June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~
October 2, 2025
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE COZY MYSTERY HOME FRIES & ALIBIS ~
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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE -- COZY MYSTERY ~-- 'HOME FRIES & ALIBIS' --AUTHOR LENA GREGORY📖 🍟🐶🦝🐻🔎⏳🔦📖 🍟🐶🦝🐻📖
Home Fries and Alibis (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
by Lena Gregory
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About Home Fries and Alibis
Home Fries and Alibis (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
Cozy Mystery8th in SeriesSetting - New York Publisher : Beyond the Page Publishing Publication date : September 23, 2025 Print length : 178 pagesISBN-10 : 1966322275ISBN-13 : 978-1966322276 Digital ISBN-13 : 978-1966322269ASIN : B0FN8G8H1G
When a belligerent woman moves in across the street, café owner Gia Morelli has to call off the welcome wagon and call in the homicide squad . . .
When a nasty new neighbor moves into their peaceful community, Gia and everyone else in the neighborhood is ready to blow a fuse. The spiteful woman has quickly made a nuisance of herself, complaining to and about everyone there. Then she makes the grave mistake of falsely claiming Gia’s dog tore up her yard, and Gia goes ballistic, telling the woman to back off . . . or else. It was an impulsive move for Gia, but someone else decides an even more extreme approach is called for, and silences the woman—permanently.
Unnerved by the thought of a murderer living in her neighborhood, Gia begins digging into the victim’s life to figure out who would have wanted her dead. She soon discovers that the woman was not only malicious but was blackmailing people in the community. Even more surprising is that nearly everyone in the neighborhood has something to hide. Dead-set on rooting out the culprit, Gia has to determine who stood to lose the most if their secret was revealed, unaware that she’s perilously close to losing her own life . . .
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Character Guest Post
Rural Living
By
Gia Morelli
Hi,and thank you for having me! I’m Gia Morelli, owner of the All-Day BreakfastCafé located in beautiful, sunny Boggy Creek, Florida. Moving to Florida hadbeen a spur of the moment decision for me. After a bitter divorce and myhusband’s criminal trial, I just wanted to get out of New York City. So, Ifigured, with much prodding from my best friend, Savannah, what better place tolive than in the small town where she’d grown up and currently lived?
Ihonestly don’t know what I would have done without Savannah’s help. While I wassuffering through the end of my marriage and the trial, Savannah found and setup my café. The stunning pale-yellow, white trimmed, two-story building stoodproudly on one corner. It fit in perfectly with the other shopsalong Main Street in the small, artsy, tourist town of Boggy Creek. Nestled abit south of Central Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the town was known forits festivals, art and craft shows, and seasonal fairs. My breakfast café,situated in the historic, downtown building, was the perfect addition.
SinceI was stuck in New York at the time, Savannah also found my new house. While Iwas thrilled with the café’s location, the Rolling Pines development where mynew home was located came as a bit of a surprise. As it turned out, Savannah’sdefinition of rural differed greatly from my own. I suppose that’s to beexpected, considering she grew up in a small town on the outskirts of a forest,and I lived my whole life in New York City. I’m not sure what I’d envisioned,maybe something like the small towns on Eastern Long Island? But a house on anacre of land in a development backed by somewhere around three-hundred-thousandacres of prehistoric-looking forest was not it.
Although,I have to admit, the three-bedroom, Spanish-style ranch with cream-coloredstucco siding and a scalloped terracotta tile roof was irresistible. And Icouldn’t believe it was all mine. The dog Savannah insisted I needed, agorgeous Bernese Mountain dog I named Thor, helped ease some of thesolitude.Still, there were a few things that took some getting used to.
A.K.A…Critters. Lots of them. In all shapes and sizes. Before moving to Florida, theextent of my knowledge and interaction with wildlife included pigeons in thepark, cats in the alley behind the deli where I worked, and an occasional ratin the subway. The first time I saw black bear cubs frolicking in my backyard,I nearly fell over. They were adorable, until their mama showed up. And thenthere were the snakes—some of which were venomous (not poisonous, so I’ve beentold. Repeatedly). And the alligators I sometimes come across while walking. Icurrently have a racoon, Rocky, making a home in the tree above my garbagepail. And I’ve even run across a couple of armadillos. Of course, I had toGoogle what they were, since I’d never seen anything like that before.
But forme, the scariest of all the creatures sharing my rural community—spiders! Thebane of my existence. They have always terrified me. Even living in New York,the spiders gave me the heebie-jeebies, and they couldn’teven carry off a smalldog like these things could. Good thing Thor weighs in at over a hundredpounds. Still, walking into a room, turning on the light,and finding a huntsmanspider the size of my hand staring at me from a strategic position near theceiling brings terror like no other.
All thatsaid, rural living is still the perfect life for me.
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Excerpt -- Chapter One“What’s the pointin closing the café and taking a day off if we don’t do something fun?” Withher elbows propped on Gia Morelli’s kitchen table and her chin resting in onehand, Savannah Mills Dumont ran the tip of one long, glitter-tipped, sky-bluenail around the rim of her Blondes Have More Fun coffee mug and pouted.
Thor, Gia’sBernese mountain dog, dropped his massive head onto Savannah’s lap, rolled hissoulful brown eyes toward Gia, and sulked.
“Oh, knock itoff. Both of you.” Gia stood from where she sat between the two of them andcrossed the terra-cotta tile to the counter. If she was going to deal with bothher best friend and her traitorous dog moping at the crack of dawn, she wasgoing to need more coffee. She filled her mug then held the pot up towardSavannah, who shook her head moodily. Ugh. She turned and leaned back againstthe countertop, inhaled deeply the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, andtook a sip.
It wasn’t likeshe had any specific plans for the day, other than to relax and enjoytwenty-four stress-free hours without punching a time clock, rushing aroundlike there weren’t enough hours to fit in everything she had to get done (whichthere weren’t), and fielding complaints from cranky customers. She sighed. Inall fairness, most of her customers weren’t cranky, just the select few who,despite their chronic complaints, still kept returning to the All-Day BreakfastCafé. Perhaps negativity was just a hobby for them. Her gaze flicked back toSavannah and Thor.
Savannahfluttered long, thick lashes that framed big blue eyes Gia had no hope ofsaying no to. “Okay, fine. What is it the two of you want to do?”
Thor lifted hishead and barked once.
Savannah perkedright up, straightened in her chair, and offered a sly grin. “Whatever you’dlike.”
“I’d like togo to the nursery for some flowers and plant a garden out front,” Gia remindedher.
“Oh, please,sugar.” Savannah waved her off with a flick of her hand. “You’ve been sayingthat for months, and you and I both know it’s not going to happen.”
“It might.”Especially if Savannah kept insisting it wouldn’t. Nothing like a littlepessimism for motivation. Besides, she’d heard gardening was a great stressreliever. And, having lived most of her life in New York City, she’d never hadthe opportunity to give it a try.
“Uh-huh.” Liftingone perfectly sculpted brow, Savannah shifted her long blonde hair behind hershoulder, hooked an elbow over her chair back, and pinned Gia with a knowinglook. “And what happens the first time you kneel down and find a snake in theweeds? Or a bear lumbers across the yard? Or Rocky Raccoon, apparently yournewest pet, stops by for a visit?”
“Okay, that’s notfair.” It wasn’t her fault she hadn’t had the heart to get rid of the littlevarmint after the first time she’d paid a pretty penny to have someone catchhim and release him elsewhere. Then, the following day, she’d found himleisurely hanging out on his favorite moss-covered oak branch above her garbagepails, staring at her with an amused look that said, Ha ha, sucker, I’m notthat easy to get rid of. But the reminder had her second-guessing the ideaof a garden . . . again. The chances of her planting and caring for agarden without running into some critter or another were slim to none.
Not that she didn’tadore her home in Rolling Pines, she did. The development on the outskirts ofthe Ocala National Forest in Central Florida was what Savannah had called ruralwhen she’d first found the beautiful little Spanish-style ranch Gia now calledhome. But it was more like the center of some prehistoric forest—at least, itwas to Gia, who’d spent most of her life surrounded by concrete and steel. Ofthe thousand or so one-acre lots the community boasted, only about half of themhad been cleared and built on. That left a lot of swampy forest, home to anabundance of wildlife—bears, coyotes, armadillos, alligators, venomous snakes,huntsman spiders—and that was the end of that. A shiver tore through her. Therewas nothing Gia feared more than spiders.
Savannah grinned.
“Okay, okay,point made.” It was Gia’s turn to sulk.
“So. . .” Having won the argument, as usual, Savannah sipped her coffee.“What do you feel like doing? Now that I take it gardening is out?”
Gia pinned herwith her harshest glare. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you no one likes a smartaleck?”
“Come to think ofit . . .” She laughed, the sound musical in the small kitchen. “Youmay have mentioned it once or twice.”
Gia couldn’t helpbut smile. Since there was nothing she wouldn’t do for Savannah, who’d beenGia’s rock through the most difficult time in her life, it looked like she’dhave to suck it up and choose something her friend would enjoy. Which wouldprobably involve an hour’s drive to one mall or another followed by theafternoon in a shoe store. Then, of course, they couldn’t leave Thor out, sothe day would wind up with a hike along one of the many trails Gia had come toenjoy walking—when she didn’t come across a body, that is. Or a bear. Or analligator. Was it too late to change her mind on this? One glance at Savannahand Thor assured her it was.
“All right,we’ll—” She was awarded a brief reprieve when the doorbell rang. Although shehad no idea who’d be stopping by so early in the morning. She glanced down ather oversized sweats and tattered T-shirt. Oh, well. Nothing she could do abouther attire, and answering the door would save her having to make anylife-altering decisions. At least, for a few minutes. “I’ll just get that.”
With Thor on herheels, his long black tail tipped with white wagging furiously at the thoughtof company, she headed for the front of the house. She peered through theliving room window and sighed. She’d have been better off taking her chanceswith a hike through a viper pit. Of course, not in the new shoes, which wouldcertainly have ridiculously high heels if Savannah was helping her pick themout.
The bell rang asecond time.
Then again, ahike through a swamp in stilettos had to beat dealing with Gladys Hoffmeier atsix in the morning, or any other time, really. With one last sigh, Gia openedthe door to her neighbor from across the street and one house over.
Thor backedquietly away and shifted to stand behind Gia.
Gladys, armsfolded across her chest, tapped her foot with about as much patience as RockyRaccoon on clean-out-the-fridge day. Despite the early hour, the woman wasalready decked out in a matronly dress, sensible shoes, and full makeup. Hertight red curls clung tenaciously to her head as if they didn’t dare droop outof place, despite the humidity. Before Gia could even say good morning orinvite her inside, Gladys shifted her hands to her ample hips and glared. “Thatdog of yours was digging up my yard again.”
First of all,it’s not your yard. Gia clamped her teeth tightly together to cagethe words inside. Since Gladys had come to live with her sister (half sister,Gia reminded herself) six months ago, she’d done nothing but complain and causetrouble in the previously serene community.
Savannah came upbeside Gia and lay a hand on Thor’s head.
If Gia didn’tintervene quickly, the ensuing battle would end up getting out of hand andresult in Captain Hunter Quinn, Gia’s fiancé, who also happened to beSavannah’s cousin, and Detective Leo Dumont, Savannah’s husband, being called.Again. It seemed Gladys Hoffmeier had the Boggy Creek Police Department numberon speed dial, since they’d banned her from dialing 911 for anything other thana life-threatening emergency the last time they’d been summoned. “Good morning,Mrs. Hoff—”
“Ms.Hoffmeier. As I’ve told you several times now. I divorced my no-good,two-timing ex-husband six months ago, and I refuse to answer to Mrs. everagain.” She lifted her chin defiantly.
When Savannahopened her mouth, no doubt to suggest, as she had on several other occasions,that Gladys revert to using her maiden name, Gia reached out and discreetlypinched her arm.
“Ouch.” Savannahscrunched up her face, aimed an exaggerated scowl at her, and rubbed the sorespot.
So much fordiscretion.
“Right. Sorry.Ms. Hoffmeier. As I’ve told you before, Thor never leaves the house alone. He’seither in my fenced yard with me watching him, or he’s on a leash.” At least,he’d been leashed ever since the first time Ms. Hoffmeier had comepounding on Gia’s door and accused Thor of knocking over her garbagepails. Before that, he’d enjoy romping in the yard while Gia carried ingroceries or did outdoor chores. Not that she’d ever let him out of her sight,even then, but at least he enjoyed some freedom.
“And, as I’vetold you, missy . . .” She lifted a finger, shook it a couple ofinches from Gia’s nose. “There are no other dogs his size on the block. And theholes on my lawn are too big to have been dug by the Carsons’ chihuahua.”
“Ms.Hoffmeier—”
“I have every bitof damage he’s done documented right here.” She tapped the side of her headwith one dagger-like, blood-red nail. “As well as a physical copy stashed away.Now, either you get that dog under control, or I will.”
Gia seethed, herpatience precariously close to tipping over an edge there was no coming backfrom.
Thor growled lowin his throat.
Savannahpractically vibrated beside her.
Gia sucked in adeep breath, blew it out slowly, and reminded herself there was a right way anda wrong way to deal with people like Gladys Hoffmeier. She inhaled again. One,two, three—
Before she couldget any further, Gladys harrumphed. “My half brother-in-law’s shotgun hangsright over the mantel, and the very next time—”
“Now, you listento me, Gladys.” Gia’s fuse blew. She poked Gladys in the chest, knocking herback a step. “The next time you come to my home and make threats against my dogwill be the last time. Do you understand me? I’ve been patient up until now,but you pushed it too far this time. If you ever threaten Thor again, you’ll besorry you ever moved here.”
Her dyed orangebrows shot up. “Is that a threat?”
“No, ma’am,that’s a promise.” With that, Gia took a step back into the foyer.
Gladys pressed ahand against her chest. “Well, I never—”
“Well, maybe youshould, honey. It might do wonders for your temperament.” Savannah grinnedwickedly and slammed the door in her face. “Grr. I’d sure like to cream thatwoman’s corn.”
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About Lena Gregory
Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.
Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.
Author Links Newsletter: http://lenagregory.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9765d0711ed4fab4fa31b16ac&id=49d42335d1. Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.gregory.986 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14956514.Lena_Gregory?from_search=true Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagregoryauth/Purchase Links:Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo
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------------ GIVEAWAYS ------------ There are 2 giveaways for this tour. Please enter both giveaways individually so that you will have a chance to win each one! 1.) Tour Giveaway: Follow the below link for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card from the Author: Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card from the Author! 2.) Individual Blog Stop Giveaway: Follow the below link for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card from the Author: Enter to Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card from the Author!📖 🍟🐶🦝🐻🔎⏳🔦📖 🍟🐶🦝🐻📖
TOUR PARTICIPANTS: September 23 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT September 23 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW September 24 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT September 24 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST September 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAYSeptember 26 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW September 26 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT September 27 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT September 28 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW September 29 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW September 29 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST September 30 – My Books and Crafts – SPOTLIGHT October 1 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book – REVIEW October 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT October 2 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT October 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic - CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAYOctober 4 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT October 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW October 6 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW
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September 29, 2025
~ TUESDAY ROMANCE FEATURE PUPPY LOVE & SNOWFLAKE KISSES ~
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~ TUESDAY CLEAN & WHOLESOMECHRISTMAS ROMANCE FEATURE ~ -- 'PUPPY LOVE & SNOWFLAKE KISSES' --AUTHOR JENNIFER FAYE 💖🐶❆💖🐶❆💖🐶❆💖🐶❆💖
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book[image error]
Title: Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Series: Kringle Falls #2
Author: Jennifer Faye
Publisher: Lazy Dazy Press
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Christmas Holiday Romance / Small Town Romance
When she needs help, he’s the last person she would turn to…
Belle Sinclair has recently adopted a stray puppy. It was love at first snuggle. He is the best Christmas present ever. And yet her holiday happiness goes sideways when she hears a siren and spots flashing lights in her rearview mirror.
Sheriff Parker Bishop is a confirmed bachelor. He firmly believes all laws should be obeyed without exception. And so, when he spots the beautiful Belle Sinclair once more committing a moving violation, what choice does he have? He has to pull her over.
But this holiday, Belle’s puppy has gone missing. Suspecting foul play, she has to call on the one man in Kringle Falls who can get under her skin with just a look. This Christmas, will they be able to work past their differences in order to help the puppy? And along the way will they find that opposites just might attract?
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EXCERPT:
The traffic light changed to green. Thecar in front of her didn’t move. Belle tapped her horn. The car inched forward.It appeared they weren’t comfortable driving on the winter roads, even thoughthe roads in town had been plowed and treated.
To her relief, the car turned left. Shecontinued straight ahead. She was happy to find the roadway nothing more thanwet. Christmas was just two weeks away, and the town was completely decked outin its finest holiday decorations.
As usual, she didn’t have any Christmasplans other than to work. Without any family, the traditions from her past hadslipped away. Now she watched a lot of holiday movies and occasionally didthings with her friends. When she had a boyfriend, she would hang out with him,but after the last breakup didn’t go well, she wasn’t anxious to enter into anew relationship.
Wee-woo! Wee-woo!
Her gaze flickered to the rear-viewmirror and found flashing blue lights. Seriously? She let off the accelerator,hoping they would go around her. They didn’t. She inwardly groaned. Not again.
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MY REVIEW:
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A cute clean and wholesome romancefilled with humor, holiday fun, and an irresistibly adorable puppy . . .
Belle Sinclair is in love with her newpuppy, Odie. He is a small ball of fur rescued from a shelter and it was loveat first sight for the both of them!
Belle's parents died tragically when shewas only eighteen, and she is tired of living alone. She loves the way shefeels when she returns home to find Odie enthusiastically waiting for her lovingattention. He shows his affection for Belle by sharing his kisses with his newbest friend.
Everything seems to be going well inBelle's life until Sheriff Parker Bishop pulls her over yet again in theirsmall town of Kringle Falls. Being pulled over is a frequent occurrence forBelle, and this time she verbally shares her dismay with the Sheriff about his habitof pulling her over for what she feels are minor traffic violations.
One day when Belle arrives home herfront door is ajar, and there is no sign of Odie anywhere inside her home or outin the yard. In a panic she calls 911 to report the break-in and for assistancein locating her beloved puppy.
Parker rushes to her home even thoughit's his day off from duty. He quickly observes how attached Belle is to Odie,and he vows to get the puppy home safely as soon as possible.
Readers will enjoy the mystery the authorhas created for her readers along with the sweet romance that blossoms as thestory progresses. I particularly enjoyed reading how Belle and Parker workedthrough their differences to dismiss their past bad feelings toward each otherto look forward to a future filled with shared dreams, love, and—ofcourse—Odie.
This book is completely clean inlanguage and content. I received a copy of this book from the author throughJustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here aresolely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub
More in This SeriesAbout the Author[image error]Award-winning author Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has been optioned for film. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.
Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband, one bossy cat and an ornery pup. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.
Connect with Jennifer by visiting jenniferfaye.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card & an autographed copy of Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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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September 25, 2025
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE THE RUSTLER HUSTLER ~
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Rustler Hunter by R.J. Sloane,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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Title: The Rustler Hunter
Series: Harper's Justice #1
Author: R.J. Sloane
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Genre: Western Action & Adventure, Christian Western, Western Romance
When forty-one successful manhunts make you a legend, there’s only one way left to go—down.
J.J. Westin, the infamous Rustler Hunter, goes undercover at Arizona Territory's largest cattle ranch to expose the rustlers bleeding it dry. The thieves aren't just stealing cattle. They're trusted cowboys operating from inside the bunkhouse.
What he doesn't expect is Hayley Harper, the tough-as-nails cook with secrets of her own. She's a Pinkerton agent working the same case and the daughter of notorious outlaw Galen Harper.
When their covers are blown, they uncover something far deadlier than rustling. A corruption network spanning three territories. With enemies closing in and bullets flying, the legendary manhunter and the outlaw's daughter must survive the badlands of 1898 Arizona, where trust is deadly and justice comes at gunpoint.
In the shadow of Canyon Diablo, where the historic Aztec Land & Cattle Company's Hashknife outfit controlled over a million acres of the Arizona Territory's most lawless land.
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EXCERPT:
Excerpt 3: Character Development Scene with Hayley
Shows the relationship dynamics and emotional depth
"What the--" She gulped a deep breath, her chestrising and falling fast. "Was that?"
Her eyes sparked fire, burning straight through me. No way,no how was I gonna reveal the turmoil clawing at my insides. Not now. Not ever.That angst drove me to take risks, kept me razor sharp, and gave me an edgeover the outlaws I hunted.
Then she stepped close, jabbing a finger into my chest, hertouch firm, unyielding. "You studying to be a half-wit or something?"
I caught her wrist, my fingers wrapping around the delicatebones, holding her hand against my chest. Her pulse hammered beneath my thumb, fastand furious, matching the fire in her eyes.
"Careful, darlin'," I said, my voice rougher thanI intended. "Keep poking me like that, and I might think you're worriedabout me."
Her breath stuttered, but she didn't pull away."Worried? About a fool cowboy with a death wish?"
"Is that what I am?" I stepped closer, closeenough to see the flecks of gold in her fierce eyes, close enough to smellapples and honey beneath the trail dust. "Just a fool cowboy?"
For a heartbeat, something flickered in her expression. Theanger was still there, but underneath it was something else.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Desert Life Media | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
About the Author[image error]R.J. Sloane writes gritty western adventures where justice rides hard across the untamed Southwest. Inspired by shows like Longmire and Yellowstone, plus a childhood spent watching classic westerns with dad, R.J. brings authentic frontier spirit to every page. When not crafting tales of territorial lawmen, you'll find R.J. researching the legendary lawmen of the Southwest and the founding of pivotal frontier towns.
Connect with R.J. Sloane by visiting rjsloanewesterns.com to follow on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.Tour Giveaway(1) winner will each receive a signed copy of The Rustler Hunter!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 2025. 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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~ AUTUMN & HALLOWEEN SEWING TOTES PATTERN PROMO ~
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September 23, 2025
~ WEDNESDAY ROMANCE THEIR TEXAS CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION ~
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Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Their Texas Christmas Redemption
by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book[image error] Title: Their Texas Christmas Redemption Series: Legacy Ranch #2 Author: Mindy Obenhaus Publisher: Love Inspired Release Date: September 30, 2025 Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
'Tis the season for a second chance at love.
Back home at her family’s Texas ranch for the holidays, the last thing Audrey Caldwell expects to see is her ex-husband, Tyler, on her doorstep—with his orphaned niece. The sweet baby in his arms brings up painful memories that she’d rather forget, but when little Willow gets sick, Audrey can’t turn them away. She offers to care for the baby if Tyler agrees to do some construction projects on the ranch. As they work together on a community Christmas event, neither can deny their growing connection. Can they heal their deepest wounds and find their way back to the family they always wanted? 🌲🍼🐎💖🎁🌲🍼🐎💖🎁🌲
EXCERPT:
“I can’t believe she’s sick, and I didn’t even knowit.” While Willow continued to snooze in the backseat, Tyler had a deathgrip onthe steering wheel as they approached the entrance to Legacy Ranch.
Eyeing Aunt Dee’s longhorns grazing in the lushpasture on the opposite side of the split-rail fence, Audrey said, “I’m prettysure you’re not the first parent to say that.”
“Parent?” He looked befuddled as he made the turnand maneuvered his Ford SuperDuty over the cattleguard. “I’m not Willow’sparent. That was Carrie’s role.”
Audrey faced him, willing an air of compassioninto her voice. “Carrie’s gone, Tyler. And she wanted you to raiseher daughter. Willow is not going to grow up calling you her guardian.”
He heaved a sigh, his shoulders drooping. “You’reright. It’s just…this is all so new and unexpected. I don’t know the firstthing about being a parent.”
Neither did Audrey. However, some things wereinstinctive. “As long as you give her what she needs most of all, the rest willcome.”
He glanced across the center console. “And what isthat?”
“Love.”
The lines in his brow relaxed. “Thanks. You alwayswere good at putting things in perspective for me.”
Her heart thudded against her ribs. Was that why he’dsimply gone on as though nothing had changed after her miscarriage? Allowed achasm to grow between them that had been too big for her tattered heart tobreach?
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MY REVIEW:
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A heartwarming novel about learning to copewith immeasurable loss through accepting the Lord's grace and attempting tomove forward to a future filled with His blessings . . .
Author Mindy Obenhaus has createdanother meaningful, faith-filled contemporary romance novel set at Legacy Ranchin Texas. Strong character development, evocative conversations, and the sweet anticsof a delightful newborn baby offer will leave fans of this genre completelyengaged with the story.
Audrey Caldwell has returned to herfamily's ranch to make her Aunt D'Lynn's dreams for the Legacy Ranch come true.Along with her older sister, Tessa and her two young boys and Tessa's fiancé,Audrey is dedicated to making her aunt's vision for the ranch become a reality.
Then, the unexpected happens . . . Herex-husband, Tyler—whom she hasn't seen since she walked out four years ago—arrivesat the ranch house with a newborn baby in his arms. The sight of Tyler holdinga baby catapults Audrey back in time to the reason that she ended theirmarriage.
Slowly, the pair begins to understandwhat happened between them four years ago and why their break-up occurred. They spend a lot of time together as alittle family caring for the baby, Willow. As their friendship is renewed, theyopen up to each other and begin to share some hidden secrets from their pasts.
The final few chapters of this novel areexceptional as the faith thread gains momentum and things fall into placebetween the couple. The Christmas-time preparations and events give the story awhimsical appeal.
The faith thread in this book is verystrong and is woven through every chapter. The book is completely clean inlanguage and content. The hint of a 'later-in-life' romance in the future begsme to read more of stories coming up in this series.
I received a copy of this book from theauthor as a member of her launch team. All of my thoughts and opinions sharedhere are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Bookshop
More in this Series:About the Author
Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.
Connect with Mindy by visiting MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Their Texas Christmas Redemption and a $25 Amazon gift card!
[image error]Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 22, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 29, 2025. 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 the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
🌲 🍼 🐎💖🎁 🌲 🍼 🐎💖🎁 🌲
September 16, 2025
~ WEDNESDAY COZY MYSTERY MURDER PAYS A CALL ~
Murder Pays a Call: A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery by Nancy J Cohen
About Murder Pays A Call
Murder Pays a Call: A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Florida
Publisher : Orange Grove Press
Publication date : September 9, 2025
Print length : 290 pages
ISBN-10 : 1952886376ISBN-13 : 978-1952886379Digital ASIN : B0F8NNP8NN
Personal concierge Keri Armstrong will accept almost any job, but solving murders wasn’t on her to-do list—until now.
When personal concierge Keri Armstrong swings by her favorite client’s mansion to drop off groceries, she expects a heartfelt chat along with a cup of tea—not Fiona Sullivan dead in bed and her room ransacked. Though police chalk it up to a botched robbery, Keri isn’t so sure. Whispers around town suggest Fiona wasn’t as adored as Keri had believed, and many of the philanthropist’s so-called friends in affluent Sunny Grove, Florida seem glad she’s gone.
Keri refuses to let Fiona’s memory be reduced to malicious gossip. Armed with a keen eye, insider access, and a fully charged tablet, she sets out to uncover the truth. Soon her file of suspects grows faster than her to-do list. Between sneaky neighbors, resentful relatives, and tight-lipped charity board members, Fiona left behind a trail of frenemies who’d happily skip her memorial brunch.
As Keri digs deeper, she discovers her late mentor had a gift for extracting people’s secrets and using them like fine china—carefully storing them until they could serve a purpose. But Fiona also kept a few skeletons in her own walk-in closet. Now, with danger creeping closer, Keri must race to crack the case before her number comes up next… and Murder Pays a Call.
“A page-turner of a mystery from one of my favorite authors. Cohen’s deft mastery of the cozy genre shines through in every scene, delighting readers with another engrossing whodunit.” Muddy Rose Reviews“Fans of award-winning author Nancy J. Cohen’s long-running Bad Hair Day Mysteries will be thrilled to learn there’s a new sleuth in town. Murder Pays a Call is the debut book in her Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery Series featuring a personal concierge who adds solving murders to the services she offers her clients.” – Lois Winston, author of the bestselling and award-winning Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries.
EXCERPT:
She shoved aside her thoughtsas she drove to the grocery store to pick up a quick meal for dinner, since shethought Lora had plans. As she browsed the prepared seafood selections, a manaddressed her from behind.
“Hey, Keri. How’s the armfeeling?”
Startled, she whirled aroundand took stock of the cute doctor from the E.R. Away from work, Dr. Worthingtonlooked hot in jeans and a polo shirt. Judging from his muscled arms, heexercised in his off hours. His thick dark brown hair brushed his brow, makingher want to feel its texture. She couldn’t help the swell of warmth thatsuffused her veins.
“Good to see you again, Dr.Worthington. My arm is doing well, thanks.”
“Call me Matt. Are you comingfrom work? I should stop by your agency sometime to check it out.” His cocoaeyes regarded her with a glimmer of interest.
“That would be great.” Shegave him an inane smile. “I’m here to pick up a quick dinner. This salmon looksgood.” She grabbed a container with a salmon fillet and braised Brussel sproutsfor roasting in the oven. “Do you like to cook, or are you here for fast foodlike me?” That was a dumb thing to ask but it just popped out of her mouth.
He grinned, showing his evenwhite teeth. “With my erratic hours, I need food that’s easy to prepare. Maybewe should get dinner out together one night.”
“Yes, I’d like that.”Blushing like a schoolgirl, she uttered a few awkward words before exchangingphone numbers with him and moving on.
What was wrong with her?She’d turned into a total teenager in his presence. Even saying his name in herhead made her blood surge.
Unwilling to acknowledge herreaction, she headed home to relax and get comfortable. Since Lora was out, shehad the place to herself. Grateful for the privacy, she put her meal in theoven and entered her bedroom to get changed. A legal-sized manila envelope layon top of her bedspread, along with a note from Lora.
I picked this up at the frontdesk the other day and left it in your home office, but you may not have seenit. I’d forgotten about it until I went in there for some paper clips. Sorry; Ihope it’s not too important.
Her heart lurched when shenoticed the return address came from a lawyer. Hopefully, none of her clientswere suing her. She tore open the seal with shaky fingers, and a leather-boundbook slid out along with a scribbled note from the attorney.
Fiona Sullivan requested this item be mailed toyou in the event of her death.
Her eyes widened as sherecognized Fiona’s ledger. Fiona must have given it to the lawyer for safekeeping.But why had she made him wait until after her death to send it out?
Sinking onto the bed, Kerismoothed her hands over the worn cover. With bated breath, she opened the bookand thumbed through its pages.
She scanned the entries,noting the sources that said Dad. Perhaps Fiona hadn’t wanted Keri tolearn about her past. This would make it a lot easier to separate out the goodsCrogher had given his daughter. Those needed further research into theirprovenance.
Another question begged ananswer. How come Fiona had sent this to her instead of Diane? Fiona couldn’thave known Diane would hire Keri to help dispose of things.
Unless … Fiona had sent it toKeri because she didn’t trust Diane.
AUTHOR GUEST POST:
Setting and Suspicions
Nancy J. Cohen
An interesting setting in a murder mystery can set the moodand enhance the suspense. For my series starter, MURDER PAYS A CALL, I modeledthe affluent town of Sunny Grove, Florida after the real city of Winter Park.Located just north of Orlando, this suburban location boasts a historicdowntown, stately mansions, museums, and a shopping district popular withtourists. Real estate is expensive, but the southern charm and semi-tropicalambiance attract buyers.
Established in 1858, the town’s original purpose was to becomea winter refuge for northerners. Its shady trees, series of lakes, brick-linedstreets and flowering shrubs made it a park-like environment, hence the town’sname. Rollins College was founded there in 1885 for liberal arts education, andit’s consistently listed as one of America’s best colleges.
The city’s Central Park is a large, grassy square in thecenter of town where residents walk babies and small dogs in strollers, attendart festivals, listen to music on the bandstand, or shop and eat in theboutiques and restaurants lining the avenue. Central Park also has a rosegarden, where you can sit on a bench and listen to the toot of a train from thenearby Amtrak station.
If you’re looking for other places to visit, the MorseMuseum is famous for its collection of Tiffany glass. You can also take atranquil boat tour of the lakes a few walkable blocks from downtown, visit thehistoric Casa Feliz Historic Home, or go window shopping along Park Avenue. Thebig draws for me are the restaurants and gift shops along with the historicarchitecture.
For my story, I twisted proper names so that Park Avenuebecomes Broad Street. My sleuth, Keri Armstrong, owns a personal conciergeagencylocated there. Across the street is Central Park, same as the real one.However, my restaurant names are fictional and so is the location for thepolice station. That’s the advantage of using a fictional setting instead of areal one. You can place buildings or businesses wherever you want them andredefine the layouts to suit your purpose. However, readers can still recognizethe real places that you mention. This allows them to vicariously visit a placewhere they’ve been or have wanted to go.
A setting can easily become sinister if you describe it theright way. When Keri gets involved in solving a client’s murder, she putsherself in danger. Here’s an excerpt as an example:
Feeling overburdened by so many things on her mind, shelocked the office and strode toward the parking lot around the corner. Awayfrom the restaurant scene, the street was quiet. Overhanging tree branchesblocked the light from streetlamps and cast skeletal-like shadows on thebuilding walls.
A car engine idled nearby, and yet none of the carsparked along the curb had their headlights on. Goose bumps rose on her arms,and her pulse rocketed. John Beekman had said she and Pam were being watched.Was this one of his people keeping tabs on her?
She picked up speed, anxious to reach her Honda, but anuneven ledge of pavement caught her shoe and made her stumble. She regained herbalance and hurried on just as a roar hit her ears.
She turned to see a pair of headlights flashing in hereyes as a car headed directly toward her.
Any setting can be made to create a certain mood. In SunnyGrove, society’s elite citizens hide their secrets behind the doors of their imposingmansions. The town’s façade as a winter playground and tourist mecca dissolvequickly when murder and mayhem erupt. And of course, we can count on Keritopitch in and determine whodunit.
What kind ofsetting for a mystery appeals to you?
About Nancy J. Cohen
Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her books have won numerous awards including her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.
Author LinksWebsite: https://nancyjcohen.comBlog:https://nancyjcohen.com/blog Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NancyJCohenAuthorX/Twitter:https://twitter.com/nancyjcohen Threads:https://www.threads.com/@nancyjcohen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyjcohenInstagram:https://instagram.com/nancyjcohenPinterest:https://pinterest.com/njcohen/ BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-j-cohenYouTube:https://youtube.com/@NancyJCohenGoodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/nancyjcohenBUY LINKS: Universal LinkAmazon KindleAmazon PrintApple Books Barnes & Noble Nook Barnes & Noble PrintGoogle Play Kobo Bookshop.org or Indiebound Books A Million
Add to Your TBR Wish List: BookBub Goodreads
TOUR PARTICIPANTS: September 11 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHTSeptember 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW September 12 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT September 12 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEWSeptember 13 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT September 13 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR GUEST POSTSeptember 14 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY September 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT September 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT September 15 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW September 15 – Angel's Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW September 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT September 16 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEWSeptember 17 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book – REVIEW September 17 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAYSeptember 18 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - REVIEWSeptember 18 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHTSeptember 19 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHTSeptember 19 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT September 20 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEWSeptember 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST September 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW THIS BLOG STOP HAS 2 GIVEAWAYS! YOU MUST ENTER BOTH OF THE BELOW RAFFLECOPTER FORMS TO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN IN EACH GIVEAWAY! 1.) BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
2.) INDIVIDUAL BLOG STOP GIVEAWAY:
Have you signed up to bea Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Wantto Book a Tour? Click Here
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September 10, 2025
~ SEWING PATTERN RELEASE SNOW LADY WOOL APPLIQUE ~
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September 9, 2025
~ WEDNESDAY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE CANYON OF DECEIT ~
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~ WEDNESDAY CHRISTIAN ROMANTICSUSPENSE FEATURE ~ -- 'CANYON OF DECEIT' -- AUTHOR DIANN MILLS🌄🚁🥾⏳💣🔦🔎🌄🚁🥾⏳💣🔦🔎🌄
[image error]Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book [image error] Title: Canyon of Deceit Author: DiAnn Mills Publisher: Tyndale Fiction Release Date: September 9, 2025 Genre: Romantic Mystery & Suspense
A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy .
When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.
Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.
Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.
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EXCERPT:Alinasuffering under the control of the monster who might have killed her mothercaused me to forget all manner of good sense. How had the kidnappers navigatedher to Dog Canyon? How had they raised and lowered her over steep inclines andslippery shale rock? With ropes? Carried her?
IfI accepted the job, I needed a member of law enforcement whom I trusted . . .Someone wilderness-worthy with negotiation skills and able to expertly use afirearm without hesitation.
Aman’s name held my attention. Seven months ago in Houston, I’d trained TexasRangers on wilderness-survival skills through a four-day-long series ofhands-on classes. One of the Rangers worked in the Crisis Negotiation Unit—CNT.A man I respected. He had a master’s degree in psychology and a reputation as arisk-taker. I needed a trained professional who put others first . . .providing he let me lead and give the orders.
CaptainBlane Gardner.
Ihesitated to call him. We’d gone out three times, and I enjoyed his company andcommitment to the Texas Rangers. Then I invited him to church. He claimed heand God weren’t on speaking terms, so I ended the relationship. Although I’dmade the right decision, several sleepless nights passed before I could pushhis pecan-colored eyes, thick red hair, and fit physique out of my heart. Mypulse sped at the idea of spending hours alone with him in the wilderness, andthe thought of putting myself through the emotional roller coaster again sentmy pulse racing, but saving a child’s life took priority.
Withthirty minutes before I had to leave to meet Professor Ivanov, I pulled upBlane’s contact info on my phone. Any other time, I’d have been considerate ofthe early hour, but not this morning. I pressed in the numbers, and a groggyman answered. 🌄🚁🥾⏳💣🔦🔎🌄🚁🥾⏳💣🔦🔎🌄 MY REVIEW:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐A story with a complex mystery, intenseaction and characters, and a focus on faith which fans of this genre willappreciate. . .
The setting of this novel is theGuadalupe Mountains National Park in the Chihuahuan Desert of western Texas.The author does an excellent job of placing her readers 'on the ground' in thepark for a wilderness adventure like none other I have read previously.
Therese Palmer is a well-knownwilderness expert who is respected for her knowledge of the treacherous terrainin this park along with her ability to survive challenging conditions in order torescue people.
Texas Ranger Blane Gardner is a highly-trainedCrisis Negotiator who knows Therese from one of her wilderness survivaltraining courses earlier in the year. When she receives a call from a formercolleague asking her to help him locate his kidnapped 10-year-old daughter inGuadalupe Park, she immediately knows that she will need someone qualified to assisther in this dangerous mission.
Blane comes to mind, and Theresecontacts him and gives him the limited information she has about the abduction.After consulting with his superior at the Texas Rangers, Blane tells Therese hewill work with her on finding little Alina and returning her to her father.
The action scenes in this story areunbelievable. Therese and Blane have to use every tool and survival skill intheir tool belts to survive in this dangerous wilderness and gain the upperhand on the villains who are trying to stop their pursuit of the young girl.
The faith thread woven throughout thisstory is powerful and hopeful. The book is completely clean in language andcontent.
I received a copy of this book from thepublisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions sharedhere are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale Fiction | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBubAbout the Author[image error]
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone's story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Selah Award, and the Golden Scroll; and been finalists for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and the Carol Award.DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She's an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on social media or her website, diannmills.comTour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Canyon of Deceit and $25 gift card to winner's choice bookstore!
[image error]Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 16, 2025. 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 the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
🌄🚁🥾⏳💣🔦🔎🌄🚁🥾⏳💣🔦🔎🌄
September 2, 2025
~ WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S FICTION FEATURE DAY SARAH RAN AWAY ~
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Day Sarah Ran Away
by Janell Goodrich York, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book[image error]
Title: The Day Sarah Ran Away
Series: The Sisterhood Pie Pact #1
Author: Janell Goodrich York
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Genre: Women’s Fiction
A heartfelt tale of discovery and resilience when plans fall apart.
Sarah Goodwin loved her life as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart into every moment with her only daughter, Emma. But now, Emma is off at college and rarely visits or answers her calls, leaving Sarah feeling adrift in a sea of routines—no more soccer games, fundraisers, dress shopping, or birthday parties. As each monotonous day blends into the next, Sarah longs for something more.
When Emma announces she’ll be home for the summer to plan her wedding, Sarah is thrilled at the thought of shared dreams, endless to-do lists, and the promise of reconnecting. But her perfect summer quickly unravels when unexpected events send her on a daring journey with new companions—an adventure filled with twists, revelations, and surprises she never saw coming.
As Sarah journeys west, questions loom. What will her husband do when he discovers she’s gone? Where will this journey lead her? And most importantly, what lies ahead for Sarah now?
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EXCERPT:
After a few moments, Deloresis poised again and clarifies, “I think what Bea means to say is the third actcan be spent doing the things you didn’t have the time, energy, or resources toaccomplish when you were younger. You need to ask yourself: With all the wisdomand experience you now have in your arsenal, how will you use the time you haveleft?”
Sweat pops out on the back ofmy neck. Her pale-blue eyes seem to pierce my innermost thoughts. She leans incloser. “What dreams or goals have you left unfinished? Who do you want to bein this last stage of your life, Sarah?”
I give her my honestresponse. “I have no idea.”
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
About the Author[image error] Janell Goodrich York is a retired high school guidance counselor. She was born in Indiana, but raised in a small town in Southwest Missouri. Janell loves to travel, especially to beach destinations. She loves to hang out with her family and spoil her two dogs. Janell lives in Missouri with her wonderful husband, Jim. Her first book, The Day Sarah Ran Away, was published by Scrivenings Press August 2025.Connect with Janell by visiting janellyork.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away and book swag!
[image error]Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2025. 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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September 1, 2025
~ TUESDAY COZY MYSTERY DEADLY VILLAGE TOUR ~
In a village steeped in secrets, one woman's past is the key to solving a murder.
Olivia Redmond thought she'd left danger behind in blitzed-out London. But the quiet Cotswold village of Chipping Ford offers little refuge--especially when a local gossip turns up dead. With a baby to care for and the villagers turning frosty, Olivia's only ally is a young bobby overwhelmed by his first murder case.
As a former newspaper reporter and covert asset for Britain's intelligence chief, Olivia knows how to uncover the truth. The deeper she digs, the uglier it gets: blackmail, betrayal, and decades of whispered sins. And as the village closes ranks, Olivia must choose--keep the peace or expose the secrets that could shatter everything.
Perfect for readers of historical mysteries with sharp heroines and tangled moral landscapes, Deadly Village is the exciting thirteenth book in the World War II mystery Deadly Series. If you like research based history and clean reads, then you'll love USA Today Bestselling Author Kate Parker's page-turning mystery.
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Author Guest Post 'Government Restrictions on theEnglish in World War II'The world that Livvy Redmond lived induring Deadly Village varies by more than modern technology. The Britishgovernment had the duty to provide for everyone, military and civilian, duringthe war, and being an island nation, most goods, whether food or fuel, had tobe imported. The Germans knew this and sent as much of the imported goods forBritain to the bottom of the Atlantic, courtesy of their U-boats.
The way the government did this wasby rationing. From January 1940, rationing for food and fuel began in a smallway and tightened up as the war dragged on. Food rationing began with meat,cheese, butter, and sugar, and increased until by 1942, when Deadly Villagetakes place, almost all foods except vegetables and bread loaves were rationed.And the bread wasn’t the white bread people were used to. Now it was grey andhad a rough texture.
To keep track of each person’s share,the government issued identity cards and ration books. These continued to be inuse until 1954 when rationing finally ended, nine years after the war ended.
During the war, British Restaurantswere started to feed the civilian populace who had been bombed out of theirhomes as well as factory and munitions workers who didn’t have time to go homeand cook. These were basic three course meals for less than a McDonald’s mealtoday.
Clothing was also rationed from June1941 to March 1949, and clothing and shoes were rationed by a point system. In1942, each adult received 48 coupons for the year, in 1943, 36 coupons.Clothing for children under four years old was not rationed, which was luckyfor Livvy and Jane as they had to clothe Stevie and Andrew.
Other things that were rationed werefuel, coal and other heating methods, and soap. Other items that weren’trationed but were hard to get included razon blades, baby bottles, Christmastrees, and Christmas toys. Many families made Christmas toys out of scrappieces of wood. At about the time of Deadly Village, the basic fuelration was removed to save petrol for the military, the fire service, busservice, and agriculture. I suspect Sir Henry, Esther’s father, would have kepthis petrol allotment to keep tabs on all the news his newspaper would have tocover, and because, then and now, the leaders of society get specialprivileges.
Jane and Lydia have arguments overraising the money to pay the government the inheritance taxes owed since bothof their husbands had died as earls in the early stages of the war, and their husbands’sfatherhad died in 1938. In 1938, anything over 2 million pounds was taxed at 50%, in1939, anything over 2 million pounds was taxed at 60%, and in 1940, the ratewas up to 65%. Since the family owned the manor house that had beenrequisitioned by the Ministry of Defense, the dower house where they live, farmland, a spectacular art collection, ornate silver collections, etc., the taxbill would have been enormous. While Jane is for selling the art and silverbefore they lose everything, Lydia doesn’t want to part with any part of theestate.
These taxes don’t resemble anythingwe’re familiar with today, nor does the rationing and scarcity. But this is theworld Livvy Redmond lives in during Deadly Village.
Kate Parker is the USA TodayBestselling Author of the Deadly Series. Deadly Village is number 13 in theseries set primarily in Britain during World War II.
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About Kate Parker
Kate Parker has long wanted to build a time travel machine. However, after several false starts, she gave up and created time travel by going back in time inside her books. Since she’s fond of murder mysteries, it is probably best that all of her travel is inside books or police from various ages would be hunting her. When not recreating old time buildings and fashions, she can be found with a modern computer and modern air conditioning in North Carolina with her daughter and a 115 lb. puppy who could just crash through any time barrier.
Author Links:
Website – http://www.kateparkerbooks.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/Author.Kate.Parker
Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Apple – Kobo
*****
👀 🠊🠊🠊 TOUR GIVEAWAY: The Prize is a $25 Amazon Gift Card – US only.
👀 🠊🠊🠊 ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY AT:
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:September 2 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT September 2 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST September 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT September 3 – Novels Alive – REVIEW September 3 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT September 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW September 4 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT September 4 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW September 5 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT September 5 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW September 5 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book – SPOTLIGHT September 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST September 6 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT September 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT September 7 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT September 7 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT September 8 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT*****
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