Thread End by Amanda Lee Review and Guest Post

 

 

 

 

 

Thread End: An Embroidery Mystery
Series: Embroidery Mystery (Book 7)
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages \

Publisher: Signet (June 3, 2014)

ISBN-10: 0451467396

ISBN-13: 978-0451467393

Synopsis
Marcy can’t wait to see the new exhibit at the Tallulah Falls museum on antique tapestries and textiles, including beautiful kilim rugs. But her enthusiasm quickly turns to terror when, the day after the exhibition opens, she discovers a dead body behind her store, the Seven-Year Stitch, wrapped up in a most unusual fashion. The victim appears to be a visiting art professor in town for the exhibit. Did someone decide to teach the professor a lesson, then attempt to sweep the evidence under the rug? Along with her boyfriend, Detective Ted Nash, Marcy must unravel an intricate tapestry of deception to find a desperate killer.  

 

My Review:

 

I really loved the Irish Wolfhound, Angus, in this story.  I think it would be awesome to walk into a shop and see a dog like him there.  I enjoyed this cozy, it is the first I have read in this series, but I will certainly read more.  It kept my attention throughout, though it wasn't really and edge or your seat who-dunnit.  It was little more laid-back.  I liked the setting of this story and the friendships among the characters.  It was well written and pretty easy to follow.  Great job, Amanda Lee, I am looking forward to more.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 

About The Author
Amanda Lee, also writing as Gayle Trent, is a full-time writer living with her family in Southwest Virginia. She writes the embroidery mystery series as Amanda Lee and writes the cake decorating series and the Myrtle Crumb series as Gayle Trent.

Author Links

http://www.gayletrent.com/,

http://www.gayletrent.com/blog/,

http://www.killercharacters.com/,

http://fatalfoodies.blogspot.com/,

https://twitter.com/GayleTrent,

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/426208.Gayle_Trent

AMAZON BOOK LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Thread-End-An-Embroidery-Mystery/dp/0451467396/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1395856444&sr=1-1

Purchase Links Amazon      B&N

 

 

Guest Post:

 

MUSING AT THE MUSEUM

THREAD END, the latest book in the Embroidery Mystery Series, involves a museum exhibit of antique textiles known as the Padgett Collection. Included in the exhibit are kilims, tapestries, and wall hangings.

I love going to museums, and the textiles are some of my favorite displays. Years ago, I was touring an antebellum mansion and saw dresses and military uniforms in glass cases. They were so tiny that I thought they must have belonged to children, but the tour guide said people were that much smaller in those days compared to the present day. I enjoyed seeing the First Ladies’ inaugural gowns at the Smithsonian too. Gowns and dresses from bygone eras enchant me.

My children and I went to a living history museum one day and saw how wool was spun into thread. While we were there touring the rooms, my son saw a deck of playing cards on one of the tables. They were spread out so visitors could see the individual cards. My son, who was only about eight at the time, frowned and said, “There aren’t any numbers on these cards.”

The woman giving the tour said, “Why would you need numbers on the cards when you can count?”

There were some beautiful handmade quilts at both this living history museum and at a museum my daughter and I visited in Pennsylvania. The quilts in Pennsylvania were Amish and had some lovely, distinctive designs. There was a quote on a plaque in the Pennsylvania museum that gave the sentiment that the quilter’s finished piece knew a lot of secrets and held a lot of tears.

I enjoy wandering through these rooms—be they in mansions, farmhouses, or storefront buildings—and imagining what life must have been like for the woman who wore that gown…or crafted that quilt…or spun wool at that spinning wheel. There are stories all around us. We simply have to listen.

 

 

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Mom's Night Out

Moms' Night Out

 

About the book: 

Moms' Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life---where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms' night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours-what could go wrong?

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom's Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAT15

 

My Review:

 

I loved this book, every mom needs to read this it is totally awesome.  It was just what I needed.  A lot of times, as moms, whether you are a stay-at-home mom, or a working mom, you get really overwhelmed by all there is to do. 
This book was a breath of fresh air to show sometimes you just need a break.  This one had laugh-out-loud moments, a lot of them.  I can't wait to watch this movie and  I would totally love to read more books about these great characters!

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 

About the author: 

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and Lead Your Family Like Jesus (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.

Connect with Tricia: website, Twitter, Facebook

Moms' Night Out and other things i miss . . .

About the book:

As a Mom, couldn't you use a good laugh?

Inspired by the endearing, true-to-life movie Moms' Night Out, comedian Kerri Pomarolli has created this light, yet inspiring devotional that will definitely make you laugh, but will also help you discover that indeed you are not alone, and that God's gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in your life and of your loved ones.

Whether you're running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it's Monday (again), you'll find joy in these devotions where Kerri shares hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Messy homes, messy kids, lost pets, never ending casseroles, forgetful husbands, and the desire to just take a long bath . . . This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a devotion to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There's never a bad time for a good laugh, and as a Mom, you need a Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAUa1

 

This is a great devotional for all moms.  It has great verses, and great advice.  There are also Moments to think about.

About the author: 

Called Hollywood's "God Girl," Kerri Pomarolli is an accomplished actress, comedian, published author, Christian speaker and veteran of television---with credits that include 29 appearances on The Tonight Show and Comedy Central. 

Connect with Kerri: website, Twitter, Facebook 

About the film: 

The Moms' Night Out film features Sarah Drew (Grey's Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (EVERBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE MIDDLE), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).

Moms' Night Out: Official Trailer

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer has written the novelization to the much-anticipated movie, Moms' Night Out. Don't miss this hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.



And, look for the companion devotional written by comedian Kerri Pomarolli, Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.



Tricia and Kerri have teamed up for the "No More Frumpy Mommy" challenge.

Motherhood can sometimes seem like survival of the fittest. Every day brings its own troubles, and by the end of the day, you’re spent. Between school, soccer practice, cleaning, laundry, cooking dinner, putting away dishes, and keeping your kids from going at each others’ throats, the last thing on your mind is getting away for an evening. If that’s you, you’re invited to take part in Tricia and Kerri's No More Frumpy Mommy challenge.

Tricia and Kerri will choose 10 winners to receive a Fandango gift card to see Moms' Night Out, as well as copies of Moms' Night Out (the book) and Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss. One grand-prize winner will receive $200 to put toward her own moms' night out or her own moms' night out "ride" (getting her car detailed and cleaned).

GO HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

About the book:

Abby's shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn't expect, however, is for God's answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby's feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlcaD 

 

My Review:

 

I really enjoyed this book.  The first part was about Abby's sister Cecelia's fight with leukemia and how Drs. King and Larkspur were using the new technique of X-ray therapy to treat the disease.  It was interesting to read about the beginnings of cancer research.  The second part is about the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and it's aftermath.  After reading this, it is hard to fathom how these people endured not knowing if their loved ones were alive or not.  This was a very well written book that kept my attention from beginning to end.  The faith element in this book was awesome.  When Abby learned to rely on GOD, everything go easier.  Great job.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 

About the author: 

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. 

Karen can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

 

 

Don't miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett's new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.



Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

About the book: A new life and a new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she's wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca's patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/x96lt

 

My Review:

 

This was a very profound book that really had a lot going on.  There is a great faith element in this book, it really shows how GOD is always there and how he orders our steps.  It also shows how he is faithful if we follow him and do his will.  The writing was really good also, as the story flowed well.  I also liked all of the characters.  This is a fast read but in no way is it a lite read.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. 

 

About the author: Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Cynthia can be found at: website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

 

 

 

 

Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.



Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Fifty Shades of Greyhound by Sparkle Abbey, Review and Guest Post

 

 

 

Fifty Shades of Greyhound by Sparkle Abbey
Cozy Mystery
205 PagesSynopsis

It was a killer party.

Caro Lamont, Laguna Beach’s favorite pet therapist is thrilled to support the elite fundraising gala for Greys Matter, a SoCal greyhound rescue group. All the guests in the couture-attired crowd are clad in varying shades of grey, the champagne and donations are flowing, and there are fifty gorgeous greyhounds in attendance. But before the evening ends a stranger in their midst is dead.

Caro sets out to help the rescue group find out the identity of the mystery guest, but soon finds herself in the doghouse with homicide detective, Judd Malone. And federal agent, John Milner. When there’s a second death, Caro is convinced she’s on the track of someone who wants a secret to stay buried, but it’s a race to see whether Caro can uncover the truth before the killer decides she’s next up.

Full of adorable pampered pets, the story re-visits lovely Laguna Beach, and some of the colorful characters readers have come to love in previous titles: Desperate Housedogs, Get Fluffy, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, and Yip/Tuck.



My Review:

I enjoyed reading this whodunit.  I liked the characters in the book but I felt that I was kind of lost since this is the first Sparkle Abbey, Pampered Pets Mystery that I have read.  I felt, after starting this book, that I should have read the others in the series.  There was some background information but not enough.  It was still a great book that kept my attention.  It has some laugh-out-loud moments in it too.  If you love animals and are looking for a great cozy that will keep your attention, then this is the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

About The Author

Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of mystery authors Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter. They write the popular pet mystery series which features whodunits set in the wacky world of pampered pets, precious pedigrees, and secrets. The first book in the series Desperate Housedogs, an Amazon mystery series bestseller and Barnes & Noble Nook #1 national bestseller, was followed by Get Fluffy, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, and Yip/Tuck.  Fifty Shades of Greyhound is the latest installment.

Author Links

www.SparkleAbbey.com
http://www.sparkleabbey.com/category/blog/
www.facebook.com/sparkleabbey
https://twitter.com/sparkleabbey
https://www.goodreads.com/sparkleabbey
http://www.pinterest.com/sparkleabbey/
Purchase Links
Amazon

Guest Post:

 

So happy to be stopping by Melina’s Blog today and to have a chance to tell you a little bit about us and about our books.

As you’ve probably already noted, there are two of us. We co-write the series but we collaborate a little bit differently than most co-authors. We take turns writing the books.

We came up with the idea of this mystery series together and so it seemed a natural way to do things. We only found out later that what we do is unique. The odd-numbered books star Caro, a psychologist turned pet therapist, and are written by Mary Lee. The even-numbered books star Mel, a pet boutique owner, and are written by Anita. We share the series’ Laguna Beach setting and some quirky secondary characters. Also, the two main characters, who are cousins, have cameos in one another’s books. We work closely together on the outline for the series and the individual books and we frequently work across the table from one another either at ML’s dining room table or at Starbucks. But each of us writes a full book.

We had the idea to work together because we had belonged to the same writers’ group for several years and had been writing and submitting fiction separately. We’d both received very “good” rejections from publishers and agents and then had a conversation with a NY agent at a RWA conference. Her advice on high-concept hooks was brilliant and we brainstormed some ideas. Because the idea of setting a mystery in the world of people and their pets was something we came up with together, we decided to team up on the series.

 

We write books with animals because we are both animal lovers and can’t imagine our own lives without our rescue pets. Even though these are murder mysteries, no harm ever comes to in the books. We describe the books as, “No pets are harmed. People are dead.”

Fifty Shades of Greyhound is the fifth book in the series. It follows: Desperate Housedogs, Get Fluffy, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, and Yip/Tuck.

Again, a big thanks to Melina for inviting us to stop by!

We love to connect with readers and can be found online at the following spots:

Website: www.sparkleabbey.com 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sparklesbbey 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleabbey 

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/sparkleabbey 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sparkleabbey 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/sparkleabbey 

 

And monthly on the following blogs: 

Paws to Read: http://www.sparkleabbey.com/category/blog/ 

Killer Characters: http://www.killercharacters.com/ 

The Stiletto Gang: http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/ 

 

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Thankful by Shelley Shepard Gray

About the book: 

Thankful, Book Two in the Return to Sugarcreek series

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Christina Kempf has always known that God chose Aden Reese to be her husband. As children, he was there to save her when she fell through the ice, and he's been by her side ever since. After his parents died in a car accident ten years ago, the Kempfs raised Aden as one of their own, and everyone sees Aden and Christina as brother and sister. But Christina has never given up hope that Aden will one day ask her to be his wife.

Aden always planned to court Christina. But losing his mother and father changed everything---except his love for her. Her parents generously welcomed him into their home and treated him like a son. He can't betray their kindness by admitting his feelings for the girl who is like a sister . . . yet so much more.
Pressured by her parents to court, Christina begins to accept the attentions of Sugarcreek's young men, and now, Aden must make a choice. Will he stand by and watch the love of his life slip away? Or will he risk losing the love and trust of the family he holds dear to tell Christina how he truly feels?

Thankful includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAcFF 

 

My Review:

 

Shelley has penned another novel filled with great characters in a great setting.  She really knows how to get to the heart of her characters.  I really enjoy reading Shelley's novels because they flow so well and really fast reads.  I like how there is a continuing story in each book in the series.  If you are looking for a heartwarming, charming, fast read, then this is the book for you.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Connect with Shelley: website, Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thankful, New York Times bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.



Enter to win the first two books in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful.
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Finding Home by Tammy L Grace

 

Shattered by her husband's infidelities after twenty-five years of marriage, Sam Collins is plagued by constant fear and loneliness, reliving the tragic death of her parents and the betrayal by the man she loved.  She leaves Seattle seeking relief from the relentless darkness that has swallowed her.  With only her dog for companionship, she sets out to live in her vacation home on San Juan Island.

In her search for a carpenter, she meets the handsome and very available, Jeff Cooper.  Sam's not looking for romance, but can't deny the attraction to the retired firefighter, turned handyman.  While working together and eating her pies, Jeff finds himself falling for her.

The past she wrestles to let go of comes hurtling back when she least expects it.  In an effort to help a struggling young man, she is forced to confront the anguish she is desperate to escape.  While torn between love and friendship, she must face her fears and choose between the life she's known and a chance for a family and home she's been longing for all her life.

 

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this story about a woman who is trying to find where she belongs.  I think Friday Harbor would be a great place to visit.  This was a well written book, and the characters had really good morals too, which is a huge plus with me.  It also kept my attention throughout.  If you are looking for a charming book, full of great characters, set in a great location, then this is the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Nevada, Tammy L. Grace loved reading at a young age. With the help of her middle school teacher, she discovered the joy of writing. After spending a career in local and state government service, she retired and finally has the time to dedicate to writing. 

When Tammy isn't working on ideas for a novel, she's spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.

Connect with Tammy!

 

Website:  http://www.tammylgrace.com/

 

Blog: http://www.tammylgrace.com/blog.html

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammylgrace.books

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7799289.Tammy_L_Grace

 

Twitter: @TammyLGrace

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tammylgrace

 

Buy the Book!

 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hfyOU9