SANTA CLAUS SURPRISE BY TONYA KAPPES 

Celebrate Good Crimes

In the heart of Holiday Junction, where festive cheer and snowflakes blanket the streets, journalist Violet Rhinehammer prepares for the most anticipated event of the year: the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball. However, the holiday mood is deeply marred when a chilling mystery comes to light. The gruesome discovery of a man, brutally murdered behind the living manger scene in Holiday Park, casts a dark shadow over the town's festivities.

As Violet delves deeper into the case, her journalist instincts kick into overdrive, unearthing a list of suspects that could fill Santa’s naughty list twice over. With the missing Winter Crest coin entwined in the heart of this mystery and potential suspects lurking around every festive corner, Violet realizes she's racing against the clock.

Can Violet solve the murder and recover the coin in time to save the Ball and preserve the holiday spirit? Or will this Santa Clause Surprise be the one that leaves the town with more chills than cheer?

MY REVIEW

I am enjoying this series so much. Each holiday is an adventure with festivities and sadly a crime. Violet is once again in full holiday cheer until a body is found in an unlikely place. This is not going to be a happy time for someone. The author does such a great job of combining laughter, quirky characters and a mystery. Each time Violet seems to get close to solving the mystery a twist comes up to emerge us deeper into who did it. 

I love the secret of who the Merry Maker  is and how the town has not figured out who it is yet. The discovery of a body at the manger sends shivers down my spine. What a horrible place to discover a sad untimely murder. Who is behind the crime and why did they do it? Get ready for a story that will have you trying to solve the crime while celebrating the holiday season with Holiday Junction. 

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

About the Book

Book: Living Secrets: A Thriller

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Thriller

Release Date: September 29, 2023

Can the secret love child of a U.S. Senator deliver the cure for a bioterror threat before time runs out?

Lily Tso is bored and unfulfilled. Orphaned at birth, the twenty-two-year-old Hotel Guest Service Officer is overwhelmed to discover her parents are alive. But the young woman fears she’s woefully unprepared for a treacherous operation to save America and to meet her parents.

Teaming up with an FBI Special Agent and a young tycoon, Lily sets out on a dangerous mission to prevent a heinous biological attack. But as unknown forces bent on thwarting her attempt, she fears time is running out for both her and the country she calls her new home.

Will Lily be able to survive the attacks and save America from certain doom?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner is a Christian suspense thriller author and creator of the Mirror Estate series. She graduated from the University of Hawaii and the University of Cincinnati. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her cats, staying active, and binge-watching crime TV shows. She lives in Ohio with her family.

More from S.F.

The Journey to “Living Secrets”: A Tale of Hurdles, Hiatus, and Hope

Hello everyone,

I’m incredibly excited to share with you all the backstory of how “Living Secrets,” the first book in the Mirror Estate series, came to be. If you’re a fan of the series (or soon to be), you might know that we’ve got a prequel, “Buried Secrets,” already out in the wild. While it provides some extra flavor and context to the series, “Living Secrets” can totally be enjoyed as a standalone.

The Seeds of a Story

The seedling of the Mirror Estate series started forming in my brain quite some time ago. In fact, I penned an earlier version of the prequel back in 2019, under the title “The Secrets.” No sooner had I hit ‘save’ on that manuscript than I dove head-first into plotting out “Living Secrets.” The story was pulsing through my veins, and I couldn’t wait to get it down on paper.

The 2020 Slump

Then 2020 happened. Ah, yes, the year that shall not be named. Amidst the chaos, my writing spirit decided to take an unscheduled sabbatical. My keyboard gathered dust and the characters in my head seemed to go into hibernation. It was a tough period, creatively speaking, and I know I wasn’t alone in feeling that way.

Rising from the Ashes

Finally, something clicked earlier this year. It was as though my internal storytelling engine roared back to life. I decided it was time to re-enter the world of Mirror Estate. I dusted off the old prequel, gave it a facelift, and republished it as “Buried Secrets,” a more fleshed-out and refined version of the original. But I didn’t stop there; I tackled “Living Secrets” with renewed vigor. After long writing sessions, late-night plot debates with myself, and endless cups of coffee, it’s done. And I couldn’t be prouder to announce that “Living Secrets” is scheduled for release on September 29!

So, whether you’ve been with me since the early days or you’re just discovering the series now, I’m thrilled to have you on this journey. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, plot twists, and unforgettable characters.

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait for you to dive into “Living Secrets” come September 29.

Until next time, happy reading!

MY REVIEW

The story is a thriller with secrets, spies and  unexpected twists. We travel in a world where two main characters need to keep their eyes open at all times as danger surrounds them. I like how Lily discovered that her parents were alive and how shocked she felt. She soon gets tangled up in a mess  that threatens the lives of many . Can you imagine suddenly finding yourself involved in trying  to prevent a biological weapon being  released?  

This is definitely a political thriller with suspects and explosive twists that  keep readers on the edge of their seats. There were a few times that I did feel a little lost in the story with so much going  back  and forth between characters. The story is good if you can keep up with all the characters and the many twists that are thrown at readers. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 17 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, December 17

Betti Mace, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 21

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Lily’ Corner, December 23

Guild Master, December 24 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 25

Beauty in the Binding, December 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook 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/293d4/living-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Gilded Curse

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Suspense

Release Date: July 31, 2023

In early 1942, a mysterious telegram draws Lexie Smithfield back to the island her mother thought was cursed. Now the only heir to the dwindling family fortune, Lexie plans to sell the family’s vacation “cottage” in the Millionaire’s Village on Jekyll Island. But someone else is interested in the cottage and is getting more desperate to find what they’re looking for, even to the point of murder.

Lexie’s childhood friend, Russell Thompson, is now the Jekyll Island Club’s superintendent and the keeper of members’ secrets, especially one that would shatter Lexie. When he learns Lexie is in danger, he stays close to protect her, but soon discovers an attraction to Lexie he didn’t expect.

Could the danger be from someone they know or is it possible that the threat of Nazi invasion on their coast is a reality? Or is the island really cursed?

Russell and Lexie must work together to discover the real danger and keep from getting hurt or killed in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts, Walking in Grace, and contributes to other Guideposts publications. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys reading, walking, boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, and playing with her golden retriever. She also sings in the choir at her church and leads a women’s Bible study group. Marilyn and her husband have a combined family of four sons, one daughter, and four grandsons. She’s still hoping for a granddaughter someday.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Word Weavers International, and the United States Lighthouse Society.

Marilyn is also the director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference.

More from Marilyn

When my agent told me a certain publisher was looking for Southern Gothic novels,

I wondered what those were.  What I found out was that they were gothic-style novels set in the South, usually an old antebellum mansion, for example, “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte.” Think “Jane Eyre” or “Wuthering Heights” set in the southern United States. I had just visited Jekyll Island, Georgia and toured the Millionaires’ Village there, so those mansions came to mind.  These homes, which were actually vacation “cottages” of the rich and famous, were built in the Gilded Age of the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is said that the 100 members of the club represented most of the wealth in America at that time. However, the members aged and passed away, leaving their wealth or debt to their descendants, the Great Depression caused many to lose their fortunes, then two world wars wreaked havoc on the country, so most of those homes were abandoned. Thanks to ongoing renovation efforts by the state of Georgia, many have been rebuilt. My main character in The Gilded Curse, Alexandra Smithfield (Lexie), inherits one of those abandoned mansions right at the start of World War II. The family fortune gone, she intends to renovate and sell the mansion she hasn’t seen since childhood since her mother believed the island cursed, due to some tragedies that happened to their family while there. So Lexie is “cursed” in two ways – by inheriting something she can no longer afford to keep and by the imagined curse her mother believes. When suspicious events happen around her cottage, she wonders if her mother was right.

Today, you can take tours of the Millionaires’ Village and see the former “cottages” of Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, etc. You can also stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, renovated and now part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Some of the characters in my book were real people who lived in 1942, particularly the Maurice sisters, two single sisters who loved the island and never wanted to leave it, even when the President of the United States wanted the island vacated during the war. One interesting thing about the Maurice house: efforts to renovate it have met one obstacle after another, leading some people to believe the sisters’ spirits are still there and very particular about what they want done to their house.

MY REVIEW 

I enjoyed the setting and the historical details that sets this book up as very well written. Pearl Harbor will always be remembered and the author takes us back to that place where lives changed forever. Lexie is grieving the loss of her brother and more recently her mother. Going back to the cottage owned by her family she is greeted by mystery, secrets and an old friend. I like how the story drives readers to keep reading as we see twists that  suddenly appear to keep us  on our toes. 

Lexie has no intention of staying long until Russell convinces her that he will help find  out who sent her the telegram that  brought her to this place. With a bit of romance and faith this story was fun to read. I enjoyed watching Lexie and Russell rekindle their friendship and was excited to see where it would go. The strange goings on at the cottage was intriguing and kept  me guessing . 

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11

Pause for Tales, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Mary Hake, December 13

Betti Mace, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Min Reads and Reviews, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 18

Holly’s Book Corner, December 18

Blogging With Carol, December 19

Cover Lover Book Review, December 20

For Him and My Family, December 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 22 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the prairie, December 22

Connie’s History Classroom, December 23

Lily’s Corner, December 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/293d1/the-gilded-curse-celebration-tour-giveaway

 THE WARSAW SISTERS BY AMANDA BARRATT

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

MY REVIEW 

This is a deeply emotional story that captures World War II in Poland. The author describes what the war looked like and how it can destroy relationships. Sending their father off to war burdens Antonina and Helena and brings a heavy  heart to them. I could picture the scene as if I was standing beside them. You can almost feel their heart racing as their goodbyes drew near. What was once a nice and calm life was about to change forever. 

The sisters are only eighteen yet they now must face being on their own. I held my breath as they sat in the cellar while planes  flew over and bombs started going off around them . Can you imagine being young and facing a war tucked away in a cellar? Who can they depend on now that  their father is gone off to war? The emotions run high in the story and at times I wanted the darkness to stop. But in reality this is what war is like and the author takes us front and center with our two main characters. 

The story made me think of how much we have and how thankful we need to be. The streets filled with destruction, injured  people littered the hospital and supplies were scarce. I was mesmerized by the story and how difficult it had to be. Survival was upmost in the sisters minds and everyday was a different challenge. I loved how the author gives us historic facts that enhance the story. This is a must read for everyone to see what a war can do to people and what they were willing to do to put theirselves in danger to save others. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Program. The review is my own opinion.

 TO SPARK A MATCH BY JEN TURANO 

After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his investigation. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable. When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

MY REVIEW 

Once again I was delighted with the author’s ability to write a story that delivers funny moments and a bit of  faith. It is easy to laugh along with Adelaide as she ponders her place  in society. She is just fine reading books and lavishing on her adorable cats. Her embarrassing moment at the beginning of the book sets the stage for an adventure I won’t soon forget. Why does someone dear to her think she needs to wear a wig to get gentlemen’s attention? Well she will have nothing to do with that silly notion. Reading books is where she was most comfortable doing. Trying to get a husband is not something she is focused on. 

Gideon sure knows how to surprise someone. Adelaide is trying to find a place to hide from the dinner  party and decides the library is the perfect place. Who does she run into? Well it is Gideon hiding behind the curtains. Now why is he hiding and what is he up to? He is not really ready  to explain himself as he tries different methods of distractions to get Adelaide  out of the library, but I think she sees right through his ploy. What is discovered behind the couch that has both of them nervous?

The two team up which puts Adelaide in a position where society  turns against her and  banishes her. Gideon feels responsible and wants to help her return to society as a woman men would fight over to get her attention. I did laugh as Adelaide wants to help Gideon in his secret mission. She even tell him that she “will pinky swear” not to tell anyone what is going on. The mystery is fun to follow and there are several other characters who add to the story. 

With a makeover, mystery, secrets, guns and a spark  of romance this is a delightful story from an author who always delivers an entertaining adventure. I loved feeling as if I was part of the story and loved the ending. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this  new book by an author gifted in storytelling. 

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

About the Book

Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release Date: October, 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the unwavering presence of God in their lives.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader where he led a large congregation in praise and worship songs, including two of his original songs: “ Walking in the Light” and “ Providence.” 

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Dan

“The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle” is an inspiring story about the joy and blessings of faith.

I originally wrote this heartfelt story as a Christmas gift for my family, and it has since become a cherished tradition for us to read together on Christmas Eve. Encouraged by friends and relatives, I was inspired to share this story with a wider audience.

The book features numerous beautiful color illustrations by the talented artist Emily Pritchett.

At its core, this multi-award-winning tale focuses on finding courage during life’s most challenging moments and drawing strength from the Lord, knowing that He is always by your side.

Its captivating spiritual adventure unfolds as a small group of children finds themselves lost in a powerful storm on Christmas Eve, making it an engaging read for children.

This story glorifies the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.

It illustrates the power of just one tiny seed of faith, showing that with God’s blessings, it can grow in the hearts and change the lives of all who believe.

My earnest hope is that “The Seed of Faith” will continue to take root and flourish in the hearts of readers around the world.

Planting a Seed of Faith in the hearts of our children—what greater gift could we possibly give?

MY REVIEW 

This is a great book to read at Christmas time with your family. I loved how the story centers around faith and working together. It reminds of the scripture in the Bible of “ having faith like a mustard seed.” Boys from both sides of the mountain work together to bring a special gift to the town. When they get lost in a snow storm, someone very special rescues them. The miracle they witness all those years ago, is still shared today. What a wonderful way to show children about being brave and trusting God. I enjoyed the illustrations and thought it enhanced the story. 

I liked how the leader of the group was the mayor’s son who wanted to do the right thing. He didn’t agree with his father on a law he passed and decided to do what his heart was telling him was right. It is a good example of how brave these boys were and shares 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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7

Q    Vicky Sluiter, December 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Bizwings Book Blog, December 13

Cover Lover Book Review, December 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

For Him and My Family, December 16

Splashes of Joy, December 17

Mary Hake, December 17

Labor Not in Vain, December 18

To Everything There Is A Season, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Certificate, as signed hardcover copy of the book, and a Christmas Tree Grow Kit!!*

(* Grow your own Christmas Tree from seed!
Includes: Seeds, Growing medium, a mini-greenhouse, and detailed instructions)

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/29248/the-seed-of-faith-a-christmas-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway