About the Book
Book: Tracking Tilly
Author: Janice Thompson
Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction
Release Date: August 2024
Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.
The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.
More from Janice
Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!
Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.
We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.
Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.
My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.
Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!
I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.
My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.
And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.
As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.
Thanks for reading, y’all!
My Thoughts
Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson
is a sweet story. I liked that RaeLyn wanted
to purchase her grandfather’s old truck, Tilly, which held so many memories for
her. RaeLyn has a great family. I enjoyed getting to know RaeLyn, her family,
friends, and townspeople. I liked the Texas
charm. From the Hadley farm to the charming small town with its friendly
residents. RaeLyn gets to reconnect with Mason, an old friend, at the auction and
romance blossoms. When Tilly is stolen,
RaeLyn is determined to get the truck back.
She asks questions and searches for clues. The mystery, though, is not at the forefront
of the story (it is back behind life on the farm, setting up the antique store
in the barn, and getting reacquainted with Mason). You can tell how much Tilly means to RaeLyn
and the rest of the Hadley clan. Tracking Tilly is a story that will leave you smiling.
Tracking Tilly is a feel-good tale with a family farm, an animated
auction, a startling theft, tracing a truck, setting up a shop, a chance at
romance, surprising secrets, and close-knit community.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck!
The
Avid Reader
Blog Stops
Lighthouse Academy, September 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8
Pause for Tales, September 9
Texas Book-aholic, September 9
The Avid Reader, September 10
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14
Lily’s Corner, September 15
She Lives To Read, September 15
Devoted To Hope, September 16
Lights in a Dark World, September 16
Book Looks by Lisa, September 17
Labor Not in Vain, September 18
Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, September 19
*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.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.
Sounds fantastic
ReplyDeleteThis looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete