P.J. Nelson
ISBN: 9781250909978
Publisher's Synopsis:
Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founder upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren't many people in town who hadn't wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt's best friend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.
"So, I just sat in the calm of the early evening,
surrounded by all the books and memories
and gentle ghosts..."
MrsK's Review: Mystery
Meet Madeline, a gutsy woman who shares her thoughts freely. She's just beginning to settle into her new routine of running the Old Juniper Bookshop in Georgia. Given Enigma's beautiful setting, she values her friendships, her college patrons, and a certain gardener. She is at home in a lovely Victorian home/bookshop where one entire parlor has the best collection of old books that are not for sale but only for a cozy moment or two visit. Little did she know that her soon to be planted rose garden would become a major cause of concern.
Gloria is a "feisty" Episcopal priest whose church is across the street from the bookshop. She's an excellent gardener and has a wit that is quite sharp. With encouragement, as well as some planting encouragement... she will be helping plant Maddy's Aunt Rose's roses in the desperately needed front yard of the bookshop.
David is the extraordinary gardener who thinks in "seasons," enjoys being around Maddy, and is becoming the one and only for Maddy... she just doesn't know it yet. He works at the college's beautiful greenhouse, the one place where her Aunt Rose's hybrid roses are thriving.
The day Maddy broke ground in the front yard, all things came to a screaming halt, literally while she was prying a rock from the ground Gloria let out a "tearing noise" that was part horrifying and part not a noise a "priest" should be making. It wasn't a rock... it was a skull. Who buried someone in the front yard of her aunt's bookshop? When did they bury this body? Who is the body in front of the bookshop?
Billy is the soon to be sheriff, who happens to have been babysat by Maddy all those years ago.
Dr. Philomena Waldrop, a therapist, was Rose's best friend. When she didn't inherit the bookshop, she burned down the gazebo. But that was six months ago and now she has left the institution to visit with Maddy. Maddy knew that Phil's life was "well-ordered." Plus, she had a full class load at the college. Will she be a comfort or a misery to Maddy now that this body has been unearthed?
Idell Classie, she is the younger sister to Beatrice (a pillar in the town and a bit crazy). Idell was one of the "regulars" at the bookshop. Her sister has been on an extended trip, and most of the time Idell lives in the shadow of Beatrice.
As soon as the body is identified, Maddy is contacted by special GBI investigators, why the interest over the skeleton in which the sheriff believes is a possible murder? Where is the most expensive antique book that Jennifer, the bookshop assistant, discovered was a special order for Beatrice? Could it be one of the reasons for the skeleton in her yard? Why have they arrested Gloria? Maddy must weave all of the strange clues together... after all the local church must remain lead by Gloria who has been such an inspiration in their community.
"... I couldn't help recalling a line that Rose always used to quote,
'The bookshop has a thousand books, all colors, hues, and tinges,
and every cover is a door, that turns on magic hinges."
For a cup of hot cider, a blanket, and a few moments turning pages, this mystery will entertain your evening with character's whose voices will humor you and frustrate the mysterious discovery outside of the Old Juniper Bookshop...
Enjoy this season of cozy reads,
MrsK
Meet the Author:
PJ NELSON is the pseudonym of an award-winning actor, dramatist, professor, and novelist (among other many other professions) who has done just about everything except run a bookstore. PJ lives in Decatur, Georgia.
ISBN: 9780593815441
Publisher's Synopsis:
Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping the bride and groom. He will pull through, but his beloved is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.Black tablecloths with purple lace...
silver candelabras with black candles...
white pumpkins... and antique Gothic novels...
Your Victorian is served...
MrsK's Review: Cozy Tea Mystery
The Killer: Yes-sir-re-Bob, that's the first person you will meet! Someone unknown in camo, black pants, and sunglasses. Definitely not humble enough to enjoy the setting or respectful of the beauty arrangements for the wedding at the Foxtail Flower Farm.
Meet Theodosia the caterer from the Indigo Tea Shop. She is the owner of the tea shop, one that I wish was in my hometown. Her clever attention to the fine details, the recipes, and the monthly tea venues is beyond inspiring. Her tea sommelier, Drayton, is versed in tea creations that makes your everyday cup of tea seem uninspired. Her chef and baker, Haley, masterly creates scrumptious menus and delectable scones.
Meet Jamie and his bride Bettina it's their wedding that will become a scene of devastation and wreckage. Celeste is the maid of honor who is curious about how the "closed" greenhouse has been decorated. Will their wedding continue?
Meet Riley, he is Theodosia's detective in the Charleston Polie Department. He is the foundational support for all things Theodosia, including every step and observation of her sleuthing chaos.
There are so many cozy moments woven within this "crazed murdering mystery." Cozy detailed settings like Maddy's delightful cottage complete with a chintz-covered" chair. An October, Victorian Tea, that is decorated to the ninth power, as well as a dash of historical facts. Favorite fall recipes to be practiced in your kitchen. Cobblestone lanes to wander with an invite to the town's "A Walk Among the Tombstones," or what is known as the Cemetery Crawl.
Are you ready... or not...
Have a spookingly yummy time,
MrsK
"When everything went paws up,
she could always come home to this."
Meet the Author:
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 fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
ISBN: 9781538703953
Publisher's Synopsis:
Only two people know Lamont Cranston's secret identity as the Shadow, a vigilante of justice: his greatest love, Margo Lane -- and his fiercest enemy, Shiwan Khan. Then Khan ambushes the couple, who have the slimmest chance of survival ... in the uncertain future.A century and a half later, Lamont awakens in a world both unknown and disturbingly familiar. The first person he meets is Maddy Gomes, a teenager with her own mysterious secrets, including a more than passing familiarity with the legend of the Shadow.
Most disturbing, Khan's power continues to be felt over the city and its people. No one in this new world understands the dangers of stopping him better than Lamont Cranston. He also knows he's the only one who stands a chance. The Shadow must prove that he's not only a super crime-fighter, but an icon.
"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?
The Shadow knows..."
MrsK's Review: Nostalgia Mystery & Sci-Fi
It's 1937 when Lamont and Margo were at the Jack & Charlie's 21 Club it was to be a special night. Margo had always been full of surprises; she is the only one who truly knows Lamont's real identity. This night, Lamont had his own surprise. A few sips of Champaign, a click of their forks, and they began their first bites of their snowy-white lobster... and that's when Margo dropped her fork as white foam began oozing out of her mouth.
In 2087 Maddy is in class, waiting for roll call to be finished. High school today has bars on the windows to keep students locked in their classrooms. Teachers can only read the daily notes. Since the grid shut down ten years ago, all cell phones had to be turned in. Of course, Maddy had hers hidden. For now, students weren't allowed out of the classroom without an armed guard. But Maddy knew that once she was led to the bathroom; she could leave the building without any trouble. Maddy always had a way to change people's minds. She barely remembers her parents and currently lives with her Grandma. Once outside, she felt her decision to drop out of her last few months of her senior year and today was that day. She would need to be cautious, the TinGrins were everywhere but she had an appointment she had to keep.
Creighton Poole is an attorney, even though in today's world there isn't much work. Not since the World's President was announced had anyone needed a lawyer. In fact, this afternoon's appointment was a 1937 generational agreement that was to be given as an inheritance to Maddy when she turned eighteen. This will be his official legal appointment.
President Gismonde is a dark leader. His motives are not what you would call "pure" or legit. His Chief of staff, Sonor Breece, a man who carryout's every decision that President Gismonde commands. Including but not limited to mass poisoning of the locals.
Dr. Fletcher is the guardian for Lamont's estate. He is currently engaged at an undisclosed area... that is until Maddy shows up. From that point on, he will release the care of one "decelerated" body of one Mr. Lamont Cranston.
"What time is it?
Twelve o'clock.
And what day is it?
July 1st, 2087."
Are you ready for a Sci-Fi mystery that ended in 1937, only to begin once more in 2087? Patterson and Sitts will not let you down. I was hoping this novel would be the Sadow I listened to once upon a time, what I got was a full day and half of turning pages.
Are you ready to know what only the Shadow knows?
MrsK
Meet the Authors:
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Brian Sitts is an author known for his engaging storytelling and collaborations with James Patterson, with notable works including "Holmes, Marple & Poe" and "The Perfect Assassin." He is an award-winning advertising creative director and television writer. He has collaborated with bestselling author James Patterson on various projects, contributing to both adult and children's literature. He resides in Peekskill, New York, with his wife, Jody.
ISBN: 9780825448539
Publisher's Synopsis:
In 1948, Zion National Park ranger Henry Eriksson and his wife, Alma, are less than one year removed from their infant son's sudden death in a flash flood, and the weight of the loss hasn't diminished with time. When Henry discovers an abandoned baby in a hatbox on his morning rounds, he's unsure how to react, but Alma is delighted, and she reignites with purpose at what seems to be a miracle from God.
Nearly eighty years later, Talia Eriksson leaves her job at an athleisure company in Palo Alto, California, in disgrace and returns to Zion National Park to reconnect with her grandfather and review her life goals. But when an at-home DNA test exposes family secrets, Talia and her newfound friend, law enforcement ranger Blake Mitchell, work together to search for answers.
Talia navigates the rocky path into her past with Blake by her side, what she discovers may alter everything she knew to be true about herself. With the uncertain future looming, Talia must learn that family is deeper than genetics and that trusting God can mean being still and clinging to the Rock.
Nearly eighty years later, Talia Eriksson leaves her job at an athleisure company in Palo Alto, California, in disgrace and returns to Zion National Park to reconnect with her grandfather and review her life goals. But when an at-home DNA test exposes family secrets, Talia and her newfound friend, law enforcement ranger Blake Mitchell, work together to search for answers.
Talia navigates the rocky path into her past with Blake by her side, what she discovers may alter everything she knew to be true about herself. With the uncertain future looming, Talia must learn that family is deeper than genetics and that trusting God can mean being still and clinging to the Rock.
"The 'sweet-sweet-sweeter-than sweet' notes of the
yellow warbler set the tone for the day
far better a bacon-and-egg breakfast."
MrsK's Review: Mystery, National Parks
May 15, 1948, at Zion National Park a foundling was discovered. Henry had welcomed and cherished every new sunrise, yet since his son's disappearance, he knew his wife, Alma, needed a new location. Grief has not been kind. Familiar aches could rush in like a flash flood. Every trail, every sunrise or sunset held sorrow. It was time for a transfer. This day started like so many and then in one moment of time he discovered a leather hatbox sitting in the dirt on a trail he rode every morning. The minute the foundling was in his arms, Henry knew he had to protect Alma from the sorrow a little one would rekindle. Yet, when Alma hears of the baby boy... she is determined it was a gift that would not be kept from her.
Eighty years later, Talia is surprised by one encounter that will create a stream of unsettling discoveries. She has just launched her first ZetaWear designs for those who explore the great outdoors. Given the urgency of the undisclosed product danger, will she be boldly accepted at her staff presentation? Could her day be any more tangled? How she longed for the "playground of her youth... the beauty of nature that could instill not only peace but a longing for spiritual understanding."
Pops is Talia's grandfather. He lives in Zion Canyon, which would be a great escape for Talia. His door is always opened to Talia. Will this be the refuge she runs to? Given his ancestry roots, he was proud of their Scandinavian roots, as well as his wife's Spanish background. He trusted that Talia would live up to any challenge facing her future. He knew that prayer always "thinned the boundary between earth and heaven."
Ranger Mitchell, Blake, has just stopped Talia as she drives from ZetaWear to Zion. As an Army vet, he knew that if someone was in a location they shouldn't be, people could be hurt. Why would he have thought about Talia? After all, she was a bit of a menace, yet intriguing.
Myrtle is the shop owner who has recently hired Talia. She has known her grandfather who encouraged Talia's hiring. She's a bit on edge with Taliia's ideas to reorganize the store, yet maybe her ideas might bring new customers in. Could there be more to Talia then what she might bring to the store? Is there more to be known?
This novel brings so many moments of comfort; the characters are so well developed they truly speak for their selves. The plot, action, and beauty of the national park is expertly woven into a heart-warming discovery of life. Karen's eloquent quote represents what this novel will reveal: "Zion is a good place to seek truth. God's voice can be heard through the water and the stone. Be still and listen."
MrsK
"How does one make decisions on their own?"
"Lord, you lead me by still waters."
Meet the Author:
Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of the Vintage National Parks Novels, the Golden Gate Chronicles (Out of the Ruins, Beyond the Ashes, Through the Shadows), and MISTAKEN. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two kids, and a bevy of furry friends.
RangerBear
I’ve had RangerBear for many years, but when I started publishing the Vintage National Parks novels, I decided to take some photos of him for social media. A friend (Rachel McMillan, I’m looking at you!) suggested starting an Instagram page for him. Seriously, I had NO IDEA what I was getting into.RangerBear_Adventures took off pretty quickly. My husband and I had fun snapping photos of him at various landmarks and national parks (much to our teenagers’ dismay). Pretty soon, friends were asking if he could accompany them on their travels. Now RangerBear has visited quite an array of parks and historic sites around the country and even become known among the National Park Service Rangers. I’ll never forget when I stopped at the entrance booth at Yellowstone National Park and the ranger checking my park pass spotted him on the dash. “Is that RangerBear? WAIT–are you from RangerBear_Adventures?!”
ISBN: 9781733644334
Publisher's Synopsis:
In How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month, award-winning author and book marketing expert Susan Neal reveals proven strategies to dramatically increase your book sales and move you closer to becoming one of the best sellers' books in your genre. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer, this guide is packed with step-by-step tools to help you share your God-given message with thousands of readers.
This resource doesn’t just tell you what to do—it shows you how to do it. Detailed action plans show both new and veteran Christian authors how to get their books to rise through the ranks of the bestsellers list. With Susan’s proven methods, you’ll build a marketing plan that works, plan a powerful launch, and make the most of tools like Amazon ads—all to help you achieve your dream of selling 1,000 books a month.
"Create a teaser that sparks interest...
that will make them eager to discover more..."
MrsK's Review:
Whether you have dreams of writing your own book, deciding to blog your life's journey, dreams of opening your own bookstore, or just hoping to gain the most valuable insights into what works well for writers... this book is beyond valuable.
Writing styles vary according to what your interests are, as well as how well you can engage your readers with your unique voice. We are all on a journey, there are so many opportunities to begin writing your own experiences. If you haven't already started journaling and sketching, creating a writer's journal is a wonderful beginning. My journals are about my growth and maturity as I age, think wisdoms to pass on. Or my educational journals are filled with classroom best practices. Maybe a story or two could be discovered within those penned pages.
With that in mind, this writer's handbook is on target. Beginning with knowing your audience, I was pleasantly grateful that my writer's workshop proved its alignment... goal setting is by far crucial. Next bull's eye expanded my thoughts about developing my online presence. I could not quit marking this chapter with notes for the soon to open Pages Turned bookshop! The supportive guidance for self-publishing lessened my anxiety about publishing Inspired Learning's homeschooling webpage.
This step-by-step power tool is so well organized, user friendly, highly encouraging, and worth more than most of the numerous college courses I've experienced (other than fifteen years of meeting authors. I valued the marketing suggestions, after all... even this book blog can use more readers!
This is a perfect winter browse, read, notate your thoughts for your own publishing dreams... and have plenty of reader flags and hi-lighters...
Applause, applause, applause Susan... this is a "must have" keeper, your voice rings true, I felt as if we were having a one-one session,
MrsK
"God has a unique way of whispering to our hearts
stories only we can tell."
Meet the Author:
Have you ever dreamed of publishing a book and selling thousands of copies? Susan Neal can help you fulfill your writing dreams. She has consistently sold a thousand books every quarter for the past couple of years.Would you like to get more sales for a published book? Susan can teach you how to book a podcast tour as she obtained over twenty guest interviews in six months on her most recent tour. Take her course, How to Sell 1000 Books in Three Months. This course covers both pre-publication planning and marketing strategies to sell more books.
