dollycas

[dollycas]

Murder Strikes a Chord: A Pearly Girls Mystery by Heather Weidner Due to my medical issues, I am behind in my reading and I am unable to post a review today. So I am shining the Spotlights on it and I will post my review as soon as I can. About Murder Strikes A Chord Murder Strikes a Chord: A Pearly Girls Mystery Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Virginia Publisher ‏ : ‎ Keylight Books; 1st edition (March 18, 2025) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1684426561 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1684426560 Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1684426502 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1684426508 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DPL47ZV5 Veronica Mars meets The Golden Girls as event planner Cassidy Jamison and her four sixty-year-old employees race to solve a rocker’s murder before the curtains close on their show and their business. When Cassidy Jamison inherited her late grandmother’s event planning business, she also inherited her grandmother’s friends—four sixty-year-old women known around town as the Pearly Girls—as part-time employees. Now Cassidy barely has time to breathe between spending every waking hour trying to keep her business afloat and the Pearly Girls out of trouble and focused on event planning. So when she lands a three-weekend event complete with a chart-topping band, she’s thrilled. Until she and her chihuahua mix Elvis find the body of the Weathermen’s lead singer in her venue’s koi pond. With the help of the not-so-helpful Pearly Girls, Cassidy must stave off the bad publicity, navigate the prying questions of the local police department, and solve the murder before the media frenzy shutters her business for good, and takes one of the Pearly Girls with it. Dollycas's Thoughts  Review Coming Soon! Great Escapes Praise for Murder Strikes a Chord: A Pearly Girls Mystery by Heather Weidner 4 stars! A new cozy mystery to enjoy! I recommend MURDER STRIKES A CHORD to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy stories featuring rock music and musicians. ~Boys' Mom Reads! Cozy mystery lovers, I recommend that you put Murder Strikes a Chord on your lists (especially Heather Weidner fans!!)! The premise and fun characters make it a delightful read! ~Christy’s Cozy Corners Silver sleuths and golden oldies combine in the first entry of the Pearly Girls Mysteries. Heather Weidner has created a clever premise! ~Storybook Lady Cassidy and her group of older coworkers are a fun crowd, making this series start really enjoyable. The characters are relatable, and the plot centers on a murder at a music festival. Overall, this book was a charming quick read, and I would pick up the next one if I had the opportunity. ~Jody’s Bookish Haven About Heather Weidner Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook. She is a member of Sisters in Crime: National, Central Virginia, Chessie, Guppies, and Grand Canyon Writers, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers, and she blogs regularly with the Writers Who Kill. Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers. Social Media Links Website and Blog   Twitter (X)   Facebook   Instagram    Goodreads    Amazon Authors   Pinterest    LinkedIn     BookBub    TikTok    YouTube   Threads   BlueSky Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Bookshop.org  Also written by Heather Weidner TOUR PARTICIPANTS April 1 – Ascroft, eh? =CHARACTER INTERVIEW April 2 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW April 3 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST April 4 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT April 4 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT April 6 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW April 7 – Jody's Bookish Haven – REVIEW April 8 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 9 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT April 9 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW April 10 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT April 11 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW April 12 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW April 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST April 14 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

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No Roast for the Weary (A Coffeehouse Mystery) by Cleo Coyle Due to my medical issues, I am behind in my reading and I am unable to post a review today. So I am shining the Spotlights on it and I will post my review as soon as I can. About No Roast for the Weary No Roast for the Weary (A Coffeehouse Mystery) Cozy Mystery 21st in Series Setting - New York Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (April 1, 2025) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593642287 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593642283 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D8KDMP6S When the Village Blend opens a Writer's Block Lounge, a cold case crime turns up the heat on Clare and her crew in this gripping new entry in the beloved Coffeehouse Mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle. As much as master roaster Clare Cosi adores coffee, the landmark shop she manages won't survive if she doesn't sell enough of it. So when the Village Blend's customer traffic grinds to a halt, she turns to her staff for creative ideas, and the Writer's Block Lounge is born. Madame, the eccentric octogenarian owner of the shop, is upset by this news. Years ago, a group of accomplished writers used the shop's second-floor lounge to inspire each other, but the group disbanded when something dark occurred. Though that history is shrouded in mystery, Clare presses forward... Soon the Village Blend tables are filled with aspiring novelists, playwrights, and poets, all happy to be coaxed, cajoled, and caffeinated by her coffeehouse crew. Clare admires the stamina of these scribes, many of them toiling at night jobs—driving taxis, tending bar, ushering for Broadway—while penning projects during the day. Then one of their fictions turns fatal when a shocking secret leads to a deadly end. Unless Clare can untangle this mystery, uncover the truth, and stop a desperate killer, she fears more of these weary writers may be marked for eternal rest. ~ Includes a knockout menu of recipes. Dollycas's Thoughts My Review Coming Soon! Great Escapes Praise for No Roast for the Weary (A Coffeehouse Mystery) by Cleo Coyle I recommend No Roast for the Weary and love the Coffeehouse Mystery series! ~View from the Birdhouse Cleo Coyle, you continue to hold my heart with your Coffeehouse Mysteries! This is #21 in the series. You’d think the magic might start to fade. Not so. I love every single book, and No Roast for the Weary continues the trend finely. ~The Plain Spoken Pen About Cleo Coyle CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries and Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, now celebrating more than 20 years in print. With more than one million books sold, their works have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; received multiple Best of Year selection honors from reviewers; and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections. Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, wrangle their rescue cats, drink a lot of java, and cook like crazy. Connect with Cleo at CoffeehouseMystery.com Author Links Webpage     Free Newsletter     Facebook     Twitter (X) BookBub     Goodreads    Instagram Purchase Links: Amazon     Barnes & Noble   Kobo     Google Play     Bookshop.org    The Rest of the Series Also written by Cleo Coyle Click on covers for more book information or to order from Amazon. TOUR PARTICIPANTS April 3 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 3 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT April 4 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT April 4 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW April 5 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW April 5 – The Mystery of Writing – SPOTLIGHT April 6 – The Editing Pen – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 7 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT April 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW April 9 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 9 – Novels Alive – REVIEW April 10 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW April 12 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT April 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT April 13 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 14 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW April 15 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT April 16 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

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The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! I started out the week just being tired and feeling off, no pain at all. I pushed through, but like last week, I went to bed super early because my body needed the rest. Again, I am behind on my reading and reviews, but doing my best. Wednesday was a big day for Son #2. A couple of years ago, we all thought he had a great job that would allow him to provide for his family for years. He was even on company billboards around the area.  Several weeks ago, he saw the writing on the wall. The company was closing plants around the US, and there were more shutdowns than ever before, some lasting a month or more. We also knew the current administration was planning tariffs, and this company brings in parts from Mexico. He said, "I can't raise my family on unemployment and the uncertainty of everything from wages to insurance, and bonuses." They have a union, but the union can only do so much, especially under this administration. So he applied for and got a job with the Department of Corrections and entered their academy. He graduated on Wednesday, and his dad and I were thrilled to attend. He started his job the next day, and we are beyond proud of him. Thursday, we met with a doctor at the infectious disease clinic. I am handling the antibiotics well and have 3 weeks of intravenous meds to go. Then she told us they would like to keep me on oral antibiotics after that for an undetermined length of time due to the recurring infection. I questioned the side effects, and she explained how the meds work and why I have a certain side effect to many of my meds in easy-to-understand language, which I appreciated. My kidneys and liver will have to be monitored closely, and that made me remember that my mother was on dialysis when she passed away, and I don't want to follow her on that path. I am making a list of questions for my next appointment, I am doing some research, and a few friends have reached out who have been on antibiotics long-term. I need to make an educated decision. Friday, we met with people at the hand and upper extremity clinic. They removed my bandages and splint, and said everything looks good. Mr. Dollycas took pictures but will not be sharing because it freaked me out, no need to share that. I was allowed to put some lotion on my dried-out arm as long as I stayed away from the incisions. It felt sooooo goooood. There was still a bit of swelling, so they didn't remove any sutures. I was then handed off to Occupational Therapy, where they made me a new splint. They put large bandages over the incisions, put a cotton sleeve on my arm, attached the splint, and sent us on our way. I return to both clinics in 2 weeks. The first appointment is at 8:15, and it's over an hour to get there, so we will be up early. I just hope for good news and to get rid of this splint. The hand is mostly paralyzed, but you never realized how much you use an arm until you can't. LOL With my appointment, we were unable to attend Kaden's track meet on Friday night, but were thrilled to receive his text telling us he through the discus 96 feet, a personal best. HOW WAS YOUR WEEK? Weekly Rewind - April 1 - 5, 2025 Tuesday - Waters of Destruction (An Orchid Isle Mystery) by Leslie Karst #Spotlight #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour @lesliekarstauthor @severnhouse Wednesday - Cozy Wednesday featuring – One Sharp Stitch (A Nimble Needle Mystery) by Allie Pleiter #Spotlight / #Giveaway Great Escapes Book Tour @alliepleiter @KensingtonBooks Thursday - Murder off U Street (The Academic Mom Mysteries) by Jacque Rosman #Spotlight / #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour @JacquelineCorcoranAuthor Saturday - Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early #Review @BerkleyMystery @AuthorBarbaraEarly New Arrivals and My Reading Itinerary Monday will return soon! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent   Read the full article

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This book toured with Great Escapes Book Tours. I was in the hospital on my assigned date. Today, I am posting the review I should have posted on that day. Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder Cozy Mystery 60th in Series Setting - Maine Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 18, 2025) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593820045 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593820049 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D7G8TTLR In a nod to Rear Window, this newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series finds Jessica Fletcher coping with an injury that leaves her homebound—and a murder just outside her window! Jessica Fletcher has taken a nasty spill on the ice, leaving her in a wheelchair for several weeks. She tries to work on her latest manuscript but finds herself distracted by a new neighbor moving in across the street. There’s good reason for her to be distracted, because soon after unpacking his sparse belongings, Mr. Rymer is out in the front yard, building somewhat risqué (read: naked) snow sculptures. While Cabot Cove debates whether the sculptures are a protected form of art or a public display of lewdness, someone starts destroying them at night. Rymer doesn’t seem upset. He just makes new ones. No need to get the police involved over a little snow, he says. Especially when there’s plenty more of it and a blizzard in the forecast. The morning after the storm, Jessica looks out the window to see a new sculpture across the street—and the body of Mr. Rymer half-buried in the snow. Can Jessica catch a cold-blooded killer from her chair by the window? Dollycas's Thoughts Jessica was all set to escape the winter weather and head off on a Mystery Lovers Cruise, but as she stepped out her front door, she slipped on a patch of ice and went down hard. She had no broken bones, but sprained both her ankles, subluxated her patella, sprained her right wrist, and gave herself a mild concussion. Refusing to stay and rehab at the hospital, her friend Dr. Seth Hazlitt sets up a home health aide and a power wheelchair so she can recover at home. At home, where she notices a new neighbor right across the street. A new neighbor who appears to enjoy building snow sculptures - scandalous snow sculptures. While the jury is still out as to whether the sculptures are art or just attention grabbing someone decides to take action on their own and destroys them under the cover of darkness. But the guy just builds a new one each day. Jessica has a bird's eye view out her window. At least until a wild blizzard strikes and she can't even see across the street. The next day, she sees a new sculpture has been built, but finds the "artist" has met his demise - and left buried in the snow. Can Jessica track down the killer watching out the window from her fancy wheelchair? Or will the killer crash through that window and put her in a deep freeze? ____ I especially enjoyed the theme, similar to the movie Rear Window. Jessica wasn't quite as confined as photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies, because her curious nature and the view drive this story. Jessica Fletcher is a determined woman. She is not happy at first about having a stranger in her house, but she quickly discovers her home health aide has the desire to become a writer, and they bond over that. I loved how Jessica's neighbors and friends dropped by with food, to visit, or just in time for dinner. Jessica does become quite comfortable tooling around in that wheelchair after her hilarious training session. I could relate and was laughing out loud because years ago I, too, had a motorized chair and just recently received a motorized scooter to get around to all my family events. The author described that way my initial training went to a tee. Jessica took herself out across the street a time or two to meet the neighbor and his visitors. She also called a taxi that could accommodate her chair and traveled to town and residents' homes searching for information.  A few injuries were not going to keep Jessica Fletcher down. The mystery was filled with twists and red herrings. It was a delight to follow along as Jessica strived to make sense of what she saw out her window and the clues she followed around Cabot Cove. I did tie one relationship together before our protagonist, but I didn't understand it fully until the end. There were some fishy things happening around Cabot Cove, and I enjoyed trying to solve them all. The best thing about this series is that readers can pick up each book on its own. You can get to know the stellar recurring cast and the new characters in town for the story easily, then sit back and enjoy a classic cozy mystery unfold that will keep you on your toes. Jessica has been joined by several different co-authors, the latest being Barbara Early with Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder, but each author keeps the integrity the series started with. Sixty books in and it is still going strong. Book 61, Murder, She Wrote: A Body in Boston, written by Terrie Farley Moran, will be released on July 1. Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder is a marvelous addition to this long-running series. Ms. Early does the characters justice and then some. I am so excited to see what she plans for Jessica and her friends next. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent If you missed Barbara's Guest Post from her Great Escapes Book Tour, you can read it here.  About the Authors Barbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation. Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a schoolteacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. She lives in Western New York State (Go Bills!), where she enjoys cooking, crafts, classic movies and campy seventies television, board games, and spending time with her granddaughters. ​Before teaming up with Jessica Fletcher, she previously wrote the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series and the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries (as Beverly Allen). Author Links Website   Facebook 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 Escape With Dollycas. Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - Penguin Random House  You can find all 61 books in the Murder She Wrote Series HERE.  Also written by Barbara Early Written as Beverly Allen Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.”   Read the full article

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Murder off U Street (The Academic Mom Mysteries) by Jacque Rosman I am delighted to shine the Spotlights on Murder off U Street today. I will post my review as soon as I can. About Murder off U Street Murder off U Street (The Academic Mom Mysteries) Mystery/Amateur Sleuth 2nd in Series Setting - Washington D.C. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Speaking Volumes, LLC (February 12, 2025) Paperback ‏ : ‎ 232 pages ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8890222282 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DX2H4PYZ Unruly kids, a meddling in-law, and coverups. Can this college prof and harried mom uncover the truth behind a string of suspicious deaths? Washington D.C. Cara Knight needs more hours in the day. Spending half her time chasing after two toddlers, the assistant professor hopes her hand-picked student’s practicum with the Metro Police will boost her bid for tenure. But the promising young woman soon loses the position for interfering in a homicide investigation. When Cara discovers her protégée’s body in similar circumstances, she hunts for a connection while struggling to survive the nasty new dean’s scrutiny. With the help of her sidekick mother-in-law, can Cara chase down the culprit before the next victim lands in the morgue? Murder off U Street is the gripping second book in the Academic Mom Mysteries. If you like relatable characters, high stakes with a splash of humor, and exploring the nation’s capital, then you’ll love Jacque Rosman's new riveting read. REVIEW COMING SOON! About Jacque Rosman When Jacque Rosman (Jacqueline Corcoran) isn’t crafting whodunits, romances, or textbooks, she's navigating her own commute through four states to her professor job, dealing with her rescue chihuahua’s separation anxiety, and embracing, like her amateur sleuth, the beautiful chaos of family life with her husband and two children outside Washington D.C. MURDER IN GEORGETOWN and MURDER OFF U STREET kicks off the Academic Mom Mysteries, bringing readers a relatable humorous heroine who solves crimes between grading papers and making dinner. Author Links Facebook   GoodReads   Linked In eBook On Sale Now - Amazon US - Apple Books - Barnes & Noble - Google Play - Kobo Books Print Book On Sale Now Amazon US Barnes & Noble TOUR PARTICIPANTS: Please visit every stop.  April 2 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW April 2 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT   April 2 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW April 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT April 4 – Novels Alive – REVIEW April 4 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT April 4 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW April 5 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT April 5 – Reading Is My SuperPower – CHARACTER GUEST POST April 5 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT April 6 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 6 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT April 7 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW April 7 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

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One Sharp Stitch (A Nimble Needle Mystery) by Allie Pleiter I am happy to shine the Spotlights on One Sharp Stitch today! I will be posting my review as soon as I can. About One Sharp Stitch  One Sharp Stitch (A Nimble Needle Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - North Carolina Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (March 25, 2025) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496752007 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496752000 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DB3CD9GB Audio CD ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DSYHJN3R When thirty-something Shelby Phillips returns to her quiet hometown just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, she reluctantly takes over her mother’s Nimble Needle needlepoint shop—and gets entangled in a murder investigation . . . It’s only temporary. That’s what Shelby Phillips tells herself when she returns to excruciatingly harmless Gwen Lake after her graphic arts career—and the office romance blooming with it—get tossed like rejected design mockups. Her plan is as simple and fool-proof as a tent stitch: manage the family needlepoint shop during her parents’ RV vacation. It’s just a month. It’s not as if they’re retiring . . . right? When Shelby becomes responsible for hosting a trunk show with local vendors, she’s determined to pull it off. Even if that means dealing with former classmate Kat Katsaros, a rising entrepreneur specializing in needlework scissors. Kat has changed since high school—and she’s angling to take over the Nimble Needle herself. The tension unspools when Shelby makes a terrible discovery on the morning of the event: Kat’s dead body. Shelby can’t believe the death was an accident. That’s why she’s set on exposing who committed the murder with Kat’s own equipment. She finds help in a new friend, a potential crush, and the surprising support of her sister and the Nimble Needle stitchers. Still, Shelby must move quickly to stop the crafty culprit before her maybe not-so-temporary new life in Gwen Lake comes apart at the seams . . . Review Coming Soon! About Allie Pleiter An avid crafter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time.  The bestselling author of over sixty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-plus year career with over 1.8 million books sold.  In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. She lives in the Charlotte area with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog. Author Links Website  Instagram     Facebook Page   Facebook Group   LinkedIn      Twitter       Pinterest      Goodreads     BookBub     Amazon Subscribe to Allie’s newsletter Purchase Links Amazon    B&N     Bookshop.org    Author Website   Kensington Also written by Allie Pleiter. TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops.  April 1 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER INTERVIEW April 1 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT April 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW April 2 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 3 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT April 4 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW April 5 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT April 6 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW April 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST April 7 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 8 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT April 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW April 9 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – NEEDLEPOINT POST April 9 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT April 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 11 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW April 12 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

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Waters of Destruction (An Orchid Isle Mystery) by Leslie Karst I am pleased to shine the Spotlights on Waters of Destruction today! I will be posting my review as soon as I can. About Waters of Destruction Waters of Destruction (An Orchid Isle Mystery) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting - Hawaii Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House; Main edition (April 1, 2025) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448312183 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448312184 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DKXTRTX5 Retired caterer Valerie Corbin investigates a suspicious drowning in this Orchid Isle cozy culinary mystery, featuring a feisty queer couple who swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions in tropical Hilo, Hawai‘i After a vacation of a lifetime in Hilo, Hawai‘i, retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen have decided to move permanently to the beautiful – if storm-prone – Big Island. The couple are having fun furnishing their new house, exploring their new neighborhood and playing with their new little dog, Pua. But while they’ve made good friends with local restaurant manager Sachiko and her partner Isaac, they can’t help but feel a little lonely. So when Sachiko begs Val to fill in for a member of her bar team who’s gone AWOL, Val dusts off her cocktail shaker and happily agrees. It’s a great chance to meet more people – and learn the local gossip. Such as about Hank, the missing bartender, who vanished after a team-building retreat at a local beauty spot a week ago, and hasn’t been seen since. Until, that is, his body turns up at the bottom of the waterfall, and the police seem very interested in where Sachiko was at the time of his death. Sachiko couldn’t have killed him . . . could she? Val dives into the murky waters of the case, determined to find out. This mouth-watering cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Ellen Byron, Jennifer J Chow, Lucy Burdette and Raquel V Reyes, and includes a selection of delicious Hawaiian recipes to cook at home. Review Coming Soon! About Leslie Karst Leslie Karst is the author of the Orchid Isle mysteries Waters of Destruction and Molten Death, of the Lefty Award-nominated Sally Solari mystery series, and of the IBPA Ben Franklin and IPPY award silver medal-winning memoir, Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. After years waiting tables and singing in a new wave rock band, she decided she was ready for a “real” job and ended up at Stanford Law School, then returned to school to study the culinary arts. Now retired from the law, Leslie splits her time between Hilo, Hawai‘i and Santa Cruz, California, spending her days writing, cooking, cycling, gardening, and observing cocktail hour promptly at five o’clock. Author Links Website    Chicks on the Case    Mystery Lovers Kitchen    Facebook  GoodReads    BookBub Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N Also written by Leslie Karst TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops.  March 24 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT March 25 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT March 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 28 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 29 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 30 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT March 31 - Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW April 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW April 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT April 3 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT April 3 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW April 4 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT April 5 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW April 6 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, RECIPE April 6 – Celticladys Reviews – SPOTLIGHT April 7 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR GUEST POST April 7 – Ruff Drafts - SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

[dollycas]

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! I have missed a couple of weeks, but I am back! I posted about my absence here, in case you missed it. This past week, I have been working hard to get caught up on book tours, but I still have work to do there. I am also focusing on getting caught up on reviews. What was really decimated by the unexpected adventure to the hospital and the recovery here at home has been my late-night reading sessions. After spending time at the computer, I escape to my recliner and fight to keep my eyes open through supper. I have to listen to my body, and that means putting down my Kindle. I hate not following through with my commitments, and yes, I know the authors would understand, but I really want to read these stories, and who knows when I will be able to squeeze them back onto my calendar. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who not only held down the fort here while working his own job but is still ready to help anyway he can. I know we will work it out, it just may not be a quickly as I would like. This coming week, I have follow-up appointments with all the different physician groups. I wish they would have crammed them all into 1 day since they involve at least an hour drive but again, my health is the priority. I also have an exciting event to attend that I will tell you about next week. On the 21st, Mr. Dollycas attended Kaden's first track meet of the year at an indoor track at a nearby college. He is again throwing shot-putt and while he didn't hit his goal throw, it was pretty darn good. He also got to spend some quality time with his Papa. Kaden had another meet Friday night where he improved his throw by over a foot. Also, while I was in the hospital, Natalie and her team played at the 7th grade state basketball tournament, and her team came in 3rd. How was your week? Rewind - March 15 - 29. 2025 - Mr. Dollycas did most of these posts. Vanishing Into the 100% Dark (Bean to Bar Mysteries) by Amber Royer #Spotlight / #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour @AmberRoyer Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) by Victoria Tait #SPOTLIGHT / #GIVEAWAY – Great Escapes Book Tours @VictoriaTait Special Guest – Barbara Early – Author of Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder #AuthorInterview #Giveaway Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber #Spotlight / #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tours @DarylWoodGerber Special Guest Post – Victoria Hamilton – Author of Cat Got Your Tongs: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery #SpecialGuestPost #Giveaway A Week in the Life of Dollycas – Hospital Edition Special Guest – Gayle Leeson – Author of Corsets and Casualties: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery #GuestPost #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour @gayletrentleeson Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) by Victoria Tait #Review Will Return Soon! I hope you have a fabulous week!! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article

[dollycas]

This book toured with Great Escapes Book Tours. I was in the hospital on my assigned date. Today, I am posting the review I should have posted on that day. Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Azores, Portugal Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kanga Press (March 14, 2025) Number of Pages c. 240 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DRY16XMQ Beneath a tranquil island's charm, a deadly mystery emerges from the lake. Can an amateur sleuth uncover the truths hidden within decades of tradition before the past claims another victim? Troubled antiques expert, Georgina Carey, is reeling from the loss of her husband, her job, and her self-assurance. When she’s offered a commission to value the estate of a deceased Portuguese collector in the Azores—wherever that is—she reluctantly accepts. A lakeside house nestled in the lush greenery of São Miguel Island seems like the perfect retreat to confront her past and prepare for her future. But her tranquillity is shattered when a body is found floating in the lake, echoing a mysterious death from over 30 years ago. Despite her best intentions to focus solely on the commission, Georgina finds herself drawn into the secrets of the local town as residents unexpectedly confide in her. As she pieces together their stories, she starts to wonder if the deaths were as accidental as they seemed or if something more unsettling is at play. Can Georgina stay on task, find an heir to the estate, and uncover the truth behind two mysterious deaths on this beguiling island in the Atlantic? If you enjoy enchanting locations, small-town mysteries, and an intelligent sleuth grappling with self-doubt as she finds the strength to reshape her future, then you’ll love Victoria Tait’s Antiques and Adversity in the Azores, the captivating first book in The Treasured Journey Mystery series." Traditions, secrets, and a deadly mystery. Buy Antiques and Adversity in the Azores today! Dollycas's Thoughts This book is the first in a spin-off series of Victoria Tait's Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries. Following the death of her husband and job, antiques expert Georgina Carey needs to move forward with her life and get her confidence back. An offer to inventory and value a deceased Portuguese collector's estate in the Azores may be what she needs to start to get her life on track, so she accepts. São Miguel Island is beautiful, and the lake estate where she will be staying feels more like a retreat than work. But before she can enjoy any of it and start the job she was hired to do, a body is found in the lake. Georgina learns there was a similar death over 30 years ago. While Georgina wants to concentrate on the job she has been hired to do, the man who hired her is pretty laid back and encourages her to enjoy all the festivities happening in the small town of Furnas. Doing this, she meets several locals who are anxious to explain the events and island lore, and even disclose long forgotten secrets and details. Can she put all the clues together and solve two suspicious deaths? Will the information uncover a true heir of the deceased Portuguese collector's estate? ____ As a fan of Victoria Tait, I was delighted to see Georgina (George) star in a series of her own. Her life has been ripped apart, and she is at a crossroads. Getting away from the Cotswolds may help her find the clarity she needs. She is a complex character, the author has done an excellent job of developing her, peeling back layers while leaving space for growth as the series continues. The mysteries within the story are very intriguing. While George is traveling around the island, trying to pull clues together, getting information from key individuals, and keeping her eyes and ears open, readers are taken on a tour around the island and its events and activities. - Yoga in a beautiful garden, parades with narrow streets filled with flowers, trips through the artisan market, and more. Whether working on the estate inventory or other activities, the deaths are always on George's mind. I truly enjoyed tagging along with her as she found items that solidified her theories. Antiques and Adversity captivated me in so many ways. A secondary character from another series breaks out in believable ways to come to grips and find herself, a complicated mix of mysteries to solve, all set in a "Calgon take me away" locale that was so clearly envisioned by the author's prose, grabbed me and held on.  It was a perfectly marvelous escape, and I am excited to read the next Treasured Journey Mystery, Mystique and Murder in Morocco, set to be released in October. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About Victoria Tait Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, where she developed a lifelong love of tea and British traditions. Inspired by the works of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder, She Wrote, she writes cozy mysteries infused with her signature British charm. Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. With intrigue, surprises, and gentle humour, Victoria’s page-turning stories are the perfect blend of mystery and charm—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Read the FREE prequel to her Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series at her website. Or click Follow for updates. Author Links Website     BookBub    Instagram    Pinterest    Goodreads  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 Escape With Dollycas. Purchase Link Amazon Find all of Victoria Tait's books HERE. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” Read the full article

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Corsets and Casualties: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery by Gayle Leeson Beyond the Obvious: What My Research into Auction Houses Taught Me About Value By Gayle Leeson "Five hundred thousand dollars for a wooden duck?" I stared at my computer screen in disbelief, convinced I'd misread the auction results. It was no joke. The “preening black duck” was one of Elmer Crowell’s early carvings, and it did bring half a million dollars at auction in 2018. Crowell’s decoys are considered masterpieces in the hunting world; and you can bet from now on if I ever see a wooden duck at any kind of sale, I’m turning it over to see if it has a Crowell stamp on the bottom. When I began exploring auction houses for background on my novel, I expected to learn about fine art, antique furniture, and vintage jewelry. What I didn't anticipate was falling down a rabbit hole of surprisingly valuable items that most of us might overlook—or even discard without a second thought. My research revealed overlooked treasures that routinely command surprising prices. Vintage fishing lures, particularly those made by companies like Heddon or Creek Chub in the early 20th century, can sell for thousands, especially if they retain their original paint and packaging. Then there's ephemera—those paper items never meant to last: old travel brochures, product labels, movie posters, and vintage advertisements. A collection of early 20th-century circus posters might command five-figure sums, their vibrant colors and dramatic typography capturing a bygone era of entertainment. Even old seed catalogs with their charming illustrations can fetch hundreds from the right collectors. This research transformed how I approach value in my writing. The character who discovers a forgotten treasure in my book isn't just finding an object worth money—they're connecting with the human story behind it. The auction house becomes more than a setting; it's a place where the past and present negotiate their worth to each other. For readers interested in exploring auctions themselves, I learned a few valuable tips: research thoroughly before bidding, arrive early to inspect items carefully, set firm spending limits, and most importantly—look beyond the obvious. Sometimes the most valuable items aren't displayed prominently or touted by the auctioneer. They're waiting quietly for the right person to recognize their worth—much like the overlooked clues in any good mystery. The next time you pass a dusty wooden duck at a yard sale or flip past old advertisements in a box of papers, perhaps pause for a moment. You might just be looking at something extraordinary—hidden value waiting to be discovered. Thank you, Gayle, for visiting today! _____ Keep reading for more information about Gayle and Corsets and Casualties! About Corsets and Casualties Corsets and Casualties: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Paranormal Cozy Mystery 6th in Series Setting - Virginia Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grace Abraham Publishing (March 25, 2025) Number of Pages: Approx. 242 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DV3KKSR1 Stitched together with charm and mystery, this is one ghostly fashionista adventure you won't want to miss! For retro fashion designer Amanda Tucker, creating showstopping Halloween costumes seemed like the week's biggest challenge—until her ghostly companion, Max, discovers an antique Bible tied to her own family history. When the Bible, purchased at an estate sale, is revealed to have belonged to Max's grandmother, Amanda finds herself caught in a whirlwind of hidden relatives, long-buried secrets, and family intrigue. Meanwhile, Amanda's assistant, Zoe, struggles to decide between chasing her dreams in fashion and giving in to her mother's demands to work at the family diner. As if the week couldn't get more tangled, Amanda's grandfather and Max's nephew uncover shocking news at the estate sale's auction house: the proprietor has been shot. With Designs on You hanging by a thread, Amanda and Max must unravel the mysteries of the past before they sew up a perilous future. Will their sleuthing skills save the day, or will these secrets prove too dangerous to handle? Great Escapes Praise for Corsets and Casualties: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery by Gayle Leeson Corsets and Casualties is another highly enjoyable mystery from Gayle Leeson! Her engaging writing voice and delightful characters drew me into this story from the beginning and held my attention until I turned the final page! ~Reading is my Superpower About Gayle Leeson  Gayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent, an author living in Virginia with a beautiful family and quite a few pets. I have also written as Amanda Lee. As Gayle Trent, I wrote the Daphne Martin Cake Mystery series and the Myrtle Crumb Mystery series. As Amanda Lee, I wrote the Embroidery Mystery series. As Gayle Leeson, I have written and/or am writing the Down South Cafe mystery series, the Ghostly Fashionista mystery series, the Kinsey Falls women's fiction series, the Movie Memorabilia mystery series. I also co-wrote some of the NYT best-selling Victoria Square series with Lorraine Bartlett. As G. Leeson, I write the Literatia portal fantasy series. Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must-read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!” Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.” Author Links Website   Facebook    Instagram   BookBub    GoodReads Purchase Links - Amazon - Books2Read - Find all Gayle Leeson's books HERE. Find all books written as Gayle Trent HERE. Find the Embroidery Mysteries written as Amanda Lee HERE. TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 24 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 24 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW March 24 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 25 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 25 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 26 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT March 26 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW March 27 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT March 27 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT March 28 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea - SPOTLIGHT March 28 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 29 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT March 29 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT March 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 30 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT March 30 – Nadaness In Motion - SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article

[dollycas]

I know it's Monday but no Reading Itinerary today. Hopefully next week. I am home but it has been a tough couple of weeks. If you follow my blog you know I hate March, especially mid-March. On March 13, 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On March 14, 2001, I became a hemiplegic after a motor vehicle accident. On March 15, 2015, I lost my oldest son to suicide. So why not add more drama to March? On Thursday, March 13, I took what I thought would be a quick trip to urgent care to have someone look at a wound on my elbow. With my history of having a bone infection about 18 months ago, they weren't taking any chances. They ran tests and took X-rays. A couple of hours later I was in the back of an ambulance headed about 90 minutes away to a larger hospital. Friday morning I was squeezed into the orthopedic surgery schedule where they opened up my elbow and cleaned out any bad bone, tissue, and fluid. While it wasn't pretty it was not as bad as last time. After surgery, I was started on a broad course of antibiotics while cultures were analyzed. The orthopedic surgeon also decided to be proactive with my care. He scheduled surgery for this past Wednesday with a plastic surgeon, one of the best in the state. Together they decided to open up my forearm and move so muscle to protect my elbow. They also planned a skin graft from my thigh if necessary. When I met with the plastic surgeon he explained that a skin graft would add 5 - 7 more days to my hospital stay and I begged him to avoid it if at all possible. Turns out I had plenty of good tough skin to work with at the site so no skin graft was needed. By the time the surgery was completed the infectious disease doctors learned the infection was the same I had before so their plan was to do the same this time. At home antibiotics through a pick line in my good arm. So Thursday the pick line was inserted and the doctors agreed to release me on Friday with the promise, that I would go straight home to my recliner and not go directly to my computer to catch up on all the things I missed. I followed their directions and spent a few hours at the computer over the weekend with breaks. I know I will build up more endurance every day but I can't believe how quickly I run out of energy right now. I really need to thank not only my doctors but the nurses, CNAs, and all the other staff at the hospital. I had a couple of bad days not only with my physical health but my mental health as well. Marking the 10th anniversary of Kris's death by myself was hard. One of the nurses took the time to listen to my story and let me tell her about my son and my family. She was extremely busy but she took the time. Caught crying a time or two others asked and gave me some much-needed hugs. But every day there they were kind, compassionate, and professional. They work hard and sadly they are not always appreciated. I heard a male patient yell at them, belittle them, and be just plain mean. It hurt my heart. The staff remained calm, tried to comfort him, and went above and beyond and continued to give him excellent care as well even though the words and actions did hurt them. There truly are angels everywhere. Thanks to the wonderful care I received I am home, back with Mr. Dollycas and my puppy Daisy. Son #2 brought Athena along to pick me up and bring me home with a small pitstop at Pizza Pit. I was craving my favorite after the small unseasoned portions at the hospital. Athena was a hit at the hospital and just the little face I needed to see to make the day perfect. I have to thank Mr. Dollycas for holding down the fort here on my blog and with the book tours, even creating posts to fulfill as many of my commitments as he could. He couldn't write my reviews so I have a few of those to get caught up on. My posting may be a little sporadic as I get my strength back and have some follow-up appointments, so please bear with me. I hope to get everything back to normal soon. Thank you for following me and Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book. You are the reason I do this and the drive to get back to you gave me the push to advocate for myself, listen to the doctors, and strive to get well. There are plenty more escapes coming! Have a wonderful day! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article

[dollycas]

I am delighted to welcome Victoria Hamilton to Escape With Dollycas today! Do you read book dedications? You know, that bit on the first plain page where the author takes a moment to speak of someone important to them? If there is one, I usually read it. After all, if it’s important to the writer, I’d like to know about it.  This book, Cat Got Your Tongs, is dedicated to my sister, Mickey Simpson, who I lost on June 23rd, 2024. This will be my first book published since her death. It’s always a great joy to have a new mystery coming out, but this time, it’s bittersweet.  Why? Because I wouldn’t even be a writer if it wasn’t for Mick.    I grew up in a good and talented family, but one that didn’t put a lot of stock in big dreams, impossible dreams. I have a brother who was a talented singer, and a sister who was a great artist, but both went on to other things, which is okay. Singing and art can be lifelong joys without being pursued as a career. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting them as a career, either. I knew I wanted to be a mystery author from the time I was twelve, but without Mick, who dared her whole life to dream big, I’d never have had the courage to fight the odds and do it.  You see, she grew up without anyone looking after her. Shuttled from home to home and place to place, she landed in our family when she was fourteen and I was eleven. She was fostered and then adopted. At first, we fought like feral cats, but slowly something powerful built between us, a reliance that lasted the rest of her life.   There are some in the world need someone to believe in them before they can believe in themselves. I sure did, because my parents discouraged dreaming and stressed, instead, being sensible. Get a job, even if you hate it, and cling to it like a life raft. Our parents grew up in the Great Depression, and I understand that now. They did the very best for us, and I deeply appreciate everything they hoped and dreamed for their kids.  But Mick was the one who told me I could be a writer.  She encouraged me with her own wild dreams. She followed them all and succeeded, blazing through her life and doing everything she wanted. She was a professional singer and recorded a record in Nashville. She had a bit part in a made-for-TV movie. She wrote and hosted a TV show, a local version of a bandstand type of program. She became a freelance writer and wrote history and magazine articles, as well as DIY and consumer pieces for our local newspaper. A brilliant self-taught techie, she learned how to create websites and built one for a local historical event that was, for a time in the nineties and two thousand, the premiere resource for the event, visited by writers and schoolkids. She turned to writing YA novels and wrote two before illness made everything too hard for her. And with all of that talent, she still was open-hearted and generous, making friends everywhere she went. Her death left a giant crater in my heart. I miss her like crazy. But writing is getting me through. So this book, the first since she died, is dedicated to her and… well, I’ll leave you to read the dedication for yourself, so you can see why this book, Cat Got Your Tongs, is a special one to dedicate to Mickey Simpson, an extraordinary human being.  Love and peace to everyone.  Victoria Hamilton   PS  The illustration that accompanies this guest blog holds photos of Mickey (left) and me with our joint venture, a paranormal mystery manuscript that we wrote together from a weird dream she had. The title was Old Sins Have Long Shadows, and we were mailing it out to Toronto publishers; the date was August 11th, 1982. Needless to say, it was not published, but we did get some positive feedback!  Thank you, Victoria for visiting today with such a wonderful post! ____ Keep reading for more information about Victoria and her new book! Cat Got Your Tongs: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery by Victoria Hamilton A wonderful cozy mystery that makes me want to go back and read the ones I missed along the way. ~Carla Loves To Read About Cat Got Your Tongs Cat Got Your Tongs: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery Cozy Mystery 12th in Series Setting: Queensville, MI, USA Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page Publishing (March 18, 2025) Paperback ‏ : ‎ 228 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1966322046 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322047 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DF64BMT5 A perplexing murder on a local river leads Jaymie into uncharted waters in the new Vintage Kitchen Mystery from the author of Sieve and Let Die . . . Despite the brutally cold winter, vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is happy to help out a friend by looking after a colony of cats while its caretakers are away. The location on a high bluff overlooking the St. Clair River makes for bone-chilling work, and her task takes on an air of menace when an elderly neighbor reports suspicious goings-on at the river. Jaymie’s inclined to dismiss the woman’s fears as the product of an overactive imagination, but it’s not long before she discovers a dead body there. When it becomes clear the dead man was the victim of foul play, Jaymie turns to the older woman looking for more information. What she learns is that the river has long been used for illicit smuggling, and Jaymie suspects there was a falling out among thieves. But then mysterious clues begin turning up at the cat colony and another victim is found, and Jaymie realizes there’s something much more sinister behind the killings. And while cats may have nine lives, Jaymie has just one, and she discovers too late that she’s perilously close to losing it . . . Includes a vintage recipe! About Victoria Hamilton  Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. Victoria is the bestselling author of three mystery series, the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, and the Merry Muffin Mysteries. She also write a Regency-set historical mystery series, starting with A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder. Visit her website at victoriahamiltonmysteries.com. Social Details: Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her newsletter for all the latest!) On  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaHamiltonMysteryAuthor On BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mysteryvictoria.bsky.social On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysteryauthorvictoriahamilton/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/598635.Victoria_Hamilton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/vintagekitchenm/_saved/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Hamilton/e/B007T7LGAU Purchase Links for Cat Got Your Tongs: Ebook Version: Amazon Canada Kindle     Amazon US Kindle     Barnes & Noble nook    Kobo     Smashwords     GooglePlay Amazon USA Paperback    Barnes & Noble Paperback TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 17 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 17 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 18 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 18 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 19 – FUONLYKNEW – RECIPE March 19 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW March 20 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT March 20 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 21 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT March 21 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 22 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW March 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 22 – Boys' Mom Reads! – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 23 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE March 23 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? 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Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber 5 stars! An excellent debut for what promises to be a charming, fun, and magical new cozy mystery series. ~Boys' Mom Reads! A complex mystery with several moving parts ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY is a feel good tale in more ways than one. Take some deep cleansing breaths, choose your affirmation, and make room in your library for this great new series! ~Cozy Up With Kathy Essence of Foul Play is a slightly New Age-y cozy mystery set in a small town with strong familial ties that appeals to many readers. ~Novels Alive About Essence of Foul Play  Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - California Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (March 25, 2025) Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496751507 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496751508 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DB3SGV1Q Emma Brennan may have her head in a cloud of eucalyptus, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground in breathtaking Carmel, California, as she prepares to open her new spa business, Aroma Wellness. But all the reiki, shiatsu, and massage in the world can’t help her relax when she’s accused of murder . . . Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies, from essential oils to avocado masks and prickly pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . . With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything posse badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Incensed by the accusations but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . . About Daryl Wood Gerber Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense including the well-received The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams suspense novels. Recently Daryl, who loves a challenge, published a Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays.  Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: httsp://darylwoodgerber.com Author Links WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1 INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/ Purchase Links  AMAZON    BARNES AND NOBLE     BOOKSHOP.ORG    KOBO      MYSTERIOUS GALAXY TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 18 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – VIVI INTRODUCTION March 18 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW March 18 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT March 19 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 19 – Moonlight Rendezvous – RECIPE March 19 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW March 20 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT March 20 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW   March 20 – FUONLYKNEW –      SPOTLIGHT March 20 – Novels Alive – REVIEW March 21 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW   March 21 – Christy's Cozy Corners – RECIPE March 21 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT March 21- Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 22 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 22 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 22 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT March 23 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW March 23 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW March 23 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Read the full article

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I am delighted to welcome Barabara Early to Escape with Dollycas today: I was in college in 1984 when the first episode of Murder, She Wrote aired, and to be honest, I may have been a couple of years late in joining the party. I recall Remington Steele(‘82) and Scarecrow and Mrs. King(‘83), leading the way by introducing strong female characters, known for their intelligence more than their jiggle. I remember I was hooked on MSW by ‘86, because I vividly recall struggling to stay up to watch it on a Sunday night—when I had to be at work the next morning at 6am, after an hour-long commute. I suppose, from the point of view of an early 20-something at the time, that what initially attracted me was that I saw in Jessica Fletcher a hint of one of my favorite mystery protagonists, Miss Jane Marple. While I can now better appreciate the difference in age between the two, they shared the experience of being undervalued and underestimated. Instead of being angry and bitter over this, they proved their worth over and over again, with a brilliance that surprised their antagonists--and yet they both maintained a steady humility, friendly disposition, and good temper. Well, most of the time. When I was first approached as to whether I’d be interested in joining Terrie Moran in writing Murder, She Wrote books, I had mixed feelings. Not as to whether I wanted to write them—it’s a dream job! My question was whether I could do the character justice. It’s a heady thing writing dialogue knowing that readers will “hear” it in Dame Angela Lansbury’s voice. What convinced me to try (I still had to submit a proposal for the editor) was a combination of Terrie’s encouragement and the recognition that I was now a fifty-something female former English teacher turned mystery writer, and Jessica and I had something in common! It can also be intimidating to try to follow in the footsteps of the treasure-trove of authors who have written this character in the past: Donald and Renee-Paley Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and those who originated the television character in the first place: Fisher, Levinson, Link, and the many episode writers. While I have yet to see how readers receive my efforts to chronicle Jessica’s latest adventure, I hope that my age, experience, and hard work will lend that ring of authenticity to her voice. Meanwhile, I’m having a lot of fun. It’s hard not to really enjoy a job that starts with a leisurely cup of coffee or two and a couple of hours of television watching to ensure that I get the voices just right, but it’s also a part of the job I take very seriously. The series left us with some well-drawn and beloved main characters. Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the thrifty curmudgeon on the outside, is full of compassion and wisdom for those who care to see it. Sheriff Metzger, the streetwise NYC cop who retired to Cabot Cove thinking it would be simpler and relaxing, started out as a bit of an antagonist in those early episodes, but later grew to be one of Jessica’s closest friends. “Mrs. F,” as he chose to call her, has become almost a term of endearment. As for Jessica herself, her manner of speaking is precise, crisp, and a notch or two more formal than my natural voice, with--perhaps because of her years spent teaching English--more literary and poetic allusions and a huge active vocabulary, yet her tone is nearly always friendly and gracious and never snooty. Writing her spoken and internal dialogue, for me, involves layers and multiple editing passes, first putting on paper what Jessica is trying to say, then tweaking it to better resemble how I think she would actually phrase that idea. And then doing it again, until I hear it in Jessica’s voice myself. Forty years have passed since Murder, She Wrote introduced us to Jessica, and I’m happy to see that enthusiasm for the series hasn’t waned much. Episodes can be found on multiple channels and streaming services and there’s talk of a movie. Clothing and giftware can still be purchased and a new Jessica Fletcher action figure was just released. (Yes, of course, I got one! It has a little typewriter and everything!) I almost feel like I got to play with mine early—and not just her, but Seth and Mort and all the rest of the finely-drawn characters from both the television run and the fifty-nine books that have been released prior to this one—and move them around the big, gorgeous doll house that is Cabot Cove, Maine. Thank you, Barabra for visiting with us today! Keep reading for more information about Barbara's new book... Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder by Jessica Fletcher & Barbara Early About Snowy with a Chance of Murder Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder Cozy Mystery 60th in Series Setting - Maine Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 18, 2025) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593820045 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593820049 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D7G8TTLR In a nod to Rear Window, this newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series finds Jessica Fletcher coping with an injury that leaves her homebound—and a murder just outside her window! Jessica Fletcher has taken a nasty spill on the ice, leaving her in a wheelchair for several weeks. She tries to work on her latest manuscript but finds herself distracted by a new neighbor moving in across the street. There’s good reason for her to be distracted, because soon after unpacking his sparse belongings, Mr. Rymer is out in the front yard, building somewhat risqué (read: naked) snow sculptures. While Cabot Cove debates whether the sculptures are a protected form of art or a public display of lewdness, someone starts destroying them at night. Rymer doesn’t seem upset. He just makes new ones. No need to get the police involved over a little snow, he says. Especially when there’s plenty more of it and a blizzard in the forecast. The morning after the storm, Jessica looks out the window to see a new sculpture across the street—and the body of Mr. Rymer half-buried in the snow. Can Jessica catch a cold-blooded killer from her chair by the window? About the Authors Barbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation. Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a schoolteacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. She lives in Western New York State (Go Bills!), where she enjoys cooking, crafts, classic movies and campy seventies television, board games, and spending time with her granddaughters. ​Before teaming up with Jessica Fletcher, she previously wrote the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series and the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries (as Beverly Allen). Author Links Website https://www.barbaraearly.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbaraEarly Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - Penguin Random House  TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 18 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 18 – Bea's Book Nook – REVIEW March 19 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT March 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST March 20 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW March 21 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW March 21 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT March 22 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews  SPOTLIGHT March 23 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW March 24 – Diary of a Bookworm – SPOTLIGHT March 25 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT March 26 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW March 27 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT March 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW March 28 – Storied Conversation – REVIEW March 29 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW March 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW March 30 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 31 - Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW March 31 - Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? 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Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) by Victoria Tait A determined and hard-working female sleuth is joined by a colorful but realistic team of helpers, with a vivid and evocative setting, full of intrigue, surprises, and gentle humor, the authors' page-turning story is a perfect blend of mystery and charm—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake! ~Cassidy's Bookshelves I highly recommend Antiques and Adversity in the Azores for its beautiful island setting, wide variety of characters, and multiple mysteries! 5 HUGE stars! ~Christy's Cozy Corners About Antiques and Adversity in the Azores Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Azores, Portugal Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kanga Press (March 14, 2025) Number of Pages c. 240 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DRY16XMQ Beneath a tranquil island's charm, a deadly mystery emerges from the lake. Can an amateur sleuth uncover the truths hidden within decades of tradition before the past claims another victim? Troubled antiques expert, Georgina Carey, is reeling from the loss of her husband, her job, and her self-assurance. When she’s offered a commission to value the estate of a deceased Portuguese collector in the Azores—wherever that is—she reluctantly accepts. A lakeside house nestled in the lush greenery of São Miguel Island seems like the perfect retreat to confront her past and prepare for her future. But her tranquillity is shattered when a body is found floating in the lake, echoing a mysterious death from over 30 years ago. Despite her best intentions to focus solely on the commission, Georgina finds herself drawn into the secrets of the local town as residents unexpectedly confide in her. As she pieces together their stories, she starts to wonder if the deaths were as accidental as they seemed or if something more unsettling is at play. Can Georgina stay on task, find an heir to the estate, and uncover the truth behind two mysterious deaths on this beguiling island in the Atlantic? If you enjoy enchanting locations, small-town mysteries, and an intelligent sleuth grappling with self-doubt as she finds the strength to reshape her future, then you’ll love Victoria Tait’s Antiques and Adversity in the Azores, the captivating first book in The Treasured Journey Mystery series." Traditions, secrets, and a deadly mystery. Buy Antiques and Adversity in the Azores today! About Victoria Tait Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, where she developed a lifelong love of tea and British traditions. Inspired by the works of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder, She Wrote, she writes cozy mysteries infused with her signature British charm. Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. With intrigue, surprises, and gentle humour, Victoria’s page-turning stories are the perfect blend of mystery and charm—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Read the FREE prequel to her Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series at her website. Or click Follow for updates. Author Links Website     BookBub    Instagram    Pinterest    Goodreads  Purchase Link Amazon TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 15 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 15 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW March 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT March 16 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author - SPOTLIGHT March 17 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT March 17 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 18 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST March 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW March 19 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW March 19 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE March 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 20 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 21 – Wine Cellar Library – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 22 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW March 23 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW March 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Read the full article

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Vanishing Into the 100% Dark (Bean to Bar Mysteries) by Amber Royer I enjoyed this cozy mystery filled with fun, suspense and chocolate. This was the first book I have read by this author and I hope to read many more. ~bigreadersite's Blog About Vanishing Into the 100% Dark Vanishing Into the 100% Dark (Bean to Bar Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 8th in Series Setting - Japan Publisher ‏ : ‎ Golden Tip Press (March 4, 2025) Print length ‏ : ‎ 324 pages Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DT2DW97B Bean to chocolate maker Felicity Koerber has been invited to be part of a chocolate festival in Tokyo. It’s a big deal for a Texas gal with a chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand, so a whole group of her friends come along to support her. It’s intimidating enough to be giving a class on chocolate making with the help of a translator – she also stumbles across the scene of a murder, where a quirky group of international actors and stunt performers are making a monster movie. Felicity has already solved half a dozen murders back in Texas, so at this point her friends basically expect her to get involved – even before the young media influencer in Felicity’s group becomes the main suspect. Felicity has taken on the role of chaperone for Chloe, so she can’t imagine how she could explain what went wrong to the girl’s mother. Which gives her even more motivation to figure out the real killer. In the meantime, things get complicated at the chocolate festival when a rival chocolate maker tries to get her disqualified from the awards competition – and claims that her amateur sleuth status is bringing undesirables into the festival. And things are even more complicated as the stress of being in an unfamiliar place brings out secrets about Felicity’s friends – and her fiancé. About Amber Royer Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series, and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach. Her workbook/textbook Story Like a Journalist and her Thoughtful Journal series allow her to connect with writers.  Amber and her husband live in the DFW Area, where you can often find them at local coffee shops or taking landscape/architecture/wildlife photographs.  They both love to travel, and Amber records her adventures on Instagram – along with pics of her pair of tuxedo cats.  If you are very nice to Amber, she might make you cupcakes.  Chocolate cupcakes, of course! Amber blogs about creative writing technique and all things chocolate at www.amberroyer.com. Author Links  Website: http://www.amberroyer.com   Blog: http://amberroyer.com/blog/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberroyerauthor/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amber.Royer.Author/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw   Twitter: https://twitter.com/amber_royer   Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Amber-Royer/e/B00PFV4CGM   Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8144619.Amber_Royer   Purchase Links:   Amazon Barnes and Noble    Kobo    Bookshop.org TOUR PARTICIPANTS March 4 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT March 4 – Bigreadersite - REVIEW March 5 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 6 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW March 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT March 7 – Christy's Cozy Corners – RECIPE March 8 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 9 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT March 10 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT March 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST March 12 – Celticladys Reviews – RECIPE March 13 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT March 13 – Frugal Freelancer CHARACTER INTERVIEW March 14 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT March 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST March 16 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT March 17 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Read the full article