Christa Nardi's Blog, page 31

Blog Tour and Spotlight: A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER All Day Breakfast Café Murder by Lena Gregory

       

 

     Synopsis           For diner owner Gia Morelli, her seasonal fall menu calls for two main ingredients—maple syrup and murder . . .

While the first hints of autumn grace Boggy Creek, Florida, Gia misses the colorful harvest traditions she left behind in New York. On a scramble to make new fall memories—and promote her irresistible pumpkin spice waffles—things take a dark turn when she gets roped into the Haunted Town Festival, a spooky celebration held on deserted farmlands. The desolate area conjures plenty of eerie vibes at night, but Gia and her best friend, Savannah, are nearly frightened to death upon the discovery of the event organizer’s body buried in the nearby woods. More alarming, the local rumor mill says the woman’s shady dealings may have egged someone into sending her to an early grave. Now, there’s no shortage of creepy clues to feast on as Gia and her pals try to stop a killer with a very scary appetite . . .

Includes recipes from the All-Day Breakfast Café!

         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, and the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest. Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island. She recently relocated to Clermont, Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, jigsaw puzzles, 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 - Google Play 
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS October 6 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST 

October 6 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT October 7 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

October 7 – I Read What You Write – CHARACTER GUEST POST 

October 8 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST 

October 8 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

October 9 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

October 9 – Christa Reads and Writes- SPOTLIGHT 

October 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

October 10 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW October 11 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 

October 11 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW 

October 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

October 12 – Ms. Cat's Honest World – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

October 12 – Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT 

October 13 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT 

October 13 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

October 14 – Diane Reviews Books - REVIEW 

October 14 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

October 15 – Baroness' Book Trove – GUEST POST 

October 15 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – RECIPE 

October 16 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW 

October 16 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST 

October 17 – Sapphyria's Books – REVIEW 

October 17 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW 

October 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

October 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

October 19 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

 

 

    

Blog Tour Book Review: MISTLETOE, MOUSSAKA AND MURDER A Kebab Kitchen Mystery by Tina Kashian

Synopsis:

Not even her impending nuptials can keep Lucy Berberian, manager of her family-owned Kebab Kitchen, from the Jersey Shore’s annual Polar Bear Plunge. But her dive into the icy ocean is especially chilling when she finds a fellow swimmer doing the dead man’s float—for real . . .

Who would kill a man in cold blood during Ocean Crest, New Jersey’s most popular winter event? When Lucy learns the victim is Deacon Spooner, the reception hall owner who turned up his nose—and his price—at her wedding plans, she can’t help wondering who wouldn’t kill the pompous caterer . . .

Perhaps the culprit is the wedding cake baker whose career Deacon nearly destroyed? Or the angry bride whose reception he ruined? With her maid of honor, Katie, busily planning Lucy’s wedding without her, Lucy will have to get to the bottom of this cold-hearted business in time for Kebab Kitchen’s mouthwatering Christmas celebration—and before her hometown’s holiday spirit washes out to sea.

Recipes included!

Review:

Planning a wedding provide excuses for Lucy and Katie to investigate Deacon's death, only they keep identifying more people with a motive, and all were doing the Polar Bear Plunge. And there is the fast approaching holiday and the wedding date to be set. Lucy and Katie have a great friendship and neither of them believe the prime suspect is the real killer. In between Lucy's work at the Kebab Kitchen, continuing romance with Chef Azad, and avoiding her mother, Lucy and Katie annoy the detective and catch the killer.  The pace is good, the characters are likable, and there are plenty of false leads, twists, and turns, and surprises. This is the fifth in the series and easily read as a stand-alone mystery. An enjoyable cozy mystery and don't forget the recipes! 
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
About Tina Kashian Tina Kashian is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She is the author of the popular Kebab Kitchen Mediterranean cozy mystery series for Kensington Publishing. Tina spent her childhood summers at the Jersey shore building sandcastles, boogie boarding, and riding the boardwalk Ferris wheel. She also grew up in the restaurant business, as her Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years. 
Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two daughters. Please visit her website at www.tinakashian.com to join her newsletter, receive delicious recipes, enter contests, and more! 
Author Links 

Website: www.tinakashian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaKashianAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaKashian1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinakashian/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tina-kashian
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16902011.Tina_Kashian

Purchase Links: 

Amazon 
Barnes & Noble 
Google Books 
iBooks 
Kobo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 1 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 
October 1 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 
October 1 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW 
October 2 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, RECIPE 
October 2 – Heart & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT 
October 2 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT 
October 3 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT 
October 3 – fundinmental – RECIPE POST 
October 3 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW 
October 4 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW 
October 4 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT 
October 4 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW 
October 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 
October 5 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
October 5 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW October 5 – FUONLYKNEW - SPOTLIGHT October 6 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - AUTHOR INTERVIEW October 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW October 6 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT October 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW October 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – RECIPE POST October 7 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW October 8 – Brianne's Book Reviews – REVIEW October 8 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT October 8 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW October 9 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT October 9 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW October 9 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – SPOTLIGHT October 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW October 10 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT October 10 – eBook Addicts 

Blog Tour: CANDIDATE FOR MURDER

"It is an amusing look at politics and media today.  Appropriate to see how the Deep Creek mayoral election relates to current events. Dissatisfaction with politicians on many levels often leave us looking for extreme change.  It may leave you thoughtful.  It may leave you writing Gnarly's name in as your preferred candidate in the next election." Reviewer: Merry Citarella, Jaquo.com

"Hilarious, mysterious and full of adventure, Gnarly and his human friends will have you on the edge of your seat unable to put your book down. Candidate for Murder is well written, played out and
a story that you have just never heard before. I enjoyed every moment
reading this book!" Reviewer: Working Mommy Journal

Book Details:

Book Title: Candidate for Murder by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 12)
Category:  Adult fiction, 464 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery / Political Satire
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  June 9, 2016
Content Rating: PG-13 - (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!




Book Description

It’s election time in Spencer, Maryland, and the race for mayor is not a pretty one. In recent years, the small resort town has become divided between the year-round residents who enjoy their rural way of life and the city dwellers who are moving into mansions, taking over the town council, and proceeding to turn Deep Creek Lake into a closed-gate community—complete with a host of regulations for everything from speed limits to clotheslines. When the political parties force-feed two unsavory mayoral nominees to the town’s residents, David O’Callaghan, the chief of police, decides to make a statement—by nominating Gnarly, Mac Faraday’s German shepherd, to run for mayor of Spencer!  

What starts out as a joke turns into a disaster when overnight, Gnarly becomes the front-runner, and his political opponents proceed to dig into the canine’s past. When one of the mayoral candidates ends up dead, it becomes apparent that slinging mud is not enough for someone with a stake in this election. With murder on the ballot, Mac Faraday and the gang—including old friends from past cases—dive in to clear Gnarly’s name, catch a killer, and save Spencer!

Review 

Gnarly is one mischievous dog, but oh, so smart. David nominated Gnarly for Mayor would do more than make a point that both candidates were lacking. He didn't expect it to take off with campaign managers. While David and others investigate  deaths previously believed to be accidents, the candidates try to sully Gnarly's reputation with his discharge from the service. There is humor, action, and suspense. 

I'm a great fan of the Mac Faraday series and Gnarly, and the story did not disappoint. It is fast paced with a lot of subplots that only keep it interesting.  It's an interesting perspective on the election process and campaign tactics. Although many of the characters are introduced in earlier books, this could easily be read as a stand alone. Another great Mac Faraday mystery, now available on audible. 

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. 

Buy the Book    Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BAM ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author

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

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

A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds (including the nephew of the late-great Gnarly! (pictured above)) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: 

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~  Pinterest ~ Goodreads
TOUR SCHEDULE:

Aug 31 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 1 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 2 – Books for Books – book review of It’s Murder, My Son
Sep 2 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / guest post / giveaway
Sep 7 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 8 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 9 – My Fictional Oasis – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 10 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 11 – Nighttime Reading Center – audiobook review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 11 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 14 – Literary Flits – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 16 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Sep 17 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 18 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son / giveaway
Sep 21 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 22 – Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / author interview
Sep 23 – Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 24 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 25 –Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 29 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Sep 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Sep 30 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son / giveaway
Oct 1 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 1 - So Fine Print – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 2 – Adventurous Jessy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Oct 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son / giveaway
Oct 6 – Literary Flits – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 6 - Amy's Booket List - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder
Oct 7 – Sylv.net – book spotlight
Oct 7 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / guest post / giveaway
Oct 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of Candidate for Murder / guest post / author interview / giveaway
Oct 9 – Nighttime Reading Center – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway
Oct 9 - Adventurous Jessy – book review of Candidate for Murder / giveaway

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Book Review: FIELDS' GUIDE TO ABDUCTION Poppy Fields Adventures Book 1 by Julie Mulhern

Synopsis

Poppy Fields has a movie-star mother, 84 million Instagram followers, paparazzi following her every move, and a problem. Her Mexican vacation just went sideways (abducted-by-a-drug-lord sideways).

Suddenly her life resembles one of her mother’s movies, except the bullets are real, people are dying, and there’s no guarantee of a happy ending.

Surrounded by trained killers and unsure who she can trust, only one thing is certain—if Poppy doesn’t escape, this vacation will be her last.

Review

Poppy escapes to a Mexican resort, sure her heart is broken and Jake is dead. She's there by invitation - a famous person to be photographed with, for the not quite so famous. A small price to pay for a week to recover from Jake's death. There are others there she knows, a woman who worked with Poppy's very famous mother, and a dangerous looking, but attractive man. Between flashbacks to Jake's dying, her father, and then thinking she's seen Jake - or his ghost, Poppy isn't prepared when another guest pounds on her door in distress. Poppy's luck goes down hill from there. Whisked away by the dangerous man to a cartel owned home, Poppy knows she's in trouble. Her only "friend" is the growling and teeth baring chihuahua, Consuela.

This is the first in a new series by Mulhern and off to a great start. Poppy isn't the most likable character to begin with, a bit spoiled, but she grows on you as she grows and perhaps finds herself when her life depends on it. It's not the most believable in some respects, yet it is entertaining, funny at times, and heartfelt at other times. The pace is good and the action just keeps coming. This one has been on my TBR list for a while. I'm glad I finally got to it. Of course, now I have the next five in the series to add to the list. 

(Psst. At least as I write this, Field's Guide to Abduction is FREE!)

AMAZON

Book Review: FIELD'S GUIDE TO ABDUCTION Poppy Fields Adventures Book 1 by Julie Mulhern

Synopsis

Poppy Fields has a movie-star mother, 84 million Instagram followers, paparazzi following her every move, and a problem. Her Mexican vacation just went sideways (abducted-by-a-drug-lord sideways).

Suddenly her life resembles one of her mother’s movies, except the bullets are real, people are dying, and there’s no guarantee of a happy ending.

Surrounded by trained killers and unsure who she can trust, only one thing is certain—if Poppy doesn’t escape, this vacation will be her last.

Review

Poppy escapes to a Mexican resort, sure her heart is broken and Jake is dead. She's there by invitation - a famous person to be photographed with, for the not quite so famous. A small price to pay for a week to recover from Jake's death. There are others there she knows, a woman who worked with Poppy's very famous mother, and a dangerous looking, but attractive man. Between flashbacks to Jake's dying, her father, and then thinking she's seen Jake - or his ghost, Poppy isn't prepared when another guest pounds on her door in distress. Poppy's luck goes down hill from there. Whisked away by the dangerous man to a cartel owned home, Poppy knows she's in trouble. Her only "friend" is the growling and teeth baring chihuahua, Consuela.

This is the first in a new series by Mulhern and off to a great start. Poppy isn't the most likable character to begin with, a bit spoiled, but she grows on you as she grows and perhaps finds herself when her life depends on it. It's not the most believable in some respects, yet it is entertaining, funny at times, and heartfelt at other times. The pace is good and the action just keeps coming. This one has been on my TBR list for a while. I'm glad I finally got to it. Of course, now I have the next five in the series to add to the list. 

(Psst. At least as I write this, Field's Guide to Abduction is FREE!)

AMAZON

Book Review ELUSIVE PROMISE (Off the Grid FBI Series) by Barbara Freethy

Synopsis (from Amazon)

When tragedy strikes an engagement party, Special Agent Parisa Maxwell becomes the sole survivor and the only witness to a kidnapping and the theft of a legendary diamond. With her friend now missing, Parisa makes a promise to save the other woman, no matter the cost.

Jared MacIntyre's entire life is a carefully cultivated set of lies. He wasn't looking for the beautiful brunette when he ventured into the private rooms at the consulate, but he couldn't ignore the woman fighting for her life. Now their lives are inexplicably intertwined. The kidnapping and theft may be part of a bigger, deadlier plot—one that he's on a mission to stop before someone else he loves ends up dead. 

Two strangers, each with their own secrets. Two strangers who never expected to find love amidst the danger. Two strangers who will have to take the ultimate risk: trust each other—or lose everything.  

Review

Jared and Parisa are great characters, each with their own secrets. Both are equally as strong and evasive, neither wanting to risk or looking for romance. With many possible avenues for threats, the two jockey back and forth to reach and contain their target. There are also a few heartfelt moments as they visit Jared's home. Well-written and fast paced, this one is hard to put down. Not a "cozy" though.

Although fourth in the series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. A few of the characters from the earlier books (Parisa's FBI friends) make appearances, but not to distraction. Freethy has done it again, and I can't wait for the next one to come out (Dangerous Choices is coming soon...)

AMAZON

Book Review: IN A HOLIDAZE by Christina Lauren

A bit of early holiday cheer as we welcome Fall!
Synopsis (from Amazon)
One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetimeof hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

Review

Mae makes a wish to be shown what will make herhappy - only she has to accept it. In the meantime, she is stuck cycling through the same first days of the Christmas holiday, with only her "uncle" sharing her secret that she's reliving the days and trying to change the way the holiday ended the first time around. Each time she makes it a little longer and then is back on the plane arriving at day one, once again. A time warp is how I'd describe it as no one else seems to notice - not her parents, her siblings, or the best friend. Until she figures out what will make her happy, she's gets a "do over." 
This was an interesting read, a unique concept. A romance, with bits of humor, holiday cheer and HEA. Wouldn't we all like a "do over" once in a while?
AMAZON

Book Review: SAVING SHADOWS Shadows Landing #1 by Kathleen Brooks

A romantic suspense today...

Synopsis
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Gavin Faulkner was the only doctor in the small South Carolina inner coastal town of Shadows Landing. He was used to patching up everything from fishing lures stuck in skin to gator bites. Nothing could surprise him anymore—except when he found an unconscious woman partially submerged near his dock after a fierce thunderstorm.
Ellery St. John’s last memory was of a bat swinging toward her head. The next thing she knew, she was cold, wet, and a sexy man was pressing his lips to hers. Too bad it turned out to be CPR instead of a passionate kiss.
Gavin thought Ellery would be safe in the small town where BBQ wars were the biggest danger, but he was wrong. Now it was up to him to help Ellery put the pieces together in order to discover who had tried to kill her and why before they both ended up at the bottom of the ocean.
Review
A small town mystery, this time in coastal South Carolina. Gavin has quite the catch when he finds Ellery. He wasn't looking for her, but someone else is and plans to finish the job. Gavin isn't a cop, a detective, FBI, or CIA. He's your basic small town doctor, the kind you'd like to run into back when doctors made house calls. The rest of the people in Shadows Landing are pretty nice as well. are as nice as he is.

If you've read the more recent offerings of the Forever Bluegrass series by Kathleen Brooks, you've had a glimpse of the cousins in Shadows Landing.  In Saving Shadows, you get the rest of the story, suspense, and romance. As a fan of the other series she's written, this one did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. 
AMAZON

Book Review: TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 11 by Tamara Ferguson

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Wounded Warrior Air Force Captain Zach Logan Experiences Flashbacks Of Murder. Can He Keep His New Love And Her Autistic Son Safe From A Killer?

The single mom of a severely autistic son, Elizabeth Bowen is a full-time accountant in Illinois. But the plant where she’s been working will be closing soon, due to the struggling economy in Illinois. She’s had her hands full with her son Kyle, since his father’s been long out of the picture, so when the opportunity to enroll Kyle in a vocational facility in Wisconsin comes up, she gladly accepts.

Retired air force captain, Zachary Logan, is a wounded warrior, searching for a new life for himself outside of the Air Force. When he relocates to the town of Crystal Rock at the invitation of his friend, Luke Bryant, he realizes he’s found it, and accepts the position of administrator at the recently built wounded warrior facility.

When Beth and Zach meet at the beach at Dragonfly Pointe, their attraction to each other is instantaneous. And the most wonderful thing of all? Zach is accepting of her special needs son, Kyle, for exactly who he is.

But battling PTSD, Zach experiences flashbacks of a gruesome murder. Can he keep his new love and autistic son safe when they’re all targeted by the killer?

This is the extended version of the original Two Hearts Unspoken, as ROMANTIC SUSPENSE, originally published in the USA Today Bestseller, Do No Harm.
Review
This is a wonderful story on many levels. Beth is dealing with her adult son, Kyle, who has autism and requires constant supervision. She has hopes that the new vocational center will lead to a better future for him while giving her some respite. She's starting a new job, glad to leave the last man she dated behind.
After the injuries in a fire on his last deployment, Zach realizes that his career in the military is over and is looking for something new. His friend Luke provides the opportunity and means for Zach to start over working not only on his own treatment, but working with other veterans as part of a wounded warrior facility. Besides, there were some strange things happening when he was staying with his cousin at his family's old home. 
The feelings between Zach and Beth and Kyle grow with some nudging from Luke. The point of view shifts and the reader gets both Zach's perspectives, his insecurities, and fears, as well as Beth's. There is humor, suspense, and romance. It's very well-written and both autism and PTSD are handled well. Although it is book 11, and I suspect Luke's story is in one of the other books, it is easily read as a stand alone. 
AMAZON

Release Day: HOLLY AND HOLIDAYS, ANOTHER MURDER : A Sheridan Hendley Holiday Mystery

Synopsis


Everyone’s dancin’ and prancin’ at the Pets & Paws Holiday Gala, that is, until chaos breaks out.

A festive fundraiser to help the dog rescue turns sinister when somebody salts the tempting spread with something toxic. Although Maddie and most of the other guests are quick to recover, Davis Elder is not so lucky. When it appears that the food poisoning was intended to mask his murder, Elder’s daughter, Rachel, asks Sheridan to help find his killer. As Sheridan and Rachel investigate the prominent accountant’s records, a possible motive emerges and the game is on – with a happy ending for all, except the killer.
Join Sheridan and her family and friends for this holiday cozy mystery novella with a dose of holiday cheer and a favorite biscotti recipe.
 
Read an excerpt:

“Hurry, Maddie. We need to help Mrs. Chantilly decorate for the party tomorrow and the adoptathon on Sunday. Then we get to go shopping.”My step-daughter was not a morning person, at least not as a teenager. The occasional day off from school for teacher meetings was a grand opportunity to keep her busy with the reward of going shopping. Millicent College, where I taught part-time, was closed today as well, so we had plans to make a day of it.In the past year, she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. As a result, shopping was not as much a treat as a necessity. The plan had been to use the dress from her dad’s and my wedding, thinking we could just add something to make it more festive for the holiday gala. It didn’t fit.All of Clover Hill and some surrounding communities would be at the first holiday gala, with the proceeds to support Clover Hill Pets & Paws. Maddie wanted to look perfect for Alex, her date for the gala. Her dad didn’t want her wearing anything snug or sexy. His preference would be a shapeless sack.“Come on, Maddie. Let’s go. The day is wasting away.”She stumbled into the kitchen in jeans, a sweater, and boots. I nudged her into a seat, handed her a plate of pancakes, and sat down.In the kitchen, my husband, Brett, was on his tablet and shifted the screen to email as I walked by. Suspicious behavior and he’d been doing this a lot of late, with a twinkle in his hazel eyes when I asked about it.Yesterday, his answer was “Nothing to worry about, a man has to have some secrets this time of the year.”I couldn’t argue with that, though I had no clue what to get him for Christmas. I smiled at this handsome man, his dark curly hair with just enough silver for a distinguished touch, his contagious smile, and his dimples.My Sheltie, Charlie, pawed me out of my thoughts. Bella, a lab mix, wagged her tail. As I let them out, I noticed the temperature had dropped. Growing up in Delaware, I almost missed the colder weather and more frequent snow storms. In Clover Hill, Virginia, we didn’t get too much below freezing as often and not as much snow, either. A dusting or a few inches was about it unless you were in the hills. There were the occasional snow storms and then everyone panicked.“The holidays are right around the corner.” I commented as I shivered and closed the door.“When are we going to decorate? The Hamiltons and the Brewers already have their lights up. Some other houses do too. Alex helped Mrs. Daniels get her decorations on the outside of her house yesterday.”The Hamiltons and the Brewers were our neighbors. Younger couples, Maddie babysat for the Hamiltons about once a month, allowing them to at least get an hour of adult time together. Their baby girl wasn’t quite a year old yet. Babysitting also meant Maddie could earn a little money and learn responsibility. I shook my head at the difference in what babysitting paid years ago and the going rate now.“Maybe this weekend. We can pull everything out of storage after dinner. Will that work?”Maddie nodded. “I can see if Alex is available to help on Saturday?”“I don’t think we need any help…”Maddie’s face dropped and I cleared my throat.“We can always use a little help, can’t we Brett?”He took in Maddie’s upturned face, hopeful for the right answer before saying, “That’s an excellent idea. I’m not as young as I once was. And he has experience, right?”Maddie sat up straighter, an enormous smile on her face. “Yes, he did the ones on their house, then Mrs. Daniels asked for help. He’s done both for years now.”Brett and I both had to stop ourselves from laughing. Eyes twinkling, he responded, “That’s exceptional. See if he’s available, Maddie.”That was all it took. She bolted from the table, her plate empty and forgotten. Brett shook his head and opened his mouth. I shook my head.“Let it go. She’s already on the phone with him.”He exhaled. “She’s 15.”“She’s almost 16. Like it or not, your little girl is growing up. That’s why we need to go shopping after we help with the dogs.”He nodded as his phone played the first few bars of Beethoven’s Fifth. Fabry. James Fabry was Brett’s partner when something big went down, with the State Police called in.Brett answered and repeated single words. Par for the course. He shook his head as he hung up.Sitting down again, I asked, “What happened?”“The jewelry store in town? Broken into last night. I’m meeting Fabry there in twenty minutes. We have a few other leads on a pattern of break-ins across the state.”He picked up his jacket as he spoke. With a quick kiss, he left. As I was about to search out Maddie, she joined me in the kitchen.“Alex is available for this weekend. Just need to tell him when, so he can work it out with his mom. Okay if Karla comes, too? You know, in case his mom has to work.”Angie, Alex’s mom, was a nurse. I looked around the room and nodded. “We need to make sure everything is accessible for her though, so she can move from room to room and use the bathroom with her walker.” Karla used a walker and fared well independently. We happily accommodated her.“No problem. I’ll clean up and move my stuff.” She looked around the kitchen and shrugged. “I’m ready.”I chuckled and waved her forward. Charlie and Bella tried to follow.“Sorry, girls. We’ll get you a walk later on.”“I guess that’s a hint, huh?”“Yup. It is.”       We chatted more on the road, Alex the focal point of her conversation mixed in with a bit of discussion on the winter performance of the chorus. Given that both she and Alex were in chorus and would do solos once again, the conversation flowed.

Excerpt from Holly and Holidays, Another Murder by Christa Nardi. Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.
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