Synopsis

 

When janitor Truman Pierce isn’t listening to his classical jazz records, he stays under the radar and keeps to himself. Nothing much happens in his world until popular college instructor Danielle Hutchins asks him out. The day after their first date, Pierce finds Danielle murdered in her classroom. With only a little information to go off of, and a pair of detectives that he doesn’t trust, Pierce sets off to find Danielle’s killer. What first starts as murder, quickly becomes more for Pierce as he begins to pull off the layers of his quiet town by going up against drug dealers, thugs, Danielle’s vengeful brother, and an array of people who don’t want him to find out the truth. Every corner he turns, he’ll find another challenge for him to overcome.

With the help of two college students, David and Goliath, and another college instructor, Pierce will do what it takes to find out the truth about Danielle. He’ll be tested to his limits as he seeks to track down the devious killer responsible for ending Danielle’s life.

But will the search for the truth be the end for Pierce?

 

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 

 

Praise

 

“Fast-paced and suspenseful, Pierce should be a welcome fix for anyone addicted to crime fiction.” — Donald Ray Pollock, author of The Devil All the Time and The Heavenly

“A fine debut mystery from a promising new author.” — Brandon Barrows, author of The Last Request
 

 

About the Author

Born and raised in Maryland, Patrick B. Simpson received his M.A. in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. He currently lives in Montgomery County, MD, and is a member of the Maryland Writers Association. Pierce is his first novel.

 

Website * Instagram * X (Twitter)

 

 

Synopsis

 

Recent college graduate Holly Schlivnik dreams of being a writer, but fate has other plans. A family crisis throws her into an improbable situation, and her life will never be the same. Determined to make her own luck when things don’t happen the way she plans, the irrepressible young woman takes a sledgehammer to the glass ceiling and shatters it to smithereens. The wise-cracking, irreverent transplanted Californian takes you on a raucous, rollicking rollercoaster ride of her hysterical adventures as a ladies’ apparel sales rep traveling in the deep South as she ends up finding herself along the way.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * BookBub

 

 

Review

 

There is a cozy series featuring Holly Schlivnik (Swimsuit), and this book is a great introduction to her, including how she came to work for Ditzy Swimsuits, her background, etc. This book is the prequel and is not a cozy, so don’t expect murders she has to solve.

This is based on the author’s experiences in the garment industry, and I found it fascinating how reps for different clothing lines would travel across the country to meet with buyers to sell those lines for the stores. There is a diverse character list, scenes that might make you cringe, and friendships and love found on the road.

This story is also a great reminder that your path in life might divert from what you expect after college. However, there are so many stories for Holly to tell about her travels with her job, the people she meets, the lessons she learns, and even family life.

I appreciated that Holly was not a person who would roll over just because she was a woman. There are still chauvinistic men in this world, in all industries, and she is not afraid to stand her ground and let them know she is not going to be taken advantage of or be told how to do her job.

This can be read as a standalone or before you start the Holly Swimsuit cozy series.

We give this book 4 paws up and encourage all women to take note of Holly’s endeavors and stand their own ground!

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now, she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries.

She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect.

 

Website * BookBub * Facebook * Goodreads * Instagram

 

LinkedIn * Pinterest * X (Twitter)

 

 

 

 

Double Scoop of Murder (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – New York
Gemma Halliday Publishing (February 27, 2024)
Number of Pages 226

 

Synopsis

 

From author Lena Gregory comes a hunt for more than just treasure…

Danika Delany is loving running her uncle’s old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island and putting her own modern spin on the treats they serve. Life is finally looking up for her! That is, until local billionaire Maxwell Crumbholtz dies and leaves his fortune in the form of a treasure hunt. Chaos descends on Watchogue, and Dani and the rest of the gang from the Coffee & Cream Café join the melee when they enter the contest, try to decipher the clues, and go in search of the treasure. But Dani digs up more than she expected when she discovers a dead body buried instead of a treasure! To make matters worse, a witness claims to have seen Dani at the scene of the murder. Now, instead of a four-billion-dollar payday, Dani is on the hunt for a killer.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo

 

 

Character Guest Post

 

Detective Jake Barlow

 

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jake Barlow, and I’m a detective with the Watchogue Police Department. I’ve always loved helping people. Even when I was a kid, I was the one who tended to stick up for the underdog or stay after class to help out a teacher or a student who needed help. So it seemed natural to choose a career that allowed me to help others. Plus, I’ve always been interested in solving puzzles.

Although, lately, it seems most of my interests revolve around Danika Delaney. I’ll admit I have a sweet spot for her, though the only two dates we’ve managed so far have ended pretty disastrously. There are two reasons I haven’t pushed to have a more serious relationship. One, I don’t think Dani’s ready (and it has nothing to do with the firefighter), and I’m afraid if I push, she’ll bolt. And two, every time I turn around there’s another murder to investigate, and Dani’s right there in the middle of it.

I hate the thought of her and her friends being in danger, which they often are. But, and if you tell Dani I said this I will deny it, they’re good at it. Dani tends to see things from a perspective no one else does, and she’s great at solving puzzles. I just wish they’d stay off killers’ radar. I would like to see our relationship head in a more serious direction—if she could just stop stumbling over dead bodies and interfering in my investigations.  But that’s one of the things I lov…uh…like most about her—she’s got such a good heart and always wants to help people out.

All that can make dating a little difficult. So, for the moment, I spend most of my time trying to keep her out of trouble. Not that she means to get herself into these messes (or so she keeps claiming), but the woman seems to be a magnet for trouble. I’m pretty sure Lena is fully team Jake, though—even if I can’t figure out why she hasn’t written Luca out of the picture yet.

 

 

About the Author

 

 

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.

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

 

 

Newsletter * Website * Facebook * Author Facebook

 

X (Twitter) * Goodreads * Pinterest

 

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Against all odds, is true love strong enough to save a human soul?

After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird Colin MacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Laird leaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again?

Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty in his study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, her brunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forces of the Fae.

Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to his ancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fighting an evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving the stone or saving his love.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Bookshop

 

 

Excerpt

 

At the study, the door was ajar. A low fire glowed around the room. Good, someone already lit the fire. Brielle slipped into the dim room, crossed to the fireplace, and set the candle on the mantel. A flash of lightning illuminated the room, drawing her gaze to the shelves beside the fireplace.

She perused the shelving, trying to find the perfect book. She realized the one she wanted was three shelves up, and she couldn’t reach that high. Climbing to her knees on the lower cabinet, she stood and reached to the shelving above. Her fingertips barely touched the book she wanted. She stretched a bit more, and just as she was about to reach the spine marked Love Poems and Sonnets, a crack of thunder startled her, and she fell backward off the bookcase. Her cry was cut short when she hit something solid. A warm, muscular chest shifted along her back, and strong arms cradled her. Mortified, she kept her eyes shut. How much worse could it get?

Then the chest shook with a chuckle. The voice that belonged to it said, “Careful what ye seek, lassie. Ye might find something ye aren’t looking for.” In utter embarrassment, she kept her eyes shut. It was Colin.

“Ye can open your eyes, Brielle.” She turned her head farther into his chest. That was a mistake. He was shirtless and smelled too damn good.

“Please put me down,” she breathed. Colin moved to the couch and lowered her to the cushions. A plaid wrap lay on the sofa, still warm from a human body. She was not the only one who hated storms. She peered up from the couch. Next to the bookcase, Colin bent and picked up the book from the floor. He glanced at the open book, then at her with a raised eyebrow, and read aloud:

Western wind, when wilt thou blow.

That the small rain down can rain?

Christ, that my love was in my arms

And I in my bed again.

“Some light reading for a storm?” Colin lifted an eyebrow.

“Something of the sort. I was hoping to pass the storm.” Thunder boomed again. She jumped and squeaked.

“Storms scare ye?” He closed the book and went to the couch, handing it to her.

She went to take it from his hands, their touch causing sparks to fly up her arm. She glanced up at Colin’s face. He stood there with his hand still outstretched. He gazed directly into her eyes. They paused a moment. She shook herself, put the book on the side table, then peeked from under her lashes at Colin.

He faced the fireplace, bending to turn up the gas. His back muscles rippled with the movement of his body. As he rose, his muscles undulated under the stretched material of his jeans. Sensual heat rose inside Brielle like a fiery flame. He twisted, gazing at her. His face had the same smoldering expression as the one in the portrait of his ancestor she’d seen the day she arrived.

Thunder surged again. She jumped, closing her eyes and keeping them shut. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. After a moment, a shuffling told her he had moved around the room. A clink of glasses and the sound of liquid pouring. The couch dipped, and his body shifted toward her. A familiar potent, tart smell filled her nostrils, making her mouth water, and she licked her lips. He had positioned the glass under her nose.

She opened her eyes and took the glass from him.

“Here, lass, we’re in for a blow tonight. Ye’ll need this. Power won’t be back until morning, when the crews can get out this far.” He reclined back on the cushions. “Have a wee nip, and we’ll get ye back to yerself in no time.”

She drew a sip, swallowing the liquor and welcoming the warming sensation. Colin took a sip of his. Another boom, and she jumped.

“Come lass, tuck in, and let me chase yer fears away.” He settled her in the crook of his arm as they lay back on the couch. Colin wrapped them up in the red plaid with green and blue patterns, just like the one on her bed.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college and adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

 

 

REAP THE WIND

 

by

 

Joel Burcat

 

 

Action-Adventure / Suspense / Climate Change / EcoThriller

Publisher: Milford House Press, an imprint of Sunbury Books, Inc.

Date of Publication: February 6, 2024

Number of Pages: 215 pages

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

THE PERFECT STORM meets THE FIRM.

Reap the Wind is a thrilling action/adventure novel that follows three lawyers as they embark on a treacherous journey from Houston to Cincinnati during a catastrophic hurricane. Josh Goldberg is on a mission to be with his girlfriend for the birth of their child. Along the way, they’ll face terrifying obstacles like tornadoes, hailstorms, and driving rain. But the real danger may come from within as they struggle to survive each other’s company. His two travel companions—his best friend, a drug-addicted lawyer, and his conniving boss who has her own agenda.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable odyssey that might just be a suicide trip.

 

 

 

 

Amazon │ Sunbury Books

 

Midtown Scholar Bookstore (signed copies)

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Praise for Reap The Wind

 

“Reap the Wind is a bold, bracing and blisteringly original take on the legal thriller form. Joel Burcat has fashioned a seminal tale focusing on the nightmare of all road trips in which a storm raging outside the car is matched only by the storm raging within. Burcat dares to tread on the hallowed ground of John Grisham and Scott Turow and ends up blazing a fresh, daring literary tale of his own. Not to be missed!” —Jon Land, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have ever lived through a major storm (hurricane, tornado, etc), then you will be able to appreciate this novel from Joel Burcat. While the focus of the novel is the storm, there is also the interpersonal dynamics between several of the characters.

Josh is an ambitious attorney, but at the same time, he wants a good work-life balance. His fiancee, Keisha, is pregnant with their child. Their relationship is interesting, but not without struggles, especially from the parents. His are Jewish, but admittedly, not practicing. Keisha is African-American with helicopter parents. However, there is something in their relationship that binds them together. All is well until Keisha decides to leave Houston, where Josh is for a conference, ahead of a major storm about to hit the shores. She is eight months pregnant and wants to be closer to home in case the baby decides to make an early appearance. This is where everything goes awry.

Living in Texas, we are no strangers to some crazy storms. Everyone has heard of the hurricanes that hit Houston and New Orleans. It was not a pretty sight when everything was said and done. This storm is giving signs of being very similar. If it were me, I would have holed up in the hotel in Houston until everything passed. They were in a Four Seasons, after all! However, that would not have made for an interesting tale. Keisha flew out and ended up in the hospital in Cincinnati. This has Josh worried to no end, and he makes the (not so smart) decision to drive, in a major storm, from Houston to Cincinnati. Luckily, he has a friend and coworker who will go with him, so he won’t drive this alone. Originally, it would have been the two of them on this trip until their boss, Diane, forces her way into the situation. I will state that I do not like Diane. There are many reasons, but some would take away from the story, and I don’t want to reveal too much. Let’s just say she is very bossy, more than what could be considered appropriate for anyone. So, the three set off in the car for an adventure.

I had to chuckle at some of the observations by the characters on the drive. They nailed the driving habits of Texans and the love for guns. There are many humorous moments peppered throughout their journey. While perfect conditions would have allowed them to make the trip in a reasonable amount of time, the weather slowed down their travels. There is nothing like a road trip to bring out people’s true personalities.

While this band of characters is on their journey, Keisha has her own issues to deal with in the hospital. She never expected to see her former boyfriend at the hospital and as her OB/GYN while there. He crosses some ethical lines, in my opinion. But seeing him brings Keisha to a crossroads, and she has to decide which road to follow. I am not too surprised at how that situation resolved itself, but it was probably the best outcome.

There is a prologue and an epilogue that seemingly have nothing to do with the crux of the story other than to share another perspective on how someone survived the storm. I am not sure why they were included.

The book was told from the POV of Josh and Keisha. While there are two other main characters, Geoff and Diane, their story is included to a minor degree. Maybe not as in-depth as Josh and Keisha, but it is really their story to be told.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and if you like books about major storms, you just might like this one. We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joel Burcat is an award-winning author of three environmental legal thrillers: Drink to Every Beast (illegal dumping of toxic waste), Amid Rage (a coal mine permit battle), and Strange Fire (a fracking dispute). His most recent book, Reap the Wind, is about three lawyers trying to drive from Houston to Cincinnati in a climate change-induced hurricane.

He has received a number of awards, including the Gold Medal for environmental fiction from Readers’ Favorite for Strange Fire, and as a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Amid Rage.  He has written numerous short stories. Burcat imbues his novels with facts to educate his readers about critical environmental issues while they are being entertained by the story.

Burcat’s books are infused with realism developed over a forty plus year career as an environmental lawyer.

 

Website ◆ Instagram ◆ Facebook ◆ Newsletter

 

X (Twitter) ◆ BookBub ◆ Amazon ◆ Goodreads ◆ LinkedIn

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

THREE WINNERS:

 

Signed copy of REAP THE WIND

 

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 03/15/24)

 

 

 

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

 

or visit the blogs directly:

 

03/05/24	Hall Ways Blog	First Line
03/05/24	Librariel Book Adventures	Review
03/06/24	Jan Sikes Blog	Review
03/06/24	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Stop
03/07/24	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
03/08/24	Guatemala Paula Loves to Read	Guest Post
03/08/24	It’s Not All Gravy	Review
03/09/24	Bibliotica	Review
03/10/24	Forgotten Winds	Excerpt
03/11/24	Boys’ Mom Reads	Review
03/11/24	The Page Unbound	Excerpt
03/12/24	Chapter Break Book Blog	Notable Quotables
03/13/24	The Real World According to Sam	Review
03/13/24	Rebecca R. Cahill, Author	Author Interview
03/14/24	The Clueless Gent	Review
03/14/24	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review

 

 

 

blog tour services provided by

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”

The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems, and the murder count rises quickly. The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.

Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Praise

 

“A fascinatingly detailed and murder-fueled adventure in a violent fantasy setting.” — Kirkus Reviews

“In Robert A. Walker’s Six Moons, Seven Gods, loyalty and treachery entwine, friendships are tested, and dangerous secrets are held close to the heart… a brilliant, compelling narrative that hooks the reader from start to finish.” — Literary Titan 5-star Review

“…an exceptionally rewarding fantasy. There are twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to stop reading.” — Ronél Steyn for Readers’ Favorite, 5 stars

 

 

Excerpt

 

Sibil sat on a bed in a servant’s quarters, her head spinning. Had it not been for previous visits to the palace with Princess Lewen, she would not have known where she was. The steward had escorted her briskly to the room some time ago, leaving her to entertain herself.

There seemed no end to the mystery surrounding her mother. Supposed premonitions of death had been unnerving enough, but now… an audience with the king? At his request! It was surreal, and Sibil’s wildest conjectures did not begin to explain it.

Her attempt to seize control of her own life seemed waylaid once again. She was imagining herself a bit of flotsam from a shipwreck, at the mercy of the ocean’s currents, when the steward returned, shutting the door angrily behind himself.

“Where is my mother?” she asked as he approached.

“With the king.” Without warning, the steward sat so close to her their thighs touched.

“I should like to see her.” Sibil started to rise.

“In due time.” The steward caught her arm and pulled her back to the bed.

“What are you doing?”

“If your mother were more forthcoming, you would not be so inconvenienced.”

“How do you mean?” Sibil’s eyes darted toward the door.

“The woman’s hiding something. Perhaps you’d like to tell me what that is.”

“My mother has nothing to hide from the king!”

“I could be convinced of that, I suppose.” The steward loosened his hold and placed a palm against Sibil’s cheek. “There are many ways for you to prove your loyalty to the throne.” His hand brushed her breast as he withdrew it. “Are you prepared to do so?” Before Sibil could respond, he leaned in, his lips seeking hers.

Sibil pushed him away, struggling to stand. “How dare you!”

“Need I remind you where you are?” The steward rose, positioning himself between her and the door. “Or who you’re talking to?”

“I mean no disrespect, m’lord, but if you—“

“Take off your blouse.”

“What?!”

“Like mother, like daughter. Take off your blouse and let us see what you are hiding there.”

“I’ll do no such thing,” said Sibil breathlessly. “And if you lay another hand on me—“

The steward grasped her sleeve. Sibil twisted violently away, her blouse ripping at the shoulder seam.

The steward grinned. “You see? One way or the other!” He started to laugh, sobering quickly at the sight of the dagger Sibil produced. “Put that away before you hurt yourself.”

“Take me to my mother!” Sibil waved the dagger at him.

“Did I not warn you about making demands?” The steward lashed out, recoiling as Sibil’s blade pricked his arm. He swore loudly as he inspected the spot of crimson staining his white blouse. “You’ll not soon forget what I’m going to do to you.”

“Touch me and I’ll kill you!” Sibil lurched past the steward and onto the bed, clambering quickly over it, but he intercepted her before she could reach the door. He kicked a stool separating them toward her. Sibil grabbed it and flung it back at him. The stool sailed past the steward’s head and crashed against the door.

“Make all the noise you want,” the steward said. “No one cares!”

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Award-winning author Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.

 

Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

The bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil mines the subtle horrors of 1950s America in a gripping novel about a woman under pressure—from the living and the dead.

The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.

Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquillity—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening. Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse.

With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work. As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Bookshop

 

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Praise

 

“A brilliantly layered suspense thriller and feminist nightmare wrapped into one, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport grips you and never lets go. This book will cement Kennedy as one of the most important voices in modern feminist literature at a time when we need it most.” —Constance Sayers, bestselling author of A Witch in Time

“Paulette Kennedy is the modern Daphne du Maurier with her dazzling ability to usher readers into any point in history while making it feel vibrant and fresh with her magical, gothic touch. Her newest novel deftly captures both the simplicity and horrors of being a midcentury housewife in a patriarchal society. With gorgeous lyricism and a determined heroine, the story spellbinds from the first page until the harrowing end.” —Heather Levy, Anthony Award– nominated author of Walking Through Needles

“Powerful, poignant, and soul-stirring, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport will haunt you with its chilling supernatural phenomena and claustrophobic domesticity, Paulette Kennedy brilliantly explores the limits of forgiveness while centering deep and compassionate love. You’ll weep and cheer for Loretta as she fights a truly terrifying evil. This is a book to treasure!” —Jennifer Sherman Roberts, author of The Village Healer’s Book of Cures

“Mesmerizing from start to finish! Paulette Kennedy delivers suspense, empathy, compassion, resilience, and just a hint of the paranormal in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the last page.” —Mansi Shah, bestselling author of The Direction of the Wind

 

 

Review

 

What devil is worse – the known or unknown?

This book combined many of my favorite genres, with a few others sprinkled in to round out the story. It is a combination of suspense, historical, horror, paranormal, and a touch of romance.

Loretta Davenport is trapped in a marriage that has gone downhill over time. But is it her doing or her husband’s fault? The answer is not that simple, and with the book set in the 1950s, there is more she has to overcome than just a bad relationship. This is a time where women were not allowed to open bank accounts without a male family member’s permission and signature. That alone sends shivers down my spine. Top that with women are considered weak and crazy, it isn’t hard to see why Loretta is fighting for her life and her children.

There is another twist to the story: Loretta is psychic and doesn’t discover her abilities until later in life. She isn’t sure what is going on, but her husband, Pete, is no help whatsoever. However, there is a psychologist who studies parapsychology, and he is able to guide her in these new abilities. It doesn’t hurt that he can use her as a study subject for his field. It isn’t all work for Dr. Curtis Hansen, and there is attraction and admiration for Loretta that brings them closer together.

It is hard to sum up this story in a few words or sentences. The story is gripping, and if you have ever been exposed to the Pentecostal faith and casting out of demons and such, you might understand this book a bit more. There is the time setting that works against Loretta, and then Pete’s religious fanaticism causes issues for them. It is like a train wreck that you can’t look away from because you know what is going to happen.

I rooted for Loretta and admired her attempts to find a way to support herself should she be able to leave her husband. It isn’t easy since women aren’t given high paying jobs, if they can even find one outside of the home as a housewife. But she digs down and finds a way. Top it off with these discovered psychic abilities; she is able to assist in solving several crimes. It is a good thing that some people believe in her abilities!

There are many moments that I held my breath wondering if certain situations would work out for Loretta and those around her. I also appreciated a jump forward twenty years to see where her life ended once everything was resolved.

This was a fantastic read, and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Paulette Kennedy is the bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil, which received the prestigious HNS Review Editor’s Choice Award. She has had a lifelong obsession with the gothic. As a young girl, she spent her summers among the gravestones in her neighborhood cemetery, imagining all sorts of romantic stories for the people buried there. After her mother introduced her to the Brontës as a teenager, her affinity for fog-covered landscapes and haunted heroines only grew, inspiring her to become a writer.

Originally from the Missouri Ozarks, she now lives with her family and a menagerie of rescue pets in sunny Southern California, where sometimes, on the very best days, the mountains are wreathed in fog.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her novels and what her characters might have experienced in the past.

 

 

Website * Instagram * Facebook

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

When a flying creature suddenly sets fire to their home, the villagers scramble to help. But for Amber, a twelve-year old daydreamer, it’s just the beginning. At the urging of the mischievous pixies, she decides to risk everything in search for answers. If it really was the normally-friendly phoenix who started the fire, why would it do that?

She sets out armed only with a bit of advice and her archery skills, only to find there’s far more going on than her sleepy village can handle. Evil wizards and their sinister plot begin to unfold before her the further she travels. What started out as a seemingly simple task quickly reveals a far greater challenge facing the entire kingdom. And time is running short. If she can’t figure it out soon enough, the entire coast will burn.

An epic coming-of-age fantasy adventure for young and old readers alike!

Fans who love Gregor the Overlander and Wings of Fire will love this novel, book 1 in The Elementalists series.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

About the Author

 

Ephie Risho has been writing his whole life. Inspired by his sixth-grade teacher to write a story every week, he enrolled in the writing program at his undergrad and has been writing ever since. He loves the outdoors, music, and opportunities to tell stories. He lives in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, where he works in software development and is active in various community groups.

 

 

Website * Facebook

 

 

Synopsis

 

Appalled by his daughter’s vain and impertinent attitude, the king forces her to marry a peasant, hoping to teach her a lesson. Feeling devastated by this decree, Alora loses everything she knows and is thrust into a world she is not prepared for. The skills she learned to help her rule a kingdom have not prepared her for the drudgery of living the life of a peasant’s wife.

Larik, her new husband, is determined to help Alora and show her kindness despite her unfriendly personality. Will Larik’s example and affection towards her be enough to heal her heart of anger and grief so that she can see the beauty in the world once again? Can she let go of the past and allow herself to be loved? This is a retelling of the Grimms’ fairytale, King Thrushbeard.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Praise

 

“What a wonderful book! It hooks you on the first page and doesn’t let go. It was full of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved it!” –Ann Ferri, Book Reviewer

“I didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a sweet romance with heroes and villains and a surprise at the end! The story has twists and turns, and you won’t know what happens next until you keep on reading! It’s amazingly clever how the author retells the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, the spinner of gold. There was great chemistry going on in the romance, and it totally engaged me. Well done!” –Sunnie Reviews

“Promises of Gold by Serena Clarke is a retake on the fairytale of Rumpelstilkin. I really did like it. This is a love story with heroes and evil villains. I think the ending will surprise most readers. It did me but it was a sweet surprise. This story is different from the original version, but it still covers the gold from straw, guessing the real name of the hero and etc.” Debbie Curto, from Dusty Deliberations

 

 

Review

 

Take one spoiled princess, one weary peasant traveler, and a King set on making things right, and you have this fantastic fairytale story retelling of King Thrushbeard.

Alora lost the love of her life, and this has turned her into a bitter woman. So much so that her father decided to marry her to a random traveler who visited their kingdom. Let’s just say this did not go over well with Alora. Especially since that means she will not have the cushy life she has enjoyed for the past few years. It is an eye-opening experience for Alora as she has to travel to another kingdom to Larik’s home, is not garbed in the finest apparel, and has to watch what she says and does around others. This is the kind of experience that will humble nearly anyone.

Despite the living conditions, Alora learns much more about herself and her capabilities. She also learns to love and appreciate those around her. The interaction between Alora, Larik, and the neighbors was engaging, and I was able to watch Alora evolve from a petulant child to a kind and caring young woman. I also enjoyed her relationship with Larik, and learning how to be a giving soul to your spouse and that it isn’t all about what she could get from this world.

I had some suspicions as to who Larik might really be from a few hints dropped here and there, but I didn’t know for sure until the end.

This fairytale does have a happy ending, and we give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Serena Clarke is from Sunny St. George in Southern Utah. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and has taken several writing classes in college. Her favorite genre is fantasy romance. She is not only an author but also a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team and creates book covers for indie authors. She has three fantasy romances and two fairytale romances. Her fantasy/romance novels are The Treasure of Isian, The Alliance of Isian, and The Secret of Isian. Her fairytale/romances are Promises of Gold and In Royal Ruins.

 

Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wilderness Trap (Southwest Exposure Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Bushwhack, New Mexico
Independently Published (February 28, 2024)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 164 pages

 

Synopsis

 

Explore nature, where the outdoors are wild, the tourists are clueless, and murder is the new adventure.

Andie Sullivan never thought her old nemesis would be running the elementary school career day. She was supposed to be discussing the wonders of nature, but when questions arise about her crime-solving side gig, some of the locals aren’t impressed.

But when career day turns into an actual murder, Andie finds herself on the case. And to make matters worse, the victim is her old nemesis. With the help of her hunky boyfriend, Sheriff Zac Mars, Andie dives into the investigation, determined to find the killer before they strike again.

Can she juggle her thriving outdoor business, her budding relationship with Zac, and find an elusive killer? Or will her pursuit of the truth lead her straight into the crosshairs of a ruthless killer.

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Guest Post

 

Finding the New Me in a New State

 

For the first time in forty years, I’m carrying a driver’s license different from the state I was born in. Somedays, I stare at my driver’s license, weirded out that I moved across state lines, away from family, and pulled my teens from a school they loved to drop them into a strange new school environment, which, by the way, has turned out to be wonderful for them. Honesty, the move has been a lifesaver for our little family. But before I get ahead of myself, let me put the brakes on this story and time travel back a little over a year ago.

A little over a year ago, I was struggling to complete a little-known book now titled The Wilderness Trap. At the time, the manuscript had gone through several titles and even had a few covers. But I just couldn’t seem to make the words flow. Granted, I’ve been working on the manuscript for the better part of two years. Yup. You heard that right. The last time I published a book in the Southwest Exposure Series was in 2021. Honestly, since I started my publishing journey in 2013, I have never gone longer than eight months between publishing books. Life sometimes gets in the way. And life can be a crazy disaster on its best of days. But let’s get back to 2023 and how I found myself living in a new state with a new job and a new book released.

In 2023, I hated my day job (yes, authors have day jobs), and I felt like I was wasting my degrees and aging. Gah, the horror. My husband was ready for a change, but we owned a family business, and uprooting is hard enough without having a business to sale. After many conversations, we put the business up for sale. And three months later, we put our house up for sale. And then we did a really, crazy thing…we bought a house in a town before we had the job offers. If you’d asked me a decade ago if I’d buy a house in a state I swore I’d never move to and settle in a city I was clueless about, I’d laughed. Call it: intuition. Call it: craziness. But whatever that feeling was, it turned out to be right because the jobs came through right after we put a down payment on the house, and then the city, our city, has been very kind to us. My teens adore their schools. They’re part of an amazing art and sports program. And… guess what? I found a day job I love. And one I’m good at. I teach writing class to fourth graders. Yup. I’m teaching future authors how to fall in love with storytelling. And my husband…he’s excelling in his job and starting an MBA program soon.

Guess what I’m trying to say, is taking risks can be good sometimes. Stepping outside your comfort zone can open your eyes to new adventures you could never imagine. I don’t know where the next few years will lead me, but I do know they’ll include many new books and many more school years teaching writing to elementary students. And in a nutshell, Andie Sullivan, the main character in the Southwest Exposure Mysteries, embodies the notion that it’s okay to occasionally take a risky adventure. So, my challenge for you is, as you read The Wilderness Trap, try to think about that adventure you’ve been putting off because you thought it was too risky and remember why it grabbed your attention in the first place.

 

 

About the Author

 

USA Today Bestselling author Jodi Linton pens funny romances, whodunnits, and thrillers. She is the author of the Southwest Exposure Cozy Mystery Series, The Deputy Laney Briggs Series, and several standalone romances. She lives in the city with her husband and two teens. When she isn’t writing her next page-turner, she teaches and hikes.

 

Facebook * Website * BookBub

 

 

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway