Texas Book-aholic: 2016-12-04

Saturday, December 10, 2016

FATAL FICTION
by Kym Roberts

Fatal Fiction by Kym Roberts is a fun new cozy mystery with a sassy southern flair, a most unique pet, very likable (and diverse) characters…
~Reading is my SuperPower

Kym Roberts debut book brings fresh new characters with southern charm and witty fun.
~Shelley’s Book Case

The pace was perfect, the twists are sharp, the hint of romance was just right and the humor was blended throughout the entire story with skilled precision.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

What a great start to a new series! I always love books set in small towns in Texas especially if the author gets the feel of the characters/town right, and Kym does that in this book.
~Storeybook Reviews

Fatal Fiction
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (December 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1601837325
E-Book ASIN: B01CWYTJVC

Synopsis

When kindergarten teacher Charli Rae Warren hightailed it out of Hazel Rock, Texas, as a teen, she vowed to leave her hometown in the dust. A decade later, she’s braving the frontier of big hair and bigger gossip once again . . . but this time, she’s saddled with murder!

Charli agrees to sell off the family bookstore, housed in a barn, and settle her estranged dad’s debt—if only so she can ride into the sunset and cut ties with Hazel Rock forever. But the trip is extended when Charli finds her realtor dead in the store, strangled by a bedazzled belt. And with daddy suspiciously MIA, father and daughter are topping the most wanted list . . .

Forging an unlikely alliance with the town beauty queen, the old beau who tore her family apart, and one ugly armadillo, Charli’s intent on protecting what’s left of her past . . . and wrangling the lone killer who’s fixin’ to destroy her future . . .

About The Author

Three career paths resonated for Kym Roberts during her early childhood: detective, investigative reporter, and . . .nun. Being a nun, however, dropped by the wayside when she became aware of boys—they were the spice of life she couldn’t deny. In high school her path was forged when she took her first job at a dry cleaners and met every cop in town, especially the lone female police officer in patrol. From that point on there was no stopping Kym’s pursuit of a career in law enforcement. Kym followed her dream and became a detective who fulfilled her desire to be an investigative reporter, with one extra perk—a badge. Promoted to sergeant, Kym spent the majority of her career in SVU. She retired from the job reluctantly when her husband dragged her kicking and screaming to another state, but writing continued to call her name, at least in her head. Visit her on the web at kymroberts.com.

http://www.kymroberts.com/

https://twitter.com/kymroberts911

http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31810

Purchase Links

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What a hoot this book turned out to be. The characters are over the top funny and kept me laughing throughout the book. The story is set in a little town called Hazel Rock, Texas. The description of the town was like going back to the old days of a town like Mayberry. I remember that show so well. The town gathered at the barbershop to gossip and there was always cooky characters to keep the show interesting. In Hazel Rock ,we have the local beauty parlor where all the latest news can be found. I especially liked the Texas twang that was used such as "fuzz buckets."

Charli has been gone from her hometown for a long time. She is hoping to sign papers on the bookstore her dad wants to sell and head back to her nice life as quickly as possible. The store is called The Book Barn Princess and I could visualize how different it looked compared to the other stores in the town. As Charli arrives at the store she finds a dead body. Who is the person found dead in the store? It sure isn't a great welcome home for Charli.

The story has many diverse characters and plenty of suspects. The town at first seems to blame Charli for the murder. Will anyone come to Charli's defense? After leaving town for so long Charli senses that she is not quite welcomed back like she thought she would be. The high school rumors about her seem to stick in people's minds. As she walks into the diner you could hear a pin drop. The big question is where is her dad? Why is he suddenly missing? There are some great characters you meet throughout the story and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. I don't want to give anything away, but there are many surprises in this funny cozy mystery. I loved the banter between Charli or as people know her "The princess" and her old high school boyfriend.

Grab yourself a glass of sweet tea and enjoy this funny and sometimes quirky mystery. Some of the characters were a bit over the top and I especially loved the pet in the story. I think the pet was one of the most creative additions to the story. Will the killer be caught before the bookstore gets destroyed? I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Tour Participants

December 5 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

December 5 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

December 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

December 7 – deal sharing aunt – INTERVIEW

December 8 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW

December 8 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

December 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

December 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

December 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

December 10 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

December 11 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – Dalene’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

December 12 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

December 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

December 14 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW

December 16 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW

December 17 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

December 18 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 18 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW

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Friday, December 9, 2016


Book info
About the book: Pursuing Gold (Elk Lake, October 2016) With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis. With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner's daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter's forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gCb1pb About the author: Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She's a columnist forLeading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today's crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.

This was a new author to me, so I was interested in how the story would be. I have found myself liking historical books more than I thought possible. In school, history was my least favorite subject. It's funny as I have gotten older, I have realized how valuable history is. It is part of our heritage and I love to learn new things about past wars. The historical facts were good and kept the story interesting. I appreciate the authors diligence in putting historical facts in the storyline which I could vividly see with the smooth stroke of words.

Mary Beth and Peter are the main characters in the book. They are very well developed characters and I found myself intrigued with them. The story is rooted during the Civil War. Slavery was intense but there were some who didn't want to be part of that. I wonder how hard it was during that time to be against something that most supported? Peter and Mary Beth had to be careful of their feelings about slavery . It was difficult at times not to let their beliefs be known. I did enjoy the budding romance between them and was anxious to see if they would become a couple.

The story is a good portrayal of the Civil War and the struggles that many faced during that time. The author did a good job of adding mystery and intrigue to the story to keep readers glued to the book. Did Peter have a difficult time running a bank during the time of uncertainty in the world? It seemed like he had a lot of responsibilities and a heavy burden to carry at times. I especially liked the relationship growth that both characters experienced with their faith. During hard times do you find yourself pursuing your faith more?

Overall the book was well written and I enjoyed the historical aspect of it. Be sure you get a copy and enjoy the story filled with challenges, a little romance, mystery and faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/csimmons

Blog Tour Schedule:

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

GOD/RUNNER by WILL HART

I really liked the openness of the author as he shared examples from his life. We are always saying ,"God I'm ready. Use me .Pick me. " What happens when you get the call? Are you ready to jump in with both feet? Many of us have had words spoken over us that we are called to do this or that . We get discouraged when it doesn't manifest. Did we miss our calling? What happens is sometimes we may be called to a ministry but if our heart isn't right He will show you what needs to change. It's all in God's timing not ours.

I had to laugh when the author talked about his mother after she got saved. I remember when I was younger visiting a very small church my dad was asked to preach at. During the service a lady jumped up and started jumping around and speaking weird . My eyes grew so big as I stared at her. What in the world was that lady doing? I later learned that she was filled with the Holy Spirit and wasn't ashamed to express how she was feeling. I learned from that day on to never be afraid to express your joy for God.

The author does a good job of explaining how God can use you anywhere . He does talk about some subjects that for me at one time in my life were uncomfortable. I had always been a bit uncertain about "Laying on of Hands." I attended a Charismatic church as I got older and there was a particular speaker that would often come and speak. He loved to lay hands on people and watch the Holy Spirit take over. The first time I saw it, I was ready to run out the door. What in the world was going on and why were people falling to the ground ? I loved how the author gracefully explained it by saying, " The laying on of hands is a foundational thing. It's understood that we're supposed to use it as a tool. It was important for the early church and it is just as important for us today."

The book is well written and I loved his compassion for others. He encourages us to use the gifts God has given us and go out in the world . Some of us get so comfy sitting in the service week after week, then going home to wait till next Sunday to meet with "Jesus." God wants us outside the four walls reaching out to the lost, sick and hurting . The biggest thing that holds Christians back is getting out of their comfort zone. Take that first step, leap with your faith and God will be there to guide you. Thank you so much for a book that reminds us to be His hands and feet.

" It's not about you and me; it's about Him."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. This is my honest opinion.

WAR ON FEAR by JOHN MORGAN

I knew this would be the perfect book for me to read so I was excited when it arrived in the mail. I know all about fear, because it has lived with me all my life. Every doctor visit I have I feel my heart racing thinking what will they find this time? Yes my mind loves to have me stay in fear, so I'm trapped into believing I can't do anything. I loved when the author said,"Fear wants to kill you deader than a one-star movie!" Such profound words and yet we allow fear to run our lives everyday. Fear wants to take away anything that would hinder us from following our destiny. How many of us have turned down promotions because we were unsure we could do the job?

So what can we do to overcome our fear? The best way is when you feel fear coming on, deal with it then. Don't allow it to get a foothold on you. I think of it like an annoying mosquito that won't give up. It keeps coming back over and over,until finally we have had enough and swat at it. Let's be forceful in ridding ourselves of fear. There is no time like now to stop it and remove it for good. I can't tell you how many days I have stayed in my house because I allowed fear to keep me locked in. This book has really opened my eyes and given me a renewed strength to take my life back. I don't want to live in fear and watch life pass me by.

The author touches on subjects like terrorism, insecurity, and missing out on opportunities. I loved how he gives great examples of how to overcome fear with confidence. God does not want us to be tied down with worry and fear. He wants us strong , confident and bold. Are you ready to win the "War on Fear?"

"God isn't finished with you. It's not over. You can make it over the goal line. There's more for you to do."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network. This is my honest opinion.

Literally Dead
by Lois Winston

The mystery was put together very well… I thoroughly enjoy the humor she adds to her cozy mysteries.
~A Date With A Book

The writing conference, with its range of characters, was the perfect backdrop for the story and it was nearly as fun to learn about the behind-the-scenes of the writing and publishing world as it was to read the book.
~I Read What You Write

Literally Dead (An Empty Nest Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Self Published (September 30, 2016)
Paperback: 218 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1940795386
E-Book ASIN: B01LWCW5C1

Synopsis

After her last disastrous episode as an amateur sleuth, Gracie Elliott is back. The budding romance writer has spent the past year crafting her first novel. Her hard work and determination pay off when her manuscript wins the Cream of the Crop award, a contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by the Society of American Romance Authors. First place entitles her to attend the organization’s annual conference, normally open only to published authors.

With husband Blake in tow, a starry-eyed Gracie experiences the ultimate fan-girl moment upon entering the hotel. Her favorite authors are everywhere. However, within minutes she learns Lovinia Darling, the Queen of Romance, is hardly the embodiment of the sweet heroines she creates. Gracie realizes she’s stepped into a romance vipers’ den of backstabbing, deceit, and plagiarism, but she finds a friend and mentor in bestselling author Paisley Prentiss.

Hours later, when Gracie discovers Lovinia’s body in the hotel stairwell, a victim of an apparent fall, Gracie is not convinced her death was an accident. Too many other authors had reason to want Lovinia dead. Ignoring Blake’s advice to “let the police handle it,” Gracie, aided by Paisley, begins her own investigation into the death. Romance has never been so deadly.

About The Author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

Author Links:

Website: www.loiswinston.com

Blog: www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/anasleuth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/722763.Lois_Winston

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.MyAuthorBiz.com/ENewsletter.php?acct=LW2467152513

Purchase Links

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I loved this book so much I really couldn't put it down. The concept was brilliant and the characters were funny, quirky, mean and backstabbing. It does sound a bit like a soap opera doesn't it? I thought the title of the book was a great take on words. It is time to take on the world of publishers and those wonderful authors who write romance novels.

Gracie Elliot's dream has come true. She is off to the Society of American Romance Authors to receive a very important award. She is so pumped and just knows this could be her big break. Her husband Blake accompanies her on the trip. I laughed so hard when I read how the hotel rooms were decorated. Can you say disco era? I can tell you right now I dream to be invited to an author's conference. To meet all the authors and be presented with tons of free books would be a dream come true. Well ok Gracie gets to live out my dream, but boy was I jealous as she hung out with authors and ate dinner with them.

The author did an amazing job of describing the inside of the publishing world and the authors were a hoot . There is the snooty I'm better than everyone else author who swooped into the banquet room . I'm sure I could hear boos coming from people at the tables. She is a famous author but she is not well liked among her peers. Then we have the authors who want to be Gracie's best friend. Why have they taken such an interest in her? Is it because her husband looks like a cover model? Yes that was quite funny as ladies all wanted Blake on their next cover. What does Blake do when he realizes women are talking about him?

Gracie is the kind of character I would hang out with. She is down to earth , humble and a bit of a klutz. It is just her luck to almost get hit by a body flying down from the staircase she is on. Who did Gracie find dead ? The gossip really takes off as people at the conference start with their whispers and suspicious fingers pointing at each other. There is plenty of suspects and surprises to keep readers entertained. I loved the writing style that was quick, funny and made me feel like I was right there at the conference. Get ready for a fun and exciting cozy mystery that will keep you on your toes and give you a behind the scenes of the author world.

I was given a copy of this book from The Great Escape Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Tour Participants

December 1 – A Date with a Book – REVIEW

December 2 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – INTERVIEW

December 3 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 4 – Community Bookstop – INTERVIEW

December 5 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT

December 5 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

December 5 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

December 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

December 7 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

December 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 10 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST, SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

Monday, December 5, 2016

CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE by RONNIE KENDIG

Oh my where to start? My heart is still pounding from the adrenaline rush I just experienced reading this book. The action is top notch and the underlying threats are so vivid I could feel the country start to tighten their reins in other countries. What if you were the most elite black ops soldier around? You are named Tox and you have been called in to do the most dangerous mission ever and your team is ready to go. I can hear Tox commanding his team to be on hyper alert and to have each other's back. The author writes such descriptive scenes that I am felt like I was tagging along on the mission.

Did I mention that Tox is not really alive? Oh that is just a minor detail that the rest of the world believes. He is like the skilled assassin that slips in without a sound and disappears before he is even noticed. As he takes this mission he runs into walls everywhere. Is he really backed by the president? Why are there so many unanswered questions about the mission? The author keeps readers riveted to the story with secrets, links to a group that could be dangerous and a spiritual battle of the highest caliber

Get ready for characters that grab your attention with their diverse personalities and a story so powerful you will feel your heart pounding as you turn the pages as quick as you can. This is a must read for fans that love intrigue, danger and epic challenges . Grab a copy and get ready for battle.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishing. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE MYSTERY by NAOMI MILLER

What a beautifully written story this is. It really brings the true meaning of Christmas to light. I was so excited to revisit the small town of Abbott Creek. The people of the town help each other and encourage each other. This is the second book in Amish Sweet Shop Mysteries. If you haven't read the first book, I encourage you to grab a copy.

Katie is one of the most endearing characters I have read. She has a big heart and loves to make others happy. She does something one evening at the Sweet Shop that she hopes will bring smiles to everyone. Will the bishop be upset when he finds out what she has done? I loved how the author showed how humble Katie is. Have you ever done something and not asked for recognition for it?

Travis and his family are back in this story and it seems that things are getting a little better for them. Katie and Travis have a good friendship , but I wonder if maybe something more is developing between them . I love Travis and his commitment to his family. He adores his siblings and is always looking out for them. As Christmas draws near, Travis becomes a little concerned about how he will afford presents for everyone.

The story is filled with joy, love and yes even a mystery to solve. What is hidden in the back room? I especially loved the theme of hope throughout the book. At Christmas it can hard for some families to buy gifts or have food. The recipes after each chapter are an added bonus . At the end of the book are discussion questions that are perfect to use in a book club or on your own. There is a little surprise bonus at the end that you won't want to miss.

I loved this book and the Christmas theme that will bring happiness to all who read it. This story will remind us that helping others is priceless and to always have hope.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Saturday, December 10, 2016

FATAL FICTIONby Kym Roberts

Synopsis

About The Author

Friday, December 9, 2016

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

GOD/RUNNER by WILL HART

WAR ON FEAR by JOHN MORGAN

Literally Deadby Lois Winston

Synopsis

About The Author

Purchase Links

Monday, December 5, 2016

CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE by RONNIE KENDIG

CHRISTMAS COOKIE MYSTERY by NAOMI MILLER

FATAL FICTION
by Kym Roberts

Literally Dead
by Lois Winston