Saturday, July 2, 2022

Blueberry Bungalow Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Blueberry Bungalow

Author: Konnie K. Viner

Genre: Fiction (Christian mystery/romance)

Release date: November 10, 2021

It’s been a year since Maci Driscoll’s husband passed unexpectedly, and she is stuck in lonely despair. As an established painter, she finds her inspiration and artistic spark is gone. In a desperate attempt to step out of her funk, Maci sells her seaside home and moves inland to a sleepy little town in Maine.

But peace and inspiration aren’t the only things she finds in Laurel Hill. The century home she buys has secrets to divulge, a long-lost couple to reunite, a murder to solve, and maybe even new love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Konnie Viner is also the author of Amaryllis Journey, a 2020 Golden Scroll fiction book of the year award winner. She writes to encourage women with the assurance of God’s love and faithfulness in difficult life experiences. Her first published book is Rested Soul, Resilient Heart, Finding Hope in the Storms of Abuse and Betrayal (2017),. She holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. Konnie cherishes time with her three grandchildren. Her hobbies include photographing God’s beautiful creation, quilting, and reading.

More from Konnie

Blueberry Bungalow, a 2022 Selah Award Finalist, is a cozy mystery set in the blueberry fields of Maine, Recently widowed and struggling, Maci Driscoll moves from the seaside of Maine to quiet little Laurel Hill to escape the past and figure out who she is without her beloved husband. Never did she expect to find a long-lost letter, solve a decades-old murder, or fall in love, but she does.

Maci’s Blueberry Pie Recipe

Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold

½ cup water

Filling

4 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Glaze

1 egg, beaten

coarse sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425º and place a rack in the middle of the oven.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Add the butter and mix it into the flour using two knives or pastry blender.

Slowly add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.

Remove the dough from the bowl and shape into 2 equal balls, flattened into discs.

Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.

When ready, unwrap the dough and allow it to warm up for a minute or two.

Lightly flour your surface, then roll one disc into a circle until its large enough to fit into the pie plate with an inch of overhang.

Fold the dough into fourths, then place carefully in the pie dish.

Unfold and smooth into the dish, dressing the crust however you choose (crimping, fluting, or my favorite, just pressing into it with a fork).

Fill with the blueberry filling, then roll out the remaining disc of dough and cover the blueberries entirely, making sure to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

Lightly brush the top crust with a beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350º and bake for an additional 45-55 minutes.

Keep an eye on the pie.

If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent the pie with foil.

If the filling begins to bubble, you may also wish to place a baking sheet on the rack below the pie to catch any drips.

Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool.

Serve warm.

MY REVIEW

This has been one of those stories that is a wonderful look at starting over. I adored the setting of the story and could imagine myself walking in town enjoying saying hi to everyone. The author describes the setting as “a sleepy little town.” My first thought was this is where peace is waiting. I was born in a big city but I have always dreamed of living in a very small town where people look out for each other. I loved having this vision of a town like Mayberry and thought the author brought the town to life with delicate touches of scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

Maci finds the ideal place to relocate after a tragic event in her life. Starting over is not easy and she is very guarded with her heart. I loved that she was an artist who put her feelings on canvas. Her paintings are beautiful and captures the many places that she finds healing and comfort at. We all know that saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Maci’s paintings speak of many emotions and expresses the tranquil setting in each painting. The house she buys has a history she didn’t know about. It was fun to follow her as the mystery begins to surface.

Wade has his share of heartache and I admired him for raising his children on his own. Helping Maci find her new home helps Wade begin to open himself up to a new friendship. They seem to really hit it off and I did like that they both took it slow as they start to spend more time together. Wade does have a secret that he hasn’t shared with Maci that could change everything.

I loved that there were two mysteries in the story that highlights forgiveness, secrets, healing and God’s plan. The faith shared in the story is strong and really illustrates how God is always there when we need him. It was especially nice to see how something from the past brings hope for some and for others a new beginning.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

An Author’s Take, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5

Inklings and notions, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

deb’s Book Review, July 8

The Avid Reader, July 9

Blogging With Carol, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 12

Pause for Tales, July 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 14

Book Looks by Lisa, July 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Konnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and signed copy of book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1f7f1/blueberry-bungalow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, July 1, 2022

Oddball Ornaments Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Oddball Ornaments

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Christmas Story

Release date: November 16, 2021

The ornaments in the attic are excited. It’s almost Turkey Day, and they know when they start smelling turkey, they’re going to be pulled down out of the attic and hung on a tree for the humans to enjoy. After all, Box Day is all about admiring the ornaments, isn’t it? But when Grandma joins them for Turkey Day instead of Box Day and brings a bunch of new ornaments with her, the Oddball Ornaments know something isn’t right. Determined to find out the source of Grandma’s sadness and what Box Day is really about, Nutcracker sets out on a quest to climb to the top of the tree to ask Angel about the true meaning of Christmas and discovers the truth is much more wonderful than they could ever have imagined.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her book Both Sides of the Border is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. Both Sides of the Border also won the American Writing Awards in the Multicultural Fiction category, Social Change category, and a finalist for the Women’s Fiction category. Her book, America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for Socio-Political and Political categories. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

More from Terry

Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Christmas was written one late fall while I looked at my own Christmas tree. I wondered, “If the ornaments could talk, what would they say? Would they even know why they were hung on the tree?” And that was how the book began. I played Christmas music and imagined a cast of characters like toys in Toy Story but ornaments and humans. It was such fun to write. I ran a few things by my regional experts (grand Angels) and they approved. It always means so much more when family are involved in my writing projects.

Not long after the book was out, the sequel was completed, and it will be released late summer 2022. “Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Forgiveness.”

I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!

MY REVIEW

This was such a fun book to read. I loved reading about the different ornaments people use and how each one is special. Looking at Christmas ornaments are a joy because it shows how unique each one is. They are tucked away in a box till that special time when the turkey aroma fills the house. This day was different for the ornaments and their curiosity was overwhelming.

I loved how the author used Christmas ornaments to tell the story of Jesus and how we celebrate Him on Christmas. The ornaments learn about heaven, prayer and how God loves us. The illustrations were very nice and helps tell the story. There is talk about grandpa passing away so I think maybe this book should be for children who understand about death. The book is nicely written and would a great tool to use for families during the holidays to share what the true meaning of Christmas is.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Inklings and notions, July 3

Lights in the Dark World, July 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 5

Girls in White Dresses, July 6

Older & Smarter?, July 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 8

For Him and My Family, July 9

deb’s Book Review, July 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 11

Mary Hake, July 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 12

For the Love of Literature, July 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 14

Blogging With Carol, July 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1f7f2/oddball-ornaments-celebration-tour-giveaway

MOTHER’S DAY MURDER BY TONYA KAPPES

Sometimes Mama doesn't know best!

It's Mother's Day in Holiday Junction and Violet Rhinehammer is covering all the Mother's Day events in the holiday town and not alone! Her mother, Millie Kay Rhinehammer, drops in for a visit unannounced to see exactly why her daughter decide to stay in the small town instead of coming home to Kentucky to their beloved Daniel Boone National Park.

Millie Kay is easily charmed by Mother's Day Festival, but her sweet southern charm doesn't go over well with everyone. While Violet is running all over Holiday Junction to report for the Junction Journal, Millie Kay is joining in on the festival activities.

Millie Kay and local Sally Westin get into a public fight over a dessert Millie Kay says she won fair and square in the cake walk.
And when Sally Westin is murdered, everyone is pointing the finger to the non-local in town, Millie Kay Rhinehammer.
Everyone but Violet.

Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is your one stop read for cozy mysteries set during the holidays. Some of them will be released before the intended holiday but most won't because Tonya writes these exclusively for her Patreon group and releases them as she sees fit. If you'd like more information on the Patreon group you can go to Tonya's website in her Amazon bio to check it out.

Tonya Kappes has written more than 175 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and Woman's World Book Club pick twice . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time in her camper!

You can find her all over social media and at Tonyakappes.com.

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.

MY REVIEW

I love this series and it seems like every book gets better as the series continues. The cover is very eye catching and draws readers to the book. I wonder what adventure we will find in this book? The author has a funny southern charm that makes me laugh throughout the book. I will tell you that you should read these books in order so you know the characters better. There are some great ones that I can’t help but like. I like that the author mentions characters from her other series in this book and helps me remember what they are up.

Violet hadn’t quite settled into the town yet but her job as a reporter keeps her busy. She has an ear for news and follows it even when it may get her into trouble. The gossips are in overload in this story as a rumor has the town in an uproar. The talk is that there is a spring that has healing powers in the water. Violet needs an interview with the owner and maybe some water samples to check out the rumors. She isn’t very well received but it isn’t really her fault. The whole town is trying to get their share of water and has no problem with trespassing.

This next part I have been waiting to talk about. Violet tries to avoid her mother’s phone calls and thinks she is safe since her mom is in another town. Do you hear a knock on the door? Let’s follow Violet as he opens the door to find her mother Millie Kay standing there. I adored this character and how she catches everyone’s attention with her charm. Can you see Violet rolling her eyes as she finds out why her mom is there? The comedy is just starting as a cake walk finds Millie Kay and Sally fighting over a cake. It makes for a great scene as these two shove each other trying to get to the chair first.

Millie Kay has just begun her reign of attention getting when she surprises Violet with a decision that catches her off guard. I remember when I was in high school that I would try to avoid my mom all the time. Oh she says she was just watching out for me, but I think she was being nosey. Do you think Millie Kay is there to look after her daughter’s well-being? Sally becomes a thorn in Millie Kay’s side as they attend another function. This time I think it got a little heated. I was ready for anything as these two become frustrated with each other. Someone may have to leave town to keep the peace.

I don’t want to give anything away but guess who turns up dead? Well to make matters worse, guess who is accused of murder? The author pulls out all the stops in this cozy mystery filled with a charming town, characters that are simply over the top interesting and a story that keeps readers entertained. The author completely fooled me when the murderer is exposed. Get ready for another adventure in the town that celebrates holidays with festivals, fun and murder.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Hunted in the Wilderness Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Hunted in the Wilderness

Author: Kellie VanHorn

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 28, 2022

Protecting the evidence
means facing down assassins and an unforgiving wilderness…

Framed for murder and corporate espionage, future aerotech company CEO Haley Whitcombe flees in her plane with a camera full of evidence that could clear her name—until she’s shot out of the sky. Now trapped in North Cascades National Park, her survival in the wilderness depends on park ranger Ezra Dalton. Yet escaping the wild will mean nothing if they can’t outrun their merciless hunters…

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kellie VanHorn is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense. She has college degrees in biology and nautical archaeology, but she’s always found her sense of adventure most satisfied by a great story. When not writing, Kellie can be found teaching her four children, camping, baking, and gardening. She lives with her family in west Michigan.

More from Kellie

One of my favorite things about being a writer is living out wild adventures in my imagination. I get to enjoy all the action and feels without any of the unpleasant real-life problems I’d face if I were actually being chased by bad guys with guns. The more exciting and far-off the setting, the better! My family loves to travel and to camp, so we’ve spent a lot of time visiting national parks around the U.S. Our favorites include Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Devil’s Tower, and Badlands. We pile our four kids into the car, fill it to the brim with gear, and tent our way from park to park for weeks at a time in the summer.

For Hunted in the Wilderness, I wanted to explore a park we haven’t had the chance to visit yet—North Cascades National Park in Washington state. In fact, my first glimpse of the story came to me when I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and saw a picture of a lake in the Cascades. Inspiration struck, and I knew the heroine of my next book had just crash-landed her Cessna airplane in those mountains, and she needed a handsome, single park ranger to come help her escape the bad guys.

What makes this park such a perfect setting for a romantic suspense is not only the gorgeous scenery, but also the fact it’s very remote. The region is easy enough to access via road from Seattle, but most of the protected land can only be reached on foot, horseback, or float plane. Because I hadn’t been there myself, I relied on a topographic map and lots of research to help me craft the setting and make it an indispensable part of the plot.

Of course, now that I’ve studied the trail systems so extensively, I’d love to visit the Cascades in person one day. One of my teenaged sons who loves hiking has all sorts of plans for us to take a long backpacking trip out there, even though neither of us has ever backpacked before. I might have to work up my courage a bit before I’ll be ready to hit the trail without our minivan full of gear. 😉

MY REVIEW

I think what I really liked about the story was the setting. Now I’m not a big hiker at all but I do enjoy being out in nature. With a picturesque view of the forest it is the perfect place for an adventure. The opening pages sets the tone for a fast paced cat and mouse game. It has a nice amount of suspense with a touch of romance.

Haley is running for her life as she stumbles upon a plan to get rid of her so she can’t take over her dad’s company when he retires. I don’t think she had a clear picture of what she wanted to do when she takes off in her plane. While I liked her I thought she made a few decisions that put her directly in danger. Why would you run away from a ranger who was trying to help you?

Ezra is a good character who witnesses a plane go down in the North Cascades National Park where he works. I was impressed with the supplies he took with him and how he came to Haley’s aide. The author describes the weather so well, that I found myself grabbing a blanket to keep warm. As a side note it is over one hundred degrees where I live, so a blanket is unnecessary but with the author’s details I felt chilly. The men after Haley and Ezra won’t give up and continue to get closer to capturing them.

I was not surprised at who was behind everything but it still made me sad. Greed, power and jealousy runs deep in this story. The author illustrates how Haley has been a little lax on her faith. When she is at her most vulnerable moment, she realizes, “it is time to step aside and let Him be in charge,” Reading this was a reminder to trust God and to have a strong relationship with God.

The ending is good but not surprising. The action in the story kept my attention enough that I had to see how the author would wrap up the story. The story is good but maybe needed a little more character development and less emphasis on how Haley and Ezra were trying hard not to be attracted to each other. Overall a nice clean read with a happy ending where the good guys win.

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