The Bistro issue 3

The Bistro exploring the authors of the world

Dorothy St. James Duffy Brown Anna J. Stewart Giveaways Publisher News Guest Posts Interviews Reviews & More MARCH

2018

•

ISSUE 3

Contents

Cover Author 4

Horror 28

Young Adult

Guest Post 6

23 Paranormal 35

10 32 45

Bill Crider Mara Gan Duffy Brown

Romance

40

Margaret C. Morse

Cozy Mystery 32 52Â 56Â

Debbie De Louise Barbara Schlichting

78 81 87 90 91 93

Lynn Winchester Faye Hall D.L. Gardner Anna J Stewaert Charlotte M Rand

Publisher News 11

65

12

68

Dave Willmarth

72

Audiobookworm

Reviews

19

Giveaways 27

Audiio Books/ GammingÂ

42 58 94

Paranormal Mystery Romance

Contact us You can email us at Babsbookbistro@icloud.com

Disclosure Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you, and as always we only recommend products we trust!

COVER AUTHOR

Dorothy St. James Chocolate shop owner, Charity Penn is at it againcooking up chocolate treats while trying to keep everyone in the quirky seaside town of Camellia Beach safe.

A threatening note, a dead musician, and decades of secrets put the town's first beach music festival and its band members in grave danger.

With help from her meddling half-sister and a new flavor of chocolate sweets to ignite the senses, Penn follows the shifting tide of evidence to uncover a forty-year-old secret.

Other books in the series

Mystery author Dorothy St. James was born in New York but raised in South Carolina. She makes her home on an artsy island community in South Carolina with her husband, a crazy dog, and fluffy cat. Though writing has always been a passion for her, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and a graduate degree in Public Administration and Urban Planning. She put her educational experience to use, having worked in all branches and all levels of government including local, regional, state, and federal. She even spent time during college working for a non-profit environmental watchdog organization.

Switching from government service and community planning to fiction writing wasn't as big of a change as some might think. Her government work was all about the stories of the people and the places where they live. As an urban planner, Dorothy loved telling the stories of the people she met. And from that, her desire to tell the tales that were so alive in her heart grew until she could not ignore it any longer. In 2001, she took a leap of faith and pursued her dream of writing fiction full-time. * Dorothy St. James is the alter-ego of award-winning multi-published author, Dorothy McFalls. She enjoys writing in several different genres. Her works have been nominated for many awards including: Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Reviewers International Organization Award, National Reader's Choice Award, CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, and The Romance Reviews Today Perfect 10! Award. Reviewers have called her work: "amazing", "perfect", "filled with emotion", and "lined with danger."

Reviewing a Book by Sandra Murphy

What I Look for When Reviewing a Book by Sandra Murphy Reviewers, by definition, love books. Most have specialties like cozy mysteries, thrillers, or science fiction that they enjoy.

When you ask someone for a review, you’ve asked them to give up hours of their time to promote a book.

So, what makes a reviewer say yes or no to your book?

Who’s sending the book?

Did the request come from the author or the publisher?

Have I read this author before? I go to Amazon to see what the blurb says. Is it part of a series, a stand-alone and what else has the author written. Readers who enjoy a book will want more.

At the end of my reviews, I add a line something like this, “this author also writes the ice cream shop series, four so far” or “this is the third book in the series” and advise readers to jump right in or recommend they start with book number one, often adding, “you can start here but be warned, you’ll want to read them all.” Hopefully, this encourages readers to buy your other books as well.

How complicated is the plot?

First time writers sometimes put every plot device imaginable in their book. There’s a main plot, sub-plots, back story, sidekicks, information about jobs, the color of the couch cushions, what people wear, who they’re related to and what they like to eat. The real story gets buried in the details. Make yours shine; the details should be in the background.

Make your story different.

The books that made my Best of 2017 List included a variety of locations and characters.

One had a woman who is ninety-two years old and still active in the community but aware of her limitations. (Trumpet of Death: A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery by Cynthia Riggs).

Another featured four retired adults who share a house. That murder takes place at a chili cook-off. (The Great Chili Kill-Off by Livia Washburn, recipes included).

A Louisiana setting shows how adaptable people can be when funds are low but family matters. (A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron).

A ghost in the public library can come in handy when you’re learning a new job (Death Overdue by Alison Brook).

Garage sales are ripe for mysteries especially when someone finds a rarity marked a quarter or an argument ensues about who found it first. (A Good Day to Buy by Sherry Harris).

An all-time favorite series, sadly, now coming to an end, features a small-town Sheriff plagued by his dispatcher and a sidekick. (Dead to Begin With by Bill Crider) Dare to be different.

Does it arrive in a box marked Create Space or with a traditional publisher’s name or logo?

If you’ve self-published, know the importance of good cover art. First impressions last only a few seconds before a buyer’s eyes move on to the next title. Stock art looks like stock art. Pay to have a custom cover done. For good examples of self-published books with great covers, go to https://www.matilijapress.com/Klepto-Cat-Mysteries/index.html

I’ll read either, as long as the story is well-written. Why does it matter who published it?

Because of what comes next. Promotion.

Promotion.

If you self-published, did you plan ahead to promote the book beyond reviews? Even if you’re with a traditional publisher, you’re expected to promote your work. No more publisher-subsidized book signing tours. How creative can you be about selling? There’s no need to feel like the star of a late-night informercial to do it.

Advertising helps and doesn’t have to cost a lot. Do you blog? A blog hop, where a writer schedules a guest post a day or maybe three a week with bloggers who like similar books, will reach readers you’ve not met. Knowing your target audience and how to find them, sells books. Live Facebook parties with give-aways can attract readers too. Read one author’s experience at http://spawn.org/?s=Marilyn+Levinson Keep an email list so you can alert your fans when a new book will be available for preorder.

Notice Fry (mentioned above) also offers note cards with art from her cat mystery covers, nice as a side sale but also good for contest prizes and excellent promotion.

Radio shows often have guests live or over the phone. Not all hosts will have had time to read your book (or even the blurb on the back cover). Be prepared for the host to go off topic, ask how much money you make, where you got your idea and mess up the title.

Skype with book clubs or sixth grade wanna-be writers like Sherry Harris did (mentioned above). You can read about her experience at www.wickedcozyauthors.com or she’s kindly allowed a reprint to appear in the January issue. http://spawn.org/skyping-sixthgraders/ She says it’s not as scary as you think.

Do a presentation at the public library. Afraid of public speaking? Keep in mind, you’re talking about your work which is always easier. Attendees see you as successful and want to know how you did it. They’ll buy books.

And that brings up another way to promote your book without begging people to buy it.

Join with other authors, set up a blog post, keep to the schedule (generally, authors post once a week on a variety of topics). Let your readers get to know you. Be sure to ask questions about what they like to read. Ask for a recipe or knitting pattern to be included in the book. Readers love to be invested in the story. Let them name a character. Offer a chance to win a previous book. Ask for “street teams” to help promote.

When you’re part of a blog with other authors, you don’t have to sell your own books. Sell each other’s! You know they write good books so tell about them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter. That way, you’re sharing information, not selling or begging.

Contact the reviewer and the publication and let them know you’ve shared the review on Facebook, LinkedIn and email lists. Mention them when you’re Skyping or speaking and tweeting.

After all, they picked your book to review. Shine the spotlight on them too.

Say Thank You Of course, you want to thank the publication that posted the review. That way you can keep on their radar for the next book. Don’t forget to thank the reviewer personally.

“Thanks for the great review” is nice but “Thanks for taking the time to read my book” is better. Mention a part you especially like “I loved that you mentioned the main character’s little dog. He’s based on my puppy.”

When a reviewer really liked the book, they’ll be sure to ask for the next one too. They’ll mention how the characters are growing and changing, the mysteries getting better, how a road trip for the characters makes a nice change of pace.

All That Work?

When you do what you love, it’s not work. You have a story to tell.

Reviewers tell readers where to find it. ____ BIO Sandra Murphy lives in St. Louis, land of the blues, booze and shoes. In the shadow of the Arch lurk the tales of murder and mayhem. On a hot summer day, the smell of the brewery’s hops follow the Mighty Mississippi south, igniting imagination and bringing characters to life. * I just got word that there will be one more Sheriff Dan book from Bill Crider. It will be titled That Scoundrel Death.*

Dedication to Bill Crider

BILL

CRIDERÂ

Thoughhts from Sandra Murphy A VIEW OF BILL'S BOOKS ABOVE He found three kittens, abandoned, and took them in. Soon he had to post daily

He is the most gracious person I ever

updates, photos and videos on FB and

met, so well loved. Never said a bad

YouTube or he'd get messages asking

word about anybody. So very

where they were. He called them the

generous with help and

VBK - very bad kittens. He joked they

encouragement.

were more popular than he was. They are living with his goddaughter and have their own FB page now.

He still has one more Sheriff Dan book coming out. Even Bill said he has no idea how many books and stories he wrote, some under pen names.Â

Publisher News

February 2018 Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs (MM) - reprint Clairvoyant and Present Danger by Lena Gregory (MM) The Fast and the Furriest by Sofie Ryan (MM) Claws for Concern by Miranda James (HC) March 2018 Plum Tea Crazy by Laura Childs (HC) Dead Cold Brew by Cleo Coyle (MM) - reprint Dipped to Death by Kelly Lane (MM) Marinating in Murder by Linda Wiken (MM) The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert (MM) - reprint A Brush with Shadows by Anna Lee Huber (TR) April 2018 Queen Anne's Lace by Susan Wittig Albert (HC) Wedding Cake Crumble by Jenn McKinlay (MM) A Magical Match by Juliet Blackwell (MM) Cinco De Murder by Rebecca Adler (MM) Murder in the Bowery by Victoria Thompson (MM) - reprint Shot in the Dark by Cleo Coyle (HC)

Young Adult

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I live in Sydney, Australia with two of my three children, one of ELIZABETH

FOSTER

INTERVIEW

ESME'S WISH is the first in a new fantasy series from Odyssey Books. When fifteen-year-old Esme Silver sets out to search for her missing mother, Ariane, she is transported to the alternate realm of Aeolia: a world enchanted by the gods, and steeped with myth and magic. With her newfound friends, Daniel and Lillian, Esme retraces her mother's steps in the glittering canal city of Esperance, untangling the threads of Ariane's double life. But the more Esme discovers about her mother, the more she questions whether she really knew her at all.

With themes of friendship, loyalty, and the unique bond between mother and child, ESME’S WISH is a whimsical tale for younger teens, or anyone who enjoys being swept into another world.

whom is a writer himself. In fact we now edit each other’s work! I was a bookworm as a child and dabbled in poetry at school but didn’t return to creative pursuits until after my kids were born. It was when I was reading to them that I remembered how much I loved getting lost in other worlds and started on my own novel. I love to walk and swim when I’m not writing or reading.

What are you currently writing?

I am presently working on Esme’s Gift, the sequel to Esme’s Wish and the second in the Esme trilogy. The sequel continues Esme Silver’s adventures in the alternate world of Aeolia, an island realm with a blend of Greek mythology, Venetian dreaminess and magical oceanic influences.

What books have influenced you as a writer?

My first taste of fantasy was C.S. Lewis, which gave me a thrill like no other, but the books which inspired me to start writing myself were those of the Harry Potter series. I often find an appropriate book serendipitously appears at just the right time when I need to work on a certain element of my writing, like a secret lending library!

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

Once I start writing I really enjoy it, but starting can be a problem! I am better with a routine or otherwise the day can just disappear. The most rewarding part of writing is the writing itself. I’ve found writing fiction to be a rather strange, mysterious process, so different from so many other aspects of life, but I love it! It is sometimes frustrating but never mundane.

What book is on your nightstand?

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. I am also reading Words in Deep Blue, a gorgeous contemporary YA by Australian author, Cath Crowley. I have eclectic reading tastes which is probably why my books are rather eclectic, too!

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

Esme’s Gift is my present book baby. Second books in trilogies can often suffer in quality because of commercial deadlines, but because I publish with a small press I have more flexibility than most. I am giving myself plenty of time to work on this sequel and put as much care into it as I did with the first in the series. In book two Esme turns sixteen and the series becomes a little darker. It is exciting to see the story take shape!

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

I’ve been both shocked and honoured by the warm reception to my first novel and am still floating on the goodwill of readers who have enjoyed the story.

Thank you to all the kind readers who give debut authors a chance!

Visit my website at http://www.elizabethfoster.com.au to find out more about the Esme series.

Short bio:

Elizabeth lives in Sydney, Australia where she can often be found scribbling in cafés, indulging her love of both words and coffee. She’s at her happiest when immersed in stories, plotting new conflicts and adventures for her characters. As a child, she was called Dizzy Lizzy-which she regarded as an insult all her life, until she started writing. Now, daydreaming is a central part of what she does.

Esme's Wish is her first novel.

Fun facts about me:

I’d love to own a cat, but I’m allergic, so I put them in my books instead!

One of my most prized possessions is my space pen, with which I can write upside-down in bed. (Yes, I know I can use a pencil.)

A lot of my inspiration comes from nature, especially the ocean. I’ve always lived close by water.

Giveaways

Enter for your chance at 1 of 3 ecopies of Clowders by Vanessa Morgan.

Enter Rafflecopter giveaway by clicking here.

Horror

Vanessa Morgan Clervaux, Luxembourg. This secluded, picturesque town in the middle of Europe is home to more cats than people. For years, tourists have flocked to this place – also known as “cat haven” - to meet the cats and buy cat-related souvenirs.

US

UK

FR

When Aidan, Jess and their five-year-old daughter, Eleonore, move from America to Clervaux, it seems as if they've arrived in paradise. It soon becomes clear, though, that the inhabitants' adoration of their cats is unhealthy. According to a local legend, each time a cat dies, nine human lives are taken as a punishment.

To tourists, these tales are supernatural folklore, created to frighten children on cold winter nights. But for the inhabitants of Clervaux, the danger is darkly, horrifyingly real.

Initially, Aidan and Jess regard this as local superstition, but when Jess runs over a cat after a night on the town, people start dying, one by one, and each time it happens, a clowder of cats can be seen roaming the premises.

Are they falling victim to the collective paranoia infecting the entire town? Or is something unspeakably evil waiting for them?

Aidan and Jess' move to Europe may just have been the worst decision they ever made.

“Who is she?” Eleonore asked when Jess drove her to school Friday morning.

“Who's who?” Jess countered, not sure what her daughter was talking about.

“The girl. The one who's always watching us.”

“No one's watching us,” Jess said.

“Yes, there is. All the girls in my baking class say the same.”

Normally, Jess wouldn't have put much thought into such a remark - children can say weird things sometimes. But now it seemed Eleonore might be right. Jess felt like there was indeed someone watching them, no matter what they were doing.

She felt it everywhere she went. When she took Eleonore to baking class, when she was lying in bed at night, even in the shops. But not all the time.

Some of the time.

More often than not, everything seemed normal, and then all of a sudden, she felt as if someone was checking up on her. Sometimes it was only briefly, like a minute or so, but at other times, she could feel it for several hours.

Sometimes she could feel it on the streets.

But mostly at home.

And never outside Clervaux.

You're imagining things, she told herself.

In fact, every day since she'd arrived in Europe, it had gotten worse. More and more, she'd get that tingly feeling, and know that someone behind her was watching her. She'd try to ignore it, tried to resist the urge to look over her shoulder, but eventually the hair on the back of her neck would stand up, and the tingling would turn into a chill, and finally, she'd turn around.

And nobody would be there.

Nobody, except for the cats. The sight of cats waddling along the pavement had never seemed eerie to her, but the fact that they were always there, no matter where she was on the sidewalk, at the main square, in a café, in the forest – made her skin crawl.

Whenever she was running errands in Clervaux, she kept looking into store windows, but it wasn't the merchandise she was looking at; it was the reflection in the glass.

The reflection of something sinister watching her.

Sometimes she could have sworn she saw something. The reflection of a small, squatting figure. But then she glanced over her shoulder and all she could see once more were the cats of Clervaux staring back at her.

She decided to not let her imagination get to her, to resist the urge to glance over her shoulder every few seconds.

And then her daughter muttered the words, “Who is she? The girl. The one who's always watching us,” and the paranoia tightened its grip on her once more.

Author Bio: Vanessa Morgan is known as the “female version of Stephen King.�

Three of her works (The Strangers Outside, Next to Her, A Good Man) have become movies. When she's not working on her latest book, you can find her watching horror movies, digging through flea markets, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats (http://travellingcats.blogspot.com).

Five Heroes Walk into a Dinner Party

GUEST FIVE BY

POST

HEROES

MARA

WALK

INTO

A

DINNER

PARTY

GAN

When I was in elementary school, my third grade

They are mostly anti-heroes, people or

teacher asked us to write about our hero. I think

characters that walk the line of good and bad. I

he expected us to come back with inspirational

guess I find them more realistic and relatable

stories about our parents, grandparents, older

that way.

siblings in military service, or George Washington, so imagine his disappointment when

Cheshire Cat .

most of our stories were about our dogs

role model. He’s not evil, but he’s not good,

(“because he licks himself all day and then

either; he tricks Alice so many times and nearly

sleeps”), the playground supervisor (“she gets

gets her killed, but he does try to save her and

recess all day long!”), or my favorite, the

help her, too. Plus, his nonsensical, irrelevant-to-

refrigerator, because “it’s full of food all the

the-conversation humor speaks to me and how

time.”

my mind works.

I don’t really have any heroes, I suppose, but (mostly fictional) characters with traits I find fascinating and occasionally worthy of emulating.

Always and forever, a personal

Sherlock Holmes. Especially the Benedict Cumberbatch version. In general, the character is a sociopathic genius who would just as soon let you fall off a cliff as help you, because ultimately, all he cares about is the puzzle. He’s a true neutral; let people do what they do, as long as he can do the same. He’s predictable in that way, but his utterly different approach to human interaction is what I find fascinating. His brilliance is a trait no one can dispute, either, although beautifully, he’s still an idiot sometimes.

Voltaire. Not fictional, obviously, but his ideas and witticisms resonate over two centuries later, and I can’t help but love someone who refused to renounce the devil on his deathbed because “this is hardly the time to be making new enemies.”

Garak, from Deep Space Nine. He had such a different way of thinking, and his confusing conversational habits are the stuff of legend. I’ll always remember his response when someone first told him the story of the “Boy Who Cried Wolf”: he questioned the moral of the story, saying that it wasn’t “you should never tell a lie,” but rather, “you should never tell the same lie twice.”

Jack Sparrow. Who doesn’t love Jack Sparrow? (Sorry, “Captain” Jack Sparrow.)

His quirky, unbalanced-yet-completely-calculated manner of thinking was sheer brilliance. He’s the kind of person you always want on your side, because he desperately wants to be selfish but has a painfully loyal streak, and he possesses the ability to predict and plan for scenarios that most of us couldn’t even imagine.

BONUS HERO: Another real person! Dorothy Parker. Her dry wit and devil-may-care attitude toward societal norms transcends time.

A dinner party with these six would be mind-blowingly awesome. I’d get Joss Whedon to write it, but they’d probably all die at the end if he did.

Check out Mara on Facebook @MaraGanbooks, and her novel Joined is available on Amazon.

Paranormal Interview - Kristy Centeno Book Feature -Margaret C. Morse

Kristy Centeno Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m an introvert but one of my dreams is to travel the world, experience different cultures, and get to know other ways of life. Not sure how I’ll convince myself to leave the house to accomplish that. I love to read and write. I’m addicted to coffee. I enjoy spending time with family. I’m usually very busy, so my ideal way to unwind after a stressful day is movie night with the kiddies.

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

Every since I was around five or six. I used to write short books in notebooks or pieces of paper I’d staple together. The desire only grew as I got older, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my fourth child that I decided to pursue it.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently writing the third installment to the Giver of Life trilogy. Book 2 is scheduled for a May release.

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

That’s a hard question to answer. I have a special place in my heart for all my books, but one holds the number one spot right now. Deliverance is a work that really challenged me in some ways, especially in character development, and I think that’s one reason why it’s a favorite.

The male lead is a tad different from your typical hero. I enjoyed the progress of building him up one chapter at a time and I’m looking forward to working on him some more in other manuscripts.

What books have most influenced you as a writer?

All of them. Every single book I ever enjoyed has influenced me in some way.

Most of all, they inspired me to write and continue writing. They especially helped during those dreaded episodes of writer’s block. Whenever I couldn’t write, I’d pick up a book and just get lost in another world. Sometimes a single chapter would help spark my desire for writing and I’d hop back on the wagon.

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

The most challenging parts of writing is getting over writer’s block, trying to squeeze enough time during the day to write, and marketing. It’s a very competitive market out there and its hard work to get yourself noticed. But there’s also many wonderful people out there willing to help you spread the word.

One of the most rewarding parts of writing for me is completing a manuscript, and positive reviews. I love hearing from readers and every email or PM I get is like icing on the cake.

What book is on your nightstand?

Heart of the Storm by Michael Buckley.

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

I have several manuscripts in the early stages of development. Book 3 of the Giver of Life trilogy is almost complete, but I have book 3 of the Deliverance saga in the works too. I’m giving precedence to these stories at the moment because they are the ones that speak to me the most. However, I would love to go back and finish the Secrets of the Moon saga soon, too.

If only there were more hours in the day.

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

I’d like to thank everyone for their continuous support. It means so much to me that they take the time to contact me directly. I appreciate every encouraging word.

He’s been locked away his entire life.

He dreams of freedom.

The only way he can accomplish his goals is by breaking free of the chains tying him to a dark past and gloomy existence. But there’s one catch. He’s not human.

And he’s never set foot outside his jail.

Devoted to saving his peers as well as his own life, he sets out to find the one person that can help him achieve his objectives. He knows where she will be and what she will look like, but what he doesn’t anticipate is the fact he finds himself caring for the girl whose life he’s put at risk, more and more each day.

He has no name.

He has only known hatred and violence before her.

However, she will teach him to have faith in humanity, even if she can’t trust him.

Together they will embark on a journey to bring down a corrupt system responsible for the loss of many innocent lives. But when he finds his feelings compromised, can he still move on knowing that doing so will put an end to the life she once knew? How far is he willing to go to be free?

In an age where humans dominate the world…

And supernatural creatures exist in the cover of darkness…

He must find a place among his rivals or risk losing it all.

Hayden has had his hands tied coping with life outside of the Institutes. He’s come far despite all the bumps along the way. He’s allowed himself to believe he could live a normal life…until a new threat makes its presence known.

In an instant, his entire life is flipped upside down once more. Those he cares for are not safe with or without him. There’s no escaping his past. Or permanent solution to his problems. One way or another he’ll become the target for all those looking to destroy the hybrid who endangers their way of life and challenges everything they’ve ever known.

Now he must decide between kill or be killed, and risk becoming the very monster he’s fought so hard to prove he’s not. Freedom has come with a price, but is he willing to pay the cost?

Kristy Centeno is the author of the Secrets of the Moon saga and Keeper Witches series.

She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

Margaret C. Morse Attorney Petra Rakowtiz thought her courtroom skills were magical... that is until this newbie witch realized what real magic was.

For the past two months Petra has made the Disclaimer Ranch her home, undergoing treatment and training for her fledgling powers. She’s focused on learning to be a good witch—no more accidental arsons. But when a fellow Ranch resident and wizard dies while arguing with Petra, the other program residents accuse her of murder by magic, and Petra must use all of her legal knowhow to defend herself!

With a slew of suspects ranging from a convicted killer to a wanna-be Watson making wild accusations, Petra has her hands full. Not to mention the murder victim who returns in ghostly form, demanding that Petra find his killer. The clock is ticking as the other residents become targets and Petra finds herself going toe to toe with a murderer intent on not-so-magically making her disappear...for good!

Petra Paranormal Mysteries: Murder Casts Its Spell (book #1) Murder Lifts the Spirits (book #2)

Margaret loves murder mysteries—the sooner the corpse appears, the better! If not reading crime fiction, she’s writing it. Margaret’s debut novel, Murder Casts a Spell, features lawyer Petra Rakowitz, who turns into a witch during her first murder case. In the second in the series, Murder Lifts the Spirits, Petra must defend herself from a murder charge. When characters can kill with magic, the ways to dispatch a victim dramatically increase. Margaret used to practice law, so she knows a lawyer can transform into a witch.

Margaret lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her wonderful husband Duane and numerous adopted stray dogs. She enjoys cooking, bird watching, and traveling to places that feature beautiful scenery, art, and wine.

Reviews Shadow Walker is the first book in Tiffany Shand's new Shadow Walker trilogy. Review by Amber Marr After her team is killed, Charlie McCray abandons her dream and moves in a different direction. When the opportunity to find out of a notorious group called the Tears is involved, Charlie jumps at the chance - even though it means working along side the delectable demon, Drake, who thinks they are mates. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed and danger lurks around every corner. Charlie must see it through in order finally have peace in her life after blaming herself for the deaths of everyone on her team.

Shadow Walker is a fast-paced urban fantasy that takes you on a rollercoaster ride and not just concerning the search for her team's murderer. Charlie also has a boyfriend that is decidedly not Drake. While not overshadowing of the plot, there is the triangle that Charlie must traverse while working on her case. One man is distracting enough but when feelings she tried to block for Drake begin to squeeze through the cracks in the wall around her heart where he is concerned, Charlie finds herself distracted by two as she tries to navigate through the crime she's trying hard to solve.

I really enjoyed Shadow Walker. Charlie is a likable protagonist who cares very much for the team she lost. She's conflicted between Scott and Drake, both of whom she she cares for even if she denies the pull the Drake. The only issue I have with the triangle is the treatment of Scott by Charlie after Drake waltzes back into her life. Charlie was a bit high schoolish instead of acting like an adult. In the end, I think Charlie will get her romantic life sorted out, but until then we'll probably see more denial regarding Drake while trying to truly figure out who and what she really wants. And that's okay. Relationships are tough, especially when you have two suitors.

Tiffany Shand wrote a hit novella with great character development and wonderful world building. The characters are personable and the descriptions used in the book were easy to visualize. I'm excited to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy and can't wait to see how the story progresses in book 2.

Baby, I'm Howling for You is the 1st full-length book in Christine Warren's new Alphaville series.

Review by Amber Marr Renny Landry fled her home, headed toward what she hopes is safety in Alpha, to escape the claws of a cruel and abusive stalker. Alpha is a safe place for those shifters who've been cast out, are different, or need sanctuary. Renny is hoping that by getting the Alpha, her stalker will be stopped and she can live the rest of her life in peace. Just outside the border of town, her stalker's huntsmen catch up to her....

Mick Fischer lives out in the middle of nowhere on the just inside the Alpha border for a reason - he needs the quiet and to be alone. He's trying to escape his past and live in the present. All of that shatters when a wolf is pursued onto his property by a pack of hyenas. Making a call to save the wolf from the attack, Mick unknowingly re-opens his past. And then the unthinkable happens - his wolf singles her out as its own - an impossible occurrence considering Mick's past ~ or is it?

I really enjoyed Baby, I'm Howling for You. Renny is a strong character who just couldn't take the verbal, mental, emotional, and potential physical abuse from someone in a position of power. Mick is standoffish and gruff but once you learn about his past you understand his demeanor. The chemistry between Renny and Mick is off the charts even though they try to fight it off. The author doesn't do an instant relationship with them and the slow build is worth the wait.

Baby, I'm Howling for You is engaging right from the start. I couldn't put the book down and read it one setting. The story is fast-paced and full of suspense and action. The author did a great job tying Renny's present with Mick's past. I enjoyed the interactions between all of the characters and some of it was comical. I enjoyed all aspects of the book from the drama to the love and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Murder Lifts the Sprits Review by Babs Hightower Petra is an attorney who lives at the Disclaimer Ranch with others trying to learn their skills in a good way. In the two months she has been there she has had some accidents including arson. When Cullin, a fellow wizard and resident of the ranch dies while fighting with her, things change.

Everyone at the ranch thinks Petra killed Cullin with her magic. When his ghost comes back he encourages Petra to find the real killer but can she keep herself safe while trying to do so?

The characters were great to read and see the interaction. There are a lot of things going on in the story but it wasn’t too bad to keep up. I think it would have been better to read the first one which I will do.

Overall, great writing and plot was great.

Two Dames on a Mystery Train WTWO

DAMES

MYSTERY

ON

A

TRAIN

BY DUFFY BROWN

Tonya Kappes came up with the idea of a mystery party with readers. She asked Duffy to join her. Tonya and I do a reader get-together usually on a mystery train though this year it's on a mystery dinner paddle-wheeler. We take it on the road meaning we have the events all over the place. The first year was Mystery on the Toledo Express and this last year was upstate New York in Lockport. We have the mystery train event on one day and the night before we have a get-together. Last year we did a paranormal walk in Lockport and this year it's an interactive mystery party where the attendees have to find the suspects, get clues and figure out whodunit!  Sometimes we invite guest authors in the area to come along to add to the fun.

Consignment Shop Mysteries Cycle Path Mysteries Sign up for my newsletter:Â DuffyBrown@DuffyBrown.com

Mystery COZY

MYSTERY

Louise Lynn Debbie De Louise Barb Schlichting

Interviews, Reviews and feature.

Louise Lynn Hazel Hart is having a terrible day.

A man is murdered in her Wild @ Hart Photo Studio, and the new sheriff in Cedar Valley not only declares it a crime scene and insults Hazel’s fashion sense, but he also suspects Hazel of the murder!

In order to clear her name and restore her shop’s reputation, Hazel must find the real killer. Problem is, the list of suspects and their secrets seem to grow the deeper Hazel digs.

Not to mention the mysterious figure who keeps showing up in Hazel’s photos. Can she unearth the killer before time runs out?

Excerpt: The news about Dirk Barkley's death had already spread around town once Hazel made it to the bakery. She wasn't surprised. Cedar Valley wasn't particularly large. There were only around a thousand full-time residents, with a thousand or more vacation owners each season added on top.

Not to mention the looks that Hazel had gotten as she trudged down the street to the bakery. The questioning glances didn't instill any hope in her heart.

Especially since if they knew Dirk was dead, they now knew where it happened.

And they might even think she had done it.

"She has a right to be worried, Mom. How would you feel if someone died in your shop?" Esther went about wiping down her counter for the fiftieth time since Hazel had arrived..

Their mom waved her hand in the air. "I’d hold a séance, of course. Business would be booming if someone died in my shop. I could market it as a haunted location and have tours." Her eyes sparkled behind her wireframe glasses at the very notion.

Hazel puffed out her cheeks. "I don't think that's gonna work for me."

She decided not to mention it was mostly because she didn't believe in the same sorts of hocus-pocus her mom believed in. Tarot cards, psychics, and all that sort of thing. She often wondered how her father and mother made it work when he, while being an obvious artist, had such a scientifically focused mind, and their mother didn't.

At that, their mom hopped up and flitted to the display case and pulled out a vanilla bean cupcake with vanilla frosting. Then she plopped it in front of Hazel as Hazel finished her quiche. "That's all very well and good, we don't have to follow the same path in life, as I've told both you girls on multiple occasions. But what are you going to do to fix it?"

Hazel groaned and stared at the cupcake. She'd heard that question so many times in her life that if she had had a quarter for every instance she’d be a millionaire by now. At least, that's what it felt like.

She crashed her bike into a tree on accident when she was ten, her mother had asked, "what are you going to do to fix it?" When one of her doll’s legs broke off she got the same question. Again, and again.

Of course, it wasn't that her mother wouldn't gladly help, but she wanted both her daughters to be problem solvers in their own way. So, really, Hazel expected it.

She swept her fingers through the fluffy white frosting and let it melt on her tongue as she thought.

While she may have known the question was coming, it didn't mean she had an answer. It felt like the yellow crime scene tape wasn't just blocking off her studios, but also surrounding her brain as well.

That was silly. She could clean the stain from her studio. As long as she could get it back in running order as soon as possible.

The longer the police tape stayed in place, the more people would know about it and the worse it seemed.

That left her only one option.

Hazel peeled the paper back from the cupcake and ate it.

"She's had a traumatic morning. You don't have to force her to come up with a solution right away. At least give her twenty-four hours," Esther said, and flopped the cloth she had wiped the counter down into a bin.

"I never said she had to give us an answer now. I just wanted her to be thinking about one."

Hazel swept the last of the cupcake crumbs from her lips and nodded. "I have to find the murderer."

Ruth's eyes grew into orbs, and Esther's lips pulled into a frown. "That sounds dangerous. Mom, tell her it's too dangerous. That's what the police are for. I thought you were going to say something reasonable like you’d use the studio in your home. Don't you have one in your garage?"

Hazel shook her head. "I have a developing studio in my garage, not an actual photo studio. There's a difference. And how else am I supposed to clear my studio’s name? The sheriff pretty much said the only way they’ll take the police tape down is if they've caught the murderer."

"Let the police do their job, maybe?" Esther’s voice rose in pitch at the end.

Their mother hadn't said anything, which could have gone either in Hazel's favor or against it. She wasn't sure.

"Mommy? Is Auntie Hazy a detective now?" Ruth said, and a slow grin spread across her lips. "I can loan you my Nancy Drew kit. It has a magnifying glass, and a fingerprinting kit and—" "That won't be necessary, Ruth, because Auntie Hazy isn’t going to be doing anything crazy. Or illegal. Right, Hazel?" Esther said between gritted teeth.

Hazel sighed. Why was it the younger sister was the more practical of the two? Probably because that was the way Esther took after their father, and Hazel took after their mother. Not to say that Hazel wasn't practical—just when she got an idea in her head she felt compelled to follow it through.

Debbie De Louise TB: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a librarian and an author. I live on Long Island with my husband, 13-year old daughter, and our cat, Stripey.

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

I was always an avid reader and hoped that one day I could write my own books. My teachers and parents encouraged me from an early age when I showed an aptitude for writing.

TB: What are you currently working on?

I just completed the first book of a cozy mystery series that I’ve submitted to an agent for consideration. I’m also on the final edits of a mystery called, Reason to Die, about a series of murders of handicapped residents in a small town.

The book will be published soon by Solstice Publishing.

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

Like children, I’m proud of all my books and don’t have a particular favorite.

However, my new book, Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, has a special part in my heart because I started writing it when my 17-year-old Siamese cat, Oliver, was alive. He passed away when I was halfway finished with it. I had already made him a character in the book that features a pet cemetery and animal shelter.

I created a scene in the book where a memorial service is given for a pet that passes away, and the poem that the owner reads is one I originally wrote when I lost Oliver but reworded for the story. Also, I had hopes that this book would be signed with an agent.

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

All the books I’ve read have influenced me. When I was younger, I loved the gothic romances of authors such as Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. Later, I began reading and collecting cat mysteries, many of them cozies from authors such as Carole Nelson Douglas, Shirley Murphy, Rita Mae Brown, etc. I’m also a big fan of Nora Roberts and enjoy her J.D. Robb mysteries, as well.

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

The most challenging part of my writing is the amount of time the whole process takes from writing, editing, and submitting my work to promoting and selling it.

The writing is the most rewarding part as well as positive reviews and feedback from readers.

TB: What book is on your nightstand?

The New Jo Jo Moyes, Still Me, which I’m enjoying so far. I’ve read the first two books of this series and find the author’s writing unique in that it can make me laugh one moment and cry the next.

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

As I mentioned above, I hope to publish a new cozy series; the fourth book of my Cobble Cove cozy mystery series; a standalone mystery, Reason to Die, and my psychological thriller, Sea Scope, as well as reprinting my paranormal romance, Cloudy Rainbow.

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

For those who are interested in learning more about me and my books, I have a monthly author newsletter. I also have two blogs and a Facebook character chat group. I offer contests each month in my newsletter and in my Facebook group. Here are the links:

Someone is strangling disabled people in the small town of Baxter, Connecticut. Detective Courtney Lang and her ex-partner and ex-lover, wheelchairbound Bill Thompson, are paired up again and put in charge of the investigation. During the course of their search, Courtney uncovers information that points toward a connection between the murders and an unsolved series of muggings by a masked man, the same man who shot and disabled Bill a year ago on the night he proposed marriage to her.

Complicating matters for Courtney is her guilt about Thompson’s shooting, her affair with her new partner, Mark Farrell, and her unresolved feelings over the deaths of her mother and sister who perished in a fire while she was away from home.

As the deaths accrue and the “Handicapped Strangler” as the killer is coined by the press continues to rampage the town adding victims of different ages, sex, and disabilities to the murder count, Courtney discovers a clue that could crack open the case but may put her and Bill’s life in jeopardy.

Barbara Schlichting Showcase

Barb's Babbles FIRST

LADY

WHERE

MYSTERY

SERIES

HISTORICAL

CHARACTERS

MAKE

MODERN

HISTORY

Olivia Reynolds, proprietor of the First Lady Doll House Shop, stumbles into

Welcome to the First Ladies White House Dollhouse Shop! Who would have thought that running a dollhouse shop could be so dangerous? Liv Anderson’s shop specializes in historically accurate recreations of the White House as it was in the era of famous First Ladies. Liv is thrilled when a famous department store owner asks to pay a visit – but death soon follows!

another mystery involving the history of the White House and the women who have resided there as First Ladies. This time ‘Liv’ is on the trail of whoever poisoned a friend of hers. As readers of previous novels in the First Ladies Mysteries series know, once Liv is interested in a case, she doesn’t let go until she has it solved – much to the consternation of her policeman-husband Aaron, and her grandparents. But at what cost?

Ever hear of the Lost Speech of Abraham Lincoln? Neither had Liv, the owner and manager of the First Ladies White House Dollhouse Shop in Minneapolis. And when clues and bodies begin popping up, well, what's a girl to do, but to investigate!

All three are available on Amazon

It’s 1943 onboard a zephyr express train between Chicago and Denver. Missing is Brita’s friend, a nuclear physicist. As a zephyrette, Brita uncovers a plot to poison the national food supply as she chases an escaped Nazi hitman before another murder happens. Will the undercover government agent assist her before she’s the next victim?

Will they resume their relationship afterwards?

Barbara Schlichting was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota where her First Ladies Mystery Series is set. Dolley Madison: The Blood Spangled Banner. Barbara graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1970.

Later, she and her husband moved their family to Bemidji. She attended Bemidji State University where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education and special education.

Barbara also likes to write in other genres. Whispers From The Wind is her first poetry book which has poems for all ages.

Barbara has been known to travel too much, and read while not paying attention to her husband. However she has had an English penpal for over fifty years.

Reviews Dial M for Murder review by Amber Marr Winnie Johnson's Emergency Dessert Squad business is growing by leaps and bounds every day. The business has a competitive and creative edge over traditional bakeries. A fact that has Sally Dearfield, the owner of an artists' retreat, soliciting Winnie for her decadent desserts. Upon delivery of the treats designed, named, and prepared individually for each artist, Winnie and Renee find themselves going to the main building. What they find is shocking and upsetting - Sally Dearfield is dead on the floor surrounded by each of the individual artists to whom they just hand delivered desserts, and the death is ruled suspicious. Winnie and her trusty sidekicks decide to "help" the local police identify the murderer before anyone else is murdered.

Throughout the novel we also get a glimpse into Winnie's complicated love life. As Winnie is trying to solve the mystery behind Sally's death, the threads of her relationship with Jay are woven within. He and his daughter are away and the circumstances make Winnie question everything she thought they had together. When he returns, Winnie isn't sure what to expect, and that has her tied up in knots.

One of the ideas behind Dial M for Mousse that I found interesting was that none of the suspects had anything to do with the main characters in the book. In most cozies I've read lately, the heroine, one of her family members, or some of her friends end up being suspects. I enjoyed the deviation from the same ole - same ole. Winnie's compassion, caring, and friendship with the elders in her neighborhood is a wonderful aspect to the Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery series.

The author did a great job keeping the suspect protected from identification by the readers. I really didn't have any idea which of the five artists it could have been. All of them had secrets that could have ignited to the point that killing Sally was their final option. Dial M for Mousse was fun, fast-paced, and enjoyable to read.

The characters are well-developed and the author continues the development throughout the book.

Winnie's interactions with all of her friends is filled with nothing but kindness and compassion. Winnie's relationship status in the book isn't smooth and the author does a great job writing the issues realistically and without either character looking bad. She continues some world building, as well, as she continues to describe the growth of Winnie's Emergency Dessert Squad business. I recommend the entire series to all cozy mystery lovers.

Biscuits and Slashed Browns is another wonderful book Maddie Day's Country Store Mystery series.

Review by Amber Marrr It is Brown County Maple Syrup Festival time and the town of South Lick, IN is gearing up for several fun events such as cook-offs,sugaring off events, and other celebratory events during the festival.

The festival, unfortunately, brought in some judges for the cook-off that aren't exactly well-liked by residents or newcomers to the area or festival, in general. When one of the more boisterous visitors, Professor Connolly, is found dead behind a sugar shack on the property of one of Robbie's employees, the festival becomes less festive especially when the murder weapon is from the kitchen of one of Robbie's friends. To complicate matters, the father of Robbie's employee goes missing after an altercation with the now dead professor. There is a killer running loose in South Lick and with new detective on the case and Robbie working behind the scenes to figure out what happened and why, there is bound to be excitement, misunderstands, and maybe a bit of disobedience on the part of Robbie.

The plot of Biscuits and Slashed Browns is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing about a lot of different things. The author did a great job adding different plot lines into the story and then connecting them all at the end. The whos, whats, and whys of the story are engaging and the reader will not want to put down the book. There are several characters introduced in the book who could be the killer.

I was taken on a suspenseful ride that produced evidence of one character being the murderer then turning around and providing evidence that pointed to someone else. Eventually I was able to narrow it down and pretty much figured out who actually did it but the story was fun and exciting despite having an idea of who committed the murder.

The character development continues on in Biscuits and Slashed Browns as we continue to get to know Robbie, Abe, and the rest of the cast. Robbie is a great main character. She's realistically written as a kind, generous person who had a dream and worked hard to make it a reality. She treats people with respect and dignity, the perfect person to work in a retail/food establishment. She gets involved in things she shouldn't much to the chagrin of the police department but her heart is in the right place. Her relationship with Abe is sweet despite the small bit of tension that crops up in Biscuits and Slashed Brown. All of the secondary characters all have their perfect places within the pages of the novel.

I enjoyed the world building in South Lick, Indiana. The interwoven storylines keep the story fresh, exciting, and engaging. If you are looking for a cozy mystery that is fast paced (never a dull moment) and will keep you on the edge of your seat, I suggest you give Biscuits and Slashed Browns a try!

Scone Cold Killer is the first book in Lena Gregory's new All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery series. Review by Amber Marr After her husband is outed as a swindler and a cheat, Gia Morelli flees New York to beautiful, sunny Florida. Her best friend secured housing for her and Gia also purchased a small diner. Her world comes crashing down again when her ex's body is found stuffed in the dumpster out behind the diner on opening morning. With many enemies and people who want him dead, and of course suspect Gia is one of them, her dream may very well crash and burn before she even gets to make it a reality.

Fortunately, Gia has support in form of her best friend, Savannah, and several of the townsfolk have rallied around her. Gia also has the support of Hunt, the detective in charge of the case, who just happens to be Savannah's cousin. Of course, Gia does have motive, what with the betrayal, cheating, and alternate life that Bradley was leading behind her back, and is considered a suspect for that reason. She knows she didn't do it and so do her friends, and now she has to figure out who did do it to keep her reputation from being permanently ruined and to keep her safe. Apparently whoever was after her husband has also made her a target.

I really enjoyed Scone Cold Killer. The book is paced really well - not too fast and not too slow. I was pulled in from the very beginning and engaged in the plot. The character development was done well. We get to know the characters pretty well and learn backstory without being bogged down with useless filler. The story was fun, exciting, suspenseful, and parts of it were sad as you realized the full extent of what Gia's husband did and put her through. The world was constructed well and I was able to visualize the story.

Gia is a broken woman. She was betrayed horribly by someone that was supposed to love her and have her back. She does not come to Florida without emotional baggage. Gia also has stalkers in Florida, just like in New York. Gia has a strength about her that the reader can feel. The author does not, at any time, write her as weak or unstable. She's just had a very rough past that she thought she would escape by moving away from her former life and completely starting over. Samantha and Hunt are stability characters for Gia. Savannah is a wonderful best friend and Hunt proves to be another person who has Gia's back when the circus that is her past comes to town.

Gia does do some pretty questionable things in Scone Cold Killer that made me shake my head. A stranger walks in looking for not only a job but a place to stay, too. This character pretty much bullies his way into the kitchen and the apartment above the diner. No resume, no real interview, no background check, reference check - nothing. After everything she's been through in New York and now in Florida, I found it really hard to believe that she could accept a stranger as quickly as she did. Also, she breaks into her ex's hotel room and takes potential evidence. She's already at the top of the suspect list.....

Despite the couple of issues I had, Scone Cold Killer was an enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters are all likeable, the setting in Florida is nice. the light chemistry between Gia and Hunt is nice. I prefer a little bit of soft romance in my cozy mysteries. I like the author's writing style and love her Bay Island Mystery series, too. I look forward to book 2 in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery series.

Lena Gregory's Bay Island Psychic Mysteries is a wonderful series with fun and exciting characters. Review by Amber Marr Cass Donnovan has really made Bay Island her home. She has a wonderful, thriving business, a unruly but protective dog, great friends, and what is the making of a sweet romance. Now, she just needs to get the nightmares to stop.

Involving the ghost of a female, Cass not only sees things in her nightmares, but the ghost is manifesting itself to her. She knows the ghost is trying to tell her something, and when that something is revealed, Cass now finds herself immersed in yet another murder investigation.

I absolutely adore Cass, Bee, Stephanie, and Tank. Their dynamics create a friendship that is warm and emotional and they have each other's backs - no matter what. Even Bee and Tank are getting along a lot better than when we first met them in book 1. Cass is a very down-to-earth person. She's likable from the start. It is easy to connect to her, whether you believe in psychic abilities or not. Stephanie and Bee are wonderful sidekicks to Cass main character. They are supportive and comforting to Cass. I love how the author has developed Bee. He sounds like the perfectly imperfect best friend that everyone wishes they had to stand beside them. Stephanie is unusually somber in this installment and the author did a great job creating a different plot line for her and Tank. I really feel for both of them because my real-life situation is just theirs.

The story is unique and entertaining. I was completely engaged from the very beginning. As the story progresses, the author introduces more characters that make figuring out the murderer a little harder. For me, everyone was a suspect from a father, a out-of-towner, local citizens, and others who found themselved on Bay Island. As per usual Cass, the protagonist, does some pretty dumb things, but unlike other cozies I've read, she at least acknowledges the danger of her actions. She's not oblivious to the danger but her need to help the ghost who asks for her help is stronger than her common sense. Although, her antics aren't nearly as hair-brained in this book. Cass really is a great character who is written well, with a personality that is likable.

I certainly hope we readers get a lot more of Cass, Stephanie, Bee, and Tank. It would be ashamed to end the series here. I'm rooting for at least 3 more books - things are really starting to get good on Bay Island.

Read and Gone by Allison Brook review by Babs Hightower This is the second book in the Haunted Library Mysteries and a wonderful read. We have Carrie the librarian, a cat and some town secrets. Carries father has been away most of her life and jail was one place.

With Carrie, her father and Dylan looking for the gems there is no telling what is going to happen.

The mystery is great and keeps the reader on their toes. The ghost was more like another character and no really paranormal per say.

The romance between Dylan and Carrie is really not much just a hint.

Would like to see more there or have her find someone else.

The author did a great job with the plot and kept enough humor to keep the story moving nicely.

Alicia is picking up her life after her husband dies. His side of the family didn’t show up for the funeral and she wants to get with them for closure. As she finds a few of them and is offered a job she finds out her home has been burned.

As she gets the house settled she goes back to Cobble Cover with John to get answers. They are not as they seem and she gets more mysteries to figure out than answers. She uncovers so many dark secrets.

People are hiding things from everyone.

Characters were good and you didn’t want to trust anyone around town. The author keeps you one your toes.

Audiobooks & Gaming JEFF

HAYS-

NARRATER

I've been a musician for most of my life, and I use that experience in combination with my acting skills to create audio books that are engaging and fun to listen to. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, I've opened a new chapter in my life and moved to Los Angeles, California to make new friends and find new exciting projects to work on.

My first real successful audio book was "Balance," by M.R. Forbes. Since then,

Jeff Hays Dave Willmarth Jess the Audiobookworm

I've produced four more books in that series, and three more for his Ghosts and Magic Series. I've also worked on series by N.E. Conneely, Judson Roberts, and J.J. McAvoy, as well as stand-alone titles by Jeff Menapace, Tom Piccirilli, and my favorite author of all time, Neal Barrett Jr. These authors and titles are various, and if you thumb through my catalogue of audio books, I'm sure you'll find something to pique your interest.

Dark forces have extended Edward Wright an offer of incredible power at a terrible cost...and Edward has chosen to make them regret it.

When Edward is swept into the world of Ivalis as a Dungeon Lord, the Dark's most powerful servant, he has no servitude in mind. He'll oppose the evil plans of the Dark god, Murmur, whatever it takes.

Through only his wits and his guts to help him survive a weakened arrival, Edward must rise to power if he is to earn the right to live another day. But in the battle between Dark and Light, what can Edward choose if both sides are cruel, uncaring monsters? Cold gods laugh in the distant world of Ivalis.

Heroes chase after power and experience, while Kings send their armies to their deaths in the name of the Dark and the Light.

But no one expects the rise of the Dungeon Lord.... And in the world of Ivalis, maybe a single man can forge his own path.

With the One Man Theater himself at the helm, joined by the sensational Annie Ellicott as two of the most disturbing monsters ever produced by Soundbooth Theater, we hope you never forget this horrifying LitRPG experience.

The Soundbooth Theater team for this production: Jeff Hays - Narration, Characters, Production Supervision Annie Ellicott - Amphiris the Spider Queen, Ilene the Mindbrood Dalton Lynne - Proofing, Editing Alex Tate - Production, Editing, Mastering

Lee is a quiet and unassuming office worker who leads a life of solitude, comfort, and routine. Day in and day out, he shuts off his brain, keeps his head down, and goes about doing his job and minding his own business.

That is, he does until a drunken god shows up randomly one day and whisks him off into another world, demanding that Lee serve as his pawn in a game between the gods.

Now, trapped in a completely different world full of danger, magic, and creatures he's never imagined outside of fairy tales and video games, Lee has to figure out how to stay alive long enough to make it back home.

Soundbooth Theater dives into another instant RPG Gamelit classic in War Aeturnus. With this piece of reverent comedy and philosophy about the role of belief in our modern times, Charles Dean has filled a void in the world of Gamelit by creating a Candide for the genre. Not only will Lee's exploits with his psychotic sidekick, Miller, make listeners laugh and spit out their Mountain Dew, it may even convince them to get off the couch for a little while and explore the world outside of video games and fantasy.

The Soundbooth Theater team for this production: Jeff Hays - Narration, Characters, Production Supervision Dalton Lynne - Proofing Alex Tate - Production, Editing, Mastering

Dave Willmarth In the latter half of the 21st century, Alexander and his guild mates play Io Online for fun and to earn a living. It’s the largest VRMMORPG on the planet, and the source of income that supports families around the globe. While completing a rare “First Kill” dungeon in hopes of epic loot, they discover that demons, who have not been seen in the realm for ages, have once again invaded Io. Given the chance to test a new experimental immersion system, the friends must give up their high level characters and begin again at level one.

As they work through the noob zone quests, they discover that the new immersion system allows them to play in ways that hadn’t been possible before. Casting is faster.

Movement more fluid. Even magic itself behaves differently.

They quickly run afoul of a party of player killers, and become the targets of an entire PK guild bent on spawn camping them until they leave the game. War has been declared.

The fight expands into populated areas, where innocent citizens are murdered, and player accounts are terminated. The guild works to help citizens rebuild what has been destroyed, but are repeatedly forced to stop and defend against enemy attacks.

After the gods of Io and a powerful being of darkness get involved, Alexander and his friends learn the hard way that their in-game actions have consequences, both in the game, and in the real world. **This is a LITRPG novel. Which means that in addition to monster fights, dungeon runs, crafting adventures, and battles of swords and magic, there are game elements involved. If you’ve not played MMORPG’s or even tabletop RPG’s, or you don’t know what those terms mean, this book may not be for you. For the uninitiated, there is a sort of cheat-sheet narrative in the back of the book.

Warning: This book contains adult language.

Jupiter Tech's headquarters, Olympus, has been attacked. Lives have been lost in the real world.

Alexander and friends must now thwart the servants of the Dark One both in and out of the game.

With a few new allies, the Greystone Guild moves out of the noob zones to take on the challenges presented by the ruins of Dire Keep and its inhabitants. They must conquer, rebuild, and defend the Dire Lands against attacking forces.

The players (and Fibble) must now overcome tougher dungeons, and more dangerous foes.

Even betrayal by one of their own!

This is the second book in the Greystone Chronicles series. I recommend reading the first book before this one.

Fibble, by far the most popular character from the Greystone books, and the cutest little goblin ever.

Alexander and the Greystone Guild are expanding their territory. Building up the keep, conquering new lands, and recruiting citizens of all races. And when they've prepared enough, they plan on taking the fight to the minions of the Dark One in their own strongholds. .

New friends are discovered, and alliances are made. Tragedy befalls one of the group, and the Dark One's identity is finally discovered. A new, yet at the same time ancient enemy makes itself known, threatening to change the face of Io forever.

This is the third installment in the Greystone Chronicles, a LitRPG/Gamelit series.

Dave Willmarth has been a life-long fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction books. And a gamer since the 1970's, the days of early video games like Pong and Tank, and of course Dungeons and Dragons.

Discovering the GameLit (LitRPG) genre opened up a whole new world that allowed for the combination of game elements and a fantasy setting in book form. Dave couldn't resist. After a lifetime of starting and stopping several books, here he found a medium that inspired him.

Now he sits in his man cave late at night and taps out the adventures of the characters he always wanted to play, in a world virtually without limits.

Jess has some audiobook blog tours to sign up for.

Author: Sofie Darling Narrator: Mary Sarah Length: 9 hours Publisher: Sofie Darling Released: Dec. 13, 2017 Genre: Historical Romance Sign up here Paris, September 1824 Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.

Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?

When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.

Even if the thought makes his blood boil.

Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her.

With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping.

Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?

Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband.

It's only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.

Author: Elizabeth Meyette Narrator: Amy McFadden Length: 7 hours 36 minutes Publisher: Boris Publishing Released: Jan. 23, 2018 Genre: Historical Romance Sign up here She had to leave him to save her father. He had to follow her to save his heart.

In August 1777, Jenny Sutton leaves Williamsburg, Virginia and the man she loves and sets sail for British occupied Manhattan to tend to her dying father. Aboard the Destiny, Jonathon Brentwood makes a request of Jenny that will entangle her in the network of spies serving the Patriot cause. With her father already under suspicion, Jenny’s activities must be hidden from the watchful eyes of British troops. But she has caught the eye of British officer Lieutenant Nigel Ashby, who is aware of her sympathies, yet offers her protection through marriage. Only by accepting his proposal will Jenny avoid the hangman's noose…and lose Andrew forever.

Desperate to join—and protect—Jenny, Andrew Wentworth agrees to deliver messages to Patriot troops on his way to New York. His route brings him face to face with those suffering under British rule. The fight for independence and his desire to reach Jenny become intertwined. Arriving in Manhattan, Andrew is arrested as a spy by the British officer coercing Jenny into marriage. She may be saved from the gallows but will Andrew?

As war rages around them, Jenny and Andrew must find the courage to fight for their new country's freedom and their own eternal love.

Author: Kyle Prue Narrator: Jon Eric Preston Length: 12 hours 16 minutes Series: The Feud Trilogy, Book 2 Publisher: Sofie Darling Released: Jan. 18, 2018 Genre: YA Fantasy Sign up here To survive incredible odds, one teen may have to trust both his former enemies and his fire-forged destiny....

Neil Vapros is one of the last free warriors of the great city of Altryon. He and his brother’s only chance of staying alive involves trusting an uneasy alliance with their former enemies. But in the world beyond his city’s walls, Neil’s life is much more dangerous than he ever imagined possible....

The Emperor has hired a ruthless madman and a vicious pack of assassins to hunt down the last supernatural survivors. As the allies attempt to hide from their enemies, the leader of a rebellion singles out Neil as the answer to a prophecy. Neil isn’t sure he believes he’s been "chosen", but he knows one thing for sure: their only chance for survival lies in sticking together. While treachery and pain wait around every corner, Neil and his allies may win the day, but victory without casualties could prove impossible....

The Flames is the second book in the award-winning Epic Feud trilogy of young adult fantasy novels. If you like rich fantasy settings, imaginative supernatural abilities, and tough-as-nails characters, then you’ll love Kyle Prue's electrifying adventure.

Buy The Flames to fire up the action today!

Author: Bella Andre Narrator: Eva Kaminsky Series: The New York Sullivans, Books 1-3 Publisher: Oak Press, LLC Released: Aug. 9, 2016, Jan. 10, 2017, Jan. 9, 2018 Genre: Contemporary Romance Sign up here

Millions of readers/listeners have fallen in love with the San Francisco and Seattle Sullivans. Now get ready to fall head over heels for the New York Sullivans!

World-renowned artist Drake Sullivan doesn't paint women. Ever. Not when he knows all too well just how destructive painter/muse relationships can be. But on the day Rosa Bouchard walks onto the cliffs outside his Montauk cottage, Drake is so captivated that he can't stop himself from bringing her to life on canvas.

Shocked and horrified by the nude photos of her that have just hit the Internet, reality TV star Rosa's every instinct is to run from her Miami home and hide. After driving all night, she ends up in Montauk, New York, where she doesn't know a soul and plans to lie low until she can figure out how to deal with the media firestorm - and her own mother, who seems all too happy to sell out Rosa's happiness for more fame, more fans, and more money. The very last thing Rosa expects is to find, and to fall for, a sinfully sexy man like Drake Sullivan.

Drake has never felt this way about anything he's painted...and he's definitely never felt this way about a woman. When they kiss, everything but sweet, breathless desire melts away. But can he convince Rosa to trust - and to love - again after such a devastating betrayal?

Romance FAYE D.L.

HALL

GARDNER

LYNN

WINCHESTER

STACY ANNA

HENRIE

J.

STEWART

Interviews Book Features Excerpts Reviews

Stacy Henrie The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female!

Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit.

And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.

Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?

Excerpt “If you’ll pardon me, Miss…” Edward waited for her to supply him with a last name.

“It’s better for both of us if you simply call me Maggy.”

Edward could think of several other things to call her at the moment—none of which his proper English mother would approve of. “Maggy,” he bit out. He prided himself on sounding marginally calm. “I can’t afford any more interruptions to my ranch.”

She climbed from her vehicle, her head held high. Apparently she was as stubborn as she was striking. “I promise you won’t be disappointed with my results.” She proceeded to untie the rope that secured a trunk to the back of the buggy. “If you need credentials, I can supply those. But you should know…” She paused to throw him a penetrating look. “I’m known in the Denver office as Get-Her-Man Maggy."

Still, Edward wasn’t sold on the plan. It seemed a waste of time and money to employ yet another detective from the same agency. Their methods of investigation would likely prove similarly unfruitful.

“That last gentleman pretended to be a new hire,” he said, climbing down from the wagon, “but that won’t be as easy to explain if you were to assume such a role, would it?”

He’d hoped to deter her, but he was disappointed. Instead she manhandled her trunk onto the porch and threw him a satisfied grin. “I’m sure we can think of a different, more effective role. This trunk of disguises will help.” She slapped the top of the luggage as if it were an old friend.

“Disguises?” he repeated with a shake of his head. “This isn’t a circus, Miss Maggy. This is a prosperous ranch. And I need someone to find out who’s sabotaging it. Not entertain the populace with some masquerade.”

“Are you always this obstinate, Mr. Kent?” Maggy asked, jerking Edward's thoughts back to the unpleasant scene unfolding on his porch.

She was accusing him of obstinacy? He climbed the steps in an effort to keep her from barging her way inside. An action he wouldn’t put past her. “Are you always this persistent?”

Her eyes brightened with amusement. “I wouldn’t be one of Pinkertons best detectives if I weren’t.”

Running a hand over his face, Edward blew out an exasperated sigh. Clearly he wasn’t going to convince this woman that he was done employing detectives. But if she were to prove her own inabilities…

“I will make a deal with you. You find some clue your predecessor did not, and I will hire you as my new detective.”

Instead of looking defeated, a thrum of energy seemed to radiate from her. “How long do I have?”

“Until this evening.” Then he’d kindly provide her with supper and a room for the night before sending her back to Colorado.

Undeterred, she stuck out her hand. “Agreed.”

Edward eyed her hand, feeling a bit foolish at the idea of shaking it as if she were a gentleman. Then again, she’d been insisting since he stumbled onto her in the drive that he take her seriously. He wondered what had caused her to appear so upset earlier. Her expression no longer held any of the vulnerability it had upon first glance. In contrast, she raised her eyebrows again, challenging him.

“Very well. Welcome to the Running W,” he said, shaking her hand. He even managed a polite smile. After all, he felt quite confident she wouldn’t be unpacking. This would be Maggy's first and final day on the ranch.

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances, the anthology Love for All Seasons, and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance.

She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website.

Lynn Winchester Leaving Ireland for America, Patience “Pati” O'Connor has followed the trail of her heartbroken father west, to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With no money and a missing father, Pati has no choice but to settle down in a small, gold mining town of Blessings, California. Maybe the rough and tumble place could use a skilled seamstress…

Pete Jones has spent a lifetime fighting.

Wounded in battle during the Mexican War, Pete is left with shaking hands, nightmares, and a sour disposition—but his new job protecting gold claims in Blessings just might be what he needs to kick the anguish of his past.

When Pati’s new business is robbed, she seeks help from the ornery yet honorable Pete, who doesn’t seem too keen on sticking his nose into her business. But Pete can’t seem to say no to the vibrant, fiery, oh so beautiful lass, which may spell trouble for his plans to stay lonely and single.

As the town begins to grow around them, and as trouble starts to slither in, Pati and Pete are desperate to find a love more valuable than all the gold in the mountain.

But can Pete be a man worthy of Pati’s love, and can Pati convince Pete she is destined to be his blessed bride?

Excerpt Winslet Claim Sixty-four Miles Northeast of Culloma, California 1848 Atherton Winslet tipped his tin cup to his lips and took a long sip of the black mud his wife had brewed. It was bitter, thick, and kicked him square in the jaw. Just like he liked it. Standing at the porch post of the small, one room cabin he’d just finished two weeks before, he stared out over the land laid out before him like a great green blanket, rolling, dipping, and rising, as the verdant mountains reached into the sky. As the sun rose over the evergreens, it seemed to set fire to everything it touched; fiery reds, glowing oranges, burning yellows lit the world, setting his heart ablaze with its beauty.

It was a blessing; to be breathing the crisp mountain air, to taste the bitter coffee on his tongue, to feel the beat of his heart in his chest, and to look out over the land that would provide for him and his family. Land that had already provided him with enough gold to purchase four more claims and the land around them. It was his…everywhere his gaze landed, was his land. And he couldn’t be prouder. Or more overwhelmed.

“Looks to me like you’re thinkin’ too hard,” his wife, Millie, said from behind him as she came to join him on the porch.

He chuckled, then rubbed at the wiry length of white beard, reaching down from his chin to the second button on his shirt. “I can’t help it, Millie. What am I ‘sposed to do with all this land?”

“Well now, you make it sound like a difficult decision. Let’s make this place the home we’ve been dreamin’ of since leavin’ Albany, Winnie,” Millie responded, using the pet name she’d given him more than forty years ago when they first met. Back then, it was meant as a dig at him, but, as their care for one another deepened, it became an intimate and loving show of affection.

He smiled down at his wife of thirty-five years. She was short, just up to the tip of his beard, plump, with fading brown hair that had gone white over her ears, and piercing hazel eyes that often turned to liquid fire when she was angry at him. Lord, but she was fierce…and he loved her all the more for it.

Their lives together hadn’t been easy. When they’d first met in Albany, he’d been a piss poor bootblack who didn’t have enough money to buy his own boots. Millie, Mildred O’Hare back then, was the fiery, too smart daughter of a traveling preacher. They moved into a small shack on the other side of the town, but she often made the trip into town for supplies, and see about finding work. He’d literally run into her one of those days, when she’d come to the bakery where he’d set up his shoeshine stand. He’d just spent his last two pennies on a strawberry tart, and Millie was rushing through the door with her mind on cookies and hot cocoa. They collided, and he dropped his costly tart onto the floor.

She didn’t seem too upset by his loss, but after one look into her eyes, he wasn’t too upset about his lost tart neither. Her pink cheeks, lush lips, and glimmering eyes were a much sweeter treat than any tart could ever be. He’d asked her a’courtin that second and they’d been together since. She was his other, better half, the piece of him that made the most sense, and brought about the greatest joy.

Millie stuck with him through every hare-brained scheme, failed business venture, and long, backbreaking journey. She’d chosen him, had clung to him, had lifted him, standing beside him to hold him up when he was in danger of falling forever. When he’d decided to take the months long wagon train ride west, she’d raised a single eyebrow, planted her hands on her hips, and asked, “How much time do I have to pack?”

And now, God had seen fit to bless them both because of her faithfulness. At least, that’s how he saw it. “I ‘spose I can let folks know there’s some land to settle on. Send word down to Sacramento that there’s gold in the mountain here. That’ll bring in a rush, for sure.”

Millie grunted, nodding. “Sure would, though, I ‘spect you’ll need someone trustworthy to watch over things for you, make sure no one gets outta hand.”

Atherton rubbed his beard again, a wholly unconscious movement he often did when deep in troubling thought. “I ‘spose you’re right, Millie.”

“I know I am,” she retorted, taking his now empty tin cup from him. “No time like the present to get things done, Winnie.” He knew she was right, but he couldn’t bring himself to let anyone else take hold of the reins just yet, not when he’d just gotten a hold of them himself. For the first time in his sixty-five years, he had an outlook on a future that didn’t end with him on his knees, begging for a chance at something better.

This was his something better; he had Millie, four grown children out making their own fortunes, his health, his land, his mines, and all the gold within them.

Lord, but he was blessed.

Atherton and Millie stood on the porch, together, staring out at the green and brown and blues before them. They were silent, but the world before them was alive with birds twittering, the rushing of water in the high creek, and the buzz of insects as they moved from flower to flower, busily going about their work. It was a land of beauty, a land of something truly precious…

As if reading his thoughts, Millie murmured, “What a blessing…” She sighed, her eyes bright, and the smile on her face softening her features.

“Yes, it is.” A God-fearing man, Atherton knew he hadn’t found that vein of gold in the mountain simply because he was good at prospecting. He’d been a prospector for more than ten years, looking for gold in Montana and copper in Arizona—then gold in Montana, again. He’d made enough to feed himself, his wife, and their four children, but he hadn’t ever truly struck it rich, not like the folks moving into California. So, as if pushed by an unseen hand, he and Millie packed up their meager belongings and they hoofed it to a stretch of untouched land just northeast of where James W. Marshall found gold right outside Sutter’s Mill. It took some backbreaking work to find a place in the mountain that would yield any yellow, but once he did, it was like a windfall of God’s sovereignty— he’d found four more motherlodes in the same mountain. It seemed like God had finally given His faithful follower a hand up. And now he didn’t know what to do with it, not really. He was a humble man of humble means and conservative tastes. All he needed were four walls, a full belly, and a warm pair of arms to fold into each night. He had all those things… He could build something, perhaps a lot of somethings. Perhaps he could fill this lonely yet breathtaking place with people all looking for their own piece of home.

Another moment of silence stretched out between them as if their view had stolen their ability to speak. Not that he had much else to say; he was too focused on all he needed to accomplish to fulfill his quickly growing list of plans and ideas. First, he needed to hire a man to guard his claims. Maybe see if he could find himself a group of men to do the job. Then, he needed to send back east for Edward Farnsworth, one of his oldest and most trusted friends.

That man knew more about the law than the people who wrote it; he’d be ideal for keeping track of the claims, the land around them, and making sure every man looking for a piece of his own heaven could find it. Just like Atherton had. But then, he still couldn’t stomach giving that much of the power to another man. Maybe he was more selfish than he thought. He scratched his head, wondering how long he could go before needing a man like Farnsworth.

How difficult was it, really, to manage the land and the claims? He knew how to read, to count…he could do it. Right? For the first time in a long time, uncertainty reared its ugly head, staring at him with beady eyes and a slavering sneer.

“What’ll you call it?” Millie asked, pulling him from his thoughts. And boy was he thankful for that.

It didn’t take long for Atherton to decide on a name that encompassed what he truly felt about what God had given him, and what he, in turn, could give to others.

“Blessings,” he answered, grinning.

Millie grinned back and laughed. “That’s a good name, Winnie.”

Atherton Winslet threw his arm over his wife’s shoulders and pulled her into his side, where she belonged. He kissed the top of her head and she giggled. He laughed with her, his happy cackles coming out in raspy wheezes. After a few moments of merriment, they fell silent, again taken with the view of the trees, the sun rising over the mountains, and the stretch of land he still couldn’t believe was his.

Taking a deep breath, he filled his chest with crisp air, scented with evergreen. “Blessings, California…home.”

Lynn Winchester is the pseudonym of a hardworking California-born conservative, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

Lynn writes charming, romantic romance that focuses on the growth of the relationship and the power of true love. Lynn's historical western Dry Bayou Brides series is a highly acclaimed, bestselling sweet romance series. Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases.

When Lynn isn't writing, she is running a successful editing business, reading whatever she can get her hands on, raising her four children, making sure her husband is happy, and binge watching shows on Netflix.

Faye Hall Would you abandon the woman you love for your own indulgence?

Beth Meridian has returned home, hoping to leave her sordid past behind her and settle into a quiet life. When her childhood friend, Hannah Raeburn, offers her a place to stay, Beth knows it won't be long until she runs into Hannah's brother, Daniel. What she doesn't expect is for him to reignite feelings deep in her heart, reminding her of the kiss they shared before she left town.

Daniel Raeburn's past is scandalous, his sinful indulgences allowing him more wealth than he could ever need. Still, he wants more, and his gluttonous appetite for wealth and women leads him to buy into a partnership at the local hellfire club.

When Hannah goes missing, Beth and Daniel follow her trail through the Australian outback. Witnessing the womanizer Daniel is, Beth flees on a cattle train headed north.

Desperate to explain his actions, Daniel follows her.

Arriving in the small town of Jarvisfield, Daniel is shocked to learn that Beth is now the owner of the largest cattle company in the area. He's even more shocked to discover that the preacher controlling the town, and stealing from the townspeople, is his once business partner William Maxon. He's convinced this man is also responsible for his sister's disappearance. When he learns William has Beth picked out as his next victim, Daniel knows he must do whatever it takes to make her listen to the truth. But she has no interest in hearing anything he has to say.

Faced with losing the two women he loves, Daniel is forced to choose between their freedom and the possessions and wealth he has hoarded over the years. But even if he gives it all up, he still might lose everything.

Content Warning: contains sex, strong language, and some violence

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

My name is Faye Hall and I am the author of steamy historical romances set in rural North Queensland, Australia during the 19th century. I write about corruption, deceit and murder, as well as cattle rustlers, slave traders and hellfire clubs. My stories explore rural townships of Jarvisfield, Inkerman, as well as Revenswood and Bowen.

As well as an author, I am also the most spoilt wife in the world, and a very contented mother.

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

My parents always encouraged me to write as a young child. I was forever telling them stories and they convinced me that I needed to write then down so I didn't forget them.

When I was in high school, my then English teacher told me that I would never be good enough to be a writer. It gave me the drive I needed to send a script to a publisher.

TB: What are you currently working on?

I'm currently in the process of finishing up book 3 in the Sins of the Virtuous series and getting it ready to send to the publisher. Then it's back to writing book 4 and the rest of the series.

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

I have a soft spot for Amorous Redemption as the story idea came from the real life of my great grandmother and her eventual marriage to her husband. The cattle station mentioned in the book - Inkerman Downs Station - actually belonged to my Great grandmother and her family.

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

I had to read To Kill a Mockingbird at school and I was so intrigued in it that it made me want to write even more. I enjoyed the scandal in it. It was when I began reading Amanda Quick novels that I decided Romance was more my style.

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

I always find the most challenging part to write is the ending and making sure I have completed each characters story enough. Ironically I also find the ending the most rewarding. To write those last few lines is such an achievement in my opinion.

TB: What book is on your nightstand?

Always have one of Amanda Quick's older novels there.

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

Hopefully the remaining books in the Sins of the Virtuous series. I'm aiming for a seven book series so until I have completed that all other projects are on hold.

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

Just a huge thank you for all your support and feedback. I greatly appreciate it and hope, through my stories, you have come to learn a little about my hometown.

Come on a journey with me through 19th century North Queensland, Australia and explore the passions and hardships of unique characters. There is corruption, deceit and murder, as well as cattle rustlers, slave traders and hell fire clubs. Explore townships of Jarvisfield and Inkerman, as well as Ravenswood and Bowen. One book even incorporates my great grandmothers cattle station 'Inkerman Downs Station'. As well as an author, I am also the most spoilt wife in the world, and a very contented mother.

Come and discover all the passion and drama of North Queensland history with me.

D.L. Gardner Petworth, England 1944. First Lieutenant Janet Castner is assigned to a small hospital unit when Operation Overload begins. Amid the turbulence of nursing the critically wounded GIs arriving from Normandy, her arrogant commanding officer takes her aside and asserts his love for her. Passions flare when he wrongly suspects she and another officer are having an affair.

Unbeknown to the major, Janet has instead sworn her love to a seriously injured infantry man, Sergeant Lou Morrissey. When the major discovers their clandestine romance, he wields his authority in order to destroy their lives forever.

Based on actual letters written by Lieutenant Janet Castner during WWII.

D.L. Gardner artist, author and screenwriter. She writes primarily fantasy novels including all sub genres, with a love for historical fantasy.

Her latest book is historical romance. A lover of the classics, both visual and literary, she believes a story should be good enough to hand down from one generation to the next, and so focuses mainly on print editions, creating them to be works of visual art as well as literary art.

Winner of Book Excellence Award, Best Urban fantasy at Imaginarium Convention, and a host of screenings and trophies for her historical fiction screenplay Cassandra's Castle.

Anna J. Stewart Haunted by the death of her childhood friend, journalist Eden St. Claire has dedicated her life to catching serial killers—and she’s always done so alone. But when the lethal murderer Eden is tracking puts her in danger’s crosshairs, she agrees to accept protection from longtime friend Detective Cole Delaney.

Cole has secretly carried a torch for Eden for years. She might not want to let anybody in, but the thought of losing her is unbearable.

Passions flare as the threats intensify. Can Cole convince Eden to break her own rule to never fall in love…before the killer snuffs out their happily-ever-after?

Exactly why should P.I. Vince Sutton take his ex-wife’s case?

Because she, assistant district attorney Simone Armstrong, put his brother in jail? Because the ambitious spitfire still drives him crazy?

No, he’ll take it because “The Avenging Angel” makes him a deal he can’t refuse. Sparks fly when Vince works all-too-closely with Simone to locate her missing key witness…but in the process, they are drawn into a cold case. As much as he tries, Vince can’t deny that he’s never gotten over beautiful Simone, but can he admit his feelings to her—and himself? And can he save her from the danger that’s heading their way?

Psychologist Allie Hollister is still haunted by the unsolved death of her childhood best friend. She never expects her past to meet her present when a young patient is abducted and the cold case is reopened. Allie knows she shouldn’t get involved, but the child’s uncle, firefighter Max Kellan, needs her as much as she needs him.

Once, Max simply wanted to put his past to rest; now he demands nothing short of justice. As he and secretive, sexy Allie track a lethal criminal, their chemistry is an undeniable adrenaline rush.

Their attraction will be put to the test when they confront their most dangerous threat yet: the truth.

To Butterfly Harbor deputy sheriff Fletcher Bradley, Paige Cooper is a mystery he’s dying to solve. Ever since the single mother and her equally irresistible young daughter showed up, life in his California town has changed for the better. Fletch isn’t sure what Paige is running from; he only knows she’s keeping some pretty serious secrets. Yet here she is, already a vital part of the community and working with him to crack a series of recent break-ins. Paige has to trust someone sometime. And it’s going to be Fletch. Doesn’t she know that she belongs here–with him?

Butterfly Harbor deputy Matt Knight wants two things: to date Lori Bradley and the chance to adopt Kyle, a troubled teen. Wounded in Afghanistan, Matt knows he can’t move forward anchored to the past. But once he regains the guarded hotel manager’s trust, will his need to protect those he loves cost him a future with this extraordinary woman?

USA Today and national bestselling author Anna J. Stewart writes sweet to sexy romance for Harlequin's Heartwarming and Romantic Suspense lines. Early obsessions with Star Wars, Star Trek, and Wonder Woman set her on the path to creating fun, funny, and family-centric romances with happily ever afters for her independent heroines. Anna lives in Northern California where she deals with a serious Supernatural & Sherlock addiction, surrounds herself with friends and family and tolerates an overly affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

When she's not writing, you can find her at fan conventions or at her local movie theater, or building her client list for her content editing services. You can read more about Anna and her books on her website.

Charlotte McKinsey Rand Hi, I'm Maddy Greaves and do I have a story to tell you? I strayed from my husband of nearly twenty years; not once, but three times! I never meant to cheat… especially that first time!

What made me do it? Well, there were extenuating circumstances in each and every case!

I don't think of myself as a bad person, not really…Let me tell you what happened…

Charlotte McKinsey Rand has seen and done it all when it comes to sex. In addition, there's a really wicked imagination at work here! Charlotte's ready to tell you some of her naughtier stories.

Are you ready for them?

Reviews Always the Hero by Anna J Stewart review by Babs Hightower Matt and Lori have been seeing each other off and on and Matt has come to terms with his missing limb from his days in the military. Now he is trying to adopt a teenager, Kyle, whom he has taken under his wing. Now they are saying Kyle needs a woman figure in his life. Can Matt Convince Lori to be that woman?

Lori has her own issues. She has a tough childhood and deals with it every day. She lets people walk all over her and she has a slow self esteem.

Can these two come together and help each other?

I enjoyed all the characters they were so down to earth and easy to relate to. These people could be in your neighborhood.

Great story and people you would like to hear about again.Add a little bit of body text

Ms Calculation review by Amber Marr The small town of Mystery, Montana certainly has its fair share of secrets.

When the body of the local vet is found dead in the barn of a well-known ranch, the past comes back to haunt Wyatt Fitzgerald, the sheriff in charge of the investigation. The ranch? Well, it belongs to Wyatt's family. The dead body? Is, of course, the sister of the girl he loved many years before.

Gwen Johansen is devastated when she is notified that her sister's body was found in the barn at Dunrovin Ranch. At first the death doesn't look suspicious but Gwen knows there is no way her sister killed herself. Now she just has to convince Wyatt to look harder into the circumstances surrounding the death. When it become evident that her sister was murdered, Wyatt and Gwen work together to figure who and why. They know they are getting close when the killer begins targeting others in town.

Ms. Calculation tells the story of two people destined to be together even after so many years apart. It's unfortunate that a death had to occur for Gwen and Wyatt to reunite even though they live in the same small town. I enjoyed how the author didn't just rush them back together. She let the chemistry build slowly and into something more than longing or lust. She made it evident that it wasn't a case of Wyatt preying upon Gwen while she's emotionally distracted. Wyatt does not take advantage of her grief or emotional state.

The character development was wonderful. We learned about Wyatt and Gwen and their pasts. We got to know about Gwen's mom and how her lifestyle has affected both Gwen and herself. The world building was done well and I could visualize every component of the story. The setting was enjoyable and the story was engaging. The author did a great job building up the suspense and shielding the murderer from the reader. The book is suspenseful, gritty, emotional, and deals with real life issues outside of the murder.

Danica Winters is one of my favorite authors. I've been reading her books since The Nymph's Labyrinth came out in 2012. Her writing spans a few different genres and she aces them all.

Chasing Secrets

By Anna James review by Babs Hightower Wyatt and Maddie have a history that did not end well at all. Maddie got pregnant and faked an engagement and leaves town so her grandfather doesn’t suspect who the real father is.

Maddie returns as her grandfather has cancer and she adores her son. When Wyatt sees Maddie you can feel the attraction through the pages it is that strong.

Can these two make things work and can her grandfather forget the blame he has on Wyatt for Maddie’s parents being killed?

A great story with some even greater characters.

The authors does a great job with the plot to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. You will want to read this in one setting as you will know be able to put the book down.

MThe Affairs of Madison Greaves

by Charlotte M Rand review by Babs Hightower

Maddie is an accountant and is in the run of the mil job. She has been married for 20 + years and her daughter is in college. Her husband is the same ole no spice, work, home, sleep and start again.

She has been asked to replace a coworker on the audit team and travel to California. They are auditing to see if someone took money. Dex is big in the company and wants to show her around. He even got her in first class on the plane. She is not use to anyone showing her this much attention. Before going to dinner she called her husband Kevin and he rushed her off the phone and told her to call him later in the week.

Dex took Maddie to dinner and they talked about Kevin and then when sight seeing.He kissed her and she told him she coulodn't “Of course you can’t… not yet; you’re too much of a goody-two shoes to be seduced so easily.”

Little did she know she would fall for him. She did move up to accounting manager.

Carrie, Maddie's daughter ,found about about Dex and Owen and the affrairs.

She was ok with it. Can Maddie and Kevin work things out? What happened on his fishing trip?

This turned out to be a really good book and the writing is great. The characters were easy to to get to know and feel for.

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