Babs BookMark Issue 7

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BABS BOOKMARK 70 eussI

BABS BOOKMARK

MAGAZINE FOR ALL GENRES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BABS BOOKMARK

03 Babs Desk 05 Interview Raven Moon 09 Fantasy Reviews 10 Paranormal Romance & Fantasy

09

10

19

19 Paranormal Reviews

22 Horror

26 Romance

33 Romance Reviews

33

26

37 Amber's Column 39 Thrillers & Cozy Mysteries 57 Cozy Mystery Reviews

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69

BABS BOOKMARK | Babsbookbistro@icloud.com

BABS DESK

Here at Babs BookMark we have decided to move our magazine over to Issuu starting with November's issue. There are more opportunities for us and for you as the author/reader to take advantage of by moving to a different platform.

We would also like to take this time to share with you a new ad system we are implementing. We will now offer Banner Ads.

The ad will stay with the magazine issue for as long as the magazine is alive. This leaves a potential for lots of readers to notice you and your book months down the road.

The cost will only be $25.00 per ad. You can have up to 2 ads per issue. If you would like to know more, please contact Babs @ Babsbookbistro@icloud.com

You will notice some authors have more than one icon. say for Facebook etc. Â The reason, authors have more than one account or it could be a group.

UPCOMIG NEWS!

ON THE

COVER

BABS BOOKMARK

PAGE 4

IMMORTAL HEARTS

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm Raven Moon, a storyteller of paranormal romance thrillers where destiny has one motive, Revenge.

I'm 47 years young, a wife of many of moon to my soulmate, mother of 3 grown kids, 2 daughters and a son, and grandmother to 3, soon to be 4 beautiful granddaughters. I live in Southern Indiana on a small 5-acre mini farm raising Boer goats.

Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I never dreamed of writing or becoming an author it just happened after I lost my dad unexpectedly in October 2014. I started a journal to help me cope with the pain of losing him then I started conjuring up stories and filling them with colorful characters. I've progressed quite a bit to formulating longer and more complex stories. As a professional storyteller, I’m adept at using my imaginative thinking and creative flair to bring my stories to life in engaging ways.

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on Shattered Hearts, hopefully, it will be released Fall of 2018. Shattered Hearts is the backstory of Rainelle Sterling that leads up to Immortal Hearts, what can I say, she wanted a story of herself and she is getting it ... haha.

I'm also working on Vengeful Hearts and it is darker with a lot more action, and spells. I hope to have VH released by the end of the year. I'm unsure if there will be a 4th in the Fate of the Witch series, only Rainelle can tell me that.

Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

Immortal Hearts is my favorite for more than one reason but the main is because it came from a dream that my dad sent me.

What books have most influenced you as a writer?

I can't really say one book if any had an influence on my writing, but I admire many authors in the community and love their work, but my dad has been my biggest influence since his death leading me every step of the way.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

Believing in myself. Believing I'm talented enough and the words I write are good enough to publish. Most rewarding is when a reader messages me and tells me how much they loved my book and how it made them feel and they cannot wait for book 2. Now that right there, that is the best feeling in the world.

What book is on your nightstand?

What book is on my nightstand you ask, Shattered Hearts as I'm working tirelessly to finish this story for my readers and my sanity.

What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

I'm working on a story about a Succubus named Taryn Clarke that is set in the foothills of Kentucky then moves to the Cresent City. I'm loving this story already. I cannot wait to share it with my readers.

Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

You are the ROCK to my STARS and I'm sure many authors would agree.

Without you, the reader, my words would just be pages collecting dust. To help me or any author, Buy, Read, Review, Recommend and Repeat. Keep on being the RockStar you are!

Rainelle Sterling grew up in the Smoky Mountains, so when she returned home, she made plans to visit the place where she spent her childhood.

What was supposed to be a fun relaxing weekend away with her brother, and friends changes as she learns her grandmother’s tales weren’t tales at all, but a warning as she faces a devastating loss, a fight for her life against the unimaginable.

When faced with telling her parents, she learns things that she never knew. Will the broken trust, betrayal, and deceit from loved ones break her? Can she remain strong to survive?

If only she knew then, what she knew now, maybe, just maybe, things would be different. But for now, she must fight to stay alive while she plans her revenge against the unthinkable.

I started conjuring up stories and filling them with colorful characters.

I've progressed quite a bit to formulating longer and more complex stories. As a professional storyteller, I’m adept at using my imaginative thinking and creative flair to bring my stories to life in engaging ways.

I was born in Southern Indiana where I still live with my family living the Country life with my granddaughters, Raising Chickens, Goats and growing Veggies, Herbs and Fruits. When I’m not writing, you can find me relaxing with my family, pets, and traveling with my mother or crafting.

Fantasy Reviews Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep Review by Amber Kill the Queen is an action-packed fantasy novel filled with magic, deception, death, romance, action, and strategy. Lady Everleigh Winter Blair is an orphaned royal family member whose parents were murdered when she was young. After finally landing at Bellona, Evie might have grown up among royalty, but she was never really accepted and spent most of time alone. She spent a lot of time watching those around her tried to curry favor with the Queen by any means possible.

Evie quickly learned to hide her unusual immunity to magic.

Her hidden talent is what saves her life when her power-hungry cousin, Vasilia, murders her own mother the Queen, siblings, and anyone even remotely related to her. Vasilia’s thirst doesn’t end with taking the throne either – she wants it all – and prepares to take it by any means necessary.

Fortunately, Evie escapes and she finds herself seeking out the gladiator troupe located just outside of Seven Spire. She comes face-to-face with Lucas Sullivan and doesn’t make a very good first impression. Evie and Lucas spend a lot of time unable to move past their first impressions of one another, but they slowly start warming up to each other. What transpires is a tale that takes an almost invisible member of the royal family and builds her up, strengthens her, and unleashes her on an unsuspecting world. Evie transforms so fully that she is clearly not the same woman at the end of the story that she was at the beginning. The author did a great job evolving Evie, developing and shaping her into a warrior.

I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by Jennifer Estep. Her stories are fascinating, full of action, and engaging. Kill the Queen is a well-written fantasy novel with wonderful characters and detailed world building. The story played out like a movie as I read. The book has a killer cover and intriguing synopsis and I was pulled in from the start.

PARANORMAL FANTASY & PARANORMAL ROMANCE FEATURES INCLUDE CLARA WINTER, INDIA KELLS, STEPHANIE NICHOLE AND B.M. GRIFFIN TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES, DEEPEST MIDNIGHT BY CLARA WINTER

BECOMING BLODDY MARY BY STEPHANIE NICHOLE

For Millicent, a once French noblewoman turned immortal vampire, forever is a long time to live in despair. The love of her life is murdered the night she becomes immortal. Millicent spends her endless night in a melancholy which never ends. Two hundred forty years later, she locks eyes with an English actor, who happens to look exactly like her long dead love.

We've all heard the legend of Bloody Mary. From generation to generation the legend has been passed on, usually by children and teens daring someone to be brave enough to summon her.

BLIND MAGIC BY INDIA KELLS Powerful forces collide and revelations about the past turn deadly...

Orphan Sera Dover’s entire world revolves around magical knowledge and her precious grimoires. She wants nothing more than to leave behind her sad past and focus on the future—

HER HIDDEN SCARS BY B.M. GRIFFIN Megan has no intention of playing the damsel in distress. Jared just wants to keep her safe. As a human in a world full of werewolves, Megan finds herself in danger again and again.

She will not be forced into hiding while the people she cares for fight to keep her safe.

When an old enemy of the pack comes for Megan, she refuses to run scared but fighting back carries a grave cost.

PAGE 10

True love never dies.

For Millicent, a once French noblewoman turned immortal vampire, forever is a long time to live in despair. The love of her life is murdered the night she becomes immortal.

Millicent spends her endless night in a melancholy which never ends. Two hundred forty years later, she locks eyes with an English actor, who happens to look exactly like her long dead love.

Sadness turns to happiness as Millicent and Jack find passion in each other’s arms. Their fling quickly turns serious as Millicent finds happiness once again—and possibly her one true love.

However, their relationship becomes complicated by her own uncertainty, Jack’s mortality, and the other man in Millicent’s life, Alexandre, her maker and companion. When Alexandre puts his foot down, Millicent must decide if she’s going to continue to be led by others or take the reins and drive the outcome of her life.

Deepest Midnight is set in modern day Savannah, Ga with occasional glimpses back to 18th century France. This is the first book in The Immortal Kindred Series.

Excerpt: I reach into my clutch to take out my phone. Someone may as well get lucky tonight. Before I can begin my text, Alexandre is next to me. Being psychically linked to him stinks sometimes. Ok, all the time. If I wasn’t so lazy, I would learn how to shield my thoughts.

I put my phone away. He says, “You know I hate texting.”

“Why are you whispering? Who could possibly hear us?” I ask, in my sweetest southern belle accent. Irritating him is what I do best, although he doesn’t always take the bait.

“Do you see her?” He pauses, looking around. “There she is in the back, next to the man with the copper hair. Don’t you have a thing for gingers, Mills?” He tugs on my arm, pointing with his other hand, as I look up.

Alexandre starts explaining how he is going to approach her. I roll my eyes.

He thinks he can just walk up to a world-famous movie star, throw up an eyebrow, and she’ll be stripping naked. The annoying thing is, she probably will. On the last half of my eye roll, I lock eyes with a man who was murdered over two hundred years ago. All the breath leaves my body.

Amy Rugg grew up reading Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and Alice in Wonderland, while watching Buck Rogers, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Writing her own stories naturally ensued. She is a wife, mother, and former school counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Amy is from Colorado Springs, Co and currently resides in Mission Viejo, Ca.

Powerful forces collide and revelations about the past turn deadly...

Orphan Sera Dover’s entire world revolves around magical knowledge and her precious grimoires. She wants nothing more than to leave behind her sad past and focus on the future—a hope that is quickly dashed when she is struck by illness just as the most dangerous threat she’s ever faced comes barreling through her door…

Ian Macon’s soul is in tatters after the loss of his mate and he knows his heart can never beat for anyone else. Yet, from the very first time he lays yes on her, something draws him to a local witch.

Ian sees an undeniable light in Sera, bright and strong, making it impossible for him to stay away.

And he can’t help wanting to protect her, even from afar…

A blind witch. A broken werewolf. A forbidden love spell.

India Kells is a romantic suspense and paranormal romance author with many books under her pen. Her love for strong female characters, wicked alpha males and sexy tense situations, where villains and danger are lurking nearby, help her weave captivating stories that will leave you breathless and wanting for more.

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Stephanie Nichole. I live in a small town in New Mexico. I graduated college in 2010 with a degree in business and accounting. However, books and writing are my true passion. When I’m not at my day job or writing, I’m probably reading or binge watching Netflix or Passionflix.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

When I was in sixth grade my literature teacher, Mrs. Cahill, asked us to write a short story and I found that I really enjoyed creating it. After that I wrote a lot of little things here and there but I never really told anyone. I stopped writing during college for lack of time but I still always had these stories and characters in my head so eventually I wound back up writing.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on secret project with a few other authors through Kingston Publishing. I will say it is a twist on a story most of us have heard before.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

That’s such a hard question. I love all my books for different reasons. I do have a special place in my heart for Breaking the Limits, it’s the second book in the James Brothers series. Originally, when I was writing Pedal to the Metal it was only meant to be that book but while writing Ace James was just demanding his own story. So, Pedal to the Metal became a series.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

That’s a very long list. Edgar Allan Poe is my all-time favorite author so when I’m writing fantasy I’m sure his writing sneaks its way into mine.

I’m also a huge fan of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and anything written by K. Bromberg, Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines, Alessandra Torre, Nicholas Sparks and Tarryn Fisher. I’m also a fan of the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer and Nevermore Trilogy by Kelly Creagh.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

The most challenging part is definitely coming up with fresh and new ideas. You have to constantly remind yourself to step outside of your box. The most rewarding part of writing is when a reader tells me how much they loved my book, character or scene. It’s so humbling to know someone connected with something I created.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

My kindle is currently on my nightstand but if you turn it on, Aced by K. Bromberg is what I’m currently reading.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

I have two releases in October, both books in Bloody Mary’s Curse. Becoming Bloody Mary releases October 1st. Breaking Bloody Mary releases October 31st. Then I have at least on release a month until April of 2019. The first book in my secret project is set to release on December 19th as well.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

Just a huge thank you for being there for me. You guys have supported, pushed and encouraged me when I’ve doubted myself.

Stephanie Nichole lives in a small town with her family in New Mexico. She graduated college in 2010 with a degree in business and accounting. However, her true passion is all things book related. As a student English and Literature were her favorite subjects. Weekly library trips with her mother also helped instill her love for books.

Stephanie would look forward to summer most of all, not because she was out of school but for the summer reading groups at her local library. After a friend’s encouragement she started her author journey in 2016.

Stephanie is an avid book, music and old Hollywood movie lover. When she's not busy reading or writing she's probably binge watching Netflix or PassionFlix. Some of her favorite authors are: Edgar Allan Poe, Abbi Glines, Colleen Hoover, Alessandra Torre, Nicholas Sparks and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Stephanie also loves to connect with her readers on social media.

Megan has no intention of playing the damsel in distress. Jared just wants to keep her safe. As a human in a world full of werewolves, Megan finds herself in danger again and again. She will not be forced into hiding while the people she cares for fight to keep her safe.

When an old enemy of the pack comes for Megan, she refuses to run scared but fighting back carries a grave cost. The price of salvation is for Jared to make her a member of the pack.

Turn his stubborn human into a werewolf. Is it a bargain he’s willing to make?

Can Jared overcome his wolf’s need to always be the protector and trust that Megan is strong enough to fight back, or will his desire to protect her drive her away from their pack?

And him.

Bonnie Griffin, known as Author B.M. Griffin, lives in the small town of Richlands, North Carolina with her husband and two daughters. Bonnie has done the business thing, and while she had success it just wasn’t her cup of tea, so she has grabbed her favorite coffee and made it her mission to put her fingertips to work making her writing dream a reality. Home wasn’t the kindest place when Bonnie was growing up and reading became an outlet and a sanctuary. It was this sanctuary that led to her desire to create fantasies with her words, but don’t let that fool you, she’s got a dark side and it likes to come out to play in her books. Bonnie has an avid imagination and loves creating new worlds, creatures, species, and bringing them together through action and most of all, love. She is the author of the paranormal romance, “Loving Her Scars,” and her newest paranormal creation, “Aurora”.

Paranormal Reviews Soul Fire by Juliette Cross Review by Amber Jessen (Jess) Cade and Lucius Nightwing are on opposing sides of the conflict between humans and Morgons. Jess is part of the human aristocracy with a controlling, manipulative father, a brother walking in his footsteps, and a mouse of a mother. She only hopes her young sister gets through unscathed. Forbidden from any communication, Jess rebels and ends up in a nightclub filled with Morgons to watch a friend’s band. When all hell breaks loose, at the hands of Jess’s brother and his best friend, Jess finds herself in the protective, and sexy, arms of Lucius Nightwing.

What blooms is a romance that neither expected and Lucius tries to deny. Only – his dragon will have none of that denial. Jess belongs to him! Loyalty is tested, decisions are forced upon Jess, and those that claim to love her do some horrible things. Jess truly learns who the real monsters are, and it’s not the dragons.

Once I began this book I was hooked. I devoured it in one sitting. The story is engaging, and the characters are wonderful. I enjoyed the interactions between Jess and Lucius and loved Ella and Sorcha. Soulfire is a riveting, fast paced story told with passion. I love Juliette Cross’s writing style and the way she tells stories. Soulfire is not my first experience with this author, nor will it be the last.

Her ability to create paranormal stories with romance, action and a solid plot is what keeps me coming back.

To me, this story is a lesson in judgement. Humans are wary of the Morgons and vice versa but Jess’s father and his associates take it to a whole new level. They don’t mind taking from the Morgons, but all the race is to them is a way to get richer. They don’t have any use for them. Jess, after meeting Lucius, see a side to the Morgons that the human aristocracy refused to see. For that, Jess becomes more open minded, infuriating her father. Then he does the unthinkable (you’ll have to read the book to find out what that is). Humans tend to judge others either because of upbringing, one bad situation, peer pressure, or whatever reason/excuse. We refuse to see that everyone is worthy of love, attention, and the right to live happily, regardless of who they are or where they came from. I may be reading into this book too much, but I see this book as one of hope. Jess and others have the ability to change the way humans think about Morgons and sometimes that goodness is infectious – making their world a much better place, one couple at a time.

Windburn by Juliette Cross Review by Amber Sorcha Linden loves men; human, Morgon, it doesn’t matter. She loves them in her bed but not so much with the emotional ties to her heart.

She keeps everyone at a distance. Her childhood showed her that she can’t rely on men for anything but a good time and a goodbye. Until she meets Lorian, that is. She can’t help but backtalk and show her spunky attitude to the hot, panty-melting Morgon. All this does it draws him closer to her with a mission to make her all his.

His protective side shifts into overdrive when mysterious gifts bearing a blood cult symbol start popping up. Of course, our independent, fiery redhead digs her heels into the ground at any mention of him helping her, until the danger increases and she’s knows it would be foolish not to accept any protection. When the blood cult stalker makes his final move, Sorcha doesn’t know whether she’ll live or die but she does know one thing – she loves her brooding, overprotective Morgon, and she only hopes she’ll be able to tell him.

Just as with the first book in this series, once I began reading, I was hooked. I devoured it in one sitting. The story is engaging, and the characters are wonderful. I enjoyed the interactions between Sorcha and Lorian. I love the tension the author builds up between the hero and heroine of her stories. Sorcha’s sass and Lorian’s broodiness is wonderfully written. Lorian’s demeanor says hands off but his eyes and subtle movements where Sorcha is concerned, scream otherwise and Sorcha plays up on that.

Windburn is a riveting, fast paced story told with passion. I love Juliette Cross’s writing style and the way she tells stories. Windburn is not my first experience with this author, nor will it be the last. Her ability to create paranormal stories with romance, action and a solid plot is what keeps me coming back.

Nightbloom by Juliette Cross Review by Amber Ella Barrow is a rule follower. She allows others to dictate what she does, who she dates, where she works, and who she is friends with.

She’s basically a prisoner in her parents’ home. She is creative and artistic; however, her parents forbid her from obtaining a job that allows her talents to shine or her to use the degree she obtained. Her current boyfriend, Clayton, who is a sleaze ball, doesn’t appreciate her, ignores while they are out, and is basically using her to advance himself in society. When he tries to pressure her into letting him take her virginity, it’s all downhill from there. That same night, while in a Morgan club, she finds him pants down with a waitress and puts an end to their relationship – by smooching hot Paxon.

Paxon is attracted to Ella and has been even while she was dating Clayton. Patiently waiting for their relationship to self-destruct, he didn’t expect quiet, shy Ella to stand for herself and then march over to him and plant a kiss on him. They both know that there is more to explore together beyond the kiss, but Ella is hesitant. There is something in her mother’s past that that brings fear to the woman’s eyes whenever she is around them. Then there’s Clayton. No just doesn’t mean no to him and he threatens Ella with things that may cause irreparable harm to her and her parents.

Just as with books 1 & 2 in this series, once I began reading, I was hooked. I devoured it in one sitting.

The story is engaging, and the characters are wonderful. I enjoyed the interactions between Ella and Paxon. I love the tension the author builds up between the hero and heroine of her stories. Ella’s demure, meek character really opens up like a flower or a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis. She knows she wants to be with Paxon but there are secrets she hides that being seen with a Morgon would expose.

Forced to make a choice, Ella finally followers her own heart. At the peak of the story, Ella steps out, front and center, to declare the love she has in hopes that it’s not too late for her and Paxon to be together.

I love both Ella and Paxon. She might allow others to make her decisions, but Paxon doesn’t take advantage of that part of her character. He helps her to break free of the hold others have had on her for so long. He helps her “lift the veil.” How Ella and Paxon are written is swoon-worthy and I think Nightbloom is my favorite of the 3 Nightwing novels.

Nightbloom is a riveting, fast paced story told with passion. I love Juliette Cross’s writing style and the way she tells stories. Nightbloom is not my first experience with this author, nor will it be the last. Her ability to create paranormal stories with romance, action and a solid plot is what keeps me coming back.

INSIDE SCOOP

WITH

STEPANIE AYERS NE

ABOVE The 13: Tales of Macabre

HORROR

Can you survive all 12?

Back cover blurb: Killer watermelons, murderous jewelry boxes, centenarian sea whisperers, creatures of myth/legend, and more...

This supernatural story collection will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew. At night you'll hover under your covers while looking over your shoulder in the day.

Down, down in the depths they fell; bodies in the dark of a liquid hell. Can you survive all 12?

This is the second collection in The 13 series. Will you survive all 13?

MY READERS

SEEM TO NOTICE A LOT OF STEPHEN KING AND JAMES PATTERSON IN MY WRITING.

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Stephanie Ayers. I am a coffee guzzling, word whispering creative ninja and unicorn living in southwest Ohio disguised as a human. I am a published speculative fiction author who tends towards the dark side. I am mom to 8 humans and 4 furbabies. A wife to one husband, and I avoid growing up, housework, and all things zombie.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

Yes. Even though I have been writing all my life, I didn’t really get serious about it until 2010. I joined writing groups and all the sudden the reality that I could do this regularly and get it in front of real time readers hit me.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I am working on wrapping up Elven Games, the first novel in the Destiny Defined series. I introduced the series with a stand alone short story in August and need to follow up with the first book to get it started.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

Elven Games. Tribba is my favorite character ever. She just has a way of getting into your heart and staying there. She’s spunky, sassy, smart. She’s also wounded, insecure... just a well-rounded character I’m having a really hard time saying goodbye to. Elven Games as a whole is my favorite because its a unique fantasy story that I have had the most fun writing.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

My readers seem to notice a lot of Stephen King and James Patterson in my writing. I read a lot of both, as they are my go to authors when I need something to read.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

I find it most challenging to finish a story. Most rewarding to me is when that reader, especially a new one says something like “I’m not much of a short story reader, but I loved your story!” They reached out to tell me that, which means they really did like it. That’s one of the best compliments ever.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

The Deepest Cut by DG Lamb BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

I am working hard on finishing up Elven Games so I can set it up for release in midDecember or early January. I plan to use this year’s NaNoWriMo to wrap up the following book, Catching Dragons so I can get it out next summer. Then there’s the next The 13.

I’m planning to release one every year around Halloween. This will one will have 11 stories in it that all fall under one undecided theme.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

Yes. I want to remind them that The 13: Tales of Illusory is $.99 til the end of the month, and The 13: Tales of Macabre is $.99 until its release date of October 26. I also want to remind them to please leave a review for everything they read. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be a very simple rating and one line, “I loved this story.”

A published author with a knack for twisted tales, Stephanie Ayers is a coffee guzzling, word whispering, world building creative ninja and unicorn living in Ohio disguised as a human. She mothers her children, loves her husband, attends church, and avoids all things housework and zombies.

When she isn't doing any of these things, she can be found stretching her creative wings designing book covers, promotional graphics, logos and more.

ROMANCE FEATURES INCLUDE CHARLENE JOHNSON, JULIE MORGAN, CYNTHIA P. O'NEIL AND ABIGAIL LEE JUSTICE SHATTERED BY CHARLENE JOHNSON Shattered is an erotic paranormal thriller that weaves an intricate web of events involving a playboy pop singer, a romance writer, and an unrelenting vampire. It features an unquenchable thirst for blood, an obsession that spans two decades and love beyond measure.

THE CONCUBINE AND HER VAMPIRES BY JULIE MORGAN When destiny becomes reality… Born a blood demon, Olivia Martin's sole purpose is to become a blood slave to a vampire. She is nothing more than a blood bag.

KEEP ME CLOSE BY CYNTHIA P. O'NEIL I’ve always been driven to succeed at everything I’ve tried. I graduated secondary school at age thirteen, earned a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at sixteen, and finished my medical residency at twenty-two.

HER MASTER’S SALVATION BY ABIGAIL LEE JUSTICE Molly Pool is an unemployed former hacker turned coder. Ivan Daborevki is a business man and Sovietnik in the Bratva mafia. When their worlds collide, will the power of love and family protect them from the dangers lurking behind every shadow?

PAGE 26

Shattered is an erotic paranormal thriller that weaves an intricate web of events involving a playboy pop singer, a romance writer, and an unrelenting vampire. It features an unquenchable thirst for blood, an obsession that spans two decades and love beyond measure.

Drake Devereaux, haunted by a tragedy in his past has avoided the trappings of love most of his life.

Ebony Jordan is a romance writer who wants to find the kind of love she writes about in her books – the love story her parents never had.

Solomon Blackwell, a Rogue vampire sees Ebony one night and is reminded of the lover he lost and vows to make her his own.

Drake and Ebony meet by chance and forge an unforgettable connection. As Drake and Ebony’s relationship heats up, Drake realizes he’s falling in love.

Instead of embracing it, he allows his fear to drive him away from the one woman who can heal him. After months of being apart, Ebony’s attempt to reach out to Drake ends with a heartbreaking discovery and an unexpected accident that nearly ends her life. Faced with another tragedy, Drake finds out what is truly important.

As Drake and Ebony plan a life together, Solomon plots to possess her and shatter their love forever.

Broderick Devereaux receives an invitation to his son, Drake’s wedding, and he decides to make a last-ditch effort to repair their broken relationship. When Solomon Blackwell, the Rogue vampire who was instrumental in destroying his life two decades ago, sets his sights on Drake’s wife, Ebony; he vows not to allow history to repeat itself. He knows better than anyone that Blackwell will stop at nothing to possess her. To protect her and his son, Broderick must tell Drake the shocking family secret he’s withheld from him his whole life.

Drake and Ebony are living the life they both dreamed of until Ebony vanishes. As Solomon initiates his daring plan, Broderick, Drake, and the Circle of the Red Scorpion race against time to find Ebony and stop the Rogue vampire from destroying Drake’s life.

A fierce battle between the two factions comes to a surprising end, and the shocking conclusion of Avenged brings Broderick to his knees. Can his team help him stop the new menace threatening to destroy the world?

The love story that started it all.

Deep in the forest, Broderick Devereaux found her so unexpectedly and was instantly mesmerized.

He was the dark, handsome stranger Elise Munro dreamed of but never thought she’d find.

Despite their differences, Broderick and Elise started a life together and thought they had it all. But internal demons and secrets threatened to destroy their happiness.

While Elise was becoming a celebrated artist, Broderick tirelessly fought to put Solomon Blackwell, a ruthless sociopath and wealthy businessman who befriended his wife behind bars. Putting Solomon in prison became Broderick’s obsession as his relationship with his wife imploded. Was Solomon behind the chasm that separated them?

Broderick and Elise loved each other but was their love enough?

Shattered Excerpt Add a little bit of body textIn the quiet moments of the night or when he ran his fingers over the piano keys as he played a tender love song, the feelings for her he tried to suppress came rushing back like the hot breath of summer. The image of her face was burned into his soul. How would he ever forget her?

Avenged Excerpt Solomon gripped her tighter, and drew her to him. “Let me take your fear away. Let me show you the ecstasy my bite can give you, Ebony.” His lips grazed the side of her neck. He opened his mouth and slid his tongue over her quickened pulse. He lathed it back and forth feeling her carotid artery throb with her rich intoxicating blood. She moaned. Solomon's fangs elongated with hunger.

Dawned Excerpt She flashed him a sultry smile, and it was nearly his undoing. She was not trying to be seductive. Her natural beauty and demeanor were shining like the first rays of sunshine on a cloudy day. She was a contradiction of pristine spring mornings and hot, lusty summer nights.

Charlene lives in Sacramento, California. She is married and has a son, a daughter and four grandchildren. She graduated cum laude from Waynesburg College with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

Books have always been her passion. She started reading at an early age and progressed to full-length books by age nine. The first supernatural book series she read was Dark Shadows, and it sparked her interest in all things paranormal, with a spicy touch of romance mixed in for good measure. She also started writing poetry in grade school and continues to do so today. Being an avid reader, the consummate daydreamer and an incurable romantic with a Cinderella complex, she started creating her own characters and storylines because she realized she had her own stories to tell.

She’s traveled the world, crossed galaxies, traveled through time and explored history on the pages of books.

Besides reading and writing, she also enjoys photography, travel, music, and great movies.

When destiny becomes reality… Born a blood demon, Olivia Martin's sole purpose is to become a blood slave to a vampire.

She is nothing more than a blood bag.

With a vampire as her master, she would want for nothing, her every need and whim catered to, but becoming a prisoner was not the life Olivia would have chosen for herself.

At least, until she met Jared and his four brothers-at-arms.

Giving yourself to one person was easy. Having fun with two, exciting. But a harem of lovers? It was more than Olivia ever considered possible.

Need, lust, and blood drive Olivia to find a strength inside herself to not only accept her five sexy-as-sin vampires, but to also protect herself from an evil hell bent on claiming her for its own.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas I moved to Florida in 2004. I married the love of my life in 2005 and I'm the mother of an amazing little girl! Software analyst by trade, super geeky girl who loves Star Wars, Star Trek (the new movies too) and LOVE getting lost in novels. I enjoy many genres but my favorites would be paranormal/fantasy/romance, sci-fi/romance, murder/mystery/suspense, and the occasional YA that catches my attention.

I've dabbled in writing most of my life from writing poetry to writing a few short stories. In 2007 I wrote my first novel but never took it beyond finishing it. Maybe one day I will. July of 2013 I began my adventure of writing my first published novel, Fallen. It's a paranormal/romance that pushes the edge of what we know about angels and demons. Select the books tab for more information, then visit my Facebook page and give me a like.

When I'm not writing I review books by fellow author friends and authors I've not had the pleasure of meeting. One of the best things I can say about writing is creating the world the characters live in. It's an excuse to become temporarily insane and allow the voices in your head to actually talk to you. Getting lost in the story and becoming the characters, even if just for an hour, is one of the best ways to escape normal reality.

I’ve always been driven to succeed at everything I’ve tried. I graduated secondary school at age thirteen, earned a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at sixteen, and finished my medical residency at twenty-two. My focus as Dr. Galen Hunter Christensen has been traveling the world to give medical care to people in remote villages…until now.

Sierra Jade Evans has pulled me into her orbit. This last year I’ve been preoccupied with finding ways to talk with her, wanting to know everything about her. Our likes and dislikes are almost identical, and the differences only complement our personalities, but we do have two problems: Her ability to trust has been shaken, and she’s hung up on being six years my senior.

Fate finally led us to spend one night exploring what could be, before sending us separate directions. But now I’m back.

I have an unquenchable thirst for Sierra—the only woman to ever fill the void in my life and not object to my dominance and kinky desires. I know I’ll have to work a miracle to gain her trust, but I’ll do anything to keep her close and make her mine.

I grew up in a small town in South Florida and moved to Central Florida to attend college. I married my friend, love, and soul mate and still reside in the area with our amazing son, and a feisty, four-legged little doggie boy.

In my books, I draw on my background in healthcare, business, and science, along with my husband's engineering and wireless technology knowledge I currently write on all levels of Romance. A Learning Series, the Need Series, and Need's spin-off Titan Security is for those who like a little more steam with their books, falling into the categories of Contemporary and Erotica, with various levels of Suspense.

The Remembrance Series encompasses Young Adult, with a touch of Paranormal activity and a hint of Historical romance.

I try to make my writing very personal and close to her heart. Regular life is the inspiration for my books, but I'm only limited by imagination taking ideas to new heights, opening up possibilities that would normally not exist.

On a more personal note...I love to cook and create in the kitchen and on the bbq grill. I sometimes lose myself in a song at the piano. I often sing with my son while we are driving or making dinner together. I enjoy crafts (flower arranging, making wreaths, painting pottery, needle point and drawing in pencil and charcoals). My music tastes are eclectic at best, ranging from classical piano to hard rock/heavy metal. It all depends on the song, group, and if it has a good beat or is a soulful ballad.

To learn more about me, feel free to check me out at: www.cynthiaponeill.com

Molly Pool is an unemployed former hacker turned coder. Ivan Daborevki is a business man and Sovietnik in the Bratva mafia.

When their worlds collide, will the power of love and family protect them from the dangers lurking behind every shadow? I’m a dangerous, dominant man with a dark side and a past. In my world, it is the only way to survive. Appointed to the rank of Sovietnik of the Bratva after my father’s death, with the title comes fame, money, power, women, and corruption. The crest I now bear on my chest symbolizes power and leadership, both qualities I possess. But with those responsibilities, darkness sometimes overshadows the light. The only thing that matters more than life is protecting my family. I will go to every length that I can to make them safe. Including the unthinkable, death. Then one day, that all changed. She stumbled into my life, and whether by fate or chance, I know I have to make her mine. And the path we are about to take, will change our lives. Forever.

Abigail Lee Justice writes emotional, erotic, romantic suspense that includes a BDSM theme. She creates strong characters who seem real but are flawed in some ways; some couples Happily Ever After will be a work in process. Some characters’ problems are just too steamy to fix in one book.

Born and raised in Baltimore City by two wonderful, supportive, loving parents, as a child Abigail made up vivid tales in her head. Until one day, a friend told her instead of keeping her stories locked her head she needed to put them on paper and that’s exactly what she did. Abigail met her husband thirty years ago on a blind date (thanks Dan C.) while working a part time job to put herself through college. She fell madly in love with her Prince Charming and has been since the first day they met. By day, Abigail practices medicine in a busy Cardiologist practice. By evening, she switches her white coat for more relaxed comfortable clothing. She has two wonderful adult sons and a very spoiled chocolate lab. In the wee hours of the night, she writes BDSM romances. In her spare time when not working or writing, Abigail enjoys reading, concocting vegetarian dishes, scuba diving, high adventure activities, living in the lifestyles she writes about, and doing lots and lots of research making sure her characters get it just right. If you’d like to become part of Abigail’s street team or become a beta reader for future books, drop her a message on FB@ abigailleejustice.

Romance Reviews The Substitute Wife by Cici Cordelia Review by Babs Harrison has finally made a name for himself and a fortune with the silver mining. It has taken four years but he sends off for Jenny as they both waited for each other.

Jenny is not able to show up so she sends her sister Retta and her daughter, Adeline, to go in her place. Harrison is not happy when he sees her and her daughter get off the stage coach. Once Retta hands over a letter from Jenny explaining why, he takes them on to his house.

Can these two learn to love each other and make a great marriage or will they just be mere business partners?

As the pages turn we see this couple grow to friends and then love. Not only does Harrison take her daughter to love but Harrison’s brother does as well. That little girl has everyone wrapped around their fingers. This is a book you will want to read again and again on a nice day.

The Dance Hall Wife by Cici Cordelia Review by Babs Frank and Cat can’t say nice things about each other at times and it makes you wonder why. Frank has made a nice fortune with the silver mine. He liked Cat at one point and then it went south.

Cat was won in a poker game and now belongs to Mr Morgan, who is a ruthless man who cares about no one. She doesn’t do any tricks just helps out.

When a bad man gets out of prison his mission is to take out Frank and anyone that cares about him. All Frank wants to do is protect Cat. Cat is a wonderful character. I liked her from book one. Frank is adorable and has a big heart but he tires to shield himself. These two are even greater together and win anyone over. The chemistry is hot and it was nice to see them come together. The series is getting better and better with each book.

Finding Karma by Stacy M Wray Review by Babs Braden is a football king and Karma is his girl.

She wants everyone to know her for HER not being his girlfriend and living in the shadow. She is not going to follow him to UCLA that is his dream. Once she finds out she wants to be a photographer and go to a different college she dumps her.

Years have passed and Karma’s photography has taken off and she is happy. When she applies for a job that can take her even higher in her career she is excited until she finds out who her boss is. The one and only Braden.

The story was great we see each chapter grow and come together in their relationship. Well written and a story anyone can enjoy reading. A great second chance romance.

Returning to Mr. Darcy by Sheena Austin Review by Babs Elizabeth has been in a car accident and has awaken to a different time with some man who thinks is her husband. She has been feeling like she has been missing something in her life and know she thinks she has found it.

Darcy doesn’t know what to think of Elizabeth with the way she is acting but knows it is part of her amnesia or is it? He finds relief in the bottle as he thinks she may have someone else in her life as he finds her in the arm of another man.

This was an interesting twist to an old story. There are some twists and strange things happening in the story. The characters were fun to read about but the story itself was a bit slow then fast then slow and you wondered if you might get through the book. That being said this is more than a variation this is modern and regency smashed together. Not a bad read just something to get use to.

CRAFT COLUMN WITH

AMBER MARR I have a lot of favorite childhood memories about craft time with my mother and sister. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and made sure that she spent a lot of time with us developing our creativity. Instead of watching television, playing videogames, or hibernating in our rooms, we did crafty things. In fact, I still have some of those creations safely packed away. Some of the things we made were simple and other things were more complex, but regardless of the ability level, spending time being creative was always fun.

ABOVE Earrings by Amber.

One of my favorite crafty hobbies is making jewelry.

Designing and handcrafting jewelry was not something I did as a kid, unless you count stringing the large plastic beads on elastic cord. My desire to start making jewelry stemmed from a couple of things dating back to 2004. Fresh out of a divorce I really didn’t know what to do with my time. At that time, my sister worked in a bead and jewelry supply shop owned by her, then-boyfriend-now husband’s family. I went to visit her one day and that’s all she wrote.

Some of my creations include earrings, bracelets, and zipper pulls. My sister was my teacher in all things beads and jewelry. She taught me how to create patterns with different shapes, colors, and styles of beads. After I picked a pattern, she then went on and showed me how to turn my design into a pair of fashion earrings, a bracelet, or even a necklace. I was hooked from then on and still create jewelry pieces today.

An easy and fun activity to do with your children, other children, or even by yourself, is to make a simple pair of earrings featuring a metal charm of your favorite bug, animal, or other design. You’ll need to purchase earring findings, the charms you want to use, and tools; needle nose pliers or flat pliers. I’m fortunate to have a couple different craft stores close by so whenever I need anything it is just a short drive to gather what I need for a project.

Earring findings are the type of post that goes through the ear that you want to use.

There are earstuds, hoops, earwires, or leverbacks. Make sure to get ones with loops that open on the bottom of them so you are able to add your desired charm.

Charms are the next items you will need. Pick the type you would like for each earring. The charms can match, be asymmetrical, symmetrical, or mismatch – whatever style you are going for works for this project. Check the weight of what you choose; some charms are heavier than others. My earlobes are slightly torn so I have to stay away from heavy earrings.

Assembling the earrings from the components listed is easy. Just take the pair of pliers and open the loop at the bottom of the earring. You can open the loop by pulling straight out a little bit (not too far) or opening it to the side. Then, slide your charm on (make sure it’s facing the correct way), and close the loop. If the charm falls off when you pick the earring up, the loop needs to be closed just a bit more. These fun earrings are perfect for you to wear or to give as a gift.

Amber's Creations, LLC

THRILLERS AND COZY MYSTERIES FEATURES AND MORE WITH HOLLY QUINN, MARIA SCHNEIDER, VICTORIA GILBERT, H.L CARPENTER, SHARON PAPE, LISA COLODNY, DEVON DELANEY AND KETA DIABLO A CRAFTER KNITS A CLUE BY HOLLY QUINN

A MURDER FOR THE BOOKS BY VICTORIA GILBERT

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft.

Fleeing a disastrous love affair, university librarian Amy Webber moves in with her aunt in a quiet, historic mountain town in Virginia. She quickly busies herself with managing a charming public library that requires all her attention with its severe lack of funds and overabundance of eccentric patrons.

ONE GOOD ECLAIR BY MARIA SCHNEIDER

FINAL ROASTING PLACE

BY DEVON DELANEY

Ivy is determined to make her living as a nutritionist, but her family has other plans. When that family is the mafia, and one of them has gone missing, all other jobs are summarily pushed aside. Or else.

Sherry Frazzelle is back to being Sherry Oliveri, her divorce all but final and her new life in full swing. Her part-time job is helping her father with his hooked-rug business, and her full-time passion is competitive cooking. But murder is about to rock their little Connecticut town . . .

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner.

Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect.

But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

Holly Quinn is both an avid reader and crafter. She sells her artistic creations locally and dreamed of one day opening a gift shop to sell local artist's handiwork. Instead, she began writing about it and thus her journey of the Handcrafted Mystery series was born. Holly has published two stand-alone fiction novels in another persona. She graduated from Carroll University in Wisconsin with a bachelor of science in business and a minor in marketing. This is her first Handcrafted Mystery.

Ivy is determined to make her living as a nutritionist, but her family has other plans. When that family is the mafia, and one of them has gone missing, all other jobs are summarily pushed aside. Or else.

Ivy can’t trust anyone outside of the family, but Slate is not only willing to help, he’s the last person to have seen her uncle alive. It only makes sense to keep her eye and gun on Slate while they hunt for clues.

Watching him is easy because Slate is more than happy to keep her close, but is he leading her away from her uncle or truly helping?

Ivy can’t cook her way out of this mess, but she has a recipe or two for dealing with disaster—if she can just put the fires out before she gets burned!

Maria knows that if you add oatmeal to cookies, they are a health food. She doesn't eat rice cakes, but she does like rice pudding. You can find her at her blog: BearMountainBooks.com. She lives near Austin, Texas, is an avid gardener, reader and cook.

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a retired librarian who was the library director for a visual and performing arts university for over 25 years. Before that I worked as a reference library at the Lincoln Center branch of the NYPL, and as the head research librarian for the Museum of Television and Radio (now the Paley Center for Media) in NYC. I have a MLS from Indiana University, as well as a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Virginia, and a second masters in liberal studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I live out in the country in the Piedmont area of North Carolina and love to garden, travel, watch movies, and (of course) read.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I always loved to write and I scribbled poems and short stories all my life. But although I said I wanted to write a novel, I never completed one until about six years ago. One day I just decided that I had to finish writing a book to prove to myself that I could! Now I’ve completed eight books, five of which have been published to date. (One more will be published in Feb. 2019). In addition, I have been contracted to write two more books for publication in late 2019 and in 2020.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

The fourth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. No title yet!

I’m also working on researching and developing several other projects that will hopefully turn into future books and series.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

I truly cannot answer that question, so I guess I will just say – my next one! (Because I always want the next book to be better than the last).

I will confess that I still love my fantasy books – CROWN OF ICE and SCEPTER OF FIRE – even though I had to end up reissuing them via a self-publishing author co-op (for reasons I won’t go into). They subsequently haven’t sold that well, but that’s more about me not being the greatest marketer. Of course, I’ve also been focusing on my mystery series over the past couple of years.

You can read more about my books written as Vicki L. Weavil here: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/other-books-and-poetry/ BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

Basically, everything I’ve ever read. (And I’ve read a LOT). I can’t really point to specific books – every good book has taught me something about writing, as have some not-so-great books (in terms of what didn’t work for me as a reader).

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

Marketing is definitely the most challenging part of writing for me. I don’t mind speaking in front of crowds, so personal appearances and panels at conferences are no problem, but I do struggle with the more intensive aspects of marketing. I really don’t like being a salesperson for my books. I’d prefer talking to readers rather than aggressively trying to sell them something.

That ties into what I consider the most rewarding part of writing – reaching readers and providing them with entertainment and, I hope, some interesting characters and situations to spark thought and discussion.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

Actually, I have quite a stack, as I’m finally getting around to reading books released over the last couple of years. Now that I’m retired it’s easier to fit in some reading along with the writing and editing! My pick for best of all my recently read books is KA: DAR OAKLEY IN THE RUINS OF YMR by one of my favorite authors, John Crowley.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

I hope to start writing a new mystery series sometime soon – my agent and I are working on getting something lined up. I may also eventually try my hand at a thriller; something a little darker and grittier than my cozy series.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

I’d just like to thank them for reading my books and for sharing their interest in them with other readers.

Raised in a historic small town in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian. She has worked as a reference librarian and library director for public, museum, and academic libraries.

Victoria’s first cozy mystery series, the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, garnered her a three-book deal – which has subsequently been expanded to five books – with Crooked Lane Books The first two books in the series have been optioned by Sony Pictures Television, and were also produced in audiobook

by Tantor Media. A MURDER FOR THE BOOKS, the first book in the series, was a Southern Independent Booksellers “Okra Pick” and was longlisted for a Southern Book Prize.

Victoria is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

We're HL Carpenter, a mother/daughter author duo. We write from our studios in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like our stories, is unreal but not untrue. Our books are family-friendly stand-alone young adult, mystery, and contemporary novels.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

We can't think of a specific AHA! moment. The process was more of a metamorphosis that began when we realized we had as much fun making up stories as we did reading stories.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

We have a new mystery ready for release and another in the draft stage; we completed the first draft of a themed collection of short stories and are letting the manuscript cool off, and we're in the revision stage of a collection of contemporary satire. We also have a couple of completed mysteries for adult readers that we're thinking of publishing as a series, along with novellas featuring the same characters.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

Our favorite book is always the one we are currently working on because we get immersed in the story.

That's true right up to the umpteenth edit, when we're more than ready to let the book free. Fly! Fly away! :) BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

This is so difficult to answer because we read and have read so many books.

We have noticed that many of our own books lean toward mystery. When we were young and impressionable not so very long ago, we must have been quite influenced by books with riddles, secrets, and problems to solve.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

The most challenging part is getting out of our own way and letting the story develop naturally without adding those addictive and unnecessary writerly flourishes that pull the reader from the imagined world into the real one.

The most rewarding part is when we find the exact words to communicate the story we are envisioning.

Those words have to fit the character, fit the scene, fit the way the story must unfold. Discovering them— and sometimes inventing them—is writerlicious.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

The Kindle is on the nightstand, loaded with ebooks, alongside the audiobook player. Three hardback books are on the coffee table by the couch at the moment. Those are Lisa Scottoline's One Perfect Lie, The Quiet Side of Passion by Alexander McCall Smith, and The Outsider by Stephen King.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Multitudes of stories about plucky characters who wrestle with insecurities and frustrations, who fail and succeed and fail again, and who discover they are, at bottom, admirable and courageous and ordinary and not-so-ordinary, all at the same time.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

A dish of pistachio ice cream and a huge thank you for reading along with us.

Thank you again for this opportunity, Babs. And thank you, readers, for reading along with us!

Mother/daughter author duo HL Carpenter write familyfriendly fiction from their studios in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like their stories, is unreal but not untrue. When they’re not writing, they enjoy exploring the Land of What-If and practicing the fine art of Curiosity.

Visit HLCarpenter.com to enjoy gift reads and excerpts and to find out what’s happening in Carpenter Country.

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I think of my writing career as having two stages. Back in the dark ages, before the internet, I had three paranormal books published.

The first one was condensed by Redbook Magazine, the first paperback original they ever condensed. They also published my first short story.

I took a hiatus from writing fiction when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There’s more about that on my website. In any case, when I went back to writing, I decided to try my hand at cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist and a splash of humor. I’ve found them to be a lot of fun.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I was in first grade when I wrote my first little story – “Wild Horse Valley.” I even made a cover for it. I don’t think it was a conscious decision. There was a story in my head, so I wrote it down. All these years later, not much has changed in that regard.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I’m currently writing my second cozy series, the Abracadabra Mysteries. Magick Run Amok is the third book in that series. The fourth one will debut April 16, 2019 and I’m hard at work on book five. Although I love all my characters, Merlin is the most fun. He’s elderly and eccentric, which causes a whole lot of mayhem.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

That’s like asking me which one of my children is my favorite. At this point, I’ve written twelve books and I love them each for different reasons.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

I’ve always been an avid reader. After so many books of every type and genre, it’s hard to know how much any one of them contributed to my writing. I like to think they all did. However, if we’re talking about the paranormal specifically, Dean Koontz and Stephan King have been my mentors.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

The most challenging part of writing is a two part question in my experience. With my three early novels, the challenge was finding an agent who believed in me and could market my books to the best publishers for it. Although finding an agent can still be a challenge in the age of the internet, the new challenge is competing for readers with the thousands upon thousands of books that are self-published these days.

The most rewarding part of writing is finishing a book. It’s a bit like giving birth to a child. Oddly enough it takes me nine months to accomplish either one. I also find it rewarding every time I find a way to say exactly what I’m feeling or imagining. I love playing with words.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

Believe it or not, I’ve gone back to the series that began with THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR. I read the first three books early on and never read the books that followed. About a year ago, I attended a lecture

by Jean Auel, the author of the books. She had just completed the last one in the series and was a very interesting speaker. I left there wanting to read the final volume, but decided I should read the books I’d missed leading up to it. To answer your question, the book on my nightstand is THE PLAINS OF PASSAGE. It’s over six hundred pages, so it will probably be on my nightstand for some time.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Along with books four and five that I mentioned earlier, I’d like to write more books in my two other series once the rights revert to me. There’s more about them on my website. I also have a number of new book ideas vying for my attention. My head is getting overcrowded!

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

A few years ago, after the rights to my first book reverted to me, I updated and self-published it under the title I had originally wanted to use: For Everything a Season. It’s available on Amazon along with, ‘Tis the Season, a little book with four of my short stories with holiday themes.

One of the things that defines me as much as my writing, is my love for animals (as long as they have no more than four legs – the multi-legged I leave to the entomologists out there) Dogs, in particular, have enriched my life beyond measure. Humans definitely got the better end of the deal when we hooked up with their ancestors some ten thousand years ago.

Sharon describes her writing career as having two stages.

Back in the dark ages, before computers were in every household, she had three paranormal books published. The first one was condensed by Redbook Magazine, the first paperback original they ever condensed. This time around she's writing cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist. Magick Run Amok is the third book in her Abracadabra Mysteries.

The fourth one will debut April 16, 2019.

Other books by Sharon are:

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in the beautiful countryside of Kentucky in a small town surrounded by family and friends. After college I moved to Florida where I currently work in Healthcare. I am a graduate of both Broward College and Nova Southeastern University. What little free time I have not writing or working is occupied with my daughter and our three dogs Cooper, Buttercup, and Bentley.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

Even when I was in middle school I wrote. I wrote mostly short stories about growing up with my cousins and friends and pretty much life in general. I lost my father in 2011 and at that time I decided to really give it a try. I wrote my first book, The Town Time Forgot, the first year of his death.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

Right now, I'm working on the second book in the middle reader series, the Place Where Magic Lives. I'm working with an illustrator on a second children's picture book, Jericho Alley. And I'm about halfway the first draft of my 5 adult fiction piece tentatively titled Chimera.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

That's like asking me to pick a favorite child. The Town Time Forgot was my first and will always be special. I think it's the best story especially with all the layers. As I grow as a writer I think that's evident in my stories. I was very happy with how Yellow River Pledge came out. It took the longest to write and edit. The final product is so different from the original manuscript I submitted, it could almost be another story. I think that story is one of the best ones I've written. Journeys is different from any other story I written so far. I didn't start out to pen a Christian story but I'm told I did and that's evident in the reviews. A lot of this story was based on some of the short stories I wrote many years ago so it will always be special to me. Sanctuary Road, as a writer, just fell into place. And I love the story. I set this one in the fictional town of Cedarwood, Kentucky and it has many similarities with the small town I grew up in and love so very much.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

There are many but the first books I remember loving with the little house books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

In high school I read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and fell in love with the story and characters. It is still probably my favorite book. As a teenager I started reading Janice Holt Giles and still enjoy rereading some of my favorites. Presently, I enjoy Elizabeth Berg, Jodi Piccoult, Anita Shreve... there's too many to name. I also enjoy most of the Oprah Books that she highlights for book club.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing?

And the most rewarding? Challenging is finding the time to really commit to writing the story and sometimes the research can be tough when you aren't finding what you need. Rewarding - I love to tell stories, have since I was a kid. I've always got a story to tell or share about something growing up. Over the years at work, I've actually had coworkers enter my office when they're having a bad day and ask for a "lisa story." I think writing my stories is a way to continue to tell my stories but on a larger scale.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

I'm reading Mosiac by Amy Grant right. If you'd asked to days ago, would have been Calling me home by Julie KIbbler.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Continuation of the Place Where Magic Lives Series, Chimera should be finished next Summer. And I have two other pieces I'm jotting down notes for, one is about genetic memory and the other, Vietnam.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

Feedback is a wonderful thing. Even if you didn't like the story, I'd love to hear from you.

Inspired Ingredients What do writing cozy murder mysteries and competing in cooking competitions have in common? More than one would imagine. Creating a winning recipe for a cooking contest requires inspiration, creativity and perseverance. The same goes into writing a cozy mystery. The common characteristic I believe most important is, arguably, inspiration. The origin of a great recipe is so personal you should get goose bumps when you try a bite of the final product because of the love you put into its creation. The birth of an idea for an intriguing mystery should be on the same level of familiarity – from that point on, where you apply the goose bumps can make the difference between a good and great read.

An ingredient that jogs a memory, a comfort classic that yearns for an update, or even a beloved flavor combination remembered from childhood, can inspire the recipes I create for contests.

I never let the naysayers who spout, “It’s all been done before, you can’t come up with something new,” block my drive. I suggest I’m even motivated by their doubts. Before I move on to the inspiration behind my writing, let me provide some background.

To summarize the last twenty years of my working life, I was a long-time computer teacher/ cooking contest hobbyist and now I’m a cozy murder mystery author/ cooking contest hobbyist.

The Reader’s Digest version is - when I was considering my next step after relocating with my husband from New Jersey to Connecticut, there were two options. I could put out feelers for positions in computer education, which was my career before we moved, or I could use my unemployed status to attack my bucket list in earnest. I chose the responsible option first, but with no immediate nibbles from any of the local schools, I moved on to what I was most excited to try – writing a book.

I presented the idea to friends and family, only to receive either a, “Doesn’t everyone want to write a book? Unless you have something new to offer, no one will be interested,” response, or the, “The publishing industry is a tough nut to crack, dear. Be prepared for failure,” nugget of advice. Guess what. I was pretty sure I did have a story that hadn’t been told.

In the same vein, as I’ve mentioned, people always suggest there might not be any recipes left to invent, but that notion never stopped me from trying to create a new take on an old classic. I had a strong base of expertise to draw from, my cooking contesting hobby. It hit me one day when I had reached the end of my job search, participating in my beloved hobby of competing in cooking competitions was not only winning me cash and prizes, it had also laid the groundwork for the next phase of my working life.

I was, and still am, a dedicated fan of cozy mysteries, so that became my chosen genre. I enjoy the who-dunnit premise and the lack of gratuitous violence. Dead body, suspects, clues, hobbies - that’s what I loved about cozies. I had a premise for my books and I had the expertise to wrap my premise in.

Like a great recipe, though, the books needed good ingredients to fill the pages with action, intrigue and solid characters. That step in the process would require the greatest level of inspiration.

In the second book in my cooking competition mystery series, Final Roasting Place, the main character, Sherry, a cooking contester, is taking part in a cook-off at the local television station. Having participated in a few cook-offs on television myself, I drew from those times as I imagined what could have gone terribly awry during the broadcast. In the over-twenty years and counting I’ve been an active cooking competitor, I have to admit, I’ve never caught wind of a related murder. That being the case, the door was left wide open for all sorts of lethal possibilities. My imagination took flight during the writing process.

In Sherry’s world, as in the real world, competition between cooks vying for a valuable prize breeds excellence, but competition can also breed bad behavior. If a cook’s spinach soufflé falls on the way to the judging table, should she run for the hills, stick out her leg to trip up the cook alongside her in an effort to narrow the playing field, or hope the taste of her excellent ingredients shines through the dish’s imploded exterior? The answer is, it all depends on the character’s reaction to the heat in the competition kitchen. And, if one thing leads to another and a murder is committed, Sherry’s going to have to set aside her apron and be inspired to get involved. My hope is that I’ve inspired readers to how it all unfolds and maybe feel a few goose bumps along the way.

Devon Delaney is a wife, mother of three, accomplished cooking contester, recent empty nester, and lifelong resident of the Northeast. She has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twentyplus years, including a full kitchen of major appliances, top cash prizes, and four trips to Disney World. The origin of her published culinary writing can be traced to the Grand Prize she won in a national writing contest for her “foodie” poem “Ode to Pork Passion.”

After Sophia's parents die in a fire, she struggles to save Arbor Rose. Most of the slaves have run off, the South is in tatters and so is the only home she's ever known. Another bluecoat is staggering down the hill, coming to steal the last of her meager possessions.The United States is torn asunder by Civil War. Two men, linked together by their love for one woman, Sophia Whitfield, answer the call of duty.

An arranged marriage to Jesse James Grantham has been in the works since Sophia and Jesse were children. When he leaves to fight for his beloved South, he promises Sophia they'll whip those Johnny Rebs in no time and when he returns, they'll get married under her mother's rose arbor.

Sophia's best friend from childhood, Gavin Langdale, enlists to fight for the North. Why does she feel as if he's taking her heart with him the day he leaves for war? She loves Jesse‌ doesn't she?

Before the hated enemy has a chance to commit the vilest of acts, she shoots him.

And then discovers its Gavin, the champion of her youth.

Dark secrets lurk in Gavin's memory, secrets much darker than the despicable acts of war. He carries a message for Sophia, a missive from Jesse. When he finds the courage to tell her what really happened to Jesse on that bloody battlefield, she'll hate him—hate him until she draws her last breath.

A powerful story of lies, betrayal and a love that burns brighter than all the stars in Heaven.

Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of gorgeous woodland.

When she isn't writing or gardening she loves to commune with nature. A pair of barn owls return to the property every year to birth their young and show them off in the high branches of the oak trees. Nothing more adorable than these white fluffy babies with heart-shaped faces. A lifelong animal lover, Keta devotes her time and support to the local animal shelter. Emma LaPounce, a rescued feline, has been her furry companion for the last ten years.

Keta is an award-winning and best-selling author who writes in several genres: Western Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance. In a past life, she wrote Gay Romance. Her books have received numerous accolades, including RWA contest finalist, Authors After Dark finalist, Top Pick of the Month and Recommended Review from top review sites, and Best Romance Finalist from The Independent Author Network.

Cozy Mystery Reviews The Cats Came Back by Sofie Kelly Review by Amber The Cats Came Back is another great book in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mystery series. This book takes place during the Wild Rose Summer Music Festival. Musicians and fan have come from far and wide to participate. During the festival, while Hercules and Owen are being photographed by a local artist, a body is discovered not that far from them. She looks like one of the singers but she ends up being a friend who also bears a striking resemble to the singer. It’s up to Kathleen and Marcus to find out why the woman was murdered and if she was actually the intended target or if it was a case of mistaken identity.

I really enjoy the Magical Cats Mystery series. The pacing is steady and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.

The books in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mysteries are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.

The Magical Cats Mystery series is one of my favorites. I enjoy the lowkey nature of cozy mysteries.

They keep me entertained with their quirky main characters. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers.

City of Lies by Victoria Thompson Review by Amber City of Lies is a book filled with realism and emotion from start to finish. Set during the era when women were fighting for the right to vote in the United States, City of Lies reminds us what women endured to give us equal footing in the world of politics. The author’s world building in the book is vivid and descriptive.

I highly doubt any reader will be unaffected by the anxiety, suffering, and abuse the suffragists are subjected to in the first half of the book.

These emotional aspects of the book were hard for me to sit and read. I skipped over much of the book set in the prison, only reading little snippets here and there in order to stay abreast with the story. This is, in no way, a negative reflection of the book or the author. It just means that I’m empathetic and the anxiety in the book caused anxiety in me. There is a reason that I don’t typically read anything like this, the Holocaust, slavery, etc. It’s not because I deny the events happened, because I know they absolutely did happen, but because I get too emotionally invested and overly emotional while reading books with high levels of injustice and mistreatment.

That said, City of Lies is a wonderful book set in a turbulent time in America. Our heroine is a con artist who works with her brother to swindle money from unsuspecting marks. Only, this time, they may have tried to steal from the wrong guy. In order to escape Oscar Thornton’s wrath, Elizabeth flees from danger right into the middle of a women’s rights march in front of the White House. If only she realized she was jumping from the frying pan right into the fire. After spending some time in jail, Elizabeth makes a few friends, whom she stays in contact after their release. In order to prevent Thornton from hurting her or her brother, Elizabeth’s deception cranks up a notch and now involves her new friends and some of their family members. Somewhere along the way Elizabeth becomes enamored with the son of one of the women from prison but he’s good and she’s a liar – how could it ever work?

The author did a great job with the character development in City of Lies, especially Elizabeth’s. She’s not exactly the same person she started off being at the beginning. She’s a strong character but you have to be if the art of the long con is your way of living. She’s also compassionate and discovers that she’s lonely not having any friends. Those she shared her jail time with become close to her and they become dear to her, as well. It is easy to identify with Elizabeth, feel her emotions and the emotions of others, and fit right into the story. There is a hint of romance in the book that is lightly touched upon but doesn’t overshadow the story. All of the characters were written well and I enjoyed each one of them.

This book is rich in emotional content and I was engaged in the story from the very beginning, despite having skimmed the prison sections of the book. After that section of the book was over, I had no problem falling right back in with the rest of the book. The story is fast paced and truly set up and executed well.

One Good Eclair by Maria Schneider Review by Babs

When Ivy isn’t working to become a nutritionist she is helping her Uncle Tom doing jobs. Trouble seems to find her where ever she goes as now she has to find out if if her uncle has anything to do with gunshots, murder down the street and someone trying to pick the lock on her uncle’s door.

The man trying to break in is the last one to see her uncle before he has disappeared. She wants answers and she wants them now.

What a wonderful and fun read the characters are great and not to mention a K-9 German Shepard and other things going on. This is the first book I have read by the author but it won’t be the last.

Kailyn has inherited her mother and grandmother’s old shop, Abracadabra. As she is taking that in she finds Elise’s husband dead. Elise happens to be her best friend.

With Elise being accused of the murder she has to summon all the power she has to find out what really happened.

Kailyn gets visits from her dead grandmother. Her friend Tilly helps her. The story is full of fun, mystery, twists that make the reader turn the pages to see what happened.

I love the story and will be reading more by the author. She knows how to write to tell a story that you feel you are right along with them in the pages.