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Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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Pumpkins in Paradise
by Kathi Daley

… everything about fall in it all wrapped up with a mystery … Its a quick read too, but a very enjoyable one.
~A Chick Who Reads
The mystery was very well plotted and truly was puzzling. I love the way the hidden clues were found and were not easy to solve.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
I loved this book for several reasons…The characters are well done and easy to relate to, the setting in a small town with a resort by a mountain lake. You can’t ask for anything better.
~Sleuth Cafe
The characters are fun and the author keeps you held into the story from the very first page.
~Shelley’s Book Case
I enjoyed the setting and the characters and solving puzzles which occur throughout the book.
~Laura’s Interests
PUMPKINS-IN-PARADISE-by-Kathi-Daley
Pumpkins in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 1)
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Henery Press; Second edition (September 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1635110890
E-Book ASIN: B01GQPYU8U
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Synopsis

Between volunteering for the annual pumpkin festival and coaching her girls to the state soccer finals, high school teacher Tj Jensen finds her good friend Zachary Collins dead in his favorite chair. When the handsome new deputy closes the case without so much as a “why” or “how,” Tj turns her attention from chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving to complex puzzles, prophetic riddles, and a decades-old secret she seems destined to unravel.
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If you have not read a book from this author, you are really missing out on great stories that captivate an audience with words that dance across the pages with adventure. I love how the author develops her characters so well and gives them personalities we can all relate to. Her descriptions of the area that the story takes place in makes you feel very welcoming.

This book is the first in an exciting series where we meet Tj Jensen. Tj is a very responsible and caring person. She has a big heart for children which makes her job as a high school PE coach perfect for her. The town is so quaint and is decorated for the fall. I could picture pumpkins gracing the storefronts and festive decorations that add to the excitement of fall.

 Because of an unexpected tragedy , Tj is now caring for her two half-sisters. They all live together with her father and grandfather in a resort they run. I love the relationship the family has and the author did a great job of showing how family comes together in a tragedy.

Being back in her hometown, Tj will run into old friends and perhaps find a new person that will help her get out more. She seems to stay busy with work and family which leaves  little time for herself. What happens when an old friend of Tj is found dead? Will she help with the investigation or get in the way? Tj's old friend had many secrets that will change lives and it was enduring to see how much compassion Tj had for him.   I felt so sad knowing that this person was almost forgotten about in the town and had little friends or family to visit him. I loved the way the story flowed so easily and gave readers many twists that keeps you glued to the book. I loved reading how the suspect gets narrowed down by brilliant writing and intriguing facts. I was very surprised by who it was and the ending is a great suspenseful whodunit.

Don't miss this great introduction to the Tj Jensen Mystery Series. It is a good cozy mystery that has intrigue, secrets, and a town full of interesting characters.  It's time to get comfy and read a book that you will not be able to put down. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours for an honest review.







Henery Press is releasing the 1st 6 books in this series on September 6, 2016
Snowmen in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 2)
Winter Carnival comes to Serenity, and with it Tj finds her schedule busier than ever. Not only is her ski and snowboard team heavily involved in demonstrations and local competitions, but her ragtag choir is about to debut in their first live performance. To make matters even more complicated, someone has killed Travis Davidson, a town favorite son, world-class snowboarder, and Olympic hopeful. Tj is determined not to get involved in the subsequent investigation until she learns the prime suspect is Chelsea Hanson, high-school boyfriend Hunter Hanson’s sister.
Although there’s no shortage of Sereninites with a grudge against the hometown hero, even Tj has to admit there’s good cause to suspect Chelsea of the murder. Balancing bridesmaid duties, Winter Carnival obligations, show choir duty, and after-hours investigation, Tj sets out to prove Chelsea innocent.

Bikinis in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 3)
When the Tropical Tan Corporation descends on Maggie’s Hideaway, the lakeside resort where Tj Jensen lives, she must juggle a bikini contest, a BBQ cook-off, a missing model, and a dead chaperone while her father is out of town. Lead Deputy Dylan Caine is on vacation while his sister is visiting, leaving Assistant Deputy Roy Fisher in charge. When Roy asks Tj for her help they find there may be more going on than anyone realized. With Kyle and Jenna’s help, they dig into the lives of those involved, only to find a mystery more complex than anything they could ever have imagined.

Christmas in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 4) Christmas in Serenity is a magical time of year Tj has always looked forward to with happy anticipation. This year her holiday spirit is marred by the impending arrival of two new men in her life. When one of them ends up dead, Tj must juggle community plays, Christmas tree cuttings, sleigh rides, and holiday shopping with a complex murder investigation. As the facts begin to unravel, she realizes she may have to risk everything to save someone she loves.




Puppies in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 5)
When a friend of Tj’s is injured in a car accident during a blizzard, Tj takes responsibility for the litter of puppies left behind. Meanwhile, she works with Kyle, Jenna, and the gang to catch the person responsible for the death of a close family friend. When it turns out that the main suspects are also close to the Jensens, Tj must deal with one of the most difficult decisions she’s ever had to make.

In the midst of the annual Halloween frenzy, Tj finds herself pulled into a series of events at the high school where she works. Not only must she help one of the girls on her team deal with a case of cyberbullying, but she must help a student who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. And as if Tj wasn’t busy enough, in walks Samantha Colton, a reporter for Second Look, a television series that takes a look back at unsolved murders. This time the case is the death of a popular student after the homecoming dance ten years before. To make matters even worse—or maybe more convenient—the graduating class of the victim is in town for their ten-year reunion and all the suspects just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead, Tj must track down someone who seems willing to kill again to keep their secret.


• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
*Just click on Covers to order from Amazon
KathiDaley

About the Author

Author of the Zoe Donovan cozy Mystery Series, Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series, Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Series, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mysteries, and Seacliff High Teen Cozy Mystery Series.
Come for the murder, stay for the romance.
Kathi lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken and dog Echo. When she’s not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book.
Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with.
Visit Kathi Daley:
Facebook at Kathi Daley Books, www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks
Kathi Daley Teen – www.facebook.com/kathidaleyteen
Kathi Daley Books Group Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/569578823146850/
Kathi Daley Books Birthday Club- get a book on your birthday – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1040638412628912/
Kathi Daley Recipe Exchange – https://www.facebook.com/groups/752806778126428/
Webpage – www.kathidaley.com
Twitter at Kathi Daley@kathidaley – https://twitter.com/kathidaley
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/kathidaley/
PURCHASE LINKS – Amazon


Count Down to Paradise Launch Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/848072505336998/

Pumpkins in Paradise Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/events/1408072279209347/

Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series:
• PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1)
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3)
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4)
 PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
Barnes and Noble
Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series:
• PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1)
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3) link not up yet
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4) link not up yet
 PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017




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Tour Participants
August 31 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
August 31 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
September 1 – Queen of All She Reads – GUEST POST
September 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
September 2 – Sleuth Cafe – REVIEW
September 2 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
September 3 – Author Annette Drake’s Blog – INTERVIEW
September 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
September 4 – Ashleyz Wonderland – REVIEW
September 5 – T’s Stuff – REVIEW
September 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – GUEST POST
September 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 6 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
September 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
September 7 – The Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
September 7 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
September 8 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
September 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews –  REVIEW, GUEST POST

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Monday, September 5, 2016


SPIRITUAL STEPS ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS by LINDA SEGER Th. D

I can remember when I was little all I could think about was growing up to be a teacher. I loved to learn and was always intrigued by the teachers.  I thought they were so smart and I wanted to be just like them. Now that I am older I wonder if I really considered what my calling was? Did I get it right? Do I feel like I succeeded in life? I loved when the author said, " we can best find out what we're meant to do when we grow up by looking at what we loved to do when we were young." The two things I loved as a child were  reading and wanting to teach. I was a librarian for  fifteen years and loved every minute I was at the library. I wasn't the "traditional" teacher in a classroom but I have been a Children's Pastor for many years. My vision was much smaller than God's. I had the honor of teaching many children each Sunday.

In the book the author shares many testimonies from businessmen to actors of how they recognized their calling in life. I did like the example Denzil Washington shared. He says, "I understand that what I've been blessed to do is a part of God's plan." He starts and ends each day with prayer. When you know without a doubt what your calling is, you want to honor God as you walk in your destiny. We sometimes rush into something thinking this is exactly what I'm  called to do. However we may not have heard correctly and it could be our flesh  rushing in the wrong direction. The hardest thing to do is wait. We need to sit quietly, listen to His voice and He will direct us. To have patience is never easy.

The book really made me take a second look at other jobs that people have. They may not think they have important jobs, but what would we do if there was no one to wait on us at a fast food restaurant or the customer service person at a store eagerly willing to solve our problem. Each job is important and brings different things to help each other. I appreciate the warm smile as I'm getting checked out at the grocery store or a greeting from the teller at the bank.

Each chapter discusses a topic that is explained with examples and at the end of each chapter is questions which I really enjoyed and scriptures to look up . It helped me  understand the chapter better and gave me a deeper sense of the subject. One of the chapters I really enjoyed was  on the Seven Deadly Sins. They sure try to sneak in when we are successful and "although they'll be happy to play with anyone, they particularly love those with power." Which  deadly  sin would you have the most trouble with? I found the chapter to be powerful and inspiring.

Overall the book is very well written and is a great tool to use as you find your calling and become successful. I did think about the word successful the entire time I read the book. For me, my success is that I never gave up, I went through trials, and I'm happy with the things I achieved while working as a librarian and Children's pastor.

"We are out in this earth partly to help people and things grow. We prepare the soil, we plant our seeds , we hope we are in tune with the Holy Spirit and that the Light comes to nurture our work. "

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

THE PROMISE OF JESSE WOODS by CHRIS FABRY

If I could give this book ten stars I would. The writing is extremely beautiful and the story captivates an audience right from the beginning page. It will leave you wanting more. Be prepared for the ending, because it is a tear jerker.

The story takes place between 1972-1984. An unlikely friendship has developed between Matt, the new kid , Dickie, an African American boy and Jesse the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Matt is a likeable kid and is trying to fit in at a new school and finds it hard to do at tines. His character is one that you want to be friends with because you know he is going to have a hard time making lasting friends. He is kinda chubby and of course other kids use that to make him feel self conscious . He has a great quality that a lot of people lack. He is  a true friend to the end and he keeps his promises. He is also know as PK. I was a PK Aldo and know how hard it can be at times to have a dad who is a preacher.

The story follows the trio as they go through some tough times growing up. I have to say that Jesse was my favorite character. She is  a tough as nails girl who ferociously protects her little sister. She has made a promise to her mother.  What promise did she make? Does she keep her promise or forget about as she gets older? I loved that she never backed down from a fight and would do anything for you if you were her friend. She was made fun of because she was poor . She acted like it didn't bother her, but deep down her heart was broken. It's hard to feel unwanted and to alone in the world.

Dickie is a great kid but has to deal with his dad being away serving in the Vietnam War. Dickie misses his dad and is so proud of his patriotism. I loved the friendship between Dickie and Matt. Dickie has this wonderful saying that he tells everyone. "I'm looking for a breakthrough. " Does he ever find his breakthrough"  Matt and Dickie  seemed to be inseparable until a secret is revealed that causes their friendship to end. What secret destroyed their friendship? Will Dickie ever forgive Matt?

I loved the story that flowed with ease and kept me glued to the pages as Matt's life is told with humor, sadness, and promises. The story is emotional at times and I became attached to the characters.  The blooming attraction between Jesse and Matt is sweet and a wonderful coming of age story. This is one story you will  never forget. Why does Matt come back after all these years to his hometown? How important is it to keep a promise?

"Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart."

"If you can't keep a promise, what can you keep?"

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Friday, September 2, 2016


BREAKING FREE by JENNIFER SLATTERY

Alice and Trent seem to have the perfect life. Trent has a high paying job and Alice is very involved in church activities . They have two boys that seem well adjusted and enjoy sports. Everything seems to be going well until Trent starts to slip. He turns to drinking and then becomes involved in gambling. It is hard to keep these things from his wife as their money starts dwindling and his moods being to swing. That is how subtle the enemy is. He comes into your life, dangles enticing things at you and before you know it the trap is set. 

I really enjoyed how Alice tried so hard to hang on to their marriage by being there for Trent until he stared shutting her out. Trent knew he was in big trouble and couldn't find a way out. He had gotten involved with some dangerousc men and needed to find a way to pay his debt. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom , before we reach out for help. The story is well written and very faith based. The anguish they both felt was written with raw emotions and you could feel their desperation. It is hard for us to forgive when we are so hurt, but when you finally surrender, the feeling of peace surrounds you. Alice and Trent both needed to ask God to forgive them and slowly allow Him to confort then. The book is filled with a great message of hope, forgiveness and renewal. The characters are well written and you can feel yourself glued to the story as they try to restore what the enemy had tried to destroy. Overall it is a good story that deals with a marriage torn apart and the trails the couple go through to get their life back on track. 

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Thursday, September 1, 2016


HER TEXAS COWBOY by DEBRA CLOPTON

I really enjoy reading books from this authors as  her writing flows with such ease and the emotions of the characters can be felt in your soul. She delivers a heartfelt story that instantly connects you to the characters. I love reading stories that show real struggles and slowly takes the characters through pain as they open their hearts to healing.

Abandoned as an infant, Maddie has always had trouble trusting anyone. When Cliff shows up to visit his brother on the ranch she now is part owner of , she instantly has her guard up. Cliff is a handsome and strong  man with a heart of gold. After riding bulls for a living, he has decided to settle down and buy land near his brother. The banter between Maddie and Cliff is funny at times. She really doesn't give him a break, does she? She is stubborn as a mule and I think she just might have met her match with Cliff. Can Cliff break that wall Maddie has built around her heart?

I love Maddie's take charge attitude. She feels like she needs to prove how tough she is to everyone. But deep down, is a small girl crying out for acceptance. Maddie loves to control everything , but sometimes being in control can lead to missed chances and hurt. It's hard to feel worthy when you were not wanted as a baby. I love the compassion and patience Cliff shows Maddie. Maddie has prayed for  so long to God to bring her someone who cares about her. Has her prayers been answered? My eyes filled with tears as I felt her yearning to be loved, to be accepted , to be important to someone.

When something happens between Maddie and Cliff, will she close her heart up and feel abandoned again? Can she trust Cliff at his word? It is refreshing to read a book that shows a vulnerable side of someone and watch them transform into a beautiful butterfly that is set free.

"Your past isn't you today."