Thursday, May 30, 2013

Thursday First- Farm Fresh Murder

It's Thursday and that means A First in a new series is here..

Today our first is Farm Fresh Murder (A Farmers' Market Mystery ) by Paige Shelton



Book Description

April 6, 2010 A Farmers' Market Mystery (Book 1)
First in the Farmer's Market Mystery Series.

Becca Robins leads a simple life, making jams and preserves on her very own farm. But when there's a murder in her quaint little town, she puts herself in the line of fire to defend her friend's innocence-and goes from making jam to being in one.



This is such a great read for this season. Have you read it , what did you think?


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Author Spotlight -- Linda Joffee Hull

Linda Joffee Hull is our Author Spotlight today. She is the Sensational Author of Eternally 21 (A Mrs. Frugalicious Shopping Mystery)




Book Description

June 8, 2013 A Mrs. Frugalicious Shopping Mystery (Book 1)
Coupon-clipping Mrs. Frugalicious gets more than she bargained for
After Mr. Frank “Finance” Michaels loses the family’s financial nest egg in a Ponzi scheme, his wife Maddie does whatever she can to help keep up the appearance that everything is financially fine. When she starts a bargain hunter’s blog under the alias Mrs. Frugalicious, her website becomes a viral hit with a growing “frugarmy” of budget advice seekers.
While Maddie is researching “frugasm”-worthy deals on holiday shopping for teens, Eternally 21 store manager Laila DeSimone mistakenly accuses her of shoplifting. Then her day goes from bad to worse when Laila expires on the floor. Since Laila was a universally disliked manager, the murder suspect list is longer than Maddie’s bargain spreadsheet. But when evidence points to Maddie as the prime suspect, she must track down the real culprit. Can she uncover the truth before police throw away her get-out-of-jail-free coupon for good?
Includes bargain shopping tips & techniques.
Find more money-saving advice at MrsFrugalicious.tumblr.com!




Linda Joffe Hull (Denver, CO) is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, where she has served in a variety of positions, including President, Treasurer, and Conference Chair. Visit her online at LindaJoffeHull.com.



Way to go Linda!!!!!! What a great Book!!!!!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thursday First- Deadly Politics

Happy Thursday Everyone, Today's First is  Deadly Politics( A Molly Malone Mystery) by Maggie Sefton



Book Description

August 8, 2012 A Molly Malone Mystery (Book 1)


A gripping new mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maggie Sefton 
Molly Malone was driven from Washington, D.C., by political back-stabbing, scandals, and personal heartbreak. But now she’s starting a new life in the one place she swore she’d never come back to.
When Molly’s only Washington job prospect falls through, her politico niece, Karen, sets her up with a position in the office of a freshman senator. As the former wife of a congressman, Molly is alarmed to hear that Karen is having an affair with her boss,  congressional chief of staff Jed Molinoff. Just days later, Molly finds Karen shot to death. Discovering that Molinoff has ransacked Karen’s apartment, Molly investigates further . . . and finds herself in the crosshairs of a shadowy political group that’s killing anyone who gets in its way.

"Maggie Sefton's foray into political intrigue is a marvelous look at the shady underbelly of insider Washington...A tightly plotted tale of treachery."

MYSTERY SCENE MAGAZINE
"Sefton has a sharp ear for dialog and knack for writing strong female characters that serve her well as she ventures into suspense."
This is a Fantastic Read! Check it out, and if you haven't read it What are you waiting for?

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Wednesday Author Spotlight

It's Wednesday and I am honored to Spotlight, The Lovely, Sensational and Fabulous Story Sisters. They are Deb Baker, Julie Hzyz and Lorraine Bartlett






Bestselling, award-winning author Deb Baker writes the hilarious Gertie Johnson mystery series set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A native Yooper herself, Deb brings her blend of humor and sass to everything she writes, including the Queen Bee Mysteries, written under her pen name Hannah Reed. Get to know more about her (them?) by visiting them at http://deb-baker.blogspot.com/ and http://www.queenbeemystery.com/
----------------------------------------------------
The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lorrainebartlett.com/
----------------------------------------------------
A relentless snoop since childhood, Julie Hyzy plays detective by writing amateur sleuth adventures. An Anthony, Barry, Lovey, and Derringer Award winner, Julie is thrilled to be a New York Times Bestselling author as well. She writes the White House Chef Mysteries, the Manor House Mysteries, and the Alex St. James mystery series plus several other books and short stories under pen names such as N.C Hyzy (not cozy) and S.F. Hyzy (science fiction). Check out links to all her works here: http://www.juliehyzy.com/


Stop by there sites and Definatly check out their books!!!!! They are sooo AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Stardust Summer by Lauren Clark

Today we have Lauren Clark visitng with us. We are talking about her book, Stardust Summer.




BLURB:

Single mom Grace Mason doesn’t believe in miracles, magic, or love at first sight. She likes the quiet life, complete with her eight-year-old son, their tiny house, and her teaching job. For Grace, happiness means that nothing much ever changes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Then, one thousand miles away, tragedy strikes. A massive heart attack leaves Grace’s estranged father comatose in an Upstate New York hospital. While a team of doctors fight to keep Henry Mason alive, Grace and Evan rush to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.

Henry’s passing brings little closure for Grace, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to her new surroundings. What begins as a short trip results in an entire summer spent with Henry’s second wife, Kathleen, and her next-door neighbor, Ryan Gordon, the town doctor. When a series of unlikely events lead to Evan’s disappearance, Grace must face her worst fears to find her son and bring him back home.

Stardust Summer explores the complexities of forgiveness, what it means to be a family, and the fabulous possibility of falling in love—again.

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

Excerpt One: Chapter One

. In the rush to escape the scorching rays of the swollen Mississippi sun, the plain brown package could have been missed all together.

As she fumbled with her keys, Grace wished for the faintest hint of a breeze. It was ninety-five in the shade, she noted, as a bead of sweat tickled the back of her neck. Nearby, her son kicked a loose stone on the concrete, his face flushed the color of his canvas backpack.

Grace jiggled the lock one more time, and the door finally swung open, releasing a welcome blast of chilled air. Evan slipped by, and she heard the bump of his bag as he dropped it on the wooden floor; the thud-thud as he kicked off his tennis shoes.

It was then she noticed the small package, tucked in the corner of their white wooden porch swing. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as Grace knelt down and reached for the delivery.

"Mom? Did you hear me?" Evan called out.

Startled, Grace looked up. "No. I'm sorry, honey. What is it?"

Her son stuck his head out the door, brow furrowed. "Can I go over to Adam's?"

Attempting a wide smile, Grace nodded. "Sure, sweetie. But, before you go, I think Papa sent you a surprise." She tossed the box to her son.

With a whoop of joy, Evan caught the package in both hands and ran back inside. Grace followed close behind, holding her breath. After peeling off rows of tape, Evan pulled out a small card with several bills tucked inside. Below that, beneath layers of tissue paper, his grandfather had also included a pair of swimming goggles.

Evan unfolded the note and scanned the lines. “Papa wants us to come to the lake," he said, grinning and examining his new treasure. "Can we, Mom, this time, please? School's almost over.”

Grace stiffened. She would call her father with regrets tomorrow between classes. Grace earned a tiny salary—barely enough for the two of them to live on—but working as a teacher's aide allowed her to stay close to her son.

"We'll see," she said, trying for a casual response.

Undeterred, Evan hummed to himself and stuffed the cash into his pocket. After setting the goggles on the table, he headed for the door. "There's something else in the box for you. Later, Mom."

The door closed tight with a bang.

Grace stared after her eight-year-old son and blinked. Later, Mom? When had Evan become such a little man? So grown up?

So much like her own father.

Evan possessed Henry Mason's easy smile, his throaty laugh, and smart sense of humor. Her son had the same head of thick, dark hair, identical bright, inquisitive eyes, and an even jawline that matched her father's.

For two people separated by fifty years in age, a dozen states, and one time zone, the similarities were remarkable.

They barely knew each other, though her father called every week and mailed gifts once a month without fail. Henry had moved from Mississippi shortly after Hurricane Katrina; he'd taken a new job on a Wednesday in August and moved the following Friday, assuming the role of Vice President of Keuka College easily. To Henry Mason, the change was no more complicated than shrugging on a new sport coat and tie.

Grace squeezed her eyes shut. He'd invited them to visit a dozen times. It didn't matter. Henry Mason could send round-trip, first-class plane tickets, a million dollars, and Santa Claus with his sleigh and reindeer. She still wasn't coming. And Evan wasn't either.

Which was why Grace rid the house of reminders, anything extra her father mailed. In fact, she'd do it right now. With a shaking hand, she reached for the cardboard package and tissue paper.

As Grace tilted the box to one side, an embossed invitation, a letter, and photograph spilled out. She stared, willpower evaporating, and unfolded the loose, white page. At the mention of Kathleen's name, her spine stiffened.

Grace, I officially retired yesterday—for good this time—can you believe it? I'll be staying busy with my boat and the house, and, of course, driving Kathleen crazy.

Hope you'll make it to the Mason Library dedication...it's your name on the building, too.

I found this photo the other day. Doesn’t this beautiful girl look happy? Give Evan a hug.

Love, Dad

Gingerly, Grace picked up the picture. It was faded, the edges yellowed. In the image, she was about as old as Evan, with dark pigtails, hair curling up at the ends, and a huge smile that showed gaps in her teeth.

Thick rows of Mississippi sugarcane, jointed and dense, filled the background. Grace caught her breath. She could almost smell the sweet, earthy fragrance, and she imagined the green fronds waving in the breeze, like an army of soldiers marching home.

Grace pressed the photograph to her chest, hoping Evan wouldn't burst through the door. He didn't need to see his mother sobbing over a silly memory.

What was her father doing? Trying to convince her that they were still a family? That she should come to New York for a big reunion?

Grace wiped her cheeks. Henry Mason charmed everyone, even total strangers. He was always the life of the party—and would be at the Mason Library Dedication—with his jokes and fantastical stories. By the end of the night, he'd sing a line or two from 'Stardust.'

Just like when she was little. He'd convince her that everything would be fine.

This time, not a chance.

Henry Mason made his choice. She'd made hers.

Mississippi was home. Nothing would change that.



my review:

Stardust Summer is a novel about family, love and letting go. Grace Mason is a single mom of eight year old Evan. She is a teacher in Ocean Spring Mississippi. Grace is husband has been ill and when they get the news that he isnt going to make it they go to the hospital to be by his side until the end. Grace is heart broken at the funeral over the death of her husband and tries to be strong for Evan.


When Graces father dies from a heart attack her and Evan make the trip to New York City for his funeral. What was only to be a nine day trip turned into a full summer. She became closer to her step-mother during the grieving.

Kathleen wanted more for Grace's life so she decides to play matchmaker and sets a date for Grace and Ryan, Kathleens next door neighbor. Grace and Ryan hit it off and develope a friendship.

This is such a sweet read, you will enjoy it!








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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

Lauren is a member of the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Mobile Writers Guild, and a regular contributor to Parents & Kids Magazine's Mississippi Gulf Coast Edition. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.

Stardust Summer for Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFZVW1K

Stardust Summer for Nook 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stardust-summer-lauren-clark/1114565578

Stardust Summer for KOBO

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=stardust+summer

Stardust Summer for Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/285619

Lauren Clark Books Website

http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/blog

Lauren Clark Books BLOG

http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/blog

GoodReads Lauren Clark

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5280308.Lauren_Clark

Twitter Lauren Clark

https://twitter.com/#!/LaurenClark_Bks



Facebook Lauren Clark





















Lauren will be awarding winner's choice of either Dancing Naked in Dixie or Stay Tuned (in .mobi .pdf or .epub) to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop. Also, a $20 gift card to Amazon or BN.com (winner's choice) will be awarded to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour and a signed paperback copy of Dancing Naked in Dixie and Swag will be awarded to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour (USA ONLY).

Follow the rest of the tour here. 

Monday, May 20, 2013

The Folly at Falconbridge Hall tour

Today we have Maggie Andersen with us, She is on tour featuring her book ,The Fall of Falconbridge Hall.



BLURB:

Vanessa Ashley felt herself qualified for a position as governess, until offered the position at Falconbridge Hall.

Left penniless after the deaths of her artist father and suffragette mother, Vanessa Ashley draws on her knowledge of art, politics and history to gain employment as a governess. She discovers that Julian, Lord Falconbridge, requires a governess for his ten-year-old daughter Blyth at  Falconbridge Hall, a huge rambling mansion in the countryside outside London.

Lord Falconbridge is a scientist and dedicated lepidopterist who is about to embark on an extended expedition to the Amazon in search of exotic butterflies. An enigmatic man, he takes a keen interest in his daughter’s education, but Vanessa feels that he may disapprove of her  modern methods.

As she prepares her young charge to enter into the modern world, Vanessa finds the girl detached and aloof. As Vanessa learns more about Falconbridge Hall, more questions arise. Why doesn’t Blythe feel safe in her own home? Why is the death of her mother, once famed society beauty Clara, never spoken of? And why did the former governess leave so suddenly without giving notice?


Excerpt 1

“Do you have a particular skill, Miss Ashley, which you can impart to my daughter?”

“No, my lord.” She drew in a breath. She had not expected such a question. “Sadly, I did not inherit my father’s artistic talent, but I have my mother’s enquiring mind and her interest in history and politics.”

“Politics?” He stared at her rather long, and she wished again that she’d had time to tidy herself. “We shall see how you get on. The rest of the day is your own. We will discuss your duties in the library tomorrow at ten. Mrs. Royce, my housekeeper, will show you to your room.” With an abstracted glance at his desk, he rose and went to pull the bell.

The mahogany desktop was completely covered with pens and papers, a microscope, a probe of some kind, a set of long-handled tweezers, a large magnifying glass and a small hand-held one, tomes stacked one on top of the other in danger of toppling, and the butterfly in its glass prison, its beautiful wings pinned down, never to soar again. Caught by its beauty and premature death, Keats’s poem Ode to a Grecian Urn, rushed into her head. “Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought…As doth eternity.”

The viscount swiveled, and his eyebrows shot up. “Pardon?”

Vanessa jumped to her feet as heat flooded her cheeks. She'd said the words aloud. She must have had too much sun. “Keats, my lord.”

“Are you a devotee of the Romantics?”
           
“Not especially.” Annoyed with herself and, irrationally, with him for pursuing it, she said, “Forgive me, it was a random thought.”

He folded his arms and studied her. “You are given to spouting random philosophical thoughts?”

She tugged at her damp collar. “Not usually. I’m a little tired, and it’s been so hot.”


 

Maggi will be awarding a backlist eBook to one randomly drawn commenter and a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

you can follow the tour by going here:





AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Maggi Andersen and her lawyer husband are empty nesters, living in the countryside outside Sydney with their cat and the demanding wildlife. Parrots demand seed, possums fruit, ducks swim in the stream at the bottom of the garden, and the neighbors chickens roam their yard providing wonderful eggs. She began writing adventure stories at age eight. Three children, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree later, her novels are still filled with adventure and suspense, but are also passionate romances. Georgette Heyer among others, brought inspiration to her seductive Regencies and she also writes darker, Victorian novels, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult.


She supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books. 

Buy links: Author website: http://www.maggiandersenauthor.com
Blog:  http://www.maggiandersen.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiandersen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggi-Andersen-Author/372854959805
Publisher website:  Black Opal Books http://bookstore.blackopalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=58



Sunday, May 19, 2013

One Hot Murder by Lorraine Bartlett

One Hot Murder by Lorraine Bartlett

Have you all read this book yet!



Here is my review:

 love this series and Lorraine has done it again with One Hot Murder. This is the third book and the title says it all. Lorraine writes characters that you will instantly like and some you might not so much but still they become part of your life as you read this story.

Katie is a widow and now thanks to her deceased husband the owner of Artisan Alley. She is busy trying to get the Christmas in July party going and making sure that everything runs smoothly.

Andy is still trying to persuade Katie to move in with him.

Katie  happens to see a fire over at the Wood U Shop. She calls 911 and then heads over there to see what is going on. When a body is found in the rubble and Detective Davenport is on the scene. Katie has to try and figure out who did this before Davenport thinks it is her.

Lorraine is one of the Best story tellers.She makes them so believeable and you will meet a whole lot of new friends with this SENSATIONAL read!

Thank you Lorraine for this very enjoyable read!!!!!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Grannies, Guns and Ghosts by Madison Johns

A Warm welcome to Madison Johns, her new book Grannies, Guns, and Ghosts is out and it is definatly worth reading!!!!

 

 

Book Description

April 4, 2013 An Agnes Barton Mystery
Senior snoop, Agnes Barton, has taken up residence in a Winnebago at a campground in East Tawas, Michigan. It’s not the ideal place for a woman of seventy-two to live, but she’s making do. She had planned to start a detective agency with partner in crime, Eleanor Mason, but a snag with the license has them free wheeling it, not that it matters because they are the ones folks call when dead bodies turn up. A frantic phone call has Agnes and Eleanor racing to the scene of yet another crime scene. Herman Butler has fallen to his death from a third story window, and the widow, Betty Lou, is besides herself with either grief or competing for the Oscars, and it’s up to Agnes and Eleanor to unravel the mystery, which gets more interesting when a ghost is listed as a possible suspect. This time around, Agnes and Sheriff Peterson can agree, the widow is nuts, but wait, a few days later the ghost ship, Erie Board of Trades, was spotted off the shores of Lake Huron. Ghost hunters, G.A.S.P., hightail it into town, and East Tawas is overrun with ghost sightings. Agnes and Eleanor must sort fact from fantasy before another body is found or a curse is realized.

 

 

My review:

This book was so fun to read! With it's Witty charm and humor it was very entertaining and would recommend highly.

Aggie and Eleanor are sweet eldery ladies and have been asked to help solve a murder in their town.Herman Butler has fallen to his death but they are not convinced it was an accident. Now they need to solve the case before more people take the fall.

 They run into Gypies, have to chase Ghosts when one becomes the prime suspect and have issues with old flames and pink guns.  Check this book out today you will love it!


 

 

Biography








Amazon bestseller ~ Armed and Outrageous.


Author Madison Johns early days weren't spent writing -- they were spent dreaming. Her vivid imagination ran wild and took her places only dreams could. She read books, tons of books, they were her only friends. As a child, Madison Johns preferred to distance herself from other children her age, and had been described as a dreamer. Even as a small child, she remembers staying awake many a night fighting dragons, whisked away to foreign lands, or meeting the man of her dreams. She was a voracious reader of historical romance in her teen years and has always wished to one day journey to England, France, Ireland, and Scotland

The writing bug bit her at the age of 44 and she pounded out four books since that time. As the publishing climate changed she took a risk and decided to self publish, first a collection of two horror short stories geared for YA, Coffin Tales Season of Death.

Madison's caring nature had led her to work in the healthcare field, where she was employed as a nursing care assistant at a nursing home, and it was there that she was inspired to write her first mystery, Armed and Outrageous, introducing amateur detective, Agnes Barton. The book depicts two elderly ladies digging up clues with enough laugh out loud antics to make James Bond blush.


In late April of 2012 she released her first novel, Armed and Outrageous and it went on to become the #1 senior sleuth on Amazon.























here is the link to the giveaway!

The giveaway prize is a $25 Amazon.com or Paypal cash. The link to the giveaway is here: http://cozymysterymarketing.com/?p=315.



Thank you for visiting today Madison!

Chinese Heritage Tales Tour

Today we have Raggedy Chan and the Nine-Tale Fox tour with us.






BLURB:

Raggedy Chan (novelette)

Emma Chan-McDougal receives a special gift from her Auntie Gracie: a rag doll named Raggedy Chan. But Raggedy Chan is no ordinary doll. She is a beautiful Chinese princess who lives in a jasper palace on the enchanted isle of Kunlun. The peace of her island home is threatened when Drought Fury steals Winged Dragon, bringer of rain. Without Winged Dragon, Kunlun will wither and die.

To save her stricken homeland, Raggedy Chan sets forth alone. Her quest leads her to America, where she meets people who distrust her because she’s different. Can Raggedy Chan adapt to the strange ways of this new land and rescue her beloved dragon?

In this modern fairy tale, Chinese-American author Camille Picott draws on her heritage to weave a story of magic, adventure, and sacrifice.

Nine-Tail Fox (novella)

When fifth-grade Emma Chan-McDougal is ridiculed by her classmates for being part Chinese, she's devastated. To ease Emma's wounded self-esteem, her aunt, a Chinese immigrant, spins the mythical tale of a brave little Nine-Tail Fox named Ainu who lives in San Francisco.

In a parallel animal world that comes to life when humans slumber, Ainu Nine-Tail and her mother face off against Chih Yu, an ancient demon who feeds on hatred. As the last of their clan, the Nine-Tails are honor-bound by a family oath to defend the Chinese animals from the demon. When Chih Yu kills her mother and leads an angry mob against Chinatown, Ainu is left to complete the task alone. Raw with grief and only partially trained for battle, Ainu must reach deep inside herself to find the wisdom and courage to save her people.

Will the journey of Ainu Nine-Tail help Emma find the strength to confront the school bullies and win back her confidence?

In this modern Chinese fable, Chinese-American author Camille Picott draws on her heritage to weave a story of courage, truth, and adventure.

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

Excerpt  Raggedy Chan :

“What do you have in there?” Emma eyed the large canvas bag hanging from Auntie Gracie’s shoulder.

Auntie Gracie smiled. “I show you. Come sit on couch.”

Emma scrambled up, pulling the red-haired rag doll into her lap. Auntie Gracie sat beside her, picking up the doll.

“This your favorite toy?”

“It’s from Grandma McDougal,” Emma said. “She had a raggedy doll just like this one when she was a little girl.”

Auntie Gracie pursed her lips and placed the doll on the coffee table. She reached into the canvas bag and pulled out a new rag doll. The yarn pigtails hung long and black. She wore a bright red dress and a white smock. Her black eyes, stitched of thread, had a distinct almond shape.

“She for you.” Auntie Gracie plopped the new doll into Emma’s lap. “Her name Raggedy Chan.”

“Raggedy Chan?” Emma burst into giggles, hugging the doll to her chest. “Wasn’t that Mommy’s last name before she married Daddy?”

Auntie Gracie nodded. “You like her?”

“I love her.”

“I tell you about Raggedy Chan. She from China, like me. You like to hear how she come to America?”

“Oh, yes, please.” Emma snuggled up next to Auntie Gracie, pulling a throw blanket over her legs. “I love stories.” She cuddled Raggedy Chan. Her other raggedy doll lay facedown and forgotten on the coffee table.

Auntie Gracie arranged part of the blanket over her own legs. “One time, far away, there mountain kingdom called Kunlun . . .”


Excerpt  Nine-Tail Fox:
  
A young nine-tail fox stood at the railing of a freighter steamship, white fur ruffling in the nighttime breeze. Her real name was Lang-Dao, which meant “bright leader,” but everyone called her Ainu. It was her mother’s nickname for her, meaning “sweet girl.”

Most of the humans on the ship slept in their bunks, leaving the deck swathed in silence and darkness. Hiding from those few humans still awake, Ainu and Mama Nine-Tail stood in the shadow of a big coiled rope.

The ship rode the ocean’s deep, even breaths. Ainu stared at the lights spangling the silhouetted city. The tall buildings yawned up at the sky like jagged teeth, seeming on the edge of violence.

The moon, three-quarters full, hung crookedly in the night. It shed light on a small island between the city and freighter. No plants grew on that mound of bronze-colored earth. Two long arms of land sprouted on either side of it. In the rippling light, those narrow peninsulas gave the island the appearance of having wings.

Studying that harsh landscape and, beyond it, the massive mainland city, Ainu shivered.

“San Francisco doesn’t look very welcoming,” she said, leaning against Mama.

“That is because Chih Yu is there,” Mama said. “He spreads his hatred for the Chinese among the American animals.”

“Which is why I must begin my training as soon as we get to shore,” Ainu said. She hoped she didn’t sound too eager. It wasn’t good to be excited when her fellow animals suffered. “So I can help protect the Chinese animals,” she added.

Mama nodded. “Master Zheng sent me word of events in America before we boarded,” she said. Master Zheng was Mama’s longtime friend. He sent her regular reports on Chih Yu’s activities in America. “We could very well find ourselves part of the greatest battle against Chih Yu since the time of the Yellow Emperor. Chih Yu has become corporeal, my daughter.”



My review:

This is a fantastic Adventure book that children will enjoy no matter what thier heritage. Auntie Grace is telling Emma about who she is and what her heritage is by story. She introduces Emma to Princess Yao- Chi and her life and how she became Raggedy Chan. Raggedy Chan is not just a doll she is the protector of the jasper lands and the people there. She has to save her dragon before he dies and the land as well.



Camille will be awarding an autographed Raggedy Chan bookmark to every commenter; a Chinese Heritage Tale illustration signed by the author and illustrator to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a grand prize of a Limited Edition Raggedy Chan Doll to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. A choice of a Raggedy Chan doll or signed Chinese Heritage Tale print will be awarded to a randomly drawn host. (ALL ITEMS US ONLY)



Please use this Rafflecopter code for entries: 


<a id="rc-4197fe1" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4197fe1/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

Hey Readers  follow the tour and comment; the more you  comment, the better your chances of winning.


The tour dates can be found here:






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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Camille Picott is a fifth-generation Chinese American. She writes science fiction and fantasy books with Asian characters and/or Asian settings. Camille grew up reading speculative fiction stories largely devoid of Asian characters and culture. This, coupled with a passion for her heritage, is the reason she strives to bring some aspect of Eastern myth, legend, culture, and ethnicity to all of her writings.

Website: www.camillepicott.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camille.picott

Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillepicott or @camillepicott

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/camillepicott

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/camillepicott














Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thursday First

Today's First is.. Artifact by Gigi Pandian

I just finished this book and if you love treasure hunts, then this book is for you!


Book Description

August 28, 2012
When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, sent by her ex-lover the same day he died in a supposed accident in the Highlands of Scotland, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend from the days of the British Raj. But she's not the only one on the trail.
From San Francisco to London to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints from the hastily scrawled note of her dead lover to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, a devastatingly handsome art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life.
Artifact is the first installment in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery Series by award-winning author Gigi Pandian.
 
Gigi Pandian was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant for her first mystery novel, Artifact. She is the child of cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. After being dragged around the world during her childhood, she tried to escape her fate when she left a PhD program in favor of art school. But adventurous academic characters wouldn't stay out of her head. Thus was born the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery Series.


Thank you Gigi for a Sensational read! This is one of my favorites and I can't wait for the next one to come out!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Author Spotlight Wednesday


Today our Spotlight goes to..

Gretchen Archer, she is the author of Double Whammy


Blurb:
Davis Way thinks she’s hit the jackpot when she lands a job at the fabulous Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she runs straight into her ex-ex husband, a rigged casino game, her evil twin, and a trail of dead bodies. Davis learns the truth and it does not set her free—in fact, it lands her in the pokey. Buried under mountains of mistaken identity, unable to seek help from her family, her luck seems to have run out when her landlord Bradley Cole steps in. Make that her landlord, lawyer, and love interest. Together they find the answers.



And a little about me:
Gretchen Archer is a Tennessee housewife who began writing when her daughters, seeking higher educations, left her. She lives on Lookout Mountain with her husband, son, and a Yorkie named Bently. Double Whammy is her first Davis Way Crime Caper. Watch for Double Dip, Henery Press, January, 2014.

Doesn't this book sound Fabulous! Get the word out and let your friends know about this one to! You will not want to miss this read!!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Death Lies Between Us by Jody Kessler

Today I am hosting Death Lies Between us by Jody Kessler, its a Young adult novel that I though was very well written..


I was able to read this book for an honest review, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Jody pulls you in from the start and you get involved with the characters there. You meet Nathaniel who is the Angel of Death, his job is to bring the recently dead to the afterlife.

Juliana is trying to find herself and make a life for her. She is struggling but doesn't give up and keeps pushing through dealing with whatever comes her way. Juliana is also Nathaniels new client, the problem is she isn't dead, but very much alive. Nathaniel actually safes her from drowning instead of escoeting her to the other side.

When Nathaniel starts to fall for Juliana it makes things complicated and puts a twist on the story.  This book is full of suspense , love and romance. It will keep you reading till the late hours wanting to see what will happen next.


Jody will be awarding a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.


<a id="rc-9e8ffb3" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9e8ffb3/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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also follow the blogs involed in this tour by going here..



Monday, May 13, 2013

A Thyme to Die by Jim and Joyce Lavene

Lets welcome the Fabulous Jim and Joyce Lavene! Their book a Thyme to Die (A Peggy Lee Garden mystery) was released on May 10th. It is really good!

Book Description

 May 10, 2013
A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery – Book 6, 55,000 words.
Peggy Lee and her gardening friends have managed to persuade the International Flower Show to move to Charlotte from Atlanta this year. Excited and enthusiastic, Peggy agrees to step into the role as director of the event, but on opening day, a good friend of hers is found dead in the middle of the show.
Dr. Aris Abbuto, an orchid grower from South Africa, has been shot and buried in a makeshift grave covered with pink thyme. Peggy is especially devastated since he came at her personal invitation. The presence of the pink thyme, a plant once used for ancient burial rites, tells her it’s possible one of the show’s growers may be involved in his death.
She plans to work with the Charlotte Police on this one, in her position of contract forensic botanist, and is surprised to learn of the Charlotte FBI’s interest in the case—which means her husband, Steve is involved too.
Peggy is focused on finding her friend’s killer and running the flower show with hundreds of sometimes disgruntled vendors. Her questions will find a devious plot with her friend and his young daughter, unwittingly, at the heart of it.
Asking the wrong questions can be dangerous, however, as Peggy knows so well. If she isn’t careful, finding her friend’s killer might also lead to a flower-covered grave for her.

My Review:

Peggy Lee runs a gardening Shop and is the Forensic Biologist for the Police. She is Happily married to Steve who helps her run the shop as well.

Peggy is the chairperson for the International Flower show in Atlanta this year and with the help of her husband, she want's to make sure the show is a huge success. At one of the visits to  the convention center to make sure everything is going well she comes across what looks like a freshly made grave. She calls for the Police and when they dig up the grave the find the body of Peggy's friend, Aris Abutto. The Police also find Thyme in the grave which has Peggy wondering why it was there and who put it there. Then there is the missing sachtel and the skunk that got away. Peggy has her hands full and she still has a show that has to go on.


This fun, fast paced read was very enjoyable and delightful to read! Thank you Jim and Joyce for another Fantastic book!

Don't forget to fill out the entry form for a chance to win!


The giveaway prize is a $25 Amazon.com or Paypal cash. The link to the giveaway form is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BoMMcSczl9NSKhTGWHY5HJgCCdfEIshid1_2Use8eio/viewform.

Love in Provence by William Auch

 Today we are talking about Love in Provence by William Auch

my review:

Love in provence is a love story about a man named John Martin. John is a millionaire and has a thriving company which he decides to sell to travel to France in order to find something more for life than working.

John meets alot of interesting women there and his life is changed.  This book has you not wanting to put it down to see where John will take you next. It was a great love story from the view of a man!


The author will give one random commenter a $25 Amazon Gift Card so leave a comment and email here!

You can follow the tour at 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/review-tour-love-in-provence-by-william.html



Sunday, May 12, 2013

Nancy J. Parra is here!

Welcome Nancy, it is so nice to have you on my blog today! Her new book Gluten for Punishment was just released on May 7th.






Tell us about yourself.
 
 I've been baking, canning and cooking since I was five years old-My parents never bought me an easy bake oven-why bother when I could use the real one. I was under the mistaken opinion that if I wrote down the story in my head then it would go away. What I didn't realize was that the stories in my brain are like pop up tissues. The more you finish the more seem to still be in the box.

How did you come up with this book?
 
 I learned I had to eat gluten free about five years ago. I was getting sick all the time and it turned out I couldn't eat gluten. I have trouble with corn as well, but I can sneak corn items in more often than gluten. I missed baking and so set out to figure out how to make my favorite recipes gluten free. I would post my attempts on Facebook. It was a friend of mine who suggested I join my two favorite things and write a gluten-free bakery mystery.
 
What are you working on Next?
 
 I'm very lucky to be debuting two more series. So besides Baker's Treat series, There is "All Fudged UP" a Candy Coated series and "Her Hand in Murder" a Perfect Proposal series. It is so much fun to go from one community to the next to the next. There are things that are the same and things that are unexpected and different. I've moved a lot growing up and south or north or west, I learned that there were always similar characters in every town- I like to notice things about communities. One town we lived in had a church and a bank on every corner. Then we moved to a town that had a bar and a counseling center on every corner. My favorite had an ice cream shop next to a women's workout center on every corner. My current hometown has a wildlife preserve and a shopping mall on every corner. Oh, and amazing libraries!

What do you do when writing to keep yourself focused on your work?

Oh, boy, that's tough. I usually have the radio on for background noise. Little dog sits next to me and sleeps while I write. Some days the writing flows and other days it's like pulling teeth but I keep working. What I've learned is that the hard days are always at certain points in every book. If I just allow myself to write junk for a while then I push through it. When I reread for edits all the horrible stuff actually works. Perception is everything when writing.
 
What are the first 5 books in your to be read pile?
 
 Easy: 
End Me a Tenor- a Glee Club mystery series-Joelle Charbonneau; 
Carbs and Cadavers: A Supper Club Mystery (Supper Club Mysteries) Ellery Adams writing as JB Stanley
Heather Webber's Witchy Series (Which my daughter stole from me.)
Topped Chef - a Lucy Burdette mystery
Desperate House Dogs by Sparkle Abbey.
I stopped at five because you set a limit... lol So many books so little time...

If you could have a dinner date with any character from any book who would it be and why?
 
Oh, no that's tough... Grandma Ruth would be absolutely hilarious and wicked smart- but Brad Ridgeway would be fun to flirt with...so would Sam Greenbaum for that matter...hmmm I think it's fun that Toni is just a little bit afraid of all three.
 



Overview

Gluten-free baker Toni Ryder may not cook with wheat, but when there’s a criminal on the loose, she’ll do what it takes to figure out who has their finger in the pie… Even though Toni is used to going against the grain by preparing allergy-safe, gluten-free products for her online bakery, Baker’s Treat, opening a storefront in the middle of wheat country Kansas might be biting off more than she can chew. The town is already skeptical of her flour-free ways, but when a local wheat farmer is murdered outside her patisserie, skepticism turns into outright suspicion. With the help of her eccentric grandmother, her handsome lawyer, and the sexy new widower in town, Toni is determined to find the real criminal before bad publicity and increasingly personal acts of vandalism shut her down. But when another suspect winds up dead, Toni realizes that this half-baked killer isn’t just trying to get her to close shop—he’s trying to make sure that she’s made her last gluten-free cookie…forever.
INCLUDES GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES

First in Series- Miss Julia Speaks her Mind by Ann B. Ross

Happy Monday! This week's First in Series is Miss Julia Speaks her Mind by Ann B. Ross Released on August 22, 2000. Seri...