Death in Advertising
by Laura Bradford

A fun start to a new cozy series! It combines mystery, a variety of character personalities and even a budding romance.
~Storeybook Reviews

Tobi and the other characters are so likable that you’ll wish you had your hands on book 2 right away – not because there’s a cliffhanger (there isn’t) but because you just want to keep spending time with them.
~Reading Is My SuperPower

Death in Advertising has a fun, quirky set of characters (including a couple of African Gray parrots) and a story-line that kept me guessing. This is a great start to a new series from Laura Bradford.
~The Book’s the Thing

Death in Advertising was a fun, quirky mystery and I loved the humor that was laced throughout the story, which made it an absolute delight to read.
~Moonlight Rendezvous

Filled with humor and a story so well written will be guessing to the end.
~Shelley’s Book Case

Laura Bradford has seriously blown me away with this book!
~Lisa Ks Book Reviews

Honestly, if you wanted a cozy mystery to pick you up, make you smile, and even give you the chance to look at ad jingles differently this is an incredible book for you. Actually, just any reader looking for a five star book, should pick it up.
~Bibliophile Reviews

Bradford gives us plenty of interesting characters with a variety of motives…DEATH IN ADVERTISING is a promising start to a new series.
~Cozy Up With Kathy

The story is fast paced with surprises around every corner. I was engaged from the first chapter…
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

Death in Advertising (A Tobi Tobias Mystery)
1st in Series
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (February 7, 2017)
Approximately 300 PAGES
ASIN: B01FBZXSFW

Synopsis

When Tobi Tobias decided to open her own ad agency, having to moonlight in a pet shop wasn’t part of her vision . . . of course, neither was murder.

Sometimes when opportunity knocks, the door you open leads to a closet. That’s certainly the case for Tobi, whose weekends spent cleaning cages in her best friend’s pet shop may soon be over. She’s just landed her first big break—Zander Closet Company needs a catchy campaign slogan ASAP, and Tobi thinks she’s got the right hook to knock ’em dead: “When we’re done, even your skeletons will have a place.”

But when a real dead body topples out of a showcase closet, she’s about to discover there is such a thing as bad publicity. To save her fledgling business and not get killed by the competition, Tobi takes on a new pet project: solving the murder. But with a stressed-out parrot as the only witness to the crime, Tobi will really have to wing it to put the cagey killer behind bars.

About The Author

While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend’s house more than thirty years ago, Laura Bradford (a.k.a. Elizabeth Lynn Casey) fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil. From that moment forward, she never wanted to do anything else.

Today, Laura is the national bestselling author of the Amish Mysteries, the Jenkins & Burns Mysteries, and the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries (written as Elizabeth Lynn Casey). A new cozy mystery series will be added to the mix in 2016 with the release of The Emergency Dessert Squad Mysteries. Laura is a former Agatha nominee and the recipient of an RT Reviewer’s Choice Award in romance. In her free time, Laura enjoys making memories with her family, traveling, baking, and visiting the sea lions at the Central Park Zoo. For more information and all the latest book news, visit her website at www.laurabradford.com.

Author Links

Website: www.laurabradford.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/laurabradfordauthor

Twitter:  @bradfordauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laurabrad4d/

  Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble     Amazon

I love to read new books in a series. You are introduced to the characters and start to really get to know them better. For some reason I started thinking who would be great to play the different characters when the story was made into a movie. The author did such a great job of making the characters so defined in their personality that I found myself casting the parts . The story was fun and full of surprises.

Tobi is a woman with dreams of opening her own advertising agency. She is struggling trying to get clients when she hits the jackpot. One slogan and she starts to see dollar signs. The slogan is funny and catchy and the clients are quite pleased . I did like the whole idea of the  closet system and how organized it would be for people. The slogan is genius and I thought the author had such a great sense of humor.

There are hints throughout the book that could have you pointing fingers at the wrong suspect. I did think the author masterfully detoured readers and gave many suspects to choose from. I didn't figure out who the killer was until just a few chapters from the ending. Mitzi who was married to the victim was a great character because she was presented as the trophie wife looking for money. She had an attitude that oozed with confidence and made men take a second glance at her. Did she kill her husband? Maybe it was  the faithful maid who adored her employer and was jealous of the new wife?

After reading the book I am looking forward to the next one in the series. The author captured my attention with her creativity and a mystery that is sure to keep you guessing.Grab your copy of this book and get comfy and enjoy an entertaining cast of characters. Don't be surprised when you start craving Cocoa Puffs.

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

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

February 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

February 6 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

February 7 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

February 8 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

February 8 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

February 9 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

February 9 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

February 10 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW

February 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 11 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW  

February 11 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST  

February 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

February 12 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 13 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

February 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 14 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

February 15 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW, GUEST POST

February 15 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

February 16 – Varietats – REVIEW

February 16 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW

February 17 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 17 – deal sharing aunt – REVIEW

February 18 – Book Babble – REVIEW

February 18 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

February 19 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 19 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

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DAISY BELLE by JANICE THOMPSON

The cover of the book caught my eye right away. I love daisies. They are delicate, fresh smelling and come in a variety of colors. I opened the book and was transported back to Daisy, Oklahoma in the 1920s. The author does a great job of describing the town and giving some history on it. It made me think of another small town in Oklahoma that holds very fond memories. It is so refreshing when an author can have you relate to the story and feel as if you are home.

The townspeople are quite a bunch. I think one of  my favorite characters had to be the cranky woman in the story named Molly. She didn't care for the children that were staying at the orphanage and tried everything  she could to get rid of them. I loved her because even though she may have been mean on the outside, she so wanted to be needed by others. I think we can all relate to that feeling of wanting to be helpful and wanted. The author really does a good job of making Molly a vital part of the story.

Rena comes to town to take over running the orphanage and she has her hands full. The children are unruly and the house is in need of repairs. I loved how she went to Daisy, Oklahoma with an open heart ready to love the children. The children are full of energy and the pranks they play on Rena are comical. There are light hearted moments between Rena and the children that made the story very realistic.

Gene who is the sheriff is a great character with a heart for children. I loved his devotion to the orphanage and how he looked out for their well being. He is hoping that Rena will be able to give the children the love they long for. I found the story to be well written and loved how the emphasis was on being needed and loved. This is one story you won't be able to put down. The book is  filled with characters who want to make a difference, show love to others and a desire to feel needed. I highly recommend this book to those who like clean romances with laughter and sweet relationships.

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in  first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from  Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before. Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea. On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told. Learn more and purchase a copy. Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare's sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV-from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"- and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion,"  for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA. Find out more about Ron at http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there. I was drawn to this book because I found it fascinating to read about Jesus through the eyes of a dog. I instantly liked Barley and enjoyed his journey. The author really captured my attention from the beginning. Barley , along with his siblings and mother were having fun playing in the grass when someone decided to end their adventure. I felt myself holding my breath at the dramatic escape Barley made. The author really brings the story to realism with words that grasp your attention. Barley is sweet, loveable and curious. He wanted to be accepted and loved and I thought that was a great addition to the story. We all go through life wanting to be loved and along the way we learn what unconditional love is through the teachings of Jesus. The book is well written and easy to follow. I loved the description of the time period and felt as if I were there walking along side Barley. I especially liked the many lessons Barley learned liked forgiveness, love, family and struggles throughout his journey. Barley and people he meets along the way will encounter danger, compassion and a familiar story told in a way that leaves you weeping. I loved every moment of the story and found it hard to put down. It's a great book and relates to our own struggles with forgiveness . What would it be like to meet the Messiah?  I highly recommend this book to everyone. I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Blogger Group. The review is my honest opinion. Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/rmarasco Blog Tour Schedule: 2/2 Rebekah | Caffeinated Christian Raves - N - Reviews Leah | As We Walk Along the Road Sherry | My Journey Back Margaret | Frugal Shopping and More Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?! Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life 2/3 Vicky | deal sharing aunt 2/4 Bree | Bibliophile Reviews Joan | Book Reviews From an Avid Reader 2/5 Becky | Living Outside the Lines 2/6 Lena | A Christian Writer's World Amanda | christianshelfesteem.wordpress.com Gayle | BOOKS REVIEWS ETC Hallie | Book by Book Jeanette | Jeanette Morris, Author 2/7 Britney | Buzzing About Books Stephanie | Wife Mommy Me Terra | Heck Of A Bunch Nancy | sunny island breezes Kelly | God's Writer Girl Blog 2/8 Crystal | Our Perfectly Imperfect Life Rita | Following31 2/9 Deana | Texas Book-aholic Kim | Window To My World Amanda | Inklings and Notions Kristie | Moments Maureen | Maureen's Musings 2/10 Connie | The Dog Who Was There Julie | More Of Him Aleah | House of Helton Carole | The Power of Words Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart Lisa | Wicked Good Reads Andi | Radiant Light Ian | Reaching for Jesus Rebekah | Caffeinated Christian Raves - N - Reviews 2/11 deb | deb's book review stacie | perfect chaos 2/12 Karen | Karen's Korner Julia | Christian Bookaholic 2/13 Mark | Thoughts of a Sojourner Caroline | Under God's Mighty Hand Debi | 2014 and Beyond! 2/14 Andrea | Two Points of Interest 2/15 Doreen | Doreen-renewing-strength.blogspot.com Barbara | I'm Hooked on Books Sarah | Running Through The Storms Amanda | The Talbert Report 2/16 Brenda | WV Stitcher Stacey | WORD Up! Bethany | The Perfect beginnings Michelle | New Horizon Reviews Karen | LyonsLady Amelia | Rejoice Evermore Beth | For The Love of Books Tammy | Tammy Is Blessed christy | welcome to our world Nancy | Nancy Famolari's Author Spotlight Carrie | Reading is My Superpower Rachael | The Davis Dailies Colleen | Colleen Richman

STARS IN THE GRASS by ANN MARIE STEWART

Some books grab you right at the start and never let go even after the story is finished. This book is one of those. From the beginning it  had me crying as I read the horrific tragedy that the McAndrews family went through. I could see the family in shock and feel their despair as a life slowing passed away. Every moment seemed like it was in slow motion as the family tried to get through each day. The author has written a story that you will not forget as you ponder questions. How would you react if you saw a family member die right before your eyes? Could you work through your grief or stay bitter for years?

I loved the way the author tells the story through the eyes of a young child. It is a chilling and emotional journey as the family tries to  continue  their normal routine. The father is a preacher who must deal with his faith and continue to lead his congregation. When he shuts down what will happen to his church? Can he find his way back to God? We always hear that things happen for a reason. For this family they will each grieve in different ways and perhaps find answers that will help them heal.

I don't know how I would react to a tragedy like the one in the story, but the author does an amazing job of showing us the different ways that people handle grief. Some may turn their backs on everyone while others cry out for help. The book reached deep into the emotions of a family and delivers a powerful story of faith and hope that will leave readers emotionally drained. Will the family ever be close again? Does guilt turn into bitterness? Don't miss this story from an author that has the ability to make you feel the emotions of the characters with realism.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.