Delayed Death

 

 

 

 

 

 About the Book:

Delayed Death is Book #1 in the Temptation in Florence Series, a cozy murder mystery romance series with a strong dose of humor and romance.
The title of the series comes from the lingerie store that the protagonist, Carlina, owns and runs, Temptation, on one of Florence, Italy’s, premier shopping streets. The Temptation in Florence Series follows the life, adventures and loves of Italian-American Carlina, and of her extended eccentric Italian family, many of whom live in apartments in the same building in central Florence.
The family’s eccentric members and their whims and wishes are a never-ending source of amusement for Carlina. While often treated like the family’s Cinderella, Carlina is also a sexy, saucy, funny thirty-two-year-old woman.
When a crisis occurs, right at the beginning of Delayed Death, and Carlina gives in to her domineering cousin’s wishes, Carlina sets herself on a collision course with police Commissario Stefano Garini.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N  | Apple i-books | Kobo | Smashwords

Videos: Book trailer Delayed Death (The Question) | Book trailer Temptation in Florence (series)

What I Thought:

Laugh-Out-Loud.  This was a cozy that not only kept me guessing, but kept me laughing as well.  It is set in Italy and the protagonist owns a lingerie store.  Her family his hilarious.  This was well written and was an easy read.

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

About the Author:

Beate Boeker is a USA Today bestselling author with a passion for books that brim over with mischief & humor. Several of her contemporary romance novels were shortlisted for the Golden Quill Contest, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the ‘Best Indie Books’ contest, and the RONE Award. In 2013, she hit the Amazon bestseller list in the category “international mystery & crime” with “Delayed Death”, the first in the series “Temptation in Florence”.

By day, Beate is a global marketing manager with a degree in International Business Administration, and her daily experience in marketing provides her with a wide range of fodder for her novels, be it hilarious or cynical.

Widely traveled, she speaks German, English, French, and Italian and lives in the North of Germany together with her husband and daughter.

While ‘Boeker’ means ‘books’ in a German dialect, her first name Beate can be translated as ‘Happy’ . . . and with a name that reads ‘Happy Books’, what else can she do but write novels with happy endings? You can contact Beate via her website www.happybooks.de

Contact Beate:

Website | Newsletter – to learn about brand new releases! | Facebook | Twitter @BeateBoeker | Tsu | Goodreads author page | Amazon

 

 

Giveaway:

Each tour stop is giving away one ebook of A New Life by Beate Boeker. Fill out the rafflecopter for each blog you visit and comment on (one entry per day).

Open worldwide

 



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Think Murder by Cassidy Salem, Review, Interview, and Giveaway

Think Murder

Cozy Mystery
Paperback: 206 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 1, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1502718952

Synopsis:
Discovering the body of a friend and colleague was not what Adina Donati had in mind when she moved to Washington D.C. in search of excitement. An administrative assistant at a prestigious think tank, Adina is drawn into the middle of the murder investigation. The police don’t seem to be making much progress until Adina stumbles onto important clues and discovers just how dangerous life in the nation’s capitol.

What I Thought:

This was a fast paced story that kept my attention from the start till the end.  It is set in Washington D.C. and deals with political corruption.  It was kind of ironic that the corrupt politician came from my home state of West Virginia.  This wasn't as exciting as some mysteries, but I still enjoyed it and look forward to more books by Cassidy Salem.  She did a good job writing about the working environments in D.C.  I felt a real connection with Adina, the protagonist.  She liked such an ordinary girl who could be a good friend.

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

 

About This Author
Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of mysteries and historical fiction. When she’s not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible.
“Think Murder”, the first book in the Adina Donati Mystery Series”  is her first foray into fiction writing.
Author Links
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/csalem11
Blog: https://cassidysalem.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11923940.Cassidy_Salem
(The book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RSGPFJ0)

Excerpt:
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then described the scene to him to the best of my recollection. I could almost envision the restroom as it had been when I entered. The white sinks, the gray and white swirly wall tiles, and the open stall doors. Seemingly empty, until I approached the end stall.
It all came back to me and I started to tremble. “Hilary was laying on the floor, on her side, her hair falling into that pool of blood. Shockingly red and dark in contrast to the cool gray of the ceramic floor tiles.” Something wasn’t right, “Something bright green in her hair?”
Purchase Links
Amazon B&N

 

GIVEAWAY:  THE AUTHOR IS GIVING AWAY ONE E-COPY OF THIS BOOK TO A RANDOM COMMENTER.  TO ENTER, LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, NO EMAIL NO ENTRY.  I WILL PICK A WINNER ON OR AROUND APRIL 6. 

Interview:

 

 

1.      Where did you come up with the idea for the Adina Donati series?

I love to read mysteries, especially cozy mysteries. After graduating from college, I spent a couple of years living and working as an administrative assistant in Washington D.C. When I decided to try my hand at writing, I wanted to create a story centered around a character that I could identify with, in a setting and job that would hopefully ring true.

 

2.      How long have you been writing?

That is harder to answer than you might expect. As a child or even young adult, I was an avid reader but had no great desire to write fiction. My writing skills were always solid – even in college I always did better on term papers than tests. Over the years my various jobs have all involved some elements of writing of a semi-academic nature, and later as a full time technical writer. Think Murder is my first work of fiction.

 

3.      What are your inspirations?

I am not sure whether my motivation for writing entirely qualifies as “inspiration.” But here goes. Around 15 years ago I made a career transition into the world of technical writing. When you write technical manuals, your sentences must be short and concise – and almost always limited to the present simple tense. “Do this. This happens.” I needed a new challenge and I wanted to prove to myself that I could still write complex sentences in more than one tense.

 

4.      Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors span different genres and time periods. At the more classic literature end of the scale, I would have to say Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. At the same time I am a fan of many of today’s mystery/suspense writers including Harlen Coben, Kathy Reichs, Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, and Sue Grafton.

 

5.      What are your favorite books?
There are so many great books out there. I never really try to rank them in order of preference. As I ponder an answer, so many titles are swimming in my mind. I guess that my favorites would include A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and Exodus by Leon Uris. Ask me next week, my answer will likely change.

 

6.      Besides writing what are your other hobbies?

I love listening to music and I sing in an a cappella choir. In addition, both my husband and I enjoy folk dancing at least once a week. Even while I dance I sing along with the music.

 

 

 

 

7.      If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I love to see new places and experience different cultures. I have already travelled throughout the United States and have been to Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East. I doubt that I will ever get around to visiting all of the continents, but hopefully I will get to Australia one day. I have heard that it is a country with amazing natural beauty, not to mention koalas and kangaroos.

 

8.      What is your favorite season and why?

Spring. No doubt about it. I look forward to it all winter long. After all the cold weather, the warmth of the sunshine is a welcome change. It is also a time of renewal, the foliage regains its luster and the smell of flowers fills the air.

 

9.      What is your favorite food?

A nice thick-crust pizza, topped with tomato sauce and lots of cheese.

 

10.  If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

You probably expect me to say some famous author or celebrity.

Honest answer: my father. He passed away 10 years ago. And I will always miss him.

 

 

 

Harvest of Blessings by Charlotte Hubbard

 

 

BLURB:

 

The tranquil little town of Willow Ridge is facing a startling challenge. Wealthy Nora Glick Landwehr is determined to make it her home again—and put her past to rest. Cast out by her own family, Nora can’t reconcile with Old Amish ways or her strict father. But she’ll do anything to help her community embrace the future . . . and make amends to the daughter she had to give up. She certainly has no time for her reckless new neighbor Luke Hooley. They disagree about almost everything. And how can she trust him if he always seems to believe the worst about her? Somehow, though, his unexpected support and passionate heart are helping her find her own way in faith. And Nora will discover that even in the face of insidious lies and unyielding judgment, God creates unexpected chances for forgiveness—and love.

 

What I Thought:

 

As always, Charlotte Hubbard has written another great book.  We get to return to Willow Ridge in this novel and visit all the wonderful and entertaining people that Charlotte has created. She is such a great author, that when you read her books, you feel as if you know the characters and that they are friends, you feel their pain.  This book was not different.  I always enjoy reading Charlotte's work.

 

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

 

 

The moving van hadn’t yet arrived, so Nora pulled back onto the county highway where she’d begun her trip down memory lane. While everyone in town was at Annie Mae and Adam’s wedding, she had the perfect chance to revisit her childhood home. To prepare herself for the ordeal she would soon face.

 

She pulled into the lane and parked behind the house, somewhat surprised to see the surrounding pastureland planted in tall corn that shimmered in the breeze. Knowing it wouldn’t be locked, Nora slipped into the back door. The kitchen appeared smaller and shabbier than she recalled, as though it hadn’t seen fresh paint since she’d left. How odd to stand in this hub of the house and not detect even a whiff of breakfast.

 

Nora moved on before she lost her nerve. She felt like an intruder—and she wanted to be long gone before anyone came home from the wedding. She peeked into the small downstairs room where she and her mother had sewn the family’s clothes on an ancient treadle machine—

 

Nora gaped. On a twin bed lay a motionless female form, like a corpse laid out in a casket. Is this what Hiram had meant by implying her parents were barely alive? Did she dare approach, or would this woman pop up like a zombie from an old horror movie and leer at her with hollowed eyes and a toothless grin? Nora wanted to bolt, yet she felt compelled to look this woman—surely her mother—in the face. If Mamma was so far gone, why wasn’t someone sitting with her? Or was she merely napping, too tired to attend the wedding? The way Nora had it figured, her mother was in her early seventies now—several years younger than her dat. Why did she look so far gone?

 

Holding her breath, Nora slipped to the bedside. The room felt stuffy in the July heat, yet a faded quilt covered her mother’s shriveled form up to her chin. A kapp concealed all but the front of her white hair, so all Nora saw was a pallid face etched with wrinkles. The eyes were closed, and again Nora felt she was observing a stranger in a casket rather than looking at her own mother. Last time she’d been here, Mamma’s face had been contorted with indignation as disgust hardened her piercing hazel eyes—

 

And suddenly those eyes were focused on her.

 

Nora froze. Not a muscle moved in her mother’s face yet Mamma’s gaze didn’t waver—until her eyes widened with recognition. Or was it disbelief, or fear?

 

Nora didn’t stick around to figure that out. Hurrying from the airless room and through the kitchen, Nora burst through the back door. She couldn’t gulp air fast enough as she climbed into her car and sped down the lane. She felt as though she’d stared Death in the face and Death had stared right back.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz Hooley, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.

 

Seasons of the Heart, Book 5
Zebra (February 24, 2015)
ISBN-13: 9781420133097 •• ISBN-10: 1420133098
Click on these links to buy this book now!
• The Book Depository •• Amazon •• Barnes & Noble •
• B-A-M •• Chapters •• IndieBound •• Powell’s •• Kensington Books •
Ebook: • Kensington Books •• Kindle •• Kobo •• iBooks •

 

www.CharlotteHubbard.com

 

Facebook page =  Charlotte.Hubbard1

Slayed on the Slopes Release Day Event

Welcome to the release day event for Slayed on the Slopes by Kate Dyer-Seeley! This is the second book in the Pacific Northwest Mystery series. Slayed on the Slopes released March 31st by Kensington Publishing.

About the Book:

After talking her way into a job writing for Portland’s Northwest Extreme magazine, Meg Reed may now really be in over her head. Actually, about 8,000 feet over her head. . .



She’s at Mount Hood’s remote Silcox Hut, covering the seriously hardcore Ridge Rangers—Oregon’s elite high-altitude rescue team–during their four-day winter training. Sure, Meg beefed up her outdoor skills over the summer . . . but she’s still hoping to cover the event with some hot chocolate by the cheery fireplace. Then, during a sudden blizzard, she swears she hears gunshots. No one stranded in the hut believes her . . . until self-absorbed Ridge Ranger Ben Rogers is found outside in a pool of frozen blood. Meg’s now got to find this killer quickly . . . before cabin fever does them all in!



Praise For Scene Of The Climb



“A splendid overview of the greater Portland and Columbia River Gorge region, perfect for travel buffs. Her protagonist shows promise with her determined attitude and moxie.” –Library Journal



Includes Adventure Guides!

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Guest Post



Welcome to the top of the world. Okay, well maybe not quite. Welcome to the top of Oregon. In the second installment of the PNW Mystery Series Meg Reed is on the slopes of Oregon’s highest peak—Mt. Hood. She’s on assignment for Northwest Extreme to cover an intensive training weekend with the Ridge Rangers, a group of mountain guides who are dedicated to helping novice climbers trek to the summit.

Meg has high hopes for her weekend at high altitude. She plans to cozy up in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate. She’s thrilled to be spending the weekend at the historic Timberline Lodge, one of Oregon’s most famed hotels and a national monument. 

The iconic lodge sits at 6,000 feet in elevation and is a testament to American craftsmanship and resolve. It was constructed in just fifteen months as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. Unemployed workers from all over the country traveled to Mt. Hood to learn a new trade. They carted timber from the surrounding forest to carve out the lodge’s magnificent staircases and wood-beamed ceilings.

Today the lodge houses guests from all over the globe, making it one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions. In partnership with the National Forest Service, Timberline maintains the same high-quality craftsmanship as it did back in the 1930s. All the brightly colored Pendleton blankets in each quest room are woven by hand. The lodge is like stepping back in time. Down each cheery hallway you’ll discover Native American artwork, vintage ski photos, wood carvings, and stunning views of the summit and the entire Cascade Mountain Range.



After a long day on the slopes, you can gather in front of the giant basalt fireplace with steaming mugs of hot cocoa to warm your hands, or head to the Blue Ox Bar or Ram’s Head for a pint of Ice Axe Ale. You can soak your toes in Timberline’s outdoor hot tub or take a refreshing swim in its year-round heated outdoor pool. There’s nothing more magical than swimming as snowflakes fall and skiers fly past you.

When Meg arrives at the lodge she learns that the Ridge Rangers are actually meeting at the Silcox Hut, which is located a thousand vertical feet above Timberline and accessible only by snowcat or the chairlift. Meg’s not a fan of heights, so she opts for a bumpy ride up to the remote hut in the snowcat. The SilcoxHut is equally charming and fashioned after the lodge. Maybe she’ll be able to have her relaxing weekend after all… or maybe she’s going to be in way over her head.

Don't miss out on the first book, Scene of the Climb, available now!

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

About the Author:

Kate Dyer-Seeley writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series for Kensington Publishing. The first

book in the series, Scene of the Climb, features the rugged landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge and a young journalist who bills herself as an intrepid adventurer in order to land a gig writing for Northwest Extreme.



Her work has appeared in a variety of regional and international publications including: The Columbian, The Vancouver Voice, Seattle Backpacker, Portland Family Magazine, and Climbing Magazine.



Kate lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, where you can find her hitting the trail, at an artisan coffee shop, or at her favorite pub. Better yet—at all three.

Website | Facebook | Twitter



Giveaway:

Winter warmer package- signed copy of Slayed on the Slopes, Signed copy of Scene of the Climb, Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate Mix, Oregon Chai Tea, 1 Pound of Coffee and Collectable Mt. Hood art coaster (US)

Ends April 21, 2015

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Admit to Mayham

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Admit to Mayhem
Author: D.J. Adamson
Publisher: Horatio Press
Pages: 286
Genre: Mystery/Amateur Sleuth
Format: Paperback/Kindle

With a contrary attitude and an addiction for independence, Lillian Dove admits she has not been a success in life. In fact, she considers failing as one of her addictions. Yet, when she comes across a suspicious house fire with a history of arson and murder, she instinctively attempts to help someone trapped. Lillian becomes the only possible eyewitness to criminal arson, and her life begins to spiral out of control.
Lillian Dove is an endearing “everywoman” struggling with life issues, emotional complexities and a habit of doing just the opposite of what she’s told to do. These qualities in a heroine give the reader an ability to vicariously struggle along with the protagonist in this intriguing Midwest Noir mystery.

For More Information

• Admit to Mayhem is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

What I Thought:

Lillian Dove is a character that is real.  She has real problems and admits to them.  This was an intriguing book that sucks you in till the very end.  You will feel Lillian's frustration in this well written novel.  I am looking forward to more novels about Lillian Dove.

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



D. J. Adamson is an award-winning author. Her family roots grow deep in the Midwest and it is here she sets much of her work. She juggles her time between her own desk and teaching writing to others at two Los Angeles area colleges. Along with her husband and two Welsh Terriers, she makes her home in Southern California.
Her latest book is the mystery, amateur sleuth, Admit to Mayhem.
For More Information

• Visit D.J.’s website.
• Connect with D.J. on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about D.J. at Goodreads.
• Visit D.J.’s blog.
• Contact D.J..

How to Catch a Prince

How to Catch a Prince (Zondervan, February 2015)
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?
American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.
But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?
Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.

What I Thought:

Like the other two books in this series, this one was great.  Who doesn't love a fairy tale?  Rachel is such a great writer, she makes you think you actually know the characters and can feel their pain.  I love reading about Brighton Kingdom, it seems like such a magical place.  If you are looking for a light-hearted book, with a great, wholesome love-story, then this is the book for you.

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



Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly and Tenderly," one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Cover Reveal for A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander

Today I'm excited to share the cover of A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander, the second book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. This book releases June 30, 2015 by St. Martins Press.

Welcome to Torte--a small-town family bakeshop where the coffee is hot, the muffins are fresh, and the cakes are definitely to die for…



It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon--'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving (or two) of Torte's famous peach cobbler. It's also the perfect time for Jules Capshaw to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in The Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns, some people would kill for that kind of dough. Literally.



Then, just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered--death by buttercream. What began as a fun, tasteful televised adventure has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and everybody else on set. Who could have killed Chef Marco, and why? Can Jules sift out the killer before someone else gets burned?

Goodreads | Amazon |  B&N | Indiebound 

Don't miss out on book one, Meet Your Baker, available now!

About the Author:

Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.

Find her on Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway:

Triple chocolate brownie mix

Oregon Chai tea

Custom handmade coasters and napkins

Signed copy of Meet Your Baker

Signed Advanced Reader copy of A Batter of Life and Death 

Open to US only

Ends April 9, 2015

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.