Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Author Spotlight- Phoebe Fox

Happy Tuesday everyone! It's author spotlight and this week is Phoebe Fox.Phoebe is the Author of the Breakup Doctor Series.








The official bio:

Phoebe Fox is the author of the Breakup Doctor series, and has been a contributor and regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications (she currently writes about relationships for the Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and She Knows). She has been a movie, theater, and book reviewer; a screenwriter; and has even been known to help with homework revisions for nieces and nephews. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.



The bio I’d tell you over coffee and doughnuts (or wine...let's be honest...)


My earliest memories are words: sounding them out with the characters on The Electric Company and Sesame Street; trying to decipher signs as my mom drove me and my brother and sister around town; using (and misusing) new words I’d seen in magazines or advertisements or on TV. The first failure I remember is blowing the third-grade spelling bee when I got to the finals (“analyze”—I spelled it with an i instead of a y). Words and language have fascinated me as long as I can remember—and even more so, the worlds that can be created with them. Nearly every childhood picture of me shows me with my nose in a book. Stories were my sanctuary, my fantasy life, my dreams, and my escape from childhood sorrows. As I got older, I realized that what I loved most was reading about people, and how they think, what they do, and why. Shoot-’em-ups didn’t grab me, and neither did mysteries or thrillers or horror. I wanted to examine people’s actions, and the psychology behind why we do what we do, and when I started writing (another earliest memory—as soon as I knew how, I had a pen in my hand), those were the kinds of tales I wanted to create.






About the Breakup Doctor Series

I married my excellent husband relatively late, after a long search that yielded me a long and colorful dating life. In those dating years, it was my girlfriends who kept me sane, who provided perspective, who built up my courage and confidence and self-image whenever they started to flag as I—like many women—experienced nearly every relationship pitfall there is.

In 2005 I read Greg Behrendt and Liz Tucillo’s He’s Just Not That Into You—and it quite literally changed my life. The prototype of pretty much every guy I and my girlfriends had ever dated was in there—the one who never actually asks you out; the one who’d rather drink (or get high) when he’s with you; the one who cheats; the one who comes on strong, then disappears. The “This Is What It Should Look Like” sections opened up a new idea to me—the things my friends and I were accepting as part of normal relating between men and women didn’t have to be part of our equation if we didn’t want them to be. There were good men out there; it did look different when a guy was really into you—I mean really into you—and we deserved to have it.

My dating life changed almost overnight—I didn’t even bother anymore with anything less than someone who seemed to really like me, to want to get to know me, to give me his full attention when we were together, and not play games or hide behind “fear of commitment” or “having been burned.” In 2007 I met the man who is now my husband, and it really is as simple as Greg and Liz said—if a guy is into you, you know it. He shows you, all the time. Now that I am in a healthy and happy relationship, it’s kind of stunning to me that I and almost every woman I know, of every age, go through a period when we don’t realize this simple fact, and we explain away behavior on a man’s part that’s negligent at best, appalling at worst, with ridiculous excuses like “he’s just afraid” or “he’s been burned before.”

I still pass along He’s Just Not That Into You to every woman I know who’s dating, from my teenage niece to my mom when she went back into the dating pool, because we all deserve to know our worth and there’s no need to accept anything less than a guy who is really, really into us. That’s what the Breakup Doctor series grew out of. I wanted to share with every woman everywhere all the wisdom and kindness and common sense in that book, and I wanted to write stories. Most important, I hope that the series is as fun to read as it was for me to write. But it’s also my dear hope that women might read the books and see themselves, and begin to believe that there really is better out there than what they might have found, and that they deserve it one hundred percent.

I’m not usually much on book dedications, but I dedicate these wholeheartedly to Liz Tuccillo and Greg Behrendt, the loving, protective older siblings that every woman should have. I dedicate them to my husband, who was so, so worth waiting—and wading—through every other relationship to find. And I dedicate it to women. Because you are beautiful, and strong, and smart, and worthy. And if you’re not quite ready to believe that yet, then until you are, along with Brook, I will believe it for you. 


Monday, May 30, 2016

First in A Series- The Breakup Doctor by Pheobe Fox

Happy Monday! This week's First in a Series is The Breakup Doctor (The Breakup Doctor Series) by Pheobe Fox. Released on June 10,2014.








Series: The Breakup Doctor Series
Paperback: 298 pages
Publisher: Henery Press; First edition (June 10, 2014)
Language: English



"WARM, CHARMING, AND FLAT-OUT FUNNY..."

"A heartwarming and funny story about friendship, romance, and the heart-wrenching reality of breakups--while busting out some spot-on dating advice along the way."-- Liz Tuccillo, Bestselling Co-Author of He's Just Not That Into You and Executive Story Editor of HBO's Emmy Award-Winning Series Sex and the City

A broken leg requires an orthopedist. A broken car requires a mechanic. And a broken heart requires a specialist too. The Breakup Doctor is now in.
Call Brook Ogden a matchmaker-in-reverse. Let others bring people together; Brook, licensed mental health counselor, picks up the pieces after things come apart. When her own therapy practice collapses, she maintains perfect control: landing on her feet with a weekly advice-to-the-lovelorn column and a successful consulting service as the Breakup Doctor: on call to help you shape up after you breakup.

But when her own relationship suddenly crumbles, Brook finds herself engaging in almost every bad-breakup behavior she preaches against. And worse, she starts a rebound relationship with the most inappropriate of men: a dangerously sexy bartender with anger-management issues--who also happens to be a former patient.

As her increasingly out-of-control behavior lands her at rock-bottom, Brook realizes you can't always handle a messy breakup neatly--and that sometimes you can't pull yourself together until you let yourself fall apart.

Praise for THE BREAKUP DOCTOR:

"Warm, charming, and flat-out funny--a delightful debut!" - Sarah Bird, Bestselling Author of The Boyfriend School and The Gap Year

"A pleasure from beginning to end. The Breakup Doctor is as wise as it is funny." - Sherry Thomas, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Luckiest Lady in London and My Beautiful Enemy

"If I didn't know better I'd say Brook was based on me; her story certainly parallels my life. Hitting rock bottom is the best thing that can happen to anyone (in hindsight) and laughter is the best medicine. The Breakup Doctor is packed with entertaining, good advice." --Donna Barnes, Relationship Coach and Author of Giving Up Junk-food Relationships, and Founder of the Date Better Online Dating Network

"I was expecting a cute quick read, what I got was much more. Brook's character is great. She is well-rounded and her path to self-discovery through her breakup was realistic and at times heartwarming." - Chick Lit Books

"A heartwarming and funny story about friendship, romance, and the heart-wrenching reality of breakups--while busting out some spot-on dating advice along the way."-- Liz Tuccillo, Bestselling Co-Author of He's Just Not That Into You and Executive Story Editor of HBO's Emmy Award-Winning Series Sex and the City

Books in the Breakup Doctor Series:
THE BREAKUP DOCTOR (#1)
BEDSIDE MANNERS (#2) March 2015
Part of the Henery Press Chick Lit Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all...


About the Author:


Phoebe Fox is the author of the Breakup Doctor series, and has been a contributor and regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications (she currently writes about relationships for the Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and She Knows). She has been a movie, theater, and book reviewer; a screenwriter; and has even been known to help with homework revisions for nieces and nephews. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.

http://www.phoebefoxauthor.com/


Sunday, May 29, 2016

Weekly Wrap Up # 22

Happy Sunday! What a fun time we had this week. Here is a recap of what happened:






May 23rd- First in a Series- Front Page Fatality by LynDee Walker
May 24th- Author Spotlight- LynDee Walker
May 25th- Shelley's Review- The Thing is by Kathleen Gerard
May 26th- Book Spotlight- Eclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford
May 27th- What's New? Dead End Street by Sheila Connelly
May 28th- Blog Tour- The Madness of Mercury by Connie Archer
May 29th- Blog Tour- The Penderghast Puzzle Protectors by Julie Seedorf



Winners this week were through blog tours.



Coming this week: May 30th - June 4th

May 30th- First in Series- The Break-up doctor by Pheobe Fox
May 31st- Author Spotlight- Pheobe Fox
June 1st- Guess the Mystery
June 2nd- Shelley's review and Book Spotlight
June 3rd- Blog Tour- Eclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford
June 3rd- What's New? Dressed to Kilt by Hannah Reed
June 4th- Non- cozy mystery Spotlight



See you here.

Blog tour and giveaway- The Penderghast Puzzle Protectors by Julie Seedorf

I'm excited to have Julie Seedorf visiting today. She has a new book that released on January 20,2016 called The Penderghast Puzzle Protectors.







Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press (January 20, 2016)
Language: English




Jezabelle Jingle may be a strange name for a character. So is Rock Stone. They are two of the characters in the Penderghast Puzzle Protectors. Jezabelle,being the ring leader of the Penderghast Puzzle Protector sleuths, and Rock being a supporting character along with a few other neighbors who take center stage in the mystery.

It is a mystery to me when I start my book as to what I will name my characters. Occasionally I change the name in the middle of my books because the character surprises me with their antics and the name doesn't fit their personality.

I decided Jezabelle's last name had to be Jingle because I have a stuffed jester that was given to me when I was very young and I named him JingleBell Jack, because the person who gave him to me was Jack, and the stuffed clown had a bell on his pointed head. Now I didn't think Jezabelle should jingle, but you will find out in upcoming books why Jezabelle's last name was jingle and it was a name she chose for herself. She isn't a clown but she is not adverse to some clowning around with friends. She has a sensible but jingly mischievous personality.

Along with the names of my characters I often am asked whether the main characters in my books are like me. Granny from the Fuchsia Minnesota mysteries and Jezabelle, are both older women, although I never mention Granny's age. They both have different traits and they are both strong older women. In writing those characters I believe they are like the strong women that came before me in my life. My mom defied old age and thought there was nothing she couldn't do. She also had a good head on her shoulders and had the sense to figure out how to do what she wanted to do. She was a self-learner.

Where Granny is off-the-wall in her antics and sleuthing, Jezabelle is quiet, cunning and funny. But...no...I am not like them. I would like to have their strength, their silliness and their "I can do anything attitude." Perhaps I write my main characters to be who I would like to be as I age. I want to believe old age can defy the way society defines us.

Brilliant Minnesota is a fictional town different than my other fictional town, Fuchsia Minnesota. It has ties to Fuchsia but where Fuchsia is nonsensical, Brilliant is more staid, conforming and lives by some of the rules we live by in real life today. Both communities along with my characters are a little bit of a satire on how we live our lives today. Brilliant will evolve from the community the Brilliant Brothers built and the names that are alike, to a community more fitting to the new generation of people that now call it home. This new generation will embrace change but honor the history of the community while unraveling all the puzzles which were left by the Brilliant Brothers.

In real life we have a struggle in our smaller communities merging young ideas with old. We have problems with change and with us older people accepting change needs to happen because we are afraid our history will be wiped out.

The history in our communities brought us to where we are today. We need to honor the past and go forward into the future taking with us the wisdom of the older generation but embracing the new ideas of the younger generation.

My books are fictional, funny, mysterious –they are meant for people to retreat from the world for a short time and maybe–just maybe– a small spark of imagination can be brought back with them to create a world where imagination and sense can meld into one making it a better future for our children.


This first in a brand new series will keep you laughing and guessing until the very end. Fresh new cast of characters and a well developed story line you will be craving more. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more and seeing what Jezabelle will find herself into next.





About the Author:


Julie Seedorf is a Minnesotan. She calls dinner, supper, and lunch, dinner. She has had many careers over her lifetime but her favorite career was that as mother to her children. In later life she became a computer technician, opening her own business. In 2012 Julie signed a contract with Cozy Cat Press for her Fuchsia, Minnesota Series. Books included in that series are Granny Hooks a Crook, Granny Skewers A Scoundrel, Granny Snows A Sneak and Granny Forks A Fugitive.

Closing her computer business in January 2014 Julie has transitioned to becoming a full time writer adding free-lance work for various newspapers, along with continuing her column Something About Nothing, which is now in book form in a book of the same name released in early 2015. Her children’s series, Granny’s In Trouble gives her grandkids a hint of the young Grandma underneath the wrinkles.

Her books are light and fluffy and highlight the fact that in the midst of life we have to find the humor in bad situations to keep us going. “We all take ourselves too seriously and we need to have a little fun.” Julie secretly yearns to be like the Granny characters in her books.

In February 2016 the first book in the Brilliant Minnesota Series was released titled the Penderghast Puzzle Protectors. She also is part of a group mystery by Cozy Cat Press Authors titled “Chasing the Codex.” Julie’s serious side is revealed in a story included in the Anthology, We Go On – Anthology for Veterans where the proceeds will go to Veteran’s Charities.

Visit her website at http://www.julieseedorf.com. Her blog http://sprinklednotes is a little scattered like Granny but lends itself to wisdom and occasional flip flops about life.

You will also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julie.seedorf.author and on Twitter at julieseedorf@julieseedorf and her character Granny has her own Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/GrannyFromFuchsiaMinnesota. Enjoy the moments; they may carry you through a lifetime.

Author Links
http://julieseedorf.com
http://sprinklednotes.com
http://www.facebook.com/julie.seedorf.author
http://twitter.com/julieseedorf
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6556799.Julie_Seedorf



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Saturday, May 28, 2016

Blog Tour and Giveaway- The Madness of Mercury by Connie di Marco

I am thrilled to be part of this blog tour. Connie Di Marco is visiting and she has a brand new book series releasing on June 8th. The Madness of Mercury (A Zodiac Mystery).








Series: A Zodiac Mystery (Book 1)
Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: Midnight Ink (June 8, 2016)
Language: English



Synopsis
San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti’s life is turned upside down when she becomes the target of the city’s newest cult leader, Reverend Roy of the Prophet’s Tabernacle. Driven out of her apartment in the midst of a disastrous Mercury retrograde period, she takes shelter with a client who’s caring for two elderly aunts. One aunt appears stricken with dementia and the other has fallen under the spell of the Reverend Roy. To add to the confusion, a young man claiming to be a long lost nephew arrives. The longer he stays, the more dangerous things become. Is the young man truly a member of the family? Can astrology confirm that? Julia’s not sure, but one thing she does know is that Mercury wasn’t merely the messenger of the gods—he was a trickster and a liar as well.


In Connie Di Marco's brand new book The Madness of Mercury, the signs are all there that this will be a great new hit. A Fresh new cast of characters and a strong story line keep your interest peaked and keep you so involved in the story you won't want to stop reading. It keeps you guessing until the end with twist and turns. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to what will happen next.



It’s in the Stars

You might think that an astrologer as a protagonist is an odd choice, but I liked it. That’s why I invented Julia Bonatti, a crime-solving astrologer. I’ve always loved mysteries and once I was introduced to the subject of astrology, I was fascinated. Astrology is a mystery all by itself. So I thought, why not put the two together?

Now, you may not believe in the subject. That’s okay. You certainly don’t have to, but it is amazing to look at a natal chart and make a quick observation about the character of a person. How that individual approaches life, how they appear to others, what sort of opinions and attitudes they might hold.

The natal chart is a map of your intentions at birth. It will describe the things that come easily to you, as well as those traits and skills that will or must be developed in this lifetime. The birth chart will show where you are headed on your life path. Character really is destiny, and your astrological chart is both the map and the timing of that journey.

Here’s just one example -- Saturn by transit makes a complete cycle of the natal chart every twenty-eight or so years. It’s called the Saturn return and when that planet returns to its natal position at approximately age 28 (or a little more), it’s always a significant time, a “coming of age” cycle, a time we are most free to make our own choices in life, apart from parental or societal influences. Think back on your own experiences. What happened around that time? Did you marry? Have a child? Change occupations? Get a divorce? There is both a completion of the old and a beginning of the new at the time of the Saturn return.

And astrological studies of famous people are just as interesting. Here’s one I’ve read about that has always intrigued me. Both Mahatma Ghandi and Charles Manson have similar patterns between Mars, Venus and Saturn in their charts. Could you imagine two such different people having anything in common? They each made different choices in life. Manson chose a life of evil, Ghandi chose an ascetic life devoted to freeing his country.

Does Julia use astrology in solving crimes? Yes, she does. She can tell if there’s a relationship between two individuals. She can tell when someone is wearing a mask. She knows when a client might be in danger because of a transit or an eclipse to a sensitive point in their natal chart.

Astrology is an endlessly fascinating subject and if you follow the Zodiac Mysteries, you’ll see that I try to tailor the characters to their natal horoscopes or vice versa. I may add a disclaimer that anyone born on a certain date isn’t necessarily a murderer, I don’t want to frighten anyone, and I do take liberties, but not too much. Just enough to tell a story and solve a mystery.




About The Author –
Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink. She was fascinated by astrology at an early age and this was the inspiration that gave birth to Julia Bonatti, San Francisco astrologer and her newspaper column Ask Zodia. Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the Soup Lover’s Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. Connie lives in Los Angeles with her family and a constantly talking cat.
Website: www.conniedimarco.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConniediMarco
Twitter: @askzodia
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Connie_di_Marco/the-zodiac-mysteries/



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Friday, May 27, 2016

What's New? Dead End Street by Sheila Connolly

What's New? Sheila Connolly's next installment of the Museum Mystery series, Dead End Street releases on June 7th. One Lucky reader will receive a copy of this book. Leave a comment and email below.








Series: A Museum Mystery
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Reissue edition (June 7, 2016)
Language: English



The New York Times bestselling author of Privy to the Dead returns to Philadelphia for more history—and a chilling mystery . . .

When the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society discovers it owns some unique real estate, a deadly plot unfolds . . .

Society president Nell Pratt believes life is finally going her way. Everything’s running smoothly at work, and her love life is thriving. Then some unexpected news rocks her foundation. Two members of a local neighborhood rescue program, Tyrone Blakeney and Cherisse Chapman, inform Nell that her society owns an abandoned row house in a rundown area of Philadelphia and they insist on taking her to see the property before its date with the wrecking ball.

But soon after they arrive at the house, Cherisse is fatally shot and Tyrone is badly injured. The police believe it’s just random violence in a bad neighborhood, but Nell thinks there’s more to it and is determined to find answers before someone else becomes history . . .






About the Author

Sheila Connolly is the New York Times bestselling, Anthony and Agatha award–nominated author of the Museum Mysteries, the Orchard Mysteries, and the County Cork Mysteries. She has taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several nonprofit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company, providing genealogical research services. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loves restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling. Now a full-time writer, she thinks writing mysteries is a lot more fun than any of her previous occupations.

http://www.sheilaconnolly.com/


Thursday, May 26, 2016

Eclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford

I am excited for the upcoming release of Laura Bradford's new series. Eclair and Present Danger (An Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery). Releasing on June 7th, you will not want to miss this one.








Series: An Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (June 7, 2016)
Language: English





The first book in the delicious new Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery series from national bestselling author Laura Bradford.


With her rent rising faster than her pie crust, bakery owner Winnie Johnson had hoped to be rescued by an inheritance from her wealthy friend and neighbor Gertrude Redenbacher. Instead all she inherits is the widow’s hostile hissing tabby, Lovey, and a vintage ambulance, restored by Gertrude’s late husband. As her dream crumbles, Winnie makes her final delivery—a peach pie to an elderly widower. But she finds Bart Wagner lying on his kitchen floor, smothered by a pillow.

To comfort her frightened and grieving neighbors, Winnie comes to the rescue with her baked goods—and an idea is born: dessert delivery via her ambulance and a new business called the Emergency Dessert Squad. When she’s not speeding to the scenes of dessert emergencies, Winnie is also racing to track down Bart’s killer—before she needs to call a real ambulance for the next victim...






About the Author

As a child, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil. From that moment forward, she never wanted to do or be anything else. Today, Laura is the author of Éclair and Present Danger, the debut novel in the Emergency Dessert Squad Mysteries, and the national bestselling Amish Mysteries, including Churn for the Worse and Suspendered Sentence.


http://www.laurabradford.com/

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Book Spotlight- The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard

I am excited to feature Kathleen Gerard's newest book The Thing Is. Released on March 9.2016 you will want to add this to your tbr pile.







Paperback: 276 pages
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing; 1 edition (December 16, 2015)
Language: English



Meredith Mancuso is depressed. Ever since the death of her fiancé, she has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac. Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog.

To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week. Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.


This is my first book I have read from this author and I found it to be very enjoyable.The story line is touching and holds you captive. The characters are fun and at times funny and really make this story strong. Love, moving on and the strengthe to get through what life throws at you is what this story is about.You will fall in love with Prozac, Meredith's little Yorkshire. You won't want to put this book down once you start it.


About the Author

Kathleen Gerard is a writer whose work has been awarded The Perillo Prize, The Eric Hoffer Prose Award and nominated for Best New American Voices and Short Story America, all national prizes in literature. Kathleen writes across genres. Her short prose and poetry have been widely published in magazines, journals and anthologies.Her essays have been broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR). Kathleen's woman-in-jeopardy novel IN TRANSIT won The New York Book Festival - "Best Romantic Fiction" (2011). Kathleen writes for Shelf Awareness and maintains the blog, "Reading Between the Lines."

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Author Spotlight- LynDee Walker

This week's author spotlight goes to the lovely LynDee Walker. LynDee is the author of The headlines in Hugh Heels mystery series.








The official, third person bio

LynDee Walker’s award-winning journalistic work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the nation. Her debut novel, Front Page Fatality, was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Cover Shot is the fifth in LynDee’s national bestselling Headlines in High Heels Mystery Series. The sixth arrives September 2016.

LynDee adores her family, her readers, and enchiladas. She often works out tricky plot points while walking off the enchiladas. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is either playing with her children, working on her next novel, or admiring beautiful shoes she can’t wear.

The first person account, tangents and all

I live a blessed life.

I was raised by a very loving, super involved single mom who worked tirelessly to make our little house a home and give me everything I might have ever wanted.

Most of the time, what I wanted was a new book—often some incarnation of Nancy Drew or something with Judy Blume or Laura Ingalls Wilder on the spine. As I got older, I moved on to Agatha Christie and Stephen King.

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I can remember. The day the journalism teacher at my high school had someone fetch me from my freshman health class to offer me a spot on the school newspaper staff was the happiest of that entire year. It was the first step on my path to becoming a reporter. When I was a little girl, I settled on that goal because I thought Lois Lane had the coolest job ever, superhero cohort notwithstanding. As a teenager, I decided what I really wanted was to be Helen Thomas when I grew up.

I went to Washington, D.C. for a leadership program in my junior year of high school, and actually got to hear Helen speak at the National Press Club. My roommate pushed me to ask her a question. I got tongue-tied and flubbed it terribly. It was not a great moment.

I studied under some amazing journalists and professors in college, covered a speech by President Clinton, was named a Scripps-Howard Foundation scholar, and got a summer internship that became a part-time job. I landed my first two spots on finalist lists for major professional awards before I was a senior. Because of a series of articles I wrote for the campus paper that ended with our professors being paid on par with others in the region, I ended up with a namesake scholarship at my university while I was still a student there. And somewhere in there my mother decided it might be okay if I wasn’t the next Reba McEntire, because maybe I was a pretty good reporter, too.

I moved on to a job as the news editor at a paper in a farm town in north central Texas, and about a year later, I pitched the publisher a plan for a newspaper in my hometown. For several years, that paper was my baby. I also remember graduating college and getting married around that time, but it’s kind of a blur. I worked a lot. I covered the huge variety of topics that only small-town reporters do: misplaced graves, high-profile capital murder trials, serial criminals, zoning variances — my portfolio is nothing if not diverse. I thrived on it, and I’m pretty sure it came through in my work, because I won more awards.

Then I had an actual baby, and left the insane hours of the job I loved to be a full-time mommy to the baby I loved more. Years flew.

When my second child was about a year old, I had an idea — just a scene, really, that popped into my head. I blew it off at first, but it was planted firmly in my brain and pestered me until I got my laptop and started writing. Five weeks later I had a very long, messy rough draft of FRONT PAGE FATALITY.

Thousands of hours of slashing, editing, revising, and polishing ensued. Along the way, I educated myself on how traditional fiction publishing works in the 21st century. I made great writer friends who have been invaluable on many levels.

Amongst the revising and querying and learning, life happened. I had another baby, and shortly thereafter said an unexpected last goodbye to my mom. About a year after she died, I dusted off my query letter and started researching publishers again. I found a young company that looked like an excellent fit, sent a query, and held my breath. Three months and a good bit of back and forth (and more revising) later, I had my first book deal. The idea of that feels slightly surreal to this day.

I am proud to be an officer for Mystery Writers of America’s Mid-Atlantic chapter, as well as a member of Sisters in Crime, and James River Writers. I’m living my fondest dream, being at home with my monkeys and writing novels that I hope bring readers as much enjoyment as I’ve gotten out of books that I adore.

As for personal stuff — well, I’m completely head over heels for my family. I am indeed lucky to say that after two decades together, my husband is still my very best friend. My children are my light. They are funny and bright and loving and occasionally crazy-making, and I wouldn’t trade a minute of my life with them for anything.

My mom is my hero. We had the kind of closeness that is particular to only children of single mothers: she made me think my head would explode some days and made me feel like the most special girl in the world on others. I miss her every day, and I hope she’s proud of me, wherever she is. She was my biggest fan, and Nichelle and her stories wouldn’t be here without her tireless cheerleading.

What else do I love? Oh, right — food! On account of a Texas upbringing that included a real-life, honest-to-goodness Aunt Bea and a mom who knew how to use her grandmomma’s cast iron skillet, I have an affinity for southern and Mexican food that keeps me constantly working to fit into my jeans. I lost a little over 100 pounds when my oldest monkey was two, and I’ve kept 77 of it off for almost ten years, but it’s not always easy.

I’m also a fan of iced tea (but now I use Splenda instead of sugar), sangria, and coffee. I drink a borderline concerning amount of coffee.

My family transplanted to Virginia in 2006, and it’s become home. We love the trees, the seasons, and the history, and the children have opportunities to see and learn about amazing things within a short drive of our house.

As you might have guessed from the length of this bio, I also love to chat. I’m online every day, so click the social networking links at the top of the page to find me on Facebook or Twitter, and stop back by here anytime! Plus, you can always email me. I love to hear from readers.

Monday, May 23, 2016

First in Series- Front Page Fatality by LynDee Walker

Happy Monday! This week's First in Series is Front Page Fatality(A Headlines in High Heels Mystery) by LynDee Walker.






Series: A Headlines in High Heels Mystery
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Henery Press; First edition (January 29, 2013)
Language: English



*** An AGATHA AWARD Nominee for BEST FIRST NOVEL ***

A CRACKLING GOOD MYSTERY...

"LynDee Walker sure knows her way around a plot twist. She kept me turning pages late into the night, following the rollercoaster adventures of her fashionably feisty heroine...smart, funny, and loaded with surprises." - Laura Levine, Author of the Jaine Austen Mystery Series

Crime reporter Nichelle Clarke's days can flip from macabre to comical with a beep of her police scanner. Then an ordinary accident story turns extraordinary when evidence goes missing, a prosecutor vanishes, and a sexy Mafia boss shows up with the headline tip of a lifetime.

As Nichelle gets closer to the truth, her story gets more dangerous. Armed with a notebook, a hunch, and her favorite stilettos, Nichelle races to splash these shady dealings across the front page before this deadline becomes her last.

Praise for FRONT PAGE FATALITY:

"Delightful, with engaging characters, a crackling good mystery, and of course, high, high heels. LynDee Walker writes with wit and intelligence and the confidence of a newsroom insider. What fun!" - Harley Jane Kozak, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Award-Winning Author of Dating Dead Men and Keeper of the Moon

"This is a joy to read: Nichelle is a likeable character who does put her nose into whatever seems curious to her...the book can be read in one sitting thanks to the easy and casual language the author has employed in writing the book. Highly recommended to the fans of cozy mysteries!" - Mystery Tribune

"Gives those designer shoes a workout! Nicey's adventure kept me guessing. Goes down as smooth as hot chocolate with whipped cream." - Alice Loweecey, Author of the Falcone and Driscoll Investigations

"I loved this book, Nichelle is such a strong character, able to stand up to herself no matter what. The interaction between Bob, her boss, and Nichelle is awesome and you can see how much they care for each other. My favorite part of the book was a fight scene, not going to ruin it for you, that you just have to read." - Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Books in the Headlines in High Heels Humorous Mystery Series:
FRONT PAGE FATALITY (#1)
BURIED LEADS (#2)
DATELINE MEMPHIS (Novella following BURIED LEADS featured in HEARTACHE MOTEL)
SMALL TOWN SPIN (#3) (April 2014)

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all...


About the Author:

LynDee Walker’s award-winning journalistic work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the nation. Her debut novel, Front Page Fatality, was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Cover Shot is the fifth in LynDee’s national bestselling Headlines in High Heels Mystery Series. The sixth arrives September 2016.

LynDee adores her family, her readers, and enchiladas. She often works out tricky plot points while walking off the enchiladas. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is either playing with her children, working on her next novel, or admiring beautiful shoes she can’t wear.

http://lyndeewalker.com/


Sunday, May 22, 2016

Weekly Wrap Up # 21

It was a fun week here and lot more to come. Here is what happened this week:







May 16th- First in Series- Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer
May 17th- Author Spotlight- Gretchen Archer
May 18th- Guess The Mystery hosted by Vicki Delany
May 19th - Murder, by George by Jeanne Quigley
May 20th- What's New? The Diva Serves High Tea by Krista Davis
May 21st- Leading Ladies of Mystery with Julie Seedorf



Winner's this week are:

Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer - Deb Forbes
Guess the Mystery by Vicki Delany- Jen Scott
Murder by George by Jeanne Quigley- Doward Wilson
What's New? The Diva Serves High Tea by Krista Davis- Sherry Smith



Coming week of May 23rd:


May 23rd- First in a Series- Front Page Fatality by LynDee Walker
May 24th- Author Spotlight- LynDee Walker
May 25th- Shelley's Review- The Thing is by Kathleen Gerard
May 26th- Shelley's Review's
May 27th- What's New? Dead End Street by Sheila Connelly
May 28th- Blog Tour- The Madness of Mercury by Connie Archer
May 29th- Blog Tour- The Penderghast Puzzle Protectors by Julie Seedorf


Have a great week!

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Leading Ladies of Mystery - Jezabelle Jingle

This week's Leading Lady is Jezabelle Jingle. Don't know who she is? Jezabelle Jingle is the lady of the Penderghast Puzzle Protectors Mystery. One Lucky reader will will receive an audio copy of this book.Leave a comment and email below for a chance to win.






JEZABELLE JINGLE FROM THE PENDERGHAST PUZZLE PROTECTORS

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, jingle all the way. Yes, I have heard it all. I am Jezabelle Jingle and I live in Brilliant Minnesota. My name wasn't always Jezabelle Jingle. Jingle is actually a name I chose, on purpose, but my explanation has to wait for another time. I was prepared when I changed my last name to jingle for the jokes, "She jingles all the way to the bank or "Here comes Mrs. Slay Bells. Get it–slay, after all I do solve mysteries. I love my last name in spite of the jokes. It always makes people smile.

I live in the Penderghast neighborhood of Brilliant Minnesota. My neighborhood consists of Victorian houses built by the Brilliant Brothers, the founders of the community. I am the oldest person on my block and I have lived on my block the longest of any of the neighbors. I might add I am the only normal person on my block. My opinion only and let's keep that between us. I wouldn't want my neighbors to know I know things they don't know I know.

I don't have any children. I have a niece, Delight Delure. You might recognize the name because that Hermiony Vidalia Criony Fiddlestadt, better known as Granny from Fuchsia Minnesota, has gotten my niece in lots of trouble as Delight lives in Fuchsia, and runs the Pink Percolator. Occasionally she comes to visit and we have bake fest.

I'm not married right now. Police Chief Hank Hardy and I used to have a little thing going in high school but apparently he decided it was a littler thing than I did and he married someone else, but we still have stayed very close. It always helps to stay close with the Police Chief because you never know when you need to pump information out of him.

I also like to bake. My pies and cheesecake are the best but not too many people know about my baking. It is what I do late at night when I am alone. I use my baked goods to pry information out of unsuspecting eaters.

I live a pretty ordinary life. I keep an eye on my neighbors, not because I worry about them but like I said before, they are strange and they have strange habits. It is pretty entertaining. I don't have to watch television, all I have to do is hide behind the curtains and watch their shenanigans. The man living next to me is called Rock Stone. Who names their kid Rock Stone?

In my spare time I like to visit the Brilliant Library although we are in the midst of a contest to rename it. Living in a community where everything is named Brilliant gets kind of boring. We have the Brilliant Bistro, the Brilliant Times Chronicles, the Brilliant Fire Department, the Brilliant Bank and the new Brilliant Brewery.

Our buildings in Brilliant have been preserved so you might wonder when you drive into Brilliant whether you are going back into time. We are a progressive community as long as you don't change the old architecture of the buildings. We citizens of Brilliant are brilliant enough to know if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

We have had a few problems lately, especially in the Penderghast neighborhood,so I've had to organize our neighbors to follow the clues and solve the puzzle to protect our neighborhood. Who knew we were living right on top of a puzzle waiting to explode. And then we had a murder in Annabelle's house. Annabelle's already dead and no one was supposed to be living in her house.

Well, I'll jingle on home. I must get on with my baking and then I'll have my glass of wine and sit on my upstairs porch after dark and watch the puzzle unfold. By the way if you visit Brilliant you might want to beware of what you do after dark, because Jezabelle Jingle rings her bell late into the night. Remember I warned you.


About the author:





Julie Seedorf is a Minnesotan. She calls dinner--supper and lunch--dinner. She has had many careers over her lifetime but her favorite career was that of mother to her children. In later life she became a computer technician, opening her own business.

In 2012 Julie signed a contract with Cozy Cat Press for her Fuchsia Minnesota Series. Books included in that series are Granny Hooks a Crook, Granny Skewers A Scoundrel, Granny Snows A Sneak and Granny Forks A Fugitive. Closing her computer business in January 2014 Julie transitioned to becoming a full time writer adding free-lance work for various newspapers, along with continuing her column Something About Nothing, which is now in book form in a book of the same name released in early 2015. Her children's series, Granny's In Trouble give her grandkids a hint of the young Grandma underneath the wrinkles.

Her books are light and fluffy and highlight the fact in the midst of life we have to find the humor in bad situations to keep us going. "We all take ourselves too seriously and we need to have a little fun." Julie secretly yearns to be like the Granny characters in her books. In February 2016 the first book in the Brilliant Minnesota Series was released titled the Penderghast Puzzle Protectors. She also is part of a group mystery by Cozy Cat Press Authors titled Chasing the Codex.

Julie's serious side is revealed in a story included in the Anthology, We Go On - Anthology for Veterans where the proceeds go to Veteran's Charities.

Visit her website at http://www.julieseedorf.com.

Her blog http://sprinklednotes is a little scattered like Granny but lends itself to wisdom and occasional flip flops about life.

You will also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julie.seedorf.author

Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/julieseedorf .
Enjoy the moments; they may carry you through a lifetime.

Friday, May 20, 2016

What's New? The Diva Serves High Tea by Krista Davis

What's New? The next book in the Domestic Diva Mystery Series is releasing on June 7th. The Diva Serves High Tea by Krista Davis is book 10 in the series. Do you have a favorite book in this series? Leave a comment and email below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of The Diva Serves High Tea.Good Luck everyone!






Series: A Domestic Diva Mystery (Book 10)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (June 7, 2016)
Language: English



The New York Times bestselling author of The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss serves up a new mystery steeped in murder...

When The Parlour opens up in town, domestic diva Sophie Winston finally has a place to satisfy her cravings for all things tea and crumpet related. And the shop serves as the perfect place for the ladies of the town to gather and gossip, especially since it’s conveniently located right across the street from the new antique store run by the handsome and charming Warren Smith.

But speculation around Warren really boils over when he’s found dead—a victim of poisoning after attending a literacy fundraiser at The Parlour the night before. What Sophie learns about the man leaves a bitter taste in her mouth, and she’ll have to strain out a killer from a strange brew of suspects...


Includes delicious recipes and entertaining tips!



About the Author





Krista Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries, including The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss, The Diva Wraps It Up, and The Diva Frosts a Cupcake. Several of her books have been nominated for the Agatha Award. She also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries featuring Holly Miller and her Jack Russell terrier, Trixie, who has a nose for trouble. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two cats and a brood of dogs. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices that they keep coming back for more.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Murder, By George by Jeanne Quigley

Do you love a good mystery? Murder, By George( A Veronica Walsh Mystery) by Jeanne Quigley was released on May 18th. Filled with drama and murder, this fast-paced page-turner will have you reading late into the night. Jeanne is giving one lucky reader a chance to win an advanced reader copy of this book. Leave a comment and email below to be entered. Good Luck everyone.







Series: A Veronica Walsh Mystery
Hardcover: 268 pages
Publisher: Five Star Publishing (May 18, 2016)
Language: English



Retired soap opera actress Veronica Walsh leads a fulfilling second act in her Adirondack hometown of Barton. Her boutique, All Things, is thriving and she enjoys a romance with Professor Mark Burke. She has neither the time nor the desire to be an amateur sleuth.

Trouble finds her when architect Scott Culverson buys a vintage box at the village's annual flea market and discovers a valuable painting and love letter inside a locked drawer. The awe over the masterpiece, a 1920's portrait of Barton's main street, turns to rage when a fierce argument ensues. The box's seller insists the painting was not included in the sale, while Ella and Madeline Griffin, whose mother received the painting as a wedding present, demand that Scott return the painting to their family. The artist's daughter, the formidable Leona Bradshaw Kendall, later joins the battle over Orchard Street.

When Scott is stabbed to death and the painting and letter stolen, the Griffin sisters ask Veronica to help clear suspicion from their hot-tempered great-niece, Regina. Despite a vow to stay out of the investigation, Veronica's loyalty to her friends draws her into the case.

Veronica crosses paths with a shady contractor, brassy hairdresser, overwrought lawyer, and adoring Czech housekeeper as she searches for both killer and work of art. Whom can Veronica trust, and who will lead her to the brink of death?


About the Author




Jeanne Quigley grew up reading mysteries, watching soap operas, and vacationing in the Adirondacks, never imagining these pleasures would be the foundation of her debut novel. Her love of characters-real and fictional-led her to study Sociology and English at the University of Notre Dame. Jeanne has never been a soap star, but she has worked in the music industry and for an education publisher. She lives in Rockland County, New York.


https://jeannequigley.wordpress.com/


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Guess the Mystery hosted by Vicki Delany

Guess the Mystery! Today's lovely host is Vicki Delany. Vicki will be giving away a copy of the second book in the Lighthouse Library series, Booked for Trouble to the lucky winner.Winner will be chosen on Saturday. Good Luck everyone!







Only in the very back of my mind, in my most secret dreams, did I ever dare hope I’d have such a moment.

Too bad it was being ruined by the cacophony of false compliments and long-held grievances going on behind me.

The party was a private affair, a viewing of the new collection for staff and board members of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, as well as local dignitaries and community supporters, before the official opening tomorrow. We were celebrating the arrival of a complete set of Jane Austen first editions, on loan for three months. Jane Austen. My literary idol. So close.

I tried to block out everyone and everything and concentrate. I rubbed my hands together. Perspiration was building inside the loose white gloves. That, of course, was the purpose of the gloves: to keep human sweat and other impurities off the precious objects.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes. And I touched the worn leather cover. I imagined I could feel the very power of the words themselves coming up through my fingers. “Incredible,” a voice beside me said.

My eyes flew open. I snatched my hand back, embarrassed to be caught in a moment so emotional, so personal. “Go ahead, honey,” Bertie said with a laugh. Her eyes danced with amusement. She understood. “Open it.” “Am I allowed to? I wouldn’t want to damage anything.”

“These books are precious, to be sure. But they’ll be put back in their cabinet soon as the party’s over. And they’ve been cherished, cared for, and thus aren’t as fragile as some would be at that age. Enjoy, Lucy. Enjoy. But don’t spend too long here. I have people I need you to meet.”

The head librarian touched my arm lightly, gave me another smile, and went back to her guests.
I turned the heavy cover, flipped pages with shaking hands, and was soon gazing in awestruck wonder at the frontispiece of the first volume of Sense and Sensibility, by “A Lady.” A Lady all the world now knew to be Miss Jane Austen. An illustrated first edition, printed in in 1811. I closed my eyes again and breathed. The scent was of old paper and aging leather, carrying with it memories of the foggy streets of London, the sound of horse’s hooves rattling across cobblestones, the gentle rustle of skirts and petticoats, and flickering candlelight.

All I wanted to do was to gather the volume into my hands, spirit it away to a cozy corner with a good reading lamp, and curl up, to spend the rest of the night simply enjoying it. Reading it, smelling it, touching it. To be lost in Austen’s delightful pastoral . A world of balls and dances. Of men in handsome uniforms and women in beautiful gowns. Romance and laughter. As well as foolishness and heartbreak. Sense versus sensibility.

With a sigh, I remembered that I had duties. They might be informal ones, but they were still duties.





Eva Gates is the national bestselling author of the Lighthouse Library cozy series from Penguin Random House, set in a historic lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The third book in the series, Reading up a Storm, was released on April 5, 2016. Eva is the pen name of Vicki Delany, one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers, author of the Constable Molly Smith series from Poisoned Pen Press and the Year Round Christmas Mysteries from Penguin Random House.

Find them at www.vickidelany.com.
Facebook: Vicki Delany & Eva Gates (evagatesauthor) and
twitter: @vickidelany and @evagatesauthor

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Author Spotlight- Gretchen Archer

This week's spotlight is the lovely Gretchen Archer!! Gretchen is the author of the hilarious Davis Way Mystery Series.








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.


You can find Gretchen on her website at gretchenarcher.com



Check out all of her books on Amazon.com


Monday, May 16, 2016

First in Series- Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer

Happy Monday!! This week's First in a Series is Double Whammy (A Davis Way Crime Caper ) by Gretchen Archer. Release on May 14, 2013. Hilarious and witty you will be hooked from the start. Comment below for a chance to win a copy of Double Whammy.






Series: A Davis Way Crime Caper
Paperback: 306 pages
Publisher: Henery Press; First edition (May 14, 2013)
Language: English


USA TODAY BESTSELLER

FILLED WITH HUMOR AND FRESH, ENDEARING CHARACTERS...

"Funny & wonderful & human. It gets the Stephanie Plum seal of approval.” – Janet Evanovich

“Archer navigates a satisfyingly complex plot and injects plenty of humor as she goes. This madcap debut is a winning hand for fans of Janet Evanovich and Deborah Coonts.” – Library Journal

Davis Way thinks she’s hit the jackpot when she lands a job as the fifth wheel on an elite security team at the fabulous Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. But once there, she runs straight into her ex-ex husband, a rigged slot machine, 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 a mistaken identity, her hot streak runs cold until her landlord Bradley Cole steps in. Make that her landlord, lawyer, and love interest. With his help, Davis must win this high stakes game before her luck runs out.

Praise for DOUBLE WHAMMY:

“If Scout Finch and Carl Hiaasen had a baby, it would be Davis (Way.) Double Whammy is filled with humor and fresh, endearing characters. It's that rarest of books: a beautifully written page-turner. It’s a winner!” – Michael Lee West, Author of Gone With a Handsomer Man

“Fast-paced, snarky action set in a compelling, southern glitz-and-glamour locale. A lovable, hapless heroine Jane Jameson would be proud to know. Utterly un-put-down-able.” – Molly Harper, Author of the Award-Winning Nice Girls Series

With Janet Evanovich’s endorsement readers can expect loads of humor and quirky characters, but they are also gifted with an extremely well-written novel and a heroine fully formed and quite complex...Expectations will be high with this debut mystery, but readers can be assured that they will be met with the very enjoyable, humorous, and exciting novel." - Kings River Life Magazine

"Surrounded by an interesting cast of characters exploding with southern charm, this was a fun read full of snarky and witty banter (especially her internal dialogue) that kept me entertained as I quickly turn the pages in a book that I could not put down." - Dru Ann Love, Dru's Book Musings

Books in the Davis Way Crime Caper Mystery Series:

DOUBLE WHAMMY (#1)
DOUBLE DIP (#2)
DOUBLE STRIKE (#3) October 2014
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all...



About the Author

Gretchen Archer is a Tennessee housewife who began writing when her daughters, seeking higher educations, ran off and left her. She lives on Lookout Mountain with her husband, son, and a Yorkie named Bently. DOUBLE WHAMMY is her first Davis Way mystery.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Weekly Wrap Up #20

Happy Sunday! Here is what happened this week:






May 9th- First in Series- Diners, Dives and Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin
May 10th- Author Spotlight- Terri L. Austin
May 11th- Guess The Mystery hosted by Terrie Moran
May 11th- Blog Tour- To Catch a Treat by Linda O. Johnston
May 12th- Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Devonshire Scream by Laura Childs
May 12th- Blog Tour- Decanting a Murder by Nadine Nettmann
May 13th- What's New? Murder Hand Crafted by Isabella Alan
May 13th - Blog Tour- The Final Tap by Amanda Flower
May 14th- Leading Ladies of Mystery - Marion Selby
May 14th- Blog Tour- Clouds in my Coffee by Julie Mulhern



Coming this week:


May 16th- First in Series- Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer
May 17th- Author Spotlight- Gretchen Archer
May 18th- Guess The Mystery hosted by Vicki Delany
May 19th - Shelley's Reviews
May 20th- What's New? The Diva Serves High Tea by Krista Davis
May 21st- Leading Ladies of Mystery with Julie Seedorf


Hope to see you here!

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Blog Tour and Giveaway- Clouds in my Coffee by Julie Mulhern

Happy Saturday. Julie Mulhern is on blog tour and today she is here. Her newest book Clouds in my Coffee was released on May 10th. Thanks Julie for stopping by, it is always a pleasure to have you visit.








Series: The Country Club Murders
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Henery Press (May 10, 2016)
Language: English



Synopsis

When Ellison Russell is nearly killed at a benefactors’ party, she brushes the incident aside as an unhappy accident. But when her house is fire-bombed, she’s shot at, and the person sitting next to her at a gala is poisoned, she must face facts. Someone wants her dead. But why? And can Ellison find the killer before he strikes again?

Add in an estranged sister, a visiting aunt with a shocking secret, and a handsome detective staying in her guesthouse, and Ellison might need more than cream in her coffee…

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), amateur sleuth books, book club recommendations, humorous murder mysteries, historical mysteries.

Books in the Country Club Murders Humorous Mystery Series:
THE DEEP END (#1)
GUARANTEED TO BLEED (#2)
CLOUDS IN MY COFFEE (#3)


A book that has the word Coffee in the title has to be a good thing right? Well this one is a very good thing.  This book  also comes with a side of murder. What could be better than that. Action packed, funny and a strong cast of characters that bring this non-stop story to the top. You will be captivated from the first page and won't be able to stop reading. Looking forward to the next adventure.






About The Author –

Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders.

She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean–and she’s got an active imagination. Truth is–she’s an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.


Author Links
Webpage – www.juliemulhern.com
FB – https://www.facebook.com/juliekmulhern/?ref=hl
Twitter – https://twitter.com/JulieKMulhern
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8573907.Julie_Mulhern



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Leading Ladies of Mystery and giveaway- Marian Selby

This week's Leading Ladies of Mystery is Marian Selby. Find out who she is below and she may even give away a prize to some one.


Leading Ladies of Mystery – Marian Selby


Hello! My name is Marian Frances Selby. I’m 47-years old and live in Georgia. I like to garden, cook, and bake. I’m told my Kahlua brownies are to kill for. But my cooking skills can’t compare to my best friend’s, Joan Delaney, who is a one-star Michelin chef. I enjoy the gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows, and I can’t say no to a good mystery. I have a wall full of mystery novels by Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Elizabeth Peters, and Caroline Graham, just to name a few favorites.





I made my first appearance in Brilliant Disguise. That is where I met the second love of my life, Detective Charlie McClung. My first love, Lee Selby, was my high school sweetheart. We were married right after I graduated high school. Lee was an airline pilot. After 18 years of a wonderful marriage, he die in a plane crash. I was devastated. Having no interest in love after Lee’s death, I was alone for 11 years. Then Detective Charlie McClung entered my life during his investigation of the suspicious death of Diane Panell, my friend and next door neighbor.


Charlie is Irish-American and practically perfect in every way. I tried to fight the instant attraction I had for him, but …you’ll have to read the Charlie McClung Mysteries to find out what happens between the two of us. He and I make a good crime solving team. Although, he does all the hard work. Charlie is a brilliant detective and really doesn’t need my help. I can’t help but make a couple of suggestions here and there, and I try my best to stay out of danger.


Yes, I must say, we are good together. I invite you to read all about our journey together through life, love, and murder. I loved to hear from you! Please feel free to ask me any questions. Who knows, you may win a prize.


I'd like to do a giveaway of winner's choice of a Mobi copy of Brilliant Disguise, A Good Girl, or Criminal Kind. Let's do three winners. I will need the winner's Kindle email address, not email address. They will have to ask Marian questions to enter the giveaway.



About the Author:






Although I was born in Mercedes, Texas, I have lived in Georgia most of my life which has been filled with a variety of experiences. Some were great and some, well let's just say I have learned many lessons the hard way.

I have been married for 35 years to the most practically perfect man. We enjoy traveling and watching mysteries on TV. We have recently adopted a Tuxedo cat named Gertrude. I am an active member of Sisters in Crime Atlanta Chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and I sit on the advisory board of Rockdale Cares, Inc., a non-profit advocacy group for the developmentally challenged.

I began writing in high school but not seriously until 1999. I write traditional mysteries and my biggest influences are Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, Elizabeth Peters, and my family. I have had short stories published in Evangel and The Associate Reformed Presbyterian magazines. I have published a collection of eclectic short stories titled, My Favorite Work of Art.

My first manuscript, Useless Beauty, is waiting for me to breathe life into it. It was put on hold because my second manuscript, Brilliant Disguise, was begging to be written. It is the first in the Detective Charlie McClung mysteries. Brilliant Disguise was released on January 21, 2014. The second book, A Good Girl, was released in September 23, 2014. Criminal Kind, the third book in the series was released on June 30, 2015. I am currently working on the fourth book, "Sins of My Youth." There are at least six more to follow in the series.



Friday, May 13, 2016

Blog Tour and giveaway- The Final Tap by Amanda Flower

I am always thrilled to have Amanda Flower visit my blog. Her newest book in the Living History Museum Mystery series released on May 8th.








Synopsis:


Kelsey Taps for Something Much Deadlier Than Sap

March on Barton Farm can only mean one thing: maple sugar season. To combat the winter slump, resilient director Kelsey Cambridge organizes a Maple Sugar Festival, complete with school visits, pancake breakfasts, and a tree-tapping class. She hires curmudgeonly maple sugar expert Dr. Conrad Beeson to teach the workshop, despite misgivings over his unpleasant demeanor. It’s a decision Kelsey ends up regretting when, before the first tree can be tapped for sap, Dr. Beeson turns up dead. His death threatens to shut down not only the festival, but also Barton Farm itself. Kelsey has no choice but to tap for the truth and solve the murder to escape an increasingly sticky situation.


At the start of the second book in the Living Mystery series we visit Barton Farm for the Maple Sugar Festival and things are beginning to get busy for Kelsey. She is in charge of the festivities and want to make sure things run smoothly. But when when of their own, Dr. Beeson is killed things take a turn and she finds herself busier than ever trying to find out who the killer is and why. This historical whodunit is a sure hit and will have you on the edge of your seat guessing who the killer is until the very end.





About This Author
Amanda Flower, a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.

Author Links:
Website: http://amandaflower.com/
Pen Name Website: http://isabellaalan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramandaflower
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aflowerwriter
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3412728.Amanda_Flower
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aflowerwriter/


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What's New? Murder Handcrafted by Isabella Alan

What's New? Isabella Alan's Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series Murder Handcrafted is releasing on June 7th.







Series: Amish Quilt Shop Mystery (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: NAL (June 7, 2016)
Language: English



Amish quilt shop owner Angie Braddock crosses wires with a killer in the latest from the national bestselling author of Murder, Plainly Read...

Spring has arrived in Holmes County and Angie couldn’t be happier. She’s got great friends, a thriving business, and is in the perfect relationship with Sheriff James Mitchell. The only thing raining on her parade is her mother drafting her into a massive home renovation project—and using their sudden mother/daughter bonding time to comment on Angie’s ticking biological clock.

The house’s repairs and upgrades between the Amish craftsmen and their Englisch counterparts are proceeding well until a tremendous shock comes to the workers when the electrician is found dead on site. With the sheriff suspecting foul play, it falls to Angie to root a killer out of the woodwork. .






About the Author

Isabella Alan is the national bestselling author of the Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries, including Murder, Plainly Read; Murder, Served Simply; Murder, Simply Stitched; and Murder, Plain and Simple. An academic librarian for a small college in Ohio, she grew up visiting the state’s Amish country with her family. As Amanda Flower, she is the author of the Agatha Award–nominated Maid of Murder as well as the Magical Bookshop Mysteries, including Crime and Poetry.



http://www.amandaflower.com/

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