Archive for September, 2023

Reading, Read, Peaceful, Woman, Dusk, Outside, Outdoors

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

Sunday Post

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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Some chit chat.

I swear I just blinked and here it is almost October. Before you know it Christmas will be here. This whole year flew by for me. I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to stop ad smell the roses. Heck, they’re probably dead since I forgot to water them. LOL

The epidemic was traumatic and Covid hit me like a freight train. Took months to regain my strength and even longer to get my brain back in gear. I missed 2 years of doing my Chills And Thrills feature for October. But I’m back at it and have some scary good stuff to share. Get ready October. Here I come!!!!

I have some exciting reviews and giveaways to share. And some free books! Check it out below.

Looking forward to chatting with you and have a great new week!

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Book News.

What I just finished. I’ll be sharing my reviews soon.

   

What I’m reading now.

   

What I’ll be reading next.

   

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This week’s reviews.

   

Dead West by Linda L Richards  Things That Go Jack In The Night by TG Wolff  RECKONING by Baron Birtcher

   

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Here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

Too Many Crooks Spoil the Plot (A Ditie Brown Mystery Book 1)   

    Brick (The Inspector Braddick Series Book 1)

Snowed In at the Cottage: A Grumpy/Sunshine Christmas Romance (Santa's Radio Romance Book 1)  Peaks of Color: A Small Town Forced Proximity Romance (The Riggs Family Romance Series) 

   

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Other posts on my blog this week.

Something Borrowed, Something 90% Dark ~ A Bean To Bar Mystery by Amber Royer

Killer Hooks ~ A Crochet Mystery by Betty Hechtman

Murder At The Elms ~ A Gilded Newport Mystery by Alyssa Maxwell

Voices of Cancer by Lynda Wolters ~ Excerpt And Giveaway

10 Dogs by Emily Gravett ~ Review And Giveaway

Reckoning by Baron Birtcher ~ Review And Giveaway

Midnight Quakes by C. S. Patra ~ Spotlight And Giveaway

What I See Is Love by Gabriella Fiorletta ~ Review And Giveaway

Books From The Back Log #86 ~ Dachshund Through The Snow

Root Of All Evil by Liz Milliron ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Sugar And Spice And All Those Lies by Evy Journey ~ Review And Giveaway

The Spirit Chaser ~ The Final Haunt by Kat Mayor

Reading, Writing, And Murder ~ A Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery by Brenda Whiteside And Joyce Proell

Secrets And Scallywags ~ The Magical Mystery Book Club by Elizabeth Pantley

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

I’ve Watched You Die

by Karina Banks

 

Publication date: September 22nd 2023
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult

A young woman, cursed. A rebellious prince in hiding. A forbidden love that will threaten two worlds…

There are two main things I’ve learned since my life turned upside down. The first is, if you speak of someone’s death before it happens, you’ll be blamed for murder. The second? If the hottest guy you’ve ever seen kisses you, and thanks you for saving his life, don’t argue.

I watched him die, over and over. So many times. The vision is always the same and there is never one damn thing I can do to save him. I don’t know why I can’t dream about normal things, like going to school naked, or spiders. I hate spiders. No, I’m lucky enough to see strangers at the moments of their deaths.

The only thing keeping me sane is knowing the visions aren’t real.

Until the accident. The blood. He dies in my arms.

At least, I thought he did. But now he’s here, telling me I saved his life. Telling me unbelievable stories about monsters and gods and destiny. Promising to protect me.

If none of this is real, why am I afraid of the creatures hunting me? And if I saved his life, why are the nightmares back, stronger than ever? What is this thing lurking inside me, eager to strike?

I don’t know, but I’m freaking out.

I’m afraid what I think is real, isn’t. And what I know is not, just might be.

Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The creature’s eyes dart back and forth between me and Ryker, as if taking its time, contemplating who to kill first. Ryker takes advantage of its hesitation, shoving me away. “Dani, go! Run!” The command is raw and guttural, impossible to ignore.

I take off, running as fast as I can toward the school. Adrenaline rushes through my bloodstream like a bomb went off inside me. There is no thinking. I have tunnel vision. All I see is the grass in front of my feet. The door that leads to sanctuary inside the school building. All I hear is blood pounding inside my skull and the rush of air as it bursts in and out of my lungs. It’s as if I’m breathing fire.

I’m halfway there. He said he’d be right behind me. I can’t hear him. Where is he?

I risk a glance back, over my shoulder. I expected him to follow. When I look behind me, I see he’s still staring the creature down. He has a dagger in one hand and he is slowly circling the monster, waiting for it to strike.

Shit. What is he thinking? Is he trying to buy me time? I don’t need more time. I’m almost there. Worse, that thing huge, easily the size of four large men. Maybe it is, because I count eight legs sticking out of the goo.

I slow to a jog, then stop, turning completely to watch him and the creature pace one another. As Ryker did with me, with each step he’s moving just enough not to incite an immediate attack, but positioning himself for a straight shot away, toward the school’s garden.

No. Oh, God. Shit.

I know how this ends. I just saw it. There are more of them, in the garden. Waiting. An ambush. They are here to kill him. Why? Why? Why?

I sprint toward him, away from the school. Away from safety. I can’t allow him to run for the garden. More of those things are waiting. They’ll gut him. Cut him open. He’ll bleed out, blood soaking the gravel path. Just like my vision. No. No. No.

“Ryker! Run! They’re in the garden! It’s a trap! It’s a trap!”

I scream at him, my legs pumping as fast as I can make them go, faster than any track meet or workout I’ve ever run. A terrified part of me knows it’s not fast enough.

I push my muscles to their limit, trying to reach him in time. I don’t know what I can possibly do to help him against that thing, but two is better than one. It has to be. We’ll run for the woods. Anywhere but that fucking garden. Literally anywhere.

“Dani, no! Get back!”

“The garden! It’s a trap!” I sprint, my gaze dropping to the abandoned high heels shoes on the grass. The four inch points aren’t exactly one of my grandad’s shotguns, but they’re better than nothing. That thing has eyes, doesn’t it?

I’m forty meters away when the creature lunges at Ryker. He is looking at me, yelling at me to run.

My heart stops dead in my chest. I yell out a warning, but it’s too late.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Secrets and Scallywags: Magical Mystery Book Club
by Elizabeth Pantley

 


Secrets and Scallywags: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – A Small Oceanfront Community
Better Beginnings, Inc. (September 20, 2023)
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C494MPJ8

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When this club selects a book, magic happens. They become the main characters in the story when the mystery comes to life.

This month’s book selection takes them to a charming island community that’s abuzz over a mysterious boat that washed ashore. Rumor has it that it’s the same pirate boat that sunk a year ago in the bay. The one that supposedly sank with treasure aboard.

When the club meets the ghosts of the men from the boat, they learn the astonishing secrets of the treasure. These ghosts can’t move on until it is found.

Can the motley group find the treasure and free the ghosts? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home.

About Elizabeth Pantley

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents, published in over twenty languages.

She simultaneously writes well-loved cozy mysteries: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest, the gorgeous inspiration for the setting in many of her books.

Author Links: Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Instagram / BookBub

Purchase Links

Amazon Links: US  CA  UK   AU

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 20 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT  

September 20 – Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT

September 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

September 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 24 – Bigreadersite – REVIIEW

September 25 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 25 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 26 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 28 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

September 29 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 30 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

October 1 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Reading, Writing, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)
by Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell

 


Reading, Writing, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Wyatt, Arizona (fictitious setting)
Independently Published (September 19, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 273 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C4G6GZLN

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At the writers’ conference, murder tops the program.

Aspiring mystery author Emma Banefield and travel writer Nicole Earp are excited to attend a writers’ conference during their latest sisters’ getaway. Nic’s birthday should be all about relaxation, writing, and a chocolate martini to toast another trip around the sun, but the climate at the gathering rumbles like a sudden desert thunderstorm.

When sparks fly between the keynote speaker and her timid assistant over a handsome mystery author, the subtitle on this anticipated tranquil weekend spells drama. If a heated love triangle, bruised egos, and betrayal aren’t enough to upset the atmosphere, the conference banquet erupts into a drunken brawl and sends the place spinning. After a body is discovered, Nic and Em do what they do best—snoop—and become embroiled in a mystery that jumps off the pages of a true-crime bestseller.

With more than enough suspects and little time, the amateur sleuths have their hands full finding the killer. But can the competitive Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime before the prickly chief detective does, or will a murderer outwit them all?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

As Nic dropped the phone into her bag, the inn doors opened. Two women, one she recognized from the conference leaflet, entered. Literary Agent Shannon Valdez surveyed the lobby with a commanding air. The brochure didn’t show her Amazon-like stature. Tall, large boned, yet curvy, she struck a pose, one tan, spiked-heel on a step, with her free hand tucked in a pocket of her trendy, calf-length belled trousers. A creamy, white sweater beneath an unbuttoned, blue, knee-length coat completed the image. Nic didn’t recognize the shorter woman with shiny, ebony hair and alabaster skin, but the brochure stated additional agents might be added at the last minute.

They strolled toward the registration desk when Seth Dawes approached them. He must have flown from the school to the inn to beat Nic. “Shannon and Nell. Good to see you both.” He clasped Nell’s hand with both of his.

“Hi, Seth.” Shannon air kissed each cheek. “I see you’re giving a presentation on author and book promotions.”

“I am and looking forward to it. This should be an interesting conference, only you’d think they could’ve gotten a better keynote speaker.”

“Who knows if she’ll even show?” The literary agent waved a hand. Electric blue, manicured nails cut the air. “Lola’s not above screwing over anyone if a better deal comes along.”

Seth leaned in, a smirk on his lips. “I happen to know she’s in town, but you’re right. Who knows what she’ll pull. Too bad they didn’t put “watch your back” in the fine print under her bio in the conference brochure.”

The threesome shared a laugh.

“I need to check in. See you later, Seth.” Shannon led the way to the front desk.

Dawes reversed course toward the Azul Saloon.

She relaxed against the sofa. Apparently, not everyone adored Lola Dufrane. She wanted to rub her hands together. Drama and writer-fun—all in the same weekend.

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About the Authors

Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers.

Website    Facebook    Amazon Author Page   Goodreads Author Page

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

Visit Brenda’s Website   Facebook    Twitter    Blog    Amazon Author Page    Goodreads Author Page    BookBub     Instagram  

Join her Newsletter Group here.   

Purchase Links
Amazon US   Amazon UK    Amazon Canada

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 19 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 19 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

September 20 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

September 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

September 21 – Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 21 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

September 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

September 23 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 23 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

September 24 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

September 25 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

September 25 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

September 26 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 26 – Bea’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

September 27 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 27 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 29 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

September 30 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

September 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

October 1 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 2 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Final Haunt tour banner.

Welcome to my stop during the book blitz for The Final Haunt by Kat Mayor. The Final Haunt is the fourth and final book in the Spirit Chasers series.

The first book in this series, The Spirit Chaser, is available for free here.

This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 18 till 24 September. See the tour schedule here.

The Final Haunt

(The Spirit Chasers #4)

By Kat Mayor

 

Genre: Horror
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 19 September 2023

Blurb:

Third Eye Redesigned

Casey faces a long, arduous recovery. Her near-death experience has left her with the loss of her human sight. It has also left her with abilities she never had before.

SCI Realigned

The Spirit Chasers are back, investigating the most haunted locations in America. After all, these ghosts aren’t going to cross themselves over. This season they take on the legendary Hillendahl Mansion and an abandoned psychiatric hospital, as well as homes with an evil and bloody history.

Investigation Rewind

Some places are too evil—Enchanted Hill should be left alone. Lurking in the background is a demonic entity they just can’t escape. If they brave it, they’re going to need every supernatural gift at their disposal to defeat an ancient evil that threatens to destroy them all.

Links:
Goodreads
Bookbub
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
Apple
Smashwords

Start the series for free!

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The Spirit Chasers book cover
“Some places are too evil. Some places should be left alone.”

The Spirit Chaser is available for free here:
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
Apple
Smashwords

About Author Kat Mayor:

I am a native Texan and have lived in the Houston area for most of my life. I am a wife and mom who loves to read. When I’m not kicking an idea around in my head for a story, I read and review books on Goodreads. Occasionally, I sleep. Author of The Spirit Chaser Series and Murder of a Mommyvlogger. Author of the Circles series under the name KM Montemayor.

Author links:
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

Book Details:
Book Title:  The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel (Between Two Worlds, Book 6) by Evy Journey
Category:  Adult Fiction 18+, 340 pages
Genre: Women’s Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Evy Journey
Release date:  April 2, 2023
Content Rating:  PG: Some kissing, no bad language, no sex scenes

 

Book Description:

Clarissa, an Asian/Caucasian young woman has lived in seven different countries and has no lasting connection to any place. She thinks it’s time to settle somewhere she could eventually call home. But where?

She decides to live in the city of her birth. There, she joins a quest for the provenance of stolen illuminated manuscripts—a medieval art form that languished with the fifteenth-century invention of the printing press—hoping it would give her the sense of belonging she craves. But will it be enough?

For her, these ancient manuscripts elicit cherished memories of children’s picture books her mother read to her, nourishing a passion for art.

The trail of the manuscripts leads to an American soldier who served in World War II. Clarissa is anxious to know what motivated him to steal and keep the artwork for fifty years. But instead of easy answers, she finds bigger questions.

Immersed in art, but naïve about life, she’s disheartened and disillusioned by the machinations the quest reveals of an esoteric, sometimes unscrupulous art world. What compels individuals to steal artworks, and conquerors to plunder them from the vanquished? Why do collectors buy artworks for hundreds of millions of dollars? Who decides the value of an art piece and how?

The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel is inspired by the actual theft of medieval manuscript illuminations during the second world war.

 
Buy the Book:
Amazon B&N 
Bookbub
​add to goodreads
 
Root of all Evil
by Liz Milliron
September 18 – 29, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:

Rumors of a meth operation in rustic Fayette County catch the attention of Pennsylvania State Trooper Jim Duncan. When he learns that Aaron Trafford, a man who recently dodged a drug conviction, has returned to the county, the conclusion seems obvious. Trafford has set up a new operation. Meanwhile, assistant public defender Sally Castle’s colleague, Colin Rafferty, has become uncharacteristically nervous and secretive. Her suspicion that he’s hiding something serious is confirmed when she learns of a threatening visitor and discovers a note on his desk stating, “You’d better fix this” Colin’s subsequent murder is the first frayed thread in a complex web of deceit. Jim fears Sally’s stubborn determination to get justice for her friend will put her in a killer’s crosshairs, but Sally won’t rest until she finds answers–even if it costs her everything.

Get wrapped up in the thrilling world of Liz Milliron’s Laurel Highlands Mystery series! From the captivating Root of all Evil to the latest release, Thicker Than Water, this gripping series is a must-read for any mystery lover. Don’t wait, grab your copy today!
Praise for Root of all Evil:

“With a compelling plot, engaging concept and characters worth cheering for, Root of all Evil will keep you rooted to your seat.” ~ Kathy Valenti, Agatha-nominated author of the Magging O’Malley mysteries “Big city crime encroaches on the lush backdrop of Pennsylvania’s rustic Laurel Highlands in this tense and gritty debut. Liz Milliron has crafted a tightly written, heart-pounding tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat from page one until its explosive conclusion.” ~ Annette Dashofy, USA Today bestselling author of the Zoe Chambers Mystery Series “Lawyers, guns and money; Root of all Evil is a true page-turner.” ~ Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of the Detective Byron MysteriesRoot of all Evil is a gripping read! Sally Castle and Jim Duncan are complex characters with genuine depth, and the pacing is impeccable. Tensions on multiple levels will keep you turning the pages of this riveting police procedural.” ~ Cynthia Kuhn, author of the Agatha-winning Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries “Fast-paced, authentic and compelling – this tightly written procedural is action-packed and full of heart. Milliron definitely knows her stuff – what a wonderful new voice in crime fiction!” ~ Hank Phillipi Ryan, nationally best-selling author of Trust Me

 

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery – Police Procedural

Published by: Level Best Books Publication Date: August 14, 2018 Number of Pages: 301 ISBN: 9781947915053 (ISBN10: 1947915053) Series: Laurel Highlands Mystery (#1)

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Level Best Books

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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Sally Castle studied the menu for a moment, then put it down. “I’ll try the Fero lemberger and a tower of onion rings, please.” She looked across the table at Colin Rafferty, her colleague from the public defender’s office. The usual crowd at Lucky 7, men and women in varying levels of business and business-casual clothing, milled around their table. “Split them with me?” “Sure. A bottle of Miller Lite for me.” He slid the beer list back in the holder. “Miller Lite?” Sally asked as the waitress jotted down their order and walked off. “How long have you worked in Fayette County again?” Colin shrugged. “Almost two years and I know. You have some great local brews. I’m not a beer connoisseur.” He fiddled with the position of the salt and pepper shakers. Had it been that long? “Anything new this week?” she asked, leaning on the table, the dark brown wood reflecting the muted overhead lighting. He pushed away the cut-glass shakers. “Got assigned a new case today. De’Shawn Thomas, misdemeanor possession. This will be the third time I’ve been in court with him for the same damn charge. What the hell is the point?” He averted his gaze, studying Uniontown’s well-dressed business-class, all relaxing at the end of a hard week. Sally remembered the young hotshot who’d arrived believing public defense was rock bottom. Their regular end-of-week outings were part of trying to change that. Sometimes she thought she was getting somewhere. Other times, like now, maybe not. “Colin, I know it’s frustrating. But say you were in a high-priced private practice. Is defending someone’s trust-fund kid from his third DUI in six months any different?” “No.” The waitress reappeared with the beer and a glass of red wine. Colin took his bottle. “Red wine with onion rings?” Sally sipped the wine, which had a unique aftertaste: a hint of oak and a slight peppery kick. The menu said it was good with grilled meats and she could taste why. “Sure.” It would go great with the classic bar finger-food. They killed five minutes with small talk about their work until the waitress returned with the appetizer. Sally leaned forward to inhale the delicious sweet smell from the tower of fried snacks, then picked one off the top. “Got any big weekend plans?” she asked before biting into it. Sweet, salty, slightly greasy, and a burst of flavor from the herb seasoning in the crust. Yes, perfect with her wine. He tore apart an onion ring and popped half in his mouth. “There’s a film noir festival tomorrow. The Killers. D.O.A. Might go to that.” “Film noir. One of my faves.” “Well, you’re welcome to join me.” He finished off the other half of the onion ring, wiped his fingers, and took another swallow of beer. “Then it’s my mother’s sixty-fifth birthday on Sunday. After the year she’s had, we’re doing it up big.” “How is your mom?” “Good. Three months out, the doc is still happy with her numbers. The big thrill for her? Her hair is back.” Sally pointed at him. “Hair is important. Unlike men, women rarely look good bald. It’s terribly unfair.” “I’ll take your word for it. Anyway, the party should end soon enough to get home to watch the Steelers game.” She rolled her eyes and took a second onion ring. “You and your football.” “Hey, I may not care much about the beer, but I do love the sports.” The door opened, letting in a breeze that sent the pile of napkins on their table to the floor. Sally leaned over to pick them up. Above her, she heard Colin mutter and it sounded a lot like profanity. She sat up with the napkins and brushed hair from her forehead. Colin’s lighthearted expression had evaporated. He rearranged the standup cards listing available desserts and beers, trying to obscure his face. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” “Bullshit.” He ducked his head, his chest almost flat to the table. “A guy I don’t want to see just walked in.” Sally craned her neck as she looked toward the door, but even the height of the bar-style chair didn’t allow her to see well over the crowd. She lifted herself up. “Get down!” Colin hissed, pulling at her sleeve. “What the hell?” She dropped back into her chair, still not seeing anyone who would upset her colleague this much. “Who is it?” His gaze darted around the room. He took a hurried gulp of beer and stood. “Never mind. I have to go to the men’s room. Be right back.” He headed toward the restrooms, snaking his way through the crowd, bending frequently to make sure he was behind other people, and keeping out of sight of the door. Once again, Sally tried to see through the crowd, but no one caught her eye. Who had walked in who would upset Colin so much? Jim Duncan took his bottle of Black Magick imperial stout and thanked the bartender. Why had he agreed to meet Zelinsky here? The bar, popular with the downtown Uniontown business scene, was way too crowded. He should have insisted on a quieter place to catch up with his fellow Pennsylvania State Trooper. Someplace where he could sit, get a bite to eat, and get Zelinsky’s impression of his new trainee. As Duncan scanned the crowd for Zelinsky, his gaze lit on another person. Sally Castle, sitting all by herself. Maybe this was a good place after all. Zelinsky could wait a few minutes. Duncan took a circuitous route to Sally’s table and came up beside her. “Only you would pair red wine and onion rings.” She started, but relaxed when she recognized him. “Red wine goes with anything, I’ve told you this before.” She lifted her glass and winked. A good sign. “You here by yourself?” “No.” She pointed at the empty chair and a Miller Lite bottle. “After work drinks with a friend.” “Your friend likes Miller Lite?” Clearly a friend without good taste. She suppressed a laugh. “Colin isn’t a beer snob, Jim. Not everyone has your discerning palate.” “Colin.” Sally was here with another guy. A bad sign. “Colin Rafferty. We work together.” She grinned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.” A man in a dark blue suit edged behind Jim. “Sally, we’ve been friends how long?” “A year or so.” “You have other friends. Some of them are men. I wasn’t jealous of what’s-his-name, the baseball trainer.” She brushed hair from her face. “Anyway, why are you here? This isn’t your scene, all the suits.” “I’m on training duty for a new trooper. It’s her second month. I want to talk to the previous FTO, get her impressions.” Sally took a bite of onion ring. “Is there a problem?” “No. I don’t like to let what happened before color my opinion, but I feel like I’m having a hard time connecting with Aislyn McAllister. That’s the trainee’s name. Thus far, she’s not very talkative. Hasn’t shared anything besides the fact she’s from Natrona Heights in the two shifts we’ve worked so far. I hope it’s not me.” “I’m quite sure it’s not you. You’re one of the nice guys.” He lifted his beer in thanks. “It’s a point of pride. I can count on one hand the number of folks I’ve had to fail out of training.” The Black Magick was excellent, bourbon flavor with chocolate notes. “By the way, I’m working first shift tomorrow. Supposed to be a great day if you’d like to go out on the reservoir with Rizzo and me.” Rizzo, his golden retriever, loved Sally. The weather forecast was calling for a perfect fall day: blue skies, mild temperatures, fluffy clouds. The water would be filled with boaters trying to cram in as much outdoor time as possible before the winter snows froze everything solid. “I might be meeting Colin for a film noir festival.” She took in his expression and a smile spread across her face. “Ah ha! You are jealous.” Duncan had a horrible track record with women. Just ask his ex. However, after a year of friendship, maybe this was Sally’s way of telling him she was sick of waiting for him to make a move. “Do you want me to be?” He studied her face. Sally flushed and turned her attention back to her food. Okay, maybe not. He paused. “You come here a lot?” With the friend who drinks Miller Lite? “Every Friday. I’ve been mentoring Colin this last year and it’s part of our ritual.” She tore a piece of onion ring off the stand on the table. “Speaking of Colin, where the hell is he?” Ah, she was mentoring. He should have known Sally wouldn’t date a man who made such horrible choices in beer. Duncan looked around, even though he had zero idea what this guy looked like. Everybody was paired up, chatting, and snacking after a hard week’s work. “He said he was going to the men’s room. I didn’t think guys took that long.” “Not usually.” Duncan set his beer on the table. He stood and stretched to his full six-foot-three so he could see over the crowd. “Caucasian, early thirties, white shirt, dark suit, gold tie?” “That’s Colin. You see him?” “Yeah, he’s by the restrooms. Looks like he’s arguing with someone.” Duncan dropped back down, the crowd of people blocking his view. Sally’s eyebrows puckered. “Who’s he arguing with? Can you tell?” Duncan took a pull from his beer. “A guy in a suit. He had his back to me. Hold on.” He stretched up again, pushing up on the table to try for a bit more height, and looked in the direction of the restroom. Rafferty was nowhere in sight. *** Excerpt from Root of all Evil by Liz Milliron. Copyright 2018 by Liz Milliron. Reproduced with permission from Liz Milliron. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Liz Milliron:

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Liz Milliron

A recovering technical writer, Liz Milliron is the author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries, set in the scenic Laurel Highlands and The Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo NY during the early years of World War II. She is a member of Pennwriters, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers and The Historical Novel Society. She is the current vice-president of the Pittsburgh chapter of Sisters in Crime and is on the National Board as the Education Liaison. Liz splits her time between Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands, where she lives with her husband and a very spoiled retired-racer greyhound.

Catch Up With Our Author: LizMilliron.com Goodreads BookBub – @mary1414 Instagram – @LizMilliron Twitter/X – @LizMilliron Facebook – @LizMilliron

 

 

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If you’re like me, you have a pile of books beckoning to you from your lists. Carole hosts this fun feature where you can share some of those older books and perhaps nudge you to finally read them. If you want to join in on the fun, head over to Carole’s Random Life In Books and leave a link to your post.
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Dachshund Through The Snow

by David Rosenfelt

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Genre: Mystery

Synopsis

This Christmas, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, can’t say no to helping young Danny and his dachshund, Murphy.

Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, have started a new Christmas tradition. Their local pet store has a Christmas tree, where instead of ornaments there are wishes from those in need. One poignant wish leads Andy to a child named Danny, whose selfless plea strikes a chord. Danny asked Santa for a coat for his mother, a sweater for his dachshund, Murphy, and for the safe return of his missing father.

It turns out Danny’s father doesn’t want to be found, he’s on the run after just being arrested for a murder that took place fourteen years ago – a murder that Danny’s mother swears he didn’t commit.

With his trademark humor and larger-than-life characters – including a police officer and his K-9 partner, Simon – Rosenfelt never fails to deliver as Andy and his eccentric crew dash to reunite a family in time for Christmas.

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I added this back in September 2019.

I’ve enjoyed a bunch of books in this series and need to get caught up.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  What I See is Love by Gabriella Fiorletta
Category:  Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:  August 8, 2023
Content Rating:  G.  This children’s book is for everyone.

Book Description:

In the daily rush to get to school and work, check the alerts on our phones, worry about scary monsters (AAAHHHH!), and keep up with our favorite shows, it can be easy to lose sight of the most important thing in life―love.

But from kindly crossing guards to thoughtful neighbors to our closest friends and family, love is everywhere. It’s in the smell of Mom’s freshly baked croissants. It’s in the wag of a dog’s tail. It’s in a teacher’s warm greeting at the schoolhouse. And it’s in a goodbye kiss from Dad as he makes his way to work.

​When the world sometimes feels uncertain and the sky feels gray, just look around and notice how love can melt your worries away.

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MY REVIEW

The title, What I See Is Love, is exactly what you’ll see in this precious children’s book.  A young girl starts each day with a delicious breakfast and a good morning kiss before being sent off to school. Her day is filled with acts of kindness and love from people she encounters up to and including bedtime. The illustrations are colorful and fun and show the many ways the little things can mean so much.

I came away from this feeling so good. So hopeful. And it made me think I should stop and smell the roses more often. Notice those small, everyday things that meant much more than I realized.

A treasure for kids and adults, this would be a perfect family read to enjoy over and over again.

5 STARS

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Meet Author Gabriella Fiorletta:

Gabriella Fiorletta studied English literature at the University of South Florida. She is a former teacher, guidance counselor, and stay-at-home mom. When she is not reading a book to her three young children, you can find her enjoying the beaches of sunny Florida, cooking her favorite Italian meals, or planning her family’s next RV adventure. Writing a children’s book has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl. One night when she was tucking her daughter Charlotte into bed, she pointed to her mom’s heirloom necklace and said, “Mom, when I look at you, I see love.” With that, the foundation of Gabriella’s first children’s book was laid.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram goodreads

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What I See is Love Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Ria’s world is shaken one night when midnight strikes.
Is she the only one who can stop the destruction?
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Midnight Quakes

by C.S. Patra

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

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For 12-year-old Ria Sharma, mixing in with crowds and other people hasn’t been easy. A budding geologist, she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, be it for experiments or her latest science fair project. Unfortunately, no one else feels the same and her relationships, especially with her mother, are strained. Not wanting Ria to end up like her estranged sister Debolina, who left home to pursue her art dreams, her parents do their best to keep her from anything dangerous, science or not. So Ria woefully has to work in secret, hoping one day to change their minds.

Everything shifts when strange earthquakes erupt around midnight, despite not living near fault lines. Only Ria feels them and knows something’s wrong under the surface. After digging around, she discovers mysterious clay pieces with a drawing of the world falling apart. She also notices that many people and places disappear after each quake. Soon, she discovers the pieces, disappearances, and her own family are all connected to this phenomenon. Using her science knowledge plus Debolina’s help, Ria races to put the pieces together before the quakes cause the Earth to disappear into thin air.

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**New Release!**

Amazon * Goodreads

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CS Patra is the Amazon bestselling author of several book series. They include but are not limited to The Reaper’s Apprentices, Operation: Genome, Cirque Macabre, Portman’s Creamery mysteries, The Patterns & Parallels Saga, Ghosts of Burning Inn, and Flavors of Love. She loves to dabble in different genres and loves to cross over. Her personal favorite thing is write about female characters in different situations. She is also fond of writing many LGBT stories and stories focused on PoCs.

Although she does work during the day, most of her nights are taking up by writing. A native of North Carolina, she currently lives in Nebraska with her husband. She loves ladybugs, yellow roses, movies, book signings, mysteries, watching old Youtube videos, ghost stories, gossip, music, people making her fanart, museums, ice cream, and being a wisecrack though not all in that order. Writing and peacocks hit the top of her list though.

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

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For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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