Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Chicken Culprit: Backyard Farming Mystery Series
by Vikki Walton

I just have to say that this book is way too cute for its own good. . . This is a wonderful start to a new series . . .
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

About the Book

Chicken Culprit: Backyard Farming Mystery Series
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Colorado
Morewellson, LTD
Print Length: 251 pages
Digital ASIN: B079SS1C4S

Finally healing after her heart-breaking divorce, Anne Freemont is ready to put the painful past behind her.

Discovering an old Victorian for sale in the small mountain town of Carolan Springs may be just what she needs. The beauty of Colorado beckons, so Anne heads west to start her new life.

Yet, before Anne’scompletely settled in, her neighbor is found dead in his compost pile. What’s worse is that Anne’s quirky young neighbor, Kandi Jenkins, could be the killer. When Kandi begs for her help, Anne feels she has no choice but to help the young woman.

However, she finds herself quickly at odds with the local sheriff. And while she uncovers more of the community’s secrets, she’s also exploring her awakening feelings for Sam Powers, the town’s deputy coroner.

Once Anne starts looking at who could be the real killer, the suspect list keeps getting longer and longer. It seems that Carolan Springs is a place of many secrets. But who would want to murder Ralph and who’s willing to kill again to keep their secret?

About the Author

Vikki Walton is a suburban homesteader aka the Havensteader. She has chickens, gardens, and bees and is a certified permaculture designer. She’s also the author of nonfiction books. She loves to travel, is a global house and pet sitter and when not out in the garden or hiking in beautiful Colorado, is plotting her next mystery.

Author Links:

Website: www.vikkiwalton.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vikkiwaltonauthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/havensteader

Purchase Link

Amazon

I loved the small town atmosphere and how all the people looked out for each other. It is a refreshing story that had me loving all the characters. I love apples and it was so intriguing to read how they used the apples to make their own apple cider. Carolan Springs is the perfect place to relax, refresh and perhaps hide from the media. Anne is hoping she can blend in as she decides to buy a quaint Victorian house .

I really liked Anne and thought she had the patience of a saint when she bet her neighbor Kandi. If Kandi was my neighbor, I would lock my doors and keep the binds closed at all times. I know she means well, but if she said "like" one more time I was going to have to yank her hair out. Oh small town living is filled with friendly well meaning people so Anne seems to welcome Kandi into her life. Even though Kandi annoyed me, she kinda grew on me. I have to say the author wrote the perfect character to become friends with Anne.

As luck would have it, Anne's not so nice older neighbor is found dead. Could Kandi have killed him because he threatened to kill her chicken? The local cops sure do think its the perfect motive for murder and off Kandi goes to jail. There are so many laughs during the story that I found myself really getting comfortable in Carolan Springs. Poor Kandi has to call Anne to pick her up from jail since her husband is busy. Did I mention how much I dislike Kandi's husband? He is a jerk, a snob, a sneak and overall horrible person and husband. I think I will add him to the list of suspects.

The author writes a great story with fun characters and some surprises about a few that I was not prepared for. This is a first in a new series and i know readers will love the way the story flows and how caught up you can get with the town and its people. yes i was surprised at the ending and it makes me want to read the next in the series. Well done for a great storyline about homesteading and the town that watches out for each other.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

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Tour Participants

April 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

April 16 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

April 16 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

April 17 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – REVIEW

April 17 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

April 17 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 17 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

April 18 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

April 18 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

April 18 – Books Direct – GUEST POST

April 19 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – REVIEW

April 19 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 19 – Jane Reads – REVIEW

April 19 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

April 20 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW

April 20 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

April 20 – Varietats – REVIEW

April 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

April 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 21 – fundinmental – REVIEW

April 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

April 22 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

April 22 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Welcome to Celebrate Lit's Scavenger Hunt Featuring Caryl McAdoo. Be sure you visit each blog to find the secret word for the giveaway.

About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

BLURB:

A mysterious dead man directs the small band on their journey to a much safer corridor he dubs The King’s Highway.

Airplanes are falling out of the sky, and all things electric rendered useless after a mysterious flash. It tests the grit of fifteen-year-old Jackson Allison when the care and safety of his younger siblings fall solely to him. No one knows for sure what’s happened, but danger lurks if they stay. With a fierce determination to keep his thirteen-year-old sister McKenzie and nine-year-old brother Cooper safe, the high school freshman is compelled to leave their Irving home in the shadow of the DFW Airport for their grandparents’ farm a hundred-plus miles northeast.

Thrust into a lawless, chaotic world, he’s guided by an ever-changing cryptic note that leads his growing troupe along the King’s Highway. Bullies, Russians, wild animals, gang-bangers, and kidnappers thwart their progress while a lack of drinkable water and food is a constant concern. Will he ever get his people tosafety in the Red River Valley in far Northeast Texas?

I have read a lot of books by Caryl and have become a huge fan of her writing. She is very gifted and makes each story come to life. If I could write a perfect description for this story, it would be something like " The End of Times has come to Texas in this perfectly illustrated story." The author has once again surprised me with her gift of exploring a theme that many have talked about but few are ready for.

From the very beginning, I admired Jackson. I found him to be a very compassionate and smart young man. What would you do if suddenly there was no electricity? You could hear chaos going on in the streets and you knew you had to get your siblings to safety. Jackson takes command in an orderly fashion and decides the best thing to do is go to where his grandparents live. McKenzie and Cooper were not quite sure if they should leave the safety of their home, but Jackson knows it's time to get out of there.

I was very intrigued by the old man who appeared to Jackson. His wisdom was helpful and guided Jackson on the journey that lay ahead. Would it be hard to listen to someone you couldn't see? That is exactly what God wants us to do. I could sense Jacksonngrowing in faith as he became more in tuned with the voice. The siblings meet several characters along the way that will be a challenge for them. m the very beginning, I admired Jackson. I found him to be a very compassionate and smart young .

I loved the dog and found him to be a valuable character in the story. He was loyal, protective and has a keen sense of danger. I loved how he took to the kids right away. It seems like he was sent to protect them. Isn't that just like God to send us something for protection ? The story is very intriguing and I was very impressed with how the author delivered a story that makes us think about how much faith we need to have if we were faced with a similar situation. She writes with such depth and details that you feel a part of the story. This is one series you don't want to miss. I am anxious to continue reading the next book to find out what happens to Jackson and his siblings? Do they reach their destination? Where did their mother disappear to? What dangers lay ahead for them? Will they stand strong and trust God? Get ready for an action packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author. The review is my own opinon..

Historical family sagas, Caryl's most popular series,

undoubtedly’ll offer readers copious gaggling and tearies!

T

gs to safety. Jackson takehttps://promosimple.com/ps/ca82s command in an orderly fashion and decides the best thing to do is go to where his grandparents live. McKenzie and Cooper were not quite sure if they should leave the safety of their home, but Jackson knows it's time to get out of there.

Blog Stops

proud to be an autism mom, April 14

Bibliophile Reviews, April 15

A Greater Yes, April 16

Texas Book-aholic, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Janices book reviews, April 19

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 20

Carpe Diem, April 21

A Baker’s Perspective, April 22

Simple Harvest Reads, April 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 25

Quiet Quilter, April 26

margaret kazmierczak, April 27

Sunday, April 15, 2018

About the Book

Title: The Revolutionary: Liberate the Captives

Author: Kristen Hogrefe

Genre: Young Adult, Action, Adventure

Release Date: March, 2018

Freedom costs more than Portia wants to pay, but revolutions run on sacrifice … and blood.

Three months a satellite prisoner, Portia wonders if the Brotherhood has left her to die—until she plunges into the domain of an underground smuggler contacted by her brother. But her rescue comes with a price tag only she can pay, and now, she must forfeit her identity to act as a spy back in the dizzying politics of Crystal. There, she learns that her enemies want the Dome to approve mass satellite executions. No one knows why. Worse, they’re using her friend Luther, now a Court Citizen intern, to sign the short-term orders. She desperately wants to confide in Luther, but can she still trust him with the company he keeps?

Plagued by shadows and guilt for leaving her protector Gath behind on the satellite, Portia must find a way not only to rescue him and the other prisoners, but also to destroy the slave camps once and for all.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe is a multi-published novelist and teacher who challenges young adults and the young at heart to think truthfully and live daringly.

Her publishing journey began in 2010 with the first book in her young adult (YA) suspense trilogy Wings of the Dawn. She completed the trilogy in the fall of 2014, and in 2016, contracted with Write Integrity Press for a new YA dystopian trilogy: The Rogues.

Kristen also has the heart of an educator and mentor. She teaches secondary language arts for Alpha Omega Academy and served in youth ministry for many years. Through Word Weavers International, she encourages aspiring writers and acts as president for an online writing group. She enjoys speaking events that allow her to connect with readers and other writers.

A lifelong Florida resident, Kristen loves adventuring outdoors and running with friends. Connect with her online at KristenHogrefe.com.

Guest Post from Kristen Hogrefe

Identity, Coffee, and a Sprinkle of History in The Revolutionary

The primary purpose of fiction is to entertain, but I think good fiction goes deeper by teaching us something about human nature, something about ourselves.

The Revolutionary begins three months after Portia arrived at a satellite prison camp. She feels forgotten by her brother and friends who promised to rescue her. Deeper than the physical pain of starvation, she battles the emotional rawness from the dehumanization of her identity. A number replaces her name, and the Wasps who mistreat prisoners mockingly call them “rabbits.”

When a two-faced smuggler helps her escape, her identity struggles continue. She dons multiple aliases to survive and help the Brotherhood launch a daring plan to destroy the satellite camps and oust the ruling Friend and Dome.

The theme of identity is one I hope will resonate with teens and adult readers alike. At some point, we all ask ourselves, “What defines me?” Is it our friends, an academic program, a relationship, or a job? While those things describe our day-to-day lives, they themselves shouldn’t define us. The source of our true identity must come from somewhere deeper. That’s the question Portia has to wrestle with, and one I hope readers will consider.

A Cup of Joe

Confession: One aspect of characterization I enjoy is giving my characters a small piece of myself. One of my early readers for book one, The Revisionary, remarked, “Let me guess. You like coffee.”

I laughed and replied, “How could you tell?”

Maybe lines like this one gave the fact away: “I start a pot of coffee. At least the aroma makes life smell better” (Portia, The Revisionary).

In book two, I incorporate the memory-association of coffee for Portia as she thinks back to simpler times (like dorm life with Lydia). Coffee also serves as a catalyst for an important scene where Portia, in disguise, serves her enemies and in turn learns of their disturbing plans for the satellites.

What about you? Are you a coffee drinker? If you are, I hope you’ll enjoy a giveaway opportunity for a Starbucks gift card. After all, coffee does make life smell better.

A Sprinkle of History

Two summers ago, my brother and I had the opportunity to visit the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. It’s the historical site for the “shot heard round the world” that ignited the American Revolution.

In book two, Portia and the Brotherhood launch their own threadbare revolution. Though the odds are against them, they’re determined to stop the abuses by those in power.

My own visit to this famous site helped inspire Portia’s journey of discovery and the Brotherhood’s fictional parallels to the American Revolutionary War. Writing the scene where she rediscovers this birthplace of liberty was one of my favorites, because I walked the North Bridge and poured over books researching what happened that fateful day. I hope the scene comes alive for my readers and quickens their interest in history and its relevance for us today.

I really enjoyed this book and loved the adventure it took me on. I don't read much young adult books, but I can tell that I have been missing out. What I liked most about the book was the details of how fighting for freedom resonates with what people are doing today. The main character Portia is one fierce young woman. I know she is destined for big things and I loved reading about her transformation. It must have been hard for her to feel alone without family around.

What would it be like to be told you have been selected for a mission that could cost you your life? Portia seemed almost numb to the danger she faced and the author gives readers a person we can cheer for. Her escapades are very intense and I held my breath as she quietly found a way to deliver information she had found out. She does question who she can trust and the author does a great job of keeping the reader guessing as who the enemy is. I just loved how the story flowed and gave me a sense of being there when the action started.

Lord Osborne is not a very easy person to like. He is always very demanding of Portia and cares little for her safety. He is someone Portia needs to be careful around. His anger and vengeful nature could prove to be Portia's downfall. I loved how the author had me questioning each character and their loyalty. How far will Portia go to get to the truth? Will she be able to do things against her beliefs in order to survive? The story is action packed and is filled with survival and danger as Portia gets closer to the truth. The horrors she has suffered as a prisoner will help her to fight for freedom and the truth. I loved the ending and thought the author did a great job of combining historical facts to the time period that the story takes place in. I kept thinking how desperate I would be to expose those who go against the laws of the land . Portia's story is very pivotal to me because her character never gave up, relied on her instincts and trusted God .

"Lies can protect us . But only the truth can free us."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.