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A Chronicle of a Remarkable Retriever

 

Memoir/Love, Black Lab, Dog

 

Date Published: 02-14-2023

 

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The decision to get a dog becomes a journey from high expectations
through the reality of care giving and the fun of companionship to enduring
love and finally loss. Dog lovers will see themselves and remember their
beloved canine friends. They will wish they had known Tasha as they read about
this quirky dog and her love of family and fun. Readers can applaud the
transforming power of love.
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Enjoy this peek inside:
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Typically, I put mulch down in the spring, but I also use mulch to prepare for winter. However, not all mulch is equal when it comes to dogs.
I am the queen of mulch. I used it abundantly to discourage weeds and hold moisture in the soil, and to protect roots during winter. I had a preference for cocoa bean mulch, which had a delectable aroma. A neighbor at our previous home came out one day while I was spreading it and said, “Oh, I thought you were baking brownies.” That’s how good it smells!
I had been thoughtless. The cocoa bean is just as toxic for dogs as chocolate. Mulch covered the flower beds in the backyard where Tasha played. “Tasha,” I lectured, “you are not to touch this mulch under any circumstance. Never, never, never touch the mulch.”
 You’re overreacting, Mom.
 I’m not sure how she interpreted “mulch,” but not only did she never touch the mulch, she never put a paw in any flower bed or touch even a petunia or marigold. She kept me company when I worked in the yard, and much later, I found it difficult to garden without my furry assistant.

 

About Author Jo McCouley Prouty:
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Jo McCauley Prouty spent her formative years in West Virginia and
Virginia, where she attended the College of William and Mary. She is a former
educator and now applies her nurturing skills to flower gardening and
entertaining her grandchildren. She resides in Minnesota with her orange
tabby, Cooper. Her work has appeared in “The Journal of The Braxton Historical
Society” and the “Journal of Opinions, Ideas and Essays.”

 

Contact Links

 

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

 

Purchase Links

 


https://mybook.to/TheLoveofaDog

Amazon

Author Site

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Children’s Book

Date Published: November 27, 2025

 

 

 A Magic and Adventure Bedtime Illustrated Chapter Story Book for Kids Ages
3–9
Join Magic Macy on Her Next Unforgettable
Adventure!
After her brave journey with the Woodland People
and the Ogre, Macy is back for another magical mission—this time, one
that takes her deep beneath the earth and all the way to Africa!
When
a mysterious rat-a-tat-tat on her window wakes her one night, Macy meets
Harrison, a tiny mole-like protector from an underground world in trouble.
Armed with her silver Magic Trainers with rainbow laces, Macy races across
continents—past Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the pyramids of
Egypt—to Zimbabwe, where an enormous Giant is forcing Harrison’s
people to mine for coins.
With courage, quick thinking, and
the flash of a camera, Macy must uncover the Giant’s secret and bring
peace to two very different worlds. Along the way, she learns that even the
biggest problems can have the smallest, kindest solutions.
A
Story of Friendship, Understanding & Bravery
Through this
exciting adventure, Magic Macy and the Giant teaches children the value of
compassion, problem-solving, and seeing beyond appearances. Macy’s
kindness helps her discover that even a scary Giant may simply need… a
friend.
Magical Learning Moments
Like every
story in the Magic Macy series, this book blends fantasy and education in a
fun, imaginative way:
✔ Geography & Discovery –
Journey across the globe through countries, capitals, and landmarks

Empathy & Kindness – Understanding others and helping those in
need
✔ Bravery & Teamwork – Facing fears and working together
to solve problems
✔ Imagination & Creativity – Exploring
magical worlds beyond the ordinary
Perfect for Bedtime or
Early Readers
Featuring beautiful hand-drawn illustrations,
this charming chapter story is ideal for bedtime reading or early independent
readers aged 3–9. Younger children will be captivated by the vibrant
imagery; older ones will enjoy reading about Macy’s courage and
cleverness.
Each Magic Macy adventure comes with bonus
printable activity worksheets, designed to spark meaningful discussions about
the story’s lessons in kindness, geography, and empathy.
Why
You’ll Love Magic Macy and the Giant

A magical, heartwarming story that celebrates courage and
compassion
•        Encourages global curiosity
and emotional growth
•        Perfect for
bedtime stories or classroom reading

Inspires children to believe in themselves and the power of doing good
An
ordinary girl. Magical trainers. A heart full of courage.
Follow
Macy as she zooms across the world once again to remind us all that kindness
can conquer even the biggest of giants.
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About Author Mark Robertson

 

Mark Robertson is a family man who loves
his sport, travelling and exploring the world and has a keen interest in
history and creative writing. Mark has a strong imagination and is a great
story teller. He has a penchant for imagining characters and their adventures,
which he shared as a bedtime treat for his little ones. The Magic Macy series
was first imagined at these bedtimes with his children. Magic Macy was one
such character and he imagined Macy helping people and creatures who were in
difficulty and she would venture around the world making good. The stories
come to life with carefully crafted illustrations to inspire the imaginations
of children and adults alike. We hope you will enjoy Magic Macy as much as
Mark’s children do at bedtimes.

 

Contact Links

 

Purchase Link

 

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Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Happy Birthday to US!

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Happy Birthday to US

by Sherry Ellis

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

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Happy Birthday to US! A Fourth of July
Celebration for kids!

It’s the Fourth of July – and someone’s birthday!

At first, a young child believes the parade, fireworks, and
fanfare are all in honor of his special day. But as the story unfolds, he
discovers the celebration is for something even bigger- America’s birthday!

Told in joyful rhyme and bursting with colorful
illustrations, Happy Birthday to US blends a child’s
excitement for their own big day with the pride and spirit of Independence Day.
Young readers will learn about the meaning behind July 4th – freedom,
community, and the history of America’s independence -while sharing a
heartwarming story about belonging and discovery.

Perfect for

*Classroom and library story times

*Families celebrating summer birthdays

*Teaching children about Independence Day and Patriotism

Whether read aloud at home, in schools, or at holiday
events, Happy Birthday to US is a festive and meaningful
addition to any child’s bookshelf – and a perfect way to celebrate

America’s 250th
Birthday on July 4, 2026!

Amazon
* B&N
* Kobo
* Author’s
Site
* Goodreads

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Sherry Ellis is an
award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the
violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical
activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the
world. Ellis has previously published the Bubba and Squirt’s Adventure
Series; Don’t Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke
Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. Ellis lives in Atlanta,
Georgia.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub
* Amazon
* Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!

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Enter the Happy Birthday To US Giveaway Here

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CIRCLE OF NINE Series by Valerie Biel Banner

CIRCLE OF NINE
by Valerie Biel
October 27 – December 31, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

CIRCLE OF NINE: MERCY IN THE MIST
CIRCLE OF NINE: MERCY IN THE MIST
The danger was supposed to be over. The sacred treasures are safe. The enemies banished to the Otherworld.

But Brigit Quinn’s dreams tell a different story. The condemned return to haunt her sleep—pleading, accusing, refusing to be forgotten. Something is still wrong, even if the rest of the Circle of Nine insists the threat has passed. When anonymous warnings surface and the police begin asking questions about the missing, Brigit’s visions intensify, blurring the line between dream and prophecy. The Circle is unraveling. Shadows are gathering. To restore what’s been broken, Brigit knows they must return to the Otherworld and seek answers from the immortal Elders—knowing that to question them is to risk everything. In this spellbinding fourth installment of the Circle of Nine series, ancient magic, mortal danger, and Brigit’s quest for the truth collide in a journey that will test the bonds of loyalty, love, and the fragile trust between gods and mortals.

Find CIRCLE OF NINE: MERCY IN THE MIST on Amazon | KindleUnlimited | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

 

Praise for Circle of Nine: Mercy in the Mist

Mercy in the Mist delivers spellbinding suspense. Positively enchanting!” ~ Tracey S. Phillips, award-winning author of Forewarned for CIRCLE OF NINE: MERCY IN THE MIST

 

Series Details:

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Published by: Lost Lake Press

Find CIRCLE OF NINE series at Amazon & Lost Lake Press

 

About Author Valerie Biel:

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author

Valerie Biel writes award-winning books for middle grade to adult audiences–stories inspired by her travels and her insatiable curiosity. Her young adult fantasy series, Circle of Nine, was inspired by the myth and magic of Ireland’s ancient stone circles. She’s also the author of HAVEN, a contemporary middle grade novel, and BEYOND THE CEMETERY GATE, a mystery suspense story. She’s a founding member of the Blackbird Writers & a member of Sisters in Crime & the Wisconsin Writers Association. When she’s away from the computer, she’s likely wrangling her overgrown garden, reading multiple books per week, or traveling the world–often on trips for the The World Orphan Fund charity she and her husband run. She calls a (tiny) portion of her family’s century-old Wisconsin farm home, but regularly dreams of finding a cozy cottage on the Irish coast where she can write and write.

Catch Up With Valerie Biel:

ValerieBiel.com Valerie’s Substack Newsletter Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – @valerie_biel BookBub – @ValerieBiel Instagram – @valeriebielauthor Threads – @valeriebielauthor X – @ValerieBiel Facebook – @ValerieBielBooks YouTube – @ValerieBielAuthor Pinterest – @ValerieBiel

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

 

Join In:

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Valerie Biel. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

CIRCLE OF NINE Series by Valerie Biel Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

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A Friends to Lovers BDSM Ménage

 

Christmas / Romance / Comedy

 

Date Published: December 23, 2025

Publisher: Changeling Press

 

 

 

Sarah has a secret — she wants her best friend Cole. Cole wants Jeff.
And Jeff? Surprise! He wants them both.

Cole is wild, funny, impulsive, and Sarah’s best friend. She doesn’t
understand what he gets out of submission, but she’s not going to let Cole get
hurt the way he has in the past. So when she discovers his new dom is Jeff,
the jerk who helped kick her out of her undergraduate program, she knows she
has to intervene.

But when she sees Jeff again, she’s confused. He says he wants Sarah to be
Cole’s Christmas present, and she’s stunned. She and Cole are just friends,
aren’t they? Amazingly, Cole seems to want her as much as she secretly has
wanted him. The even bigger surprise? She realizes she wants Jeff too.

Even if she could have them both, this is supposed to be temporary. It’s too
bad she’s only allowed to have Cole for Christmas.

 

 

Excerpt

Copyright ©2025 Treva Harte

 

“What’s wrong with you, Cole?” Sarah stared at her friend over the flimsy
coffee container. “You have to go pee pee? You’ve been twitchy ever since we
got here.”

Cole laughed and gave her the finger. He opened his mouth as if to give a
smart-ass answer but then bent over his latte instead. Not looking at her, he
carefully blew on it and took a sip.

Sarah settled back. Cole was obviously dying to tell her something, and she
knew from experience all she needed to do was sit. If he waited more than ten
minutes before spilling everything, he’d probably keel over from the strain.

The clatter of students milling around the student union coffee shop made the
silence less noticeable. They continued drinking.

Two minutes of just downing caffeine. Impressive. Cole was hanging tough.

He shifted again in his seat and shut his eyes, grimacing. Sarah frowned,
suddenly a little concerned. Cole was a genius — a real, measured-by-testing
genius — but that didn’t mean his emotional IQ always matched his
intelligence. She was sure it was a challenge to be five to ten years younger
than his academic peers, and Cole didn’t always meet that challenge. In fact,
Cole could be kind of a pain in the ass. Right now he was acting like he had a
literal pain there.


Oh. Ohhhh, boy
. He might actually have one. Please God, no. She might have to
venture into TMI territory to find out.

Cole had been more than forthcoming about his sex life in the two years they’d
been in grad school together. That was a problem for him. Younger and smarter
in some things had made him vulnerable in others, especially since he was open
about his sexual preferences and desires. Gay at the university was one thing;
gay and dedicated to BDSM was another.

“Has someone hurt you?” She hoped that question would get the job done. Sarah
could be more direct, if need be, but she also probably didn’t want to know
all the particulars.

“No.” His prompt answer was a relief. Of course, he had to add, “Not any more
than I want to be.”

“Ooookay.” Sarah set down her cup. Sometimes a friend had a duty to ask more
even if she’d so much rather not. “Have you met some new dom?”

“You know I have. I told you about him.” Cole didn’t look up from his latte,
but he didn’t sound reluctant to answer.

“You mentioned you’d met someone new at a club a few weeks ago, but you didn’t
say anything more.” That wasn’t like her Cole at all now that she thought
about it. “Is that the guy?”

“Fuck yeah. I was incredibly lucky that night. He hardly ever goes to clubs.
Says they’re too fake for his tastes.” Cole squirmed again. “He isn’t into
scenes. Not public ones.”

“So you’ve been — um — doing things outside of clubs?” Sarah wasn’t sure
which sounded more dangerous. Cole wouldn’t know danger if it bit him on the
butt. Especially if it bit him on the butt.

“At his place. Sarah, it’s… intense. And really sexy.” Cole grinned at her.
“That’s all I’ll say unless you want me to go on. I know how you get.”

“And I know how you get, so thanks for shutting up.” She grinned back at him,
and Cole shifted his weight again. Sarah sighed. “All right, Cole. Why are you
acting this way? Something is going on.”

Cole leaned over, then glanced around to make sure no one was listening. Oh
God
. He felt the need to keep something private. This was going to be a doozy.

“Because I have a butt plug in me. A big one. It’s driving me crazy.
Especially because it’s pressing on my fucking prostate.”

Sarah made a faint protesting noise and covered her eyes. “I don’t want to
know.”

“When I see Jeff after work, he’s going to take it out and replace it with –”

“Don’t want to know, don’t want to know. Don’t. Wanna. Know.” Sarah covered
her ears instead.

Cole pushed down one of her hands and whispered, “Unless you want to pull it
out for me. Jeff might get mad, but it would be worth it if your dainty,
lily-white fingers would take care of things for me right now. It might even
be fun.”

Sarah clenched her dainty, lily-white fingers and smacked him on the shoulder
with her plastic spoon.

Cole leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. Stunned, Sarah dropped the
spoon on the table. For such a demonstrative guy, Cole pretty much kept his
hands and lips to himself. Well, at least around women. She’d seen guys pass
him around like an appetizer at parties. Obviously that kind of touching was
different for him.

Oh, shit. After remembering some of those party images, she felt a sudden pang
of lust. She took a deep breath. Now she could see herself testing that butt
plug, imagine what Cole’s tight ass looked like holding it. His gasp when it
moved. Damn it, she didn’t need to have that thought in her head. Talk about
waste of time! Cole was completely off-limits. He’d never be her appetizer.
Friends. They were friends. She’d gotten over her stupid crush long ago. That
didn’t mean she couldn’t admit to herself he was sexy. In an off-limits way.
She didn’t need to start thinking he was available after working so hard to
forget he was hot.

“I knew I’d make you do that, but you did ask.” Cole sounded a little too
smug.

Sarah looked up. Oh Lord, how could he know about her completely inappropriate
thoughts?

Cole rubbed his shoulder, grimacing as if she’d really hurt him. Then he
stopped and winked.


Oh. Right. Very funny
. She’d hit him. They had a standing joke about his smart
mouth and his need for punishment.

“Actually, what I really wanted to ask was what you had planned for
Christmas.” She didn’t care if it was an obvious change of subject. Cole could
go on pushing her buttons for hours. Besides, she did want to ask.

Last year Cole went with her to see her parents. Cole had way too many
experiences with judgmental families like his own, and he’d been apprehensive
about the whole thing, especially meeting her officer father. But Dad had been
Dad, and Cole had been Cole, and everyone had a great time, just the way
Sarah’d expected. This year Mom and Dad had shipped out to Japan, so neither
she nor Cole would be seeing their families. She’d hoped they could hang out
together for the two weeks while the grad dorms closed during winter break.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you! I’m planning on a trip to a ski lodge in
Wyoming all during break.”

“You don’t ski.” Sarah skied but couldn’t afford a weekend, much less weeks at
a resort. Life was so unfair.

“I like skiers. And cowboys. Jeff owns a place there.” Cole crumpled his cup
and tossed it into the garbage.

“Oh. Jackson Hole?” Sarah snickered. “I could see you headed there just for
the name.”

So now she knew this Jeff had money, was a skier, and maybe was a little
pretentious. Two out of three wasn’t bad. Especially if he had a ski lodge.

“Grand Targhee. Jeff says it’s even better than Jackson Hole, although not as
many people have heard of it.”

So unfair. Sarah had heard of it, and everything she’d heard agreed with what
Cole — who was obviously clueless — had said. The place wasn’t even that
pretentious. If Cole’s new man turned out to be perfect, she’d have to be
happy Cole was going away with him on the kind of holiday break she’d want.

And that was so unfair double time. It also meant she had no one to share
Christmas with. She didn’t need another reminder that she’d worked too hard,
frozen too many people out, had no life. Cole, who bubbled over with curiosity
and energy, always made even the bleakest times fun. She’d been counting on
him to carry her through this first really big holiday without her parents.

Well, she’d have to get over it. A military brat got used to being around
strangers. Maybe she could scrounge up enough money to take a little road trip
by herself or get a fancier hotel than she’d planned. It didn’t sound like fun
now, but she would work on it.

“You wanna come along?”

 

About Author Treva Harte

Treva Harte has always been an overachiever. She also collects things. First
it was degrees. First a B.A. in English, then she decided to go back for a
Master’s degree. Not content with that, she added a J.D. Since then she’s
added a husband, also an attorney, and two children to her collection. She’s
continuing her ways as an overachiever, writing her wonderfully offbeat tales
of passion and possibilities — in her spare time.

Visit her website at www.trevaharte.com.

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15

 

 

 

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Contemporary Fantasy, Mythology

Date Published: December 9, 2025

 

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A world once whole, now split in two. The flower patch painted a deep crimson
hue. Eyes of flame gaze on red lock and key. For the brothers’ misfortune, he
is set free.

Anthony and Andrew Redson live an ordinary life on the outskirts of
civilization. But their estranged father is anything but ordinary. When his
most ancient and dangerous enemy attacks their childhood home, the twins are
thrust into a world unlike any they’ve known. A world of gods, monsters,
knights, and magic. Trapped upon paths of bloodshed and tragedy, the brothers’
can rely upon no one. Not even each other.

 

 

About Author Jonah A Hunt
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 Jonah Hunt is the author of Father of Monsters. Since he was little, he’s been
enamored with dragons, magic, and storytelling. After ten years of washing
dishes and housekeeping, he aims to make his dream of writing full-time
finally come true.

He lives in one of Florida’s reasonably sane neighborhoods with his two dogs.

Contact Links

Author website

BookBuzz

 

Purchase Link

 

Authors Website

 

RABT Book Tours & PR

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A Mysterious Christmas Collection:
A Charlie Kingsley/Redemption Detective Agency Crossover Christmas Cozy Mystery Anthology
by Michele Pariza Wacek


A Mysterious Christmas Collection: A Charlie Kingsley/Redemption Detective Agency Crossover Christmas Cozy Mystery Anthology
Cozy Mysteries
Setting – Wisconsin
Publisher: Love-Based Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2025
Number of Pages: 150
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FVNJXFQS

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In this charming Christmas cozy mystery collection, you get not one but TWO Christmas mysteries–one from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series (Secret Santa Murder) and one from The Redemption Detective Agency (The Mysterious Case of the Dead Elf).

Even better, the characters in both series will make a crossover appearance in the other mystery.

Here’s a peek of each story:

Secret Santa Murder: A Secret Santa party goes off the rails when a guest is murdered after opening their gift. Can Charlie get to the bottom of who did it in this locked door mystery?

The Mysterious Case of the Dead Elf: Emily and the gang take on a case to help a young mother get over her childhood Christmas trauma. Can they go back in time and solve the mystery of a dead elf to save Christmas before it’s too late?

Includes TWO Christmas cookie family recipes!

The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries

The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries is funny, clean & twisty cozy series takes place in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin. They’re perfect if you enjoy small town cozy mysteries with quirky characters, pets, tea, culinary, a touch of romance, 1990s nostalgia and loads of fun. If you like books by Agatha Christie, Louise Penny and Maddie Day, you’ll love these books.

The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries is a continuing series with books that are standalone and can be read in any order.

The Redemption Detective Agency

A spin off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series. This cozy romcom mystery series also takes place in the 1990s and features a fish out of water amateur sleuth, pet detectives, a cast of silver sleuths (some you’ll recognize from the main series), cold cases and a hefty dose of romance. Think The Thursday Murder Club meets Bridget Jones’s Diary, but in small town Wisconsin. Also great for fans for The Golden Girls (if they started solving mysteries), Only Murders in the Building (without a podcast and takes place in Wisconsin) and Murder She Wrote.

All the books are clean, twisty and funny. They can be read in any order but to get the best experience, I would recommend starting with Book 1, The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive.

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About Michele Pariza Wacek

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

December 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 10 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

December 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners  – AUTHOR GUEST POST

December 11 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

December 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

December 13 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 13 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

December 14 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Bibliophile Foodie – REVIEW 

December 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

December 16 – Hall Ways Blog – REVIEW

December 17 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

December 17 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

December 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

December 21 – Salty Inspirations – REVIEW

December 21 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

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An Austen-inspired Short Story Duet

Enjoy two tea
parties, two romances and two characters from one of the world’s most beloved
authors.

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Tea for Two:

An Austen-Inspired
Short Story Duet

by Bianca White

Genre: Historical Romance

Jane Austen and tea.
What more could one ask for?

Enjoy two tea parties, two romances and
two characters from one of the world’s most beloved authors.

In this historical romance short story duet gossip-loving Mrs Jennings meddles
in affairs of the heart, and scandalous Henry Crawford turns heads once again!

Be swept away by the amusements of the Regency tea party in
these Austen-inspired short stories. Delight in the sweet romance, dancing,
gossip and, of course, tea.

“But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.”
― Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

 

Tea
for Two
 comprises two short stories:

 

Jilted

Lord Asher Mandeville is heartbroken when his childhood
love, Miss Tabitha Rowe, jilts him only weeks before their wedding.

Asher refuses to accept Tabitha’s rejection and chases after
his betrothed to demand an explanation.

Tabitha is determined to escape him, but Asher’s shattered
heart will accept nothing other than her return.

 

Wooing
Miss Woodforde

Jasper Trevethan loves Miss Sophie Woodforde, but he is a
penniless rake. Sophie would never marry him, even if he were rich.

As an impoverished companion, Sophie serves the whims of
others while pining for her employer’s scandalous nephew.

When an unexpected inheritance transforms Sophie’s life, she
becomes the target of fortune hunters.

Before another scoundrel steals his love, Jasper must prove
his devotion and woo Miss Woodforde. But Sophie would rather become an old maid
than marry a man who only wants her for her money, especially Mr Trevethan.

 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Excerpt from Wooing Miss Woodforde

 

He headed to the drawing room.

While Sophie continued to hold his heart,
he could not bring himself to marry another. Yes, he had wasted his days living
off his brother while indulging in a life of idleness and pleasure-seeking. Now
he had no option but to pray his aunt left him her fortune. Perhaps then he
could offer for Sophie. She will never
marry a rake, you fool.
As usual, he tamped down the bitter truth, but the
tiny flicker of hope that one day she may be his was the only thing that
prevented him from sinking further.

His aunt dropped onto the sofa before the
crackling hearth. “It does not help your cause that you continue to associate
with that scoundrel, Mr Crawford.”

Sophie carried out her duties in efficient
silence, pretending not to hear the details of his scandalous associations. How
he longed to take her away from this life of servitude. Someone so good, kind
and selfless deserved better.

After pouring the tea, she handed her
employer a cup.

Without a word of thanks to her companion,
his aunt continued, “There is still talk about his scandalous affair with Mrs
Rushworth. You should end the connection, for it will only sully your name
further. Your reputation as a rake does not help matters, but being associated
with an adulterer will not earn you a respectable bride. What must my dear
sister think of her favourite now?”

He accepted his cup from Sophie with his
head down and muttered his thanks. Shame gnawed at his insides. If his mother
had not died of typhus before he reached his tenth year, she would have been
sorely disappointed in him.

Why could he not be a better man? He should
have sought a profession after university. If he had done something useful,
perhaps, he may have earned Sophie’s good opinion and won her heart. Instead,
he had wasted his life. He was a hopeless rake beyond salvage, in love with a
woman far above him in noble character. Even if he were rich, she would always
be too good for him.

Sophie sat on the sofa next to his aunt and
twiddled with a delicate curl at her nape.

He had to ask again. “Are you certain you
are well, Miss Woodforde?”

“Stop trying to misdirect the attention
from yourself, Trevethan.” Aunt Hammond sipped at her tea.

Wispy tendrils of steam rose from the beige
liquid in his cup, and he tamped down the urge to ask for something stronger.
Liquor would have to wait. Even though nothing eased the painful longing within
him lately.

He could not resist being drawn to the
source of his yearning while she stared at the flickering flames in the hearth.
What had happened to the woman who enjoyed lecturing him about the latest
philanthropic project she wished to support or teased him following the gossip
surrounding his misadventures? Not that he had many these days unless one
counted spending the evenings drinking brandy with Crawford while they both
pined for the women they loved but could not possess.

“Trevethan!” he jerked his head towards his
aunt. Her narrowed gaze bore into him. Had he given himself away?

She glowered, then said, “Miss Woodforde
has received some surprising news today that has unsettled her.”

Sophie’s head shot up; her wide gaze
directed towards her employer.

“I hope it is nothing serious?” My God, she
was ill. “Is there anything I can
do?”

Aunt Hammond scoffed. “It is not unwelcome
news—well, not for Miss Woodforde.”

“Mrs Hammond.” Sophie pleaded, but as
usual, his aunt could not be silenced.

“Miss Woodforde is now an heiress with
twenty thousand.”

His breath stuttered.

On the opposite sofa, Sophie’s head lolled
forward, and she ran a palm across her forehead.

Sophie was a wealthy woman—a single,
wealthy woman. That meant she no longer needed to work for his aunt. He would
not see her when he visited.

Aunt Hammond asked, “Will you not offer
your congratulations?”

He glanced at his aunt before returning his
attention to Sophie, whose shoulders slumped.

A burning sensation spread down his gullet,
and he swallowed. “Congratulations, Miss Woodforde.”

His aunt sniffed. “She is almost maudlin;
anyone would think a beloved family member had died.”

Sophie continued to stare into the teacup
in her lap. She would leave, and he would never see her again.

Aunt Hammond prattled on. “Heaven knows
why, but she wishes to keep it a secret. She should marry, yet she insists she
will remain in my employment.”

Of course, her sense of duty would not
allow her to abandon his aunt. Selfish thoughts about her leaving had
distracted him from the more pressing issue. Another man would steal her from
him. His heart skipped a beat. He could not allow it.

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Bianca White writes passionate and spicy historical romance.

Bianca loves history and has a degree in history and history of art. The word
“research” is often used as an excuse to drag members of her family
around every stately home and castle wherever they go. Nothing, not even
the grumbling of said family, will keep her away from a historical fashion
exhibition.

When she’s not writing, Bianca feeds her addiction to romance novels. She also loves
baking and watching movies. Thanks to her love of baking (and eating), she
feels the need to balance it with a little activity and enjoys tai chi,
aerobics and swimming.

Bianca lives in West Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two children.

To receive all the latest news from Bianca White, and a bit of history in your inbox, sign
up for her mailing list at
Bianca White Writes.

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Enter the Tea For Two Giveaway Here

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Christmas Cardinal organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Aïda Juodis will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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The Christmas Cardinal

By Aida Juodis

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Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Synopsis

The Christmas Cardinal, written by Aïda Juodis, is a soft and whimsical tale that was gently crafted to help provide children who have lost a loved one with comfort and warmth during the holiday season.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Remember, the cardinal is always there. It’s your loved one who will always care.

From the North Pole and from close by they’ll watch over you with gentle eyes.

So, when you hear the cardinal sing…

remember you’re protected under your loved one’s wing.

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About Author Aida Darija Juodis:

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Aïda Darija Juodis is a storyteller who blends comfort, wonder, and gentle magic in her writing. The Christmas Cardinal reflects her belief that love endures, guiding us from near and far.

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The Skeleton Faerie

By A.P. Mobley

 

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(Children of the Death Gods, #1)
Publication date: November 8th 2025
Genres: Adult, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Mythology

Faerie folklore meets a nuclear postapocalypse in this dark mythological fantasy woven with secrets, treachery, and star-crossed love.

Ninety-nine years after the Nuclear War of 1989, twenty-one-year-old Gus Brandon should only be interested in the survival of humanity and the expansion of his compound. But he’s obsessed with legends from the distant past, superstitions of an expired people.

While searching forbidden ruins for the scraps of stories lost to time, he stumbles upon a mysterious young woman covered in scars. Her name is Saoirse, and their meeting sets off a bloody chain of events—one in which Gus discovers that the folklore he loves just might be real, and that it’s tied to mankind in ways he could have never imagined.

Soon the lines between myth and reality blur, as do the lines between realms.

Gus will have to rely on his knowledge—and Saoirse—to survive the horrors awaiting him… in this world and the next.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

When Gus and his teammates were a mere mile from the compound, the sun had almost finished setting, and the temperature had dropped significantly. A breeze grazed the back of his bare neck and arms, sending chills through his body. In every direction, all that was visible were trees, the only noises those of his and his companions’ boots and their animals’ hooves crunching against shriveled grass and fallen leaves. Occasionally, crows—some of them genetically altered, their feathers stained a pinkish color—flapped from branch to branch, their harsh caws piercing the quiet.

Maybe it was because of the extensive amount of folklore he’d been reading, but these days, the dark played tricks on Gus’s eyes, making him see monsters when nothing was there.

Nothing could be there, after all, as the stories he so loved weren’t real.

And even if there was a chance that they were real (and he knew there wasn’t), his compound was on the western side of a mountain range called the Black Hills, located within the fallen United States of America—far, far away from the places those magical tales took place.

Yet he still found himself imagining all manner of malevolent faeries prowling the woods at night. He saw them skulking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

In masses of collapsed cottonwoods, he imagined there were redcaps hiding, plotting to slaughter any stray travelers passing by.

In murders of crows, he imagined there were sluagh flying, scouring the forest floor for the next unlucky fellow whose soul they might devour.

In fast-moving streams, he imagined there were kelpies biding their time, anticipating the moment a person came close enough to drown and eat.

Thankfully, the logical side of his brain knew he had nothing to worry about—even as far as nonfictional threats went. The worst anyone on scavenge-duty had encountered in the last year was a couple of mountain lions and some rattlesnakes, and although he and his teammates had never run into anything like that, they knew how to take care of it as easily as the other people of the compound had: with bullets.

No one left the compound without a loaded gun and extra ammo.

Gus and his team were safe.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and if it weren’t for the smog blanketing the sky (a lingering effect of the Nuclear War, which the elders said should clear up any decade now), the moon and stars might have lit up the night. The temperature fell even further, clouds of breath filling the air in front of Gus’s face and fogging up his glasses.

“Guess we should have packed our coats,” Nancy remarked as she walked in front of Gus, guiding her pig along. She began to shiver. “I hate when the weather gets like this. Hot during the day, cold at night.”

Twigs cracked to the left. Hand flying to his holster, Gus looked that way, his goat bleating, Nancy’s pig squealing.

A flash of movement in the trees, there and gone in an instant.

“What the . . . ?” Oliver tossed his bundle of birds over his shoulder and retrieved his flashlight, his teeth chattering. He and Adam stood several feet to Gus’s right. “Did you guys see that?”

Adam drew his handgun. “Probably a mountain lion. We’re almost home, so just keep your eyes peeled and your weapons ready.”

“Maybe speed it up a little too,” Gus added, and he and Nancy pulled out their handguns. The team continued toward the compound.

Not five minutes had passed before more branches snapped behind them. Again, the goat bleated, and the pig squealed.

Everyone swung around, preparing to shoot. Oliver shined his flashlight into the trees.

The glow revealed a creature that made Gus’s skin prickle with goose bumps.

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About Author A.P. Mobley:

A. P. Mobley is the Halloween-loving, rock-music-obsessed author of dark fantasy inspired by mythology. She doesn’t only write about her favorite myths, folktales, and fairy tales in books, though; she discusses them on her podcast, Myths (& Folktales & Fairy tales), as well as on her blog and newsletter. She grew up in Wyoming and Nebraska and currently lives in South Dakota, and when she’s not up to her elbows in research for her next project, she can be found consuming dangerous amounts of coffee, reading speculative fiction, or rewatching The Good Place.

Never miss an update from A. P. by signing up for her newsletter. Full list of books and Content Warnings on her website.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Newsletter

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The Skeleton Faerie Blitz

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