Friday, March 29, 2019

The Goodbye Café


With Spring officially beginning this month, I can’t help but look to books that make me think sun, fun and intrigue. Today, I’ve got just such a book to tell you about – THE GOODBYE CAFÉ by Mariah Stewart.

THE GOODBYE CAFÉ
The Hudson Sisters series, Book 3
On sale March 26, 2019
Trade Paperback • Price: $16.00 • ISBN: 9781501145124
eBook • Price: $7.99 • ISBN: 9781501145162

California girl Allie Hudson Monroe can’t wait for the day when the renovations on the Sugarhouse Theater are complete so she can finally collect the inheritance from her father and leave Pennsylvania. After all, her life and her fourteen-year-old daughter are in Los Angeles.
          But Allie’s divorce left her tottering on the edge of bankruptcy, so to keep up on payments for her house and her daughter’s private school tuition, Allie packed up and flew out east. But fate has a curve-ball or two to toss in Allie’s direction—she just doesn’t know it yet.
          She hadn’t anticipated how her life would change after reuniting with her estranged sister, Des, or meeting her previously unknown half-sister, Cara. And she’d certainly never expected to find small-town living charming. But the biggest surprise was that her long-forgotten artistry would save the day when the theater’s renovation fund dried up.
          With opening day upon the sisters, Allie’s free to go. But for the first time in her life, she feels like the woman she was always meant to be. Will she return to the West Coast and resume her previous life, or will the love of “this amazing, endearing family of women” (Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author) be enough to draw her back to the place where the Hudson roots grow so deep?

Here’s an excerpt to entice you even more.

Allie swung her bag over her shoulder, preparing to start her descent, thinking how much her life had changed since she’d arrived in Hidden Falls. There were days when she felt like a different person from the one who’d boarded the plane at LAX and flown to Scranton, Pennsylvania, rented a car, and driven to this tiny nowhere town. At first she’d hated it. Now she was growing accustomed to the slow pace and the fact that everyone in town knew who she was and where she came from simply by virtue of her being Barney Hudson’s niece.
She dropped one leg over the side, singing softly to herself, “Don’t look down, girl, just don’t look down. Everything’s okay as long as you don’t look down,” when she did exactly that.
She bristled at the sight of the man who stood at the foot of the scaffold staring straight up.
“What are you doing here?”
“I was looking for Des. I stopped over at the house but no one answered.” His arms were crossed over his chest, and instead of wearing his usual chief of police uniform, Ben Haldeman—the very bane of Allie’s existence, the gigantic thorn in her side—was dressed in cutoff jeans and a light blue tank top, flip-flops on his feet. He didn’t bother to smile at her—why pretend he liked her any more than she liked him?—but he didn’t blink when she stared down at him, either.
“I’ll let her know when I see her.”
“Then I’ll just leave this little guy here and you can take him home with you. How ’bout I just tie his leash up to the scaffold?”
“What little . . .” Allie leaned over the side of the platform, just far enough to make her head spin and her stomach flip. She pulled back, but not before she saw the little black dog on the red leash that Ben was tying to the bottom rung. “Wait, where’d that dog come from? You can’t leave it here.”
“Found him out on the highway running loose. Tell Des to give me a call.” Ben patted the dog on the head and turned toward the door.
“Wait. Ben. No, don’t . . .”
He waved as he walked away. “Have a nice day.”
With a deep sigh of exasperation, Allie sat back on the platform.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Mariah Stewart
Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. 

A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel.

For more on Mariah and her writing, visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.

Thanks for stopping by today. Doesn’t that cover make it think of summer fun and fascinating adventures?

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Tasting the Apple (+Giveaway)


If a story blends fact and fiction together seamlessly, then it makes me want to do research and find out more about that person or place that was real. That author has drawn me into their book completely.

That's the case of Author Sherilyn Decter's new series, The Bootleggers' Chronicles.

When you hear the word Prohibition, images of Flappers, gangsters and jazz. But there was also a lot of mystery in the Roaring 20s. Today we get a chance to see how the ghost of a policeman (based on a real person) helps a widow deal with criminal elements.

Sherilyn is visiting today to share her latest release, TASTING THE APPLE, the second installment in her Bootleggers’ Chronicles. She also has an exciting giveaway she’s hosting for the tour. Be sure to check it out at the end of the post.

A young widow on the edge. A policeman back from the dead. Together, can they take down the city’s most notorious bootlegger?

          Philadelphia, 1925. With a son to raise and boarders to feed, Maggie Barnes is at her wit’s end. But when a criminal element infiltrates the police force, the single mother puts her cares aside to help. As she tries to dig up dirt on bootlegger mastermind Mickey Duffey, Maggie realizes she can’t take on the case alone…
          Inspector Frank Geyer used to patrol the streets of Philadelphia before Maggie was born. As he attempts to clean up crime from beyond the grave, the spirit uses his Victorian sensibilities to fight back against lawbreakers. But with corruption throughout the police force, can the phantom informant save his city and Maggie’s livelihood?
          With the roof leaking and the lawlessness spiraling, Maggie and Frank have one chance to take down a criminal and prevent the unthinkable…

Check out TASTING THE APPLE on Amazon.

Those readers that aren’t familiar with the author, here’s some background information on her.

The Roaring Twenties and Prohibition were a fantasy land, coming right after the horrors and social upheaval of World War I. Even a century later, it all seems so exotic.

Author Sherilyn Decter
Women got the vote, started working outside the home, and (horrors!) smoked and drank in public places. They even went on unchaperoned dates (gasp)! Corsets were thrown into the back of the closets, and shoes were discovered to be an addictive fashion accessory after hemlines started to rise. And thanks to Prohibition, suddenly it was fashionable to break the law. The music was made in America- ragtime, delta blues, and of course jazz. Cocktails were created to hide the taste of the bathtub gin. Flappers were dancing, beads and fringes flying. Fedoras were tipped. And everyone was riding around in automobiles (aka struggle buggies and I leave it to your imagination why- wink.)

Bootleggers’ Chronicles grew out of that fascination. Writing as Sherilyn Decter, I will eventually have a series of historical crime fiction novels dealing with the bootleggers, gangsters, flappers, and general lawlessness that defined Prohibition. The Bootlegger blog rose out of all the research that I’ve been doing about this incredible era.

Growing up on the prairies and living next to the ocean, I am a creature of endless horizons. Writing allows me to discover what’s just over the next one. My husband and I have three amazing daughters, a spoiled grandson, and two bad dogs.

Sherilyn Decter is enthralled with the flashing flappers and dangerous bootleggers from the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition. Through meticulous research, that lawless era is brought to life. Living in a century-old house, maybe the creaking pipes whisper stories in her ear.

To get the inside skinny on the Bootlegger’s Chronicles, you can reach Sherilyn at the following links:

WEBSITE          FACEBOOK      PINTEREST

GIVEAWAY
Author Sherilyn Decter is giving away an autographed paperback copy of TASTING THE APPLE and INNOCENCE LOST. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instruction to enter. If you can’t see the widget, just click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to comment on the post and enter to win your copy of this intriguing tale. Do you enjoy books that combine fact and fiction? If so, why and if not, why?

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Tuesday, March 26, 2019

My Lovely Wife



It’s a pleasure today to tell you about an exciting new book hitting book stores today – MY LOVELY WIFE by Samantha Downing (Berkley Hardcover; March 26).

Think Dexter meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith in this highly-anticipated debut thriller, about a couple who’ve found a new way to break up the monotony of married life: murder.

MY LOVELY WIFE took shape after Downing heard about a married couple who kidnapped and held a young woman captive for years. The wife, abused by her husband, was forced into helping. Downing thought: Women never do this to other women.

But what if they did?

Enter Millicent, a real estate agent living with her husband and two children in a gilded suburb of Central Florida. When Millicent and her husband commit their first murder, it’s accidental. But they are surprised to discover how the shared secret injects new life into their relationship. By the time the second woman goes missing, nothing is accidental.

But among the biggest twists is one Downing pulls on her readers: they can’t help but root for the killer couple at the story’s core.

MY LOVELY WIFE has earned praise from Harlan Coben, Liv Constantine (The Last Mrs. Parrish), Jane Corry (My Husband’s Wife), Nick Petrie, Meg Gardiner, and more.

For those who aren’t familiar with Downing, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Samantha Downing
Samantha Downing currently lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away on her next standalone book.

MY LOVELY WIFE is her first novel.

Thanks for stopping by today. Doesn’t this sound like a fascinating and chilling book at the same time?

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

A Dangerous Collaboration


I’m a day late but still delighted to tell you about author Deanna Raybourn’s latest Veronica Speedwell mystery, A DANGEROUS COLLABORATION, that was released yesterday, Tuesday, March 12th.

Described as “a ruthlessly intelligent heroine” by NPR, Veronica Speedwell is one of those characters that you enjoy getting to know better and better. The previous book in the series, A TREACHEROUS CURSE, has been nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel.

A lepidopterist by trade, Veronica has been up to much more than chasing after rare specimens of butterflies. Continuing on after the exhilarating adventures of A Curious Beginning, A Perilous Undertaking, and A Treacherous Curse (which was named by Suspense Magazine as one it’s best historical mysteries of 2018!), it’s difficult to imagine how the spunky and spirited Victorian-era sleuth could find herself caught up in even more thrilling and dangerous exploits.

Brimming with Raybourn’s trademark clever plot construction that readers have come to love, in addition to provocative storytelling and the smoldering chemistry between Veronica and Stoker, A DANGEROUS COLLABORATION is another great example of why readers keep picking up and continue to come back to this phenomenal series.

Here’s a brief synopsis to entice you even more.

After chasing down clues leading to her mysterious past, having quite literally run off to join a traveling circus, solving a murder mystery at a ladies-only social club, and an unraveling an ancient Egyptian curse, Veronica always goes back to her true love:  the butterflies. But as colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Veronica can't resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic, frequently uncouth, yet ruggedly handsome colleague Stoker.
          Veronica is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when Stoker’s brother, Tiberius, calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly’s house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée—much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly’s wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband’s mind.
          As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Deanna Raybourn
Deanna Raybourn is the author of the award-winning, New York Times bestselling Lady Julia Grey series, currently in development for television, as well as the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries and several standalone novels.

Visit her online at www.deannaraybourn.com, on Facebook at DeannaRaybournAuthor, and on Twitter @deannaraybourn.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have you read any of the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries? Have you ever thought about becoming a lepidopterist (a person who studies or collects butterflies and moths)?

Monday, March 11, 2019

Elkhorn in the Moonlight (+Giveaway)

Elkhorn In The Moonlight By Constance Bretes
 
Constance is giving away an ebook copy of Elkhorn InThe Moonlight and an ebook from her backlist during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember there is a chance to enter everyday so be sure to follow the Blog Tour. You may find the tour schedule and locations here https://goo.gl/WosRX4

About Elkhorn In The Moonlight:
 
The search for stolen Sacred Arrows leads to much more.
Marcus Blackhawk is on a mission to locate the Sacred Arrows that were stolen from the Cheyenne Nation. When he learns that someone has seen the arrows he leaves immediately to track the person down and get more information.

Nicole Lancaster ekes out a living in a small town by helping her brother run a motel and working part-time in a restaurant. Her mundane life suddenly becomes more exciting when Marcus arrives in town asking about some arrows that she came upon years ago while hiking in the Elkhorn Mountains. The gorgeous man makes her heart beat fast, but she knows he’d never be interested in a Plain Jane like herself.

When Marcus offers Nicole a large sum of cash to lead him to the cave where she saw the arrows, she takes him up on the offer. After a three-day hiking trip through the mountains they locate the cave, but then the unthinkable happens, and they find themselves trapped inside. As they wait, hopeful they’ll be rescued, they give into the passion that’s been simmering between them.

Will help arrive in time to save them? And if so, can their night of passion ever be anything more? Marcus has no interest in an actual relationship, and Nicole wants the whole nine yards.

Content Warning: contains some sexual content
Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level (HOT, Medium Hot, Sweet): Medium Hot

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2XCBZlK
 
Excerpt: “You pass it every time you go into Mason. The other two are on the other side of the overpass. Sandpiper Mine you can see from the highway, but you have to go on Gulch Mine to get to the Elkhorn Mountains. The mountain ranges there are the highest, and there are a lot of vertical drops, so you’d have to travel where you can walk it. It’s not something where you can climb it and be there. You have to go in a roundabout way.” “Do you have a very clear vision of where this cave is, and how to get to it?” he asked. “Yes. I remember it clear as day now.” “How soon can you get yourself ready for the hike?” “What? I’m not going there. You are. I can’t just take off and leave, I have work to do. Plus, it’s way too cold to go there right now. The mountains in that area still have snow on them.” “You think I would know where to go by the information that you provided?” “I gave you very good information,” she said. “Do you have the coordinates for GPS?” “No. I don’t.” “So, you think that I, who have never traveled these mountains before, would have no problem finding that cave?” Marcus’s eyes narrowed as he regarded her. “I don’t have any idea how you intend to get there. Personally, I think you should wait until summer to do it. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable.” Marcus sat thinking about the situation for a second, and then he said, “Name your price.” “Huh?” “I said, name your price,” he repeated. “I need you to lead me to that cave, and I have to do it this week.” “You’re not listening to me. I can’t take you there. I have work to do here. I can’t leave to go on a weeklong camping trip.” “You can for a price,” he said grimly. “You can’t buy me off to get what you want,” Nicole said defensively. “Everyone is willing to do certain things for a certain price. Will thirty thousand get you interested and willing to go?” “I…I…thirty thousand? No, I won’t be bought,” she stammered. “Look, Nicole. Let’s quit with the games. I’m going to go there to get those Sacred Arrows, and you are the one who is going to take me there and bring me back. I’m offering you thirty thousand for a week…week and a half of work. I think your brother and his wife can handle the motel for that length of time.” “I’m sorry.” She stopped for a few seconds. “I won’t be bullied. My answer is no.” She stood up to leave. “Just think about this. Like I said, thirty thousand for a week and a half of work. Think what you could do with that money. Think of all the possibilities and opportunities you’d have. As for the weather, I know you have lived through worse weather right here in Mason. You know what to expect. I would not let you go up there without your GPS, your cellphone and satellite phone, your two-way radio, and letting your brother know exactly where you’re at should there ever be an emergency. I’ll give you until tomorrow at noon to tell me your decision, and if I were you, I’d think about this very seriously. I intend to have my way in this,” he said sternly. Grabbing his maps and the pictures she gave him, he walked back to the causeway and to his room.  

About the Author:
Constance started writing contemporary romance and contemporary romance suspense fifteen years ago. She was born and raised in Michigan. After 38 years working for the State of Michigan, she retired. She and her husband moved to Montana and lived in the mountainside of a small town, where this story, Elkhorn In The Moonlight, was based upon. 

After living there for three years, They moved to Alabama, with her three feline furballs who owns her and her husband. Her hobbies include basket weaving, reading romance books, and jewelry making as well as writing.  

Constance's Social Links:  
Email: bretesc@gmail.com  
Website: https://constancebretes.com  
Blog: https://www.constancebretes.com/connies-blog
NL Link: https://www.constancebretes.com/news--things.html  
Amazon Author URL: https://www.amazon.com/Constance-Bretes/e/B00IKSKRES/  
Bookbub Author URL: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/constance-bretes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conniebretes/  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7737457.Constance_Bretes  
Instagram: constancebretesauthor  
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cbretes/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConstanceBretes

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy books that deal with Native Americans? Would you go exploring in a cave?

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Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Full Girlfriend Experience (+Giveaway)

Full Girlfriend Experience
By Dana Ross
Dana is giving away 2 Full Girlfriend Experience eBooks during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember there is a chance to enter everyday so be sure to follow the Blog Tour. You may find the tour schedule and locations here https://goo.gl/4Zd12n  

About Full Girlfriend Experience: When DC Madam Faith Crawley receives a call from former client, Senator William Drummond, it's the answer to her prayers. The money the dirty politician offers her to smear his rival Finn Billings will save Faith's business, her lifestyle, and her girls.

Raised in the shadow of a political magnate, Finn Billings has the credentials to get the job done, but he lacks confidence and wonders if politics is truly the life he desires.

Using the façade of her front business, a PR firm, Faith turns Finn into a political powerhouse while obtaining the evidence Drummond needs to destroy Finn's political chances. But Faith didn't plan on falling in love with her mark.

Now she has the toughest decision ever—give the sleazy senator incriminating photos of Finn to save her business or give up everything for the sake of love.


  Genre: Romantic Suspense Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Buy Links:
~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~
Excerpt: In the biz, your word was golden, and there were rules that had to be upheld. White lies were acceptable, but there were certain lines one never crossed. Keep data in code, shield clients’ privacy, and, most importantly, protect the girls. At all costs. I’d always honored these precepts to the best of my abilities. It helped me stay afloat while other madams sank like flat tires in the Anacostia River. Yet there I was after one free lunch, considering a partnership with a man who didn’t deserve to lick my stilettoes. Why? Was it the champagne? Drummond’s smooth tongue? The fact that creditors were calling on a regular basis? Whatever the reason, I couldn’t dismiss him until I exhausted every option. Unfortunately, I only had one. Even worse, she hated my guts.
~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~
About the Author:
After leaving her career teaching gemology, Caryn DeVincenti, who writes as Dana Ross, moved to the sunshine state to become a full-time writer. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing at Wilkes University and is the regional director of the Florida Writers Association, Palm Beach County.  

When not writing, Caryn nurtures her social media addiction, dances (poorly) to loud ’80s music, and plays chase with her insane Cairn terrier.

 Author Links:
Thanks for stopping by today.  Doesn't this sound like a tantalizing story?

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