TRACE OF DOUBT
BY DIANN MILLS
Categories: Romantic Suspense / Christian Fiction / FBI Crime Solving Novel / Clean Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House
Pub Date: September 7, 2021
Pages: 432 pages
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Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.
FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.
But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.
Praise
“Filled with high stakes, high emotion, and high intrigue.” – LYNN H. BLACKBURN, award-winning author of UNKNOWN THREAT and ONE FINAL BREATH
“Trace of Doubt is a suspense reader’s best friend. From page one until the end, the action is intense and the storyline keeps you guessing.” – EVA MARIE EVERSON, bestselling author of FIVE BRIDES and DUST
“DiAnn Mills serves up a perfect blend of action, grit, and heart. . . Trace of Doubt takes romantic suspense to a whole new level.” – JAMES R. HANNIBAL, award-winning author of THE PARIS BETRAYAL
“Well-researched . . . with some surprising twists along the way. In Trace of Doubt, Mills weaves together a tale of faith, intrigue, and suspense that her fans are sure to enjoy.” – STEVEN JAMES, award-winning author of SYNAPSE and EVERY WICKED MAN
Want to Open a Bakery in Texas?
Guest Post by DiAnn Mills
Research draws me into a world of wanting more and more information. That’s what happened when I dug deeper into how to open a bakery in Texas. I love to bake, so the curious gene combined with the story idea kept me searching . . .
What does it cost to open a bakery in Texas?
- A food manufacturer license. That can cost from a few hundred dollars up to $2,000.
- Chose the type of operation: sole proprietor, partnership (hopefully someone who can bake and have solid business sense, or a corporation.
- Insurance!
- Certifications!
- Secure a building. I learned that in Texas, there are specific guidelines/laws for a bakery. Even a separate room to change clothes. The reason is at least two-fold. So workers don’t bring home flour and sugar on their clothes, and unwanted dirt and germs remain outside the bakery. The cost depends on the location. It might mean a loan or a dive into savings.
- Purchase or lease equipment and supplies. The size of the bakery dictates how much is required and the related cost.
- Be prepared for unplanned visits from the health department, fire marshal, and anything else I missed.
*A home bakery is permissible in Texas, but the owner faces a few restrictions.
What mistakes can send a bakery into the red?
- Not having plenty of money in the bank for unforeseen expenses.
- Not having good business sense when it comes to a budget.
- Not knowing where to purchase supplies wholesale.
- Not knowing how to market and promote.
- Absolutely no skills in how to bake.
Is there money to be made in a bakery, or will I simply get fat?
If the bakery owner steers away from the mistakes listed above and follows a good business model, a profit can be earned. But, even if the bakery is an overnight success, the owner might still get fat.
Do I need original recipes?
Nope. A bakery owner can purchase from other resources or use mixes.
If baking is not your forte, research ways on becoming an expert (or semi-expert). Local and online culinary schools can guide you through the process.
Conclusion: I’m sticking to my kitchen when the baking muse hits me. That way I can bake all the chocolate chip cookies, pies, cakes, scones, and loaves of bread on my own terms.
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, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she 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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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
FOUR WINNERS
Each winner receives a $25 e-gift card of winner’s choice to either Amazon or B&N.
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 9/3/2021)
Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page
For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily.
Or, visit the blogs directly:
| 8/24/21 | Guest Post | The Adventures of a Travelers Wife |
| 8/24/21 | BONUS Promo | Hall Ways Blog |
| 8/25/21 | Review | The Book’s Delight |
| 8/25/21 | Top 7 List | The Plain-Spoken Pen |
| 8/25/21 | BONUS Promo | LSBBT Blog |
| 8/26/21 | Guest Post | Jennifer Silverwood |
| 8/27/21 | Review | Carpe Diem Chronicles |
| 8/27/21 | Playlist | The Clueless Gent |
| 8/28/21 | Review | It’s Not All Gravy |
| 8/29/21 | Guest Post | All the Ups and Downs |
| 8/30/21 | Top 10 List | Reading by Moonlight |
| 8/31/21 | Guest Post | StoreyBook Reviews |
| 8/31/21 | Review | KayBee’s Bookshelf |
| 9/1/21 | Review | The Page Unbound |
| 9/1/21 | Top 5 List | Chapter Break Book Blog |
| 9/2/21 | Review | Forgotten Winds |
| 9/2/21 | Review | Bibliotica |
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What a fun guest post. I had no idea how complicated, and expensive, it can be to open a bakery. And I loved the question, “Can I make a profit or will I only get fat?” As well as the response. I’d be doomed if I owned a bakery.