It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Sherry Ellis’ BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA

by Sherry Ellis

◊ Genre: Juvenile Fiction
◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ Paperback: 94 pages
◊ Grades 3-5

 

Synopsis

 

Squirt doesn’t believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in Xi’an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors.

It gets worse when the ghost of the first emperor of China appears. He tells them they can’t go home until they find his missing pi. The kids don’t know where to begin until they meet a girl and her grandmother who promise to help find the pendant.

Soon they realize they are being followed. And they are no closer to finding the missing pi. Will Bubba and Squirt ever make it back home?

 

 

Amazon US  * Amazon UK *  Amazon CA *  Barnes and Noble * BAM * iTunes * Kobo

 

 

Excerpt

CHAPTER 4 SQUIRT: THE PIT’S THE PITS

 

Now what? That was a good question, but I didn’t have an answer. A sick feeling spread in the pit of my stomach. I swallowed to keep myself from throwing up. This was horrible. I raised my head and looked around. The rows of soldiers seemed endless. We were never going to find the hole. And if we did, we still might not get back home. Maybe it was a nightmare and I’d wake up. I pinched myself to check. No. The pinch stung. It was real. We were living the nightmare.

I glanced at Bubba. A tear dripped from the corner of his eye. He wiped it away. I put my arm around him and kissed his mop of curly blond hair. I knew I had to keep it together. I didn’t want him to freak out.

“Maybe we can find somebody to help us,” he said.

“Maybe. But I’m not sure what they’d do.”

“They can call Mama and she can come pick us up. I know our phone number!”

I smiled. That was kind of funny. Could you imagine it? Some dude calling Mom and telling her that she needed to pick us up in China? No problem. She could just catch the next ferry over. A slow boat to China!

“Let’s try to find the hole first,” I said. “And if we still can’t, we’ll look for someone.” I took his hand and helped him up.

We continued walking through the rows of gray soldiers. I tried to remember what I had learned about them when I did my project on China for school. Something about a couple of farmers finding them when they were digging a well. I think it was in the 1970s. It was a huge discovery. Archeologists ended up uncovering thousands of them. I couldn’t believe I was seeing them in person.

I looked up. That’s when I noticed we were in a building. Above our heads was an arched roof. Rectangular lights lit up the whole thing. Windows lined the outer wall, and it looked like there was a railed walkway above us around the perimeter. Then it made sense. I knew exactly where we were. We were in the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, China. This was the pit where the soldiers were displayed.

 

About the Author

 

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano.

When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Sherry, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Blog * Website * Amazon Author Page

 

Giveaway

This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) autographed copies of BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA. The giveaway is open internationally.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Sherry on her month-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out.

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Book Title: Don’t Write a Crappy Book by James M. Ranson
Category: Adult Non- Fiction, 210 pages
Genre: Business, Authorpreneurship
Publisher: Master Wordsmith Media, in association with Thanet House Books
Release date: Oct 1, 2018

Synopsis

A great book can launch your business into the stratosphere. Unfortunately, most self-published business books rank somewhere between “meh” and “flaming pile of crap.” But your book doesn’t have to suck!

In “Don’t Write a Crappy Book,” editor and entrepreneur James Ranson unpacks the most common–and toxic–mistakes that first-time nonfiction authors make. Peppered with wisdom from a panel of industry experts, this book debunks the dangerous myths that can torpedo your text and offers clear, practical guidance for writing a book you’re proud of. This is the resource for the aspiring authorpreneur who wants to write and publish a book with minimum hassle and maximum results.

This book will teach you:

– How a self-published book can make or break your business (and the THREE factors that determine which it does)
– The biggest blind spots no one tells authors about (and how to look for them BEFORE it’s too late)
– How to write a first book that will get positive reviews on Amazon (and why that’s a better goal than becoming a bestseller)
– When writing a business book is the right move for you (and when you should NEVER write one)
– How to self-publish on Amazon to actually get good results for your business (a lot of it happens before you even start writing!)
– What NOT to do when you’re looking for an editor (and how to find a great one)
– Why trying to write and publish a book in 90 days or less is a recipe for disaster (and why no one tells you that!)
– How to avoid do-overs, sunk costs, and other self-publishing headaches (and how to get out of them if they sneak up on you)

Stay out of the crap pile! Discover the secrets to creating a highly valuable book that will expand your influence and grow your business for years to come.

​
Interview with James Ranson

You are professionally involved in writing in a number of ways. Tell me about it!

Sure! There are a number of different ways that I help authors create high quality books.

• If an author wants to write the book themselves, but is needing some guidance and maybe some accountability and strategy help around that, then I can essentially be their book-writing sherpa and guide them through the process as a book coach or book consultant. That’s one of my favorite things to do – I love getting on the phone with a client and helping them get ready to write.
• If they know that their business needs a book and their business is ready to support one, but they themselves don’t have the bandwidth to write it, I can be their ghostwriter; I can write the book with them or for them. We’ll have a number of calls where I interview them and get to know their content, and then I’ll write them a first draft. They’ll respond to the draft and say, “Ok, I like this and I like this, I don’t like this, we can fix this…” Then I’ll do a rewrite and it will go on to editing from there.
• If they’ve already written the book, there’s actually a couple of things I can do. I can either work with them to edit the book – I’ll be their editor and we’ll go through rewrites and responses and so forth to get the book from rough draft to polished final draft. Or again, if they don’t have as much bandwidth, I can rewrite it for them. That’s called book doctoring, and I actually love doing that. It’s sort of a hybrid of ghostwriting and editing.
• And of course I’m a published author now, so that’s another way! Don’t Write A Crappy Book! is technically my second book, but it’s the first one that’s really meant to raise awareness for my business. And I plan to write several more books over the next few years.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Better than I used to! I try to keep my mornings pretty laid back; that’s the time when I’ll go for a walk, or go to the gym, or read and kind of just enjoy whatever I’m doing. If I do any work or take any calls in the morning, it’s pretty rare, and it’s more likely to be personal work like writing than client work (unless I’m on a tight deadline). Late morning/lunchtime through late afternoon are more of my working hours, and unless I’m on deadline, I try to stop usually around 5:00 or 6:00 and just relax in the evening. And I also try to minimize work on weekends. Does that all work 100% of the time? No, but it’s what I try for, and I’m getting more consistent as I keep working at it.

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

Writer’s block is really interesting, because I don’t tend to struggle with it that much. But I think that the main reason for that is every time I sit down, I know what I want to write, because I’ve outlined it thoroughly beforehand. One of the things that I write about in Don’t Write A Crappy Book is that the #1 mistake everyone I talked to said that authors make without realizing it, is that they don’t make and work with an outline when they write. That was a little bit surprising to me–I knew it was probably going to be top 5, but I didn’t think it would be #1. If you have an outline, and that outline is really detailed and straightforward, defeating or navigating writer’s block becomes a lot easier. Because then you have clear ideas about what you can say next. Or if you get stuck on one chapter you can just jump to the next chapter and say, “Alright, I need to let this one percolate for a little while, but I can start on the next one because I know what I’m going to say there.” And it may not work 100% of the time, but it probably works 90% of the time! If you have a clear idea of who you’re talking to, what they need, and how what you’re saying can help them, and you’ve taken that knowledge and put it into an outline, writer’s block honestly becomes a very easy thing to overcome. The main reason most people run into writer’s block is because they haven’t done any kind of preparation. They just sit down and think the ideas are going to flow. And maybe that can work if you’re writing fiction (I doubt it, but that’s outside of my knowledge base), but if you’re writing a business book, you’ll need to have an outline.

What are you most proud of, professionally speaking?

Well for starters, I am so proud of this book! It’s the culmination of everything I’ve done in my business so far, and I’m super proud of it. But aside from the book, I would say that it’s how well the clients I’ve worked with are doing now, because of the books that we’ve worked on. One of my clients got a legit book deal for his second book, because of the first book that we worked on together. And getting to see all these clients have great launches, with books that they‘re going to use to represent their businesses for years that they’re so super proud of – I love that. It makes what I do worth doing.

Why 17? How did you determine the mistakes you say will kill a business book?

That does sound like an arbitrary number, doesn’t it? But it actually came from talking to 26 other book professionals and then adding my own experience and expertise, and then categorizing all that insight and figuring out how it all fit together. That was a process! The initial outline and table of contents probably changed form at least a dozen times, if not a couple dozen. What ultimately fell together were these sets of three main categories and the most prominent mistakes within each category, which just happened to add up to 17. There wasn’t a plan that it would be that number, but that’s the number that it worked out to be when all of the value was put together in the best way.

What do you like to do when you’re not reading or writing, or working with people who read or write?

Sleep! (Just kidding, but not really…getting enough sleep is super important for me.) But when I’m awake and not working, lots of different things. I love to go for walks and go hiking out in nature. I love animals; my fiancé and I volunteer at a no-kill animal shelter here in Atlanta, which is a lot of fun. We also like to go to shows – plays and musicals and stuff like that. There are a lot of great restaurants in Atlanta, and we like to go and explore those with friends. And I’m always reading anyway, so my fun time tends to involve books as much as my work time–just fantasy and sci-fi instead of entrepreneurship.

What’s one of your favorite book-related memories?

What a great question! There was this one Saturday morning, I was probably eight years old, where I decided to sit down and read Treasure Island in one sitting, to see if I could (it worked, too!). I did something very similar with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. When it came out, I got off work at like noon, I got to Barnes & Noble at 1:00, sat down with the book at 1:30 and just sat there in the café and read the entire book. I finished at like 5:30. And then I went home and started reading it again! I’ve got plenty of those memories, of reading books with amazing stories that I just can’t put down and want to read in one sitting. Another favorite memory is of the first book I ever edited professionally. It was called Profit Hacking, by my friend Steve Daar. That was really the first time where I was like, “This is something that I can do, and it’s something I feel really amazing doing.” And again, Steve was very happy with it; it became a cornerstone of his business for the next couple of years. Any time I help an author have a book experience like that is always a great book memory for me.

About the Author

James Ranson, The Master Wordsmith(TM), is a Wall-Street-Journal-bestselling editor, ghostwriter and book coach who has helped over 200 consultants, coaches, speakers and other thought leaders create high-quality books. Clients of his have gone on to sell thousands of books, receive book deals from publishing houses, and be featured in regional and national media outlets. In addition to his own clients, James is a writer and book doctor for Thanet House Books, and is on recommended professional lists for Scribe Media(formerly Book in a Box), My Word Publishing, BrightFlame Books and Authors Unite. His second book, Don’t Write A Crappy Book!, will be published on October 1, 2018. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, James lives in Atlanta, GA, with his fiancée and a very needy cat.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Giveaway

Prizes: 5 winners will get an ebook copy of Don’t Write a Crappy Book, 1 winner will get a $20 Amazon GC and 3 winners will get a $10 Amazon GC (open to USA and Canada / 9 winners total)

(ends Nov 7, 2018)

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Title: Ensnared

Author: J.S. Scott

Release Date: October 16, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Synopsis

Wildlife conservationist Jade Sinclair isn’t used to having money. But when she and her siblings learned they were part of the mega-rich Sinclair dynasty, they became billionaires overnight. Jade doesn’t even know how to act rich, especially when she’s dealing with an arrogant, privileged, unreasonably sexy snob like Eli Stone.

Unlike Jade, Eli grew up rich, and he just keeps getting richer. Eli is always looking for an adventure, and he’s found an inviting one in Jade—as resistant as she is irresistible. His less-than-honorable plan? Get her alone in the wilderness by buying out all the spots in her survival class.

Calling a truce, they strike a bargain: Jade will teach Eli basic survival skills, and he’ll teach her how to navigate the world of the wealthy elite. Jade has only one condition—she will not let herself be seduced by him. But some things are easier said than done . . .

Excerpt

I slowed down as I turned off the main highway.

I pulled onto the rough road to the small cabin on the property. There were enough bunk beds in the rustic structure for everybody, but students had the option of pitching tents or building their own shelters if they chose.

After I parked my Jeep, I unloaded some supplies and checked out the cabin. Although I encouraged foraging and trapping, I always made sure to have enough basic food so students didn’t starve.

I sat on the wooden steps and took a deep breath, relaxing to the sounds of the birds and the feel of a light breeze that caressed my skin.

I opened the book I’d brought along, the latest from my favorite erotic romance writer. The reading material was one of my secret pleasures, maybe because I’d never been overwhelmed by lust for any man, but I loved to read about the possibility.

I was mostly a realist, but I loved the fantasy of some hot guy sweeping me off my feet.

Other than a boyfriend in college who had used me to help him get his degree and then disappeared after graduation without a word, I’d never been in a sexual relationship.

Honestly, my ex hadn’t exactly rocked my world. But I liked to think that love and lust existed.

Brooke had always accused me of being a closet romantic. And maybe she was right. As a scientist, believing in soulmates, love, and unbridled lust didn’t make much sense. But I couldn’t stop myself from wanting to believe it was real anyway.

It had happened for my twin, and Brooke deserved the love she had with Liam. Her capacity to care about other people was endless.

A sigh escaped from my mouth as I started reading the scene I’d left off on the last time I’d picked up the book.

It was hot.

It was sensual.

And even though the male hero was an obnoxious alpha sometimes, I adored the way he wanted to give his woman everything and protect her from anything bad in the world, and how incredibly devoted he was to the woman he loved.

“Hello, Jade,” a smooth baritone said from above me, the deep voice startling me so much I instinctively slammed the book closed.

Even though I loved steamy romance, I didn’t exactly broadcast it, except to my friends who read the same type of books.

Unfortunately, I’d gotten so lost in the hot fairy tale that I obviously hadn’t heard my first student arrive.

I shaded my eyes and looked up, curious because the voice was familiar, but I was pretty sure that since I lusted after Eli Stone, I was hearing that whiskey-smooth baritone voice only in my imagination.

My heart skittered as I focused in on the face belonging to the sexy male voice.

It was Eli Stone, and I gaped at him like an idiot because I couldn’t seem to reconcile him and being out in the middle of nowhere.

I scrambled to my feet, feeling at a disadvantage because I was so far below him. But the position change didn’t help all that much. I was average height, and Eli Stone was all muscle—broad, tall, and pretty damn intimidating, even though he was casually dressed in jeans, a T-shirt that only showed how ripped he was, and a pair of hiking boots.

For just a moment, my eyes were drawn to the dark scrolls and sharp angles of the tribal tattoo that covered his left arm, ending at his wrist. The markings were a stark black against his tanned skin, and the ferociousness of the design left me speechless.

I wasn’t into tats, and I’d seen Eli’s in images many times, but there was something about those markings that made my heart lodge in my throat. They were fierce, but for some reason they only made me feel . . . sadness.

“What are you doing here?” I finally asked hesitantly as my gaze went back to his face.

He folded his muscular arms in front of him as he answered, “You didn’t seem to want to come to me, so I’m coming to you. I’m your student for the next thirty-two hours or so, Jade.”

I might not have been fond of Eli Stone, but his presence was still a little bit overwhelming.

Okay, maybe more than a little bit.

It had been so long since I’d seen Eli in person that I’d started to tell myself that I’d overestimated the tension that had flowed between us in his office.

But I really hadn’t.

My body was taut just from being in close proximity to him, and the hypervigilant awareness I felt when I looked at him was very, very real.

The feelings were so powerful that I couldn’t focus on anything else but him.

I didn’t understand it.

But I was truly experiencing it.

The same awkward, potent attraction I’d fought in his office months ago.

I swallowed hard, my brain working to figure out exactly how I could get rid of Eli Stone before I made a complete and total fool of myself.

About the Author

J.S. “Jan” Scott is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous contemporary and paranormal romances, including The Sinclairs series. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature, but romance has always been her genre of choice—so she writes what she loves to read: stories that are almost always steamy, generally feature an alpha male, and have a happily ever after, because she just can’t seem to write them any other way! Jan loves to connect with readers. Visit her website at www.authorjsscott.com.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

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Book Title: Murder by Perfection by Lauren Carr
Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 3)
Category: Adult fiction, 322 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: May 31, 2018

Synopsis

Perfection can be a fatal endeavor.

Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a couple’s gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford―the model of perfection in looks, home, and business.

When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford’s life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly.

Interview with Lauren Carr

Please share with us a favorite memory?

Bedtime with Mom listening to her read Perry Mason to me. That was when I fell in love with mysteries. Later on, I would climb into bed with her at night and we would read together: She would read Perry Mason while I read Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. Ah, such wonderful memories.

Please describe a perfect meal – including menu and those present?

Lobster or crab legs, baked potato, Caesar salad, chocolate mousse pie, raspberry iced tea

What are some of your favorite ways to relax?

Fire in the fireplace on a snowy afternoon with my laptop and a free afternoon to write away with no one to disturb me.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Right here. We have a beautiful home on a mountaintop with a view across the valley. Yet, I have to admit that I sometimes yearn for the “other side” and a visit to the beach: but only to visit.

For what would you like to be remembered?

For making everyone around me smile.

Share with us a few of your dreams. Also whether they have been fulfilled or are still a work in progress.

I’ve dreamed of success, best-selling author, Fame, penthouse, etc. but I have come to realize that I have been blessed by achieving my dream: I am a writer, and I get to write my books, plus, I have the added blessing of a fabulous family (perfect husband and brilliant son, and two nutty dogs) and beautiful home. If I had to trade any of them in for a spot on the NY Time best seller list, I’d turn them down.

If you could leave the world with one piece of advice, what would it be?

The Rolling Stone’s song: You don’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

A whole bag of chocolate truffles that I hide in my underwear drawer under my panties.

What is next for you?

On October 16, the thirteenth installment of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Crimes Past will be released. It is available for preorder now.

It’s a bittersweet reunion for Mac Faraday when members of his former homicide squad arrive at the Spencer Inn. While it is sweet to attend the wedding of a late colleague’s daughter, it is a bitter reminder that the mother of the bride had been a victim of a double homicide.

The brutal slaying weighing heavy on his mind, Mac is anxious to explore every avenue for a break in the cold case—even a suggestion from disgraced former detective Louis Gannon that one of their former friends is the killer.

When the investigator is brutally slain, Mac Faraday rips open the cold case with a ruthless determination to reveal which of his friends is a cold-blooded murderer.

But wait! There’s more! I am currently working on the fourth Lovers in Crime Mystery, The Root of Murder. Look for this to be released in early 2019.

Book Trailer

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

Giveaway

Prizes: Win a $50 Amazon gift card (open internationally to wherever Amazon delivers / 1 winner)

(ends Nov 10, 2018)

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Murder She Sent mainly works with Penguin Random House and Kensington to offer a Cozy Mystery or First in a Series box each month.

It is a cozy mystery subscription box with a new release cozy mystery paperback book, 4 homemade/handmade artisan items from small US-based businesses, exclusive author content and exclusive discounts.    First in a Series box is the first book in a cozy mystery series, either an Alfred Hitchcock or Ellery Queen magazine, an exclusive keychain, and 1 artisan item.

Purchase from CrateJoy  AND  Purchase from Murder She Sent

About the Creator

Billie Jenrette.  Owner and curator for Murder,  She Sent. 39 years old. Have had this subscription box company for a year in September.

The logo. His name is Fletcher the cat. He’s named after Jessica Fletcher of Murder, She Wrote.

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Giveaway

 

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I don’t have any spooky books on my shelf to send out, so I am going to give the winner a $10 gift card to Amazon or B&N or your favorite bookseller if they have online gift cards. So it is a winner’s choice giveaway!

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Burden of Proof

FBI Rapid Response, #1

by

DiAnn Mills

Genre: Inspirational /Mystery / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Date of Publication: October 9, 2018

Number of Pages: 416

Scroll down for the giveaway!

Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

Purchase the book

Praise

“The tension level rises as layers of lies are peeled away in multiple plot twists.” —Library Journal

“DiAnn Mills is a master of fast-paced and intricately plotted romantic suspense.” —Colleen Coble, Bestselling author

“[A] fast-moving, intricately plotted thriller.” —Publishers Weekly

 

 

 

 

DiANN MILLS SHARES SONGS THAT KEEP HER WRITING.

Music is an important part of my life and is consistently on no matter what I’m doing. The following are my top 7 musical inspirations that keep me focused, encouraged, and sometimes in suspense mode.

1. “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams – Inspiration, encouragement, and focused!
2. “Oceans” (Where Feet May Fall) by Hillsong –  Inspiration and encouragement
3. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – Inspiration and encouragement
4. Anything Andrea Bocelli does fills me with inspiration.
5. Jaws – Soundtrack. I’m sure you figured this out, but definitely, suspense music when I’m writing.

6. This is a YouTube site for 29 1/2 minutes of crime/suspense mood music:

7. This is a YouTube site for 1 hour of suspense music:

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers.

 ║ Website ║ Facebook ║ Twitter ║

║ Instagram║ Goodreads ║ LinkedIn ║

║ YouTube ║ Pinterest ║ Google+ ║ BookBub ║

————————————-

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5 PRINT ARCs!

OCTOBER 9-18, 2018

(U.S. Only)

 

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

10/9/18	Excerpt	Hall Ways Blog
10/9/18	Author Video	Kelly Well Read
10/10/18	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
10/11/18	Top List	The Page Unbound
10/11/18	Top List	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
10/12/18	Character Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/13/18	Review	Missus Gonzo
10/13/18	Excerpt	All the Ups and Downs
10/14/18	Playlist	StoreyBook Reviews
10/15/18	Review	Momma on the Rocks
10/16/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
10/16/18	Excerpt	Books and Broomsticks
10/17/18	Video Guest Post	Sybrina’s Book Blog
10/18/18	Review	The Clueless Gent
10/18/18	Review	Forgotten Winds

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A Very Merry Murder (A Professor Prather Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Camel Press (October 1, 2018)
Paperback: 258 pages

Synopsis

It’s December in Copper Bluff, and from hillside to hallowed hall, everyone is merry—or will be as soon as semester break arrives. Students are studying, professors are grading, and Emmeline Prather is anticipating the university-sponsored holiday concert. Friend and colleague Lenny Jenkins will be accompanying the visiting quartet, Jazz Underground, and Em can’t think of a better way to kick-start the holiday season.

But before she can say “Jingle Bell Rock,” trouble arrives at Candlelight Inn, the bed and breakfast where the quartet is staying. One of the band members dies unexpectedly, and suspicion falls on Em, whose altercation with the man ends with him on the floor. He never recovers, and now she’s worried her reputation might not either. When Emmeline starts to see parallels between an Agatha Christie novel she’s teaching and the victim, Lenny claims she’s read one too many mysteries.

As the clues unravel, so does the murderer’s patience. Em is close to finding the truth, but will the truth—or the murderer—push her over the edge? It will take a Christmas miracle to solve this case, but if there’s one thing in surplus this time of year, it’s faith.

About the Author

Mary Angela is the author of the Professor Prather academic mystery series, which has been called “enjoyable” and “clever” by Publishers Weekly. She is also an educator and has taught English and humanities at South Dakota’s public and private universities for over ten years. When Mary isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

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The Encouragement Letters

by

Shanna Spence

  Sub-genre: Middle Grade / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Book Liftoff

Date of Publication: November 22, 2017

Number of Pages: 180

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WILLIAM CROMWELL, at age eleven, knew what it was like living with new changes. In 1865, Manchester, England a new textile factory moved into town and after a tragedy that befell him and his mum, they struggled to live. With so many things going on in his young life he wanted to be the encouragement that his father was to him.

As everything changes along with terrible hardships, just maybe the hope he gives to the growing town will find its way to Will…

Praise

This was such an uplifting wholesome book! It was so nice to read something positive about a time when people were so willing to step in and help someone in need without expecting anything in return! I couldn’t put it down! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

Excellent read!! This story speaks to people in all walks of life. It is encouraging, sweet, and funny at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone needing to see what it means to “treat others as you want to be treated.” — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

A very inspiring book from a great new author! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

A charming tale of a simpler time. Yet, the message is ageless. I congratulate Ms. Spence on this her first effort and look forward to more entertaining reads from her in the future.– 5 Stars, Kindle reviewer

A story to inspire anyone and everyone. In a small way, it reminded me of Benjamin Franklin penning letters as Mrs. Silence Dogood, but only to the extent that the letters were somewhat anonymous. But that is where the similarity ends. These were letters of hope, encouragement, and appreciation for the good works done by various citizens.

I was enthralled with young William Cromwell. At age 11 he shows more maturity than one would expect of such a young lad. His father has passed, yet he is doing everything he can to help his mum make it through life. He works for his uncle in this small English village yet finds time to complete schoolwork assigned by the teacher (apparently many did not attend a formal school but learned on their own), do chores around the house, and help his mum whenever possible, especially when she became ill. William has a box of letters from his father that are inspirational and encouraging. Reading these letters inspired him to write letters to various people in town for the kindness shown towards him and others. Only four letters were written in the book and each recipient had their spirits lifted knowing they were appreciated by someone.

I was impressed that no matter how bad the situation was for the Cromwells, they have a positive spirit and outlook. So when fortune did come their way, they appreciated it even more.

The book does mention some tragedies, but it is not detailed where it might disturb younger minds. (father’s death, William attacked/mugged) and the theme of hope and optimism is spread throughout the book.

This book is written for middle-grade readers and the language reflects the target audience. It is simplified but anyone can enjoy this book if for the message alone.

We give it 5 paws up.

Shanna Spence is a wife, mother, and registered nurse of over twenty years. She has written poetry since the age of thirteen and always dreamed of writing books. Raised in a small East Texas town, she pursued a career of nursing in Dallas, Texas but eventually went back to East Texas to settle down and raise a family.

Now she finally has found the time to fulfill her dream of writing stories that will hopefully bring out the imagination in others — as well as inspiration. She is currently living in Longview, Texas.

 

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1st Prize:

Signed Copy + Bookmark + $10 Amazon Gift Card

2 Runners-Up: eBook Copy

October 10-19, 2018

(US ONLY)

 

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

10/10/18	Notable Quotable	Momma on the Rocks
10/11/18	Review	Hall Ways Blog
10/12/18	Excerpt	Max Knight
10/13/18	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
10/14/18	Author Video	The Page Unbound
10/15/18	Character Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/16/18	Review	All the Ups and Downs
10/17/18	Author Interview	That’s What She’s Reading
10/18/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
10/19/18	Review	Missus Gonzo

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The Spirit in Question (A Lila Maclean Academic Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Henery Press (October 2, 2018)
Trade Paperback | 252 pages

Synopsis

English professor Lila Maclean knew drama would be involved when she agreed to consult on Stonedale University’s production of Puzzled: The Musical.

But she didn’t expect to find herself cast into such chaos: the incomprehensible play is a disaster, the crumbling theater appears to be haunted, and, before long, murder takes center stage.

The show must go on—yet as they speed toward opening night, it becomes clear that other members of the company may be targeted as well. Lila searches for answers while contending with a tenacious historical society, an eccentric playwright, an unsettling psychic, an enigmatic apparition, and a paranormal search squad.

With all of this in play, will she be able to identify who killed her colleague…or will it soon be curtains for Lila too?

Guest Post

Today we welcome Cynthia to StoreyBook Reviews.  Today she tackles that ever pressing issue we all have – passwords and what happens when you get locked out.  I am sure we have ALL been here at one time or another.

A Tiny Plea

 

With so much happening online nowadays, do you ever find yourself sputtering as you try to navigate labyrinthine systems that seem intent on keeping you out of your own accounts?

Let’s begin with the password construction rules, which have spiraled out of control. For example: must include six numbers, two uppercase letters, four ingredients for apple cobbler, and a pie chart representing the statistical probability of bellbottoms making a comeback.

Plus they are hard to remember.

Plus you have to keep track of so many.

Plus they make you change them every other second.

And if by some miracle you do make it past the cybergates, you are as likely as not to get a message that insists Your Browser is Not Supported. Which is baffling, since you’re constantly updating that too.

Or perhaps it’s a pop-up declaring It Is Not Recommended That You Continue—even though continuing is the only possible method for doing what you came here to do in the first place.

If you’re lucky, all you have to do is click the Help button.

Though that may lead to Oops! Nothing To See Here!

Or Your Message Could Not Be Delivered.

Or Not A Recognized User.

Or You Have Reached This Page in Error. Please Click Help For Assistance.

And let’s not even get started on the whole We Do Not Recognize The Device You Are Using Even Though You Tell Us To Remember It Every Time You Come Here So Now We Have Decided To Text You An Important Code Which Means You Must Stop What You Are Doing Online In Order To Search Your House To Find Your Phone Which May Be In A Drawer Or The Back Yard Or On The Moon Who Knows But This Code Must Be Texted All Hail the Mighty Code And You Must Enter The Code Perfectly And Complete This Task Within Our Extremely Short Time Period Or We Will Start This Entire Nightmare Anew.

Dear Universe: please fix all the things.

About the Author

Cynthia Kuhn teaches and writes in Colorado. Her work has appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD and other publications. She is the current president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado and blogs with Mysteristas.

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