June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~
July 16, 2026
~ FRIDAY FEATURE CASE CHRISTIE WEDDING AFFAIR ~
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The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair (The Detection Club)
by Kelly Oliver
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About The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair
The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair (The Detection Club)
Historical Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Setting- Scotland
Publisher : Boldwood Books Ltd Publication date : June 24, 2026
HardcoverPrint length : 242 pages ISBN-10 : 1836175744 ISBN-13 : 978-1836175742
Paperback Print length : 296 pages ISBN-10 : 1836175752 ISBN-13 : 978-1836175759
DigitalPrint length : 290 pages ISBN-13 : 978-1836175780 ASIN : B0F4WKHZHK
Audiobook ASIN B0GYT6TMFS
Scotland, 1930: Agatha Christie is getting married. She invites fellow members of the Detection Club to the windswept Isle of Skye for a quiet break while the banns are read. But tranquility proves elusive when the formidable Lord Blackwood, leader of a hunting party sharing their lodge, vanishes from the moors.
Sharp-eyed assistant to the Detection Club secretary, Eliza Baker, suspects foul play as the strange occurrences pile up: a mysterious grave in the churchyard, a missing rifle, and late-night excursions across the rugged island. There may be no body—yet—but someone at Dunmara Lodge is hiding a deadly secret.
As a storm cuts them off from the mainland, Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate lies, half-truths, and a treacherous landscape... but can they uncover the killer in the stalking grounds… or will the moors keep their secrets forever?
Head to the remote Isle of Skye in this delightful and gripping golden-age mystery series, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright and T. E. Kinsey.
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CHARACTER GUEST POST :
Interview with Eliza Baker, detective,forensic investigator, and reluctant heroine of the Detection Club Mysteries:
Tell us about the novel that you live inside.Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.
My name is Eliza Baker, and I live in a series of murderinvestigations that somehow manage to become more complicated with everyinstallment.
The stories begin in England but soon take me muchfarther afield. One moment I'm examining a body in London, the next I'm diggingthrough ancient ruins in Mesopotamia, sailing down the Nile, or searching theScottish Highlands for a missing Lord.
The series follows my work as a detective, though"work" hardly seems the right word for chasing killers acrosscontinents.
Along the way, I've had to put up with members of thefamous Detection Club, including Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Murdermysteries in books are one thing, but in real life are quite another.
At its heart, the series is about solving puzzles. Murderleaves behind a trail of evidence. People lie. Footprints don't. Blood doesn't.Fibers don't. Facts are stubborn things, even when everyone would prefer toavoid them.
Does the writer control what happens in thestory or do you get a say too?
The writer controls far too much.If I had any real say inthe matter, I would spend less time being shot at, kidnapped, threatened,stranded, buried under collapsing ruins, or chased by murderers.
I'd also get considerably more sleep.
That said, I suspect I occasionally frustrate theauthor's plans. She seems fond of emotional conversations. I prefer evidence.
She wants me to discuss my feelings.I want to dust forfingerprints.
Somewhere between those competing priorities, a storyemerges.
How did you evolve as the main character?
I began as someone who trusted evidence far more thanpeople.That wasn't entirely unreasonable. Evidence rarely betrays you.Peopledo.
I grew up an orphan on the streets of London. I learnedearly that survivaldepends upon seeing the world as it truly is rather than asyou wish it to be. Later, as a detective, that habit has served me well.
But over the course of these stories, thanks to my friendTheo Sharp, I discovered that independence and isolation are not the samething.
For most of my life, I relied only on myself. Gradually,I allowed others into my circle. My sister Jane. And Theo. A few trustedfriends, including Agatha and Dorothy. I learned that accepting help is notweakness.I'm still working on that lesson, if I'm honest.
Do you have any other characters you likesharing the story with? If so, why are you partial to them?
Theo Sharp.Though don't tell him I said so.
Theo notices things other people miss. Not footprints orfingerprints, but motives and meanings and contradictions in people's stories.He has an irritating tendency to be right about human nature.He also possessesa remarkable ability to remain optimistic in situations where common sensewould suggest panic. And he regularly beats me at chess… although I’m workingon that too.
My sister Jane is another favorite. She's intelligent,capable, and usually arrives with information I need, though occasionally shealso arrives with advice I didn't ask for. Her job working for MI5 has a habitof sweeping me into its orbit in the most unpleasant ways. But given that Janeprovides the roof over my head, I can’t decline. I probably couldn’t even if Ihad my own flat.
And then there's Queenie the beagle. Unlike mostsuspects, witnesses, and aristocrats, Queenie is entirely trustworthy. She ismy very best friend and faithful companion… not to mention a darn goodbloodhound.
What’s the place like where you find yourselfin this story?
The settings are magnificent.Unfortunately, magnificentplaces are just as capable of hosting murder as ordinary ones.
I've investigated crimes in the shadow of the pyramids,aboard river steamers, in remote Scottish hunting lodges, and among ancientarchaeological digs.People often imagine such places are romantic.They are. Butthey're also full of secrets.
I've learned that a beautiful landscape can concealgreed, jealousy, revenge, and desperation just as effectively as a dark alleyin London.Perhaps more effectively.
Is there anything else you’d like to tellreaders about you and the book?
Most detectives in novels possess extraordinary gifts.Idon't.I simply pay attention.
The truth leaves traces. A missing button. A muddyfootprint. A contradiction in someone's story. A detail everyone elseoverlooks.The trick is noticing.
If readers come to these books expecting grand deductionsthat appear out of thin air, they may be disappointed. The answers are alwaysthere. Hidden, perhaps, but present from the beginning. There will be nomagical solution at the end. All clues are presented in a logical andempirically verifiable order. And if readers find themselves trying to solvethe mystery before I do, all the better.
Just remember to trust the evidence, question all assumptions,and never underestimate the quiet person in the corner.They're usually the onepaying attention.
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About Kelly Oliver
Kelly Oliver is the Agatha award-winning and bestselling author of four mystery series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, The Fiona Figg Mysteries, and The Detection Club Mysteries.The Fiona Figg Mysteries have been on the most anticipated list of Mystery Magazine and won the Mystery and Mayhem Award and the Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Mystery. And The Case of the Christie Conspiracy, Detection Club Mystery book one, is currently nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Historical Mystery.Kelly is Past President of Sisters in Crime National, current Education Coordinator for SinC Guppies, and a Distinguished Emerita Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.To learn more about Kelly and her books, go to www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
Website Bestselling Author Kelly Oliver
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Oliver/e/B001HN3HCM/
INSTAGRAM @kellyoliverbooks
Pinterest Kelly Oliver Books https://www.pinterest.com.au/oliver743
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor/
Pinterest Kelly Oliver Books https://www.pinterest.com.au/oliver7431/
Purchase LinksAmazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU Amazon IN B&N
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July 14, 2026
~ WEDNESDAY DOUBLE COZY MYSTERY FEATURE ~
~ WEDNESDAY DOUBLE COZYMYSTERY FEATURE ~-- 'THE MANGO MURDERS' & 'A DELICIOUS DECEPTION' -- AUTHOR LUCY BURDETTE 👀🔎🔦📖⌛👀🔎🔦📖⌛👀
The Mango Murders & A Delicious Deception Key West
Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette
👀🔎🔦📖⌛👀🔎🔦📖⌛👀Book One: About The Mango MurdersNow Available in Paperback
The Mango Murders: A Key West Food Critic Mystery
Cozy Mystery 15th in Series Setting - Florida Publisher : Crooked Lane Books
Publication date : August 12, 2025 Print length : 288 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8892421652 Kindle ISBN-13 : 979-8892421669 ASIN : B0DMTQ5QXH
PaperbackPublisher : Crooked Lane Books Publication date : July 7, 2026
Print length : 288 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8892424530 ASIN : B0FV7CYMLC
The turquoise waters of Key West are stained with pink in this explosive 15th installment of the Key West Food Critic mysteries from USA Today bestselling author Lucy Burdette.
Food critic Hayley Snow’s employer, Key Zest, is throwing the event of the season, a lavish cocktail party catered by Janet Snow, Hayley’s mother. As Hayley boards the luxurious cruise, she anticipates a smooth sailing soirée filled with shimmering cocktails, mouthwatering mango-infused delicacies, and new supporters for the e-zine. But as the boat sets sail, the festivities take a tragic turn when an explosion rocks the vessel, plunging the party guests into chaos.
In the days that follow, Hayley learns that a local culinary entrepreneur died in the explosion and it was no accident–someone on board had a deadly agenda. With the tropical city of Key West as her backdrop, Hayley navigates a web of secrets and lies. Her investigation takes her from the shadowy corners of island politics to fierce competition between high-end event caterers and personal vendettas.
With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, Hayley must rely on her keen intuition to unmask a cunning culprit before they strike again.
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Book Two:About A Delicious Deception
A Delicious Deception: A Key West Food Critic Mystery
Cozy Mystery16th in Series Setting - FloridaPublisher : Crooked Lane Books
Publication date : July 14, 2026 Language : English Print length : 320 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8892426251 ASIN : B0FWBC8M37 DigitalISBN-13 : 979-8892426268
ASIN : B0G3SSHF54
Mother-to-be Hayley Snow bites off more than she can chew in the sixteenth installment of Lucy Burdette’s USA Today bestselling Key West Food Critic mysteries.
When Sheriff’s Deputy Darcy Rogers asks Hayley for a small favor, she can’t say no. Nine months pregnant and temporarily benched from her food critic duties, Hayley’s itching for a distraction and eager to help. All she has to do is tag along while a young woman picks up her daughter from her father at Monroe County’s safe custody exchange location. Easy, right?
Wrong.
In the chaos of the Sheriff’s Office open house, the mother disappears. Then the father bolts, leaving Hayley with a terrified girl and the realization that something has gone terribly wrong. Hayley and Deputy Rogers head north up the Keys to search for answers.
When a body turns up, Hayley realizes this isn’t just a missing-persons case—it’s a race against time. With the little girl’s safety at risk, Hayley must trust her instincts—and her heart—to uncover the truth.
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About the Author 
Clinical psychologist Lucy Burdette writes the USA Today best-selling Key West food critic mysteries, a cozy, culinary mystery series starring food critic Hayley Snow, including #16, A DELICIOUS DECEPTION. A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS, won the Florida Book Award's gold medal for popular fiction. Both the 12th book in the series, A DISH TO DIE FOR, and the 10th, THE KEY LIME CRIME, won the bronze medal for popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards. Lucy's first women's fiction title, THE INGREDIENTS OF HAPPINESS, came out in July 2023.
As Roberta Isleib, she wrote the golf lover's mystery series (SIX STROKES UNDER) and the advice column mysteries (DEADLY ADVICE.) Lucy loves using her psychology background in her stories. She also loves to cook and to eat and to talk and write and read about food. She blogs with the wonderful crime fiction writers at Jungle Red Writers, and shares recipes and stories with twelve other cozy mystery writers at Mystery Lovers Kitchen.
Lucy's books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She's a past president of both Sisters in Crime and the Friends of the Key West library.
Author Links:
Website https://lucyburdette.com
Facebookhttps://facebook.com/LucyBurdette
Instagram instagram.com/LucyBurdette
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucy-burdette
Purchase Links - The Mango Murders - Amazon - B&N - PenguinRandomHouse
Purchase Links - A Deadly Deception - Amazon - B&N - PenguinRandomHouse
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July 9, 2026
~ FRIDAY FICTION THE UNEXPECTED CALLER ~
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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! 🌳🌸🍒🌹🌻🌳🌸🍒🌹🌻🌳About the Book[image error]
Title: The Unexpected Caller
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Amish Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club--but will she risk loving again?
Leanna Mast never imagined she'd be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it's time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she's not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man's home.
When she's invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn't even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She's sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.
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EXCERPT:
She was so tired of being nice. No, thatwasn’t true, Leanna Mast decided. She liked being nice. She was a nice person.She was just tired of being nice to the string of men who had started callingon her on Sunday afternoons. Most of them she’d known all her life. Some wereold enough to be her father. None of them were husband material.
Though, if she was being honest, the faultwas probably hers.
The problem was that she’d already beenmarried once and had no desire to be married again. Ever. So this constantparade of suitors was neither desired nor asked for. They’d just startedappearing at her doorstep one year and one month after Willis died.
When the first one had shown up, she’d beenso surprised, her good manners had taken over her personal preferences. Insteadof politely sending the man home, she offered him kaffi and a slice of thealmond cream- cheese bread she’d made that morning. When he asked for a secondslice, she gave it grudgingly. She really hadn’t wanted to give him any of herfavorite afternoon treat in the first place.
“This is mighty gutbread,” he’d said with his mouth full.
“Danke.” She’d said the word while staring ather hands clenched in her lap.
“You are a modest woman. Not only can you cookand clean, but you are shy too.”
When she lifted her chin to meet his gaze,she’d seen true appreciation there.
She’d bitten the inside of her lip so shewouldn’t ask him to leave.
Unfortunately, that little decision withher first caller had created quite a stir among the single men in the area.Next thing she knew, men started coming around all the time. She’d had to startbaking cookies, pies, and bread every morning just to keep up with their heartyappetites.
It was annoying. And exhausting.
Because she was ninety-nine percent surethat she didn’t want to be another man’s wife. The only reason to consider sucha thing would be to have a baby. At long last. Even though the doctor hadpromised that there was nothing wrong with her, she and Willis had never beenblessed with a child in their nineteen years of marriage.
However, if she ever did decide to getmarried again, it would not be to the man currently sitting on her couch. ZekeDetweiler was too brash and too bossy. Plus, he stared at her chest too much. Didhe think she wouldn’t notice?
Then, to make matters worse, he’d been herhusband’s boss. Leanna hadn’t liked Zeke when Willis was alive and she likedhim even less now. Unfortunately, that didn’t mean she could ask him to leavebefore his hour was up.
She’d learned that a widow, no matter what herage, was expected to be kind and proper. And demure.
Since she still had eighteen minutes to go,she gestured to his empty coffee cup. “Would you care for some more kaffi,Zeke?”
“I would.” His gaze drifted over her againwhen she started to bend down to pick up his cup and saucer. “You are overforty now, jah?”
“I am forty- one.”
“That’s a gut age, I think. Not too young.Not too old.” He crossed his legs. “You could still have a babe.” His eyesnarrowed. “You could, jah?”
“I suppose so.”
“Hmm,” said Zeke.
Gritting her teeth, Leanna forced herexpression to remain calm.
“I’ll be right back,” she murmured.
“Don’t forget that I like two teaspoons ofsugar,” he said.
“I would never forget that, Zeke.” He neededall the sweetness he could get.
Only when she reached the privacy of herkitchen did Leanna press her hands to her eyes. Tears were threatening. Sheneeded to fight them back before Zeke noticed. She’d learned that most of theselater-in-life suitors looked for weaknesses. Flaws. They could be used asammunition to make her feel like she shouldn’t be alone anymore.
Or, perhaps, simply to make themselves feelbetter.
Shelley Shepard Gray, The Unexpected Caller
Revell, a division of BakerPublishing Group, © 2026. Used by permission
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This SeriesAbout the Author[image error]
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
🌳🌸🍒🌹🌻🌳🌸🍒🌹🌻🌳 June 23, 2026
~ WEDNESDAY CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK RAINBOWS ~
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~ FRIDAY CHILDREN'S PICTUREBOOK FEATURE ~ -- GUES S WHY GOD MADE THE RAINBOW -- AUTHOR KAREN FERGUSON🌈☔💧📘 🌈☔💧📘🌈
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Guess Why God Made the Rainbow by Karen Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!🌈☔💧📘 🌈☔💧📘🌈
About the Book[image error]
Title: Guess Why God Made the Rainbow
Series: Questions for Kids #3
Author: Karen Ferguson
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Genre: Children’s picture book
Come join Lucy and her Papa Joe on another exciting adventure into the Bible, this time going back to Noah’s Ark!
Lucy is afraid of storms. She hides under her covers every time the thunder roars. But Papa Joe calms her fears, and then he has an important question for her, “Do you know what the rainbow means?”
Follow along in this third book in the Questions for Kids series as Papa Joe shows Lucy how God is faithful to protect and keep His promises, even amongst the storms of life.
Guess Why God Made the Rainbow is a heartwarming story of faith and trust in a God Who is with us through every storm.
April Graney ~ bestselling author of If Jesus Came to My School
A perfect book for helping build literacy skills, establishing foundations in Bible study with young children, and sharing the real meaning of the rainbow!
Kayla E. Green ~ award-winning Christian author, poet, and educator
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EXCERPT
Lucy and little Rosie whizzed past Papa Joe downthe hallway, scrambling to make a sharp turn into Lucy’s bedroom.
“Is everything okay?” Papa Joe called out.
An explosive thunder clap boomed behind him,shaking the hallway walls. At the same time, a high-pitched squeal echoed fromthe bedroom. Another summer thunderstorm. This was not unusual for this part ofthe South, but Lucy was unusually afraid of them.
It seemed to bother her new puppy, too.
Papa Joe’s scooter wheels screeched as he turnedthe corner into Lucy’s room. It was dark, but he could see two heads poppingout from under the covers.
“Lucy, it’s okay to feel afraid; just rememberthat God is with you, and He protects you,” Papa Joe said, trying to comforther.
“I know. It’s just that Rosie doesn’t likethunderstorms.”
Papa Joe held back a chuckle as he scooted to thewindow and opened the curtains. “Well, look at that, Lucy. The storm has dieddown already, and look what’s in its place. A rainbow!”
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MY REVIEW:
This colorful picture book is filledwith scripture, love, and wisdom that will appeal to children and adults of allages . . .
The warm, loving relationship between seven-year-oldLucy and her grandfather, Papa Joe, is evident from the first page of thisstory. When Lucy and her puppy, Rosie, are frightened by a noisy thunderstorm,they run to her bedroom and dive under the covers to get away from the noise.Papa Joe follows them on his scooter so he can assist them.
When a rainbow soon breaks through theclouds, he draws Lucy's attention to the beauty of God's special promise—the rainbow.Without prompting, she retrieves the family Bible and brings it back to herbedroom and hands it to her grandfather.
As he reads the story of Noah and theArk aloud, Lucy settles in to listen and pictures the action in her mind. Theillustrations in this section cause the Bible story come alive with color,action, and onomatopoeias such as bang, thud, rumble, splosh, etc.
The Back Matter is one of my favorite partsof this book. It includes a Scripture about courage, a list of eight Biblepromises, and seven follow-up questions that open the door for a furtherdiscussion.
I received a copy of this book from theauthor through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions sharedhere are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Ambassador International | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
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More in This Series
Karen Ferguson is a writer, podcast host, and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her mission is to write stories that grab and hold young readers’ attentions, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love for them. Karen is married to her best friend. They have two grown daughters, a growing tribe of dearly loved grandchildren, and one crazy golden retriever fur baby. Her favorite part of the week is eating dark chocolate and spending time with her family exploring new places.
Connect with Karen by visiting karenferg.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a $35 Amazon gift card + all three signed hardcover books in the Questions for Kids series!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 29, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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June 11, 2026
~ FRIDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE ANTIQUARIAN ~
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~ FRIDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE ~
-- 'DEATH OF AN ANTIQUARIAN' -- AUTHOR ROSE KERR***************
Death of an Antiquarian: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting - Lakeview City, Ontario, Canada (loosely based on Toronto, Canada)
Publisher: Level Best Books Publication date: Dec. 16, 2025 Print length : 242 pages
PaperbackISBN-13 : 979-8898201159
Digital ASIN : B0GHSW122X
When archaeologist Dr. Mia Reid takes a contract position at the Lakeview City Museum, she expects artifacts, exhibitions, and research notes, not murder. The death of a local antique dealer, with unexpected ties to artifact smuggling, draws Mia into a dangerous mystery.
As chatter of an international smuggling ring surfaces, Mia and Luke race to uncover the truth. The stakes rise when threats reach her—and her beloved grandmother.
With lives in jeopardy and artifacts at risk of vanishing forever into the black market, Mia must use all her skills to piece together the puzzle. Can she expose a killer before the next artifact or person disappears?
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Excerpt Chapter One ~ Wednesday MorningMia pushed away from her desk and walked to the far wall of her oJice. She looked at the plans on the wall. In less than a week, this exhibit had to be ready. Marketing and promotion were well underway. Interest from all over Lakeview City was growing. Ticket sales were doing well. The artifacts were on loan from the Mexico City Museum. It was the first time the museum had loaned them out.
Mia tapped a pencil to her chin and examined the floor plans for the exhibit. They just needed a little tweaking. She made an adjustment to two of the display cases and stepped back to look at the plans again. That looked better. Patrons would have a bit more space to move around the exhibit.
Her cell phone rang with Gran’s ringtone. A clear, light piano riff. She picked it up and smiled as she heard Gran’s voice. “Mia, could you come with me to Timeless Treasures tonight? There’s an event at the store, and I think you might find a few pieces for your apartment.”
Gran never wasted time on the phone; she cut through all the pleasantries and got straight to the point.
“Sure, what time do you want to go?”
“Why don’t we meet for dinner around five-thirty? The event starts at seven, but the doors open at six-thirty. I don’t want to be late.”
“That works. Do you want to meet at Syd’s? It’s close enough to the shop that we could walk.”
“Perfect. I’ll take a cab and meet you there.”
“Great. It’ll be nice to see you again.”
“I’ll talk to you then. Don’t work too hard, dear.” Gran hung up.
By the end of her workday, Mia was pleased with the work she’d done. The project she’d been working on, featuring artifacts discovered in the mid-twentieth century from Central America, was going to be displayed in a manner that allowed people to view them and to learn about them interactively. She still had to wrap up listening to the script for the displays. Photos would accompany the artifacts, showing how the archaeologists had discovered the objects, removed them from the ground, cleaned them, and catalogued them. The script would be read in several different languages, and the museum was fortunate to have translators who could do the work.
Mia hurried downstairs and got her bike out of the employee’s lot. She put her helmet on, made sure her backpack was secured, and headed out. The bike paths in the city meant she had a fifteen-minute commute instead of thirty minutes sitting in traffic.
Stopping in the lobby of her building, she picked up her mail. Tossing the flyers in the recycle bin, she noticed an official-looking letter from a law firm in Chicago. Tucking the envelope in her bag, she took the elevator to the fourteenth floor and made her way to her apartment. It was a nice corner unit overlooking Lake Ontario.
She hefted her bike on the rack in the utility room, dropped her keys in the dish on the sideboard in the hallway, and toed off her shoes. In the kitchen, she poured herself a large glass of ice water and added a couple of lemon slices. She grabbed the envelope out of her bag, walked to the balcony doors, and sat in one of the comfortable patio chairs. After taking a long drink of water, she set the glass on the rattan table in front of the chairs. She opened the envelope and read the enclosed letter. She read it twice, and the second time, tears welled up. Ethan Carter, one of her closest friends, had died a few months ago. It happened on their dig, on the Isle of Skye, and Mia had been instrumental in discovering who his killer had been. Ethan had left her his personal journals of the digs they’d both been on. It was such a wonderful gift.
Mia sent a text to Shelly, Ethan’s widow, and her good friend.
Mia: Just received the lawyer’s letter regarding Ethan’s gift to me. I’m so touched.
Mia’s phone rang a few minutes later. It was Shelly.
“I want to make sure you’re okay with his bequest.”
“I am. I wasn’t expecting this.”
“He wanted you to have the journals. I’ve packaged them up and will send them to you. I’ve made copies for Henry to have when he’s older.” Shelly sighed. “It’s been a busy few months. How are you doing? How’s the new job?”
“If Henry wants the originals, I’ll gladly give them to him.”
“Well, he’s not old enough for them now, maybe when he gets older. Now, how are you? What’s happening with work and Luke?”
Mia smiled. “Work is good. I’m settling into it. There’s more to do than I originally thought, but nothing I can’t handle. And Luke is coming back this weekend. He’ll be here for at least two weeks. He’s going to be training police on what to look for when dealing with thefts of artifacts. I’m looking forward to him being here again. I’ve missed him this past month.”
“Do you think he’d move to North America?”
“That would be great. I know he’s asked his supervisor to let him know if there’s an opportunity for him to work in Canada. That’s how this latest job came up. We’ll see how things work this trip.” Mia took a drink of water. “How are you and Henry coping?”
“We’re okay. Henry’s health is stable. The cancer hasn’t returned. He’s getting ready for school and looking forward to seeing his friends. The nightmares have stopped.” Shelly paused and then said, “I’m going back to work. The university called and offered me a part-time position in the English department. I’m looking forward to returning to work. My parents are close by and are still helping me out with everything to deal with Ethan’s death. Mom thought it would be good for me to get back into teaching again.”
They chatted for a few more minutes. It was good to talk to Shelly. They’d been friends for a long time. Ethan’s gift was something Mia would treasure.
Mia glanced at her watch. Time to get ready for dinner. ***************Author Guest Post
'Where Will Mia Reid Go Next?'
When writing aseries, an author has to look ahead to future books. Mia Reid, my maincharacter, is an archaeologist. Her job can take her anywhere in the world.
The first bookin the series, Death at the Scottish Broch, had her in Scotland, on the Isle ofSkye.
The second book,Death of An Antiquarian, sees her in Lakeview City, Ontario, Canada working ata museum.
The third book,Death at the Museum, (currently in production) has her at the Lakeview CityMuseum, in Lakeview City, Ontario.
Looking down theroad, I’d like to have Mia travel to a few archaeological digs around theworld.
Where should Isend her?
I did someresearch, something I really enjoy and found a list of the world’s twenty-fivemost important archaeological sites.
Some of thesewould definitely work as I’ve alluded to Mia’s previous experience in theearlier books in the series.
One possiblelocation: Egypt.
Either theValley of the Kings in Luxor, where King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber can befound, or the Great Pyramids on the Giza Plateau located just on the outskirtsof Cairo.
Both of thoselocations would have a wealth of possibilities. And there’s plenty of researchopportunities for me. Maybe even a visit to those locations?
A secondlocation: Mexico.
Either ChichénItzáin the Yucatan Peninsula or Teotihuacán in the Valley of Mexico.
I’ve been toChichénItzá on a tour when we were travelling in Mexico. It was amazing. Theguide we had was patient and answered my many questions with no hesitation. Wewere able to tour the pyramid – not walk on it though. It was founded by theancient Mayans around 600 CE. CE means “current era”. At its peak, this city had up to 50,000people living and working there. This location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Teotihuacán wasthe largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, with as many as 250,000 peopleliving there. Located in the Valley of Mexico from 300 BCE and 1000 CE, it’shome to flat-topped temples. One of the temples is the Temple of the FeatheredSerpent. Human remains have been found there, possibly evidence that sacrificeswere made to the temple. Other monuments there include the Pyramid of the Sunand the Pyramid of the Moon. According to legend, the Pyramid of the Sun is theplace where time began.
Mia would enjoyboth of those locations!
Another option:The Acropolis in Athens.
There aretwenty-one archaeological sites in Athens. Including the Parthenon, thePropylaia, the Erechtheum, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Temple of AthenaNike.
I havepersonally been fascinated by Athens since I was in high school. We had ahistory teacher who brought history alive and he transmitted his love of Greeceto his students. And although the sites in Athens have been excavated, workstill happens there.
The Acropolis has been operating as an archaeological site sine 1833 and becamea UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Mia and Lukewould have a lot of options to work with in Athens.
And I think myfinal option, at least for this post, would be Machu Pichu.
Machu Pichu islocated between four sacred peaks among the Andes mountains in Peru. It was aself-contained city, and it’s believed to have been built by the Inca EmperorPachacuti around 1450. There are hundreds of buildings including palaces,temples, baths. Once the Spanish overtook the Inca people, the site wasabandoned until 1911 when it was discovered by Yale archaeologist, HiramBingham.
Mia’s parentshave been working in Peru for the past few years. And Mia participated in a digthere when she was younger. Going back could be a good opportunity to see howMia works with different people.
There are manyplaces around the world, I could send Mia off on an adventure. But it isn’tenough for her to be on a dig. I’d also need to find out about the country’sculture and laws as well. I’d want Luke to be involved as he’s her lawenforcement agent and that would mean artifact smuggling would be part of thebook as well.
I can also sendher on a dig or a conference in North America. Either of those options couldprovide excellent fodder for a cozy mystery.
Wow! I thinkI’ve just briefly outlined the locations for several additional Mia Reid,Archaeologist, Mysteries.
Let me know ifyou have a favorite location or one I haven’t listed here!
Thanks forreading and good luck in the giveaway!
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About Rose Kerr
Retired in Southern Ontario with her husband, Rose spends her days crafting mysteries featuring strong, smart women who use their resourcefulness to solve crimes. When she’s not writing, she enjoys discovering the hidden gems of the region and indulging her lifelong curiosity.
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BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY
Prize: 2 Winners will each win a $20 Amazon gift card. Open to USand Canada. LINK TO ENTER GIVEAWAY ***************Author Links:
Website: https://rosekerr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseKerrAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.m.kerr/?hl=en
Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/RoseKerrauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22146877.Rose_Kerr
Amazon Author Central page: https://www.amazon.com/author/rose-kerr-mysteries
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Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Bookshop.org
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:June 1 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 1 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT June 2 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT June 2 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 3 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT June 3 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT June 4 – @bibliophile_foodie - REVIEW June 4 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT June 5 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW June 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 6 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book -SPOTLIGHT June 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT June 8 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 8 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW June 9 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 10 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 10 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW June 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST June 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST***************
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***************June 9, 2026
~ WEDNESDAY CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL AN ARRIVAL OF HOPE ~
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Welcome to the Book Bee Blogger's Choice Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!
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Dear Readers,
Welcome to this unique and special blog tour! JustRead Publicity Tours gave their blog hosts an opportunity to share about a book we've read that we wanted readers to know about. 'An Arrival of Hope' is that type of book for me. It touched me in many ways as you will read in my Review below. Many thanks to this author, Alena, for collaborating with me by providing me with much of the content I used in this post. I hope you enjoy learning more about this author and her beautiful work.All my best,June 💖📖🌻🍅🌼🍎🍲🍞🍳⏳💖
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: An Arrival of Hope
Series: Home to Osceola #3
Author: Alena Mentink
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: Feb 25, 2026
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
She’s resigned herself to aquiet life. He buried his heart with his wife. Neither expects redemption tocome calling.
Rosalind Durmond still harbors a heart made for storybookromance—she just knows such tales aren’t written for her. She thought she’dtraded those dreams for duty when she agreed to care for her aging aunt. Butwhen that aunt sets off for the Nebraska plains to right an old wrong, Rosalindfinds herself knee-deep in family strife—and face-to-face with a widowed farmerwhose quiet strength stirs hopes she thought long out of reach.
Zane Hoffman’s learned the hard way that happy endings exist onlyin fairy tales. Since his wife’s death, he’s sworn off risking his heart again.Yet when a red-haired woman with a knack for finding trouble crosses his path,his conscience won’t let him walk away.
As secrets from the past turn dangerous, Rosalind and Zane mustfight for survival—and for the fragile love awakening between them.
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EXCERPT:What a fool Rosalind was to alwaysbe craving adventure. The Lord had blessed her abundantly right here inLincoln. She had loving parents, Aunt Myra, and her work with the paper.
She slumped back on her chair andlet her pencil fall to the desk. The blessings abounded—so why couldn’t shestifle her craving for an adventure?
She folded her hands and bentforward. A sigh rose from deep inside her, and she whispered, “Lord . . .”
Just like earlier, she faltered forwhat to say. How could she pray when she failed to understand her own innerworkings?
She lifted her shoulders. “Lord,You are the One who has created me, the One who knows me best. Please, removethis adventurous desire from me. Take it completely away. Or—or if not, thenbring an adventure. Soon.”
The words sounded far more daringwhen spoken aloud. Rosalind bit her lip.
But as her pastor had preached thatvery Sunday, Psalms taught that the Lord knew each thought and intent of theheart. He knew her deepest desires. Her wish for an adventure was no surpriseto Him.
She nodded firmly and lifted herface to the cream-and-gold wallpaper on the ceiling. “Either this desire mustgo away or something must be done. I leave that decision in Your hands, O Lord.You pick which it is to be. Amen.”
Rosalind held her breath. The clockon the mantel ticked out each second with a care and precision that nearlymatched Connor’s. The same murmur of voices continued from next door. A logpopped in the fire.
She picked up her pencil again andtapped the end against her chin. Well, no adventure awaited today, but she didneed to finish the ladies’ column for the paper.
And perhaps by the time shefinished that task, she would be reconciled to continuing her life with adearth of adventure and knights on white horses. She would need to accept iteventually.
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MY REVIEW:
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Filled with faith, family, personalgrowth, and humor, this novel is enjoyable in every way . . .
The author has written a well-constructed novel that gives readers an excellentview of life in the pioneer era on the eastern central prairie of Nebraska in1881. The plot features elements of romance, mystery, and suspense.
The main character, twenty-six-year old Rosalind Durmond, lives in Lincoln,Nebraska, with her father, step-mother, and aunt. She struggles with being asingle woman who is above average in height. Mostly importantly, she isbothered by the fact that most of the women her age are married and startingtheir families, and she feels as if she doesn't fit in anywhere.
Rosalind's emotionally-unstable Aunt Myra decides she must return to Osceola tofind the person whom she is certain killed her husband and children in a housefire a few years earlier. Rosalind agrees to chaperone Myra on the journey.
Farmer Zane Hoffman continues to grieve the loss of his dear wife, Sarah, twoyears after her sudden death in a wagon accident. He is committed to raisingtheir young children, Byron and Audrey, in a home filled with love and faith.However, he is desperately struggling to keep his heart locked away so he won'tfall in love again . . .
As Rosalind begins spending time with the large extended Hoffman Family as wellas little Byron and Audrey, she starts accepting the fact that maybe somedayshe will attain her goal of becoming a wife and mother. Zane's mother,Florence, is an exceptional matriarch and is generous with her time and effortsin teaching Rosalind how to be a homemaker. Rosalind learns how to cook, bake,garden, etc., since she has never been taught those skills in her father'shome.
The final chapters of the book were intense and involved some suspense andaction. The group worked together to solve the house fire mystery, much to thesatisfaction of Myra.
There is so much to enjoy about this plot, but I especially appreciated thisauthor's ability to share God's Word and His intentions for marriage andchild-rearing with readers.
This book is completely clean in language and content. The faith thread isdeftly woven throughout the entire book.
I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead PublicityTours. All of my opinions shared here are solely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alena Mentink is aNebraska author who enjoys mixing history with fictional characters to create astory for God’s glory. The Midwest claims the number one spot as her favoritesetting for her stories where her characters manage to find plenty of troubleto keep them occupied. When she isn’t busy writing, Alena can usually be foundsomewhere around her family’s farm where she lives with her parents and eightsiblings. Find out more about her at her website and sign up for her newsletter toget a free story!
An Arrival of Hope byAlena Mentink
AUTHOR'S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website:
Newsletter:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21421929.Alena_Mentink
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alena-Mentink/author/B09PX54Z16
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PURCHASE LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMYK81GK
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Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner's choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!
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Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 8, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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June 4, 2026
~ FRIDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE SCONED DEATH ~
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~ FRIDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE ~ -- 'SCONED TO DEATH' -- AUTHOR BETTY HECHTMAN 🧶☕⏳🔦🔍📖🧶☕⏳🔦🔍📖🧶
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About Sconed to Death
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Cozy Mystery2nd in SeriesSetting - Indiana Publisher : Severn House Publication date : June 2, 2026 Print length : 224 pages HardcoverISBN-10 : 1448318629 ISBN-13 : 978-1448318629 DigitalISBN-13: 9781448318636 AudiobookASIN B0GH2HY42YMP3CD ISBN-13 : 979-8228941519 ASIN : B0GS74NJGP
A brand-new series from the queen of culinary cozies. Full to the brim with crochet, crumpets, and crime!The perfect ingredients for murder . . .Annie Hart has transformed the yarn shop she inherited into a thriving business and tea shop. Now she needs to sell it so she can move back to LA. She just has to ensure that young Toby Swanson is kept on as the supplier of their famous scones.Annie decides to secretly enter Toby in a new reality TV cooking show. But his application video takes a deadly twist when Annie and her business partner, Gray, discover a body on the beach while filming. Even worse, it looks like the young woman had been enjoying Toby’s cherry scones and the shop’s rose tea before her death.With the help of her misfit group of local yarn artists, can Annie find a killer and save her reputation?
Readers who love super cozy culinary mysteries will eat up this new charming cozy mystery series.
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EXCERPT:
It was early Monday morning as I rushed ahead to unlock the door to the school house—not to let students in. It had been eons since the red brick building had been used for that purpose. Now it was home to a yarn shop and tea room. There were some books and gift items too. I felt a sense of pride as I looked at the distinctive structure that belonged to me.
The air felt languid here in Franklin, Indiana and I struggled to get out of the hoodie I had put on automatically before I went outside. When I was home in L.A., going to work at the children’s boutique in Malibu, the hoodie was needed even on a late June morning. Not here for sure.
I had expected to be back in L.A. by now, but, well, things hadn’t worked out as I had planned. When I heard my uncle Cyrus had left me the school house, my original thought was to just take a look at the property in person and put it up for sale. I had no idea that it housed a yarn shop until I got here and saw the sign hanging at an angle that said Classy Yarn. It fell off when I tried to right it.
Then it made sense why he had left the property to me. He knew I had a passion for yarn and had been crocheting and knitting since I was a kid. He must have thought I would be happy to have access to all that fiber.
When I arrived, the whole place looked unsettled and neglected, as the shop had been closed since the previous owner, Eleanor Danton, died. Bugs had feasted on some of the yarn and the skeins appeared to have been stuffed haphazardly into the cubbies that lined the large room.
I had never planned to get involved with anything more than clearing it up to make it presentable to sell. But then I had met Jenny Swanson and her son Toby, along with Liv Stein. They were all part of the group of yarn crafters who used to have get-togethers at the school house and prevailed on me to let the group meet while I was clearing the place up.
Jenny and Toby owned the local bakery and won me over with friendship and delicious treats. Liv acted like an advisor from the start and gave me the lowdown on the town. She even convinced me to let Eleanor’s cat Jack stay while I was working on the place. She let me find out for myself that the white Persian had some magical skills.
I hadn’t meant for it to happen, but in no time, I felt part of the group and listened when they pitched me on how having a tea room would make the place more sellable. To make a long story short, I added the tea room, and there were some complications, like getting too attached to the place and being concerned about what would happen to it when a new owner took over. So, here I was still running the yarn shop and tea room.
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Author Guest Post'Yarns About Yarn'
By
Betty Hechtman
You don’t have to know how tocrochet or knit to read my books. But Iam always happy to hear that reading them has either inspired someone to learnhow to crochet or knit or has been inspired a lapsed yarn crafter to pick it upagain. No judgement here, but personally,I prefer crochet. It is easier to me andworks better for creating things like elephants and pots of flowers.
Annie Sara Hart, the main characterin my Crochet and Crumpet series calls herself a crochet artist. After going toart school, she discovered that yarn was her medium of choice and crochet herfavored form. Rather than makingblankets and scarves, she prefers making what could be called yarnsculptures. But really what they are,are toys. Making toys means a lot to herbecause something she makes can become that comfort toy they sleep with andwill be part of their childhood memory.
In SCONED TO DEATH, the second book in the Crochet and Crumpet series,she makes a red hen that becomes a beloved comfort toy to its owner. Insolidarity to my character, I made a red hen too.
One of the cool things about is howaccessible learning how to crochet or knit has become. When I learned, I had to teach myselfhow tomake a granny square by using a kid’s kit I bought at FAO Schwartz. I can’t complain though, since it waslearning how to make that granny square that opened the golden door of crochetto me and gave me the idea of mixing it with a mystery which became the CrochetMystery series featuring Molly Pink and the Tarzana Hookers who hang out, crochetand solve murders. I am just beginningto write the seventeenth book in the series and Molly and the Hookers arealready in trouble and it’s only page one.
Back to learning yarn craft. There countless videos online and companies thatoffer crochet kits aimed at rank beginners to make things like a penguin orrabbit. And then you have a littlesupport creature to tell your troubles to.
I think of crocheting flat items likescarves and blankets as being a different experience. While making the fun toys is challenging andtakes all your attention-- unless you are as experienced as Annie Sara--workingon a scarf or blanket can be meditative and relaxing.
My Yarn Retreat series has a mixtureof different yarn crafts in it. Eachbook has Casey Felstein putting on a retreat for a new group of strangers atthe moody hotel and conference center on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula. They get to know each other, deal withwhatever they’re retreating from, and solve a murder while they work on theirprojects.
Even the Writer for Hire series hasyarn in it. Veronica Blackstone crochetssquares when she’s tense and chamomile tea doesn’t help-- which happens alot. She is struggling to write a followup to a successful mystery while working as a writer for hire who will writelove letters, copy for celebrations of life—anything as long as it's legal. Shealso runs a writers’ group. And thenwhen she finds herself in the middle of a murder, she uses her skills to figureout who did it. When she has enoughsquares she sews them together into a blanket. I bet she could really use asupport crocheted. Rabbit. I should haveAnnie Sara make one for her. I havegotten suggestions about crossing over characters in my series. We’ll see.
When I made that first granny square with the kid's kit, Ihad no idea that it would be the beginning of thirty-some books and counting.
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About Betty Hechtman
Despite completing a Fine Arts degree, all Betty Hechtman ever wanted to be was a writer. She wrote a weekly column in her college newspaper and later wrote magazine and newspaper pieces, along with short stories and a prize-winning screenplay. She has published over thirty books across four cozy mystery series, all of which have yarn craft. She lives with her family in Southern California.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.Bettyhechtman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettyhechtmanauthor
Blog: https://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:
June 1 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT June 1 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW June 2 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 2 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 2 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT June 3 – @bibliophile_foodie - REVIEW June 3 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT June 3 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book – REVIEW June 4 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 5 – Books, Ramblings and Tea – SPOTLIGHT June 5 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 6 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT June 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW June 7 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW June 8 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT🧶☕⏳🔦🔍📖🧶☕⏳🔦🔍📖🧶
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June 2, 2026
~ WEDNESDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE DIVA HOSTS ~
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~ WEDNESDAY COZY MYSTERY FEATURE ~
-- 'THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER' --
AUTHOR KRISTA DAVIS📘🧨📜🎆📕🎇📘🧨📜🎆📕🎇📘
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The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis
About The Diva Hosts a Murderer
The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
Cozy Mystery19th in Series Setting - Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia
Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication date : May 26, 2026
Print length : 336 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 : 1496743482
ISBN-13 : 978-1496743480 DigitalISBN-13 : 978-1496743503
ASIN : B0FP7LXJ8C AudiobookASIN B0FVW9XKRW
Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.
With a big crowd descending on her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing event planner Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. Whipping up patriotic pastries is as easy as pie for her, though meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly just impulsively married in Las Vegas is a little more awkward. Especially when Melly’s longtime, now-heartbroken secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks.
But the house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with her red, white, and blue cupcakes . . .
Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!
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EXCERPT:
The firstworrisome surprise came when I found my front door unlocked in the morning whenI left the house. Not only did I check to be sure it was secure every night beforeI went to bed, but I recalled locking it the night before.
Maybe one of my guests neededsomething from their car. That thought made me feel better though I wasn’t convincedit was the case. Or maybe my sister, Hannah, had opened the door and failed tolock it. She was coming in very late each night.
I ambled along behind Daisy, my hound mix, as she followed her nose across the streetto the home of my best friend, Nina Reid Norwood, who yawned as she waited withMuppet, her little white fluffball of a dog.
“Remindme why we’re up so early,” groused Nina.
“Sowe can walk the dogs before it gets too hot and so I can buy fresh breakfastbreads for my houseguests.”
“Areyou sure they’re worth it? You have a toaster. I’m told they sell perfectlygood sliced bread at the grocery store.”
“Youwould be the first to complain if I didn’t serve something special. And the toasterdoesn’t walk Daisy.”
Atthe mention of her name, Daisy stopped and looked back at me.
“You’rea very good girl.”
Assuredthat all was well, she sniffed a spot that intrigued Muppet.
Thefirst rays of the rising sun glowed in the sky as Daisy and Muppet rounded thecorner, passing homes that were decked out in red, white, and blue for theholiday.
Wecrossed to the next block and Daisy steered us into an alley just in time forus to hear a gate unlatch and see my Aunt Melly’s new husband, Gus, step out ofsomeone’s backyard!
Ipulled Nina and Daisy back in a hurry lest Gus spot us. When I peeked aroundthe corner, he was dashing along the alley away from us.
“Wasthat Gus?” asked Nina.
“Ohh,this is not good.”
“I’llsay! Poor Melly! Do you think he saw us or was he running so he could get backto your house before Melly wakes up and realizes he’s gone?”
Weheard the latch snap closed on a dark red gate with a rounded top.
“Ihope he didn’t see us. That’s Dollie Peabody’s house. Now exactly what wouldGus be doing at Dollie Peabody’s house?”
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MY REVIEW:
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A delightful cozy mystery involving the Diva,Sophie Winston, and her family and friends who have gathered to celebrate theFourth of July . . .
Sophie has invited her family andfriends to celebrate America's 250th birthday with her in the lovely Old Townsection of Alexandria which lies across the Potomac River from the nation'scapital. There are several special events included.
The author does an excellent job ofkeeping the story moving at a steady pace from beginning to end, and I wasfully-engaged in the story each time I sat down to read. She introduces variouscharacters with their idiosyncrasies, weaknesses, and flaws into the story whichkept the story fresh. The author challenges readers with some great villains,creeps, and scoundrels; and she even throws in some red herrings to stir thingsup a bit.
As a history buff, I especially enjoyedthe inclusion of true historical events and facts about the historical figuresinvolved in the founding of the United States of America and some facts aboutthe history of the Declaration of Independence.
This is the third book I have read inthis series, and I was glad to find it included the Front Matter – a Cast ofCharacters – and delicious-sounding Back Matter – several original Recipes fromthe author.
The story is completely clean inlanguage and content. I received a copy of this book from the author throughGreat Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared hereare solely my own.
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About Krista Davis
New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two cats and a brood of dogs. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back.
Author Links:
Website www.KristaDavis.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Facebook www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAuthor
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/authorshow/1555579.Krista_Davis
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/KristaDavisAuthor/
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/krista-davis
Delicious Mysteries https://www.facebook.com/groups/1573601592919093
Purchase Links: Amazon Apple Barnes & Noble Books A Million Bookshop
Hudson Booksellers Indigo Rakuten Kobo Tantor Audio Target Walmart
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TOUR GIVEAWAY :
2 PRINT COPIES OF: The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis LINK TO ENTER GIVEAWAY📘🧨📜🎆📕🎇📘🧨📜🎆📕🎇📘
TOUR PARTICIPANTS:
May 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
May 26 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
May 27 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book – REVIEW
May 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
May 28 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
May 29 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea - SPOTLIGHT
May 29 – FUONLYKNEW - RECIPE
May 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – RECIPE
May 31 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
June 1 – @bibliophile_foodie - REVIEW
June 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW
June 4 – @review_thick_and_thin – REVIEW
June 5 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 5 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 6 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read - SPOTLIGHT
June 7 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour? Click Here
📘🧨📜🎆📕🎇📘🧨📜🎆📕🎇📘May 28, 2026
~ FRIDAY FICTION SUSPENSE CROSSBONES ~
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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Crossbones by C.C. Warrens, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!📖🔦🔎⏳⌚📖🔦🔎⏳⌚📖
About the Book[image error]
Title: Crossbones
Series: A Holly Novel #6
Author: C.C. Warrens
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 15th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense
"Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.”
Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him.
Even her life.
But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends?
Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden.
He doesn’t want to be found.
He doesn’t want to be known.
And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies.
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EXCERPT:
Maybe my history wasmaking me overly cautious, but I would rather look paranoid than end up in thetrunk of a car.
I backed up a fewsteps. One of the alleys would take me through to the backside of the agency,and I could come in through the storage room.
As I turned to go backthe way I had come, the car rumbled forward.
I quickened my stepsto the nearest alley and turned into it. The car engine roared louder as thevehicle sped up before grinding to a stop where I’d been standing a momentbefore.
My heart jolted, and Ibroke into a run.
I cut left down theintersecting alley and collided with the first door I saw—a back exit for oneof the local businesses. I wrenched at the handle. Locked.
I pounded a handagainst the door. “Help!”
A car door closed.
He was coming after meon foot. I stumbled back from the building and searched for a place to hide.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub
More in This Series[image error] [image error] [image error]
About the Author[image error]
Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.
If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.Connect with C.C. by visiting ccwarrens.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a grand prize of a signed Crossbones paperback with bookmark, sticker, character art card, and a $10 Amazon gift card!
Up to (5) winners will each receive an ebook of Crossbones, delivered via Bookfunnel!
Up to (4) winners will each receive an audiobook download of Crossbones!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 25, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for grand prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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May 26, 2026
~ WEDNESDAY ROMANCE FICTION FEATURE HOME NO MATTER WHERE ~
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!📖🌊⛵💝📖🌊⛵💝📖
About the Book[image error]
Title: Home No Matter Where
Series: A Shell Collector Novel #3
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (Penguin Random House)
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Sweet Romance/Women's Fiction
Three generations of women confront their pasts and discover it's never too late for new beginnings in this heartwarming novel of second chances and unconditional love—from the bestselling author of The Shell Collector.
“In Home No Matter Where we travel to beautiful Whelk’s Island, where a close-knit community puts us right at home. Along the way we meet compelling characters caught in realistic storms and learn faith-filled lessons about weathering them.” —Denise Hunter, bestselling author of More Than Friends
Nina is at her wit’s end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk’s Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island’s charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life.
Kendra’s reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy.
As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn’t follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew.
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EXCERPT:
Laterthat night, the house was quiet. Too quiet. Uneasiness ran upNina’s spine. She went to Kendra’s bedroom door, turned the knob, and peeked in.The room was empty.
Her stomach dropped. She raced from roomto room, but there was no sign of Kendra. The back door was unlocked, but shewasn’t on the deck either. Panic surged through Nina.No,no, no!
As she grabbed her keys, her firstthought was to text Fisher for help, but that wasn’t right. This wasn’t hismess to handle, and she hated to ruin Mom’s time with Tug if it wasn’t anemergency. Or is it? Nina ran outside, calling Kendra’sname. The salty wind whipped around her like a heavy coat, and the darkness pressedin close.
What are youthinking, Kendra?
As Nina raced for her car, she noticed the bicycle still leaning againstthe carport wall.
Please be nearby.
When she looked over to the beach, she saw Kendra standing knee-deep inthe surf, her arms wrapped around herself, gazing out at the waves.
Relief battled anger inside Nina.She leaned over to catch herbreath and regain her composure. Once her heart slowed down, she walked over toher daughter. “What are you doing?” Her voice came out sharp with fear. “Do youhave any idea how dangerous this is?”
“Who cares?” Kendra turned to Nina, herface set in a defiant glare.
“I do.” She held Kendra’s hollow gaze. “Yourgrandmother does.”
“I needed air.”
“That’s not how this works,” Nina shotback. “You don’t just sneak out after dark.” She fought back tears, afraid tolet Kendra see her weaken. “What is going on in that head of yours?”
Kendra’s lip trembled, but she lifted herchin. “If you keep being mean to Dad, he’ll never come back for us.”
It was like a dagger to her heart to bereminded that her divorce was the tipping point of her daughter’s distress. Ninastepped closer, placing a calming hand on Kendra’s arm. “He’s remarried,Kendra. Your dad has moved on. We have to as well.”
“You’re so busy making eyes at Fisherthat you don’t even notice me.”
Nina’s breath caught. “That is not true. Youare always first in my heart. He’s a friend of our family. I thought you likedhim.”
Kendra’s eyes flashed. “It’s me or him,Mom. Pick.”
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TO READ MORE FREE CONTENT FROM THE AUTHOR, FOLLOW THE BELOW LINKS:
-- LONG EXCERPT:
Available on Book Funnel at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/tim9s7ciwx OR downloadable from the author's website at: https://www.nancynaigle.com/home-no-matter-where
-- Free Short Story BookFunnel – 'A Whelk’s Island Valentine': A short Valentine story about Rosemary and Tug’s Valentine’sdate may be found at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/2m3i4uokrf
PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Penguin Random House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This Series
Download a free short story about Tug & Rosemary's Valentine date here!
About the Author[image error]ECPA and USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle crafts small-town love stories full of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, cooking, and the occasional spa day with friends. Several of Nancy’s novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Her novel The Shell Collector was adapted into the first Fox Nation original movie. A native of Virginia Beach, Nancy now calls Franklin, Virginia, home.
Connect with Nancy by visiting nancynaigle.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates. While you're there, spin the wheel and see what your special shell message is!Tour Giveaway(1) grand prize winner will receive a Shell Collector Summer Escape Box which includes a Nancy Naigle book tote bag, a shell set + message, coastal candle, beachy bookmark set, lighthouse charm, signed bookplate and a little surprise swag plus copies of Sand Dollar Cove and Dear Santa!
(3) other winners will each receive a Shell Gift Set of a handprinted shell with a message, beautifully printed message card, small drawstring bag, signed bookplate and a bookmark!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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