Category Archives: Reviews

Book Review & Giveaway ~ A Flair for Drama by Deborah Garner

~~~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~~~

Sadie Kramer is a slightly eccentric, self-proclaimed sleuth, and somehow, mysteries just seem to fall into her lap. Sadie runs a successful and busy boutique shop in San Francisco with her assistant, Amber. She loves her little Yorkie Coco, fashion, wine, chocolate, and to travel.

In Flair for Drama, Sadie and traveling companion, Coco are invited to see a community theater play and get a backstage tour from her old friend, Roxy. It seemed like it would be a perfect chance for a little getaway to the Monterey Bay area.

She arrives at the theater, with Coco tucked safely away in her tote bag, to watch the dress rehearsal. At intermission, Roxy gives them a backstage tour. Roxy needs Sadie’s help with something and suggests that she leave Coco in a dressing room while she helps. The task took longer than expected and the second act had started. Sadie was concerned when she returned to the dressing room to find the door ajar and Coco missing. Then she heard the audience laughing and discovered that her little dog had wandered on stage and in a nutshell, stolen the show.

Thankfully, Sadie & Roxy were able to smooth it over with the director. Everything was on track for a successful opening night until the lead actress is found dead on the stage. Sadie and Coco are now entwined in murder mystery. Sadie, as usual, is intrigued and does her own investigating.

Deborah Garner is gifted at bringing each character to life. She adds details seamlessly, making it seem like you know these people. She presents scenarios that have you thinking you know who did it, and then in the next sentence you are second guessing yourself. And that is to say, this is a great “who done it” … it gets 2 thumbs up from me 🙂

NEW RELEASE….

When a former schoolmate invites flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer to a theatre production, she jumps at the excuse to visit the Monterey Bay area for a weekend. With quaint Carmel shops a short drive away and luxurious linens in her hotel accommodations, the excursion promises to be both entertaining and relaxing.

Plenty of action is expected on stage, but when the show’s leading lady turns up dead, Sadie finds herself faced with more than one drama to follow. With both cast members and production crew as potential suspects, will Sadie and her sidekick Yorkie, Coco, be able to solve the case?

Available on the following sites….
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk 

“Deborah Garner is gifted at bringing each character to life. She adds details seamlessly, making it seem like you know these people. She presents scenarios that have you thinking you know who did it, and then in the next sentence you are second guessing yourself. And that is to say, this is a great “who done it” … it gets 2 thumbs up from me :)” – reviews Tracy Helps You

“I love the way Deborah Garner describes everything in this book, and I can’t wait to read more in this series! This book literally kept me guessing until the very end.” – reviews Sanity is for those without children

“Deborah Garner has created a unique and very flamboyant main character who seems to find trouble all by herself and turns into an amateur sleuth!” – reviews Miki’s Hope

Above reviews from A Flair for Chardonnay (A Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 1)

A Flair for Chardonnay (A Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 1)
When flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer learns the owner of Cioccolato, her favorite chocolate shop, is in trouble, she heads for the California wine country with a tote-bagged Yorkie and a slew of questions. The fourth generation Tremiato Winery promises answers, but not before a dead body turns up at the vintners’ scheduled Harvest Festival.

All four Tremiato siblings have possible motives, as well as a few peripheral acquaintances, but only one could be the guilty party. As Sadie juggles truffles, tips and turmoil, she’ll need to sort the grapes from the wrath in order to find the identity of the killer.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk 

About the author
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites…
Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ IN Doubt by John W. Mefford

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

IN Doubt is the 3rd book in the Ivy Nash series. It can be read as a standalone book, but reading books 1 & 2 can provide some background info on each of the characters.

Ivy continues to deal with (and will probably have to for a long time) repercussions of being abducted and tortured (twice) by the same sick and deranged man that she has known since her foster home days as a young teen. He is obsessed with her, and stalks her both physically and virtually by hidden cameras set up where she thinks she can feel safe … but will she ever truly be safe?

Cristina is also dealing with the demons of her past, except this time one of those demons shows up to terrorize her in the present … then ends up dead. Guess who gets arrested …

Moreover, ECHO is hired to care for the young daughter of a high profile, billionaire client who isn’t exactly who he seems to be.

John Mefford manages to weave all of these character’s stories together seamlessly. He is a gifted story teller.

As I’ve said before, if you like reading thrillers, read this book. If you like reading series, read this book. If you like reading stories with strong, inspiring women as the main character, read this book. As you have probably guessed by now, I loved this book and highly recommend it.

5 STARS and 2 Thumbs Up … I can’t wait to read the next book in this series 🙂

NEW RELEASE….

When lives are shattered, can the bond of friendship survive the suspicion of guilt?

Just as she feels her world caving in around her, Ivy Nash realizes that there are no guarantees in life…for her or for those she cares about.

Ivy must protect an adorable little girl from a wealthy egomaniac hell-bent on revenge, as a monster from Cristina’s past returns with a fury.

When the dust settles, will those that live have any life to speak of? And will Ivy ever be able to stop looking over her shoulder for the man she knows will never stop until she’s destroyed?

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   Paperback

“Rife with deceit and deception and characters that leap off the page, this story is told with confidence through a sure hand, engaging both the mind and the heart. A compelling treat.” — Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author

“I love the way that Mefford writes, seamlessly jumping between characters and time frames with no confusion, and he is extremely descriptive of the setting . You almost feel like you are watching a movie instead of reading a book!” — Hilary Mahoney, Elusive Red Tiger

“Mefford wrote her character with depth and you can feel her passion for her job throughout the entire book.” — Shelly Maynard, Lynchburg Mama

Above reviews from An Ivy Nash Thriller, Book 1, IN Defiance

Books in the Alex Troutt Thriller Series:

AT Bay AT Large
AT Once
AT Dawn
AT Dusk
AT Last

Books in the Ivy Nash Thriller Series:

IN Defiance
IN Pursuit
IN Doubt

Coming soon….

Break IN
IN Control
IN The End

Q&A with author John W. Mefford: 

Q: What do the Ivy Nash Thrillers have to do with the Redemption Thriller Series?

JWM: The Ivy Nash Thrillers comprise the second sub-series in the Redemption Thriller Series. The Alex Troutt Thrillers are the first sub-series. While I’ll eventually write a series that connects the major characters and plots from all the sub-series, you don’t have to read the AT books prior to the IN books. But I have to say, the AT thrillers are darn good.

Q: So you’re saying you don’t have to read the Alex Troutt Thrillers before the Ivy Nash Thrillers?

JWM: Nope. While a few of the characters might occasionally overlap between the series, they can be read as stand-alone. And then I’ll wrap everything up in a final set of six novels that connects all of the main characters and stories from each sub-series. If you haven’t read any of the Alex Troutt thrillers yet, you can try out the first three at a pretty nice discount. Just search for Alex Troutt Box Set.

Q: Can you give some insight into how Ivy Nash might connect to Alex Troutt down the line?

JWM: Sure…and then I’ll send over a hit squad. Seriously, I’ll be sprinkling in a few clues along the way for those who pay close attention to the details, but it will all come together in that final six novels of the Redemption Thriller Series. And it will be explosive and gut-wrenching at the same time.

Q: How many different sub-series are you planning to have in the Redemption Thriller Series?

JWM: Right now, I see four sub-series in the Redemption Thriller Series, with six novels in each. It’s the most challenging and fulfilling creative endeavor I’ve undertaken. I hope you enjoy the journey.

About the Author
A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

“Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Amazon Author Page

Join John’s Readers’ Group and receive the first novels in both the Greed and Booker Series 

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ Remnants by Carolyn Arnold

~ ~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

Remnants by Carolyn Arnold

If you love crime shows like Criminal Minds and identify as a crime show junkie like me, you will love this Brandon Fisher FBI series. Remnants is the 6th book in the series, but really is a standalone story (I haven’t read the first 5 … yet).

Brandon and his team from the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit are called to Savannah, GA to help the local PD solve their latest case involving severed human body parts from multiple victims. The hands and feet have been removed from the legs and arms that have been found so far (is the killer keeping them as trophies? ~or~ simply removing them so they can’t be identified via fingerprints?). Then they find a torso painted blue, with the heart missing. Could this serial killer be following an ancient sacrificial ritual with roots based in the ancient cultures of Mexico?

Carolyn Arnold makes the reader feel like part of the team as they track down every lead to solve this horrifying case. You feel like you know each of her characters.

If you love psychological mysteries / who done-its … this is the book for you. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to jump into the other books in this series (and her other series). 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars ?

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

New Release….

All that remains are whispers of the past…

When multiple body parts are recovered from the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia, local law enforcement calls in FBI agent and profiler Brandon Fisher and his team to investigate. But with the remains pointing to three separate victims, this isn’t proving to be an open-and-shut case.

With no quick means of identifying the victims, building a profile of this serial killer is proving more challenging than usual. How is the killer picking these victims? Why are their limbs being severed and bodies mutilated? And what is it about them that is triggering this killer to murder?

The questions compound as the body count continues to rise, and when a torso painted blue and missing its heart is found, the case takes an even darker turn. But this is only the beginning, and these new leads draw the FBI into a creepy psychological nightmare. One thing is clear, though: the killing isn’t going to stop until they figure it all out. And they are running out of time…

Available to buy from the following sites…
Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Apple iBooks   GPlay   Kobo

About the Brandon Fisher FBI Series
Read in any order or follow the series from the beginning.

What to expect from the Brandon Fisher FBI series:

Profilers. Serial killers. The hunt is on. Do serial killers and the FBI fascinate you? Do you like getting inside the minds of killers, love being creeped out, sleeping with your eyes open, and feeling like you’re involved in murder investigations? Then join FBI agent and profiler Brandon Fisher and his team with the Behavioral Analysis Unit in their hunt for serial killers.

This is the perfect book series for fans of Criminal Minds, NCIS, Silence of the Lambs, Seven, Dexter, Luther, and True Crime.

Read the first e-book for FREE

Read an excerpt

About the author
CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international best-selling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures — and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

Find the author on the following sites…
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Amazon Author Page

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ IN Pursuit by John W. Mefford

Tracy Helps You's book review of IN Pursuit

Tracy Helps You’s book review of IN Pursuit

~~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~~

IN Pursuit is the second book in the Ivy Nash series, but can be read as a standalone book. My personal preference when a reading series is to read them in order, but that’s just me. I also read and reviewed the first book, IN Defiance. You can read my review here.

Ivy has opened her own agency, ECHO, to help troubled kids without all the bureaucratic red tape she dealt with when she worked for Child Protective Services. She has hired Christina, a homeless, street smart teen as her assistant. Continue reading

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Faith in Every Footstep by Wesley Banks

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

Kyle Walker is a rookie musher who has come to Alaska to win -ok- participate in (but he has great confidence!) the Yukon Quest. He and his team of sled dogs come from South Carolina. His Carolina Greys are a breed that is relatively unheard of in dog sled racing. He is a newcomer to mushing as well.

Kyle has an intense, almost instinctual relationship with each of his 13 dogs, but even more so with King, his lead dog. At times throughout the story, it is as if they could read each other’s minds. While his relationship skills with his dogs is top notch, his people skills need a little work. Most of the people he meets along the trail find him awkward, almost bordering on rude. Jenna, one of the official vets for the race, sees something more. She takes the time to get to know him and his dogs a little better and he starts opening up to her about his himself and his rare breed of sled dogs. She senses that Kyle is a diamond in the rough.

Kyle has his own style of training his team, quite different from the other mushers in the race. His technique serves him well as he passes through the various checkpoints, each time gaining a more advanced position.

The author has a style of writing that draws you into the scenes he is describing. It feels as if you are there on the trail with Kyle, seeing and experiencing things through his eyes. He describes some intense scenes where I could start to feel my adrenaline rise and other heart in your throat scenes where I felt all choked up. I could feel the love he has for his team, like his dogs were his family.

Faith in Every Footstep is the first in a series, and the cliffhanger style ending has me looking forward to reading the next book. I gives this book 2 thumbs up and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

On the eve of one of mankind’s toughest races, accompanied by thirteen of America’s rarest dog breed, rookie musher Kyle Walker only has one thought in mind: win. Discovered in the lowlands of South Carolina, the Carolina grays have traveled over five thousand miles to face off in the 2003 Yukon Quest. But one dog stands above the rest—King.

When an unexpected storm strikes, Kyle Walker and the reigning champion are forced to turn back. Stranded at the checkpoint, Kyle and his dogs find solace in a young veterinarian with auburn hair and keen green eyes—Jenna Maynor.

In this storm another race is forming, one of an Inuit man racing to save his family. Presented with the choice to help, but at the risk of his and his dogs’ lives, Kyle Walker ventures into the unknown in search of a mom and two young daughters.

The Yukon Quest was founded on the premise that a dog driver and his team should be a self-sufficient unit capable of challenging varied terrain and severe weather. But these conditions may prove to be too much, even for Kyle and King.

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Paperback

“As it was perilously gut-wrenching as a reader, it was, at the same time, beautifully written. Seriously, while reading it, I felt the stress and worry for their predicament, but also the quiet calm that Kyle so often exudes.” – Terrill Rosado

“A wonderful story written by a gifted storyteller who used a unique connection between man and dog that drew me into the story and touched my soul.”

“A story of courage, commitment, and determination to do the right thing in the face of adversity. The love shown by the dogs and Kyle is really a beautiful, unending love. The amount intensity that comes from this story will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will not want this story to end. It is well written, articulate and the descriptions of the area and conditions are so clear you can feel them.”

Above reviews from Amazon

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You will fall in love with Ria and Artemis in Faith In Every Footstep

Also Available
Hope In Every Raindrop: A Sled Dog Adventure and Romance (Faith, Hope, and Love Book 2)
Small towns have big stories. That was a lesson Katie’s father taught her years ago. A lesson she’s taken to heart. And right now, Katie is desperate for a big story.

Reeling from the recent loss of her father and with her agent breathing down her neck for the next book, the twenty-one-year-old writer picks a spot on the map and finds herself bound for a middle-of-nowhere town called Bishopville, South Carolina.

Taking a chance on the words of a local grocer, Katie stumbles upon a rare breed of dogs raised by the town doctor and his nephew Kyle. The only problem? Kyle isn’t interested in telling stories–especially not to a big-city girl who can’t seem to sit still. In an attempt to win him over as the clock winds down, Katie finds herself immersed in Kyle’s world, doing everything but writing.

When inspiration finally strikes, Katie is faced with an unforeseen catastrophe and a truth she can no longer ignore. While she has come to love the dogs, the real story may be about Kyle Walker.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble  Paperback

About the author
Wesley Banks was born in 1983 and grew up on the west coast of Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. After spending over 7 years building movable bridges from Florida to Washington he decided to focus on his true passion: writing.

Wesley recently moved from Florida to Oregon to get back to the great outdoors that he’s love so much. He lives with his wife Lindsey, and his two dogs Linkin and Story. Most of his time these days is spent writing, with as much rock climbing, hiking, or skiing as they can fit in.

Find the author on the following sites…
Website   Newsletter   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Instagram   Goodreads   Amazon author page

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ IN Defiance by John W. Mefford

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

John Mefford has done it again! If you liked the Alex Trout series, you will probably love his new book (1st in a new series) about Ivy Nash. I know I sure did.

Mr. Mefford is a talented author that always does a great job of building his characters, and this time is no different. We are introduced to Ivy during her horrific childhood being shuffled from one bad, abusive foster home to the next. We learn that she survived her traumatic childhood, attended college and now works with the Child Protective Services office in San Antonio, TX. She has dedicated her life to trying to help children in a way that no social worker had ever helped her.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say that it is an action-packed thriller from beginning to end. The author’s story telling skills have you riding an emotional roller coaster full of twists and turns, as well as, ups and downs.

If you like reading thrillers, read this book. If you like reading series, read this book. If you like reading stories with strong, inspiring women as the main character, read this book. As you have probably guessed by now, I loved this book and highly recommend it.

5 STARS and 2 Thumbs Up … I can’t wait to read the next book in this series 🙂

NEW RELEASE….

Author John W. Mefford introduces Ivy Nash in the second series of the Redemption Thriller Collection.

A volatile hostage situation at a foster home reaches a bitter end: shots are fired, some die, some live to tell a sordid tale. In the midst of the anguish and confusion is one child who will bear the scars of this unbelievable turmoil.

As a special investigator for Child Protective Services, Ivy Nash lives by one rule: she’ll do anything to fight for the well-being of children. Anything. Something that was never done for her. As a “system” kid, she spent time in seventeen foster homes. Seventeen.

Very quickly, the facts of the case are blurred…accusations of sibling abuse, connections to drugs. Nothing lines up, and authorities want it all to go away. Their target? A ten-year-old boy. Unrelenting in her pursuit to find the truth, Ivy and her new friend Cristina uncover alarming new information to pinpoint who is at the root of the crime.

But evil knows no boundaries. Shock waves of her most horrific childhood memories erupt into the present, and Ivy knows that she’s in the fight for her life.

Part of the Redemption Thriller Collection which includes the Alex Troutt Thrillers and the upcoming Ivy Nash Thrillers. While all of the novels can be read as a stand-alone, there is a connecting thread in the Redemption Thriller books that will be unveiled over time. For a more fulfilling reading experience, books should be read in order: Alex Troutt, and then Ivy Nash. More series will be added into the collection within the next year.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble iBooks Kobo Paperback

“Rife with deceit and deception and characters that leap off the page, this story is told with confidence through a sure hand, engaging both the mind and the heart. A compelling treat.” — Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author

Books in the Alex Troutt Thriller Series:

AT Bay
AT Large
AT Once
AT Dawn
AT Dusk
AT Last

Books in the Ivy Nash Thriller Series:

IN Defiance

Coming soon….
IN Pursuit
IN Doubt
Break IN
IN Control
IN The End

About the Author
A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

“Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Amazon Author Page

Join John’s Readers’ Group and receive the first novels in both the Greed and Booker Series

Follow the tour

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

Win IN Defiance by John W Mefford ebook
3 Winners!!
Ending on Sunday 5th February at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide

Enter HERE

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

Deborah Garner does a wonderful job of developing her characters, it almost feels like they are real people, at a real hotel, in a real town, in Montana. This is a heart-warming story set a Christmastime that showcases how important simple kindness & caring is so important to people, even strangers that gather together and share their Christmas celebrations.

This novella helped put me in the Christmas spirit this year. Sometimes the Holiday season can get so hectic that you forget what Christmas should be about. It’s not about shopping for numerous gifts, attending countless parties and extravagant decorations, but about the simple joys in life. Slowing down and taking time to spend with a dear friend – baking some cookies from your grandma’s recipe that brings back fond memories of times spent with her – taking a walk in the snow or building a snowman with your kids – perhaps, stealing a kiss under the mistletoe.

I spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon during the first snowfall of the season (Chicago) reading this story, and I loved just loved it. I plan to try a couple of the recipes from the book that she includes at the end of the book. 5 stars and 2 thumbs up from me ~ can’t wait to read the next one 🙂

The Timberton Hotel has always provided a perfect Christmas retreat for regular guests, as well as newcomers. But the small town of Timberton, Montana, hasn’t been the same since resident chef and artist, Mist, arrived, bringing a unique new age flavor to the old western town.

When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people’s lives. Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter’s grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Nook   iBooks   Kobo   Amazon Paperback   Barnes and Noble

“Christmas at the Timberton Hotel is special. The beauty and peace people find there is magic. Strangers come to escape their pain and find solace and strength. I loved this story. It gave me a sense of hope. The characters are amazing.” 
 
“Deborah weaves a beautiful mosaic of Christmas sights, sounds and smells and introduces us to memorable characters. From the grieving widow to the five-year-old child who lost his brother to a reclusive scholar who only wants to sit in front of the fireplace and read, each are treated with genuine emotion and care which adds to this uplifting story.”
 
 “Deborah did it again. What a great christmas story. I love christmas stories and this will be one that I will read year after year.” 
Above reviews from Amazon.com


NEW RELEASE also available..
Silver Bells at Moonglow

Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there’s more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door’s wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.


Available to buy from….



About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
Find the author on the following sites…

 


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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

 

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY
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Book Review & Giveaway ~ AT Last by John W. Mefford

~ My Thoughts & Review ~

While all the books in this Alex Troutt Thriller series can be stand-alone books, I believe reading all of them allows you to get to fully know all the characters better.

In this 6th and final book of the series, John Mefford brings us back full circle in Alex’s life by filling us in on Alex’s mother. In the other books, she is mentioned briefly, but in AT Last, we learn much more about her, and I think we can understand another layer of who Alex Troutt really is.

Each book shows us how our everyday life experiences mold and shape us into who we are as a person. We have seen Alex in all her various roles and relationships in life … FBI Agent, FBI Partner, Wife, Mother, Daughter, Lover, Employer. Mefford does a great job of making his characters real and relatable to his readers.

When I pick up one of his books, I feel like his characters become my friends. Even though I know this is the last book in the series, I can’t help but wonder about my new “friends” … does Alex allow her relationship with Brad move on to the next level? Can she forgive both her parents for her messed up childhood? Does Izzy take better care of herself for her heart issues? I’ll miss them.

Read this series … you won’t be disappointed.

New Release….
Alex Troutt Thriller, Book #6
AT Last

Thirty years after losing a parent to a hit-and-run drunk driver, FBI agent Alex Troutt finally confronts the killer–the same man who just murdered the Boston police chief.

And what Alex pulls from him shatters her core.

Armed with little more than hope and a shred of decades-old evidence, Alex chases a memory from her past, hoping that she’ll find the mother she never really had. With her old buddy Archie on board –as much as ever can be — the hunt takes her deep into the foothills of West Virginia. A fanatical religious cult has created its own society. Desperate to right a thirty-year wrong, Alex must out-think and out-duel everyone in her path to right a thirty-year wrong.

Will Alex’s quest to find the truth destroy her life all over again?

Available to buy from…..
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   

“Alex Troutt is quickly becoming one of my favorite fictional characters. I love how she’s constantly having to balance her family life and her job, even though her job is continually threatening to take over.”
– Sonya N

“I simply love every single one of John Mefford’s novels. They keep you on the edge of your seat reading late into the night.”
– Michele B

“Intrigue and attempts at revenge for long held grudges – the twists and turns keeps your adrenalin pumping.”
– Tracy C

“I would love to see this series turned into a movie or TV series – I’d be obsessed!”
– Shelly M

above reviews from the Alex Trout Series

Also available in the series…
    
  

About the Author
A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

“Pop on over to my WebsiteFacebook, Twitter, Google+ Goodreads and Amazon Author Page

Join John’s Readers’ Group and receive the first novels in both the Greed and Booker Series 
FREE for a limited time!

OTHER BOOKS FROM JOHN W MEFFORD
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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ The Fabulous@50 Re-Experience

Baby Boomer women have spent decades suppressing their own wants and desires, and losing themselves in the expectations and demands of culture, parents, partners, and children, working hard to please and care for almost everyone but themselves. They’ve been misunderstood by marketers, politicians, millenials, most men .. and last but not least, themselves.

The time has come for these strong, beautiful, and fabulous women to discover, reveal, and honor their true selves. The time has come for them to re-expereince life as they’ve known it, and to celebrate life as it can be.

If you’re a Boomer woman in personal crisis needing to reinvent your life, facing divorce, life-threatening illness, financial disaster, or the crushing loneliness after the kids have grown and gone, if you are asking yourself, “Now what?” and fearing that it might be too late for you and your dreams…this book is for you.

The Fabulous@50 Re-Experience

From Dianna Bowes, visionary foundress of Fabulous @ 50, The Fabulous @50 Re-Experience is a living, breathing, sweet and sassy guide to remind you that you’re not alone … and it’s not too late for you to thrive.

~ My Thoughts and Review ~

This author has summed up the thoughts and feelings that many Baby Boomer women feel during mid-life. She shares her experiences, as well as, stories from other women, to formulate ideas on dealing with this new stage of life.

Her question, “What’s Next?” really resonated with me. I struggled with “empty nest syndrome” when my kids moved out. For decades, taking care of them was my main purpose. It took a little time to process everything, but I eventually started my own business and now devote a lot of my time to developing it.

She also talks a lot about accepting and loving yourself (warts and all). She says we are to be grateful for all our experiences, both good and bad, because it is those experiences that build our character and make us who we are today.

I liked this book, it had a lot of thought provoking ideas 🙂

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   Amazon Paperback

Read a preview HERE

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Artwork from the book

About the Author
Dianna is a shining example of how to get the most out of life as a “seasoned” woman. At a time when most of us look to relax in front of the TV, she is out in our Alberta communities creating a dynasty! And in her “spare time,” she turns her time and talents to family and friends, graphic design, painting, biking, cross-country skiing and fulfilling a host of volunteer commitments. Though Dianna is now a successful entrepreneur and inspiration to many, she had to overcome many barriers to get there. Raised by grandparents in a dysfunctional family, Dianna was shy and lacking in self-confidence as a child and young adult. She married at 20, but tragically her new husband was killed in a explosion within a year. She remarried a few years later and was blessed with two children who are the light of her life. But the marriage was rocky and further eroded Dianna’s self-esteem. A serious health problem (tumour on her vertebrae) in her 40s brought things to a head and the marriage ended. Rather than wallow in despair, Bowes decided to take control of her life. She recreated herself into the woman she always wanted to be by focusing on personal development and coaching. When her 50th birthday was approaching, she started Fabulous@50 (a community for seasoned woman) and has never looked back. Now confident and poised, Bowes is dedicated to helping other women through their life changes and challenges. Bowes has won numerous awards for her work: a 2014 Leader of Tomorrow Award from Business in Edmonton, 2011 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award (Turning Point category) The 2014 New York Stevie Awards in two categories: Women Helping Women (Bronze) and Best Event (Gold). 2015 New York Stevie Award – Top Canadian Entrepreneur (Bronze).

Find the author on the following sites…
Fabulous@50 Community   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Keep in the loop, become a Fabulous@50 community member and receive our Be Fabulous! E-Magazine
Click here {no catch} just a fun e-mag with fun stuff!

Adaption is a part of life, and we can accept it or fight it. It’s a choice!

Fabulous@50 Experience 2014 – Edmonton

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ Hutchins Creek Cache by Deborah Garner

 

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

Paige Mackenzie is a reporter for the Manhattan Post. Her next assignment will take her to Colorado, not too far from her boyfriend, Jake in Wyoming. She plans to make it a ½ work trip – ½ romantic getaway when Jake agrees to meet her in Hutchins Creek, CO.

The assignment Paige is working on revolves around the history of the railroad and the Old West. Sounds simple, but nothing is simple when Paige is involved … trouble just seems to find her. She has a naturally curious personality, which makes her a good investigator / researcher for her writing assignments. Her friendly and outgoing nature puts people at ease. They are comfortable sharing info with her, helping her to put all the facts together to solve the mystery. The mystery in this case revolves around an old train car named “The Morning Star” and an unsolved gold coin robbery at the Denver Mint from nearly a century ago. Will Paige solve it? You’ll have to read it to find out for yourself 🙂

Deborah Garner is a great story teller. Because of the detailed research she puts into her books, I always learn new things. She describes her settings so that you almost feel like you are there too. You feel like you are with Paige as she talks to people and does the research for her article.

I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to more Paige Mackenzie mysteries 🙂

 

NEW RELEASE….

Paige MacKenzie heads to the town of Hutchins Creek, Colorado, to research Old West railroad history for The Manhattan Post, with plans to meet up with her favorite cowboy, Jake Norris.

When a mysterious coin from the 1920’s is discovered behind the Hutchins Creek Railroad Museum, Paige starts digging into four generations of Hutchins family history.

As legends of steam engines and coin mintage mingle, will Paige discover the true origin of the coin or will she find herself dangerously close to more than one long-hidden town secret?

Available to buy from….
Amazon Kindle    Amazon Paperback

“Can’t say enough about this book! Wonderful! Deborah Garner is a wonderful writer! She makes you feel like you are right there with Paige and Jake. I loved the setting of Hutchins Creek and the characters were all great. I was on pins and needles and even shed a tear or two. I can’t wait for more of this series!”  – review from Goodreads

More Paige MacKenzie Mysteries

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“This book held my interest from start to finish. It was beautifully written with such great descriptions that I could picture the town and landscapes.” – review of Above the Bridge

“Delightful . Loved the explorations into the old mines and the side love stories. Mist was a special person with exceptional insight.” – review of The Moonglow Cafe

 “The author does a great job in vividly describing the resort, town and surrounding landscape, she makes you feel like you are actually there. She also has a gift for making her characters come to life.” – review of Three Silver Doves

Above reviews from Amazon.com

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites…
Website  Facebook  Twitter  Google+  Goodreads  Amazon Author Page

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
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Ending on Saturday 8th October at 11.59pm EST
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