventually, Elk Lake Publishing offered me a contract then came rewriting and polishing amid many family crises. It takes much time to write, rewrite, and prepare a book for publication. I love the cover Elk Lake created for Just a Piece of Stone.

The tale is great for homeschoolers and as a teachers’ resource, which could be a launch for students’ history projects. I am working on puzzles and activities to accompany the novel and will make these available on my website and to newsletter subscribers. I am also available for online visits with classes or to teach writing to children.

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, August 13

Blossoms and Blessings, August 14 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

By the Book, August 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

Artistic Nobody, August 17 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 21

Guild Master, August 22 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

An Author’s Take, August 24

For Him and My Family, August 25

Fiction Book Lover, August 26 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary 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 extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54277


Celebrate Lit Presents: The Marriage Masquerade Author: Erica Vetsch

 

About the Book

Book: The Marriage Masquerade

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A disgraced captain and a runaway heiress—hiding from the past and bound by fate—will their marriage masquerade lead to true love?

Noah Kennebrae, disgraced ship captain, has escaped to a remote lighthouse to avoid his grandfather’s schemes and the ghosts that haunt him. Taking a job under an assumed name, he’s determined to start over—until he meets Annie Fairfax. The feisty housekeeper’s warmth and spirit captivate him, and he falls for her despite his best efforts. But he’s keeping secrets that could destroy her trust…and his chance at redemption.

Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father, Anastasia “Annie” Michaels flees home to become the unlikely housekeeper on an isolated island. Working incognito at the lighthouse, she finds solace in her newfound independence and unexpected friendship with Nick. However, as their relationship deepens, Annie’s fear of abandonment resurfaces when she learns the truth Nick has been hiding.

Caught in a marriage masquerade of their own making, Noah and Annie must navigate secrets, lies, and painful pasts in hopes of a future together.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

 

 

 

 

More from Erica

I love a hidden identity story! And in the case of The Marriage Masquerade, both the hero AND the heroine are hiding their true identities.

The Marriage Masquerade features Noah, who is running from the guilt of a mistake he feels he made that lost both a Great Lakes ship and several lives. Anastasia Michaels is running away from an arranged marriage.

They both flee to a remote lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior, he as an assistant lighthouse keeper and she as a housekeeper and cook.

The lighthouse in The Marriage Masquerade is based directly upon the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of my favorite places to visit along the North Shore. Situated on a cliff high above the lake, Split Rock is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

When I first visited this exquisite place, I fell in love. And when I fall in love with an historical site, I need to know as much of the history of the place as I can. Several of the incidents that occur at the fictional lighthouse in the story come directly from the history of Split Rock.

Filtering liquid mercury, polishing the Fresnel lens, hiding dishes in the oven when the inspector comes, and other happenings in The Marriage Masquerade actually happened in the real lives of the lightkeepers at Split Rock.

Noah and Anastasia’s story is a forced proximity romance, with a dash of hidden identity, redemption, and learning to stand on your own two feet. I hope you’ll enjoy their journey from fearful, guilt-ridden characters to healed through love, confident, and ready to embark on a lifelong journey together.

If you would like to learn more about Split Rock and see glorious photos of this picturesque site, check out: https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

She Lives To Read, August 13

Fiction Book Lover, August 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Devoted Steps, August 14

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 15

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17

Devoted To Hope, August 17

For Him and My Family, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 19

Inklingsandnotions, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Inkwell Inspirations, August 20

Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 21

Little Homeschool on the prairie, August 22

Vicky Sluiter, August 22

An Author’s Take, August 23

Books Less Travelled, August 23

Holly’s Book Corner, August 24

Pause for Tales, August 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts , August 25

Jodie Wolfe, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica 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/00adcf54276

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Celebrate Lit Presents: Dangerous Detour (Discipleship Series, Book 2) Author: Gail Pallotta

 

About the Book

Book: Dangerous Detour (Discipleship Series, Book 2)

Author: Gail Pallotta

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Four people face a winter storm in the wilderness. Two have lost their way. One has lost his purpose and one has lost his soul.

Headed home for Christmas vacation, Ruthie, a quiet professor, crosses paths with Moose, a football coach, on an icy, blocked road in Western North Carolina. Amid a winter storm, they unknowingly take shelter in a killer’s hideout.

Escaping under fire, they flee into a frozen, snow-covered forest. Trying to find their way out and shake the murderer, they dodge bullets each day until the temperature drops and the world turns quiet. Then, they set up camps to survive in the wilderness. Even though they grow attracted to each other, neither admits it until each of them suffers a frightening injury. Finally, they head to a house Ruthie sees in the distance.

Will they meet a new friend, or a foe?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s a 2017 Reader’s Favorite Book Awards winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist. She recently received a Top Author Certificate for her new book, Hidden Danger. She’s published seven books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

 

 

More from Gail

People often refer to modern times as the post-Christian era. We’re blessed with wonderful ministers, missionaries and other Christian leaders. Unfortunately, many people never attend a church or any Christian gathering. Yet church goers see others on a daily basis—in a long line in the grocery, at a restaurant, a company or organizational meeting. How can we, Christians who have no formal ministerial training, help spread the Gospel?

Some clergy say unchurched neighbors who watch Christians get up and go to church every Sunday grow curious about Christianity. A man (I’ll call him Joe) recently wandered in a store looking at the merchandise and humming a hymn. A stranger asked Joe about the song. Joe ended up talking to the man about his faith and his church. Another person was asked how he and his wife had stayed married for so many years. He said, “We go to church together.” That’s a loaded statement with so many churches going in different directions. However, the conversation led to a discussion of a Jesus-centered church. The teaching and sermons there apply what Jesus taught about living a godly life rather than re-shaping his Gospel to suit our advantage in worldly situations. It’s often little opportunities we take advantage of that speak to a person. All of the above stayed on my mind for a long time. Usually, when something nags me, I write about it. Thus, a Discipleship Series began. Dangerous Detour is book two.

 

My Review


This story starts with a bang, well, bad weather and auto accidents, almost going over the railing into, well, it wasn't their time. Moose comes to Ruthie's rescue, and their lives will never be the same.
Soon you'll find yourself ducking bullets and not know when your going to be warm again.
I loved how these two go about touching other lives all the while they are trying to survive.
With bullets flying, and no matter how far they flee, they seem to be found with more bullets, and cold! This is a fast paced, full of action read, and a page turner for answers!
This is a faith based read, and when the answers come, and in the end there is a strong feeling of forgiveness. There is also a sweet romance!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.  

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 16

Bizwings Book Blog, August 16

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Artistic Nobody, August 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 21

Betti Mace, August 22

Maureen’s Musings, August 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

Lily’s Corner, August 25

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 26

Fiction Book Lover, August 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 28

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gail is giving away the grand prize of a $30 Amazon Gift Card and a print 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/00adcf54279

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Whine and Dine: A Redwoods Country Mystery by Marc Jedel

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