Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 140

Review: BABYSITTERS LITTLE SISTER: KAREN’S WORST DAY by Katy Farina

Karen’s worst day started with not getting the prize in the cereal box. Then it went on to the cancellation of her favorite show. She also couldn’t go bike-riding because of her broken arm. Unfortunately, she was taking out her bad day on everyone. Can Karen put an end to her bad day and her bad mood?

Such dynamic expressions and poses made the illustrations come alive. A nice, little graphic novel!

 

Rating: 4 stars

Review: I SURVIVED THE ATTACK OF THE GRIZZLIES, 1967 by Lauren Tarshis

Book had some nice and colorful illustrations in comic-like panels. It was especially exciting when the bear was clawing against the pane and leaping off the pages. Some of the text was a little too small to read and the Kindle version didn’t allow for much enlargement. But I didn’t need to read anything to see how terrifying the bear attack was. You don’t feed the bears for a reason! It was fun seeing it all in these comic panels.

I like bears, and this one had such a sweet backstory on them. Why must people hurt them?

A nice one!

 

Rating: 4 stars

Review: I SURVIVED THE SHARK ATTACKS OF 1916 by Lauren Tarshis

Killer scene of the shark coming at the boy. Whoa! Talk about leaping right off the pages.

The images were sort of retro, reminiscent of the Golden 20’s era. At least, this Kindle version allowed me to zoom in on the text so I can read it more. There’s a lot of history and old folktales with these characters. There’s also a lot of text that I wasn’t really too fond of reading, but the illustrations were good. They reminded me of Jack Kirby’s artistic style.

An okay graphic novel.

 

Rating: 3 stars

Blog Tour: THE SPIRIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN: AWAKENING FROM THE UNDERGROUND by Spring Washam

 

The Spirit of Harriet Tubman:

Awakening from the Underground

by Spring Washam

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE:   Non-Fiction: African American History

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

The Spirit of Harriet Tubman, who was called the Moses of her people, is rising again, and we can call forth her spirit to embody incredible strength and unwavering courage. Combining direct transmissions of Harriet's message with insightful explorations of her life and legacy, this extraordinary book gives us support and inspiration to deepen our roots of resilience and become powerful conductors of love and truth in our own lives.

We can learn how to remain fearless in the face of hatred and confusion. And through Harriet Tubman's guidance, we will learn how to meet the challenges of this moment with a compassionate heart.

Spring's previous works have been praised by Publishers Weekly as "bring[ing] considerable gifts for conveying her vision of personal change and offer[ing] vivid, inspiring testimony to the power of Buddhism." And now, she inspires a new generation of activists to carry her message and her work forward.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  

Excerpt One:

 

One day while meditating in my tree house, it dawned on me that others might be interested in Harriet and maybe others were having a similar experience to mine. As I shared my story, my friend Joselyn encouraged me to teach a class on the Dharma of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. So, I did. I organized a Zoom class to meet on five straight Sunday mornings. I had no idea if this would interest anyone, but I felt it was important for me to share Harriet’s courageous spirit with others. I posted a flyer on the Internet and sent it to my mailing list, and within a week and a half, hundreds of people had registered. These people were clearly interested in Harriet Tubman’s life and how it intersected with the Dharma; my beloved assistant and I were flooded with e-mails from all over the world. I was awestruck and excited. Who would have imagined there were so many people as passionate about Harriet as I was!

 

Our Sunday online classes were overflowing with spiritual teachings, guided meditations, and gospel music. I shared the inspiring stories I was learning about Harriet and her Underground Railroad allies. I was bringing hope and inspiration to others, and to myself. I got to speak a lot, but so did others. There were so many wise people present, and I called on many of them to share their wisdom and experiences. What started out as a five-week class became a five-month “Church of Harriet Tubman” journey, and it carried us through the presidential election of 2020. Hundreds of people from all around the world brought their open hearts to our Sunday services, and during those two hours together, we laughed, cried, prayed up a storm, and then we danced. So many of us felt this deep connection with Harriet and were also feeling her magic and her power in our daily lives. We uplifted one another so much that we all cried when it ended. It was a multicultural, interfaith, intergenerational, international community. Those two hours each week for five months were beautiful, and downright holy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Spring Washam is a well-known meditation and dharma teacher based in Oakland, California. She is a founding member and core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center located in downtown Oakland. She is the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys, an organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom. She was trained by Jack Kornfield and has studied numerous meditation practices and Buddhist philosophy since 1997. She is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. In addition to being a teacher, she is also a healer, facilitator, spiritual activist, and writer. Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based healing practices into diverse communities. She has studied indigenous healing practices and shamanic practices for over a decade. She has practiced and studied under some of the most preeminent meditation masters in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism. She currently travels and teaches workshops, classes, and retreats worldwide.

For more information on Spring Washam, or to follow her social media for event updates, inspiring quotes, and images:

Website: http://www.springwasham.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spring.washam

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/teacher.springwasham/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvoIv70jZKKXT2-ctKGhr7A

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpringWasham

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springwasham/

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Harriet-Tubman-Awakening-Underground-ebook/dp/B09YQZ79C5/

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY :

Spring Washam will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: SPARK by Azim Jamal

 

Spark

by Azim Jamal

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE:   Self Help

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

In a world vigorously chasing classic ideals of success, find your spark and become significant.

Your journey starts here.

Meet Steve, a hotshot lawyer fighting to climb the corporate ladder in this inspiring fable. His life transforms seemingly overnight as he is sent to India for a task he considers pointless. But things quickly fall apart. Steve, forced to reconsider his path, realizes that the curveball life has thrown at him is an opportunity to find his true purpose. This spiritual odyssey is about to transform him beyond his wildest dreams.

A powerful lesson follows each chapter, making up the SPARK that transforms Steve's life: Selflessness, Purpose, Attraction, Resilience and Knowing.

This SPARK is hidden within you too. It may be dormant now, but awakening to it will catapult you from the "Present You" to the "Best You." It's time to light up your SPARK today.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Excerpt One:

 

“What are you missing in your life?” I’ve put that question to successful leaders all over the world. Not surprisingly, I often hear similar answers: purpose, fulfillment, happiness, balance and the like. What I’ve found is that many of us resign ourselves to vigorously chasing classic ideals of success without realizing that it is, in fact, “significance” that we seek. The truth is, no matter your age, position or status, connecting your daily functions with authentic intentions and values is imperative. Otherwise, we are simply hamsters on a wheel—covering miles and miles in distance, yet never truly moving forward towards our desired destinations. Sure, there is some physical benefit from such rooted motion. But over time, it has a negative effect on matters of the heart and mind, creating a domino effect that has ongoing ramifications for our own lives and society at large. The subtitle of this book, “Journey from Success to Significance,” was borne from my own expeditions and explorations, all of which helped me form a steadfast belief: that we are all destined, by our very nature, to be explorers— pioneers who intrinsically understand that it is the journey, and not the destination, that matters. It is the twists and turns of life that guide our principles. What I wish for you to discover is that a life of significance is not some unattainable, pie-in-the-sky dream. Rather, it is a genuine pursuit that begins with a simple acknowledgment and appreciation of what already lies within you: Natural traits fuelled by a SPARK!

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 What's the most valuable piece of advice you hope readers get from your book and why?

Aim for a life of Significance instead of Success!

As the title of my book reads, “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance”, getting to significance often requires a deep dive into the soul and/or a life changing event that motivates the pursuit. What I propose is that while on your journey you navigate it by igniting and constantly fueling your SPARK! 

Humans, by their evolutionary nature, yearn for more; for expanding their experience of consciousness. The five elements which are embodied in the word S.P.A.R. K are what I propose are fuel for the fire and launch us on the path to Significance. Mainly:

S - for Service

P - for Purpose

A - for Attraction

R - for Resilience

K - for Knowing   

The SPARK, which we all have within us, does not depend on any outside factors like COVID, inflation, war, or such circumstances - it depends on what drives us to achieve our chosen or intrinsic purpose regardless of the obstacles in our way. Some of the most important inventions and businesses were born during the most tumultuous times. As a result they positively changed the lives of many millions around the globe.

A life of Significance means that we approach any level of success we achieve (or want to achieve) with an authentic intention to create impact beyond ourselves. We must do so with an aspiration to also make others successful too - whether in our inner circle or the greater community or both. 

I believe that each one of us is born with a SPARK, and it is both our right and responsibility to express this SPARK. Choosing to create a life of Significance through our SPARK is the best way to inspire and kindle the process within us, but also to proliferate it through others around us so they are motivated to live their SPARK and pay it forward.

As a quick backgrounder, this idea was born from my many experiences while working in both high achieving corporate, as well as grassroots community environments. As an experiment I set out to learn how those driving the various ventures approached their challenges. Did they have the same intention - to create an outcome of meaning through a chosen purpose or was it simply driven by a razor focused bottom line success? 

I’ve been doing this now for the past 25 years, and I have been so fortunate to work with some of the most successful and brightest minds in the corporate world. What I learned was while they are outwardly successful, they all still struggle to find purpose, fulfillment, inner happiness, and balance. This made me realize that it is not Success that these people are looking for—it is Significance!

Success is personal and its definition is limited by what the individual desires. While Success can fulfill your external desire for wealth, fame, titles, and power the nagging feeling that something is missing remains. However, if and when you welcome Significance as a natural companion to Success, the gap is quickly filled.

Through my book, which is part story - part self help, I hope to relate to readers from all walks of life and disciplines, but most of all I want it to speak to those stuck in the strictly material success cycle. I think the fable will totally relate to those driven by this type of success, especially those who haven’t realized yet that their outward and material success isn’t complete until they open up and look for something more, something deeper. The book will also connect with those who are yet to taste success, by helping them reflect on what they really want in life. 

More than ever, the world needs your glow in full flow. The time to light up your SPARK, and find your Significance, is now!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Azim Jamal is one of the finest inspirational life-altering personalities with a global following. He is the CEO and founder of Corporate Sufi Worldwide, whose mission is to inspire individuals and corporations to unleash the power within and find harmony between Business, Balance and Beyond.

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realazimjamal

Author Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Azim-Jamal/author/B001S03N14

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/129666.Azim_Jamal

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY:

 

Azim Jamal will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: MEN OF THE 65TH by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 

Men of the 65th

by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE: YA Nonfiction

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

 

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

 

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

 

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Excerpt One:

 

The US public was shocked to discover that during the war, 162 soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment had been court-martialed and ninety-one of those soldiers found guilty of disobeying orders and desertion.

 

The US military kept the courts-martial quiet. But the soldiers of the 65th sent letters to their families describing what was happening, which led to public outcry and confusion from the press. How could one of the most distinguished regiments of the Korean War, whose soldiers had only months before been praised by General Douglas MacArthur for their “brilliant record of heroism,” become involved in the largest mass court-martial of the Korean War?

 

Did the Borinqueneers lose their bravery and heroism in such a short time? Or were they victims of discrimination in a prejudiced and segregated system? Were they betrayed by the country they risked their lives for?

 

This is the story of one of the bravest and most decorated regiments in the history of the US military. It is a forgotten story in a forgotten war. But it is a story of patriotism, loyalty, and bravery in the face of danger and discrimination, and it is one that deserves to be told.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 GUEST POST

I hope readers gain an understanding and appreciation for what the Men of the 65th did for our country. They endured fighting with their summer uniforms in temperatures below zero, they endured commanders questioning their “manhood”, and they endured unequal treatment.

 

There are parts of American history that are dark. The book discusses the military’s segregation practices. It also details differences in treatment between this segregated mostly Puerto Rican unit and all white units in the Army.

 

And, there are parts of American history that show the enduring spirit of the people that fight for this country. The book goes into that as well. It explains the integral role that the Men of the 65th had in what many call the greatest evacuation movement by sea. In the Korean War during that movement, the Men of the 65th maintained cover for other soldiers and Marines who were trapped by enemy soldiers, North Koreans and Chinese. The motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment is Honor et Fidelitas which is Latin for “Honor and Fidelity.” The men exemplified this in the numerous battles they fought in the Korean War and the number of medals they were awarded.

 

Even though people call the Korean War ‘the forgotten war’ these men that fought for this country must not be forgotten. I hope that this part of American history gets incorporated into US history class in high school. Students should learn about their contributions and understand what the Men of the 65th did for our country.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Talia Aikens-Nuñez is passionate about sharing with young readers the little known stories, accomplishments, and contributions of people of color from all throughout history. Aikens-Nuñez is the author of Small Nap, Little Dream, a bilingual Spanish/English picture book. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their two children.

 

Links:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War/dp/1728479142

Lerner: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/22654

Twitter: talia_n

Website: Http://www.kidslitbytalia.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/taliaaikensnunezchildrenswriter

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY 

Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: FROM UNDER A ROCK by Tam MacPhee

From Under a Rock

by Tam MacPhee

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE: Memoir, Non-fiction

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

In this compelling memoir, author Tam MacPhee bares her soul and shares her deepest memories. As a little girl she battles through abuse, with her innocence betrayed by the males closest to her. Becoming a single parent at the age of eighteen, she is determined to work hard to create a better future for herself and her child.

 

Soon after turning nineteen, she meets a man whom she believed to be the man of her dreams. But she had no idea that the toughest lessons in her life were still to be learned. Secrets are revealed and a piece of her heart is broken off forever.

 

Realizing she deserves more, Tam finds her path set out by the universe that brings her love and success. But the journey also includes a new heartbreaking diagnosis and many challenges. Join Tam as she recounts her story, sharing her experiences and life's lessons.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Excerpt One:

 

Taken From Chapter 4

 

Nothing made sense. Why were we even alive? I remember him always grabbing us, and us trying to pull away. This went on for years. It was gradual at first. He had always talked about inappropriate things, but as each year passed his behaviour worsened. He has such a sick mind. I’m sure Mom was mortified asking herself what she had got herself into.

 

I know my mom wanted to kill him every day; but like us she was scared it would backfire and he’d kill us. The torment my poor mother had to live with, for at least fourteen to fifteen years. Of watching her babies being abused.

 

My older sister Bev was seven years older than me. My brother was eight years older. My brother graduated high school under these circumstances, but he stayed. I don’t think he could leave Mom to do all the work herself. He had been blood worming for years and continued to do that while living with us.

 

My oldest sister Bev was an amazing student. A’s all the way. She was brilliant, but she was forced to quit in Grade 12 because she was pregnant. She was seventeen when she started Grade 12 in September and turned eighteen in November. She wasn’t allowed to go back to school after Christmas Break. So how does a girl who isn’t allowed to go anywhere but school get pregnant? I guess she could have become pregnant at school in a closet. Trust me, that would have been better than the darker side of what really happened.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Review: 

The diary-style narrative was somber and heartfelt as it illustrated one woman’s life journey “from under a rock.” It all began with her impoverished childhood with her abusive parents.

“At one point I even thought that he must be some sort of alien from another world because no real father would ever hurt his children like he did. Day after day.”

Living under the fear and control of a man she had to call her father was tough. From there, she had to move on to a foster home, where she didn’t fit in and couldn’t understand the family dynamics. The abuse continued at the hands of some mean girls. As she grew older, she continued to make her choices, which resulted in an unexpected pregnancy. The people in her life still tried to control her. 

The narrative was so enriching and deep, describing certain key moments in her life with emotions being so candid and raw. At times, certain areas seemed trivial, which added some lag to the prose. The pace was rather slow and the length was long. 

What was most impressive was the author’s “strong will to survive and conquer the world.” 

This is not just a memoir, but it is an inspiration to help others who are overwhelmed with devastation, depression, and despair.

“You will never live your life to its fullest potential until you take these steps. You do not have to do it alone, as it is a dark place you must go to. But the other side—once you let go of the hate, resentment, blame, confusion, shame, and embarrassment—is extremely peaceful. Letting go doesn’t mean you will ever forget, nor does it mean you forgive, but it will bring you to a place of solitude, where your energies can thrive. I know because I have accomplished that part of my journey. But without doubt I have lots more healing to go through.” 

As you continue reading through the book, you get the strong sense that this is more memoir than anything else. It basically details every segment of her life. 

A thoroughly thought-provoking and well-versed book. Full of honesty, strength, and heart. It’s sure to be an inspiration to us all. 

Rating: 4 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Tam MacPhee invites readers into her life and shares her journey in her first book, From Under a Rock. With her strong desire to help others, and possessing a jump-in-with-both-feet-and-get things-done energy, her determination prevails. She is a Mother Earth spiritual soul, grateful for nature and all the elements. Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, she is a loving mother and grandmother. Tam resides in Springdale, overlooking the lake in her self designed dream home.

 

Website

www.tammacphee.com

 

Tammacphee | Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/people/Tammacphee/100065649483241/

 

Tam MacPhee | Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tammacphee/

 

Buy Links:

 

https://www.amazon.com/under-Rock-Tam-MacPhee/dp/0228876087

 

https://www.amazon.ca/under-Rock-Tam-MacPhee/dp/0228876087

 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-under-a-rock-tam-macphee/1142735960

 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1183853

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY

 

The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: CHRIS CROSSED MURDER by Lauren Carr

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +) 
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Feb 22, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!"Carr is a master at creating unique, complex plots and colorful characters, both evident in her latest cold case mystery featuring  Chris Matheson and the geezer squad. The plot is twisted, the mystery unique and the ending a surprise. A must-read!" - Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Marilyn R. Wilson, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer

"Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. ...I would give Chris Crossed Murder one hundred stars if I could. I believe readers who enjoy reading well-written and clean cozy mysteries will most definitely want to read it. I have no doubt they will enjoy it as much as I did. The fifth installment from A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series is on my radar for when it releases." - Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and BooksBook Description:
It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson’s body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned—especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris’s federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad’s latest case is not only a whodunit but who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.

With Christmas days away, join the Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
B&N ~ BAM
BookBub
add to goodreads Check Out The Rest of The Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries:  Book Details:

Book Title: ICE  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction,  364 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  February 26, 2018
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal
Book Description:
When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. 

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to  Goodreads
Book Details:

Book Title: Winter Frost  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction,  332 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  January 22, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!"Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, although it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

"Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix." Review of Winter Frost by The iRead ReviewBook Description:
It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife’s supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas. 

Nothing is as it seems. 

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What had she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to  Goodreads
Book Details:

Book Title:  The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  386 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   July 22, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!"Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled off another "hit" that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps...or Chris's, LOL Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time...Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores...and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)... But, for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a time when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all!" - Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader's HeavenBook Description:
“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to  Goodreads
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


Review of Chris Crossed Murder: What 76-year-old takes helicopter lessons? Well, if it was on the old lady’s bucket list, kudos for her. But how was she going to have a one-night stand with a rockstar? This was a good and compelling start. 
The last thing Beatrice expected while she was flying around was spotting a dead body hung by a tree. Yikes! Was it suicide or murder? 
With the cold weather and the animals picking at the carcass, there was very little to identify the body…except a federal ID badge with the name Chris Matheson. Ah, the plot thickens. 
The narrative, for the most part, was nice, but some of it was a little choppy and bit redundant. The pace was rather slow and takes a long while to set-up the story. By the vague way it was written, it was kind of hard to piece the plot together. The scenes were just as choppy as the sentences—very scattered and fleeting. From what I could gather, the body did not belong to Chris Matheson as he was somewhere in Kentucky with a sling on his arm. It was really weird how the story brought Chris—the real Chris—into the picture. So who was the dead guy then? The many names made it harder to keep things in order. 
Quite frankly, I expected to like this more than I did. The premise was interesting, but the story needed a faster pace and more clarity. 
Overall, this was a fair read and a decent effort. 
Rating: 3 stars

Celebrating the Release of Chris Crossed Murder!

Review: REMEMBER ME by Mary Higgins Clark

It was known as Remember House, a 300-year-old historic place built by a captain sailor. The place was not rented to a lawyer, his wife, and their new baby. The wife was still suffering anxiety attacks from the death of her son. Meanwhile, news of a rich woman’s drowning that may not have been an accident spreads through the Cape. Naturally, they all suspected the new husband. Murder victim or accident victim? Additionally, there may be evidence that ghosts were residing in Remember House. We had all these mysteries in one neat package. How will they all connect and unravel? That was the question that I was eager to find out.

The focal case was on Scotty Covey’s possible involvement in his wife’s death. Some of the characters said he was innocent, but most of them thought there was much more to his story than he was telling. Meanwhile, something was off at Remember House and it was driving Menley crazy…literally.

 

This was another good read. Some of the history and research can be a little dry and confusing. But, as always, it was interesting to see how all the pieces fit together in the end.

A good mystery!

 

Rating: 4 stars 

Review: PRIME TIME MURDER by Brittany Brinegar

Being a coffee girl on a TV studio set was at least “acting adjacent.”

The first day on the set and Becky was sure she’d be fired due to the spilled coffee. Could the day get any worse? Uh, yeah, it could. She also happened to stumble on the dead body of the crime show’s star. Suddenly, Becky was in the middle of a who-dunnit mystery.

The narrative was simply engaging with its witty commentary of the main character. Becky was so sassy and sarcastic—just loved it!

“People say sarcasm is a form of a guilty conscience.”

Wait, could the cops really think Becky killed the star?

I liked the funny TV references and enjoyed the witty narrative, but, let’s face it, Becky wasn’t a detective. I didn’t quite buy her way of solving the case.

Overall, this was a fairly nice mystery with humor and wit.

 

Rating: 3 stars