Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Kilned at the Ceramic Shop by Clancy

 Kilned at The Ceramic Shop

 

About Kilned at The Ceramic Shop

Kilned at the Ceramic Shop: A Braddock Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series Setting - Maine 

 Print length ‏ : ‎ 234 pages Digital 

 

Tammy Wright, a bestselling mystery author returns to her hometown to give her Aunt Clara a hand with running her ceramic shop during tourist season. She discovers that two vindictive realtors have been bullying her aunt and others into selling their properties to make room for new housing developments. Those who don’t comply pay the consequences.

Tammy stumbles upon a body, and when her aunt refuses to give in to either realtor she disappears without a trace. With the help of an old schoolmate turned policeman, the writer must step out from behind her computer screen and her fictional mysteries to confront real life crime. If she doesn’t, she may never see her aunt again.

About Donna Clancy

Donna Clancy lives on Cape Cod. She has three grown children and one rescue Papillion named Zumiez. She has a seven-book deal with Level Best Books for The Braddock Mysteries, writes The Trash to Treasure and Paint and Sip cozy series’ for Summer Prescott Books Publishing as well as self-publishing The Shipwreck Cafe and Jelly Shop Mysteries. She loves to write in various genres including suspense, thriller, romance, and YA.

Author Links





My Thoughts

Kilned at the Ceramic Shop by Donna Clancy is the debut of A Braddock Mysteries.  I found the story easy to read.  I like Tammy and Aunt Clara.  They are both strong women who will not be bullied. The mystery had action and misdirection.  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit before the reveal.  I was left with a lingering question or two.  Tammy finds romance when she returns to her hometown.  I would like less focus on romance and more investigating.    The small town has some wonderful residents with a couple of exceptions (there is always a bad apple or two).  I especially liked the feisty sisters who resided near the ceramic shop.  There are some details that are repetitive, and I thought the pacing in the latter portion of the story was unhurried.  There were a couple of items that I thought were dated.   I am curious as to what Aunt Clara will do next, and I look forward to seeing how Tammy will decorate her writing cave.  Kilned at the Ceramic Shop is a cute cozy with a dead delivery driver, tyrant realtors, feisty sisters, a kidnapped Clara, a friendly deputy, rampant rumors, and peacock keys.

Kilned at the Ceramic Shop is available from Amazon*.  You can find Donna Clancy's other novels here. How would you like to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card?  You can click here to enter the giveaway or enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  I am also hosting a giveaway for a digital copy of the book.  Leave a comment with your email (I need a way to contact you if you win--if you prefer you can email me at Doodlesink@hotmail.com--put Kilned at the Ceramic Shop in the subject line).  The contest ends on March 23 at 11: 49 p.m. EST.  Good Luck!  Tomorrow I am featuring Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox.  It is the thirteenth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  I am off to put the finishing touches on the Easter display in my front yard.  I am quickly switching from St. Patrick's Day to Easter.  In my side yard that faces the main road that winds through our community, I have a bunny rockin' out on a guitar and bunny beside him singing.  The front yard is more kid friendly (my neighbor's grandkids love it).  I will snap pictures when I am done.  I hope you have a joyful day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaways.  Take care, good luck, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Participants


March 12 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

March 12 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 13 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 14 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 14 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

March 16 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – Review Thick And Thin – REVIEW
March 18 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 18 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

March 19 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

March 19 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

March 20 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW
March 20 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 21 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 21 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 22 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 22 – Teatime and Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 23 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading – REVIEW

March 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis

 Between You and Us

Book Summary

Two possible lives to live. One impossible choice to make.

When Leona Warlon heads across the city to meet her husband, David, for a rare dinner out, she hopes they can share a moment of relief after their year of loss. But Leona quickly realizes this is no ordinary date night. She hasn’t just stepped into an upscale ristorante; she’s stepped into a different version of her life. One in which her marriage is no longer tender, in which her days are pressured by her powerful in-laws, and in which her precious baby girl lived.

Now Leona must weigh the bitter and sweet of both trajectories, facing an unimaginable choice: Stay in a world where tragedy hasn’t struck but where the meaningful life she built with David is gone? Or return to a reality that’s filled with struggle and sorrow but also deep and enduring love?

My Thoughts

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis is an interesting story about grief, motherhood, and marriage.  I thought it was a touching tale.  It is told in alternating chapters between the past and present.  The reverse timeline was confusing at times.  We are immediately plunged into the alternate life at the beginning of Between You and Us.   We join Leona to learn about the past and how she ended up in the alternate world.  Leona will need to make a choice at the end of her self-discovery journey.  Of course, Leona needs to learn how she ended in this unfamiliar life and, if she desires, how to get back to her own life.  Leona faces difficult challenges in both worlds plus she learns some valuable lessons. We do not know what choice Leona will make until it is revealed. I do wish the pacing had been a little livelier.  I liked Leona’s husband, David (in both worlds), but I was unable to connect with Leona.  The chapters on grief are moving (have a box of tissues nearby).  Between You and Us is a complex, thought provoking story.

Between You and Us is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Kendra Broekhuis on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, March 19 with Kilned at the Ceramic Shop by Donna Clancy.  It is the first A Braddock Mystery.  I have a plumber arriving tomorrow who will hopefully take care of my water leak problem.  I am not sure where it is, but my water bill tells me that I have one.  The last time I tried to take care of the plumbing problem on my own, it ending up being a fiasco (and I ended up drenched). I am hoping that it is a simple fix (fingers crossed).  I am currently reading Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray. I hope you have a cheerful week.  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs

 

Murder in the Tea Leaves

 

About Murder in the Tea Leaves

 

Murder in the Tea Leaves (A Tea Shop Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 27th in Series 

Setting - South Carolina 

 

It’s Lights, Action, Murder as tea maven Theodosia Browning scrambles for clues in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

When Theodosia Browning reads the tea leaves on the set of the movie, Dark Fortunes, things go from spooky to worse. Lights are dimmed, the camera rolls, and red hot sparks fly as the film’s director is murdered in a tricky electrical accident.

Or was it an accident? Though the cast and crew are stunned beyond belief, nobody admits to seeing a thing. And when Theodosia’s friend, Delaine, becomes the prime suspect, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. But who among this Hollywood cast and crew had murder on their mind? The screenwriter is a self-centered pot head, the leading actress is trying to wiggle out of her contract, the brand new director seems indifferent, and nobody trusts the slippery-when-dry Hollywood agent.

Between hosting a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tea, a Poetry Tea, and trying to launch her own chocolate line, Theodosia doggedly hunts down clues and explores the seemingly haunted Brittlebank Manor where the murder took place. And just when she’s ready to pounce, a Charleston Film Board member is also murdered, throwing everything into total disarray. But this clever killer will go to any lengths to hide his misdeeds as Theodosia soon finds out when she and her tea sommelier, Drayton, get caught up in a dangerous stakeout.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

A Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

A Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

A Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cak decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links: WebsiteFacebook 

My Thoughts

Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs is the twenty-seventh A Tea Shop Mystery.  I always look forward to reading Theo’s latest adventure.  Murder in the Tea Leaves can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a book (or two) along the way.  I enjoyed catching up with Theo, Drayton, Hayley, Miss Dimple, and Earl Grey.  The story is easy to read, and it moves along at a steady pace. There are descriptions of the food Hayley prepares, the different teas, fashions, and rooms (the sets, the tea shop, Theo’s home, historical society, etc.).  The mystery was interesting.  There is a small pool of suspects.  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit before the reveal.  I loved this one scene near the end with Theo and Drayton.  I could envision the scene which was suspenseful and amusing.  Delaine is her usual high strung, demanding self (she thinks of only herself).  Theo needs to learn to say no to Delaine.  I enjoyed meeting the newest member of the Indigo Tea Shop.  Murder in the Tea Leaves is a theatrical tale with movie making, fruity teas, a dead director, a haunted attic, and a wild ride. 

Murder in the Tea Leaves can be purchased from AmazonB&NKoboBookshop.org, and PenguinRandomHouseThe next A Tea Shop Mystery is Peach Tea Smash which will be out on August 6.  You can find the other A Tea Shop Mysteries here.  You can Laura Child's other novels here (Laura Child's A Scrapbooking Mysteries are delightful).  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis. I hope that you have a teriffic day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway. Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants


March 5 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

March 10 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
March 11 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW

March 11 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

March 12 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

March 12 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST
March 13 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

March 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 16 – The Mystery of Writing – SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

March 18 – Literary Gold - SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Allie's Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski

 

Allie's Amish Family Miracle JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Allie's Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Allie's Amish Family Miracle

Title: Allie's Amish Family Miracle 
Series:
The Amish Women of Lawrence County #5
Author:
Tracy Fredrychowski
Publisher: The Tracer Group, LLC
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Amish Fiction

Two worlds collide when true love enters an Old Order Amish community. Can this young woman go against tradition and find happiness in forbidden love? 

Allie Mast struggles to fit into her new community. Determined to prove her family wrong, she can't help but notice how her Mennonite background and Reuben's Amish roots are causing tension between their two families. Every family has hurts and deep wounds, but the constant conflict pushes her to a place where she will do anything to get what she wants. 

Reuben Raber has no desire to take over Raber Farms & Produce. When his overbearing mother, Saloma, is set to ruin any hopes of him making a life with Allie, his faith is tested beyond measure, and he experiences a crisis of conviction.  

Can this determined couple find the courage to step out in faith and pursue peace and healing even when persecuted for their unconventional union?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books In This Series

     


About the Author

Tracy Fredrychowski

Tracy Fredrychowski is a country girl, author, homesteader and everything simple living. She has a passion for writing about the simpler side of life, much like the life she lived growing up in rural Pennsylvania.

Her life has always been intertwined with the Amish, and it’s only fitting that she has a genuine passion for their simplicity, sense of community and God-centered lives. 

Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania she spent her childhood immersed deep in Amish Country. The clip-clop of horse and buggy woke her each morning as Amish men drove past her childhood home on their way to work. As a young woman, she was traumatized by an Amish murder that involved a family member and changed her life forever. 

Even though she currently lives in South Carolina her travels take her through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin’s Amish Country every year. During those stops, she researches the communities she visits and prides herself on writing Amish fiction that truly represents the Amish culture. She considers herself very fortunate to have made friends in those communities and values the information they share and wants nothing more than to represent their lifestyle as accurately as possible. 

Connect with Tracy by visiting tracyfredrychowski.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


My Thoughts

Allie’s Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski is the fifth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County Series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I found the story to be easy to read.  I enjoyed getting to know Allie, Reuben, and most of the Raber family.  There are good life lessons in the story.   I liked seeing the characters grow as individuals, couples, and spiritually.  Faith is nicely integrated plus there are some good messages. My favorite is that God has a reason for everything that He does.  I was a little disappointed with the ending.  We do not get to find out something important (and I wanted to know).  I am sure it will be addressed in the next book in the series.  I hope Tracy writes quickly because I am eager to read Savannah’s Amish Ties That Bind. Allie’s Amish Family Miracle is a dramatic tale with a rocky romance, a harmful hurricane, a meddling mother, surprising secrets, and bountiful blessings.

________________________________________________________

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Allie's Amish Family Miracle JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway


Allie's Amish Family Miracle is available from Amazon*.  The sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County is Savannah's Amish Ties that Bind which will be out on September 10.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you have a peaceful day. My organization efforts are paying off.  I just amazed at what I found in the recesses of my bedroom closet.  I did not know that I owned that many puzzles.  I decided to keep only few of them, and my neighbors happily took the rest of them. I wonder what I will find in the hall closet? Do not forget to enter the giveaway!  Good Luck & Happy Reading!


Kris 

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours