Janet Sketchley's Blog: Tenacity, page 2

Review: Under Lock and Skeleton Key, by Gigi Pandian

Under Lock and Skeleton Key, by Gigi Pandian (St. Martin���s, 2022)

This first-in-series mystery novel ticks so many boxes. Interesting characters, strong family dynamics, good friendships, threads from the past that may include a generational curse, a puzzling crime with multiple misdirections��� and food, all in a clean read. Plus bonuses like multi-ethnic characters, stage magician know-how, references to classic mysteries and authors, and best of all secret rooms and staircases. Oh, a...

Review: Under Lock and Skeleton Key, by Gigi Pangian

Under Lock and Skeleton Key, by Gigi Pangian (St. Martin’s, 2022)

This first-in-series mystery novel ticks so many boxes. Interesting characters, strong family dynamics, good friendships, threads from the past that may include a generational curse, a puzzling crime with multiple misdirections… and food, all in a clean read. Plus bonuses like multi-ethnic characters, stage magician know-how, references to classic mysteries and authors, and best of all secret rooms and staircases. Oh, and ...

The 15-Minute Initiative (Guest Post)

Image by The Vinh Hoang from PixabayThe 15-Minute Initiative By Steph Beth Nickel

You may have heard me refer to my Procrastination List. Although you may not have yours on paper, you likely have tasks that you put off as long as possible, sometimes longer than you should. (If not, feel free to share your encouraging tips in the comments. Truly. One of those tips may help another reader.)

Earlier this year, I came up with a new way to approach the things on my PL. I call it The 15-...

Want to Find More Books for Your To-Read List? 📚

Where do you discover new books to read?

Friends, strolling the library or bookstore, Goodreads���

Whatever your go-to options, here are a few more resources you might want to add to the list:

Christian/Clean Reads

ACFW Fiction Finder 

Shannon���s Book Bargains Roundup 

Narelle���s Preorder Roundup 

Reading is My Superpower 

(And I post a list of new releases each month here on my blog.)

All the Books (or lots of them!)

Book Series in Order 

Fantastic Fiction 

...

New Releases in Christian Fiction (June 2025)

June 2025 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children���s/ Picture Book:

If Jesus Came To My School by April Graney — A young girl learns how Jesus���s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion. (Children���s Picture Book from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])

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Phooey Kerflooey vs the Battle Squirrel by Kristen Joy Wilks — Phooey Kerflooey has finally found a home of her own.
Too bad a r...

Motivation vs. Overwhelm (Guest Post)

Image by WOKANDAPIX from PixabayMotivation vs. Overwhelmby Steph Beth Nickel

Are your shelves bowing under the weight of unread skills development books?

Have you subscribed to a plethora of podcasts to develop as a writer?

Do you sign up for innumerable courses you never complete?

If so���

Welcome to the club!

This book comes highly recommended. If I read that book, I���ll have the motivation to complete my WIP. If I buy this bestseller, I���ll be sure to accomplish my...

New Releases in Christian Fiction (May 2025)

May 2025 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical Romance:

Mantle by Dana McNeely — Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle? (Biblical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Children���s Middle-grade/Chapter book:

Dixie Randolph and the Mystery of Willow Creek by MaryAnn Diorio — A twelve-year-old ...

Review: Vinyl Resting Place, by Olivia Blacke

Vinyl Resting Place, by Olivia Blacke (St. Martin���s, 2023)

They grew up in their grandparents��� record store. Between fond memories and family ties, it���s no surprise when three Texan sisters open a combination record shop and coffee bar on the original site.

In the small town of Cedar River, just outside of Austin, everyone remembers the Jessup sisters���and the store. The grand reopening draws a crowd���including a murderer.

Juni (Juniper) is the youngest, recently moved back...

Double E-Book Sale

For under $2, get books 1 and 2 to start the Green Dory Inn Mystery series. International (US, CA, UK, AU, NZ, Europe). Multiple retailers. Ends May 11, 2025. Buy link: https://books2read.com/unknownenemy or click the image above.Buy link: https://books2read.com/hidden-secrets or click the image above.The post Double E-Book Sale first appeared on Janet Sketchley.

Not Second Best (Guest Post)

Image by StockSnap from PixabayNot Second Bestby Steph Beth Nickel

I���ll write a book when���

I���ll write my next book when���

There are countless numbers of people who would like to write a book ���some day,��� whether it���s their first or thirty first. In fact, you may be one of them. I know I am.

I have numerous ideas for books I���d like to write and self-publish, but will I get around to it? We���ll see.

For now, my life is filled with editing others��� manuscripts...