Book Review: SWEET HEARTS (Samantha Sweet Mysteries #4) by Connie Shelton

Synopsis (from Amazon)

USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton’s most delightful cozy mystery series yet—with a little romance, a little magic and a whole lot of chocolate! With nearly 2 million books sold and downloaded in more than 110 countries, see what the fuss is all about! 

Will there be Valentine wedding bells for Samantha Sweet and Beau Cardwell? (introduced in this mystery series opener Sweet Masterpiece) Sam's bakery, Sweet's Sweets is busier than ever this Valentine week, as she struggles to replicate the magical chocolate-making techniques of the enigmatic chocolatier who boosted her winter holiday sales into the stratosphere. However, candy classes take second place to a new mystery, when Sam meets a woman whose missing son's case seems to have been dropped by the authorities. Marla Fresques learns that she is dying and needs for her son to come home and raise the daughter he left behind. Sam agrees to help, hoping that Sheriff Beau's inside connections will bring about a quick and happy resolution. 

But what about Sam's and Beau's own wedding plans? They may be in jeopardy when an entirely new development appears in the form of Beau's ex-girlfriend who is determined to win him back. With the familiar mix of cozy mystery, romance and a touch of magic that has enchanted readers of this series, Sweet Hearts draws the reader even further into the captivating world of Samantha Sweet. 

Review 

Valentine's approaching and Sam is one busy lady. Her bakery is doing great and orders for Valentine's keep coming in, along with customers asking for more of the special chocolates she had at Christmas. She also thought it would be romantic to be married on Valentine's Day and all of those details are still up in the air. The last thing she needs is to meet Marla who comes to Sam, not in search of something sweet. No, she wants Sam to find her son who went missing ten years ago. Marla has raised his daughter, Jolene, since then. Only Marla's dying and is afraid what will happen to Jolene. To top it off, Beau's ex shows up and tries to win him back. 

This is my second in the Samantha Sweet Mysteries and I enjoyed both. This is a light, fun read, with some heavier moments. It has the small town feel, most evident when Sam meets Marla's neighbors and friends. There's conflicts in relationships, a mystery to be solved, and a twist here and there. Marla's magic box comes in handy, though she's still learning how it works. Then there's the special chocolates. Oh, my.

There are 16 books in the Samantha Sweet Mysteries. I always suggest readers start at the beginning of a series. At the time of this posting, the first in the series, Sweet Masterpiece is only 99 cents (AMAZON). The full series can be found at AMAZON. Sweet Hearts Purchase Link AMAZON. 

 

Blog Tour and Book Review: DEADLY RESCUE : A World War II Mystery by Kate Parker

Deadly Rescue: A World War II Mystery(

About the Book

As the Phony War morphs into the Blitzkrieg, two British intelligence officers risk getting trapped behind enemy lines in the ninth Deadly mystery from USA Today Bestselling author Kate Parker. 

April, 1940. Hitler is invading Denmark on Tuesday. Olivia Redmond has only a weekend to bring a Nobel Prize winning chemist and his war-altering research to Britain. The scientist and his wife want to leave, but their troublesome daughter will do anything to stop her parents from departing.

When the daughter’s German fiancé is murdered, the police refuse to let anyone depart until they find the killer. If Olivia wants to escape Denmark with the chemist and his breakthroughs, she will have to unmask the killer before the Nazis stop her forever. 

Deadly Rescue, book nine of the Deadly Series, is for fans of World War II era spy thrillers and classical cozy mysteries, of intrepid lady sleuths with determination and smarts. No explicit cursing, violence, or sex.

Review

The British government's concern is that the discoveries and intelligence of the renowned chemist, Dr. Jorgeson, will be used to prolong the war. Livvy definitely agrees with that, but her motive in going to Denmark is that the Mrs. Jorgeson had been friends with her mother. Livvy is paired with Mike Christianson who she's never met, but at least he speaks Danish and has a military mindset. Only the two of them must convince the Jorgensons and their daughter, Katrine quickly as the Nazis have announced they will invade Denmark.

When first a maid and then the German assistant to Jorgenson is murdered, the police are not willing to let anyone leave until they catch the killer. Thinking fast, Livvy throws out an idea that Braun killed the maid and then may have inadvertently killed himself when trying to kill someone else. That gets them on the train and ferry at least, without a moment to spare, but Livvy's not so sure that's what really happened.

The story is well-plotted and Parker's character's are strong and well-developed. The history and likely tension experienced with an invasion pending and wartime are well-portrayed. Add in much interpersonal tension. There is enough action and twists to keep the story moving at a steady pace.This is the 9th in the series, but only my second. It can be read as a stand alone. 

 

Livvy makes a wonderful sleuth in this historical cozy. Readers who like historical fiction and particularly the WW II era, will find much that resonates and are sure to enjoy this one. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author

Since she was unable to build a time machine in her backyard, Kate Parker immerses

herself in research and then creates the world that lives inside each book that she writes. Her favorite place is London and her time travel destination is anywhere from the late Victorian era through World War II. 

Since she lives in the Carolinas with her daughter and a 95-pound puppy, the practical side of her is thankful for air conditioning and all the modern comforts of life. Comforts she will take with her if she ever figures out how to build her time machine. 

Author Links:

Website - http://www.kateparkerbooks.com 

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/author.kate.parker/ Website - http://thedeadlyseries.com 

GoodReads - http://www.goodreads.com/series/192092-deadly 

Purchase Links 

Amazon - B&N - Kobo   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: WINTERS MOURN (Winter Black, FBI Book 1) by Mary Stone

I'm not a big thriller reader, but this one caught my eye... 

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Thirteen years ago, Winter Black came home early from a sleepover to find her parents brutally murdered and her little brother gone—taken by a serial killer called The Preacher. 

Now a rookie FBI agent assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned to the small Virginia town where she grew up. But when bones found by a hunter lead to the discovery of a secret burial ground containing the remains of children, the investigation suddenly hits close to home as the past and future collide with each new shocking discovery. 

Will they find her brother’s bones in the makeshift graveyard next? Only The Preacher knows, and he’ll do anything to keep the past—and its secrets—buried until he’s ready to make his final move. 

A masterfully conceived psychological thriller reminiscent of James Patterson, Winter’s Mourn will keep readers turning the pages—and watching the window—long past midnight. 

Review 

Winter Black is a rookie FBI Agent, returning to her hometown with her memories from when her family was murdered. The FBI is called in to investigate when bones are found. As the story unfolds and her recollections are mixed with current day, secrets are uncovered. This is very well-written and the pace kept me reading. Winter is a likable character, despite her demons, and the story is entertaining. If you like psychological thrillers, I think you'll like this one as well. Reader beware, profanity is used but at least to me, it seemed appropriate. Looking for a new series to keep you occupied for a while? This is the first of 19! Happy reading.

Purchase Link      AMAZON

About the Author 

Mary Stone lives among the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee with her two dogs, four cats, a couple of energetic boys, and a very patient husband. As a young girl, she would go to bed every night, wondering what type of creature might be lurking underneath. It wasn’t until she was older that she learned that the creatures she needed to most fear were human. 

Today, she creates vivid stories with courageous, strong heroines and dastardly villains. She invites you to enter her world of serial killers, FBI agents but never damsels in distress. Her female characters can handle themselves, going toe-to-toe with any male character, protagonist or antagonist.

Book Blitz: MCKENZIE'S LAST RUN by Gayle Rosengren

Genre: 

Middle Grade fiction 

Blurb: 

Thirteen-year-old MacKenzie (Mac) Lawrence secretly blames himself for his father’s death. In his grief and guilt, he has pulled away from everyone, even his twin sister Tessa. When their mother announces her plans to remarry barely 18 months after Dad’s death, Mac is furious and runs away in an attempt to force her to break off the engagement. 

Unfortunately, nothing goes as Mac plans. He ends up seriously injured, miles from home, unable to reach out for help, while clues he inadvertently left behind suggest he’s been kidnapped—possibly by Mom’s fiancé—and set his twin sister Tessa on a desperate search to find him. But she’d better hurry, because the clock is ticking, and Mac is running out of time.

Read an excerpt:

“We’re not keeping anything from you, Mrs. Lawrence,” Sergeant Hernandez said. “I promise. It’s just that Officer Borkowski has been concerned by some of the unusual circumstances surrounding MacKenzie’s disappearance.” 

Mom’s forehead puckered. “Unusual circumstances?” 

The sergeant nodded. “The fact that MacKenzie didn’t take any money with him, for example. That’s very unusual for a runaway. And he didn’t take his bike either. Again, this isn’t the norm. Taken together with the bloodstains on the carpet, well, there’s another possible explanation that we can’t entirely rule out.”

The back of Tessa’s neck prickled. What was Sergeant Hernandez getting at? She looked at her mother, who was frowning at the police woman, twisting her hands together. 

“I still don’t understand. What are you trying to say?” 

Beside her, Simon’s eyebrows snapped together. “Surely you’re not suggesting what I think you are.” He pulled Mom closer. 

Tessa’s throat tightened. “What is it?” Mom’s eyes were huge green pools of panic. 

“We need to investigate the possibility that your son may not have run away,” Sergeant Hernandez said. “Someone may have taken him.” 

Mom shook her head like Tessa did to get water out of her ears after a dive. Her mouth sagged open and she slumped against Simon. “No.” 

Tessa’s heart cannonballed into her stomach. They thought someone took Mac. They thought someone broke into his room and took him! But that was crazy. Why would anyone want to kidnap Mac?

Excerpt from McKenzie's Last Run. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.

About the Author:

As a girl, books were among Gayle’s best friends and inspired her dream of writing for children someday. It was a dream that only grew stronger over the years. Gayle majored in Creative Writing in college. Her first book, What the Moon Said (Putnam 2014) was a Jr. Library Guild selection and CCBC title, and her second, Cold War on Maplewood Street (Putnam 2015) won the Tofte-Wright Award for Children’s Literature. 

She has worked as an advertising copywriter, a pre-school teacher, a youth services assistant in her local public library; and a research assistant in the American Girl library. Gayle is a lover of stories whether she’s writing them or reading them. Visit her website to learn more about Gayle and her books.

Author Contact Information 

https://www.gaylerosengren.com 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595989048 https://twitter.com/gaylerosengren 

Purchase Link

AMAZON

Gayle Rosengren will be awarding a $100 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour and Book Review: WRONG SIDE OF MURDER - A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery Book 2 by Lauren Carr

The Wrong Side of Murder is another wonderful cozy mystery by author Lauren Carr. It has all the elements that draw me in - an intelligent female lead, an equally smart boyfriend who partners to help her, a complicated plot where clues are slowly revealed, people who aren't what they seem to be, comedic moments to balance the darker ones, and several quirky pets full of personality.  

It's a wonderful book to escape into at the end of the day. And get ready to read into the wee hours as, if you're like me, you won't be able to stop reading until the mystery is revealed.  - Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn

Nikki's an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she'll get the answers she wants and needs. – review by Blooming with Books

Book Description:

Nikki Bryant’s Next Case Takes Her to the Wrong Side of Murder

One spring morning, Jodi Gibbons got up and went to school as she did every day. Her young life went sideways though when the police found that her mother had been brutally killed during the night.

Twenty years later, many in Pine Grove believe Jodi got away with murder. After all, how could she have possibly slept through her mother’s violent death in the very next room?

After decades of silence, Jodi accepts investigative journalist Nikki Bryant’s invitation to tell her side of the story. However, before the interview can take place, someone silences Jodi permanently.

Now it is up to Nikki Bryant and her friends to uncover the secret that Jodi Gibbons has been protecting—a secret someone believes is worth killing to keep from being revealed.

Review

Nikki Bryant hasn't seen many of the people she went to school with in several years and is still adjusting to being back in her small home town. She doesn't remember much about when Jodi's mother was killed, but Jodi reminds her when they run into each other. Nikki's curious and looks into the still unsolved murder, officially at least. She wonders what secret Jodi is hiding that could clear her of the beliefs that still prevail. When Jodi is killed, Nikki is determined to clear her name and uncover the secrets that would have implicated the killer.

Once again, Lauren Carr spins a story filled with feelings, intrigue, humor, and great characters. Nikki is smart and determined, assisted by Ryan. There are twists and turns as Nikki uncovers bits and pieces, leading up to the finale. As the tension rises, it's hard to put this one down. Start early or you'll be up late. I've read most, if not all, of Lauren Carr's books, and this is another winner. 

This is the second in the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Be sure to check out the stops on the blog tour for Killer Deadline, the first in the series. my review of Killer Deadline can be found HERE.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Meet the Author

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

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

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

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 two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

Connect with the author: 

website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

Aug 1 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / guest post / giveaway
Aug 1 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 2 – She Just Loves Books – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 3 - Chit Chat with Charity - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 4 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 5 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 8 - Review Thick And Thin – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 8 – Kam's Place – book review of KILLER DEADLINE
Aug 8 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 9 – Olio by Marilyn – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 9 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 10 – Kam's Place – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 10 - Chit Chat with Charity - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 10 - The Momma Spot – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 11 – Literary Flits – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 11 - Blooming with Books - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 11 - Books for Books - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE
Aug 12 - Book Corner News and Reviews - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 15 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 16 – The Momma Spot – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 16 - Books for Books - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 17 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 17 - Older & Smarter? – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 17 – fundinmental – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 17 - Ebook addicts – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 18 - Pause for Tales – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 19 - Paws.Read.Repeat –book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 19 - Bigreadersite - book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 19 - Older & Smarter? – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 22 - Review Thick And Thin – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 23 - Splashes of Joy  - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 23 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 24 - Splashes of Joy  - book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 24 – Books Are Love – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 24 - My Reading Journeys – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 25 - I'm Into Books - book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 25 – Books Are Love – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 - Bigreadersite - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 – Books and Zebras – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 26 - Adventurous Jessy - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 - Reading Excursions - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER

Enter the Giveaway:

THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDR Book Tour Giveaway

Blog Tour and Review: CHARLESTON CONUNDRUM - A Liz Adams Mystery by Stacy Wilder

 

About the Book:

A Cozy Mystery With a Twist...

Liz Adams never imagined when she moved to Charleston with her truth sniffing Labrador retriever, Duke, that she would use her skills as a private investigator to avoid winding up on Death Row. 

 

Liz’s life is upended when her best friend, Peg, is murdered and she becomes a suspect.Liz’s gun was the murder weapon. Tensions flare between Liz and the cops as she rises to the top of their suspect list. 

At the request of Peg’s father, Liz agrees to take on the investigation. Riding a roller coaster of emotions, Liz uncovers many secrets Peg kept from her despite their being best friends. The suspects include a cast of characters: the ex-husband, the boyfriend, a coworker, several neighbors, and family members. 

Charleston Conundrum takes the reader from Charleston, South Carolina, to Paris and back in the emotional unraveling of Peg’s life and death to a killer ending.  

Review:

Liz is in mourning, fighting guilt over giving her friend the gun that killed her, and doubting even her friends. Her mentor in the PI business, Gunner, helps her out with words of encouragement and reminders to not let her relationships with the possible suspects get in her way.  Hard to do for sure.

An engaging cozy mystery, Wilder does a great job of depicting Liz's feelings and thoughts - as a reader you have to like Liz and empathize with her mixed emotions as she uncovers secrets Peg kept from her and the motives for all her suspects. The plot is well-paced and the murder isn't resolved until the end. The delightful setting of Charleston adds to the story - wonderful place. Then there's a quick trip to Paris to meet Peg's secret boyfriend. If you like a good cozy mystery with southern side, you'll enjoy Liz's story and her quick trip to Paris to meet a possible suspect. A great start to what promises to be an enjoyable series.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About Stacy Wilder

Stacy writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her debut novel, Charleston Conundrum, is the first in the Conundrum mystery series.

Stacy’s mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that support wildlife conservation, and the homeless, both people and pets. A portion of the proceeds from Charleston Conundrum are donated to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

She and her husband live in Houston, Texas with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve. As well as writing, Stacy is passionate about her faith, family, Labradors, the causes that she supports, the beach, art, and reading books.

Author Links:

Website - www.storystacy.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilderstacy   

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorstacywilder/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j63f0qJdJYE

Purchase Links: 

Amazon - B&N - Google 

Blue Willow Bookshop - 

Murder by the Books 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

 

August 15 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

August 15 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 

August 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 16 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE August 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

August 17 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST 

August 17 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT 

August 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

August 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE August 18 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT WITH PLAYLIST August 18 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW 

August 19 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT 

August 19 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 20 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT August 20 – Carla Loves To Read - REVIEW, GUEST POST 

August 20 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

August 21 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT 

August 21 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

August 22 – Books Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

August 22 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

August 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

August 23 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW August 23 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

August 23 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

August 24 – BookishKelly2020 - SPOTLIGHT 

August 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW   

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Blog Tour - Spotlight: MURDER BACKSTAGE: A Joseph Haydn Mystery by Nupur Tustin

 

About Murder Backstage

When murder propels him backstage, Haydn is forced to confront a deadly killer. . .

When the Burgtheater’s impresario unexpectedly meets his maker, Joseph Haydn is relieved to learn no one expects him to look into the matter. The impresario was murdered—and the Salzburger believed to be the killer is already behind bars.

But the impresario’s untimely death is not without consequences. Haydn’s employer insists he take over the dead man’s duties. Handling the tedious technical details of putting on an opera is bad enough. Confronting the suspicious behavior backstage is even worse.

Is an innocent man being sent to the gallows? Haydn is plagued by the question when his brother Michael confirms his worst fears. The Salzburger arrested for the murder is none other than Leopold Mozart—father of the well-known child prodigy currently in Vienna.

Now, egged on by Michael—a close friend of the Mozarts—Haydn must prove Leopold innocent. Or risk his brother’s ire forever!

Praise for the Joseph Haydn Mysteries: 

“Tustin orchestrates a concerto of intrigue and deception . . .” – Anna Lee Huber, Lady Darby Mysteries

“A standout in the genre of historical mysteries . . .” – Midwest Book Reviews

About Nupur Tustin

 A former journalist, Nupur Tustin misuses a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to orchestrate mayhem in Joseph Haydn’s Austria and to paint intrigue in her Celine Skye Psychic Mysteries about a psychic who takes on the outrageous and still unsolved Gardner Museum theft! In addition to being a storyteller and avid mystery fan, Nupur is a wife and homeschooling Mom who’s recently become a Christian.

Author Links 

Website:  Get Two Complimentary Mystery Anthologies and two 50% Off Coupons When You Sign Up! 

Blog 

GoodReads Link

Bookbub 

Facebook Author Page 

Purchase Links: 

NTUSTIN/SHOP 

Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple iBooks Kobo 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS 

August 3 – The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT 

August 3 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 4 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT August 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT 

August 5 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

August 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

August 6 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

August 7 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

August 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT August 8 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT 

August 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT August 9 – Books Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

August 10 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT 

August 10 – Nellie's Book Nook – REVIEW 

August 11 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 11 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 

August 12 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT 

August 12 – Baroness' Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT   

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Blog Tour and Book Review: DEATH A SKETCH - A Paint & Shine Mystery by Cheryl Hollon

 

In eastern Kentucky, Miranda Trent runs a unique tour company called Paint & Shine, but sometimes the peaceful mountains play host to murder . . .

 

Miranda’s business—combining Appalachian adventure tours with art and a bit of moonshine—is the perfect place for an outdoor sporting goods company to hold an employee retreat. It’ll be a challenge, but the money they’re paying will definitely help with building her new distillery.

Miranda has lots of teamwork-fostering activities planned, from sketching classes to Southern cooking, but the executive running things prefers a more competitive spirit. In fact, after the workers are split into teams, they’re told that only the winners will keep their jobs, and tensions begin to spike. Even after a participant is found dead, the contest continues—while Miranda starts drawing her own conclusions about the ambitious attendees. Now she just has to find the proof . . .

Review:

Miranda's on a mission - make enough money with her tour company to building her new distillery. Only there's a deadline on that. The combination of great scenery, art, and moonshine for her usual tours isn't enough. Hence her venture into the corporate world with what she envisions as a team-building experience. Unfortunately, the people in charge of the company have very different ideas, pitting the employees against each other. The silver lining is reconnecting with her old friend, Rowena, only Rowena is obviously fearful of losing her job if things don't work out.

If it had been her choice and she didn't need the money, Miranda would have cancelled the mess especially after the murder. Only the people in charge insisted it continue. Unfortunately, the misfortunes continued as well with an interesting cast of suspects. The bright spot is the forest ranger, Austin Morgan, with more than a passing interest in Miranda.

The characters are well-developed, especially Miranda, Austin, and others in the town. The plot played out with twists and turns, and a surprising ending. Hollon has done a great job of combining eco-themes with art and mystery, a cute dog named Sandy, and a budding romance. I look forward to reading more in this series, and have already bought the first one. Although this is the third  in the series, it can easily be read out of order. If you like cozy mysteries with a strong female MC, you'll enjoy this one.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About Cheryl Hollon

Cheryl Hollon now writes full-time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for oil painting and creating glass art. 

Cheryl and her husband live in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Visit her online at http://cherylhollon.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @CherylHollon.

Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Google Play - IndieBound - Kensington  

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Blog Tour Spotlight: INHERITING MURDER: A Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery by Jamie Rutland Gillespie

 

About Inheriting Murder

When Landry Burke’s favorite Aunt Tildie passes away, Landry inherits the entire estate. It includes a five story apartment building named Magnolia Place, as well as a bookstore across the street named Jasmine Bloom Books, both located in Bobwhite Mountain, Tennessee.

 

Landry packs up and leaves Bent Branch, SC for the hills of Tennessee. On her very first day there, she and her aunt’s attorney, Adam Wilcox, find the body of one of Magnolia Place’s employees. Between her panic attacks, anxiety and trying to adjust to her new surroundings, Landry wants this murder solved and fast.

Sheriff Wyatt Collins and his deputies are on the case. Now, if they can just keep Landry from trying to help and causing danger to herself.

And Jasmine Bloom’s manager, and late Aunt Tildie’s best friend, Ms. Millie, is convinced that Landry is trying to get her killed because of all the zany situations they find themselves in.

Take a visit to Bobwhite Mountain and find out what all of the fuss is about.

About Jamie Rutland Gillespie

Jamie Rutland Gillespie was born and raised in a tiny, country town in South Carolina. At the age of 18, she moved to a slightly larger town in the same state and still lives there. She spent much of her youth visiting the beaches of the low country and taking trips to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The mountains were always her "happy place" and she still visits every chance she gets.

Jamie has always loved to read; she got her library card at the small library of her hometown at the young age of 6. She has a vivid imagination and has always made-up stories of places, people and situations that only exist in her head.

She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughter and 17-year-old Yorkie Pom, who is her baby and shadow. She loves college football and has been a South Carolina Gamecock fan since birth. She also loves MLB and has been a Braves fan since she was a little girl, watching the games and going to games with her Dad. She is still an avid reader and enjoys writing, crossword puzzles, baking, and spending time with her family.

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Blog Tour and Book Review: SHIELDING HER SON (West Investigations) by K.D. Richards

 

About the Book

She thought she’d escaped her past…

Has it caught up with her?

Erika Powell has lived in hiding for years to protect her son from his wealthy, tyrannical grandfather. Wary of strangers, she’s suspicious of James West, who’s renting a neighboring cabin, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when attempts are made on Erika’s life, James fears he may have endangered her—because the undercover PI’s investigation of Erika may have led someone dangerous right to her. 

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Review

James West's job is to verify that Erika is the "lost" daughter-in-law to a wealthy man, now deceased. Only she's "lost" by choice, to protect her son from becoming like his father, and his father before him. She's raising him with good manners and kindness toward others. Although it's been years since she ran away, given the wealth and need for control, she's sure the family will find her in this small town. She's wary of James West, yet attracted to him. His conflict is his job, and loyalty to his brothers, and his attraction to her.

K.D. Richards is a new author to me, and I'm impressed with her writing style and plot. Her main character, Erika is both wary and strong, ready to run if need be, to protect her son. James is a veteran trying to figure out what to do with his life now that he's left the military, helping his brothers at West Investigations as he considers options. As tension rises, the townspeople show support. Although the 4th in the series, this can easily be read as a stand alone mystery. I look forward to reading the earlier books in this series.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

Discover more action-packed stories in the West Investigations series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: Pursuit of the Truth 

Book 2: Missing at Christmas 

Book 3: Christmas Data Breach 

Book 4: Shielding Her Son

About the Author

K.D. Richards was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs just outside of Washington, D.C. A writer since a young age, after college Kia earned a law degree and worked as an attorney and legal instructor for fifteen years but never stopped writing fiction. 

She currently splits her time between Toronto and Maryland with her husband and two sons.

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