June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 6

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Published on April 01, 2025 21:30

March 20, 2025

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE GREEN PASTURES ~

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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~ -- 'GREEN PASTURES' -- AUTHOR PATRICIA JOHNS

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Green Pastures by Patricia Johns, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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About the Book

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Title: Green Pastures
Series: The Amish of Shepherd's Hill #1
Author: Patricia Johns
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

Tabitha Schrock's return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha's leaving Shepherd's Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

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Tabithawas home, an Amish woman in good standing once more. Most lapsed Amish who leftthe faith didn’t return, so Tabitha knew she was a reason for celebration. Andeven though this work of setting a broken bone was exactly the same as she’ddone on Englischer farms in her last two years as a veterinarian, squattinghere in her cape dress, her gray work apron smeared with dirt and mud, she feltlike she’d shrugged off a blanket of constant low- level anxiety and she couldfinally breathe.

Herheart was in the lush green pastures, the simple Amish kitchens, the earnestbelief in Gott’s goodness, and the low sound of a cappella singing on ServiceSundays. Her faith had begun out here in Amish country, and exploring theoutside world hadn’t brought any of the satisfaction that she’d hoped to find.Freedom had proved reckless, and home was a safe haven where rules protectedthem and the community pulled close together to take care of one another.

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MY REVIEW:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A moving and inspirational story aboutan Amish community filled with flawed, scarred individuals and families andtheir quest to move past their painful pasts to discover the blessings God hasin store for them . . .

This story centers on the three sistersin the Schrock Family of Shepherd's Hill in Lancaster County. The oldestsister, Tabitha, is a licensed large-animal veterinarian who is returning tothe family after ten years of living as an Englischer. She is divorced, so sheis facing a life as a single woman as she will not be allowed to remarryaccording to the Amish ordnung. Tabitha's return to the family home has been anadjustment for everyone—especially Amanda.

Amanda, age twenty-seven is the middlesister. She still lives at the family home with her very strict widowed father.She is currently single, but has made a goal for herself to marry someone fromthe community when she finds him and falls in love. I thoroughly enjoyed thisthread from the story because this strong-willed young woman has anuntraditional approach to finding her future mate.

Rose is the youngest sister and has beenmarried to a man from their community for two years. She works hard to keep afine Amish home for him, but something seems to be missing in theirrelationship.

Reading about the veterinary workTabitha does with the assistance of Amanda and Rose captured my interestbecause I'm a big fan of the 'All Creatures Great and Small' series by James Herriot.This is the first Amish fiction I've read where there was a femaleveterinarian.

Since I don't want to share any more ofthe wealth of hidden treasures in this book, I will end my review by sayingthat the faith thread woven throughout the story is strong and inspiring.

The book is completely clean in languageand content. I received a copy of the book from the publisher through JustReadPublicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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About the Author

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Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 50 books. She writes Amish fiction with tight communities, outspoken heroines, and the handsome, rugged men who fall in love with them. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son.

Connect with Patricia by visiting patriciajohns.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of Green Pastures!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Green Pastures!

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Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Hiding the Witness (Love Inspired Suspense)

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Published on March 20, 2025 21:00

March 7, 2025

~ SATURDAY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE HIDING THE WITNESS ~

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~ SATURDAY INSPIRATIONALROMANTIC SUSPENSE BOOK FEATURE ~ -- 'HIDING THE WITNESS' -- AUTHOR DEENA ALEXANDER
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Hiding the Witnessby Deena Alexander

📖📕🔍🔦⏳💣💝📖About Hiding the Witness

Inspirational Romantic SuspenseNumber in Series – Jameson Investigations #2 Setting - Upstate New York Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (February 25, 2025) Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335980458ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335980458 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CYHHX6KS

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Rescuing a child makes her a killer’s target.

Racing into a burning cabin to search for survivors, firefighter Diana Cameron stumbles upon an unconscious child—and two bodies with bullet wounds. When a sniper targets their narrow escape, Diana has no choice but to team up with bodyguard Chase Mitchell to keep the little girl safe. Uncovering the identity of the murder victims is the only way to find the killer. But as they’re chased by gunmen into the mountain wilderness, can they protect a tiny witness from the unknown…when the truth is more sinister than they imagined?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

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MY REVIEW:

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Themes of faith, compassion, and hopeblend with fast-paced action to make this an outstanding piece of work in theinspirational romantic suspense genre . . .

Firefighter Diana Cameron struggles to overcomethe demons and nightmares that still visit her after a traumatic event in herlife four years ago. She thought she had moved beyond that tragedy only to findherself thrust into another run for her life.

On her way home from the firehouse oneevening, Diana witnesses a loud explosion and eventually enters a burning cabinto do her job. Inside she finds a young girl who is unconscious along with twodeceased adults. Her instincts kick into action, and Diana carries the girl tosafety.

Chase Mitchell, a former FBI agent, isassigned to act as the bodyguard for Diana and the young child. He appears tobe tightly-wound and unfriendly at the outset, but he is dedicated to keepinghis two charges safe.

The group of individuals pursuing Dianaand the young girl are ceaseless in their attempts to capture the pair. Chaseis experienced and skilled at evading assailants, but the villains continue toincrease the heat as they grow desperate to catch the trio.

My favorite angle of this story was thecompassion and care both Diana and Chase bestowed upon the little girl. Theytook her safety and well-being into consideration at every turn in the story.Readers will pick up on the tension that both adults exhibit as the story movesforward.

The author masterfully reveals secretsand traumas that Diana and Chase have experienced each in their past at theright and perfect time much to the satisfaction of fans of this genre.

After a seemingly unending string ofdangerous events created by the author, the truth is discovered. This plotinvolves a topical subject, and I feel as if it's not something often discussedin everyday life. The author's choice of this theme leads the main charactersto lean on their faith and discuss their personal background experiences allowingthem to grow as individuals and as a couple.

This story is completely clean incontent and language. I received a copy of this book from the author throughGreat Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my opinions and thoughts shared hereare solely my own.

📖📕🔍🔦⏳💣💝📖 About Deena Alexander

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links:

Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/492177/92188784823633445/share Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deena-Alexander/author/B08C1VKZFZ

Purchase Links - Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - Harlequin - Apple - Google Play

📖📕🔍🔦⏳💣💝📖TOUR PARTICIPANTS: February 25 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT February 25 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews - AUTHOR INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY February 26 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW February 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEWFebruary 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW March 1 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 1 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 2 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEWMarch 3 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAYMarch 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 4 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW March 5 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW March 6 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW March 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT March 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW March 8 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY March 9 – Wine Cellar Library – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POSTMarch 10 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW📖📕🔍🔦⏳💣💝📖

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The Case of the Christie Conspiracy: A Detection Club Mystery

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Published on March 07, 2025 21:00

March 5, 2025

~ CHRISTIAN COZY MYSTERY FEATURE HOME BAKED BRIBERY ~

🥚🍩🍪🎂🧁🥄🥚🍩🍪🎂🧁🥄🥚 ~ CHRISTIAN COZY MYSTERY BOOK FEATURE ~ -- 'HOME BAKED BRIBERY' -- AUTHOR GINA HOLDER
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
🥚🍩🍪🎂🧁🥄🥚🍩🍪🎂🧁🥄🥚 About the Book

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Title:   Home Baked Bribery
Series:   Addie Masters Mysteries #2
Author:   Gina Holder
Publisher:   Independently Published
Release Date:   March 4, 2025
Genre:   Cozy Mystery, Christian

The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

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EXCERPT:

Why are smokedetectors so loud?

Addiegrabbed a dish towel, sprang onto a kitchen chair, and waved the white flag ofsurrender. The piercing scream ceased. Her cookies were burnt. She was wellaware of that fact—her nose worked just fine. Did that annoying little thinghave to announce it to the entire cape?

Athin gray haze remained.

Sheopened a window, then removed the charred hockey-puck shaped treats from theoven and set them on a hot pad on the kitchen island. With a frown, she pokedone, but it was as unmoving as the Rock of Gibraltar and would probably break atooth.

Sheleaned her elbows on the counter, hands cupped under her chin and stared at thetray of culinary casualties. Why isbaking so difficult? I thought I followed the recipe.

Shecould put together an entire car engine in under twelve hours, but she couldn’tturn flour, sugar, butter, and salt into something delicious… or evenedible.

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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

February 27, 2025

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE CASE OF CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY ~

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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~ -- 'THE CASE OF THE CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY' --AUTHOR KELLY OLIVER

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The Case of the Christie Conspiracy:

A Detection Club Mystery

by Kelly Oliver

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About The Case of the Christie Conspiracy

Historical Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - London, England

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books (February 16, 2025)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1836175469

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1836175469Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DFXWPCFP

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Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect…
1926 – Christie is a darling of the literary circuit and the most desired guest in London’s glittering social scene. She can often be found at meetings of the Detection Club – where mystery writers come together to share ideas, swap secrets and drink copiously. But then a fellow author's initiation ceremony takes a gruesome turn, and one of the group ends up dead. Now, Agatha is no longer just the creator of great mystery plots – she’s a player in one.

And when Agatha disappears the day after the murder, she’s widely assumed to be guilty. Only Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case. But in a world where murder is the ultimate plot device, can Eliza piece together the evidence and find the killer before it’s too late?

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EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE:

The Interview

Eliza Baker tossed the book into the bin. She was no expert on detective fiction, but she knew the author was expected to “play fair” with the reader. And Mrs. Agatha Christie was not playing fair.

Standing at the stove, with one finger she tapped the side of the coffee percolator. Still warm. She lifted the pot and gently swirled. Not much left. She’d pour herself half a cup and save the rest for her sister. Afterall, Jane had made the coffee, not to mention, it was Jane’s percolator on Jane’s stove in Jane’s house. And although her sister insisted it was a “pleasure” to have Eliza living with her, Eliza couldn’t help but feel like a burden. She was the older sister. She should be providing for Jane and not the other way around, which was why she absolutely had to get this job. Hustling chess at the Gambit was not exactly a steady income.

On her way back from the kitchen, Eliza turned on the radio hoping to hear the news. Real news with real crimes. Not Mrs. Christie’s far-fetched, made-up crimes. Eliza didn’t enjoyed hearing about embezzling bankers or the latest natural disasters or starving orphans begging for bread—Not so long ago she’d been one of those starving children. But that was the past. The Great War had ended eight years ago and, in three years, she would be thirty and able to vote. She had an obligation to keep informed, not bury her head in some made-up story. There was enough murder and mayhem in the world. Why did those mystery authors have to go inventing more?

A man’s voice announced, “I’m broadcasting from outside the barricades at Trafalgar Square where thousands of protesters are demonstrating.”

A chilly draft blew in through the cracked windowsill. A causality of the war. Her sister’s flat was on the third floor of a brownstone building on Liverpool Street where the Germans had concentrated their last desperate blitz before the end of the war.

Holding her cup in both hands, she stepped closer to the radiator and listened to the news.

“Do you hear the crowd in the background?” The announcer’s voice was gleeful. “They’re chanting ‘End the Monarchy! If Russia can do it, so can we!’?” He was taking way too much pleasure in the threat of communism. “We’ve learned the leader’s name is Poppleberry and he’s inciting a riot with calls for Death to the King! Off with his head!” Another male reporter added, “And Better Theater Seats for All.”

Was he serious? And who was this Poppleberry character?

A loud crash from the radio made her start. What in the world?

The newscaster gasped. “Did you hear that, ladies and gentlemen?” He paused. There was a commotion in the background. “It’s a giant explosion at the Savoy Hotel.”

She gulped. An explosion. She sat her cup on the mantel and went to find Jane.

Throwing a tweed jacket over her silk blouse, her sister Jane came dashing down the stairs. She gathered up her gloves and a valise from the side table. “I’m off.” She smiled. “Be good.” When she winked, her green eyes danced. “And if you can’t be good, be careful.” Looking at Jane was like looking in a mirror, they were so much alike. Sure, Jane was younger, but only by forty-three minutes.

“Have you heard of an agitator called Poppleberry?” Eliza stood between her sister and the front door, blocking the path.

Jane squinted. “Poppleberry.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t ring a bell. Should it?”

Given Jane worked at MI5 and knew the identities of enemy agents and local agitators, the answer was Yes. If this character was a known quantity, then Jane should know about him.

“Listen.” Eliza cocked her head toward the sound of the radio.

“I can’t be late for work.” Jane tugged on a glove.

“Rioters blew up the Savoy.” She took her sister by the elbow.

“What?” Jane’s mouth fell open and she let Eliza led her into the living room.

The radio announcer was giving the latest cricket scores.

“Who cares about cricket?” Jane glanced around the room as if she expected rioters to rush through the walls.

“You’d be surprised.” Eliza sighed.

“Should we go down there?” Jane never was content to let others do the dirty work if she thought she could help. “Try to stop them?” Her pretty cheeks turned pink with indignation.

“I have that interview today with the detective writer lady.” Eliza sighed. “Look, I’ll skip it.” What a waste. For the last week—since Theo insisted she apply for the job—she’d been reading detective fiction to prepare. “This is more important.”

“No! Stop!” The announcer’s voice was muffled. More crashing and banging. “They’ve broken down the door to the BBC.” He was breathless. “I’m going to have to sign off now.” Panting, he said, “This is Ronald Knox.”

“And Neville Lively,” the second reporter added. “We hope you enjoyed Broadcasting from the Barricades.”

“Good grief.” Eliza looked at her sister, who was staring back at her with wide eyes. “Damn writers.” Ronald Knox was a well-known mystery author, as well as a Catholic priest. What was he doing broadcasting from the barricades? And who was Neville Lively?

“Ronald Knox should know better,” Jane said, shaking her head. “I’m going to tell Dillwyn to put his brother on a leash.”

Eliza had worked with Dillwyn Knox at the War Office breaking codes during the war. “Dilly Knox is no better.” Now, Dilly was back at Oxford teaching classics and no doubt flirting with all the Bright Young Things. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he wrote her a reference letter because he liked her smile. He’d told her often enough.

“I saved you some coffee.” Eliza padded back to the kitchen and poured the dregs into a cup for her sister.

“Thanks.” Jane took a sip and then made a sour face. “Eliza…” Raising her eyebrows, she pointed at the trash bin where the duplicitous Doctor James Sheppard stared out from the bent cover of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. “Did you finish your homework?”

Eliza gave a brisk nod.

“I was going to wait until you got the job to tell you.” Jane paused as if having second thoughts.

“Tell me what?” She knew that look. The one Jane got when making an important decision. “Tell me what?” she repeated.

“MI5 wants you back—”

“No.” Eliza held up her hand. Just hearing MI5 gave her the jitters. “Not after what happened at the docks.”

“Hear me out.” With determination Jane sat her cup on the table.

When Jane got this serious, Eliza was defenseless against her.

“We have reason to believe Mrs. Christie and her writer friends know state secrets.” She lowered her voice. “It’s imperative we find out what they know and how they know it.”

“I’m done spying.” Eliza clenched her jaw. She couldn’t face the pressure. Not after losing her partner.

“You can’t keep moping around here or loitering at that stupid chess club.” Jane sighed. “It’s not your fault.” She softened her tone. “What happened at the docks.” She reached across the table and took Eliza’s hand. “Please, Lizzy, you are one of the best agents—”

“Was, past tense.” Eliza withdrew her hand. “I can’t.”

“You can.” Jane buttoned her jacket. “You can and you will. MI5 needs you to do this and so do I.” She let out a loud breath. “Otherwise, I’ll have to ask you to move out.” Her lips stretched into a thin pink line.

“What?” Jane’s words sunk in her stomach like a rock. “You wouldn’t throw me out.”

“It’s for your own good.” Jane stood up. “You can’t go on wallowing in guilt. You’ve got to get your life together and get on with it.” She tugged on the hem of her jacket. “You’re going to go to that interview and get that job and spy on the detective writers. And report back to MI5.” She leveled her gaze. “Agreed?”

Eliza sat blinking at her sister.

“Agreed?” The glint in Jane’s eyes told her she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Alright.” Eliza took a deep breath.

“Alright what?” Jane stood arms akimbo.

“Agreed.”

“Agreed what?” Jane tapped her foot. For a younger sister, she sure was bossy.

“I’ll do it.” A smile tickled the edges of Eliza’s mouth. “From now on, I’m an aspiring author of impossible mysteries.” She doffed an imaginary hat. “And, with any luck, future assistant—under cover—to the secretary of the London Detection Club.” She crossed her fingers behind her back, both for luck and because she was fibbing her head off.

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AUTHOR GUEST POST:

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Detection Club Mysteries—a worldwhere mystery writers become targets of their own cunning plots and solving amurder is just another day at the office. Think of it as a literary whodunitwhere the suspects are the very people who honed the genre, Agatha Christie,Dorothy Sayers, and Gilbert Chesterton. Talk about plot twists!

Meet Eliza Baker, newly hired secretary to the illustrious(and occasionally eccentric) Detection Club. Thanks to her childhood on thestreets of London, she’s got a knack for sniffing out secrets, picking locks,and hustling chess. Alongside her is Theo Sharp, fellow chess player, fledglingmystery writer, and brooding encyclopedia of cheeky comebacks. Together, theymaneuver through murder scenes and literary egos with the precisionofgrandmasters—always thinking three steps ahead, even when their unspoken feelingsthreaten mate.

Set in the glamorous world of late 1920s London (where youcan’t swing a fedora without hitting a mystery writer), the series blends sharpwit with darker deeds. Whether it’s unraveling a locked-room murder mystery ata club dinner or finding a blackmailer on the Orient Express, Eliza and Theo navigateevery gambit with flair—plotting their moves to outwit killers, unmask frauds, andoccasionally challenge each other in a battle of hearts and minds.

So, grab a cup of tea, put on your sleuthing cap, and diveinto a world where the authors may write the mysteries, but it’s up to Elizaand Theo to solve them.

Mischievously Yours,Kelly

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About Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning and bestselling author of four mystery series: The Jessica James Mysteries (7-book contemporary suspense); The Pet Detective Mysteries (3-book middle grade); The Fiona Figg Mysteries (9-book historical cozies).

The Case of the Christie Conspiracy, the first in her new series The Detection Club Mysteries just came out (February 2025).Kelly is Distinguished Emerita Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. And currently, she is the Immediate Past President of Sisters in Crime. To learn more about Kelly and her books, go to www.kellyoliverbooks.com.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.kellyoliverbooks.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor/

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

Twitter/X @kellyoliverbook TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyoliverbooks

Instagram @kellyoliverbooks

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Purchase Links: Amazon US - Amazon CA - Amazon AU - Amazon UK - Barnes&Noble - Kobo

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Published on February 27, 2025 21:00

February 24, 2025

~ RELEASE DAY CHILDREN'S BOOK FEATURE ~

📗🥰💟📗🥰💟📗🥰💟📗 ~ Release Day Children's Book Feature ~ -- 'JESUS LOVES ME, THIS I KNOW' -- CATHERINE DeVRIES, EDITOR

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Jesus Loves Me, This I Know, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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About the Book

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Title: Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
Editor: Catherine DeVries
Publisher: Kregel Children's Books
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Genre: Children's/Infant Books

The words of a favorite childhood song in a crinkly cloth book for babies.

A cuddly way to introduce babies and toddler to Jesus through the beloved song many parents and grandparents learned as children.

This soft book features crinkle cloth fabric for sensory development and hours of baby fun. Charming illustrations teach infants and toddlers about Jesus as they see children holding hands with him and sitting on his lap! Jesus Loves Me, This I Know includes a shiny mirror on the last page, placing the baby at the heart of God's love.

A Velcro closure and a hanging loop can attach the book to a stroller, purse, or toy so it can go wherever they do.

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MY REVIEW:

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 An engaging book created for the youngest of children . . .

'Jesus Loves Me, This I Know' is the first song I remember learning when I was a toddler. Its simple lyrics continue to hold meaning for me decades later.

This lovely cloth book edition of the song holds auditory and visual secrets that will delight infants and toddlers as they discover the treasure of Jesus's unending love for each of them.

From the palette of pastel colors used to make each fabric page to the crinkly fabric inner lining in the cover which provides auditory stimulation, this book is aimed at capturing the attention of this age group. I found the illustrations to be entertaining and engaging due to the use of vibrant colors and the inclusion of a diverse cast of children.

The book is well-constructed with a small looped strap inside that can attach the book to a stroller handle, a hook-and-loop tape closure on the front cover, and a well-made 'mirror' (not glass) at the end of this book which allows a young child to see his/her own reflection.

Highly-recommended for family fun along with bedtime or quiet time sharing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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Also Available

About the Publisher[image error]

Connect with Kregel Publications by visiting kregel.com to follow them on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Jesus Loves Me, This I Know and a $25 Amazon gift card!

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Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 25, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 4, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Published on February 24, 2025 21:30

February 20, 2025

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE NOVEL ADVENTURES ~

📖🕮🏰⏳📖🕮🏰⏳📖 ~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~-- 'THE NOVEL ADVENTURES OF NATALIE DAUGHTRY' -- AUTHOR SUSAN L. TUTTLE 📖🕮🏰⏳📖🕮🏰⏳📖

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Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry

by Susan L. Tuttle hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

📖🕮🏰⏳📖🕮🏰⏳📖 About the Book:

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Title: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry Series: 'Treasures of Halstead Manor'
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Adventure
In pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again?

With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction.
But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together? 📖🕮🏰⏳📖🕮🏰⏳📖 EXCERPT:

“There’s a book I need you to collect for me.”

Natalie’s interest piqued. He was speaking her language.Plus, if he wanted them looking for a book, chances were it was rare, old, orboth. He wasn’t simply speaking her language—he was speaking it fluently.

“What is it?” Natalie leaned in.

“A handwritten and illustrated copy of Lewis Carroll’s firstattempt at Alice in Wonderland, whichhe titled Alice’s Adventures Under Ground.”The thought of a handwritten manuscript by Lewis Carroll vaulted Natalie out ofher seat, but before she could speak, Brooke jumped in.

“That doesn’t make sense. Carroll gave that first edition toAlice Liddell, the little girl everyone believes inspired the story. That copy isnow on display at the British Museum.”

Brooke owned a pawn shop and immersed herself in antiques.In fact, she’d once been an antique runner, acquiring pieces for wealthycollectors. Her knowledge and background often overlapped with Natalie’s, butno one knew history and literature quite like Natalie. This instance was casein point.

She looked across the room as she addressed everyone. “True,Carroll did give a copy to Alice, but it’s been rumored for years that he wrotean even earlier version that’s been lost since before Liddell’s copy was givento her.”

A line formed between Brooke’s perfectly manicured eyebrows.“I’ve never heard that theory.”

“It’s not well known, and many believe it to be myth. I cansend you a link to the few articles I’ve read.” Natalie had no troublerecounting the periodicals’ names, article titles, or publication dates. Hermemory simply worked that way. If she engaged with something once, she didn’tforget it.

Brooke nodded, seemingly content with that answer for now.Natalie wasn’t offended by the need to prove her statement. Over the past fewmonths, she’d come to know Brooke and her desire for concrete answers. Nataliecouldn’t say she blamed her. Right about now she’d love some solid solutions toher marriage.

“Natalie’s correct,” Caspar said. “This is a rumored copy,yet it is very much real, and I have a lead on its location.”

MY REVIEW: An intriguing and complex dual-time mystery . . .

This is the second installment in the author's 'Treasures of Halstead Manor' series. I have not read the first book, 'The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton,' but the author did a fine job of introducing the characters and referring back to the main events of the first story.

This story involves the search for an unpublished first manuscript of Author Lewis Carroll's classic tale of a little girl named Alice which later became known as 'Alice in Wonderland.' The main character in this book is Natalie Daughtry, a children's librarian and admirer of antique children's picture books.

The investigation and search for this treasure leads the small group of experts to Europe. I enjoyed reading about the historic places they visited and the interesting—and 'shady' characters—they met along the way. Surprises and secrets abound in this well-paced mystery filled with lots of dead ends, twists, and turns.

The publisher has included an excerpt from the next installment of the series, 'The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner,' in the book's Back Matter.

Some fans of Christian fiction may not feel comfortable with the innuendo and scenes involving intimacy as portrayed by the longtime married couple in the story.

I received a galley copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

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More Books from this Series

About the Author

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Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Along Came Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry and a $25 Amazon gift card!

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Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 19, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)

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Published on February 20, 2025 21:30

February 6, 2025

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE SEAMS LIKE PERFECT CRIME ~

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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~-- 'SEAMS LIKE THE PERFECT CRIME' -- AUTHOR LOIS WINSTON

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Seams Like the Perfect Crime

(An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)by Lois Winston

💠🧵🪡⬒⬔⛋⛞▣▤▥▦▧▨🪡🧵💠 About 'Seams Like the Perfect Crime'

Cozy Mystery 14th in the Series Setting - New Jersey

Independently Published (February 4, 2025)

Print length ‏ : ‎ 285 pages Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DNRBGVSQ

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When staffing shortages continue to hamper the Union County homicide squad, Detective Sam Spader once again turns to his secret weapon, reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack. How can she and husband Zack Barnes refuse when the victim is their new neighbor?

Revolutionary War reenactor Barry Sumner had the odd habit of spending hours mowing a small patch of packed dirt and weeds until his mower ran out of gas. He’d then guzzle beer on his front porch until he passed out. That’s where Anastasia’s son Nick discovers his body three days after the victim and his family moved into the newly built mini-McMansion across the street.

After a melee breaks out at the viewing, Spader zeroes in on the widow as his prime suspect. However, Anastasia has her doubts. There are other possible suspects, including a woman who’d had an affair with the victim, his ex-wife, the man overseeing the widow’s trust fund, a drug dealer, and the reenactors who were blackmailing the widow and victim.

When another reenactor is murdered, Spader suspects they’re dealing with a serial killer, but Anastasia wonders if the killer is attempting to misdirect the investigation. As she narrows down the suspects, will she jeopardize her own life to learn the truth?

Craft projects included.

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EXCERPT

Seams Like thePerfect Crime

An AnastasiaPollack Crafting Mystery

(copyright) -- Lois Winston

ONE

Mamabirds boot their little tweeters out of the nest as soon as they learn to fly,hanging around only long enough to make sure the wee ones learn to fend for themselves.However, as I stood on the sidewalk, watching my oldest son walk off into thenext chapter of his life, my eyes filled with tears. A sense of abandonmentwashed over me, as if the cosmos had flipped the script, and I was the oneforced from the protective nest.

I choked back ahiccupping shudder. Zack looped an arm over my shoulders and drew me into aside hug. He planted a kiss on my temple and said, “He’ll be fine.”

The rationalside of my brain agreed, not that it seemed to matter. Besides, I wasn’t theonly person currently battling emotion upheaval.

“What abouthim?” I whispered, nodding toward the third adult making up our parentalthreesome. Shane Lambert appeared even more distraught than I was. I had Zack,who had bonded with Alex and Nick, becoming their de facto dad from nearly themoment the three had met. As a single parent, Shane had no one besides hisdaughter Sophie, no significant other to offer a hug and remind him that hischild was now an adult and that he’d done an excellent job of raising her. Thatshe’d be okay. More than okay. Thanks to him.

Of course, Zackhad given the same speech to me countless times during the last few weeks. Attimes like this, though, even the most rational parent can become an irrationalbasket case.

Zack followed mygaze. “You will both be fine,” he said, his free hand patting Shane on theback. “And so will Alex and Sophie.”

With Alex andSophie Lambert attending the same college, we had rented a super-sized SUV totransport the bolting offspring and their multitude of boxes to Cambridge,Massachusetts. The kids were now moved into their rooms, but whether unable orunwilling to let go of that last apron string, Shane and I had made one excuseafter another to delay our departure as long as possible.

Zack had humoredus, but the kids, antsy to get on with their new adventure, had finally givenus one last hug before they headed to the dorm with not so much as a backwardglance. Like it or not, the time had come to make the return trip to NewJersey. Reluctantly, I hoisted myself into the SUV.

“I suppose thisofficially makes me an empty nester,” said Shane from the back seat as Zackpulled away from the curb.

Zack chuckled.“Feel free to borrow Lucille any time the house gets too quiet.”

“Thanks, but I’llpass. That woman scares me.” He nodded toward me and said, “Your wife has thepatience of a saint.”

“I think I’mmore like a glutton for punishment,” I muttered.

My name isAnastasia Pollack, and Lucille Pollack is the gift that keeps on giving—in the worstpossible ways. When Karl Marx Pollack, my first husband, dropped dead in a LasVegas casino nearly two years ago, he’d bequeathed me his communist mother as apermanent houseguest, debt greater than the GNP of Uzbekistan, and a bookiedemanding fifty-thousand dollars. The jury is still out on which of the threewas the most horrific shock.

Throughmoonlighting, side gigs, and more than a little serendipity (albeit, ofteninvolving corpses and killers), the bookie is now a permanent resident of agovernment facility, and my Uzbekistan-sized debt is now closer to the GNP ofDjibouti.

However, I’mstill stuck with Lucille, ‘til death do us part. My only hope being that shepredeceases me. Hopefully, from natural causes, but with Lucille, that isn’tnecessarily a given. The woman excels at rubbing people the wrong way, and Ifeared someday someone might rub her out. Especially since we live in NewJersey, a state known for a certain element of the population adept at rubbingout those they deem in need of permanent elimination.

Zack glanced atme before responding to Shane. “My wife has a heart of gold, but if the roleswere reversed, I’ve no doubt Lucille would have kicked Anastasia and the boysto the curb the moment Karl died.”

I couldn’tdisagree with his assessment. Lucille had loathed me from the moment Karlintroduced us, but that doesn’t keep her from continuing to take advantage ofnearly free room and board at my expense.

Zack did hisbest to cheer us up throughout the trip home and a short dinner stop inConnecticut, but for most of the journey, we drove in silence to anaccompaniment of a classical jazz playlist. I spent much of the drive withShane’s empty nest comment rattling around in my brain. In two short years,Nick would also take flight. This mama bird was suddenly having a tough timeconfronting the circle of life.

~*~

After dropping Shane at his house, Zackcut through downtown Westfield toward home. As we turned onto our street, Igroaned at the sight of a police car, its lights flashing, parked in front ofour house.

I wasn’t worriedabout Nick. He’d texted earlier to say he was going to the movies with friendsand would be home by ten o’clock. It wasn’t quite eight-thirty. I knew he’dstill be sitting in a darkened theater watching the latest edition to theMarvel universe.

After Karl’sdemise, my life took multiple unwelcome and often chaotic turns, some involvinga propensity for finding dead bodies. All others involved my mother-in-law.Since I hadn’t stumbled across any murder victims so far today, by process ofelimination, a visit from the police meant only one thing. And that begged thequestion, what had Lucille done now?

HarrietKleinhample, my mother-in-law’s Mini-Me, had blocked the entrance to ourdriveway with her circa nineteen-sixties VW minibus. When Zack parked behindthe patrol car, I noticed two of Westfield’s finest standing at the front door.In the waning light, I recognized both officers.

Officer Harleypounded on the door and loudly demanded Lucille open it. Officer Fogarty,Harley’s junior partner, had turned his head at the sound of our car doorsclosing. After waving us over, he tapped Harley on the shoulder. Harley turned,took one look at us, and ceased his pounding and shouting. As we approached, hesaid, “Boy, am I glad to see you.”

I frowned at myfront door. Not knowing what to expect on the other side, I wanted detailsbefore we entered. “What’s she done now?”

“Possiblynothing,” admitted Harley. “An avocado green VW minibus was spotted in thevicinity of a jewelry store smash and grab earlier today. Not many of thosevehicles on the road these days, especially around here. We put two and twotogether and—”

“Surely, youdon’t think—”

Harley dismissedmy question before I finished asking it. “No, we’re looking for a gang of fiveor six individuals, late teens or early twenties. Possibly both men and women.Looks like it might be the same gang that struck in Summit and several othernearby towns the last few weeks.”

“We only want toask your mother-in-law and Mrs. Kleinhample if they saw anything,” saidFogarty. “To help in identifying the suspects, but they refuse to answer thedoor.”

Nothing newthere. The only people Lucille hated more than me were members of lawenforcement. The feeling was mutual. I’ve no doubt every one of Westfield’sfinest would relish locking her up and jettisoning the key fifty miles offshoreinto the murky depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

Zack moved tothe door and inserted his key but stepped back to allow the officers to precedeus inside. “Police,” shouted Officer Harley as he and Fogarty entered.

Before we couldfollow, Fogarty yelled, “Look out!”

With his leftarm, he shoved his partner to the side while his right hand grabbed hold of thehooked end of Lucille’s cane. Both women let loose a string of insults asHarriet fought Fogarty for possession of the cane. However, she was no matchfor someone half her age, more than a head taller, and with the physique ofsomeone who spends hours working out each week.

Fogarty yankedthe cane from Harriet’s grip, but she lost her footing and tripped overLucille’s feet as my mother-in-law came to her aid. Both women hit the hardwoodfloor in a tangled mess of limbs, Lucille smacking her head and Harriet landingon her hip.

Between moans,Lucille ranted about police brutality, excessive force, and lawsuits, slappingHarley’s hand away when he tried to help her up. Meanwhile, Harriet screamed inpain the moment she attempted to move and immediately passed out.

Harley cursedunder his breath and radioed for an ambulance.

Fogarty stoodparalyzed, staring down at both women. “I was only trying to keep her fromattacking us,” he mumbled.

“No one’sblaming you,” Zack assured him.

“You weredefending us from an assault,” I added. “You hadn’t drawn your gun. No shotswere fired. My mother-in-law and Harriet are entirely responsible for whathappened. At least Harriet’s weapon of choice was Lucille’s cane and not acarving knife.”

Fogarty scrubbedat his jaw. “Doesn’t mean I won’t face possible suspension while the incidentis under review.”

“You havewitnesses,” said Zack.

“Not to mentionthose two have a long list of priors,” I added.

Hearing that, mymother-in-law hurled a litany of rambling, semi-coherent insults at me.

The ambulancearrived minutes later. After assessing the situation, the EMTs announced thatLucille showed signs of a concussion and Harriet may have fractured her leg,hip, or both. Once the two women were strapped to gurneys, the EMTs transportedthem into the ambulance. Zack and I followed the ambulance to the hospital.

On the way, Itexted Nick with an update. Of course, Nick being Nick, he texted back: GrandmotherLucille lost her wheels? We’re stuck with her 24/7? For how long?

I scowled at thescowling emoji he’d added to the end of his text. Our only respite from mymother-in-law occurred when she was off fomenting Marxist uprisings andinsurgency with Harriet and the eleven other Daughters of the OctoberRevolution.

A revokeddriver’s license hadn’t stopped Harriet Kleinhample from continuing as thegroup’s chauffeur, but I’d think a broken hip or leg would put her out ofcommission for some time, although I had no experience with either. “What doyou know about recovery from broken hips?” I asked Zack.

“Nada. AskSiri.”

I pulled out myphone and posed the question, specifically narrowing the search down todriving. Instead of speaking to me, Siri responded with a series of websitelinks. As Zack continued to drive, I tumbled down the Internet rabbit hole,finding answers that ranged from as few as five days to upwards of severalmonths. A caveat suggested full recovery might take as long as a year. “Nothelpful,” I huffed, relaying the various answers to Zack.

He reached overand squeezed my thigh. “Harriet is one feisty old bat. She’ll haul herself upbehind the wheel of that antique hunk of junk the day she’s released from thehospital.”

“One can onlyhope.” Even though I viewed Harriet as a menace on the road, so far, she’dmiraculously steered clear of most pedestrians and other vehicles.

However, she’dtaken out more than one curbside tree on my street and probably countlessothers elsewhere. She’d also unwittingly rid the world of an assassin when sherecently plowed into a parked car.

For selfishreasons, I stood firmly in Nick’s camp and wished Harriet a speedy recovery.Otherwise, I feared a convoy of Ubers depositing the Daughters of the OctoberRevolution at our house each day with me arriving home every night to findthey’d cleaned out my fridge and pantry and trashed my house. Bad enough whenit occurred once or twice a week.

If it happeneddaily, could I throw myself on the mercy of the court and plead justifiablehomicide after I killed all of them?

~*~

We spent the next several hours in thehospital waiting room as various healthcare professionals poked, prodded, andtested my mother-in-law. Lucille was finally admitted at nearly two in themorning with a confirmed concussion. Given her advanced age and her previousstroke, the doctor advised admitting her for observation. Luckily, Lucille wastoo doped up on pain meds to object.

“What about Mrs.Kleinhample?” I asked. “I’m assuming you can’t divulge any medical informationto us, but I believe my mother-in-law may have been her health care proxy. Isthere someone else you were able to contact?”

The doctornodded. “I can tell you we’ve admitted her. She listed a daughter as asecondary proxy, but she’s not answering her phone.” He glanced at his watch.“Given the hour, most likely she’s sound asleep and will contact us first thingin the morning.”

“Is Mrs.Kleinhample still unconscious?”

Maybe evendivulging that much violated HIPPAA laws because he responded with only acryptic, “She’s resting comfortably.”

With no furtherreason for us to remain at the hospital, Zack and I dragged ourselves home. Mr.Sandman was waiting, and we both conked out the moment our heads hit thepillows.

~*~

Sometime later, a discordant racket ofmetallic clanking, thudding, thumping, bellowing, and shouting, accompanied bythe roar of an engine, startled me awake. Either I was dreaming, or I’d somehowbeen transported to midtown Manhattan during 4am trash pickup.

I pried onesleep-deprived eye open and stared at the alarm clock. My body might feel likeI’d only recently fallen asleep, but the digital display registering through myone bleary eye claimed I’d slept five hours. Every cell in my body screamedthat someone had messed with the space/time continuum. Although I was in my ownbed and not somewhere in Manhattan, I refused to believe it was seven-thirty.

I groaned,rolled over, and pulled the quilt over my head, but it did little to drown outthe noise. “What is that racket?”

Getting noresponse, I swept my arm across the sheets in search of Zack, only to find hisside of the bed empty. My other senses had awakened, though, and the aroma ofcoffee—not to mention my full bladder—forced me from the bed.

Two minuteslater, I dragged myself into the kitchen. At the table, Nick sat wolfing downpancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage while Leonard camped out at Nick’s feet,impatiently waiting for any scraps that might fall from Nick’s fork. Around amouthful of food, my son managed a mumbled greeting.

Zack stood atthe stove. After taking one look at me, he stopped flipping pancakes and pouredme a large mug of coffee. He added a generous amount of half and half beforehanding me the much-needed infusion of caffeine along with a quick lip peck.

I stared at himwith eyes still refusing to focus completely. “How can you look so wide awakeafter so little sleep?”

Nick answeredfor him. “Spy training, Mom.”

Zack frowned andshook his head. “It’s way too early in the morning for conspiracy theories.”

From his perchatop the refrigerator, Ralph flapped his wings and squawked, “O heinous,strong and bold conspiracy.” Richard the Second. Act Five, SceneThree.”

In my opinion,it was also way too early for editorial commentary from our residentShakespearean scholar. However, Zack was more of pushover than I when it cameto the African Grey I’d inherited from Great-aunt Penelope Periwinkle. Herewarded Ralph with a sunflower seed.

I had neverquite figured out if my sons delighted in teasing me or if my suspicions aboutmy husband were correct. From nearly the moment I’d met Zack, I suspected hiscareer as an award-winning photojournalist was a cover for his true calling asa member of one of the alphabet agencies. Of course, he categorically denied mysuspicions, claiming I had a wild imagination. But don’t all spies deny thatthey’re spies?

Zack turned hisattention back to the stove, filled two plates, and brought them to the table.All the while, I continued hearing the noise that had awakened me. “What’sgoing on outside?” I asked, taking a seat.

“Our newneighbors are moving in,” said Zack.

Both our bedroomand the kitchen were situated at the back of the house, yet the decibel levelsounded more like the noise emanated from our backyard, not the front. “I’venever come across such loud movers, much less ones that begin work this early.”

“That’s far fromthe weirdest thing going on across the street,” said Nick.

“Meaning?”

“Mom, you’ve gotto see this for yourself.”

I raised oneweary eyebrow, silently conveying that nothing short of an alien invasion wouldget my rear in gear at the moment.

Nick persisted.“Trust me, Mom. You’re going to want to see this with your own eyes.”

I glanced atZack. “Is it really worth the effort?”

He shrugged. “Apicture’s worth a thousand words.”

Reluctantly, Ihauled myself out of my chair, grabbed my coffee mug, and headed for the livingroom with Zack and Nick following. Nick pulled the cord to open the blinds.

I staredgape-mouthed at the odd sight across the street.

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CRAFT POST SHARED BY THE AUTHOR

AnastasiaPollack, reluctant amateur sleuth of the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries,is the crafts editor at a women’s magazine sold at supermarket checkouts. Herreaders love crafts, but they want quick, easy projects that are inexpensive tomake, like these seashell bath salt jars.

Seashell Bath Salts Jars

Materials:

Glass jars with screw-onlids (available at craft stores)

hot glue gun and gluesticks or clear Gorilla Glue

decorative shells

bath salts

Note: If you’re more ashower person than a bath person, use the jars to store beads, makeup sponges,cotton balls, cotton swabs, tea bags, spools of thread, buttons, thumbtacks,candy, hair ribbons, scrunchies, bobby pins, paper clips, other seashells, etc.

Directions:

Arrange an assortment ofshells on the jar lid. When you’re happy with the arrangement, glue the shellsin place. After the glue dries, fill the jars. It’s as simple as that!

Bonus Bath Salts Recipe

If you’d like to make yourown bath salts, here’s an easy recipe.

Materials:

3 cups Epsom salts

2 cups sea salt

1/2-ounce essential oil

1 cup baking soda (optional-- baking soda will soften the skin and condition the water)

wire whisk

airtight glass containers(such as Mason jars).

Directions:

Whisk salts together wellin a glass or metal bowl. Add essential oil and continue to whisktogether. Whisk in baking soda, if desired.

Spoon bath salts into jars.Seal tightly.

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About Lois Winston

USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Lois Winston began her award-winning writing career with Talk Gertie to Me, a humorous fish-out-of-water novel about a small-town girl going off to the big city and the mother who had other ideas. That was followed by the romantic suspense Love, Lies and a Double Shot of Deception.

Then Lois’s writing segued unexpectedly into the world of humorous amateur sleuth mysteries, thanks to a conversation her agent had with an editor looking for craft-themed mysteries. In her day job, Lois was an award-winning craft and needlework designer, and although she’d never written a mystery—or had even thought about writing a mystery—her agent decided she was the perfect person to pen a series for this editor.

Thus, was born the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, which Kirkus Reviews dubbed “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” The series now includes fourteen novels and three novellas. Lois also writes the Empty Nest Mysteries and has written several standalone mystery novellas. Other publishing credits include romance, chick lit, and romantic suspense novels, a series of romance short stories, a children’s chapter book, and a nonfiction book on writing, inspired by her twelve years working as an associate at a literary agency.

Author Links Website: http://www.loiswinston.com

Newsletter sign-up:https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dc9t0bjl00

Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog: www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com

Booklover’s Bench:https://bookloversbench.com

The Stiletto Gang: https://www.thestilettogang.com

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/722763.Lois_Winston

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lois-winston

Purchase Links Amazon Kobo Barnes & Noble Apple Books

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

February 4 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT February 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST February 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT February 5 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT February 6 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE February 6 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT February 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – CRAFT POSTFebruary 7 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHTFebruary 8 – Boys' Mom Reads! – RECIPE POST February 8 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT February 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POSTFebruary 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT February 10 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT February 11 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POSTFebruary 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW February 13 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST February 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR GUEST POSTFebruary 15 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW February 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT February 17 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 💠🧵🪡⬒⬔⛋⛞▣▤▥▦▧▨🪡🧵💠

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Want to Book a Tour? Click Here

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Published on February 06, 2025 21:00

February 4, 2025

~ WEDNESDAY ROMANCE FEATURE WHERE I FOUND YOU ~

💠💮🌊💟💞⛵ 💠💮🌊💟💞⛵💠 ~ WEDNESDAY ROMANCE FEATURE ~-- 'WHERE I FOUND YOU' -- AUTHOR BETSY ST. AMANT
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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Where I Found You by Betsy St. Amant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! 💠💮🌊💟💞⛵ 💠💮🌊💟💞⛵💠 About the Book

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Title:   Where I Found You
Series:   Magnolia Bay #1
Author:   Betsy St. Amant
Publisher:   Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Southern Romance

From beloved author Betsy St. Amant comes a enemies to more, Hatfields and McCoys swoon-worthy contemporary romance set in a small beach town that reminds us that true love is worth fighting for.

Noah Hebert recently inherited the Blue Pirogue Inn—along with all its problems. He needs money to keep his beloved childhood home from being shut down by his family’s longtime nemesis, Isaac Bergeron. So when Noah’s lawyer approaches him about an additional segment of his late grandfather’s will, it’s just in the nick of time. But even from beyond the grave, his grandfather is up to his usual games. In order to receive the last portion of inheritance, Noah must follow the clues. But there’s one condition…

Magnolia Blossom Cafe manager Elisa Bergeron is shocked to discover an acquaintance from the local Puzzlers Club left her something in his will—and even more surprised to discover they are clues to a portion of his estate. When she learns she must work with introverted inn-owner Noah Hebert to solve the puzzle, she’s torn. Growing up in the middle of a multi-generational feud between their families, she’s been taught by her father Isaac that Heberts can’t be trusted.

When these two exes must work together to save their future, will love get a second chance or will the longstanding family feud claim another generation?

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EXCERPT:

“Afternoon, gentlemen.” A slender, tan arm stretchedpast Noah and started pouring coffee from a carafe into Isaac’s mug. Thefamiliar scent of vanilla and honey hit Noah like a two-by-four from the pastand he didn’t need to look up to know.

Elisa Bergeron.

But he did look up, because there wasn’t a man on theplanet who was unable to spare Elisa a second glance. He swallowed hard,watching her pour her father’s coffee, his gaze skimming over her highcheekbones and pink lips. Her blond hair, shorter than he’d ever seen it, wastucked back into a tiny ponytail, revealing her slender neck.

“And can I get you anything, hon?” Elisa’s voice,twangy with a southern drawl just as he remembered, trailed off as her eyes methis. Just as blue as he remembered, too, though they darkened as recognitionpaled her cheeks. She jerked the carafe upright. “Noah Hebert.”

He spread his arms in a slightly exaggerated, resignedgesture. “That’s me.” And that had always been the problem between them, hadn’tit? His name. What he represented.

She lifted her chin, her smile wobbly around theedges. “Well, I’ll be. It only took you four months of being back in town tostop in here, didn’t it?”

“I’ve been pretty busy with the inn.” He waited. Elisahad always been a master at keeping her emotions in check. Hard to tell if herwords carried a genuinely pleasant undertone…or if she was contemplatingstabbing him with the fork resting near Isaac’s mug.

She resumed pouring, her back rigid but her tone fluidas if he hadn’t spoken at all. “I didn’t think men who wore flannel every daywere afraid of anything.”

He scooted the fork out of reach. “Never said I was.”

“You’re right. You didn’t say much of nothing, didyou? Some things never change, I suppose.” Her voice flowed like molasses, butthe look in her eyes as she met his gaze full on packed a punch he hadn’texpected.

And just like that, he was eighteen again, sitting onthe pier out by the bay and memorizing the curve of her sun-kissed shoulderbeneath his arm. The smell of sunscreen and vanilla wafting off her hair,lapping over him like the waves beneath their feet.

Naively believing that summer would last forever.

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More Books in This Series

About the Author

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Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women.

Connect with Betsy by visiting betsystamant.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Where I Found You and a $10 Sunrise Shop Gift Card!

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Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 4, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 11, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)

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Published on February 04, 2025 21:30

January 27, 2025

~ TUESDAY MYSTERY FEATURE SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING ~

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~ TUESDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE ~ -- 'SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING' -- AUTHOR LENA GREGORY 🍦🍨🍫🍧🔎🔦📘🍦🍨🍫🍧🔎🔦📘🍦

Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)

by Lena Gregory

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About Soft Serve Sleighing

Cozy Mystery5th in SeriesSetting – Long Island, NY

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing (January 28, 2025)

Number of Pages - 226 Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DLHPWDNT

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From author Lena Gregory comes a delightfully delicious cozy mystery...

With most of Eastern Long Island closed down for a blizzard, Danika Delaney and her friends are holed up in her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, with ice cream and hot chocolate. However, their plans to wait out the storm in cozy company are interrupted when a popular YouTuber and her two companions show up at the door—they've been trapped by the storm, and Dani generously offers to serve them breakfast. But her generosity isn't rewarded in kind, as the reviewer then tries to extort money from Dani in exchange for a good review! When the storm finally clears, Dani is happy to have seen the last of them.

Or so she thought.

Dani and her friends decide to go sleigh riding the morning after the storm clears, but instead of a winter wonderland, they find the extorting YouTuber...dead! To make matters worse, Dani suddenly finds herself accused of the woman's murder. Intent on restoring her reputation, Dani sets out to prove she didn’t do it. This is one storm she's not sure she can weather...

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Author Guest Post
'New Year's Resolutions'
by Lena Gregory

With a New Year comes the inevitable New Year’sResolutions! Every year my list of resolutions is pretty much the same. Whenpromoting an old story I wrote, I often asked readers, what are your New Year’sresolutions? The results varied from blog to blog, but the overwhelmingmajority of people said they’d like to lose weight, exercise more, be moreorganized, make better use of their time, save money—all the same resolutions Imake every year.

I think many of us rattle off a list of resolutionswith no clear idea of how we will keep them. I’ve decided this year, ratherthan just making a resolution, I’m going to come up with a plan to make myresolutions work. My first step is to set realistic goals. I don’t think I’m goingto miraculously develop enough self-control to bypass a chocolate cake justbecause it’s a new year. I could be wrong, but it hasn’t worked for thepast…well…however many years, so it probably won’t work this year either.Instead of making my resolution to lose weight, I’m going to eat healthier.Hopefully, weight loss will come with healthier eating, but if not, at leastmaybe I’ll feel better and have more energy. If I go for the fruits and veggiesfirst, maybe I’ll be full enough after them to skip the cookies.

I’m going to put five dollars a week in an envelopeto save. It’s not a lot, and I probably won’t miss it much, but maybe if I can putfive dollars away, I can increase it to ten or fifteen. Starting out small andhaving realistic expectations seems a more manageable plan.

Being more organized doesn’t come quite as easily,and I definitely function better when things are organized. So I tried to thinkabout why I’m so unorganized. I decided I’m not managing my time well enough,like when I sit down to write and check my social media and email first. Ofcourse, emails have to be answered, so I take care of that. And social media,well, that’s about the biggest time suck ever. As soon as I sign on the IMsstart, then there’s posts to reply to and groups to post to. This might be thehardest to keep, but I will manage my time better. When I sit down to write,I’ll write first, then check emails and social media. Who knows? Maybe it’llmotivate me to write faster.

What are some of your resolutions for the coming NewYear? Do you have a plan to help you achieve your goals? Let me know!

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About Lena Gregory

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.

Author Links: Newsletter: http://lenagregory.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9765d0711ed4fab4fa31b16ac&id=49d42335d1. Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.gregory.986 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14956514.Lena_Gregory?from_search=true Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagregoryauth/

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo

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GIVEAWAYS:

-- NOTE: THE AUTHOR IS OFFERING 2 DIFFERENT GIVEAWAYS
FOR THIS TOUR!
YOU NEED TO COMPLETE EACH
OF THE BELOW RAFFLECOPTER
FORMS TO BE ENTERED TO
WIN IN BOTH GIVEAWAYS! --

TOUR GIVEAWAY --

INDIVIDUAL BLOG GIVEAWAY --

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

January 28 – Jody'sBookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT** January 28 – Reading,Writing & Stitch-Metic - AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY **
January28 – fundinmental– SPOTLIGHT January 29 – SocratesBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT January 29 – ReadingIs My SuperPower - REVIEW January 30 – Christy'sCozy Corners - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY January31 – GuatemalaPaula Loves to Read – REVIEW January 31 – Celticlady'sReviews – SPOTLIGHT February 1 – FrugalFreelancer - CHARACTER INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY February 1 – ElizabethMcKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT February 2 – CozyUp With Kathy – REVIEW February 2 – FUONLYKNEW– SPOTLIGHT February 3 – Angel'sBook Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW February 3 – ReadYour Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST February 4 – RuffDrafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST February 4 – Cassidy'sBookshelves – SPOTLIGHT February 5 – NovelsAlive – REVIEW February 5 – EscapeWith Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEWFebruary 6 – RebeccaM. Douglass, Author – REVIEW February 6 – Ascroft,eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW February 7 – Viewfrom the Birdhouse – REVIEW February 7 – StoreyBookReviews – SPOTLIGHT February 8 – Maureen'sMusings – SPOTLIGHT February 9 – Sapphyria'sBook Reviews – REVIEW February 10 – DealSharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW February 10 – SarahCan't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW 🍦🍨🍫🍧🔎🔦📘🍦🍨🍫🍧🔎🔦📘🍦

Haveyou signed up to be a Tour Host? ClickHere to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Wantto Book a Tour? ClickHere

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