Christa Nardi's Blog, page 16
July 31, 2022
Blog Tour Spotlight: INHERITING MURDER: A Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery by Jamie Rutland Gillespie
About Inheriting MurderWhen Landry Burke’s favorite Aunt Tildie passes away, Landry inherits the entire estate. It includes a five story apartment building named Magnolia Place, as well as a bookstore across the street named Jasmine Bloom Books, both located in Bobwhite Mountain, Tennessee.
Landry packs up and leaves Bent Branch, SC for the hills of Tennessee. On her very first day there, she and her aunt’s attorney, Adam Wilcox, find the body of one of Magnolia Place’s employees. Between her panic attacks, anxiety and trying to adjust to her new surroundings, Landry wants this murder solved and fast.
Sheriff Wyatt Collins and his deputies are on the case. Now, if they can just keep Landry from trying to help and causing danger to herself.
And Jasmine Bloom’s manager, and late Aunt Tildie’s best friend, Ms. Millie, is convinced that Landry is trying to get her killed because of all the zany situations they find themselves in.
Take a visit to Bobwhite Mountain and find out what all of the fuss is about.
About Jamie Rutland Gillespie
Jamie Rutland Gillespie was born and raised in a tiny, country town in South Carolina. At the age of 18, she moved to a slightly larger town in the same state and still lives there. She spent much of her youth visiting the beaches of the low country and taking trips to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The mountains were always her "happy place" and she still visits every chance she gets.
Jamie has always loved to read; she got her library card at the small library of her hometown at the young age of 6. She has a vivid imagination and has always made-up stories of places, people and situations that only exist in her head.
She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughter and 17-year-old Yorkie Pom, who is her baby and shadow. She loves college football and has been a South Carolina Gamecock fan since birth. She also loves MLB and has been a Braves fan since she was a little girl, watching the games and going to games with her Dad. She is still an avid reader and enjoys writing, crossword puzzles, baking, and spending time with her family.
Author Links Facebook - Instagram - Amazon - Twitter - BookBub -Purchase Link - AmazonTOUR PARTICIPANTS
August 1 - Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT August 1 - Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT August 2 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW August 2 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT August 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT August 3 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT August 4 – Christy's Cozy Corners – RECIPE POST August 4 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT August 5 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT August 5 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT August 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 9 – Novels Alive – RECIPE POST August 10 – Novels Alive – REVIEW August 10 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHTAugust 11 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT August 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT August 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW August 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT August 14 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHTa Rafflecopter giveaway
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Blog Tour --- INHERITING MURDER: A Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery by Jamie Rutland Gillespie
About Inheriting MurderWhen Landry Burke’s favorite Aunt Tildie passes away, Landry inherits the entire estate. It includes a five story apartment building named Magnolia Place, as well as a bookstore across the street named Jasmine Bloom Books, both located in Bobwhite Mountain, Tennessee.
Landry packs up and leaves Bent Branch, SC for the hills of Tennessee. On her very first day there, she and her aunt’s attorney, Adam Wilcox, find the body of one of Magnolia Place’s employees. Between her panic attacks, anxiety and trying to adjust to her new surroundings, Landry wants this murder solved and fast.
Sheriff Wyatt Collins and his deputies are on the case. Now, if they can just keep Landry from trying to help and causing danger to herself.
And Jasmine Bloom’s manager, and late Aunt Tildie’s best friend, Ms. Millie, is convinced that Landry is trying to get her killed because of all the zany situations they find themselves in.
Take a visit to Bobwhite Mountain and find out what all of the fuss is about.
About Jamie Rutland GillespieJamie Rutland Gillespie was born and raised in a tiny, country town in South Carolina. At the age of 18, she moved to a slightly larger town in the same state and still lives there. She spent much of her youth visiting the beaches of the low country and taking trips to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The mountains were always her "happy place" and she still visits every chance she gets.
Jamie has always loved to read; she got her library card at the small library of her hometown at the young age of 6. She has a vivid imagination and has always made-up stories of places, people and situations that only exist in her head.
She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughter and 17-year-old Yorkie Pom, who is her baby and shadow. She loves college football and has been a South Carolina Gamecock fan since birth. She also loves MLB and has been a Braves fan since she was a little girl, watching the games and going to games with her Dad. She is still an avid reader and enjoys writing, crossword puzzles, baking, and spending time with her family.
Author Links Facebook - Instagram - Amazon - Twitter - BookBub -Purchase Link - AmazonTOUR PARTICIPANTS
August 1 - Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT August 1 - Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT August 2 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW August 2 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT August 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT August 3 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT August 4 – Christy's Cozy Corners – RECIPE POST August 4 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT August 5 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT August 5 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT August 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 9 – Novels Alive – RECIPE POST August 10 – Novels Alive – REVIEW August 10 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHTAugust 11 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT August 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT August 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW August 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT August 14 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHTa Rafflecopter giveaway
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
July 26, 2022
Blog Tour and Book Review: SHIELDING HER SON (West Investigations) by K.D. Richards
About the Book
She thought she’d escaped her past…
Has it caught up with her?
Erika Powell has lived in hiding for years to protect her son from his wealthy, tyrannical grandfather. Wary of strangers, she’s suspicious of James West, who’s renting a neighboring cabin, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when attempts are made on Erika’s life, James fears he may have endangered her—because the undercover PI’s investigation of Erika may have led someone dangerous right to her. From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Review
James West's job is to verify that Erika is the "lost" daughter-in-law to a wealthy man, now deceased. Only she's "lost" by choice, to protect her son from becoming like his father, and his father before him. She's raising him with good manners and kindness toward others. Although it's been years since she ran away, given the wealth and need for control, she's sure the family will find her in this small town. She's wary of James West, yet attracted to him. His conflict is his job, and loyalty to his brothers, and his attraction to her.
K.D. Richards is a new author to me, and I'm impressed with her writing style and plot. Her main character, Erika is both wary and strong, ready to run if need be, to protect her son. James is a veteran trying to figure out what to do with his life now that he's left the military, helping his brothers at West Investigations as he considers options. As tension rises, the townspeople show support. Although the 4th in the series, this can easily be read as a stand alone mystery. I look forward to reading the earlier books in this series.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.Discover more action-packed stories in the West Investigations series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:
Book 1: Pursuit of the Truth[image error] Book 2: Missing at Christmas[image error] Book 3: Christmas Data Breach[image error] Book 4: Shielding Her Son[image error]
About the Author
K.D. Richards was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs just outside of Washington, D.C. A writer since a young age, after college Kia earned a law degree and worked as an attorney and legal instructor for fifteen years but never stopped writing fiction.
She currently splits her time between Toronto and Maryland with her husband and two sons.
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Purchase Links
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July 23, 2022
New Release: THE ITCH OF MURDER (An Izzie Di Sante Mystery #2) by Christa Nardi
A well-dressed man killed at a demolition site, at night in a snow storm.
Izzie Di Sante loves a challenge and Chance Corcoran’s murder sparks her curiosity. While managing the day-to-day business of the family restaurant, she searches for some connection between the victim and the site of the future Elite Townhomes. A co-worker of the victim disappears, the foreperson of the construction site is injured, and someone’s after Izzie. As her sister, Chloe, prepares for an Easter buffet like none other, Izzie needs to put the pieces together before it’s too late.
Read an excerpt:
I rushed upstairs, changed back into jeans and a top, and seated myself in front of my computer. I had about an hour to review the alerts and find out more about the homicide still unsolved. The second alert provided the man’s name, with very limited detail, and a call for information.
The construction crew found the body of Chance Corcoran, age 43 years, when they arrived at the site. The alert only noted murder. Questions popped into my head. Was it a mugging? Were they even able to estimate a time of death with the weather factor?
I smiled when I pulled up a map and found where Northside was located. Very close to Halcyon Springs where I investigated a murder the previous fall. I smiled because I’d met Henry Jacobs then. He was the Uber driver I used and had been a police officer until injured on the job. Henry provided helpful information and connections. Maybe he could tell me more about this murder.
“Hi, Henry. How are you? How is your detective course going?”
Because of his injury, Henry’s only option at the police department had been a desk job. He found that boring and, hence, the Uber thing. Once he started helping me out, he decided to take the steps to get licensed as a private detective in Maryland. He already had a BA in criminology, so he met most of the education requirements. Only he’d never worked as a detective and hadn’t completed the state required detective training.
“I’m good, Izzie. The detective course replicates a lot of what I learned at the police academy. The instructor’s good. Sometimes, she brings in real case information.” He chuckled. “Some yahoos in the class have some strange ideas and they can be entertaining. I think their knowledge of how the system works comes from Law and Order.”
“Anything interesting?”
“What do you consider interesting? Something bugging you?”
About my age, Henry had brown hair and brown eyes that sparkled when he laughed. He kept to an exercise program after his injury and I found him attractive. Aside from the one murder investigation when we met, we’d enjoyed a few dinners and each other’s company on multiple occasions.
“Ever hear anything about the Corcoran murder over in Northside last month?”
“We discussed it in my class when it happened. Like I said, the instructor likes to bring in actual cases to give some relevance. What stands out in my memory is that they found the man, at that point not identified, on a construction site. Well-dressed, he still had his wallet. Someone removed his credit cards and license, yet left his cash. They also took his phone. Based on the evidence, the killer shot him at close range.”
“Wait. Whoever did this left the cash, but took whatever could identify him? That’s odd.”
He chuckled. “Not a mugging and minus a name, they couldn’t even identify him for several hours, never mind notify next of kin and confirm his identity. They eventually found his car keys in the snow and that sped the process up.”
“Anything else?”
“Like I said, the instructor used it to discuss how police could identify him. Also, if they’d determined he’d been mugged or died of hypothermia. What prompted a well-dressed man to go to a construction site? Why did the killer leave the cash?” He snorted.
“I’m almost afraid to ask. What did they come up with?”
“The wife, assuming he was married. The mistress or girlfriend. A drug deal gone south. An undercover cop. Someone wanting his identity, not his money. Someone suggested he was a detective and the person he was following killed him. Organized crime.”
I chuckled. “That covers a lot of options, except the drug deal. A dealer or user would have taken the money.”
“Izzie, you’re just too logical.”
“Any other discussion?”
“Nope. There wasn’t much more in the local news on the case and the instructor could only access limited information to share. Class moved on with ways and means of gaining information and limits to what the police could do and what private detectives could do.”
“Does he always bring in actual cases?”
“She. Kathleen Lucci. She’s a retired police detective. The most interesting case she’s brought up was a high profile divorce with both parties slinging mud and how to separate fact from fiction. What made you ask about this case?”
“Another alert this morning asking for any information on the murder. Sounds like they made little progress. Beyond identifying him.”
“More interesting than my course. Maybe you could come visit. We could meander to the building site and see if anyone wants to talk about finding a dead body. It’s not Wheeling’s jurisdiction, but maybe he knows something.” Evan Wheeling was the police detective on the case in Halcyon Springs and had been helpful.
I laughed. “I’d love to do that. When would be convenient? I don’t want to interfere with your course.”
“How about Wednesday? The class is in the evening to accommodate people who work full-time. We can go to our favorite lunch place and you can get the lobster mac and cheese.”
My first Uber trip with Henry, he’d introduced me to his favorite lunch place, the Healthy or Not Eatery. The lobster mac and cheese landed on the not so healthy side, yet, oh, so delicious. My mouth watered thinking about it.
“Great. In the meantime, I’ll do some more research on this end. I’ll let you know for sure tonight after dinner. I’m sure we can find someone who’d like a bump in their paycheck this week. Heather keeps asking when I’m going to work on a fresh case.”
We ended the call and I smiled. Even if there was no story, I wanted to see Henry again and hear more about his training. He was full of surprises from his collection of cars to the historic home he was restoring. As yet, he hadn’t opened up about his injury. That would be another surprise, in his own time.
Brook and Chloe graciously allowed me to take time off to chase my investigative dream. The stalwart of the restaurant, Brook had worked thirty hours per week for years. Scheduling me off for a few hours in the afternoon or a full day once in a while meant a change in her schedule, as well as mine.
Adding an assistant to help Chloe with the food preparation to the schedule made that even easier. Other employees stepped in to cover for me as hostess if needed. I could do the bookkeeping any time of day. It reminded me of dominoes. When Heather took over my duties, we then had to find someone to fill Heather’s slot. Most of our employees worked part time and were more than willing to step up.
I searched the internet for anything I could find on Kathleen Lucci. I wasn’t ready to admit any possible jealousy, but I relaxed when I found her to be in her sixties. Then I started the search for Chance Corcoran.
A nice looking man, his obituary yielded little. Born in New York, he married and they had three children. His parents still lived there. There was no mention of where he worked. The obituary requested friends to make donations on his behalf to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. That made me wonder.
Excerpt from The Itch of Murder. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.
The Izzie Di Sante Mysteries
Reawakening the Itch (Prequel)An Itch for Justice (Book #1)The itch for Murder (Book #2)
Izzie Di Sante Word Search #2
About Christa Nardi
Christa Nardi is an avid reader with her love of mysteries beginning with Nancy Drew and other teen mysteries. She’s shifted to more contemporary mystery and crime authors over time, along with cozy and traditional mysteries. She especially enjoys mysteries with less gore and no graphic violence.
Christa has been a long time writer from poetry and short stories to mystery series and is a member of Sisters in Crime. Christa supports animal rescue and other efforts to help others. When not reading or writing, Christa enjoys travel and playing with her dogs and granddaughters.
You can keep up to date with Christa by joining her newsletter:https://cccnardi.wixsite.com/mysite/contact
You can also find her on social media:https://www.amazon.com/Christa-Nardi/e/B00G8SBCKKhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7257539.Christa_Nardihttps://www.facebook.com/christa.nardi.5https://twitter.com/ChristaN7777https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christa-nardihttps://www.pinterest.com/cccnardi/https://cccnardi.wixsite.com/mysite
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July 19, 2022
Blog Tour and Book Review: DECEIVED (A Kelly Pruitt Mystery #3) by Mary Keliikoa
Synopsis
In the third thrilling book in the Kelly Pruett mystery series–Her world was falling into place. Then women started dropping off the map.
PI Kelly Pruett finally feels like she’s coming into her own. With her personal life well on track, a gig uncovering what drove a client’s granddaughter underground could be good for business. But after her undercover operation at the homeless shelter reveals rampant drug dealing, she’s suddenly kicked off the case… just as another girl goes missing.
Vowing to expose the truth even if it means pro-bono work, Kelly is taken aback when her half-sister helps her hunt down answers in a tent city brimming with distrust. When her investigation doesn’t move quickly enough to save a second woman from a vicious murder, Kelly doubles her efforts unwilling to accept defeat.
Review
Kelly Pruitt is trying to establish herself as a PI, as good as her father was, with the compassion of her mother. But she doesn't want to talk about her mother's death. She's thrilled when the highly placed attorney asks her to find out what's going on at the homeless shelter and hopefully find his granddaughter. Only then he decides she needs to stop, only Kelly is worried that his granddaughter and Robin aren't the only ones missing. She's no longer getting paid, but she's determined.
As a main character, Kelly is complex. Over the course of solving the mystery, she comes to terms with a number of issues. The focus on homeless women, including Ruth, who mistakes Kelly for her mother, is well done. The tent community and the loyalty of homeless girls to each other provides a unique setting. The story is well-written, well-paced, and Keliikoa hooks the reader early. I had my suspicions as to the person behind it all, but there are multiple suspects. This is the third in the series. It can be easily read as a standalone.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
About the Author
Mary Keliikoa is the Shamus finalist and Lefty, Agatha and Anthony nominated author of the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series, and the Misty Pines mystery series featuring former Portland homicide detective turned small-town sheriff. Her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World and in the anthology Peace, Love and Crime. A Pacific NW native, she spent years working around lawyers and admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary on the beach in Hawaii. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
Author Links
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Purchase Links
SIGNED COPIES ARE AVAILABLE THRU VINTAGE BOOKS Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org – Apple – Kobo
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July 11, 2022
Book Review: CAKEWALK TO MURDER (The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries Book 10) by M K Scott
Bake-off fever is in full-swing and Donna can’t help but have visions of becoming the next great baking star, but the competition is stiff, and someone is willing to kill to win. When one of the contestants is found dead, a twist of fate puts Donna at the center of the competition.
That’s the perfect position to unravel the mystery, but only if she doesn’t get caught in the crosshairs.
Review
Donna's excited about the American bake-off, a take off of her favorite British reality show. Not only are three of the contestants staying at her Bed and Breakfast, but when one is murdered Donna gets to take her place. Only being part of the competition may be dangerous.
This was a fun and light read. Donna, Mark, other characters are well-developed and likable. Not so much the contestants. The story moves at a stead pace with needed background filtered in. This is the 10th in the series, but my first. It was easily read as a standalone mystery. I also recommend readers start at the beginning of the series to get a better feel for the town and the people. Readers who like cozy culinary mysteries, will enjoy this one.
About the Author
M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Janeway, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Murder Mansion is the first book in The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries. Overall, it is a fun series to create and read. Make sure to check out The Talking Dog Detective Agency series, The Way Over the Hill Gang series, and Cupid's Catering Company series, too.
AMAZON
July 10, 2022
Book Review: MRS. ODBODDY'S DESPERATE DOINGS (A Mrs Odboddy Mystery Book 4) by Elaine Faber
After falling from a tree, Agnes’s behavior and delusions escalate from ‘merely eccentric,’ to ‘near mayhem ’ Still seeking a permanent home for a displaced carnival tiger, she goes to unthinkable extremes in an effort to prevent city hall from destroying the big cat. When Agnes witnesses a well-known citizen commit burglary, and the church’s beloved Good Shepherd painting goes missing, she becomes obsessed with exposing the art thief. But, questions arise whether the extent of her bizarre behavior is due to a ‘brain bleed’ from her head injury, or is something amiss in her medical treatment?
As WWII rages across the Pacific, dealing with victory gardens and rationing at home doesn’t stop Agnes from fighting the war from the home front. From city hall, to the hot seat at Newbury’s Police Department, and finally to a San Francisco mansion, Agnes pursues injustice to save a tiger and expose a shocking conspiracy at the highest levels of Newbury’s elite society. Review
Agnes Odboddy is not your typical, patriotic, older lady. She's a bit quirky and feisty, and her granddaughter is trying her best to keep Agnes out of trouble. When Agnes is sure she saw the art thief - a respected member of the community - those close to her are quick to discount her story as a side effect of a concussion. Trying to solve the art thefts and safe a carnival tiger keep Agnes busy.
This was a fun and interesting read, with unique circumstances as always in Mrs. Odboddy's adventures. This is not the first in the series, but can easily be read out of order even though the tiger enters the series in Book 3. Cozy mystery readers will enjoy this one.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
Mrs. Odboddy Series
Mrs. Odboddy, Hometown PatriotMrs. Odboddy, Undercover CourierMrs. Odboddy: And Then There was a TigerMrs. Odboddy's Desperate Doings - AMAZON
About the Author
Elaine Faber's short stories are published in magazines and multiple anthologies. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Inspire Christian Writers and Cat Writers Association. Black Cat's Legacy, Elaine's debut fantasy cat-mystery novel., is the first in a series of three Cat Mysteries involving Thumper, who solves mysteries with the aid of his ancestors' memories. Elaine lives in Elk Grove, CA, with her husband. They share their home with four house cats, and usually more, counting those at the door night and morning looking for a hand-out. Mrs. Odboddy - Hometown Patriot is the first in Elaine's WWII humorous mystery series. Mrs. Odboddy fights the war from the home front, seeing conspiracies and spies around every corner. When Mrs. Roosevelt comes to town to attend a funeral, Agnes Odboddy's fears become a reality and she must prove she is, indeed a hometown patriot.
July 4, 2022
Blog Tour and Book Blast: AN EYRE OF MYSTERY - A Literatia Novel by G. Leeson
About An Eyre of Mystery
Classic literature is at risk of disappearing from the world…When Gia accepts a job as a library archivist at a manor house in North Carolina, she has no idea what she’s in for. On day one, she finds herself outside her comfort zone when she accidentally travels through a magical portal to the world of Jane Eyre. She finds Edward Rochester imprisoned as he awaits his death sentence for killing his wife. But Gia has read the book, and she knows Edward is innocent of murder.
Soon, she realizes that there are sinister mystical forces working to rewrite the narrative, hoping to destroy the manuscript altogether. To restore order and reset the book to its original state, Gia must discover who actually killed Bertha Rochester and framed her husband for the crime.
But few of the people she meets are who they claim to be and they all have secrets...including Edward.
About G. LeesonGayle [G. Leeson, for this book] has taken a real leap of faith with An Eyre of Mystery and the world of Literatia. She decided to explore what would happen if a reader--or in this case, an archivist--actually got lost in a great book. But when she travels through the portal into the world Jane Eyre, she finds it to be a topsy-turvy mess. Edward Rochester is facing a death sentence, and Gia has been tasked with finding out who really killed his wife so that Edward can go free, the book will reset to its original form, and Gia may return home.
If you'd like to get a sample of the book, please check out this extended sneak peek (first five chapters) at https://BookHip.com/SFPWRLD.Author Links Gayle Leeson:
Website FacebookFB Reader Group Twitter Instagram
Purchase Links Amazon Books2Read
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Blog Tour and Book Blast
About An Eyre of Mystery
Classic literature is at risk of disappearing from the world…When Gia accepts a job as a library archivist at a manor house in North Carolina, she has no idea what she’s in for. On day one, she finds herself outside her comfort zone when she accidentally travels through a magical portal to the world of Jane Eyre. She finds Edward Rochester imprisoned as he awaits his death sentence for killing his wife. But Gia has read the book, and she knows Edward is innocent of murder.
Soon, she realizes that there are sinister mystical forces working to rewrite the narrative, hoping to destroy the manuscript altogether. To restore order and reset the book to its original state, Gia must discover who actually killed Bertha Rochester and framed her husband for the crime.
But few of the people she meets are who they claim to be and they all have secrets...including Edward.
About G. LeesonGayle [G. Leeson, for this book] has taken a real leap of faith with An Eyre of Mystery and the world of Literatia. She decided to explore what would happen if a reader--or in this case, an archivist--actually got lost in a great book. But when she travels through the portal into the world Jane Eyre, she finds it to be a topsy-turvy mess. Edward Rochester is facing a death sentence, and Gia has been tasked with finding out who really killed his wife so that Edward can go free, the book will reset to its original form, and Gia may return home.
If you'd like to get a sample of the book, please check out this extended sneak peek (first five chapters) at https://BookHip.com/SFPWRLD.Author Links Gayle Leeson:
Website FacebookFB Reader Group Twitter Instagram
Purchase Links Amazon Books2Read
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June 27, 2022
Blog Tour and Book Review: PHOENIX'S ASCENT (Hera Forces #2) by Winter Austin
Synopsis:
A maniac developing a fantastical drug wants one more thing to finalize the project—a test subject who fits all the parameters. But that test subject is as elusive as her namesake.
Ex-SAS operative Mitch Edwards has been on the run since the moment he was framed for treason by someone in the British government. But he’s never forgotten the flamboyant and seductive CIA operative with the tongue of a thousand languages. In a bar in Cancun, Mexico, Mitch comes face to face with her once more, and with her comes the full force of her enemies.
Reinstated Hera Force linguist and assassin, Nadia Roth, code named Phoenix, has no memory of Mitch Edwards, or of their affair before her team’s disastrous mission. Her traumatic brain injury is tricky that way. But something about this man sets her on fire and tickles the back of her mind. Her Hera teammates remember him, so why can’t she? Mitch partners up with Hera, with the sole intent of locating those hell-bent on killing him and all who are associated with him. Yet more is at stake than their lives. A traitor hides among their ranks, one who has been revealing all their secrets to an enemy determined to procure this special drug and Nadia for his scheme.
Hera goes into operation mode, doing what they were created to do, but someone is watching, and the team finds themselves trapped behind enemy lines with no way out.
Will Nadia ever remember the man she once loved, or will they perish with the secret between them? Review FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
Review:
The story is well-plotted with Phoenix's injury and her attempt to find the Chessmaster on her own leading to problems. Only, all the problems may be the manipulations of the Chessmaster. While Phoenix's head injury prevents her from remembering Mitch, she still has feelings for him. The rest of her black ops group (Hera) search for her, concerned about her safety. As the story progresses, Phoenix's early years when she was trained to be a warrior - before she ran away - are revealed, as well as the plans her "mother" and the Chessmaster have for her.
This was my first read of Winter Austin's writing, though this is the second in the series. It was easily read as a standalone with characters well-developed. There is lots of action and the pace is fast. The downside? I had to force myself to put the book down to get some sleep. The upside? I've added the first in the series to my TBR list. I hope there will be a third one coming.
A note to my cozy mystery followers - this isn't a cozy mystery.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
Read an excerpt:
Another cooling breeze blew through the door, bringing with it the succulent scent of coconut oil, pineapple, and sea spray. His attention strayed to the door. He stiffened at the sight of the beauty leaning on the bamboo frame. The lavender haired woman pushed off the smoothed wood and sauntered, barefooted, across the sand-dusted floor. Mitch came to attention, his hand slipping away from the Sig.
She swayed to the flamenco guitar music piped through the sound system, her turquoise sundress flowing around her golden legs. Strappy silver sandals, hanging from a crooked finger, bumped against her leg as she sauntered up to the bar. She flung her sandals over her shoulder and leaned an elbow on the top.
“Holá, guapo.” Her sultry voice skirted along his spine and curled around his chest.
He gulped down a sudden feathering of desire. “Holá,” he croaked.
Her gaze flicked upward and the full force of those crystal-blue eyes hit him. She smiled.
Mitch’s stomach clenched. Those eyes. God, he could drown in them. He blinked. He knew those eyes. Had spent years trying to forget them and what they did to him every time she had looked at him. It was her? The hair color was different, but …
She shifted to peer over her sandal-bearing shoulder at the bar patrons, then brought those stunning blue eyes back to him. “What do you have that a gal like myself could quench her thirst with?”
A zap of awareness struck him. Bloody hell, she knew how to wield her words and her voice to bring about arousal.
A bejeweled hand slipped between Mitch and the woman. Manicured fingers lightly danced up her bare arm. Instead of pulling away, the lavender haired beauty turned to meet Dapper Man. She smiled seductively, setting her sandals on the bar top.
“Such a beautiful woman. What brings you to a bar like this?” Dapper Man asked in Spanish.
“It must be you.” She leaned in closer, giving Dapper Man a good view of what was hidden beneath the folds of her gauzy dress. “Looks like it’s my lucky day.”
It was a part of her job, but her shameless flirting always left a bad taste in Mitch’s mouth. He backed from his spot and reached for a bottle of sparkling water. He twisted off the cap and brought the bottle to his lips, then hesitated.
As the woman’s fingers danced up Dapper Man’s sleeve, she tilted her head to the side. Her thick hair shifted away from her neck, exposing a tiny tattoo of a yellow/red flaming bird right behind her ear lobe.
It was her! That tattoo confirmed it. The Phoenix had risen.
Movement behind Dapper Man caught Mitch’s eye. The bodyguards horseshoed their man and the other three lingered on the fringes. Hit once again with the sensation something was horribly off about these men, Mitch inched closer to his Sig.
Excerpt from XXXX. Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved.
About the Author:
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope,” but believe her, there is a story behind her name. A lifelong Mid-West gal with strong ties to the agriculture world, Winter grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around a table or a campfire. As a published author, she learned her glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller writer. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic suspense, mysteries, and thrillers.
When she’s not slaving away at the computer, you can find Winter supporting her daughter in cattle shows, seeing her three sons off into the wide-wide world, loving on her fur babies, prodding her teacher husband, and nagging at her flock of hens to stay in the coop or the dogs will get them.
She is the author of ten novels, with more on the way. You can find Winter on:
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Buy Links:
http://tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Austin_Winter/phoenixs-ascent.htm http://tirpub.com/waustinWinter https://www.amazon.com/Phoenixs-Ascent-Hera-Force-2-ebook/dp/B09S7CZ4LD/
Giveaway:
Austin will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
