Saturday, October 15, 2022

About the Book

Book: Halloween Hi-Jinx

Author: Annee Jones

Genre: Clean Cozy Mystery

Release date: October 14, 2022

Jinx the cat has a bad reputation for always being in the wrong place at the wrong time – and this Halloween turns out to be no different….

His former owners called him “Cursed” – blamed him for their troubles that began occurring after they got him, which is reason he was turned back into the shelter. But Clarissa Lightfoot, owner of the new Cat Café doesn’t believe it and wants to help clear his name, so she brings him to the new café (doubling as a halfway house for homeless animals). – There’s no such thing as a Cursed Cat…. Or is there???

The Cat Café is hosting a costume party fundraiser for Halloween to help homeless animals. After the party, it’s discovered that someone stole $$ from the cash register, and Clarissa is implicated in the crime.

Someone wants her & her new café to go “Poof” and disappear – but who & why?

Can Jinx – along with handsome police officer Cody Shelton – help discover who’s playing tricks on Clarissa this Halloween?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Author Annee Jones loves to write all things romance, fantasy, cozy mystery, & more. She is passionate about writing stories where dreams come true, and love wins in the end!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter.

More from Annee

The story is told in part from Jinx the cat’s point of view!!

MY REVIEW

This was a fun short cozy mystery book. The star of the story is Jinx who is a black cat with an attitude. I loved the Cat Cafe and how it was a place to enjoy coffee and adopt cats all in one place. Clarissa runs the cafe and adores the cats that have taken up residence until they are adopted.

The cafe is excited about a big fundraiser which hopefully will bring in money to keep the cafe in business. I loved how the author used Jinx in telling most of the story. The poor cat has to overcome the stigma that black cats are cursed. When money from the cash register disappears Jinx is ready to find out who did it. There are a few laughs in the story with the cats and I thought they were perfect for the story.

The mystery wasn’t really a mystery to me but the reason behind it did surprise me. The book is very short so we don’t really get to know the characters well. The book is clean and easy to read.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Artistic Nobody, October 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 15

Texas Book-aholic, October 16

Inklings and notions, October 17

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Beauty in the Binding, October 21 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 23

Through the Fire Blogs, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Annee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and copy of the 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/22009/halloween-hi-jinx-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 14, 2022

THE PREMONITION AT WITHERS FARM BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

In 1910 Michigan, Perliett Van Hilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor convinced she practices quackery. It doesn't help that her mother is a spiritualist who regularly offers her services to connect the living with their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she must rely on both the local doctor and an intriguing newcomer for assistance.

In the present day, Molly Wasziak's life has not gone the way she dreamed. Facing depression after several miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband's purchase of a peculiar old farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a century-old murder case and a web of deception, all made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds inside the farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time forever silence their truths?

Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history's secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!

MY REVIEW

The story is very eerie at times and I was a little uncomfortable with the storyline. I don’t like anything to do with people who claim they can talk to the dead. I have read other books by this author so I knew somewhere in this dual story were God and His truth. The house itself felt chilly and almost like readers had interrupted some sinister goings on. I was intrigued by where the author was going as she takes us from past to present.

I liked Perliett and how dedicated she was to caring for the sick. She may not have a certificate saying she can practice medicine but she does have answers that help those who need it. I’m not sure I cared for her mother much since she believes she can speak to the dead. Oh how this part of the story made me uneasy. Underneath Perliett’s smile is a grief so big that it overwhelms her. Losing her father was hard on her and she misses him everyday. What she can’t understand is why her mother can’t speak to her father but is able to help others who have lost a loved one. I had to know why myself and that kept me going page after page. There is some danger for Perliett as she becomes involved with a mystery.

As we move to the present we meet Trent and Molly. They have just purchased an old farm house which I don’t think Molly is thrilled with. Their marriage isn’t great at the moment and with the added burden of a place that needs work, more stress comes their way. It was sad how many miscarriages Molly has experienced and her grief consumes her. When a body is found by Trent and it is revealed that the woman is a relative, the town starts to gossip. Why didn’t he tell Molly that he knew who the dead person was? Why would he keep the information about the house they bought a secret ? Something is not adding up and the plot thickens.

In both timelines it is evident that the past is destroying relationships. Grief overshadows each of our characters as they seek guidance and truth. We also have a mystery involving the Cornfield Ripper. That sent chills down my spine as I began to see how this crime would connect the past to the present. The author does an excellent job of weaving in and out seamlessly through history with riveting characters and suspense that will keep you glued to the pages.

The ending is very good and connects the dots from the past to the present in an adventure where evil plays games with the innocent. It was hard to read the book at times because I didn’t like the topic of spirits, ghosts and talking to the dead. But have patience readers because the author gives us a solid ground of faith. She shows that the only spirit we should be talking to is the Holy Spirit. When we allow our mind to wander we can get trapped into believing things that are not of God. It is a warning as you read this book to guard your mind against anything that is not of God. In the end we see that grieving is something that takes time and we need to allow God to keep our mind focused on His Word.

“Grief is a shadow man that follows us into our futures and swallows it up if we let him.”

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

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

WISHFUL WITNESS BY TONYA KAPPES

The Stitchin' Post yarn shop is central gossip in all of Linden Falls. Well, at least the Linden Falls Knitters like to keep everyone aware of all the comings and goings of the quaint Vermont town.

There's no doubt the old King Building being renovated for a new artesian center is going to bring more business to the small town.
Or so you'd think.
Things take a turn when the new center starts to hurt the local small business owner's bottom line, making several suspects after a vocal local turns up dead.
No amount of wishes on the Wishing Tree is going to bring him back to life, but finding the killer will bring life back to the town.
When the Linden Falls Knitters' gossip turns up some real clues that unravel more clues as they put their crafty skills to work as they work together to figure out who thought they were knitting together the perfect murder.

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

The author describes Linden Falls, Vermont as a small quaint cozy little town. It is filled with wonderful shops that locals and tourists love to visit. I was so excited about the town that I wanted to move there. I love small towns where everyone is friendly and always there to help each other out. One of the highlights of the town is the Stitchin’ Post yarn shop. If you are looking for a place to buy yarn, participate in workshops and hear gossip come visit Cheryl and The Knitters Club.

Cheryl and others that own shops are not happy that an old building in town is being renovated and turned into a place that will give the local Farmer’s Market competition. The new owner is out to prove that his place will bring in more visitors. People are upset and want to stop the shop from doing any business. One particular person decided to protest outside the building. It doesn’t go well and he is arrested. But wait that is not all. Now a body has been found very close to Cheryl’s place. Will she become a suspect?

The author delivers a great mystery along with suspects that seem to point fingers as each other. The gossip is growing storing in Cheryl’s store and she decides she needs to solve the murder so she doesn’t become the one locked up in jail. Along with the murder Cheryl has something else on her mind. The Wishing Tree right there in town aggravates her. All these people put wishes on the tree hoping they will be answered makes her very skeptical. What happens when she decides to put her own wish on the tree?

The story is short but does keep readers entertained with all the shenanigans going on in town. I wasn’t surprised at who was the killer but it still was fun to read how Cheryl ran around town trying solve the mystery. This has been a fun series and I’m sad to see it end.

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

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Jeanette’s Gift Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Jeanette’s Gift

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 11, 2022

This life wasn’t the one she dreamed of, but happily ever afters don’t always come when and how we expect.

At twenty-nine, Jeanette Williams has watched each one of her four sisters marry and start families of their own. It’s hard not to believe God has forgotten the desires of her heart, especially when most people refer to her as Spinster Williams. Without the beautiful children she teaches, life would be unbearably lonely.

When the handsome widower, Theo Wallace, and his six children move into the Shenandoah Valley, every available woman is atwitter—except for Jeanette. She has no such aspirations that someone as plain as her could draw even a smattering of interest.

As life throws this unlikely couple together, Jeanette can’t help but fall in love with Theo’s children and their soul-wrenching plight. Before she knows it, her heart is far more invested than she could’ve ever imagined. And not just with the children, but with their handsome father as well. Is she headed for another heartbreak, or is it possible God had a beautiful plan in the works all along?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Blossom Turner is a freelance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger and published novelist of the Word Guild semi-finalist Anna’s Secret. However, she has found her home in the writing of historical fiction. The power of love and romance is authentically woven into the Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Read more at blossomturner.com.

More from Blossom

Do You Enjoy Romance That Keeps You Thinking Days Later?

Long before I knew I could write, I loved to read. Being a hopeless romantic I gravitated to all romance stories either contemporary or historical. I soon realized that finding clean fiction but still written with the passion God created us to experience, was hard to find. (Song of Solomon is a good example of the expression of passion and love between a man and woman without being explicit.)

Given the gift of a writing career later in life one thing was for sure…I wanted to write what I like to read. Clean romance does not need to be boring. As each story pours out, I realize that writing historical fiction is my passion. I finally know what I was born to do. The Shenandoah Brides is a series of five sisters and their five love stories. Oct. 11, 2022 is launch day for the final book in the series called Jeanette’s Gift.

Each book has a redeeming theme. Katherine’s Arrangement, set in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, post-civil war, speaks on how to love the way 1 Corinthians encourages, even when marriage (Katherine’s is an arranged marriage) has proven to be very disappointing. The second book Amelia’s Heartsong, situated in Richmond, Virginia illustrates how love transcends the pomp and circumstance of class and money and encourages us to view others the way God does. The third book, Lucinda’s Defender unfolds back in the valley, and speaks of how our greatest mistake does not have to define our future. A message on second chances encourages the soul. The fourth book, Gracie’s Surrender once again set in Richmond, speaks of a life dedicated to the ministry of God helping the underprivileged orphans. Gracie learns that God can upset even our best intentions with a better plan.

However, the message for this fifth book, Jeanette’s Gift, is a subject so near and dear to my heart. Growing up in an environment that tore me down instead of build me up, proved to be invaluable in writing on this subject. The theme of this book—healing from low self-worth—is a topic that many will relate to.

Jeanette suffers from low self-worth and believes God has forgotten her. A very valuable process unfolds with truth and techniques that work today. Jeanette learns to accept that how life unfolds is up to the sovereignty of God, and He can be trusted. She also breathes in the truth of how she is, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made.

My prayer is that as Jeanette grows toward healing in the story, that any reader suffering in this same way will embrace the steps on how to break this vicious cycle. I know from first-hand experience healing is possible, and I long to get that message out there.

Although this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, enjoying the whole series as the family saga unfolds will deepen the experience.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the write. I love to hear from my readers. Contact me at http://blossomturner.com

MY REVIEW

For all of us who don’t see ourselves the way God sees us, this book is for you. I love the main characterJeanette who is very humble, giving, and willing to help others. She loves being a teacher yet yearns for her own family some day. She thinks she will be a spinster forever since she is now twenty-nine. What she doesn’t see is how much she is loved and admired by many. Her heart is big when it comes to helping others. If only she could see herself the way God does, she would realize she is beautiful not only in looks but because she is giving and puts others before herself. Will she ever stop being negative about herself? How many of you suffer from self worth ? I have dealt with it my entire life. My parents always told me I was stupid, ugly and would never amount to anything. Many years later I can still hear their words but God is helping me see that He loves me unconditionally.

Theo is a welcome addition to the story with his six children. He is having a hard time trying to do everything on his own. After suffering several loses, he finds himself alone and over his head raising his children and farming. What a surprise it was to see Jeanette in his home one day where she had cleaned and cooked a nice supper for all. Her heart is in the right place but Theo’s pride is making an entrance. I loved how Jeanette stands up to Theo and is able to convince him that she is there to help. It is okay to accept charity when you need to, but Theo is still having a hard time admitting that he needs help. Pride will get you every time. Have you ever needed help but your pride got in the way?

The story illustrates how hard it is at times for us to trust God. Theo has been hurt and now is afraid to open his heart up to another woman. He knows that Jeanette believes God sent her to help him and the children but he seems to have a problem with trusting God. Jeanette has this idea that she is not worthy of marriage but God will open her eyes and heart as she discovers her worth.

The ending is very nice and quite a surprise. I loved how people in the community come to Jeanette’s defense as vicious rumors start out of jealousy. Through everything Theo and Jeanette face, will they find happiness? Will they surrender their hearts to God and allow Him to give them confidence? The answers to these questions await you in this beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 11

Vicky Sluiter, October 11

Texas Book-aholic, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 13

deb’s Book Review, October 14

Blogging With Carol, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

lakesidelivingsite, October 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 17

Simple Harvest Reads, October 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Mary Hake, October 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 20

Splashes of Joy, October 21

Pause for Tales, October 22

Holly’s Book Corner, October 22

Christina’s Corner, October 23

“To Every” BOOK “There is a Season”, October 23

Bizwings Blog, October 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Blossom is giving away the grand prize 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/21e09/jeanette-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, October 9, 2022

About the Book

Book: Anything But Plain

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish fiction

Release date: October 4, 2022

It’s not easy being the bishop’s daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She’s not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is “between” jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she’s going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder–the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he’s in love with her, but she knows she’s not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan’s father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of an uncommon disorder among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol Award winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly, ECPA, CBA, bestselling author of more than thirty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most folks act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

More from Suzanne

Easily Distracted? 8 Strategies to Help Stay Focused

Anything but Plain is a story about a young Amish woman with undiagnosed ADHD. Lydie Stoltzfus feels like a square peg in a round hole. She just doesn’t fit in and, to make matters worse, she’s the bishop’s daughter. At this point, the only path forward she can see is to leave Stoney Ridge. Leave her church, her friends, her family, her neighbor Nathan Yoder. It’s better to leave, Lydie decides, than to keep disappointing everyone she cares about. I won’t say anymore so that I don’t spoil the story for you.

ADHD is not a common diagnosis among the Amish and many might assume it’s not a real thing. Of course, they’re mistaken. ADHD is a real thing. While I don’t have ADHD, I do have many friends and family members who have been diagnosed. It’s challenging! And something we should all take seriously. Here’s why:

Evidence is mounting that a growing dependence on digital devices could be giving all of us some ADHD-like symptoms. Have you wondered if distractibility is becoming a problem for you? Or has a spouse or child or friend remarked on how often you pick up your phone to check a text message or scroll Instagram? You might remain physically present but your mind has wandered away. For me, the answer is, regrettably, yes.

There’s a recurring phrase in Anything but Plain that comes from an old-fashioned farming term: Walking the beans. Literally, it means weeding by hand. Figuratively, it means paying attention to our priorities. To pull the weeds before they take root.

One of the takeaway lessons of this book is to “walk the beans” of technology’s role in my life. So…I’ve been working on a few strategies. When I practice, I see a difference. Life is calmer. More manageable.

So…I wanted to pass these tips along to you. (If you have little children, these might not work for you. Not when your little ones are awake, anyway.) Hopefully, you’ll find them to be useful, and maybe spark some strategies of your own.

Make a plan. I start the day with an index card and write down the day’s priorities. And I check off tasks as I finish them!
Go off-line. Create an environment that helps you stay focused. Turn your cell phone to silent. If working on the computer, close your email app. Put yourself in distraction-free mode until you’re accomplished what you need to do
Finish one task before moving on to the next. Even little tasks.
Distractibility is at its peak during transitions. Build in margin. For example, arrive a few minutes early instead of rushing in a few minutes late.
When distractions are high, make tasks smaller and break down your large projects into smaller tasks to help you concentrate and give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
When I’m facing a big task, I’ll break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Set a deadline for a task. Beat the clock! Use a timer.
Rewards! When I beat the clock, I’ll take a break from computer work and pop up to the garden, text a friend, walk the dog. Something that feels good.

MY REVIEW

I love how this story takes a look at a topic that many deal with everyday. What makes it really special is that the author illustrates ADHD using her Amish character Lydia. I don’t think I have read an Amish story that talks about this subject. The details are very helpful and help readers understand that ADHD is something that many have but they also deal with feeling different. One thing I liked that was pointed out in the story was how difficult it is living with ADHD. The frustration is real and feeling like you are an outsider is very true. Many think they will never have a normal life, but the author gives us great ways to help those with ADHD. I learned a lot and know it will help others .

Lydia is always going at a fast pace. She can’t finish anything and finds herself late a lot of times. She tries so hard to please others yet she has to hear how she is not reliable and never on time. After losing several jobs she begins to doubt she will ever be good at anything. The author shows us how hard it is for Lydia as she struggles with something that she doesn’t realize she has. I was so glad that someone finally noticed what was going on with Lydia. Now Lydie’s father needs to be convinced that she needs to get tested.

Nathan is a great character who wants to prove that the chemicals being used on crops in the area are causing health issues. How does he convince others that he is trying to grow produce that is healthy without using anything harmful? Nathan is trying very hard to prove to his dad that he can grow things organically and make a profit. He also has a slight problem trying to convince Lydia that they are good for each other.

Something is holding Lydia back but she won’t share what is pushing her away from Nathan. What is really sad is Lydia thinks she isn’t good enough for anyone. She has heard all her life how she messes things up. After awhile it begins to give Lydia an idea that it would be better for her to move away. What a lonely outlook she has for herself. Have you ever felt like it would be better to leave a place where you didn’t feel wanted? It was interesting to read that some Amish didn’t believe anyone of them could have ADHD. It is just unheard of in the Amish community so some believe.

The story is a great example of how God works things out. In His timing he found a way for a mother and daughter to reconcile and get Lydia help. At the beginning it seemed that Lydia had no one to help her, but God in His perfect timing, set everything into action. One important thing I took away from this story is that we are not a mistake. Before we were born, God knew exactly what He was doing when he made each of us unique. We each have different gifts, and God wants us to use those gifts to bless others.

“God does not see you for what you are. God sees you for what you can be.”

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