WHISKEY ON OUR SHOES

 

by

 

Tonya Preece

 

 

Contemporary Romance / New Adult

Publisher: Champagne Book Group

Page Count: 238 pages

Publication Date: February 12, 2023

 

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Eva dodges the fans, media, and gossip that follow her supermodel mom and rock star family members by wearing disguises. After an aimless gap year, she struggles to figure out what she wants from life. She moves in with her famous guitar god brother in Austin while he recovers from a drunken stage stunt accident and tries to stay sober. When a hot Texas cowboy named Alex takes Eva by surprise, she risks her safety and security of anonymity by letting him into her unconventional life.

Alex is captivated by Eva and promises to protect her privacy. Yet he has a secret of his own—the fling he had with an older woman is fraught with scandalous potential for him and now Eva. He broke free of that mistake months ago, or so he thought. As things heat up with Eva, his old flame returns and won’t leave him alone.

Just when Alex thinks he has the reins on the situation, his ex teams up with a gossip reporter hell-bent on invading Eva’s privacy. The resulting exposé, with a sly spin on a recent encounter with his ex, is Alex’s worst nightmare, and Eva’s unsure what to believe. Can she face the world with Alex at her side or will she return into hiding?

 

 

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Discovering love when most of your life has been a lie can be challenging.

Eva has led a sheltered life as a child of very famous parents. They have shielded her from the worst of it, as good parents should, but are they really doing her a favor? As she starts to gain her independence, she realizes that maybe not everything was for her benefit or that perhaps there was an ulterior motive on her mother’s part. But that is what makes this a fantastic coming-of-age story, learning and growing beyond the teenage years and ideals. We all think we are invincible as a youth, but learn quickly that is not always the truth. The same could be said for Alex, our leading young man.

I really enjoyed the story between Eva and Alex because it wasn’t simple. They had their own set of challenges to work through before they could find their own HEA. They have to learn to trust, speak the truth, and share their lives, the good and the bad.

There are many nuances that helped round out the story. There is Lena, Alex’s sister. She has Down syndrome but wants to be like every other girl out there. I loved the scene where she is trying to apply makeup in preparation for Prom and can’t seem to get it right. Enter Eva to the rescue because who better to teach about makeup than a supermodel’s daughter?

While there are many bright spots in the book, there are also many nefarious characters. There is Alex’s brother Devin, a gossip columnist that is referred to as Cabbage Patch Candy, and a few other characters sprinkled throughout. However, the addition of these characters adds the conflict that is needed to push Eva and Alex to be better for themselves and each other.

This story checked off many boxes for me and was an enjoyable read. We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonya Preece writes romance and contemporary young adult fiction and incorporates music into all her books in one way or another. She lives near Austin, TX where she’s a small business manager for a forensic engineering firm. She and her husband enjoy traveling, live music, wine, and spoiling their fur babies.

 

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Synopsis

 

Who sent the black panther guide, and where will it lead her? A young woman, Jennifer, receives a visit from a spirit panther which takes her into an amazing adventure. Thrust into a relationship with Vijay, a technician in the Mercury Theatre, she must overcome her past to learn to love him. Meanwhile, the message of the panther is not clear, and an Artificial Intelligence named Gabriel claims to be the one who can help her solve the puzzle. This speculative, romantic fantasy is the first novel of the Jennifer Trilogy, which begins the series of Gaia’s Daughters.

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Chapter 14 – MEETING WITH WENDELL

 

Wendell was sitting at his desk surrounded by a cloud of sweet-smelling pipe tobacco smoke when Jennifer arrived at work the following morning. She knocked on his open door, and he waved her in.

“Come in, come in, child, and close the door, why don’t you.”

Jennifer didn’t like being called a child. ‘But it’s not the worst thing I’ve been called,’ she thought.

“Hi Wendell, I came to give you a progress report.” Wendell put down his pipe and leaned forward, seeming intent on hearing what she had to say.

“I’ve connected with Vijay, and we’re living in the same apartment now. I believe that was the first objective.”

“Yes, go on.”

“We’ve been to the Green Dragon together, and Vijay is caught up in the revolutionary spirit there. We also found Marjorie and watched her play in the park. Vijay said it gave him insight into the kind of resistance movement he needs to create.”

“And how was Marjorie? We’ve known each other for a long time, but it’s been a while since I last saw her.”

“She said she knew you and seemed delighted that you sent us to her, but she didn’t tell us about your past.”

“No, I don’t suppose she would. So, what are you planning next?”

“Vijay is going to recruit Sally and Greg into his resistance movement. Vijay believes they’d be a great asset.”

“Yes, very good. I believe Vijay’s instinct is right.”

“I’m also working on inspiring Vijay. And I’ll be talking with Marjorie again. She seems like an interesting person to know better.”

“Very good. I can see how that makes sense. Now, what do you need from me? I assume you didn’t just drop by to tell me that you’ve done what I asked. I already knew that.”

“I need you to set us some tasks to give Vijay the sense that we’re moving forward. Tell us what you need us to do next while he’s getting started. The people paying for all this, what do they want to see happen?”

“Don’t concern yourself with them. I’ll have some more tasks in a few days. Meanwhile, keep working on your handwriting. It’s getting much better, but there’s still room for improvement.”

“Don’t worry, I’m still doing my cover job. But if you’re going to be our secret boss, we need you to do your job as well.”

Wendell sat back, raising one eyebrow. “It’s always so refreshing talking with you, Ms. Dupont. I’ll let you know when I’ve spoken with our sponsors. Please leave the door open as you leave.”

He picked up his pipe in his left hand and a half-read script in his right.

Jennifer went out into the hall feeling pleased with herself. ‘The next tasks should tell us a lot.’

She went to the control room to tell Vijay about her conversation, but as she climbed the short flight of stairs, she heard voices above her.

“That’s great,” Vijay was saying. “Why not come by our place for dinner tonight, and we can talk more about how you might contribute.”

Jennifer reached the top of the stairs and found Sally and Greg sitting with Vijay.

“Hi Sally, Greg. Sounds like you’re thinking of joining us. That’s wonderful! What time did you want to come over?”

Greg looked at Sally, who answered, “Would 7pm work for you?”

“Perfect,” said Jennifer. “I’m looking forward to spending some time together.”

Sally and Greg made their way back down the stairs. Jennifer heard the control room door open, and then close behind them.

“Vijay, what are you thinking of? Why invite them to our apartment?”

“Because, Jennifer, I have no other tangible proof that any of this is real. That apartment is proof that someone is funding this, funding us, and that we’re engaged in something serious. I want to leverage it as we get started. Besides, I trust Sally and Greg.”

“Why do you trust them?”

“Jenn, what do you know about their relationship? Are they just good friends? Do they sleep together? Do they even live together?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think anyone knows, really. Noone ever talks about them, or if they do, it’s only to say they’re a mystery because no one knows.”

“Exactly. So, they’ll be able to keep our secrets as well. They’re already used to keeping private things private.”

“Okay, just don’t expect me to cook dinner.”

“No? I was planning for a feast of toast and coffee!” Jennifer did her best to look hurt. “You should be planning to sleep on the couch tonight.”

Vijay laughed, stood up to kiss her, then went back to his work as she went down into the lobby, where there were always more ticket requests waiting.

 

 

About the Author

 

Kevin Coleman is a well-regarded Canadian author. Prior to his journey as a writer, Kevin spent a significant portion of his career as a consultant to large corporations and governments around the world, applying his expertise in technology and management. The insights and experiences gleaned from this role have enriched his understanding of human dynamics, a quality vividly apparent in his writing.

With his wide-ranging life experiences and global adventures, Kevin crafts characters of depth and realism, set in authentic locales. He adeptly weaves themes of personal growth, love, and redemption throughout his narratives, which have garnered him a devoted readership. Kevin’s prowess in contemporary fiction is particularly evident in his captivating ‘Jennifer’ series.

Presently, Kevin calls the northern shore of Lake Ontario home, where he savors the serenity and picturesque views that Oakville offers. In his downtime, Kevin engages in making kites and indulges his passion for sailing when the opportunity arises. He is also a proud father to two adult children and grandfather to two grandsons.

With every new narrative, Kevin invites his readers to reflect deeply on their own experiences and emotions. He is committed to continuing his journey of crafting engaging, thought-provoking stories that resonate and inspire.

 

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

 

Synopsis

 

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

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

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

Craft project included.

 

 

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Guest Post

 

Ever Hear of a Reluctant Amateur Sleuth?

 

By Lois Winston

 

When I was first asked to create a crafting themed cozy mystery series, I first embarked on some research. My writing roots were firmly planted in various romance genres—contemporary, romantic suspense, and chick lit. I wrote standalone novels that always ended with a happily-ever-after. I knew of Miss Marple, Jessica Fletcher, and Nancy Drew, but I hadn’t read a cozy mystery in…well, I couldn’t even remember the last cozy mystery I had read.

Since current romance trends were quite different from those of the last century, I figured the same must hold true for the cozy mystery genre. Thus, I headed to the library and hauled home an armload of current cozy mysteries.

After immersing myself in books by dozens of contemporary cozy authors, I came away with one conclusion—I didn’t want to do what others were already doing quite successfully. I saw no point in competing against all these other authors for a slice of the cozy pie. If I was going to gain any success at all, I had to think outside the box, making my series just different enough that although it maintained the cozy label, it stood out from a crowded field.

As I mulled over ideas, my first decision was not to make my sleuth a hobbyist or owner of a craft or needlework shop. She wouldn’t be a member of a knitting or quilting circle or involved in only one craft. I had a background as a crafts designer and had also worked as a craft book editor. I decided to make Anastasia Pollack, as I named her, the crafts editor at a women’s magazine. That way, I could feature a different craft in each book. As far as I could tell, no cozy author had ever done that before.

I also decided I wouldn’t inflict Cabot Cove Syndrome on the town where my sleuth lived. Yes, there are murders that occur in her hometown. However, as the writers of Murder She Wrote came to realize, you can only suspend disbelief up to a point before no one is left standing other than the sleuth. Even Jessica Fletcher began traveling outside her small community to stumble upon dead bodies here, there, and everywhere.

Since Anastasia’s career doesn’t limit her to a shop or office cubicle, she not only finds dead bodies at her place of employment and in her hometown, but she also trips over them in various other settings around the New York metropolitan area. In her latest adventure, she even finds a dead body in Tennessee.

But I continued to think outside the box as I developed Anastasia. Many cozy mystery sleuths are busybodies compelled to stick their noses in police business because they believe they know more than local law enforcement. Anastasia is different. She’s very much a reluctant amateur sleuth, getting involved only because she believes she has no other choice. However, she’ll be the first to tell you, she’d rather be doing anything else—including undergoing root canal!

Meddling is meddling, though, as far as most law enforcement is concerned. However, Anastasia’s interactions with at least some law enforcement personnel have earned her their respect. This becomes very evident in the way she’s sucked into the murder investigation in A Crafty Collage of Crime, the twelfth book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series.

 

 

About the Author

 

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

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

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

 

 

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Giveaway

 

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Synopsis

 

Sutton going missing is the worst thing to happen to Casey, to their family. She’s trying to help find her sister, but Casey is furious. And she can’t tell anyone about their argument before Sutton disappeared. Everyone paints a picture of Sutton’s perfection: the popular cheerleader with an entourage of friends, a doting boyfriend, and a limitless future. But Sutton manipulated everyone around her, even stole an heirloom bracelet from Casey. People don’t look for missing Black girls–or half-Black girls–without believing there is an angel to be saved.

When Sutton reappears, Casey knows she should be relieved. Except Sutton isn’t the same. She remembers nothing about while she was gone—or anything from her old life, including how she made Casey miserable. There’s something unsettling about the way she wants to spend time with Casey, the way she hums and watches her goldfish swim for hours.

What happened to Sutton? The more Casey starts uncovering her sister’s secrets, the more questions she has. Did she really know her sister? Why is no one talking about the other girls who have gone missing in their area? And what will it take to uncover the truth?

 

 

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Review

 

This debut YA novel is sure to hit home with many readers. While it appears to be based on a true story, according to the author’s notes, it is a story that will resonate with many that have had similar experiences with their ancestry.

The story focuses on sisters Casey and Sutton. The rest of the characters are supporting but not fully developed since their role is minor. These sisters have a love/hate relationship. It happens with teenagers, but later in life, they will appreciate each other, hopefully! The beginning focuses on Sutton’s disappearance and the search for her. The story does jump back and forth in time, but it is done well and helps to broaden the depth of the story and explain some nuances of what Casey or Sutton were thinking or experiencing.

While Sutton is discovered, she is not herself, and what follows is the journey to find whoever kidnapped her and why she can’t remember anything. When the truth is revealed in the end, it is quite a surprise. Obviously, I’m not going to tell you anything because that would spoil the story. So just go read the book!

There is the mystery of who kidnapped Sutton. There are several possibilities, but the truth was quite a surprise. As the story unfolds, it does reveal how wealth has its privilege. To give you more details would also ruin the mystery of the book. So once again, just go read the book!

I loved all of the historical aspects of the story. Their father is a historian researching their family tree and its roots in slavery. I found this very fascinating because many families were broken up and sold, and they may have never found each other again.

I enjoyed this book more than I expected. And for a debut novel, the author gets a big thumbs up from me.

We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

My name is Lily Meade.

I was born and raised in Washington state (the one with coffee, not Congress), the second oldest and only girl of four. I like to think I was a cool kid (my mother was an ice cream lady, I mean… come on), but that is debatable.

I believe stories have power.

I strive to live by the motto of a life inspired by fiction. I come from a background of extreme poverty (I’ve been homeless twice!) and live with a chronic illness, so I know just how powerful hope can be when you’re on a difficult journey.

I believe anyone can achieve their own happy ending, no matter how bleak things may currently seem. I’m a passionate advocate of at risk youth outreach and reading programs.

My debut novel THE SHADOW SISTER, and an untitled second novel will be published by Sourcebooks Fire in 2023 and 2024, respectively. My ultimate career goal is to be hired to write a modern YA reboot of Scooby Doo.

 

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

Synopsis

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

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Guest Post

 

What’s In a Name?

 

 

Naming characters is one of the most fun—but hardest—parts of being an author. You have to choose a name that fits the personality of the character, then maybe think through everyone you know to figure out if anyone will think they lent you their name (which may or may not be a good thing, depending).

Writing cozy mysteries throws an extra layer of thought into the mix. Because cozies are special! It’s the kind of book that lets you bring in puns or hint at more. You’re almost expected to have a name that ties into the character’s hobby, or a holiday if the series is set around one, or any number of related things.

When I was choosing names for the characters in Murder To My Ears, I knew I wanted to tie the music theme into the main character’s name. She’s a classical violist who happens to be a hippie, which made things a little tricky. I chose a music-related first name, and a more living-outdoors kind of last name: Octavia Fields. As a bonus, when Octavia signs her name, she writes 8via. (If you read music, you’ll be aware that 8va marks sections to be played an octave above what’s written.)

I wanted to carry the music theme over to Octavia’s best friend as well. When the concertmaster turns up murdered, this best friend becomes the new concertmaster, with responsibilities to help lead the rest of the symphony. It took a little work, but I came up with the perfect name for her: Piper.

Then we have the detectives. We spend a fair amount of time with two of the three detectives in this book, so we’ll talk about those two.

The first is the lead detective, who I wanted to come across as more of an “everyone” character. I knew I wanted his name to be short and to the point, because that plays into his personality. I also wanted him to be easy to relate to, so I chose a more common name: Jack Price.

For the other detective, I wanted to play a bit with the detective theme. Her name ties together two characters from Sherlock Holmes: Irene Watson.

Choosing the right name for a character can be tricky, but when you get it right, it feels like striking gold. So, next time you’re reading, it might be fun to think about why the author chose the names they did for their characters! It can add new depth to the story.

 

 

About the Author

 

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

 

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Giveaway

 

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Synopsis

 

In Olivia Matthews’s Against the Currant , the first Spice Isle Bakery Mystery, investigating a murder was never supposed to be on the menu…

Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, New Lyndsay Murray is opening Spice Isle Bakery with her family, and it’s everything she’s ever wanted. The West Indian bakery is her way to give back to the community she loves, stay connected to her Grenadian roots, and work side-by-side with her family. The only thing getting a rise out of Lyndsay is Claudio Fabrizi, a disgruntled fellow bakery owner who does not want any competition.

On opening day, he comes into the bakery threatening to shut them down. Fed up, Lyndsay takes him to task in front of what seems to be the whole neighborhood. So when Claudio turns up dead a day later―murdered―Lyndsay is unfortunately the prime suspect. To get the scent of suspicion off her and her bakery, Lyndsay has to prove she’s innocent―under the watchful eyes of her overprotective brother, anxious parents, and meddlesome extended family―what could go wrong?

 

 

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Review

 

This new series celebrates the culture, food, and people of the Caribbean. One aspect that I enjoyed was how close the family was in this book. They supported one another through all of the ups and downs, especially when Lyndsay is a person of interest in the death of a competitor. It is all circumstantial, but the police detectives don’t seem to know how to search for other possible suspects. Luckily, Lyndsay is able to sniff out the killer, but almost too late!

The story moves at a slower pace. I did feel like it took a long time to get to the point of Lyndsay investigating to try and clear her name. But perhaps that is indicative of the lifestyle of those from the Caribbean, not in a hurry.

I thought Lyndsay was a unique character with her interests and her desire to open a bakery since she was young. The author does a wonderful job of describing everything, and I felt like I was there and could imagine what the different dishes tasted like.

I did not like the reporter, Jose. While I get he has a job to do, it is like he has a vendetta against Lyndsay and only seems to report things that could hurt her vs. help.

I think this will be a fun but laid-back series. I look forward to seeing what happens next for the family and their bakery.

We give the book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

OLIVIA MATTHEWS, pen name for romance author Patricia Sargeant, is a national bestselling and award-winning author. The Spice Isle Bakery mysteries are inspired by the author’s family history and the history of her birth place. As Olivia Matthews she is also the author of the Sister Lou mysteries and Peach Coast Library mysteries, and writes romance as Patricia Sargeant and Regina Hart.

 

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Synopsis

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the story of two wine enthusiasts who ride the ups and downs of love in the vineyards of Tuscany.

Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.

For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.

When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.

As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.

It’s each other.

 

 

 

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Review

 

I really enjoy the characters in this series. It focuses on one family, and each book is about a different family member. In this one, we get to fall in love with Gio and Emma and their love story.

These are characters that you will want to get behind and support. Gio has a loving family, but they do want to see him married or at least in a relationship. Emma is trying to prove to her father that she can be a contributing member of the winery. Her father is a misogynist, and it won’t be hard to dislike him. A secret is revealed about 2/3 of the way, which explains a lot about his behavior. It doesn’t excuse his actions but does explain it a bit more.

I love the journey through Italy where Gio and Emma meet. I would love to do a wine tour! I can only imagine the experience. It doesn’t hurt that both Emma and Gio have the knowledge to delve into the grapes, so to speak. I chuckled at the competition between the two in pinning down the flavor notes and other aspects of the wines they tasted.

This love story is not without its challenges. I don’t want to spoil the story, but there is more than just Emma’s dad throwing kinks into her life. I will say that it definitely made me misty, but so thankful it ended on a positive note.

Franny, Gio’s niece, is a hoot and steals the plot at different times. Out of the mouths of babes, as they say!

Loved this book and highly recommend it, and the rest of the series too.

We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

And when Gio paused long enough to shove some food into his mouth, his mother offered a sweet smile and tapped her fingers on the table.

“You’ve said nothing about Emma.”

Gio chewed slowly and looked around the table.

Everyone was quietly watching him.

He slowly swallowed with a grin and followed it with a drink of water. “What do you want to know?”

Mari lost her smile. Slapped a hand on the table. “What do I want to know?” She rolled her eyes, lifted a hand in the air, and switched to Italian. “For an hour you’ve talked about everyone but the woman you introduced us to.”

“C’mon, Gio . . . give it up,” Chloe said, kicking him under the table.

“Hey.”

“Is she your girlfriend?” Franny asked without hesitation.

Gio winked at his niece. “Emma is someone I hope you will all meet very soon.”

“Bene, bene . . .” His mother was smiling again.

“I won’t say she’s a girlfriend, but we are more than friends.”

Mari’s smile fell to a flat line. “Why not a girlfriend?”

“Mama, we’ve only known each other a few weeks.”

“This means nothing to me. When you know, you know.” Mari swirled spaghetti with her fork. “Your father and I—”

“Yes, Mama, we know. Instant love, marriage, and babies. It isn’t like that nowadays.”

Brooke cleared her throat and placed a hand on her protruding baby bump. “I disagree.”

Dante laughed. “It took Chloe and I more time.”

Mari tossed around gestures with her free hand. “You were childhood friends. That’s different. And since you eloped without a whisper to the family, something must have been instant. Not that I want you to share.”

Dante stood down.

Smart man.

“This Emma is beautiful, and the way you smiled at her . . .”

“It was sappy adorable, Gio,” Chloe said in agreement with their mother.

He was infatuated with the woman, there was no pretending otherwise. “Her guard is up a bit. She’s been married before.”

“Children?” Mari asked.

“No, Mama. But when someone is divorced it takes a little longer to trust.”

All eyes turned to Luca. The only person at the table who had any personal authority on the subject.

Gio waited for his brother to agree.

Instead, Luca placed a hand over Brooke’s at the table and shook his head. “Not when you find the right person.”

Gio rolled his eyes. “It still takes time.”

“Wasting time, you mean,” his mother said.

Gio spread his hands to each side of the table, indicating his sister and brother. “Mama, two weddings in one year . . . isn’t that enough?”

“No,” she said flat out. “My youngest son still isn’t married. There is still room at this table. So, no. It’s not enough. When you’re married, it will be enough.”

“It’s a trap, Gio,” Dante said.

Chloe hit his arm.

“Not marriage . . . the enough part. Soon as you’re married the question switches to babies.”

The two things Emma said she didn’t want.

“Oh,” Chloe sighed. “That’s true.”

“None of this when you meet Emma. We don’t talk about my lack of being a husband or anyone’s biological clock. I don’t want anyone scaring her off.”

“What’s a biological clock?” Franny asked.

Dante started laughing.

“I mean it!” Gio pointed his fork at his sister and mother.

“She means something to you,” Luca said quietly.

Gio paused, thought of her smile, her laugh. The freckles on her face and how crazy her hair turned in the humidity. “Yeah. She does.”

“Then we will do our best to keep our opinions about weddings and babies to ourselves. Don’t you think, Mama?” Luca asked.

Mari released a deep sigh. “Fine. I can do that.”

Gio felt the tension in his shoulders ease.

Franny leaned over, tapped his arm. “What’s a biological clock?”

 

 

About the Author

 

Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total, she has written thirty-six beloved books that have collectively sold more than 8 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned The Not Quite series, The Weekday Brides series, The Most Likely To series, and The First Wives series.

 

 

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Bomb Blast: A Thriller
Thriller
4th in Series
Middle River Press (February 24, 2023)

 

Synopsis

 

In the fourth novel in the Dr. Catherine (Cat) Powers series, top FBI forensic pathologist and special agent Dr. Cat Powers is called as two Syrian-born bombers wreak havoc on “soft targets” in the United States.

Starting with the New York Stock Exchange, these bombers are intent on causing as much murder and mayhem as they can. As their bombing spree takes them cross-country, Cat is appointed the eyes and ears of the president of the United States. Teamed with Special Ops and bombing expert Sam Patterson, Cat must figure out who these bombers are, what their motives are, who is funding them, and ultimately, if they can be caught. As the bombings become more violent and deadly, Cat and Sam are in a race against time to catch these savage killers before they kill again.

Will they succeed or will the bombers avoid detection and escape?

 

 

 

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Guest Post

 

Interview with Dr. Catherine (Cat) Powers for Bomb Blast

 

Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Catherine Powers, although most folks call me Cat. I am an FBI special agent, profiler, and a forensic pathologist. I am called in to handle the “worst of the worst” criminal cases in the United States when local authorities are at wits end and need help.

So, a little personal information. I am the mother of a son, Joey, who is 9 years old at the time of this interview. He is quite literally the center of my universe.  The hardest thing about my job is being away from him for extended periods of time. He is a smart, fun-loving boy who loves to swim in our pool and play with his Golden Retriever, Max. Joey is an only child which is one of the reasons he and I are so close. The other reason is that 3 years ago, Joey was kidnapped by a madman, that the media dubbed “The Burning Man.” He killed my ex-husband and kidnapped Joey to try to get to me. I will never forget those days and nights searching for him or how it all ended, with “The Burning Man,” whose real name was Eric Dupont, getting away. I was able to bring him to justice about a year later when he resurfaced from hiding.

So, what would you like to know about me? As I mentioned I am a single mother which I find very challenging especially with my career. Like most women, somehow, I make it work, although the stress takes a lot out of me. I love what I do. For me, it is not just a job. It can’t be if you must work 18-to-20-hour days. I am driven and dedicated to my work with the FBI. When I am doing an autopsy, I always treat the body with the greatest respect. After all, this is someone’s wife, daughter, sister, aunt or mother. This was someone’s father, brother, uncle, nephew or close friend.  This person has a family that is looking for answers.  In doing an autopsy on them, I become their voice and their truth.

I also love tracking down the killers. In the case of “Firestorm,” I had not one, but two serial killers to track down.  One was my old friend, “The Burning Man.”  The other was a serial arsonist hellbent on burning entire Southern California neighborhoods.

As a scientist and a doctor, I take great care with every detail of a criminal case. Sometimes, it is the little things in a case that make all the difference in the world to solving the case and bringing a grieving family closure. I am fortunate to have a bit of a sixth sense in solving crimes that only comes to me in times of great stress. In Bomb Blast, you will learn for the first time where this “gift”, if you can call it that, comes from. It is something I share only with those very close to me.

In Bomb Blast, I am called in after two horrific bombings in New York City in that many days. The first kills the head of the Federal Reserve as he is leaving his posh New York apartment – a car bomb that literally blows it to smithereens. The second, the day after is a bombing at the New York Stock Exchange. With both bombings, the bombers have a very clear message – they intend on causing turmoil in the financial markets in the US and abroad. For a short while, they accomplish those goals. That is until, US President, Paul Cosgrave, teams me and Special Ops and bombing specialist, Sam Patterson, together to hunt down these killers. We must figure out their motives, their financing and try to determine when and where they will strike next. Not easy tasks, I can assure you, as these bombers spread terror and mayhem across the United States. Their intentions are simple – strike fear into every American heart. They want to make people afraid to leave their homes, afraid to do simple things like going to the grocery store on a Saturday afternoon.  These bombers what to shake the very core of American society. Neither I nor Sam have any intention of letting that happen. As we start to put the pieces together, it seems that the bombers are one step ahead of us. They are bombing soft targets – like the famous Water Tower shopping center in Chicago and a football game in New Jersey with reckless abandon. Then, Sam and I catch a break as one of the bombers gets to close to his own work and is blown up by his own bomb.  This creates a situation where Sam and I, for the first time, are able to get one step ahead of the remaining female bomber. Sam, with his Special Ops team was able to track down and capture “the money” behind this bombing operation, a sheik located in the desert in the Middle East. Sam brings him back to the US and then down to Gitmo in Cuba at the request of the President, where Sam forces him to talk. Well, I won’t give you the rest of the story. No spoilers here. Suffice it to say, the story is a compelling one. Sam and I work well together as a professional team as well as romantically. Oh, did I forget to mention that. Yes, Sam and I are a couple. My ten-year-old son, Joey is thrilled with our relationship and has accepted Sam, a fact for which I am grateful.

So, what does the future hold for me? I will continue to work tirelessly for the FBI. Even when the nights grow long, I still have a passion for what I do. That will never change. I will continue to raise Joey the best that I can. I want to be a good mother for him, although sometimes it is hard because my work takes me away from him for long periods of time. That is one of the reasons I am so glad to have Sam in my life. And in Joey’s life. I am sure that there will be more cases to solve in the future. More criminals to bring to justice. That will never end.

On a personal note, now that Covid 19 is over, I plan to do more traveling. Whether it’s taking Joey to Belize like I did last year, or finally going on that Kenya safari I had always planned to do, I am definitely making more time to travel and see the world. If Covid taught me anything, it is that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and we must live our lives to the fullest each and every single day. So, for me and Joey and hopefully Sam, that means a little globe-trotting. I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to some far-off destinations so far in my life, 19 to be exact. So, I’ll be adding to that list.

Because of the stress of my work, I am a bit of a loner. I don’t have too many close friends. I view Joey as really my best friend in the world, with Sam running a close second. Our Golden Retriever, Max, runs next in line. That dog does the craziest things, especially when he is with Joey. There was one time I made the mistake of leaving a fresh baked peach pie on the back to the stove to cool before taking it to a friend house for a dinner party. I left Max in the kitchen for fine minutes to get dressed for the party and came back in the kitchen, only to find three quarters of the pie gone and Max looking at me with “I didn’t do it” look on his face. I wanted to get mad, but I couldn’t because it was really my fault. If you know anything about Golden Retrievers, they love food. I was my fault for leaving the pie out where Max could get to it. I really couldn’t blame him a bit.

What do I see for the future between Sam and I, you ask? Well, at this point, I don’t want to over think it. We are both grown adults enjoying life and each other’s company. I don’t want to place expectations on our relationship – long term – because that could really destroy the trust and love that we have for each other. So, for now, I am just happy to take things day by day. No pressure. No stress. No promise of happily ever after. Just here and now. And happiness.

Well, I hope that gives you a little glimpse into my life. Joey’s life and Sam as well. Hope you enjoy reading Bomb Blast.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

BORN ON THE BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL ISLAND of Jamaica to a Jamaican father and a French mother, Solange Ritchie (then Solange Levy) immigrated to the United States at age eleven. Since then, she has become a dynamic force for change. Fed up with thrillers that start with a fizzle and longing to see more powerful women as lead characters, Solange decided to create her own characters. Despite the demands of a busy legal career, she accomplished her ambitious goal by rising each morning to write before work, dedicating her weekends to writing, and even spending her vacation time writing. Solange is fortunate to have traveled to over 19 countries in her lifetime.

Words have always been Solange’s passion – now so more than ever.

Solange achieved a successful writing career while doing “last minute trial,” mostly in Southern California. Dubbed “the Case Saver,” Solange handled intense legal motions that either make or break a case, especially in the areas of business, labor, and employment law. In 2014, she received the State Bar of California’s Solo and Small Firm’s Section’s highest award, the Myer J. Sankary Attorney of the Year Award. It is given to only one attorney each year in California.

When Solange was just thirty-seven years old, her first husband, John, died due to gross medical negligence at a leading Southern California hospital. This life-altering experience helped shape her into the person she is today. She began writing creatively to deal with the stress of his hospitalization and his death.

Solange’s first psychological thriller, The Burning Man, featuring FBI forensic pathologist Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers was published in 2015. Her second novel in the series, Firestorm, was released to critical acclaim, on May 15, 2018. Dying Declaration is the third novel in the Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers series. Bomb Blast is Solange’s fourth novel in the series. Solange plans at least two more books in the Dr. Catherine Powers series. A fan of things that go bump in the night, Solange has also penned a Southern Gothic novel called Fiona’s Box, which will be released shortly.

Solange lives in Southern Florida. She enjoys traveling, writing, gardening, time with her family, as well as good food and conversation. Solange is available for speaking engagements. She especially enjoys talking with book clubs.

 

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Paint Me a Crime (A Rose Shore Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Okanagan Valley in BC, Canada
Touchpoint Press (June 13, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 252 pages

 

Synopsis

 

Art curator Jessamine Rhodes has left behind her gig at a prominent gallery in the city to open her own community art center in the small town of Rose Shore. She’s all set to host an extravagant opening watercolors class and has even booked a famous artist to teach it. Gabriella Everhart brings along her priceless painting Tranquil to showcase as the centerpiece of the event.

The opening class is just wrapping up when suddenly Tranquil disappears before Jessamine’s eyes. Next, the lights of the art center flicker out and leave the crowd in complete darkness as a scream pierces the air. To her horror, Jessamine’s flashlight reveals that prestigious art collector Victor Carlisle has been murdered, and now her dreams are as shattered as the champagne glass found near the scene.

Determined to save her now teetering reputation, Jessamine sets out to search for answers and the missing painting on her own. She has invested everything into her art center and is too anxious to step back and do nothing. Along the way, she teams up with a handsome paramedic who seems to have his own reasons for wanting justice for Victor’s tragedy.

 

 

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Character Guest Post

 

Mrs. Connors, Jessamine’s nosy neighbor, shares about the day Jessamine moved to Rose Shore.

 

Oh, hello. You obviously must be new to Rose Shore if you don’t know who I am. My name is Clara Connors, and I just have to tell you all about my new next-door neighbor. She is moving in right this minute! I’ve heard from the ladies in my book club that her name is Jessamine Rhodes, and she moved here from Vancouver. They say she was a fancy art curator at some fancy gallery or something like that. I have no idea what led her to Rose Shore, but you bet I’m going to find out. My best friend Beatrice thinks it must have been a broken heart, but I think Jessamine must have wanted to get out of the big city. I could never live anywhere so stuffy! Anyway, I’m usually right about these types of things. Intuition, you know. Beatrice is well-meaning, bless her heart, but she doesn’t have the same intuition as I do.

Jessamine looks to be about my son’s age, maybe in her early thirties, and there’s no ring on her finger, so I wonder if… or maybe Jackson Yeung who lives on the other side of Jessamine. Maybe I could encourage a little rendezvous between them—what is it that the kids say these days? Wink-wink? Yes, that’s it. A little rendezvous, wink-wink. I’m going to bustle over there right now and tell him to help Jessamine carry in her heavy boxes and furniture from the moving truck. Poor girl can’t do it by herself in this summer heat.

Oh, dear, was that a dog bark? Did that girl bring a dog with her? Yes, there it is, running around the front yard like it owns the place. I’m terribly afraid of those creatures. They bark and bite and knock people over. I might need to play match-maker, er I mean, friendly neighborly welcome wagon later when that animal is inside Jessamine’s cottage. I’ll go pick some flowers from my back garden as a welcome gift, and then I’ll update you later with what I’ve learned about her. Bye-bye, now.

 

 

About the Author

 

After having called many places around the world home, Holly Yew has settled in the Okanagan, BC with her husband, son, and two rescue dogs. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s playing the piano, watching Star Wars, or enjoying a Dole Whip in Disneyland.

Holly is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers. She loves connecting with other writers and bookworms on social media.

 

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Synopsis

 

Penny Crenshaw’s divorce and her husband’s swift remarriage to a much younger woman have been hot topics around Atlanta’s social circles. After a year of enduring the cruel gossip, Penny leaps from the frying pan into the fire by heading back to Kentucky to settle her grandmother’s estate.

Reluctantly, Penny travels to her hometown of Camden, knowing she will be stirring up all the ghosts from her turbulent childhood. But not all her problems stem from a dysfunctional family. One of Penny’s greatest sources of pain lives just down the street: Bradley Hitchens, her childhood best friend, the keeper of her darkest secrets, and the boy who shattered her heart.

As Penny struggles with sorting through her grandmother’s house and her own memories, a colorful group of friends drifts back into her life, reminding her of the unique warmth, fellowship, and romance that only the Bluegrass state can provide. Now that fate has forced Penny back, she must either let go of the scars of her past or risk losing a second chance at love.

 

 

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Praise

 

“In Where the Grass Grows Blue, Hope Gibbs examines Penny Crenshaw’s journey to pick up the pieces and begin again after divorce. But this mother of three sons soon learns that if she wants to move forward, she’ll have to first go back to the start. Readers will enjoy this fast-paced southern story about second-chances, lifelong friendships, and the healing power of forgiveness.” – Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Perennials

“Where The Grass Grows Blue hit me in all the right places. Young lovers separated by a misunderstanding reunite twenty years later, only to discover that although their love never faded, their choices are insurmountable. Or are they? Gibbs skillfully weaves the dark side of life with the beauty of a love that has only grown stronger over time. Keep an eye on this author – she is one to watch!” – Barbara Conrey, USA Today Bestselling Author of Nowhere Near Goodbye

“Hope Gibbs’ debut, Where the Grass Grows Blue, is worthy of taking its place among true Southern fiction novels where the banter is witty and the women are true steel magnolias. It’s a delightful, engaging story about following your heart.” – Grace Sammon, Award-Winning Author of The Eves, and host of The Storytellers

“Where the Grass Grows Blue is the most authentic and endearing book I’ve read in ages. Penny’s difficult and heartbreaking rural background in Kentucky (the Bluegrass state) and her high society life in Atlanta could not be more different. But when she can’t hide from her past anymore, her life comes full circle. I think Penny is my new fictional best friend. There were times I wanted to read quickly to see how everything unfolds, but this story is to be savored. Don’t rush this Southern gem.” – Cindy Dorminy, author of The Foster Wife and In a Jam

 

 

Guest Post

 

A Letter to my Ten-Years Ago Self…

 

Dear Hope Gibbs,

 

I know I’m addressing you by your maiden name. Don’t panic. You’re not in the midst of a divorce. Your marriage is strong, even with the craziness of trying to wrangle five children, but in ten years, this is the name you will be using hundreds of times a week. There’s a good reason for it, one that I’m sure will shock you, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Recently, you celebrated a big milestone—turning forty. I know it sounds old right now, but this is the best decade of your life. Some big changes are coming your way, and you’re about to accomplish something you didn’t realize or even know you wanted to do.

Your thirties were a rollercoaster. You were a bundle of nervous energy. A third pregnancy, the loss of beloved family members, a painful divorce, falling in love all over again, another marriage, and becoming a stepmother to two small children. But good news, you have a full and happy nest, though the decade is a blur of soccer games, carpool runs, homework, and never-ending trips to the grocery store. Feeding a household of seven can be exhausting. But you will start changing in your forties. Don’t get me wrong, you will still do all those things, but know this. Those little birds will fly away. Sooner than you think, and your realization of that fact sets you on a path that will change your life.

Now here’s another “don’t panic” moment, around forty-five, you’re going to have a little mid-life crisis. Don’t freak out. You won’t buy an expensive car or alter your appearance, though you will be going to the salon more often because your hair color will betray you, but you’ll start to question your choices. What have I accomplished with my life other than being a wife and mother? When my children are gone, who will I be?  This will be on a continuous loop in your mind, and on your worst days, you’ll start regretting your decision to leave that corporate job to raise those wonderful, infuriating children. Most people would say to ignore that inner voice, but I’m telling you to listen to it because it will propel you into something unimaginable.

After reevaluating your life, you’ll start journaling. That lasts about a week because you’ll hate it. Then, you’ll do something extraordinary—you’ll develop a character, getting to know her through your imagination. You’ll spend countless hours with her, developing her backstory, creating her world, and fleshing out her fears. You’ll laugh, cry, and grow with her, and before you know it, you’ll type the words…THE END. Hope, you write a book! I know you’ve not written anything longer than an email since college, but somehow, you turned that mini-midlife crisis into a novel that will be published by Red Adept, with the audio rights being sold to Blackstone. Oh. And they make you change your name, but that’s okay because Cummiskey is hard to spell and Gibbs was your name first.

Now in your fifties, your days are filled with writing, and it’s wonderful. You need it as much as you need tennis. Don’t worry, you still play multiple times a week even though you’ll have three knee surgeries in the next ten years. It’s okay, you have a great orthopedist. Every day you’re surrounded by a warm and welcoming community of writers and readers. You’ll also be the host of a monthly Facebook Live program for over 5,000 bibliophiles and start a podcast. I’ll explain what that is later.

The next ten years will define you. Enjoy every second of it. And remember, you’re never too old to follow your dreams.

P.S. Your two stepchildren will ask you to officially adopt them on Christmas morning in 2020. You’ll cry your eyes out.

 

 

About the Author

 

Hope Gibbs grew up in rural Scottsville, Kentucky. As the daughter of an English teacher, she was raised to value the importance of good storytelling from an early age. Today, she’s an avid reader of women’s fiction. Drawn to multi-generational family sagas, relationship issues, and the complexities of being a woman, she translates those themes into her own writing.

Hope lives in Tennessee with her husband and her persnickety Shih Tzu, Harley. She is also the mother of five. In her downtime, she loves playing tennis, poring over old church cookbooks, singing karaoke, curling up on her favorite chair with a book, and playing board games.

Hope has a B.A. from Western Kentucky University and is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

 

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