Death Takes Priority {+ Giveaway}

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Author Jean Flowers puts a new spin on the postal service with her lovable protagonist Cassie Miller and the wacky folks of North Ashcot, MA.

Cassie returns to North Ashcot to care for her ailing aunt in her last days and decides to give her old hometown a new chance. After being ditched by her fiancé, Cassie doesn’t have much to lose.

Just as she’s getting use to ways of the town again, a load of telephone books are stolen from the post office. Then a man is found murdered and Cassie’s new friend is a suspect.

Cassie is determined to deliver the goods and find the real killer before someone else is stamped out.

This is a fun new series that deals with murder, mystery and mayhem while dealing with personal issues and quirky characters. The pace is steady with surprises to keep you guessing.

DEATH TAKES PRIORITY has that small town setting that draws you in and makes you feel you’re in the midst of the action. Readers can relate to the realistic, likable characters.

The author has created a charming new series mystery lovers will enjoy and a delightful new protagonist to cheer for.

Death Takes Priority by Jean Flowers, A Postmistress Mystery (Book #1), Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425279106, Mass Market Paperback, 304Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of DEATH TAKES PRIORITY to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, Nov. 21.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Death Takes Priority Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have you been to your local post office lately? Do you like that small town feel where the postmaster knows everyone in town? Oh, just in case you had realized it yet ..... Happy Friday the 13th!!


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Seeking the Star Tour

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I’m delighted to be participating in the Sage’s Blog Tours Virtual Book Tour for author Traci Borum’s SEEKING THE STAR, the third installment in her Chilton Crosse series.

Here’s a brief synopsis of this women’s, Christian fiction release:

One December night, in the sleepy Cotswold village of Chilton Crosse, a drifter named Ben collapses on George and Mary Cartwright’s snow-covered doorstep. As Christmas cheer spreads throughout the village with a Dickens-themed festival, Mary nurses Ben back to health, but she becomes curious about the secrets he seems to carry. 

On Christmas Eve, one of Ben’s secrets accidentally comes to light, forcing him to confront the darkness of his past and to rediscover the faith he once knew. 

This is a heartwarming story with a Christmas theme that will inspire hope and goodwill. It’s a story that will have you experiencing a range of emotions as you come to love these charming characters.

Author Traci Borum has created a memorable town that take hold of your heart. The setting and time frame are perfect for holiday reading, but speaks to life throughout the year. The characters are well-developed and realistic.  

SEEKING THE STAR deals with tragedy, but also how important it is to find a way to carry on. This is a must read even if you have to have a tissue or two handy. It’s a stand alone read.

Seeking the Star by Traci Borum, A Chilton Crosse Novel (Book #3), Red Adept Publishing, @2015, ISBN: 978-1940215549, Paperback, 160 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Traci Borum

Traci Borum is an insatiable bookworm whose first love is fiction.  As a little girl, she became mesmerized with books—with the textures, the smells, and most especially, the worlds created between the pages.  Years later, she discovered she could create her own worlds by writing.  She’s been scribbling away ever since, writing bits of poetry, articles, and especially fiction.

Traci has been a Creative Writing teacher at a community college for the past ten years.  She's a native Texan and an Anglophile at heart.  She owns two "British" dogs—a Corgi and a Sheltie—and she’s completely addicted to Masterpiece Theater (must be those dreamy British accents!).  More than anything, she treasures the friendships in her life and adores her supportive family.

For more on Traci and her writing, visit her blog and connect with her on Goodreads and at Red Adept Publishing.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Are you getting in the holiday spirit through Christmas-themed books?

Florist Grump {+ Giveaway}

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Moving back home can be an undertaking for all involved, but throw in a new husband, a rescue dog and a talent for finding trouble and you have the makings for a new adventure for sleuth-solving, flower shop owner Abby Knight Salvare.

Saving money to build a new home, Abby and her husband Marco move into her childhood bedroom of her parent’s home. The stress of family togetherness has Abby on edge.

The tension mounts when an employee of the savings and loan is found murdered and the authorities look at the local window washer as the prime suspect. Abby is determined to get to the root of the matter and find the real killer even if it means putting herself in danger once again.

Author Kate Collins has created such entertaining, realistic characters you can’t help but feel like they are all your friends. The loyalty, friendship and compassion she blends throughout the story makes it a heartwarming read despite the murder. The small town atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The family antics will have you relating to your own family’s bantering.

There’s never a dull moment in this fast pace adventure that will keep you guessing until the end. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat.

While the momentum of many long-running series tends to slow down, Collins continues full steam ahead in this 17th installment of her Flower Shop Mystery series. FLORIST GRUMP can be read on its own. But if you’re a first time reader, don’t be surprised to find yourself plucking more installments from the series to read.

Collins crafts a perfect bouquet of charming characters, suspenseful mystery, quaint setting and family togetherness that mystery lovers will adore. FLORIST GRUMP is chalked full of enough entertainment and surprises to outdo a box of chocolates.

Florist Grump by Kate Collins, A Flower Shop Mystery (Book #17), NAL, @2015, ISBN: 978-0451473431, Mass Market Paperback, 336Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of FLORIST GRUMP to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, Nov. 19.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Florist Grump Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. What are your thoughts on moving back in with parents if you’re trying to save to buy a home?

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Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen {+ Giveaway}

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It’s the time of year to begin reading Christmas-themed stories and author Vicki Delany’s REST YE MURDERED GENTLEMEN is a perfect one to start with.

The first installment in her Year-Round Christmas Mystery series, this delightful tale takes place in Rudolph, N.Y., also known as Christmas Town. Opening with the semi-annual Santa Claus parade, the author quickly draws readers into this charming, quaint town that showcases Christmas year-round. The setting is picturesque and will have visions of Christmas dancing in your head.

Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs. Claus’ Treasures, believes her float has the best chance of winning in the semi-annual Christmas parade. However, a malfunction causes her float to be disqualified. From there things seems to go downhill fast.

When a visiting journalist is found murdered, tourists begin cancelling reservations and things look grim for the town. As more mishaps occur, Merry is determined to find out who is playing Scrooge and wants Christmas Town to close its doors.

The holiday spirit can be felt throughout this delightful story as the author brings readers realistic and fun characters to get to know. The setting will have you wishing for a winter wonderland to visit.

REST YE MURDERED GENTLEMEN is a heartwarming beginning to what promises to be a fun new series to enjoy no matter the time of the year. This enchanting story delivers entertaining characters, a scenic setting and a murder mystery to solve. A perfect stocking stuffer for the readers on your list.

Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany, A Year-Round Christmas Mystery (Book #1), Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425280805, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of REST YE MURDERED GENTLEMEN to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you already reading Christmas-themed stories? Do you have a favorite Christmas story you read year after year?

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Reef Libre {+ Giveaway}

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I’m delighted to be participating in author Robert Wintner’s iRead Book Tours for his amazing coffee-table book (and DVD), REEF LIBRE, AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT CUBAN EXCEPTIONALISM AND THE LAST, BEST REEFS IN THE WORLD.

As part of the author’s tour, there’s also a tour-wide giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally). Please see the end of the post for more details on the giveaway. I’m sharing my thoughts on this amazing book and DVD, plus including a book trailer to give you an even better idea of just how awesome this is.

Book Title: Reef Libre, An In-Depth Look at Cuban Exceptionalism & the Last, Best Reefs in the World by Robert Wintner
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 266 pages
Genre: Nature, coral reefs
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book ……….

      Cuba reefs host apex predators and coral cover at optimal levels. While Cuban reef vitality may be linked to economic default and no shoreline development, no agricultural pesticides or fertilizers and limited human population growth, the Castro regime is aggressively developing its reef potential.
      Seas to the south are now 100% shark protected.
      Most Cuba travelogues advise “getting off the beaten path,” but Reef Libre examines that path, to see where it might lead as things change. Will Cuba reefs remain protected? Or is this perilous age of natural decline a last chance to see a healthy reef system?
      Robert Wintner and the Snorkel Bob Jardines de la Reina Expedition herein provide narrative insight with photos and video. First stop is the baseline: Havana urban density. Down south at Cayo Largo, reef collapse seems imminent with 600 guests changing daily, and the phosphate-laden laundry water flowing directly to the deep blue sea. Will Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism step up with the Jardines de la Reina paradigm? Rising from the Golfo de Ana María, Jardines is a thousand square miles of mangrove estuary, for ages compromised by constant extraction of its biggest predators, taken as food. Protected, it now rises on the world reef stage.
      A DVD comes with the book in a paper sleeve glued to the inside cover. Reef Libre, the movie, runs about an hour. 

The book is available at the following sites: Amazon and Barnes & Noble.



Here are my thoughts ………

Author Robert Wintner’s passion for the environment and wildlife shines in his latest coffee-table book and DVD release.

Known as Snorkel Bob, the author leads readers on an amazing journey through the reefs off of Cuba’s shores. He explains how some areas of the world have destroyed the aquatic wildlife, while Cuba has made an effort to save theirs.

There are breathtaking color photos of the reefs and aquatic wildlife throughout the book. The vivid photos showcase the beauty that many will never see.

The story is beautifully formatted in a coffee-table book that will enhance any setting. Visitors won’t be able to resist thumbing through the lush pages. Don’t be surprised if the browsing quickly turns into reading. Not only a delight to look through, REEF LIBRE is entertaining and very informative.

An added bonus of the lovely hardcover book is the included DVD. The hour-long DVD brings the breathtaking wildlife and scenery to life. Viewers can see how the aquatic wildlife and reefs benefit each other. The peaceful movements of the wildlife will mesmerize you. A commentary goes along with the DVD so viewers know more about what they are observing.

If watching fish in an aquarium has ever captured your attention, REEF LIBRE is a must have for your library. With this book readers will have a much better understanding and appreciation for the awesome wildlife inhabiting our waters.

REEF LIBRE is a book (and DVD) all ages will enjoy and marvel at.

Reef Libre, An In-Depth Look at Cuban Exceptionalism and the Last, Best Reefs in the World by Robert Wintner, Taylor Trade Publishing, @2015, ISBN: 978-1630760731, Hardcover, 272 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Robert Wintner

Best known as Snorkel Bob in Hawaii and around the world, Robert Wintner captures Cuba above and below the surface with urgency and hope. As a pioneer in fish portraiture, Wintner demonstrated social structure and etiquette in reef society. Reef Libre goes to political context, in which human folly will squander Cuba’s reefs as well—unless natural values can at last transcend political greed. As pundits joust over who did what to whom and why, Wintner ponders reef prospects in view of political changes.

Robert Wintner has authored many novels and story collections. Reef Libre is his fourth reef commentary with photos and his first overview of survival potential in a political maelstrom. He lives and works in Hawaii, still on the front lines of the campaign to stop the aquarium trade around the world.

For more information on the author visit his website and connect with him on Facebook.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for a $25 Amazon Gift Card and is open internationally. To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few moments to load so please be patient.

Thanks for visiting today. I’m still visiting friends and away from my computer a good bit, but I’ll be back before long. I’m including the book trailer for this amazing book so you can see the true beauty of it. Do you find watching aquatic wildlife relaxing? Have you ever dived to observe reefs anywhere?

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Trimmed With Murder {+ Giveaway}

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Nothing says holidays quite like a cozy murder mystery filled with lots of fun characters, a quaint setting, and loads of intrigue.

Author Sally Goldenbaum’s TRIMMED WITH MURDER takes readers to delightful Sea Harbor where protagonist Izzy Perry and her fellow Seaside Knitters are busy knitting ornaments. The group plans to decorate a tree for the first annual tree-trimming contest. 

The surprise arrival of Izzy’s younger brother, Charlie, takes a drastic turn when a female companion he arrived in town with is discovered murdered. The young woman has a past linked to Sea Harbor that Izzy and her friends must unravel in order to save Charlie and find the real killer.

The author once again delivers a tantalizing tale of mystery and murder while highlighting the loyalty and friendship of a small community. The characters are well-developed, realistic and a joy to follow. The setting quickly draws you on. The author’s eye for detail will have you feeling like you’re a part of the Seaside Knitters even if you can’t knit a stitch.

The story moves at a good pace and can be read on its own even though it’s the 10th installment in the Seaside Knitters Mystery series. A knitting pattern and a recipe are an added bonus to this charming read.

The characters and setting makes this a delightful read. Knitter or not, TRIMMED WITH MURDER will have you in stitches trying to guess the killer and keep up with Izzy’s antics.

Trimmed with Murder by Sally Goldenbaum, A Seaside Knitters Mystery (Book #10), NAL, @2015, ISBN: 978-0451471628, Hardcover, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of TRIMMED WITH MURDER to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Friday, Nov. 13.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Trimmed with Murder Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you a knitter? Would you not check out a book just because it featured knitting as a theme and you don’t knit?

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Author Christi Barth Talks About The Opposite of Right

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I’m delighted to welcome author Christi Barth back to Thoughts in Progress. Christi joins us to talk about her rock star romance novella, The Opposite of Right, book 1 in her Bad Decisions trilogy that’s available today.

Christi has graciously answered some questions for me, but first here’s a brief synopsis of THE OPPOSITE OF RIGHT. I’m also sharing my thoughts on this fascinating read.

      Kylie Stafford has spent her whole life doing exactly what’s expected. The right major, the right sorority, the right guys, just like her mother and her sister before her. But when everything falls apart for her, Kylie wonders if doing everything right has been utterly wrong. There’s only one way to find out.
      She decides to try making all the wrong choices for three months. Hit on a tattoo-covered rock musician? Check. Go back to his dressing room for a hot hook-up against the wall? Gulp. Drop everything to be a roadie for him to binge on more of the best sex of her life? Maybe. Start falling for him despite her better judgment? Um….yeah. Figure out why doing everything that seems wrong feels so darn right?

My thoughts ……….

The characters in Author Christi Barth’s appear to be complete opposites but find they are very much alike. Their traits and faults will have readers relating and pulling for them. They are well-developed and likable.

The setting sizzles much like the chemistry between the main characters. Readers are quickly pulled in and find themselves immersed in the actions of the characters. The story flow at a good pace, smoothly and with heart-pounding romance.

This is a quick read that will leave you smiling and taking a different look at how you perceive your choices. THE OPPOSITE OF RIGHT is romance, passion, self-awakening and insight rolled into an entertaining steamy novella you won’t put down until the very end.

The Opposite of Right by Christi Barth, Bad Decisions trilogy Book #1, Amazon Digital Services, @2015, ASIN: BO14VR2YEW, 3770KB, 86 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Now, join me in giving a warm TIP welcome to Christi as she answers some questions. Welcome, Christi.

MASON - Did the idea of THE OPPOSITE OF RIGHT come first or the ideal of the Bad Decisions Trilogy?
 
Christi:
Both? Simultaneously, almost? I was attempting to be strategic - rock star romance is popular right now. My friends thought it'd be a good fit for my voice, so they urged me to write a rock star series. But there was zero story idea attached to that bullet point on the business plan. So in the same day, I tried to think of what makes rock stars so hot, and I kept circling back to the appeal of a Bad Boy. How was I supposed to make a bad boy the right guy? And that's when the idea for The Opposite of Right hit me.

Mason - What is the hardest part of creating a story for you - the setting, characters, dialogue or something else?
 
Christi:
Oh, I love wallowing in setting and dialogue. The only place I get hung up is when it comes to conflict. With my stories being set right here and now, there really aren't any serious obstacles to a woman being with the man she loves. Contemporary romance conflict is tough.

Mason - Who designed the cover of THE OPPOSITE OF RIGHT and did you have any input in the decision?
 
Christi:
It is my favorite cover EVER! Pickyme did the cover and I've already lined her up to do the rest of the trilogy. And it is all her brilliance, because here is what I told her (besides the blurb): I would love a series logo. Don’t know if making Bad Decisions into a concert ticket would work? I’m very, very bad at this. I would like it to be scorchingly hot. I feel like I really need ½ naked male abs to make it fly off the shelf.

Mason - What is a typical writing day like for you?
 
Christi:
I have a day job, so a typical writing day entails me working all day, going to the gym, cooking dinner, maybe watching an hour of TV with my hubby, I start writing about 9 p.m. and go until I freak out about how late it is around midnight and run for bed.

Mason - What one question do you wish readers would as, but no one never does?
 
Christi:
I have two books that have sequels semi-plotted but unwritten. I'd love for readers to ask me what happens next and if I'll be writing the sequels! (They weren't sold as part of a series, so this is me just falling in love with my characters and wanting to stretch things out.)

Mason - What new projects are you currently working on?

Christi:
I’m working on book two in the Bad Decisions trilogy, The Reverse of Perfection, which release in May. But I’m beyond excited for the launch of my Naked Men series with Loveswept, kicking off in March with Risking It All. It centers around five men who survived a high school tragedy, how it made them into the men they are today, and of course, the women who complete them

Christi, thanks for joining us today and sharing this insight on how your story came about. The book cover is very catchy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Christi Barth, Amy Jones Photography

Christi Barth earned a Master’s degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.

A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.

Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

For more on Christi and her writing visit her website and blog, as well as connect with her on Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon Author Page, and Facebook.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Christi’s visit. Are you a fan of novellas? Have you ever dreamed about being a rock star or being with a rock star?