THE OXYGEN FARMER

 

by

 

Colin Holmes

 

 

Science Fiction / Space Mystery

Publisher: CamCat Books

Date of Publication: December 5, 2023

Number of Pages: 338 pages

 

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After 35 years of living on the Moon, cranky old oxygen farmer Millennium Harrison has stumbled onto a hidden facility in the shadows of the Slayton Ridge Exclusion Zone with a radiation leak and a deadly secret. Mil’s discovery leads to the death of a young astronaut, sabotage, murder, and cover-ups that may go all the way to the Chief Administrator of the space agency. Unfortunately, she happens to be Mil’s estranged daughter, busy trying to secure her own legacy—the first international mission to Mars.

With time ticking down to a limited launch window, enemies, friends, and even family may do anything to ensure the truth doesn’t come out. Or will history finally catch up with a deadly scheme that has the potential to destroy the moon and eradicate all life on Earth? It seems the planet’s only hope is a cantankerous guy who never really liked those people in the first place.

 

 

 

 

 

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Praise

 

“An action-packed thriller perfect for fans of Andy Weir and Jack McDevitt.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This space mystery is a page-turner rooted in its convincing and compelling protagonists and their well-written relationships . . . SF fans will enjoy this rich novel full of good world building, mysterious space intrigue, and dry humor.” —Booklist

 

 

 

 

This book has the perfect balance of science fiction and suspense and is a book you will want to read, especially if you enjoy Star Trek and Space Force or really anything having to do with space. I have to admit that my husband has turned me onto Star Trek, and the concept of traveling through space is one that boggles the mind. But is a topic I am always willing to explore.

Set 50+ years in the future, Mil (short for Millennium) has been living on the moon, farming oxygen from the soil until he is told that someone else will be providing all of the oxygen for the moon and shuttles. On top of that, Mil has discovered a secret bunker that is in an exclusion zone. His curiosity about the bunker in a moon’s crater has all the markings of a conspiracy theory. What ensues is a search for the truth, evading those in authority, and trying to stay alive.

I wasn’t sure what to expect since this isn’t a genre I typically read. I found myself engaged in the story from the start. Mil may be a crusty old fella, but he isn’t stupid. He has had a hard life, and isolation on the moon wouldn’t be easy for many. That isolation also kept him from his children and grandchildren. Despite that, it is ironic that his daughter and granddaughter are both in the space field. One is willing to help him, the other not so much. Family! But you shouldn’t count Mil out; he is in the game and willing to do what he needs to do to uncover this secret. Or maybe it is just his curiosity.

The upside to this science fiction novel is that it is primarily set on the moon and Earth. There isn’t any world-building that has to be done other than a little bit on the moon. The characters are not perfect, and some are flawed, but there is depth to all of them.

I had a hard time putting this book down, and I certainly didn’t want it to end. I was invested in Mil and his discoveries. I thought about how I would react if I were in his shoes. I probably wouldn’t have the gumption that he has, but if I lived on the moon, I might be the same way. I do have to say that the first few times I saw the name Mil, my mind automatically went to the acronym for mother-in-law until I realized that it was short for Millennium.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before the pandemic, Colin Holmes toiled in a beige cubical as a mid-level marketing and advertising manager for an international electronics firm. A recovering advertising creative director, he spent far too long at ad agencies and freelancing as a hired gun in the war for capitalism.

As an adman, Holmes has written newspaper classifieds, TV commercials, radio spots, trade journal articles, and tweets. His ads have sold cowboy boots and cheeseburgers, 72-ounce steaks, and hazardous waste site clean-up services. He’s encountered fascinating characters at every turn.

Now, he writes novels, short stories, and screenplays in an effort to stay out of the way and not drive his far-too-patient wife completely crazy. He is an honors graduate of the UCLA Writers Program, a former board member of the DFW Writers Workshop, and serves on the steering committee of the DFW Writers Conference. He’s a fan of baseball, barbeque, fine automobiles, and unpretentious scotch.

 

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11/15/23	Bibliotica	Review
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Synopsis

 

She has a loving husband and a successful career–who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her very best life… until she’s not. It’s been two years since her legal advice TV show was canceled, but the former Assistant District Attorney has rebounded with a late-night radio show, Miranda Nights . When her closest friend’s teenaged son gets arrested, Miranda tries to help but the evidence against him is overwhelming. Following a family member’s medical diagnosis, Miranda begins to wonder if her ‘happily ever after’ has been canceled as well. But the real trouble arrives when a persistent caller, desperate for Miranda’s attention, embarks on an all-out effort to get her to see the error of her ways. Threatening messages and slanderous social media posts escalate to break-ins and arson when a fanatical fan claims to be her only path to salvation. Miranda Nights is a fast-paced, witty story full of hidden dangers, with a strong and resilient woman at its core.

 

 

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Review

 

Miranda is the target of an unknown stalker who believes that she has something to repent for in her life. The stalker goes through the seven deadly sins in his attempt to achieve his goal with her. The targets are frightening, but luckily not harmful. However, that could change at any time. On top of dealing with this situation, she is also helping her best friend Tracey and her family through a potential sex offender situation with their 16-year-old son. It is one of those situations that is innocent but was blown up because of other certain factors. These are the suspense/thriller storylines in the book. But there is also Miranda’s nighttime online show, which talks about legal situations and offers resources for those who need help. She has it cushy since she has a studio in the basement of her home. However, the network wants her in Manhattan five days a week instead of doing two shows at her home. I know which I would prefer.

I loved this book. The mystery/suspense of the stalker kept me on the edge of my seat, not knowing when they would strike next. Then, it tugged at my heartstrings with Tracey’s family situation. Then there is the adoring husband, who is very supportive of everything she does. That is my kind of man! There is also the family connection with her father and his new wife. There are some tense moments when some health issues are uncovered. I am amazed that Miranda is able to hold everything together, considering everything that is happening in her life.

I had a hard time putting this book down, and while I had read the first book, it had been a few years, and I didn’t remember much about that one. So, although this is the second in a series, it could be read on its own since there are plenty of references to what happened in the first book to bring you up to speed.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a fulltime basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. After three more novels: Driving on the Left, Guessing at Normal and Second Guessing, she began Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical work of fiction featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Her latest, Miranda Writes, is a contemporary novel with a legal twist. She loves writing about quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after.

 

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COURTING MISS EMMA

 

The Hangman’s Daughters, Book 2

 

by

 

Linda Broday

 

 

Western / Clean & Wholesome / Sweet Romance / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Severn House

Date of Publication: November 7, 2023

Number of Pages: 203 pages

 

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Texas, 1868. Emma Taggart has finally found a place to belong – setting up Heaven’s Door orphanage with her sister Maura was a new beginning for her – and one she will do anything to protect.

When guarded ex-army man Stone Landry buys the neighboring land and moves in – camels and all – Emma’s world changes forever. He is an infuriating man who instantly gets under her skin – in ways she never dreamed possible, and despite herself, Emma starts to wonder if, just maybe, he is man enough to take on a Hangman’s daughter . . . But their newfound connection is quickly tested by violent night raids, kidnappings, and underhand tricks by powerful rancher Zeke Parker, who is intent on running them out of town and taking the land he deems to be his. Can Emma find enough courage to trust in Stone to give her the life, the family, she’s always dreamed of?

 

 

 

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Linda Broday knows how to bring the wild west to life with action, romance, and humor.

Emma is a character that you will admire; at least I did. She is strong, smart, and not afraid of holding her in any situation. She may have a tough life due to her father’s position, but that doesn’t mean she misses out on life. She has a fulfilling job running an orphanage. Sure, she dreams of having someone to call her own, but it is hard to find a man willing to look past her father. Enter Stone Landry. He is a former military man but has issues of his own. He isn’t prepared for Emma at all. She challenges him yet also entices him. He never expected to fall in love, but sometimes, love doesn’t care what you want and gives you what you need.

This may be the second in the series, but you don’t need to read the first to enjoy this book. I tend to read books in order that are a series, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything while enjoying Emma’s story. The story is filled with action when someone comes to try and claim the mission that houses Emma’s orphanage. Even back then, there were plenty of people trying to gain the advantage for financial gain. It isn’t just the mission they are trying to obtain but also the land around there, including several neighbors, Stone’s land, and Emma’s sister, Maura. I loved how they all banded together to fight off these thieves. Are they successful? You will have to read the book to find out.

The romance between Emma and Stone starts off slow. They have some miscommunication early on, which sets the tone, but over time, they are able to resolve their differences. I like that they challenge each other, and it isn’t an easily won affection for either party. They are both stubborn but sure of themselves and what they want from life and each other.

There is unexpected humor in this book when Emma comes up with various epitaphs for her tombstone. They vary based on the situation, but each time, they gave me a chuckle. The levity offsets the seriousness of the battle for the land.

There are some new characters added to the mix, including a new sister for Emma and Maura, Calista. Calista comes to the mission with a chip on her shoulder, but I enjoyed watching her slowly lose that chip and become a part of the family. There is also a lawyer, Dan, who offers a lot of sage advice and information that helps them in the end. There is also a young man, Vinny, whom Stone saves from a life in town with an abusive father. And we can’t forget Jubal, who brings a cannon to the party. Jubal is a hoot as a crusty older man who tends to hit on the ladies.

I recommend this series and really anything by this author! We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of western romance novels and short stories. Watching TV westerns during my youth fed my love of cowboys and the old West and they still do. On a still day, I can often hear the voices of American Indians, Comancheros, and early cowboys whispering in the breeze here on the high West Texas plains. We refer to this land as “cowboy” country and men here still ride the range just as cowboys of old. My stories focus on family life and almost all have children.

 

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1^st $25 Amazon gift card; 2^nd hardback copy of WINNING MAURA’S HEART;

 

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11/08/23	Carpe Diem Chronicles	Review
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11/09/23	It’s Not All Gravy	Review
11/10/23	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review
11/11/23	Reading by Moonlight	Review
11/12/23	Forgotten Winds	Review
11/13/23	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
11/14/23	The Page Unbound	Review
11/14/23	Boys’ Mom Reads	BONUS Stop
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Synopsis

 

But not just any business. It’s the Golden Girls meet the Ghostbusters when four women find themselves in an unlikely career: Southeastern Paranormal Investigations. Ree Lane, a stylish widow, is more cynic than true believer, while her childhood chum, Elle Harper, has a knack for getting sensitive info with the help of her homemade pies. The preacher’s wife, Betsy Jones, can’t be seen with SPI unless she’s in her disguise as Nora, a psychic-in-training with a gift for Tarot. And the recently-returned-home Gillian Buchanan is a whiz at technology, especially of the supernatural sort.

Their first case lands on the doorstep when neighbor Doris Tucker is sure her prized vintage dolls are haunted. But there’s hardly time for ghost-hunting when the bank director’s wife mistakes SPI for a private eye venture. Now, they’re also hot on the trail of a misbehaving husband. It’s a wild ride as the sixty-something sleuths start digging into the past. But have the Ladies of SPI gone too far? And how far will Sutter go to keep its secrets dead and buried?

 

 

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Review

 

This was a delightful book! It is a mystery, but it is a soft mystery, maybe even a cozy. But the book is not short on action, friendship, and pie.

In this small southern town in Georgia, there is a band of women who come together to create SPI – Southern Paranormal Investigations. In doing so, they also happen to create a bond of friendship that they didn’t know that they needed. I don’t know if I have a favorite character because they all have a role to play in this novel. It might be Elle because she makes pies…and who doesn’t love a good pie? But then there is Betsy, who is trying to break out of the preacher’s wife role and dons a disguise to become Nora. Ree is the cautious one, or at least that is how I interpret her actions. She has to rope Elle in quite often since Elle is prone to go off script. But everyone needs a wacky friend like that. Last is Gillian. She is the serious one and very much into the paranormal and finding proof of their existence. She takes care of her mother, and I have to admit there are some funny scenes/conversations with her mom.

The mystery was intriguing. Actually, maybe I should say mysteries. There is their first paranormal case with the Tuckers. Is someone haunting their house, or is it something else? There is also a non-paranormal case that Elle gets them involved with regarding a potential cheating husband. There are many pieces that I figured out ahead of time for both of these cases, but there were a few that eluded me until the end. There are characters who make a change to their behavior that is very much needed. There are some high-tension moments near the end, but you will have to read the book to learn what those are.

I think the one thing that the men in this book need to learn is that they don’t hide their secrets very well.

There is a little bit of romance in the book, but not a lot. Several of the ladies are married, but Ree has a secret admirer in Ty. He is a friend and her lawyer, so I will be interested to see what happens with their relationship in future books.

And if you love dogs, there are a couple in the book. I hope we see many more in future installments.

This book was such an easy read. I flew through the pages and was sad when the book ended. But it looks like this is going to be a series, so I am very excited for future novels.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

There’s a great song, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” made popular by Johnny Cash (and a couple commercials). If you put the song in Georgia, it would be about Catherine C. Hall, starting when she moved to the Peach State at eight years old.

She grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where you can’t throw a stick without hitting a ghost. Even when she was a little girl, Savannah was known for its haunted history and she was hooked!

Broadcast Journalism hooked her as well, so she studied at Valdosta State University, way down in South Georgia, where it is the heat and the humidity. She worked in a few radio stations, but it was WNEX Radio in Macon that turned out to be life-changing. She met a cute deejay from Sandersville, Georgia, and married him a year later.

They moved above the Gnat Line (Oh, it’s real) to the Atlanta area, where they grew their family to two boys and a girl, and she took a turn in the teaching world. And then, whoosh! She met the half-century mark, wondering what to do. Maybe it was the merlot talking, but after years of reading mysteries, Catherine thought it was high time she wrote one. And she did; it was awful. (And way too short. Who knew readers expected 70,000 words?)

So she learned her craft, starting with flash fiction and then moving on to short fiction, where she won a few awards. She wrote essays that ended up in books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. She penned assorted humor columns and continued to freelance. And then, one day, she wrote another story that wasn’t exactly novel-length, but it wasn’t a short story, either. It was a children’s book.

She joined SCBWI, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and had a wonderful career in children’s writing, including publishing six books. But in the midst of her last two book contracts, life changed unexpectedly when Catherine’s favorite deejay up and died.

When at last she wanted to write again, she heard four women of a certain age, each seeking purpose and joy in where they found themselves, which for them was a small town in Georgia called Sutter. For Catherine, it was at home, still in the Atlanta suburbs, revisiting the ghost stories of her youth and finally getting that mystery written. All 70,000 words of it!

 

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Synopsis

 

Hope Lyons’ husband ran through all their money and split Portland, Oregon, forcing Hope to sell her beloved Pie in the Sky bakery and move with her two children back to charming Hope Valley, her hometown. She has been working as a waitress and pinching pennies to get their lives back on track; however, when her children win KPRL’s Spirit of Christmas vacation contest, Hope worries about the extra expenses she will incur on such a trip and turns it down. Steve Waldren, the handsome KPRL sports anchor, is now of an age where he can’t afford to have a gap on his resume. His confidence is already shaky ever since his fiancée dumped him, claiming Steve would never reach his potential. When Steve’s boss dubs Steve to be Giveaway Santa, he’s forced to accept. Steve, as Santa, readily travels to Hope Valley to award the prize. But when Hope refuses it, he’s at a loss. His boss threatens to fire him if he doesn’t convince Hope to take it, and Steve does all he can to change her mind. But Hope can be stubborn, life can be a challenge, and Hope’s children can be unpredictable. Not to mention, the truth isn’t always what it seems. Will Hope and Steve find their happily ever after? It might take a holiday miracle.

 

 

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Review

 

This was a heartwarming story about overcoming the past and creating a new future. It also reminds us that there are families out there that need just a little help in getting by in this world.

Hope and her children have been dealt a raw hand when her husband/kid’s father decides he has had enough and takes off, leaving Hope holding everything. Hope is in a tough spot; she has to create a new life for them, pay all of his debts, and give up her dreams to forge ahead. I admire Hope for everything she deals with in this book. She is not perfect and makes some mistakes, but what person and parent doesn’t?

Steve is doing what he has done since college: sports commentary. He loves it and the statistics. But his life isn’t perfect either when his fiancee drops him, and his career is fleeting based on station management. It takes meeting Hope and experiencing Hope Valley for him to realize what is important in life.

An unsung character in this book is Lincoln, Steve’s brother. He is on the spectrum but is full of life and his rituals. I love the relationship he has with his brother. Of course, Lincoln doesn’t realize when certain things shouldn’t be said, but I love that naivety about him. Perhaps, if we were all like this a little bit, things would run smoother in this world.

There is a little bit of suspense in the book, but I won’t spoil that for you. There is definitely romance, and not just between Hope and Steve, but other characters.

This was a great book to escape into, and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, and the French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes the Aspen Adams novels of suspense as well as stand-alone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, fairy garden, and read, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line!

 

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Synopsis

 

“It’s easy to have more than one life. You just have to know how to balance them . . .”

Raised to be the ultimate scam artist, April has been many women to many people. She seduces, extracts fortunes, and then vanishes without a trace. And now she’s finally living her dream of having two perfect—separate—lives. That means two mad-successful identities and two unsuspecting husbands. But a mysterious package has just arrived—and its contents threaten to expose April’s every scandalous secret . . .

Up against a merciless, unknown adversary, April must maintain her flawless images—while revisiting her past exploits. She’ll need to step up her tricks and utilize every conniving play she’s ever learned to save her freedom and her life. But amid all those she’s wronged, even April’s insight and savvy can’t predict who she can trust—or who wants to end her. And the ultimate price she’ll have to pay promises anything but survival . . .

 

 

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Review

 

I don’t think the title does this book justice…this book is full of deception, action, suspense, and a twist at the end that blew my mind!

April goes by many names for her many different lives. I do well to keep my life straight. I can’t imagine juggling multiple! But she was raised to perfect this lifestyle. To gain all she could financially before disappearing and starting anew. She is definitely a product of her environment. But was it a good environment for her? There are details we learn later in the book (so no spoilers here) that had me wondering how her mother could raise her this way. But, if you look at her mother, it isn’t too much of a surprise. I do think that near the end, April was reconsidering her life and what she wanted it to be like, and was this her destiny?

There were times I wanted to feel bad for April, but she put herself in this position. She could have left this behind, but it might have meant finding an honest way of life and standing on her own two feet. As we get to know her mother, it is easy to see why this may not have been an easy task to attain.

If you enjoy a suspenseful novel filled with action, this is one that you should consider.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Briana Cole is an acclaimed author, motivational speaker, sex educator, and actress. Her novels are known for exploring unconventional relationships and making readers question all expectations about love, lust, and monogamy. An Atlanta native, she graduated cum laude from Georgia Southern University and is a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her motto and ultimate drive toward success is a famous quote from Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

 

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Synopsis

 

Did his book raise the dead? Outraged when The Post Gazette overlooks him for a well-deserved promotion, 43-year-old Sports Writer Christian Kane quits the Paper and moves to the country to write fiction. Inspiration flows from a lone grave he stumbles upon in the woods. He compiles “The Legend of Rachel Petersen,” a fascinating story revolving around the dead twelve-year-old girl laid to rest beneath the weathered tombstone. His book quickly becomes a Best Seller; then Hollywood turns it into a blockbuster movie. Kane becomes rich and famous. But then? Does an enraged Rachel become more than a figment of the writer’s imagination? Does she rise from her grave to seek revenge on Kane for slandering her name?

 

 

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Excerpt

 

He popped his head out of the hole and looked beyond the heaping piles of freshly dug dirt, making certain there were no intruders hiding in the bushes, waiting to rob him of his find. Satisfied there weren’t any, he reached down and grabbed the lid. Rusted solid, the tiny hinges creaked loudly as he tugged. He yanked harder and harder until they snapped.

Then… Wooosh! A gigantic gale force wind blasted up and out from the coffin, violently ripping the lid from his hand. The plank door pinned his legs against the earthen side of the grave. Using his arms, he shielded his face as the tornado strength winds blew straight up past him. His hair was blown straight on end. The tree limbs above him thrashed and whipped wildly as the colossal, continuous gust of wind ripped through the leaves. Dust, dirt, and stones, tore at his arms and face as they were hurled from the hole. The rush of the air howled loudly with an eerie, awful sound, as though a thousand people were screaming at once. Thaddeus grimaced as the forceful wind would not allow him to catch his breath.

As fast as the howling wind had erupted from the coffin, it abruptly stopped. Then the lid slammed shut with a loud whack. The branches bounced and swayed to a peaceful rest as Thaddeus, trembling, cautiously began to wipe the dirt from his face and arms.

Being more cautious on his second attempt, he slowly lifted the lid while peeking over it through squinted eyes. No howling gust of wind greeted him as the mummified remains of the once very pretty and young Rachel Petersen, laid to rest in a plain floral print dress, came into view. A thin layer of dust covered her and everything else inside the tiny coffin.

But how could that be? After that violent windstorm, which just moments ago blasted forth from the coffin, no dust would have remained. That was just another curiosity that never crossed Thaddeus’s mind.

Staring back at him were two large empty eye sockets in a tiny skull, which rested on a satin pillow. Her facial skin, once having a flawless peaches and cream complexion, was now brown, deeply gouged with wrinkles, and drawn tight, exposing her baby teeth. Her nose was reduced to two narrow slits. Red hair, parted in the middle, covered her forehead before coming to rest in curls on her shoulders.

The bones and joints in her hands and arms were clearly visible. Her skin-tight hands lay folded on her chest, clutching a rosary. An artifact!

“She looks like a dried-out prune with red hair,” Thaddeus thought to himself. Then his pulse pounded faster and louder in his ears when he spotted the holy prayer beads.
He stared wide-eyed at the white beaded rosary that had a tiny silver crucifix attached, then the corners of his lips curled into a sly smile as he congratulated himself on the find, “I knew there would be something of value buried with her.”

Slowly he reached down for the treasure. “One more inch and it’s mine.”

Then he quickly jerked his hand back when Seth’s warning echoed through his mind, “Do you want someone like her to haunt you for the rest of your life?”

“Nonsense,” he reasoned to himself with a chuckle. “Ha! What does Seth know?”

Then his subconscious haunted him, “What about your dream? The curse in hieroglyphics?”

He answered himself out loud! “That’s nonsense too! Take the treasure and cover her back up!”

Nervously, he wiped the beads of sweat running down his brow; again, he reached for the holy rosary very slowly while staring at her ghastly, withered face. And those two empty eye sockets staring back! He was expecting her to move, or worse yet, holler, “Grave robber,” and grab at him with her boney hands. Nevertheless, he desired that rosary so badly, he was willing to take that risk.

Thaddeus delicately grasped the tiny cross. Firmly, but with a gentle touch, the young archaeologist raised it two inches until all the slack was out of the chain. Now taut, it would not come away from the corpse any further; the remaining beads of the rosary had been intertwined around those hideous looking hands.

Keeping a vigilant watch on her hollow eyes, he tugged a bit harder on the rosary. He did not see when the army of huge, dark orange centipedes scurried out from under her hands. Quickly, one after another, thousands of the ugly bugs crawled out from their hiding spot and ran up the chain. They raced across his hand and up his arm. “Oh!” Thaddeus hollered as he let go of the cross and flung his hand back.

Thousands more continued to pour out from their hiding spot, climbing over his shoes, up his pants, up his legs, under his shirt. “Oh! Oh! Oh!”

Moreover, they stunk. Like battery acid mixed with used motor oil and ammonia.

A part of his dream flashed through his mind, “Within these walls lie the remains of Rachel Petersen. Cursed will be all those who dare enter.”

In one bound, he jumped the four feet out of the grave. The hideous bugs poured out of the hole and chased him down. Chills ran the entire length of his spine as he danced about, flailing his arms, trying to shake the repulsive insects off as more and more covered him.

He ripped his shirt off and used it to swat the creepy crawlers off his back, chest, shoulders, and stomach. They were in his hair; he shook his head. One was halfway in his ear when he pulled it out. He kicked his feet into the air while grabbing and shaking his pant legs; he stomped on the vile and relentless hunnerd leggers that did fall to the ground. The ones he missed, turned and came after him again.

For ten awfully long minutes, they kept up their never-ending assault.

While jumping up and down, he tripped over the shovel’s handle and fell face first over the freshly dug dirt pile back into the grave, landing three inches from Rachel’s mummified face; he swore he saw Rachel smile at him!

 

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This book was amazing! I had a hard time putting it down, wondering how everything would play out for Christian. The story takes us down a path for Christian of fame and fortune. But is it real? Did he write this blockbuster? Was it Rachel guiding him to tell her story?

There is a story within a story, and we get to read this blockbuster that Christian writes. I loved how it jumped back and forth in time between the present, the 1950s, and the 1860s. I was drawn into the different time periods. I thought the way Thaddeus and Seth uncovered the truth about Rachel was engaging. Who knew that this grave in the middle of nowhere would cause so much trouble yet create a mystery that needed to be solved?

The story is spooky and suspenseful but not in the horror category. It did keep me on the edge of my seat as I watched the story unfold.

And that ending? I did NOT see that coming. I wonder what the future holds for Christian based on that information. We are left hanging, so it is up to our own imagination as to what might have happened next for him.

This is a revised novel, so I don’t know how much it differs from the original version. But this one is definitely a hit in my book.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Living in Western Pennsylvania all my life, I’ve been an avid Whitetail hunter since old enough to tote a rifle, which is also about as long as I’ve had a fondness for word games and literature.

While hunting last year, I actually did stumble upon a weathered tombstone in the middle of the woods.

While waiting patiently for that big buck to cross my path, I had plenty of time to ponder the dead girl’s fate, which I was then driven to write.

Eerily enough, this is the premise of The Legend of Rachel Petersen, my first novel published in 2012, which I recently revised.

I refer to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Pittsburgh, home.

My wife Becky and I share our home with two retrievers – Piper, and Remmy.

 

 

 

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FINDING COMFORT

 

Comfort and Joy Trilogy, Book Two

 

by

 

Kimberly Fish

 

 

Women’s Fiction / Contemporary / Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Fish Tales Publishing

Date of Publication: September 1, 2023

Number of Pages: 312 pages

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

Even with all her experience, Gloria Bachman, retired banker, and candy entrepreneur, didn’t see this coming.

Sweeties, the beloved Comfort chocolate shop, was ready for its cameo in advertising extraordinaire Jazzy Mezcal’s famous travel and food show! Comfort town folks had worked hard all summer to get their shops Hallmark-movie ready. On the eve of the TV crews overtaking the town, Gloria’s Chamber of Commerce welcome party gets drenched in a wicked rainstorm. Locals call it a “blue norther,” and a dreaded agent of change. Flooding seems like the worst of their problems until the celebrity TV host turns up dead.

In shock, Gloria’s friends turn to her to figure out who could be responsible for such a disaster. With the TV crew and guests in town for the 8^th Street Market’s annual shopping event, suspects are endless. Reluctant to get involved, Gloria would much rather focus on the delicious romance with Mason Lassiter. And she would if a frenemy from Kerrville didn’t haunt her every step. Now, as Gardner Rogers treads on her turf, everything feels suspicious.

With all eyes on Gloria to find the truth behind Jazzy Mezcal’s untimely death, she indulges her curiosity for problem-solving while trying to disguise how unsure she is about the future with her boyfriend. Disruption in Mason’s world, mayhem in Comfort, and one epic chocolate disaster rouse Gloria to action and make her decide what’s worth fighting for. All she can say for sure is that no one is finding any comfort in Comfort.

 

 

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I have fallen in love with Comfort, Texas, and I really need to visit there sometime soon. I love small towns and the unique character they bring to those around them.

This story has me laughing, yet on pins and needles, as Gloria seeks the truth in a local homicide. There were so many surprises regarding the death of the network star that it kept me guessing throughout. Just when you think you know the full story, you are smacked with a new twist that you didn’t see coming. To even hint at those twists would ruin the book for you, so this means you will have to pick up the book and read it.

Gloria is growing on me. She is an older protagonist, which I appreciate. It is nice to know that not all main characters are younger and that the wisdom and maturity that she brings to the pages reflect well on her. There are so many great quotes from the book that relate to Gloria that I need to share a few with you.

“You feel responsible for everyone. It’s one of your worst traits.”

“You have an over-developed helper gene…”

“What you think is some dumb luck attributed to women who like to dress up and find the softer side of life is really a carefully honed skill. I earned it by sharp knocks, obstacles, heartbreak, and a lot of hard work. Some people call it character. I like to call it grit.”

These are all true of Gloria. She is kind to a fault and will go the extra mile for her friends. Yet she is tough when the situation calls for it. She had some tough times, but she is back on her feet with a chocolate shop (one of my dreams!) and a new love interest, Mason. I like that because they are older, they appreciate taking their time in getting to know one another and not rushing into anything too quickly. Their path together is not smooth, but I think this helps their relationship blossom and become stronger. There are some things tied to Mason’s past that will need to be resolved, but at least they are working on it together, and he isn’t shutting her out.

Gloria has also moved past putting up with shenanigans from people in her past, namely one Gardner Rogers. This woman has something up her sleeve, but it is hard to know exactly what. We learn a little bit more about her and her past with Gloria, but there is more than meets the eye with this one. So watch out for her!

There are a few other lines I wanted to share with you. If you are a woman, you will understand and perhaps even laugh at these statements.

“Menopause changed me. Honey, it changed us all. It’s like puberty’s ugly step-sister.”

“I’ll text Margo that you’re next door. She’ll want to come make tea or whatever it is you ladies do in crisis moments.”

This book stepped up the mystery aspect over the first in this series so much that I feel it fits into the cozy category. But there are plenty of other attributes to enjoy outside of seeking the truth in Jazzy’s untimely death.

This author knows how to bring friends together in support, good times and bad, and even when tracking down a killer.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimberly Fish has been a professional writer in marketing and media for over thirty years, with regular contributions to area newspapers and magazines. As an accidental historian, she wrote two novels, The Big Inch and Harmon General, both based on factual events in Longview, Texas, that changed world history. Kimberly also offers a set of contemporary women’s fiction novels and novellas based in the Texas Hill Country that reveal her fascination with characters discovering their grit and sweet, second chances; all four of the novels have won distinguished awards. Finding Comfort is her latest novel, the second book in the Comfort and Joy Trilogy.

 

 

 

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Signed copy of FINDING COMFORT + surprise bonus gift!

 

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10/24/23	Reading by Moonlight	Review
10/24/23	Hall Ways Blog	BONUS Stop
10/25/23	The Book’s Delight	Review
10/25/23	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Stop
10/26/23	Bibliotica	Review
10/27/23	Jennie Reads	Review
10/27/23	The Page Unbound	BONUS Stop
10/28/23	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review
10/29/23	Rox Burkey Blog	Review
10/30/23	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
10/31/23	Carpe Diem Chronicles	Review
11/01/23	Boys’ Mom Reads	BONUS Stop
11/01/23	It’s Not All Gravy	Review
11/02/23	Forgotten Winds	Review

 

 

 

 

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Synopsis

 

Mess Hopkins, proprietor of the seen-better-days Fairfax Manor Inn, never met a person in need who couldn’t use a helping hand—his helping hand. So he’s thrown open the doors of the motel to the homeless, victims of abuse, or anyone else who could benefit from a comfy bed with clean sheets and a roof overhead.

When a mother and her teenage boy seek refuge from an abusive husband, Mess takes them in. Shortly after arriving, the mom goes missing and some very bad people come sniffing around, searching for money they claim belongs to them. Mess tries to pump the boy for helpful information, but he’s in full uncooperative teen mode—grunts, shrugs, and monosyllabic answers. It’s not long before the boy vanishes too. Abducted? Run away? Something worse? And who took the missing money? Mess, friend Vell Jackson, and local news reporter Lia Katsaros take to the streets to locate the missing mother and son—and the elusive, abusive husband—before the kneecapping loansharks find them first.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

Mess is one big mess, but a lovable one with a huge heart.

This book is a combination of a mystery/suspense novel with heart. Mess runs his family’s motel but tends to rent rooms to those who need a hand up in life. This doesn’t make a few people happy, primarily the manager and his Uncle Phillip. His parents are traveling the world, and we don’t see them, but his Uncle has inserted himself into the motel and Mess’ life. Let’s just say the uncle is a busybody, and while he might have good intentions, he certainly doesn’t know how to insert himself into Mess’ life so that he is appreciated versus scorned.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked Mess’ desire to help those who needed help, the characters that were developed and had some depth to them, and the potential for future installments in a series. I think with time, Mess could be a really good social worker, but he needs to work on some of his skills, like creating rapport with teenagers. He forges a relationship with Kevin, but it takes the whole book for it to finally click for these two. Of course, Kevin is your typical teenager (15) and makes some decisions that are not wise for him or those around him.

Mess’ friend Vell and his grandmother, Mama, are adorable. I wanted to join them at Mama’s house for lunch and conversation. She is the one that sends many of those that Mess helps his way. I’m not sure who has the bigger heart! I don’t think Mess could have worked things out in the end without their help. Or help from Lia, a reporter doing a story on the motel. Mess and Lia are attracted to one another, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There is more to come for these two.

The mystery/suspense portion of the book is very light. I would almost consider this general fiction, but there are some portions of the book that are filled with action and a bit of mystery about where a certain item disappeared.

There are multiple facets to this story, and they all blend well together. I am looking forward to more from this author and this series…or at least hoping there is another story because there are some unanswered questions, at least for me.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Alan Orloff has published ten novels and more than forty short stories. His work has won an Anthony, an Agatha, a Derringer, and two ITW Thriller Awards. He’s also been a finalist for the Shamus Award and has had a story selected for THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology. His novel, SANCTUARY MOTEL, will be released in October from Level Best Books. He’s past president of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. He loves cake and arugula, but not together. Never together.

 

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Synopsis

 

Tana was ready to be the crown princess. She was not ready to lose her father and save her home.

Keegan had left his home to run away from his past, but he cannot escape his heritage or his mistakes.

As the two fight to save Heimat Draz, they discover they must learn to trust both themselves and each other, because a lot more than just Tana’s kingdom is at risk. If they cannot defeat the evil spreading, all of Sandig Skaa will be destroyed.

Secrets of the Desert is the first book in Sandig Skaa Chronicles (a 3-book fantasy series) with slow-burn, sweet romance and no spice, perfect for fans of books by authors like K.M. Shea or Tara Grayce!

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I am generally not a huge fantasy reader, but the author created a world that was fascinating, full of action, and kept me engaged throughout. This is billed as a romance, but that is a very tiny portion of the book and not really until near the end. You can tell that there is something blossoming between Keegan and Tana, but it takes the whole book to come to fruition. This is not a bad thing, but I was very invested in the main storyline – the attack on Tana’s kingdom and finding a way to save it.

Tana is a strong woman and is learning at the heels of her father how to lead and manage the kingdom in the future. I really loved how the King would thank everyone on payday for their service. That is something we should do in our world: recognize those who do good deeds, work hard, and make it a better place.

When the kingdom is overthrown, it is up to Tana to save it for her people. We follow her on an adventure to other kingdoms to rally support. The author does an amazing job of describing them, and it left me with a few questions and wanting to know more about these kingdoms. There are also many misbeliefs on Tana’s part (and those in the various kingdoms). As it happens in this world, false information is passed down from generation to generation, so they don’t trust others until they meet them and get to know them.

The book does seem a little slow starting off, but it picks up the pace and lets us see what Tana and Keegen are really made of and how they will resolve all of the issues.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Anabelle Raven loves reading and writing fantasy, low-spice romance, and strong female characters. She loves chocolate and sushi, though not usually together, and traveling to new places with her family.

 

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