Secrets and Scallywags: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – A Small Oceanfront Community
Independently published (August 10, 2023)
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages

 

Synopsis

 

When this club selects a book, magic happens. They become the main characters in the story when the mystery comes to life.

This month’s book selection takes them to a charming island community that’s abuzz over a mysterious boat that washed ashore. Rumor has it that it’s the same pirate boat that sunk a year ago in the bay. The one that supposedly sank with treasure aboard.

When the club meets the ghosts of the men from the boat, they learn the astonishing secrets of the treasure. These ghosts can’t move on until it is found.

Can the motley group find the treasure and free the ghosts? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home.

 

 

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Review

 

This is such a fun series, and if you haven’t picked up any of the books, you need to do that, and soon! Make sure to start with the first book to understand how this all came to be for Glo and Paige.

The concept for this cozy series is unique and brings in paranormal aspects. I love how they get thrown into a book and have to solve the crime. The characters are all unique and blend well together. I have to laugh at how much these characters also love to eat. I swear they are eating all of the time!

This plot is a little different than some of the others as it brings in pirates, and the crime isn’t really a murder that they are trying to solve. I enjoyed the twists and turns and how this story came to its conclusion. I thought that one of the characters might stay behind in the book, and I was surprised when this one did not. You might come to the same conclusions, so I hope I haven’t spoiled anything for the reader.

One of these days, Frank and Zell are going to spill the beans on how long this book club has been meeting and how long they have been participants. I am very curious what their background is with this book club. I also like how the right new member always appears. It is definitely a merry band of book lovers and crime solvers.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents, published in over twenty languages.

She simultaneously writes well-loved cozy mysteries: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest, the gorgeous inspiration for the setting in many of her books.

 

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SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING 90% DARK

 

Bean to Bar Mysteries, #6

 

by

 

Amber Royer

 

Cozy Culinary Mystery

Publisher: Golden Tip Press

Date of Publication: September 12, 2023

Number of Pages: 288 pages

 

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Felicity Koerber’s bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand is hosting the friends and family coming into town for her best friend Autumn’s wedding. As matron of honor, Felicity has a ton of tasks to complete – including making chocolates for the gift bags. She doesn’t have time to solve another murder. But when one of the bridesmaids becomes a prime suspect in the death of a visiting real estate agent, Felicity has to put her detecting skills to use again to keep the wedding plans from getting derailed.

She’s already nervous about the impending deadline she’s given herself to finally choose between her two love interests – and figuring out where life goes once she makes her choice. But add in a missing Pygmy goat and a new coffee shop that wants to partner with her, and she’s frazzled.

She begins to discover that not everything is as it seems among the wedding guests. Can she handle the wedding preparations, pull off turning her shop into a concert venue, and unmask the killer before anyone else dies?

 

 

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Chocolate, a goat, and murder…a trifecta! The icing on the cake? Felicity chooses between Arlo and Logan!

This series has always intrigued me, from the Bean to Bar concept, the characters, and the setting, Galveston, Texas. I do think I gain at least 5 lbs every time I read one of these books and all of the delicious food and treats that are described. I also enjoy reading about how cacao is processed to become chocolate and the different flavor notes based on where it is grown.

The series has been leading up to Autumn’s wedding, and Felicity is the maid of honor. As is with most weddings, something is bound to go wrong. Actually, in this case, several things go wrong, but Felicity is there to help resolve the issues. It is nice to have small towns where neighbors are happy to help out when plans go awry.

There are a few mysteries/cases in the book to be solved. However, do they tie together? Possibly. I laughed when Arlo and Logan made a bet over who would solve their case first. Only dinner, but what an incentive to find the answers in record time. I have to admit, I had some suspicions about a certain character, and it was nice to see I was right to suspect them because they were up to no good. I just wasn’t 100% sure about all of the details of why they did what they did.

I loved the goat that made an appearance in the book Princess Buttercup. Was this a nod to The Princess Bride movie? Indubitably. Ok, maybe or maybe not, but I couldn’t resist. While a goat might be a fun pet, it can also be a menace, so for now, I’ll admire someone else’s goat.

I was glad to see that the love triangle was put to rest at the end of this book. It is never clear who she will choose, but I was very happy with the choice, and she received some excellent advice from her friends about what to look for in her future. There was even a surprise twist that I didn’t expect once she made her choice. I can only imagine what that means for the next book in this series. You’ll have to read the book, no spoilers here.

Overall, I really enjoy this series. If you haven’t read any of the books, I recommend starting at the beginning to understand the characters and what they mean to each other.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She is also the author of Story Like a Journalist: a Workbook for Novelists, which boils down her writing knowledge into an actionable plan involving over 100 worksheets to build a comprehensive story plan for your novel. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach.

Amber and her husband live in the DFW area, where you can often find them hiking or taking landscape/architecture/wildlife photographs.  If you are very nice to Amber, she might make you cupcakes.  Chocolate cupcakes, of course! Amber blogs about creative writing techniques and all things chocolate.

 

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09/11/23	Boys’ Mom Reads	Playlist
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09/12/23	Forgotten Winds	Review
09/12/23	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Stop
09/13/23	Sybrina’s Book Blog	Top Ten List
09/13/23	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
09/14/23	Chapter Break Book Blog	Scrapbook Page
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Synopsis

 

Have you ever felt like one of the least of these?

What do you know of the woman at the well? What led her to the well that day – the exact day Jesus would be there? What of the lepers, the blind man, the woman who dried Jesus’ feet with her hair? What of the Centurion who said at the cross, “Surely this was the Son of God”?

Stories of Jesus. You have heard them since you were young. But what about the parts that you’ve never heard?

The stories that need to be told? The stories you need to hear?

 

 

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Review

 

Have you ever read the stories in the bible and wondered about the backstory of the different men and women that are portrayed? How did they get to where they were? What drove them to seek out Jesus for healing or forgiveness? What was their life like before meeting the Messiah?

While we will never really know the stories of these people, this author has created a potential life for them. I really enjoyed the tales, and it makes each story become alive and have more meaning than the little that we read in the bible. And let’s be honest, the language is what always throws me off, and I don’t understand some of it anyway! But each story makes me feel a part of those times, and my understanding and compassion is increased. These are relatable stories no matter the times we live in today.

You don’t have to be religious or have read the bible to enjoy these short stories. I think they will inspire almost anyone. The stories are short and can be read quickly, but you might want to take your time to savor the words.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kathryn is a lover of words and a bearer of mood swings. When she feels the need to inspire, she writes a Christian fiction book. If a mystery is waiting to be uncovered, she finds it. If something otherworldly is finding its way through her fingertips, she travels to it.

Kathryn has been a reader since she was a young child. Although she took classes in writing as a teen, it wasn’t something she really thought would become her career until she was married. And even then, it took a few more years for something worthy enough to publish to manifest itself.

Kathryn’s first book was published in 2002. Since then, many other books have found their way out of her head, depending on the sort of day she is having. Kathryn is a journalist, a teacher, a mentor, an editor, a publisher, and a marketer.

Her greatest joy, other than writing her next book, is meeting with readers and authors who enjoy the craft of writing as much as she does.

 

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FACING THE ENEMY

 

by

 

DiAnn Mills

 

 

Christian Fiction / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Date of Publication: September 5, 2023

Number of Pages: 352 pages

 

 

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When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly.

Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger.

 

 

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I love a good mystery, especially when there is intrigue, romance, and faith all rolled into the story.

This one covers a more sensitive subject, child abduction and other crimes against children. As the story dives deeper into the dark belly of crime, it brings to life how much that I don’t know or am aware of in our own world. This may be a fictional story, but it could be true, which is very sad. Crimes against children should never happen. So grab hold of your children and keep them safe.

I came to admire Risa for many reasons. She is analytical, cares about her family, and believes in what she is doing for her career. So when her brother is killed by mistake, it sends her into a tailspin. She does not handle the grief very well and begins to doubt her faith in God. I appreciated her struggles and coming to terms with the situation. Everyone handles grief differently, and she is no different. I appreciated the chapter with a counselor. It just reinforces that it is okay to ask for help when you need it.

I enjoyed the romance between Risa and Gage. They both repress their feelings for one another until finally giving in and admitting they love one another. This brings out the protector in Gage, perhaps more so due to his feelings for Risa. This is a good and a bad thing! They are both FBI, and you will discover in various situations that Risa has no problems taking care of herself.

Watching the mystery come together confirmed some of my suspicions but blew me away in other respects because there were several aspects that I didn’t consider in trying to solve the crime. I had a feeling that several paths were going to merge, but the “how” was unknown until it happened. The story is complex, and I admire the author for handling all of the pieces in the right way.

This is another winner in my book, and we give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.  DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

 

 

 

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08/22/23	Hall Ways Blog	Notable Quotables
08/22/23	The Book’s Delight	Review
08/23/23	Chapter Break Book Blog	Guest Post
08/23/23	Librariel Book Adventures	Review
08/23/23	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Stop
08/24/23	Stories Under Starlight	Guest Post
08/24/23	Forgotten Winds	Review
08/25/23	The Real World According to Sam	Review
08/26/23	The Clueless Gent	Review
08/27/23	Bibliotica	Guest Post
08/28/23	Reading by Moonlight	Review
08/28/23	Shelf Life Blog	Guest Post
08/29/23	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
08/30/23	Rox Burkey Blog	Review
08/31/23	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review
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MUMENTOUS

 

Original Photos and Mostly-True Stories about Football,

Glue Guns, Moms, and a Supersized High School Tradition

That Was Born Deep in the Heart of Texas

 

by

 

Amy J. Schultz

 

 

Nonfiction / Photo-Driven Memoir / Women’s History / Pop Culture / Texana

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Page Count: 178 pages

Publication Date: April 25, 2023

 

 

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The closest you’ll ever get to seeing someone actually wear their heart on their sleeve is in Texas, every fall, at the local high school homecoming game.

They’re called homecoming mums. They are as bodacious as football, as irresistible as a juicy rumor, and as deep as a momma’s love. Over a hundred years ago when the custom began, mum was short for chrysanthemum, a typical corsage that boys gave to girls before taking them to the big football game. But through the decades, mum went from a simple abbreviation to a complicated shorthand for an eye-popping tradition that’s as ingrained in the culture as it is confounding to outsiders.

 

Through her original photography and collection of stories from across and beyond the Lone Star State, Amy J. Schultz takes us deep in the heart of mum country. You’ll meet kids who wear them, parents who buy them, and critics who decry them as just another example of consumerism gone wild. But mostly, you’ll discover that just like every ritual which stands the test of time, someone is keeping the tradition alive. Someone like Mom.

 

 

 

 

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I have been waiting for this book ever since the author had a Mum exhibit in Arlington at a local museum. Attending high school in Texas, I am very familiar with the Mum tradition. However, this was some 40 years ago, and mums in those days were NOTHING as I see now. I am sure you see stories on the news channels highlighting how much bigger and bolder they have become. In fact, I saw this meme, and it is almost scarily true.

 

 

 

Despite the newsworthiness of the Texas mum, this book shares with us a history of how it came to be, stories from moms, students, and more. This book is chockful of stories, old and new, men and women, and their stories of homecoming and mums. You might have your own mum story to share. And you can do so at the back of this book on one of the several blank pages. I might just have to see if I can find any photos from high school during this time.  I will say that my mum came from the local florist since DYI was not big at that time. Or it was just getting started. This was the mid-80s. Or it might have just been the small town we lived in at the time. Mums were also a reasonable size and didn’t require more than a few pins to hold them on.

But more than anything, this book is about traditions and how it brings mothers and daughters together over a shared project. While I don’t think any other state will ever have mums to the proportions that are here in Texas…because everything is bigger in Texas…it does make one take notice. It may seem crazy, but what a wonderful crazy ride to be on.

Pick up the book, enjoy the stories, marvel over the photographs, and perhaps relive a few of your own memories. Or maybe they are your child’s memories. Either way, this book is a memory book for all to see.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Schultz is an author and award-winning photographer who explores unique aspects of modern culture that hide in plain sight. When she isn’t talking about homecoming mums, Amy is writing, taking photos, working on other creative projects, traveling, snort-laughing, or vacuuming up dog fur.

 

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Murder A La Mode (Coffee & Cream Cafe Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – New York
Gemma Halliday Publishing (August 8, 2023)
Digital – Number of Pages 230

 

Synopsis

 

From author Lena Gregory comes a delicious new series that will warm your heart and leave you guessing until the very end…

When twenty-five-year-old Danika Delaney, black sheep of the Delaney clan, returns home to Long Island to take over Jimmie’s, her eccentric uncle’s old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island, she’s not exactly thrilled. But things start to look up when her uncle tells her she can do whatever she’d like with the shop, and it seems she might realize her dream of a small trendy café. That is, until she discovers the body of her ex-boyfriend’s estranged wife in a melted puddle of rocky road in the malt shop basement. With her two sidekicks, her sister and a good childhood friend, in tow, Dani searches for–or stumbles upon—one clue after another. But as she narrows down the suspect list, she realizes if she’s not careful she may end up in a puddle of her own…

 

 

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Review

 

This first book in a new series makes a big splash…or perhaps a dip into the cozy realm. Lena Gregory has written many series, and all have been quite enjoyable.

This new series features an ice cream shop (yum!) in New York. While this book doesn’t focus a lot on the ice cream portion of the business, I think that might come in future books.

Danika returns home after being told she is taking over her uncle’s shop. Could she have turned it down? Maybe, but she didn’t have much else going on in her life, so why not go back to your roots and try something new? What she doesn’t expect is to find her first boyfriend’s wife dead in the shop. While she never really intended to become a sleuth, she is thrown into it and actually does a remarkable job uncovering the clues and the killer. Well, almost. She nearly becomes a victim, but a special character saves the day. Read the book to find out who!

I really enjoyed Gwen, Danika’s friend. These two are quite a pair. I do have to question their judgment sometimes, but that is what good friends do, crazy things for one another.

I don’t know if I suspected this character was the killer. I don’t think I had any specific character in mind, but there were several I wish it would have been just because they are not nice characters. But you need that tension to make a story successful.

There could be a potential love triangle in future books. There is Danika’s first boyfriend, Luca, and the police detective, Jake Barlow. There were misunderstandings in the past between her and Luca, but does that mean she wants to restart a new relationship with him? Especially now that his wife is dead? Only time will tell if they will rekindle their relationship or just be friends.

I really enjoyed this start to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what she has planned for the makeover of the ice cream shop. I am hoping for more ice cream flavors and dishes to whet my appetite.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of Central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

 

 

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Synopsis

 

A fun love story following two roommates and a no-strings pact that is put to the test after unforeseen circumstances leave them closer than ever.

The proposition is simple: if ER nurse Claire Harper and her roommate, firefighter Graham Scott, are still single by the time they’re forty, they’ll take the proverbial plunge together…as friends with benefits. Maybe it’s the wine, but in the moment, Claire figures the pact is a safe-enough deal, considering she hasn’t had much luck in love and he’s in no rush to settle down. Like, at all. Besides, there’s no way she could ever really fall for Graham and his thrill-seeking ways. Not after what happened to her father…

Just as things begin to heat up way before the proposed deadline, Graham’s injured in a serious rock-climbing accident—and he needs Claire’s help to heal. She’ll do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health…even if it means moving into Graham’s bed and putting up with his little dog who hates her. But with this no-strings arrangement taking a complicated turn, keeping “for now” from turning into “forever” isn’t as easy as they’d planned.

 

 

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Review

 

This was such an entertaining story to read. While it is a trope we have read about before, there is a twist to this story, which is what makes it all that more fun to read.

Claire and Graham definitely have chemistry. They have just been denying it for years. But once they agree to be friends with benefits, things explode. However, an accident sidelines Graham, but this is where the story really picks up. They are put into a situation where they have to really get to know one another, which is really the foundation for any relationship.

I laughed a lot through this book. There are so many witty and snarky comments. But there is also some truth in the conversations, which is nice to balance out the story.

There is so much to love about this book. The sexy characters, witty dialogue, hard conversations, and Graham’s emails to Claire that she doesn’t know about because it was sent to an email address that she created when she was 12 and, needless to say, doesn’t use anymore. You will laugh at the email name! I really enjoyed watching these characters grow, work through past traumas, and create their own HEA.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Allison Ashley is a science geek who enjoys coffee, craft beer, baking, and love stories. When she’s not working at her day job as a clinical oncology pharmacist, she pens contemporary romances, usually with a medical twist. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and beloved rescue dog

 

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THINGS GET UGLY

 

The Best Crime Stories of

 

Joe R. Lansdale

 

Crime Fiction / Mystery / Short Stories

Publisher: Tachyon Publications

Date of Publication: August 15, 2023

Number of Pages: 352 pages

 

 

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Edgar Award winner Joe R. Lansdale (the Hap and Leonard series) returns to the piney, dangerous woods of East Texas. In this career retrospective of his best crime stories, Lansdale shows exactly why critics continue to compare him to Elmore Leonard, Donald Westlake, Flannery O’Connor, and William Faulkner.

 

In the 1950s, a young small-town projectionist mixes it up with a violent gang.

When Mr. Bear is not alerting us to the dangers of forest fires, he lives a life of debauchery and murder.

A brother and sister travel to Oklahoma to recover the dead body of their uncle.

A lonely man engages in dubious acts while pining for his rubber duckie.

 

In this collection of nineteen unforgettable crime tales, Joe R. Lansdale brings his legendary mojo and witty grit to harrowing heists, revenge, homicide, and mayhem. No matter how they begin, things are bound to get ugly—and fast.

 

 

Tachyon Publications│Signed & Personalized

 

 

Praise

 

“A terrifically gifted storyteller.” -– Washington Post Book Review

“One of the best crime writers in the business.” — Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of The Revelators

“While Lansdale’s work is as varied as the regions of Texas, there is one common link through it all: his brilliant storytelling.” –- Grimdark Magazine

 

 

 

 

I am not sure how I have never read anything by this author, but now that I have gotten a taste of his writing, there will be no turning back now!

I am generally not a crime story type of reader, but these short stories provide a twisted look at what could potentially happen if you let your imagination run wild. Take, for example, the story about a certain bear that many of us might remember from television commercials way back in the day to help prevent forest fires. Now take that same bear, and insert him into society as you would a human with a twisted sense of morality. The end result just might be this story.

I really enjoyed reading how he came up with the ideas for the stories. It gave me a sense of his thought process, but I by no means totally understand it! Writers are unique, and the stories they create will entertain or haunt us long after they are done.

The title of this book is also very appropriate because things do get ugly in most of the tales. However, you might uncover some witty moments that might surprise you. I remember chuckling through a few of the stories, surprised at the humor that was included. But sometimes, all you can do is laugh.

Each story is unique and varies in length. There is a warning from the author that if you are a sensitive reader, you might want to skip this book. I might agree. While none of the stories bothered me, I can see where it might bother some. But if you are open and not squeamish, you just might enjoy these tales.

We enjoyed this book and gave it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe R. Lansdale (Savage Season, The Donut Legion) is the internationally bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the popular, long-running Hap and Leonard novels. Many of his cult classics have been adapted for television and film, most famously the films Bubba Ho-Tep and Cold in July and the Hap and Leonard series on Sundance TV and Netflix. Lansdale has written numerous screenplays and teleplays, including for the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. He has won an Edgar Award for The Bottoms and ten Stoker Awards, and he has been designated a World Horror Grandmaster. Lansdale, like many of his characters, lives in East Texas, with his wife, Karen.

 

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08/08/23	Bibliotica	Review
08/08/23	Hall Ways Blog	Excerpt
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Synopsis

 

A TALE OF LONELINESS AND DANGER …From USA Today Bestselling Author, Bette Lee Crosby, comes a chilling tale of betrayal, self-doubt, and a friendship so powerful it can change a life.

When Susan Robertson buried her husband, she thought that would be the worst day of her life. She was wrong. Before there is time to grieve, she starts to discover the secrets he left behind. A hidden key. Another woman. A baby on the way.

Devastated by the truth, Susan sinks into an emotionally charged world of pain, loss, and recrimination. With a ready supply of sleeping pills and a well-stocked liquor cabinet, she is on the verge of giving way to her growing despair when friend Blanche steps in with a firm hand and a fistful of tough love.

Trying to instill a renewed sense of purpose in her friend, Blanche suggests a day of sailing. Despite her life-long fear of water, Susan agrees to go. When a sudden storm rolls in, she discovers herself in a dangerous situation and will have to find an inner-strength she thought impossible. If she fails, someone will die.

 

 

 

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Review

 

Bette has a gift for storytelling. Each book is a delight to read, and this one was no different.

Susan has recently lost her husband, but in the process, she uncovers deception on his part. This shatters her confidence, as I would imagine it would most people. This starts her on a downward spiral. Thankfully, she has two wonderful friends that come to her rescue and insert themselves into her life more than normal. These are true friends! This is Susan’s journey to rediscovering herself and finding out who she truly is deep down.

What I love about Susan’s character is that she is flawed. She isn’t the perfect wife, mother, or friend. Yet, this is what makes her relatable to the reader. I had to think about how I would have handled things if I were in her shoes. Would I react the same or differently? How would I handle betrayal?

I think the hidden gem is Nina. She is a 91-year-old parishioner at Susan’s church, and the pastor does a little conniving to get them to help one another. I feel like they learned a lot from one another. Nina is a bit of a wild woman, but when you get to that age, you have to know what you want from life and go for it.

The story does have a HEA ending, but it is also a story about finding oneself in the midst of a crisis.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

USA Today Bestselling Author and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby brings the wit and wisdom of her Southern Mama to works of fiction—the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery, and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away.

 

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Synopsis

 

After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts. But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm. She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist. While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits. He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother. He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her. His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her. Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.

 

 

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Review

 

This story is spooky, suspenseful, and with a twist of romance to keep a reader engrossed in the book.

I loved this book! The mystery kept me engaged while trying to figure out who the ghost was and why were they haunting the farm. I did figure it out before the reveal at the end, but it was by chance. I think I picked up on a few clues that might have been obscure but stood out in my mind. I won’t tell you what they are because you need to read the book yourself and figure it out. I will say that there were a few twists that I wasn’t expecting when everything was revealed.

I really enjoyed Callie’s character. She has had a tough life, but she keeps rolling with the punches. I wonder if an accident that took her boyfriend’s life is what opened her mind to be able to communicate with ghosts. Anything is possible. Luke is the skeptical grandson, but there is an attraction between these two that will not be denied.  The romance between these two is clean, and most of it is “behind closed doors,” which was fine with me because detailed scenes weren’t needed.

The haunting scenes are descriptive and made me a little nervous. I know I don’t have ghosts around my house, but it made me wonder what might happen if I did.

This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kathryn Knight writes books filled with steamy romance, dangerous secrets, and haunting mysteries. Her novels are award-winning #1 Amazon and B&N Bestsellers and RomCon Reader-Rated picks. When she’s not reading or writing, Kathryn spends her time exploring abandoned places and searching for ghosts. She lives on beautiful Cape Cod with her husband, their two sons, and a number of rescued pets.

 

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