tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43953280012537273462024-03-18T06:45:42.242-05:00Must Read FasterShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.comBlogger2425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-70862375170132281712023-12-22T09:34:00.004-06:002023-12-22T09:34:40.611-06:00Some News<p> Well it's been a fun run on Must Read Faster, but I have decided to shut this chapter in my life and start a new one. This blog has seen me through some great patches and some very not so great patches. </p><p><br /></p><p>I will always love this blog, but I think I need to start something fresh. So I have created a new one, it's bare bones at the moment but I am feeling exceptionally excited about it. It's called Amethyst Books and while the title of the blog says books (which will be my main focus) I will use it as a place to talk about whatever is making me happy at that time. So book reviews, tv reviews, movies, music, etc. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for hanging out with me so many years and I hope to see you over there. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://booksthatbewitchme.blogspot.com/">Amethyst Books </a></p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-70121331410411617572023-12-01T02:00:00.001-06:002023-12-01T02:00:00.155-06:00December #TBR Stack <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y2TbGck1lcA_4xqKDfVeKcReAUdn8AfjI2U2RpkXYaODSkzt6izjYc7AA7N2HR2lYM9MahqBC337bS-APwT7jwgIPYlXIHAgQhzUzoD9NrNq0jOl20Qij_7VQCjTpI4GZ8_LIyOHOSy_QMA9E2lwxQ8zEu-ZHEIbAjS-ajXMhgxceaGiZbRs4KqmPao/s225/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y2TbGck1lcA_4xqKDfVeKcReAUdn8AfjI2U2RpkXYaODSkzt6izjYc7AA7N2HR2lYM9MahqBC337bS-APwT7jwgIPYlXIHAgQhzUzoD9NrNq0jOl20Qij_7VQCjTpI4GZ8_LIyOHOSy_QMA9E2lwxQ8zEu-ZHEIbAjS-ajXMhgxceaGiZbRs4KqmPao/w400-h400/reading.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Hiya there kind peoples! I am going to try something new this month! It's the last month of the year starting today, so I am going to challenge myself to a thing! I'm going to read 10 books this month! Can I do it? Honestly, I dunno. Will I give it my best try!? Abso-friggenlutely! So what am I aiming to read this month:<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fourth Wing</li><li>Vicious </li><li>Red Rising</li><li>By the Light of Dead Stars</li><li>Weyward</li><li>Pet Semetary</li><li>The Assassin's Apprentice (finish this one)</li><li>Destiny (Finish this one) </li><li>The Hobbit (finish this one)</li><li>The Secret History (finish this one)</li></ul><div>As you can see I have four books that I've started then stopped and I want to finish them by the end of the year so I can put them back on the shelf. It's a lofty goal for someone with a scatter brain that is also working and doing school AND during the holidays, but I'm going to give it the good old try hard! </div><div><br /></div><div>I won't be doing Monday posts this month, just check ins to let you know how good (or bad) I'm doing on my goal! </div><div><br /></div><div>The week of Christmas might be a big ole bust in terms of reading because my son will be with me, but I will still try my mightiest! I might do a few personal readathons to help but that's tbd. </div><div><br /></div><div>What are your plans for the month of December? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-5167034284760663892023-11-22T02:00:00.003-06:002023-11-22T02:00:00.137-06:00Sophia Von X by Victoria Ray (Book Blitz) <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/fall-2023-blitzes/victoria-ray-sophia-von-x-book-blitz"><img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/89bd264247d64e268d873b3c230571f1" width="500" /></a></div><p> </p><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/9607d065f8a043f8affba37523606862" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/9607d065f8a043f8affba37523606862" width="309" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heist Crime, Religious Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Adventure</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Date Published:</b></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> March 2020</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52317737-sophia-von-x"><img height="75" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/26885701adea4bb791503c2c1651b879" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>"Sophia von X” is a 2020 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner
in the Fiction - Religious Theme genre!</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>It was supposed to be a vacation, the trip to a newly discovered tomb of
Jesus…</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When Sabina Ferrara was driving to Bingerbruck, Germany, she was hoping to
put a painful marriage behind her. Certain unforeseen events turned against
her, and during a visit to Christ’s tomb, she meets Thomas von Essen
– a dangerous thief who is hiding behind the name of a decent family,
pretending that he is a famous archaeologist. Against her will, Sabina is
dragged into the middle of the stealing of biblical artifacts, killings, and
shootings. She ended up attracting the attention of an unknown enemy from
Jerusalem, a wicked man called Papa Zen. A powerful mogul who knows too much
about Sabina and her mysterious birthmark. She is the one he was looking for
so long…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>12 lost pages from the Bible</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Car chases, guns, and fights</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Yakuza and Ndrangheta families</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Palermo, Istanbul, Jerusalem</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Deaths, tears, broken hearts</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sophia von X is a story of violence, obsession, secrets and tragedy, lies,
hate, and love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>About the Author</b></span></p><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/2c5bbce2305d44028a72c0483df3d5a7" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/2c5bbce2305d44028a72c0483df3d5a7" width="250" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">SE Crème de la Crème author Victoria Ray lives in a small
town 62 miles west of Stockholm. She has garnered much acclaim for her So
Absurd It Must Be True series and her Sophia von X thriller.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Victoria is a finalist for the prestigious Readers Favorite Contest and has
been nominated for a Book Excellence Award for original writing. When she is
not writing, Victoria spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling
the world, walking with her dogs, and catching her favorite Gota Lejon
shows. An admitted sweets fanatic, she feeds her addiction by visiting the
local bakery April on Sunday afternoons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Keep in touch with Victoria via Instagram: @victoriaray_nb</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit Ray's blog on WordPress - www.raynotbradbury.blog</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Contact Links</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://victoriaraybooks.com/books">Website</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Purchase Link</b></span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SVcjzA">Amazon</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rabtbooktoursandpr.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="RABT Book Tours & PR" height="400" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-32179697/images/0ef1e26fd5f04c99b11731d6d17c8a41/RABT-Tour-Host.png" width="400" /></a></div>
ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-48710421308097789072023-11-20T02:00:00.001-06:002023-11-20T02:00:00.135-06:00A Memory of Things To Come by J.S. Charette (Book Blitz) <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/fall-2023-blitzes/j-s-charette-a-memory-of-things-to-come-book-blitz"><img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/58aee86c063f45ae9ace426daff8f648" width="500" /></a></div><p> </p><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/0c9c221edf2341cc89e8fc07d245c49e" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/0c9c221edf2341cc89e8fc07d245c49e" width="285" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scifi / Fantasy</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Date Published</b></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">: October 17, 2023</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200377314-a-memory-of-things-to-come"><img height="75" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/26885701adea4bb791503c2c1651b879" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A secret war rages on our planet, hidden just below the thin veneer of our
society. An existential battle between mankind and demons being, fought by
brave men and women who struggle to protect us from a foe we’re almost
entirely ignorant of.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This is their story, and that of how a young group of friends were drawn
into the conflict and how they could change everything.</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>About the Author</b></span></p><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/2dcd251a74e84eaf8511d74a23350d06" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/2dcd251a74e84eaf8511d74a23350d06" width="284" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">J.S. Charette is an American Novelist and Veteran of the United States
Navy. Before he began writing, J.S. earned a bachelor's in Computer Science
and an M.S. in Information Systems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">An avid reader with a lifelong love for the written word. J.S. is married
with two beautiful daughters, who spent years demanding increasingly
elaborate bedtime stories. As the girls grew, the stories matured with them,
though the world and characters often stayed the same.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Over a decade, fully fleshed-out worlds appeared, and in time, they began
morphing from fanciful bedtime tales into outlines for future novels.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife, youngest
daughter, and faithful dog.</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Purchase Link</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3R3RQYf">Amazon</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rabtbooktoursandpr.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="RABT Book Tours & PR" height="400" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-32179697/images/0ef1e26fd5f04c99b11731d6d17c8a41/RABT-Tour-Host.png" width="400" /></a></div>
ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-24789276334345818842023-11-19T02:00:00.001-06:002023-11-19T02:00:00.157-06:00The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar (Blog Tour-Review and Giveaway) <div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/the-medusa-murders-by-joy-ann-ribar/" title="The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar"><img alt="The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/the-medusa-murders-by-joy-ann-ribar-banner-.png" width="600" /></a></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>The Medusa Murders</h2>
<h3>by Joy Ann Ribar</h3>
<h4>November 13-24, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
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<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar" border="0" height="320" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/l8ex19uIOlJz-Medusa-Cover-scaled.jpg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<p>Professor Bay Browning has more snake problems than the Garden of Eden in this twisted mystery. The English Literature instructor is busy preparing for a new semester when a serial killer, known as Medusa, bites her quiet life in the behind.</p>
<p>A wild ride ensues when Bay and her grifter sister, Cass, assist a perturbed Detective Downing with the investigation. What else can the sisters do, once they become Medusa’s targets? Will the slithering trail of mythology, art history, and family secrets help them catch a killer before she turns them to stone?</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>The Medusa Murders</i>:</h3>
<p>"This first-in-series held me captive on the edge of my seat where I frantically turned the pages of this intricately crafted story, desperate to solve the mystery. And, oh, what a revelation it is!" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels</span></p>
<p>"A gritty and intense mystery that grabs you and won’t let go until the end. The personal relationships are complex, just like many in real life, and the familial drama pulls you in." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">Kelly Young, author of A Travel Writer mystery series and Haunted and Harassed paranormal mystery series</span></p>
<p>"Ribar effectively wraps mythology, academia, archeology, and a touch of paranormal phenomena together to produce a more than satisfying read. Looking forward to spending more time with Bay." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Debra H. Goldstein, author of The Sarah Blair Mysteries</span></p>
<p>"A well-written, fast-paced and vibrant debut novel.<br />
A highly recommended new series." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Christine DeSmet, writing coach and author of The Fudge Shop Mystery series and Mischief in Moonstone series</span></p>
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<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Amateur Sleuth, Mystery, Crime<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Wine Glass Press<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> November 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 316<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781959078203<br />
<b>Series:</b> Bay Browning Mysteries, #1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3twnPXG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3SbUM60" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/408YCi8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/45uu0bV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3LglTIY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>Back at the parking space, Bay opened the passenger door and looked at the white particles in brighter light. They were sprinkled like powdered sugar over the right side of the back seat, directly underneath the bag of clothes Bay had gone through last night. She felt certain the particles must have come from the lululemon coat pocket. She remembered seeing Detective Harris turn the pocket inside out over one of the evidence bags. <i>Had there been feathers in either of the pockets?</i></p>
<p>The empty parking lot at Giorgio’s put a smile on Bay’s face when she parked the Subaru a few minutes later. She was impatient to get to the bottom of the dry-cleaning mix-up and anxious to shake some details out of Giorgio. She could see him standing behind the customer counter, grooming his dark slicked-back hair and straightening his blue and white polo shirt that matched the building.</p>
<p>“Good morning, L.L. I see you have nothing in your hands, so what can I do for you today?” Giorgio’s velvety voice was smoother than grease.</p>
<p>“Cut the crap, Giorgio. You know why I’m here. Obviously, you sent the police to see me about my lululemon. What’s the story?” Bay frowned and her dark eyes narrowed.</p>
<p>Giorgio backed away as if Bay might punch him, marring his handsome face. He was Stasia’s youngest brother, probably around Bay’s age. Bay had learned more Andino family facts than she cared to after attending the mandatory gatherings at Stasia’s home the past year.</p>
<p>He held up both hands, placatingly. “I’ll tell you what I know, which isn’t much. My niece, Aria, was working on the day of the mix-up. She’s in back. I’ll go get her.”</p>
<p>“Get my lululemon, too, while you’re back there.” Might as well kill two birds as they say.</p>
<p>Aria was short and pretty with wide dark eyes and thick black hair pulled into a neat bun on top of her head. She wore the same blue and white polo over hospital-style light blue pants. Bay guessed she was barely out of high school. What was that expression: fear or guilt on Aria’s face?</p>
<p>“Good morning, Professor Browning. My uncle is looking for your raincoat.” Aria didn’t look Bay in the eyes.</p>
<p>Dialing down from accusatory to neutral tone, Bay began her questions. “I understand you were working when my lululemon was switched with the one the police confiscated.” No point in lollygagging her way to the matter at hand. </p>
<p>Aria looked down at her fingers, which were drumming methodically on the counter as if playing a tune on a piano. One hand stopped while the other slowed to a quiet tapping. “Yes. There were three other coats almost identical to yours when he brought in the one the police were after.”</p>
<p>Bay registered the information. “Who is he that brought the coat in, please?” The girl seemed quite fragile, so kid gloves were in order for this interrogation. Bay was accustomed to communicating with students Aria’s age, and she knew the best methods for building trust and rapport. </p>
<p>The finger tapping continued at a leisurely pace. Bay could almost pick out a rhumba beat. Aria continued to focus on her fingers, not looking up. </p>
<p>“He said his name was Chance.” She closed her eyes, conjuring his image. “He was wearing a black hoodie but took the hood off to talk to me. He had short dreadlocks swept up to one side and had smart glasses on. You know, his glasses made him look smart.” She smiled, caught up in the memory.</p>
<p>It was clear to Bay the boy had charmed Aria, and just maybe she would do anything for him. “Did Chance ask you for a favor, Aria?”</p>
<p>She blushed, then turned a deep red. “He used me…” She choked back tears.</p>
<p>“Yeah, boys are scum,” Bay empathized, glaring at Giorgio who had emerged from the back room empty-handed.</p>
<p>The finger tapping quickened as the incident unfolded, from a waltz to a cha-cha, Aria’s eyes remained closed during the telling. “He asked me if people brought their expensive clothing here. Like could we be trusted with their stuff, you know. He said he had his mom’s lululemon, and he was kind of flirting with me.” She paused, thinking. </p>
<p>“I told him we had three of those same coats in the back right now, and they were already cleaned and ready to pick up. I offered to show him, so he would know he could leave his mom’s coat here.” </p>
<p>Aria stopped tapping and looked at Bay’s face where empathy greeted her like a warm embrace. “I didn’t know Chance wanted to swap coats until he asked if I could swap one of the clean coats for his mother’s dirty one.” I figured that he was responsible for getting it dirty, and he didn’t want her to know about it. </p>
<p>“So, you randomly chose my coat and made the switch.” Bay wanted to sound helpful by filling in details, so Aria’s head shake surprised her.</p>
<p>“No. That’s when things got weird. He asked me if we had L.L. Browning’s coat. He specifically wanted to trade his coat for yours.” </p>
<p>Giorgio interrupted his niece, casting a warning look with shifty eyes.</p>
<p>Bay couldn’t be fooled. “Why didn’t you call me Friday to let me know about the switch or the police? You knew they were coming to question me.” She darted daggers at Giorgio, who winced and backed away.</p>
<p>“I didn’t think you were in danger, or I would have called you. How could I know that the lululemon was murder evidence?</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>The Medusa Murders</i> by Joy Ann Ribar. Copyright 2023 by Joy Ann Ribar. Reproduced with permission from Joy Ann Ribar. All rights reserved.</p>
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<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Joy Ann Ribar" border="0" height="296" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/OzPWKtbqEBki-339EC2D1-.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>Joy Ann Ribar is an RV author, writing on the road wherever her husband and their Winnebago View wanders. Joy’s cocktail of careers includes news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and aquaponics greenhouse technician, all of which prove useful in penning mysteries. She loves to bake, read, do wine research, and explore nature. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people.<br />
Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Joy Ann Ribar:<br />
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<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">MY REVIEW </span></b></p><p>This was a fun and well written mystery. The story is engaging and grabs you quick. I think I finished this one in a little over a day and that's quite a feat! I enjoyed the story, the characters, and how things unravel in a way that obviously kept me reading! The characters are interesting, the story is well developed and was just plain fun. </p><p>This is the 1st in a series and I am very much waiting to get into the next one! </p><p>I highly suggest checking this out!</p><p><br /></p>
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ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-14477275085997765372023-11-14T02:00:00.006-06:002023-11-14T02:00:00.151-06:00Girl Among Crows by Brendon Vayo (Spotlight and Giveaway) <div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>Girl Among Crows</h2>
<h3>by Brendon Vayo</h3>
<h4>October 30 - November 24, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Girl Among Crows by Brendon Vayo" border="0" height="309" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/vw1ravFmN87u-Vayo_GIRL-AMONG-CROWS_FC.jpg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<h4>Beware the Brotherhood of the Raven</h4>
<p>When two boys vanish from her hometown, Daphne Gauge notices uncanny parallels to her brother’s disappearance 30 years earlier. Symbols of an ancient Norse god. Rumors of a promise to reward the town’s faithful with wealth and power, for a price. She warns her husband that another sacrifice is imminent, but just like last time, no one believes her.</p>
<p>This leaves her with a desperate choice: investigate with limited resources, or give in to the FBI’s request for an interview. For years, they’ve wanted a member of the Gauge family to go on record about the tragedy back in 1988. If she agrees to a deposition now, Daphne must confess her family’s dark secrets. But she also might have one last chance to unmask the killer from back then . . . and now.</p>
<h5>For readers who enjoy Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Joshilyn Jackson, Riley Sager, Jennifer McMahon, and Simone St. James.</h5>
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<h3>Praise for <i>Girl Among Crows</i>:</h3>
<p>"Brendon Vayo has crafted a pagan potboiler that is equal parts mystical and mysterious, profane and profound, blissfully existing at the intersection of horror and whodunnits." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Clay McLeod Chapman, author of <em>Ghost Eaters</em></span></p>
<p>"Fans of Gillian Flynn will love Girl Among Crows . . . Brendon Vayo’s debut thriller is eerie, mysterious, and addicting." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Brooke L. French, author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/inhuman-acts-by-brooke-l-french/">Inhuman Acts</a></em> and <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/the-carolina-variant-by-brooke-l-french/">The Carolina Variant</a></em></span></p>
<p>"Brendon Vayo’s <i>Girl Among Crows</i> is an eerie page turner rich with Norse Mythology, cult rituals, and creepy twists to rival Stephen King, Shirley Jackson and Stephen Graham Jones." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ MQ Webb, author of <em>When You’re Dying</em> and <em>How to Spot a Psychopath</em></span></p>
<p>"This fresh, artful thriller, as genuinely frightening a novel as you’ll read all year, darts smoothly between the decades as not one but two mysteries unfurl like stairways into darkness. Intelligent, original, audacious—and scary" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ A.J. Finn, #1 <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>The Woman in the Window</em></span></p>
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<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Horror<br />
<b>Published by:</b> CamCat Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> November 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 416<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9780744306552 (ISBN10: 0744306558)<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3r0iKpO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/44xk8h7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/45vWNhc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3PlFmKG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3suK4g3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CamCat Books</a></p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>My husband Karl shakes hands with other doctors, a carousel of orthopedic surgeons in cummerbunds. I read his lips over the brass band: How’s the champagne, Ed? Since he grayed, Karl wears a light beard that, for the convention, he trimmed to nothing. </p>
<p>The ballroom they rented has long windows that run along Boston’s waterfront. Sapphire table settings burn in their reflections. </p>
<p>The food looks delicious. Rainbows of heirloom carrots. Vermont white cheddar in the macaroni. Some compliment the main course, baked cod drizzled with olive oil. My eyes are on the chocolate cherries. Unless Karl is right, and they’re soaked in brandy. </p>
<p>At some dramatic point in the evening, balloons will drop from nets. A banner sags, prematurely revealing its last line. </p>
<p>CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS! </p>
<p>Thirty years. How nice, though I try not to think that far back. </p>
<p>I miss something, another joke. </p>
<p>Everyone’s covering merlot-soaked teeth, and I wonder if they’re laughing at me. Is it my dress? I didn’t know if I should wear white like the other wives. </p>
<p>I redirect the conversation from my choice of a navy-blue one-shoulder, which I now see leaves me exposed, and ask so many questions about the latest in joint repair that I get lightheaded. </p>
<p>The chandelier spins. Double zeroes hit the roulette table. A break watching the ocean, then I’m back, resuming my duties as a spouse, suppressing a yawn for an older man my husband desperately wants to impress. A board member who could recommend Karl as the next director of clinical apps. </p>
<p>I’m thinking about moving up, our careers. I’m not thinking dark thoughts like people are laughing or staring at me. Not even when someone taps me on the shoulder. </p>
<p>“Are you Daphne?” asks a young man. A member of the wait staff. No one should know me here; I’m an ornament. Yet something’s familiar about the young man’s blue eyes. Heat trickles down my neck as I try to name the sensation in my stomach. </p>
<p>“And you are?” I say. </p>
<p>“Gerard,” he says. The glasses on his platter sway with caffeinated amber. “Gerard Gedney. You remember?” </p>
<p>I gag on my ginger ale. </p>
<p>“My gosh, I do,” I say. “Gerard. Wow.” </p>
<p>Thirty years ago, when this convention was still in its planning stages, Gerard Gedney was the little boy who had to stay in his room for almost his entire childhood. Beginning of every school year, each class made Get Well Soon cards and mailed them to his house. </p>
<p>We moved before I knew what happened to Gerard, but with everything else, I never thought of him until now. All the growing up he must’ve done, despite the odds, and now at least he got out, got away. </p>
<p>“I beat the leukemia,” he says. </p>
<p>“I’m so glad for you, Gerard.” </p>
<p>If that’s the appropriate response. The awkwardness that defined my childhood creeps over me. Of all the people to bump into, it has to be David Gedney’s brother. David, the Boy Never Found. </p>
<p>My eyes jump from Gerard to the other wait staff. They wear pleated dress pants. Gerard’s in a T-shirt, bowtie, and black jeans. </p>
<p>“I don’t really work here, Daphne,” says Gerard, sliding the platter onto a table. “I’ve been looking for you for a while.” </p>
<p>The centerpiece topples. Glass shatters. An old woman holds her throat. </p>
<p>“Gerard,” I say, my knees weak, “I understand you’re upset about David. Can we please not do this here?” </p>
<p>Gerard wouldn’t be the first to unload on what awful people we were. But to hear family gossip aired tonight, in front of my husband and his colleagues? I can’t even imagine what Karl would think. </p>
<p>“I’m not here about my brother,” says Gerard. “I’m here about yours.” His words twist. </p>
<p>“Paul,” I say. “What about him?”</p>
<p>“I’m so sorry,” says a waiter, bumping me. Another kneels to pick up green chunks of the vase. When I find Gerard again, he’s at the service exit, waiting for me to follow. </p>
<p>Before I do, I take one last look at the distinguished men and a few women. The shoulder claps. The dancing. Karl wants to be in that clique—I mean, I want that too. For him, I want it. </p>
<p>But I realize something else. They’re having a good time in a way I never could, even if I were able to let go of the memory of my brother, Paul.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The catering service has two vans in the alleyway. It’s a tunnel that feeds into the Boston skyline, the Prudential Center its shining peak. </p>
<p>Gerard beckons me to duck behind a stinky dumpster. Rain drizzles on cardboard boxes. </p>
<p>I never knew Gerard as a man. Maybe he has a knife or wants to strangle me, and all this news about my brother was bait to lure me out here. I’m vulnerable in high heels. But Gerard doesn’t pull a weapon. </p>
<p>He pulls out a postcard, its edges dusty with a white powder I can’t identify. The image is of three black crows inscribed on a glowing full moon. </p>
<p>“I found it in Dad’s things,” says Gerard. “Please take it. Look, David is gone. We’ve got to live with the messes our parents made. Mine sacrificed a lot for my treatment, but had they moved to Boston, I probably would’ve beat the cancer in months instead of years.” </p>
<p>“And this is about Paul?” I say. </p>
<p>“When the chemo was at its worst,” says Gerard, “I dreamed about a boy, my older self, telling me I would survive.” </p>
<p>I take my eyes off Gerard long enough to read the back of the postcard: </p>
<p><em>$ from Crusher. Keep yourself pure, Brother. For the sake of our children, the Door must remain open.</em></p>
<p>Crusher. Brother. Door. No salutation or signature, no return address. Other than Crusher, no names of any kind. The words run together with Gerard’s take on how treatment changed his perspective. </p>
<p>Something presses my stomach again. Dread. Soon as I saw this young man, I knew he was an omen of something. And when is an omen good? </p>
<p>“Your dad had this,” I say. “Did he say why? Or who sent it?” </p>
<p>An angry look crosses Gerard’s face. “My dad’s dead,” he says. “So’s Brother Dominic. Liver cancer stage 4B on Christmas Day. What’d they do to deserve that, huh?” </p>
<p>“They both died on Christmas? Gerard, I’m so sorry.” First David, now his dad and Dominic? He stiffens when I reach for him, and, of course, I’m the last person he wants to comfort him. “I know how hard it is. I lost my mom, as you know, and my dad ten years ago.” </p>
<p>The day Dad died, I thought I’d never get off the floor. I cried so hard I threw up, right in the kitchen. Karl was there, my future husband, visiting on the weekend from his residency. I didn’t even think we were serious, but there he was, talking me through it, the words lost now, but not the comfort of his voice. </p>
<p>I looked in his eyes, daring to hope that with this man I wouldn’t pass on to my children what Mom passed down to me. </p>
<p>“Mom’s half-there most days,” says Gerard. “But one thing.” </p>
<p>The rear entrance bangs open, spewing orange light. Two men dump oily garbage, chatting in Spanish. </p>
<p>“Check the postmark, Daphne,” says Gerard at the end of the alleyway. He was right beside me. Now it’s a black bird sidestepping on the dumpster, its talons clacking, wanting me to feed it. I flinch and catch Gerard shrugging under the icy rain before he disappears. </p>
<p>The postmark is from Los Angeles, sent October last year. Six months ago, George Gedney received this postcard. Two months later, he’s dead, and so is another son. </p>
<p>What does that mean? How does it fit in with Paul? </p>
<p>Though he’s gone, I keep calling for Gerard, my voice strangled. Someone has me by the elbow, my husband. Even in lifts, Karl’s three inches shorter than me. </p>
<p>“Daphne, what is it? What’s wrong?” </p>
<p>“Colquitt. I need Sheriff Colquitt or . . .” Voices argue in my head, and I nod at the hail swirling past yellow streetlamps. “Thirty years ago, Bixbee was a young man. He might still be alive.” </p>
<p>“Daphne, did that man hurt you? <em>Hey.”</em></p>
<p>Karl demands that someone call the police, but I shake him. </p>
<p>“It’s fine, Karl,” I say, dialing Berkshire County Sheriff ’s Office. “Gerard’s a boy I knew from my hometown.” </p>
<p>Karl’s calling someone too. “Some coincidence,” he says. </p>
<p>Though it wasn’t. Here I am trying not to think about the past, and it comes back to slap me in the face as though I summoned it. Paul. The little brother I vowed to protect. </p>
<p>The phone finally picks up. “Berkshire Sheriff’s Office.” </p>
<p>“Hello,” I say, “could I leave a message for Harold Bixbee to call me back as soon as possible? He is or was a deputy in your department.” </p>
<p>“Uh, ma’am, I don’t have anyone in our personnel records who matches that name. But if it’s an emergency, I’d be glad—”</p>
<p>I hang up. Damn. I should’ve known at nine p.m., all I’d get is a desk sergeant. I’d spend half the night catching him up to speed. </p>
<p>“Daphne.” My husband lowers his phone, looking at me as though I’ve lost my mind. “I asked Ed to pull the hotel’s security feed. You’re the only one on tape.” </p>
<p>“What? No.” </p>
<p>“It shows that you walked out that door alone,” says Karl, gesturing, “and I come out a few minutes later.” </p>
<p><em>The Door must remain open.</em></p>
<p>Dread hardens, then the postcard’s corner jabs my thumb. I’m about to show Karl my proof when I realize that now there are only two crows in the moon. </p>
<p>“How’d he do that?” I keep flipping it, expecting the third one to return, before I sense my husband waiting. Distantly, I hear wings flap, but it could be the rain. “Gerard wanted me to have his dad’s postcard.” </p>
<p>“So this boy Gerard comes all the way from Springfield to hand you a postcard,” Karl says. “And he can magically avoid cameras?” </p>
<p>“I’m not from Springfield,” I say, shaking off a chill. Magically avoid cameras. And Gerard can turn pictures of crows into real ones too. How? </p>
<p>“You seem very agitated,” says Karl. “Want me to call Dr. Russell? Unless . . .” Karl’s listening, just not to me. “Ed says the camera angles aren’t the best here. There’s a few blind spots.” </p>
<p>“I said I’m not from Springfield, Karl. Any more than you’re from Boston.” </p>
<p>My husband nods, still wary. “Boston is more recognizable than Quincy. But how does your hometown account for why Gerard isn’t on the security footage?” </p>
<p>I lick my lips, my hand hovering over Karl’s phone. </p>
<p>When we first met, I wanted to keep things upbeat. Me? I’m a daddy’s girl, though (chuckling) certainly not to a fault. In the interest of a second date, I might’ve understated some things. </p>
<p>“Here,” I say, “it’s more like I’m from the Hilltowns. It’s a remote area.” My lips tremble, trying to force out the name of my hometown. “I was born and raised in New Minton, Karl.” </p>
<p>Somewhere between Cabbage Patch Kids and stickers hidden in a cereal box, the ones Paul demanded every time we opened a new Crøønchy Stars, is recognition. I can tell by the strange flicker on Karl’s face. </p>
<p>“The New Minton Boys,” he says. “All those missing kids, the ones never found.” Karl is stunned. “Daphne, you’re from there? Did you know those boys? God, you would’ve been a kid yourself.” </p>
<p>“I was eleven,” I say. And I was a kid, a selfish kid. I came from a large family. Brandy was seventeen, Courtney fifteen, Ellie nine, and Paul seven. </p>
<p>The day before my brother disappeared, I wasn’t thinking that this night was the last time we’d all be together. I wasn’t thinking about the pain Mom and Dad would go through, especially after the town gossip began. </p>
<p>No. I thought my biggest problems in the world were mean schoolboys. So I ruined dinner. </p>
<p>“Daphne?” Now Karl looks mad. “That’s a big secret not to tell your husband.” </p>
<p>If only he knew.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Girl Among Crows</i> by Brendon Vayo. Copyright 2023 by Brendon Vayo. Reproduced with permission from CamCat Books. All rights reserved.</p>
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<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Brendon Vayo" border="0" height="267" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/2ddJqf5ycNlt-brendon-vayo.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>Brendon Vayo was born in Okinawa, Japan, and now lives in Austin, TX. He has a wonderful wife and three children. The kids keep him awake at night, so he hopes his books do the same to you.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Brendon Vayo:<br />
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<h2>Enter for a Chance to Win:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Brendon Vayo & CamCat Books. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-45939812350008149422023-11-13T07:37:00.002-06:002023-11-13T07:37:51.415-06:00Weekly Reading AKA I Succumb To Internet Peer Pressure<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BVTX5q96k5cAyIfKSVe8TTDEXfiu3T65117IzPR1GLxiFr_qYTyiKthWBGljEOVKA73uQDgJz2P3hL3nidvlsdQBxciGwS7myb0PWFSxb-a0AeoZEhZg1fq7uE9A2O0-QgljKaZPuL_CSU8Hjk10ZE6M2vxPzkYFfKvZPBMhHuzuQJYh4VHiKQOShEY/s296/whatareyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="296" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BVTX5q96k5cAyIfKSVe8TTDEXfiu3T65117IzPR1GLxiFr_qYTyiKthWBGljEOVKA73uQDgJz2P3hL3nidvlsdQBxciGwS7myb0PWFSxb-a0AeoZEhZg1fq7uE9A2O0-QgljKaZPuL_CSU8Hjk10ZE6M2vxPzkYFfKvZPBMhHuzuQJYh4VHiKQOShEY/w640-h368/whatareyou.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I have been seeing things about this series like every single time I go anywhere were books are talked about for several weeks. I bowed to the peer pressure and bought it for my birthday. So I've put it on my stack for this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFtUahHOAbl8chyphenhyphenWnGL4ztucbCoq6jbNk9QL8bGCj1CG25LCBOPTreOQxzFfDNfavqZDQ4W0vdxwecSQFIdsZ_IsGhJCctCIh4kkxUBJ9kptAzoLxl8_aT5bo27pAVOh54c9J6Ha2kj8AVBw1gVOV0VaFs_PwA8cYobBkHJZY_HllO7dl9fLJaWnIYaE/s480/peer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="480" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFtUahHOAbl8chyphenhyphenWnGL4ztucbCoq6jbNk9QL8bGCj1CG25LCBOPTreOQxzFfDNfavqZDQ4W0vdxwecSQFIdsZ_IsGhJCctCIh4kkxUBJ9kptAzoLxl8_aT5bo27pAVOh54c9J6Ha2kj8AVBw1gVOV0VaFs_PwA8cYobBkHJZY_HllO7dl9fLJaWnIYaE/s320/peer.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I HAVE A COPY OF FOURTH WING!!! Thanks interwebs! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxsnmo_X4lWDz72l0XR-wUIaWc6jwlGvKRDVTML5E7gCFp15YykxkiU56u87tCcxN16el7xgh3yw1KfQUd_2uZ8hVQjc1w9eRZE44ZJX3QNStNkvoprvc1XVywz25-LBKYOgUk0UaGeiSnf7M0_Gq_JvPKHdKip4SGeVtVpz0qxLlthmohHr0hj30H_k/s530/fourth-wing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxsnmo_X4lWDz72l0XR-wUIaWc6jwlGvKRDVTML5E7gCFp15YykxkiU56u87tCcxN16el7xgh3yw1KfQUd_2uZ8hVQjc1w9eRZE44ZJX3QNStNkvoprvc1XVywz25-LBKYOgUk0UaGeiSnf7M0_Gq_JvPKHdKip4SGeVtVpz0qxLlthmohHr0hj30H_k/s320/fourth-wing.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will also be reading (or trying to) this one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV-5Y0VO8tYUS9qgF3y3tUstpQSS1IX8DNlOh6cxc_ieqaaioxbkt-4kN2hQAXGNyXytrcu1iB4vQKHghwO3y7sy0SVx4F-PB7C26da0C0bWTxmfl6MD3-z4vfnD9cqR05Cfs6wfInNG6SQxq7nFHfbXkzqbgeB-aJbUvY1dh3kPtrSxNaU255AJiCTM/s445/41YywOd3pGL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="287" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV-5Y0VO8tYUS9qgF3y3tUstpQSS1IX8DNlOh6cxc_ieqaaioxbkt-4kN2hQAXGNyXytrcu1iB4vQKHghwO3y7sy0SVx4F-PB7C26da0C0bWTxmfl6MD3-z4vfnD9cqR05Cfs6wfInNG6SQxq7nFHfbXkzqbgeB-aJbUvY1dh3kPtrSxNaU255AJiCTM/s320/41YywOd3pGL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am feeling extremely motivated this week, so I do hope to have reviews coming up soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />What are you reading? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSZ0lVY-xzW8GBvXwuJmhsvfwMVY0nRKe7KUE_Qig7OA8ZYvkyf_KYVo70K2ASqtFYRESzQ9AEPaZuh1ub0l-fGQEj1jmolIOYJ5NIy7zqPDPB1ORccMAKbeTYnPmTy9F6MznHQBTXlqCQFrUbBb8ZCHFtmTI4yeyLdJYsGfPvA53FAmDUhDReo-o98s/s500/big-bang-theory-leonard-quotes-6.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="500" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSZ0lVY-xzW8GBvXwuJmhsvfwMVY0nRKe7KUE_Qig7OA8ZYvkyf_KYVo70K2ASqtFYRESzQ9AEPaZuh1ub0l-fGQEj1jmolIOYJ5NIy7zqPDPB1ORccMAKbeTYnPmTy9F6MznHQBTXlqCQFrUbBb8ZCHFtmTI4yeyLdJYsGfPvA53FAmDUhDReo-o98s/s320/big-bang-theory-leonard-quotes-6.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-91793344507200742002023-10-31T07:33:00.005-05:002023-10-31T07:33:24.915-05:00Blessed Samhain and Happy Halloween! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyZy6wbB6YYSusTMG7Lw52ttjd7TeHq9wFfwGWcXhQJpTDFDx3IecG5JmPRyeMl11SEGR4UXZ9qOUApqx3SapaGjea8K1-q6nSXg2wZbcyGtccHgxeKCfEn92wabJqLnScB_HFOt_SczFF8209lE-2ny8HuUxV4rxEYoX0fVi5rwDMJTIGVPC4Lq15Dk/s950/samhain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyZy6wbB6YYSusTMG7Lw52ttjd7TeHq9wFfwGWcXhQJpTDFDx3IecG5JmPRyeMl11SEGR4UXZ9qOUApqx3SapaGjea8K1-q6nSXg2wZbcyGtccHgxeKCfEn92wabJqLnScB_HFOt_SczFF8209lE-2ny8HuUxV4rxEYoX0fVi5rwDMJTIGVPC4Lq15Dk/w400-h266/samhain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy your spooky night! </span></b></p></blockquote><p> </p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-90017506207166241842023-10-31T02:00:00.001-05:002023-10-31T02:00:00.152-05:00Halloween Book Blast!!! (And Giveaway) <div style="text-align: center;"><a 1="" href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/home" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/8e5e97062c774210bfd922d17700a826" width="564" /></a></div><p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>WELCOME TO THE HALLOWEEN BOOK BLAST!</b></span>
</p>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more
information on the novel as well as the Buy Links!</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Before you leave, don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!!</span>
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ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-21554713119837423822023-10-29T17:57:00.001-05:002023-10-30T08:13:34.864-05:00What Are You Reading? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_Ev5lSINaEKxpNb32NuaRfM2SFlRpUBIH_epUkJpF3ho1cYc7ljHt-uHxxf_wZLgHy5-BAXyTwo11u1cQyfC7IVrboM5sIc73TbcaLmkiXlnPnfw-xLlqEjlarWkcCrwaMqtB49itM0S-tOAXVtpl5fFOX-1-9waz4-QuTkDfvVUUw1lkvh7NjxaTvY/s428/monday%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="428" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_Ev5lSINaEKxpNb32NuaRfM2SFlRpUBIH_epUkJpF3ho1cYc7ljHt-uHxxf_wZLgHy5-BAXyTwo11u1cQyfC7IVrboM5sIc73TbcaLmkiXlnPnfw-xLlqEjlarWkcCrwaMqtB49itM0S-tOAXVtpl5fFOX-1-9waz4-QuTkDfvVUUw1lkvh7NjxaTvY/w400-h230/monday%20banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Well it's SPOOKY WEEK! Happy Halloween ya'll! I'm going to be doing some things this week and I want to get into the spirit of the holiday, so my books this week will focus on all things SPOOKY!<p></p><p>So I have these books on my Agenda</p><p><br /></p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Frankenstein-Penguin-Classics-Mary-Shelley-ebook/dp/B002RI9B9O?crid=3DNZQSMCVM53N&keywords=frankenstein&qid=1698619949&s=digital-text&sprefix=Frank%2Cdigital-text%2C118&sr=1-5&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=a66baeb476a5e5d5de9bea394916c303&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002RI9B9O&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B002RI9B9O" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Ashburn-House-Darcy-Coates-ebook/dp/B01H0LB2HG?crid=3BGKH0349W9IO&keywords=the+haunting+of+ashburn+house&qid=1698620102&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+haunting+of+ashburn+house%2Cdigital-text%2C136&sr=1-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=0c3d4535c9bc3aee92f52c883c2128f3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01H0LB2HG&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B01H0LB2HG" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div>I am also reading Pet Sematary. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So what are you reading this week? Got any creepy/spooky reads planned? Let me know! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9kKEDIPWeoXwRlHhrXNcHv8JoginKdIzoRQhvahyphenhyphenzwDsb-5ETfApQx7kqek7UEWTegXdbIkIDzFVX6nPkdf3gbfhAi2G2dJ7gK4Pk2tN1SUoJ3wVeEEGNVnw1SoeB7-57Tf8Yxq5LH1cwq1UF63HEgRY_VKgalbEueLzVIoQLnAIBPm9b-zhlbLGr6A/s500/creep.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="500" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9kKEDIPWeoXwRlHhrXNcHv8JoginKdIzoRQhvahyphenhyphenzwDsb-5ETfApQx7kqek7UEWTegXdbIkIDzFVX6nPkdf3gbfhAi2G2dJ7gK4Pk2tN1SUoJ3wVeEEGNVnw1SoeB7-57Tf8Yxq5LH1cwq1UF63HEgRY_VKgalbEueLzVIoQLnAIBPm9b-zhlbLGr6A/s320/creep.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-52924506374201661322023-10-26T02:00:00.016-05:002023-10-26T02:00:00.152-05:00Girl on Trial by Kathleen Fine (Blog Tour: Review) <div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/girl-on-trial-by-kathleen-fine/" title="Girl on Trial by Kathleen Fine"><img alt="Girl on Trial by Kathleen Fine Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/girl-on-trial-by-kathleen-fine-banner-rev1.png" width="600" /></a></h2>
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<h2>Girl on Trial</h2>
<h3>by Kathleen Fine</h3>
<h4>October 23 - November 17, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Girl on Trial by Kathleen Fine" border="0" height="311" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/yWL4M6apiD1u-Girl-on-Trial-Cover.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<h4>Does doing one bad thing make you a bad person?</h4>
<p>Sixteen-year-old Emily Keller, known by the media as Keller the Killer, is accused of causing the deaths of a family of four, including young children. Emily is one of the youngest females to be accused of a crime so heinous, making this the nation’s biggest trial of the year. But what really happened that fateful night—and who’s responsible—is anything but straightforward.</p>
<p>Living in a trailer park in Baltimore with her twin brother and alcoholic mother, Emily’s life hasn’t been easy. She’s had to grow up fast, and like any teen, has made questionable decisions in a desperate attempt to fit in with her peers. Will her mistakes amount to a guilty verdict and a life in prison? It’s up to the jury to decide.</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>Girl on Trial</i>:</h3>
<p>"Kathleen Fine has written a compassionate, thought-provoking thriller that will have readers asking themselves big questions about redemption while also turning the pages with breathless anticipation. From her opening pages, Fine grabbed my attention and didn't let go until I closed the book, hardly twenty four hours later. Fine's story reminds us that everyone has a backstory and that the root of empathy involves discovering the particulars of someone else's history with an open heart and mind." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Christie Tate, Author of Reese’s Book Club and NYT bestseller <em>GROUP</em></span></p>
<p>"In her sharp debut <i>Girl on Trial</i>, Kathleen Fine deftly weaves the past with 16 year-old Emily Keller’s present-day manslaughter trial, allowing readers to put together the puzzle pieces of what really happened the day everyone says Emily killed an entire family. With her vivid characters and a well-developed setting, Fine evokes compassion for people trying their best and reminds us that there’s more to every story than meets the eye. Girl on Trial asks readers to wonder: are we more than our biggest mistake, and does everyone deserve redemption?" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Jessie Weaver, author of <em>Live Your Best Lie</em></span></p>
<p>"Readers will be on edge as Emily’s decisions lead her to become involved in and vulnerable to dangerous situations… The epilogue brings the roller-coaster ride to a satisfying conclusion…. Gripping, tragic, but ultimately hopeful." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Kirkus</em></span></p>
<p>“In Kathleen Fine’s <i>Girl on Trial</i>…interpersonal dynamics are revelatory… reality wars with public perception…a suspenseful thriller in which a maligned teenager is forced to fight for justice.”<br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Foreword Reviews</em></span></p>
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<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> YA Contemporary Mystery/Thriller<br />
<b>Published by:</b> CamCat Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> October 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 336<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9780744306835 (ISBN10: 0744306833)<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/45BZZaE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3slieTC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/45xcO6a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3E53tHc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/45eaCRq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CamCat Books</a></p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
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<h4>Prologue</h4>
<h6>January 12, 2022</h6>
<h5>i</h5>
<p>“The only reason I come to this meeting is for my weekly caffeine high,” Tiffani with an <em>i</em> admitted. Emily nodded at her friend as she took a sip of her lukewarm, watered-down coffee, a taste she’d gotten used to. A taste she now associated with healing. </p>
<p>“I’m not no strung-out addict or nothin’,” Tiffani continued and then focused on Emily, remembering that Emily, in fact, wasn’t there just for the coffee. “No offense—wasn’t tryin’ to say nothin’ bad about addicts. It’s just they don’t give us caffeine inside, ya know?” </p>
<p>“No offense taken.” Emily smiled as she wrapped both hands around her coffee cup, relaxing her tense shoulders. She’d become used to Tiffani’s candor and had grown to appreciate the woman’s raw honesty. She watched as Tiffani sprinkled some sugar into her undersized paper cup and stirred it with the plastic spoon tied to a container with blue yarn. Tiffani glanced around the room and then untied the yarn, placing the spoon into the pocket of her gray, state-issued sweatpants. Emily bit her lip, debating if she should stop her, but then decided not to. Tiffani was going to do what Tiffani wanted to do—she always did and always would. </p>
<p>“I gnaw on the edges of this enough and it gives me a sorta sharp blade.” She gave Emily a wink as she patted her pocket, keeping the new weapon safe as she took a seat in the circle with the other women. </p>
<p>“One minute, ladies,” the guard announced to the group as the chatter quieted down and the women took their seats in the circle. Emily picked up an NA book from the only empty seat in the circle that Nikki left for her as a placeholder. She sat down in its place, shifting uncomfortably in the metal chair. She moved her eyes toward the group secretary, Darlene, as she flipped through a stack of papers on her lap. </p>
<p>“Hello, I’m an addict and my name is Darlene. Welcome to the Lincoln Juvenile Correctional Center’s group of Narcotics Anonymous. Can we open this meeting with a moment of silence for the addict who still suffers, followed by the serenity prayer?” Emily closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she tried to stop her palms from sweating. She still got anxious even though she’d been attending the meeting every week for the past year. <em>How has it been an entire year?</em> she wondered. <em>So much has happened in only twelve months.</em></p>
<p>“Is there anyone here attending their first NA meeting or this meeting for the first time?” Darlene asked. “If so, welcome! You’re the most important person here! If you’ve used today, please listen to what’s being said and talk to someone at the break or after the meeting. It costs nothing to belong to this fellowship; you are a member when you say you are. Can someone please read, <em>Who Is an Addict?</em> and <em>What Is Narcotics Anonymous?</em>” </p>
<p>“I will,” Chantelle volunteered as she reached across the circle, grabbed the paper from Darlene, and began reading aloud to the group. </p>
<p>“Yo, Em,” Nikki leaned over and whispered in Emily’s ear. “You celebratin’ today?” Emily nodded at her timidly. She didn’t like speaking in front of people even if it was a group of women she trusted. </p>
<p>“You’ll do great,” Nikki whispered as she punched Emily lightly in the arm. Emily peered around the circle to make sure no one was paying attention to Nikki’s whispers. They weren’t supposed to have side conversations during the meeting—the guard would send them out of the room if he caught them. </p>
<p>When Chantelle finished the reading, Darlene thanked her and said, “Now can someone please read <em>Why We Are Here</em> and <em>How It Works</em>?” </p>
<p>Emily watched anxiously as the paper was passed down to Trina. She closed her eyes and listened to Trina’s words, clenching her jaw tightly. </p>
<p>“I used last night,” Nikki muttered so quietly, Emily wasn’t sure if she was meant to hear her. She glanced over at Nikki, who was staring down into her coffee cup shamefully. Nikki had been the first person to introduce herself to Emily at her initial meeting, making her Emily’s OG friend in the group. Emily furrowed her brow and placed her hand on top of Nikki’s. She wished Nikki had told her about the relapse earlier—then she could have had an actual conversation with her about it. She wondered where Nikki could’ve gotten her hands on anything since she’d heard a rumor the guards had been doing weekly bunk checks. </p>
<p><em>One day at a time</em>, Nikki had told Emily, so many months before when she’d been a broken shell of herself. “One day at a time,” Emily whispered, trying not to let the guard hear their buzzing. </p>
<p>Seeing Emily’s tentative face, Nikki mumbled, “My roommate snuck some smack up her papusa. Had her boyfriend’s kid bring it in when he visited her. Whack, dude. Whack.” She shook her head and rubbed her buzzed hair with her rugged hands. “She’s a bad influence on me. I gotta get a new roommate.” </p>
<p>Emily frowned, aware that there was nothing she could do to help Nikki. Nikki had to want sobriety for herself, just like Emily had wanted it. She squeezed Nikki’s hand tightly and whispered, “Glad you’re here.” As much as Nikki’s relapse upset her, it gave her a tiny bit of strength to share her story. Maybe she could help Nikki even a little bit today by sharing her own struggles. </p>
<p>“No touching,” the guard yelled from across the room, eyeing Nikki and Emily. As if being scolded by a teacher, Emily reddened and instantly pulled her hand away from Nikki’s. </p>
<p>Darlene reached below her chair and lifted a shoebox to her lap. “This group recognizes length of clean time by handing out key tags. If you have one coming to you, please come up and get it. The white one is for anyone with zero to twenty-nine days clean and serene.” Darlene opened the box to reveal a white key tag and dangled it in the air. Nikki glanced at Emily and then hesitantly stood up to collect her tag. The group clapped and whistled wildly as she crossed the circle and took her tag. She gave a couple of the women fist bumps as the group chanted, “What do we do? Keep coming back!” Emily put her fist out as Nikki gave it a bump. She hoped this small gesture, this modest group of women cheering for Nikki, would be the reason she’d quit for good this time. </p>
<p>“The orange one is for thirty days clean and serene.” Emily watched as two women got up, collected their tags, and sat back down. Applause and chanting “What do we do? Keep coming back!” vibrated the room. </p>
<p>As Darlene handed out the tags for two months, three months, and so on, Emily gripped her chair, knowing her turn was coming. Her palms, damp with her sweat, began to slip along the chair’s metal sides. </p>
<p>“The yellow one is for nine months clean and serene,” Darlene announced. </p>
<p>Nikki peered at Emily and nudged her bicep. “Your turn is coming up soon,” she whispered. Emily smiled at her, trying to give the façade of bravery, but she felt anything but brave. What she really wanted to do was run as fast as she could out of the room and into the parking lot. </p>
<p>“The glow-in-the-dark one is for a year clean and serene.” <em>You can do this</em>, Emily thought as she unsteadily stood up and walked toward Darlene. All the women in the room clapped loudly and chanted as she took the tag and went back to her seat, her face flushing with pride. </p>
<p>Darlene placed the box back under her chair and collected the sheets of readings from the women who had read. “Today, Emily is celebrating her one-year anniversary with us. You ready, Em?” </p>
<p>The women’s applause quieted and all eyes turned toward her. Clenching her fists tightly, she felt her beating heart rise to her throat. She scanned the room at the women and girls before her. Addicts, inmates, and friends. <em>My people</em>, Emily thought as she said, “My name is Emily, and I am an addict. This is my story . . .”</p>
<h4>1</h4>
<h6>Trial Day 1: January 7, 2019</h6>
<h5>i</h5>
<p>The alarm on Emily’s phone chimed just as Sophie whispered in her ear, “Wake up, Emawee. Wake up.” She opened her eyes widely, her body covered in sweat, her sheets soaked yet again. “Time to wake up.” She heard Sophie’s whisper get farther away, humming distantly from somewhere in her dreams. </p>
<p>From somewhere in her nightmares. </p>
<p>As she turned off the alarm, she tried to overlook the numerous text messages that’d surfaced from numbers she didn’t recognize. </p>
<p>“Die, killer” </p>
<p>“You’ll pay in hell for what you did.” </p>
<p>“Murderer”</p>
<p><em>How can people I don’t even know want me dead?</em></p>
<p>With shaky hands, she deleted the texts as a CNN report popped up on her screen, updating her on the “Trial of the Year,” that was beginning that day: </p>
<p align="center"><em>CNN Breaking News<br />The Biggest Trial of the Year Begins Today, January 7, 2019. Emily Keller, also known by the media as Keller the Killer, is accused of causing the deaths of four family members, two of them small children. Only 16 years old, Emily is one of the youngest females to be accused of a crime so heinous.</em></p>
<p>Emily buried her face in her pillow, taking a deep breath. She tried to hold back the habitual tears that were creeping out from the corners of her eyes. <em>I have to be strong today; no crying</em>, she told herself as she rubbed her temples slowly. <em>I need to put on my protective armor, or I’ll never make it through today alive.</em> She reached under her mattress, grabbed her orange pill bottle and gave it a shake, the rattling sound of the tablets comforting her. She poured two pills onto her clammy palm and placed them gently on her tongue. <em>Protective armor.</em></p>
<p>“Emily?” her brother, Nate, quietly inched open the bedroom door, “You awake? It’s time to start getting ready for court.” </p>
<p>Without looking up at him, she nodded as she rolled out of bed, trying not to think about how wrong the prosecution had the facts and how she could be sent to prison because of it. As she attempted to walk toward the door, her ankle monitor snagged on her lavender bedsheet. She yanked the sheet off in frustration and dragged her feet to the bathroom to prepare for the first day of her new life. </p>
<p>Debbie and Nate were already waiting for her in Debbie’s rumbling Toyota Camry when she stepped out of the trailer. </p>
<p>“It’s your turn for shotgun.” Emily opened the door to the backseat where Nate was already buckled in. </p>
<p>“You can take it today,” he muttered, avoiding eye contact with her. </p>
<p>“I don’t need pity shotgun just because I’m on trial for murder, Nate,” Emily replied curtly as she reluctantly sat down in the front seat. As she buckled her seat belt, she already regretted scolding Nate for doing something kind. <em>I’ll apologize to him later</em>, she told herself. Nate had been up with her until three o’clock that morning, listening to her cry and consoling her. <em>I don’t deserve him</em>, she thought, squeezing her eyes shut. </p>
<p>She rolled down her window and took a deep breath of fresh morning air as her mom lit a Virginia Slim, her hands trembling. “Morning vodka shot hasn’t kicked in yet?” Emily muttered under her breath as she turned on the radio. <em>Or maybe one shot doesn’t cut it anymore</em>, Emily thought. </p>
<p>“What hasn’t kicked in?” Debbie asked as she ashed her cigarette into an empty coke can, oblivious to Emily’s disrespectful comment. </p>
<p>“Coffee hasn’t kicked in yet?” Emily corrected herself as she investigated her face in the cracked side mirror of the car. The face staring back at Emily was swollen from weeks of nonstop crying. Although she’d put on some of her mom’s waterproof mascara, she still looked like someone had run her over with a truck. <em>You’re so repulsive</em>, she thought as she tried to comb her drab chestnut hair with her fingers, squinting at her image through the cracked glass. She wanted to disappear. Sink down into the seat of the car and disappear forever. </p>
<p>As she pinched her upper cheekbones to give her face some color, she glanced at Nate through the corner of the broken mirror, hoping he couldn’t tell she was staring at him through the mosaic lens. Since he had headphones in his ears, she assumed he was listening to a news podcast about the trial. The expression on his face looked like it was straining to stay calm, but she could read his emotions no matter how hard he tried to hide them. When you shared a womb with someone, you knew everything they were feeling. </p>
<p>There was actually supposed to be three of them. Her dad had left when he’d found out Debbie was pregnant with triplets. He’d said since he didn’t want one baby, he definitely didn’t want three. Emily used to sometimes think about how different her life would’ve been if their other brother hadn’t died at birth. Maybe he would’ve punched Tom Swanson for dumping her two years ago since Nate didn’t do a thing about it. Maybe he would’ve taught Emily to throw a football since Nate was anti-athletics. </p>
<p>Maybe he could’ve stopped Emily before she lost herself. Maybe he could’ve stopped this whole situation. Maybe no one would have died. </p>
<p>“Valerie told us to meet her around back when I spoke to her on the phone last night,” Emily directed her mom as they pulled up to the courthouse. Debbie nodded as she navigated her ancient car around to the back of the building, avoiding the crowd hovering at the entrance. </p>
<p>“Shit, look at all of the people,” Nate announced as he stared at the crowd and cameras surrounding the front of the building. No one seemed to notice their rickety car escape past the swell to the rear parking lot. <em>Maybe they were expecting some sort of official-looking black SUV like you see in crime movies and not our pathetic piece of tin</em>, Emily speculated, thinking about how some seniors at her school owned nicer cars than her mom’s. She peeked down at her gray dress and nervously picked little lint balls off it as her mom parked the car. </p>
<p>“You look fine, Em,” Debbie insisted as she opened a mini bottle of vodka from her purse and took a swig, “That dress looks lovely on you.” Debbie had spent her tip money to buy Emily “new” thrift store clothes for the trial. Emily was now pulling at a seam on the edge of the dress, making it unravel. </p>
<p>As she waited for her mom to finish her shot, she felt around for the phone in her purse to make sure it was turned off. She’d turn it on later that night once her mom and Nate were sleeping so she could read through her texts and the news in privacy. That way, if she cried, no one would see her. <em>Strong people don’t cry</em>, she told herself. </p>
<p>“You need a pill?” Debbie asked as she fumbled through the large purse on her lap. The Valium Emily had taken that morning was beginning to set in, and she was starting to feel unreasonably calm. </p>
<p>“I’m good.” <em>Although I’ll need another one soon</em>, she thought. It hurt her too much to live in reality. </p>
<p>Emily’s lawyer, Valerie Anderson, was standing at the back entrance of the building, propping open the heavy metal door with her bright red heel. As Emily stepped out of the car, Valerie waved her hands frantically, “Quick, before they catch on that you’re back here!” she shrieked as she lifted her long, hot pink nails to her mouth. </p>
<p>“We better hurry.” Debbie grabbed Nate’s and Emily’s hands, tugging them toward Valerie. </p>
<p>“Wait,” Emily urged as she struggled to catch up to her petite mom’s gait. Without warning, her black heel wobbled to the side and she stumbled, falling onto the hard concrete. Before she had the chance to assess the damage to her knees, Nate dropped his mom’s hand, grabbed Emily up by the arm, and quickly escorted her to the door. As they approached Valerie, all eyes looked to the blood running down Emily’s knees. Emily was surprised the wounds stung so badly even though the rest of her felt numb. </p>
<p>“We’ll have to find some Band-Aids ASAP before we converse.” Valerie’s heels echoed in the hallway as she led them to their room. Emily slouched over even more than she had been as she followed Valerie, spying the name <em>Keller</em> stuck to a metal door with a yellow Post-it. As they stepped inside, the heavy door slammed behind them with a loud thud. </p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Girl on Trial</i> by Kathleen Fine. Copyright 2023 by Kathleen Fine. Reproduced with permission from Kathleen Fine. All rights reserved.</p>
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<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Kathleen Fine" border="0" height="200" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/wxDS3jW9ULyY-kathleen-fine-pic.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 3px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 3px 5px 15px;" width="212" /></div>
<p>Kathleen Fine received her Master’s in Reading Education from Towson University and Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of Maryland, College Park. She is a member of the Maryland Writers Association, International Thriller Writers, and Author’s Guild. When she’s not writing and selling real estate, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to the Outer Banks, and of course, reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, three children, and Sussex Spaniel. Her short stories have been published in Litro Magazine, Pen in Hand, The Maryland Writer’s Association Anthology, and in The Indignor Playhouse Anthology. <i>Girl on Trial</i> is her debut novel. </p>
<h3>Catch Up With Our Author, Kathleen Fine:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3YGZlGC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KathleenFineAuthor.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/47ytmg5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/44iqIIq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @kathleenfineauthor</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/45fOMg6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @kathleenfineauthor</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/45s3oJm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter/X - @kathleenfine </a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/45ECkGR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @fine.kathleen</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/45xdh8q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok - @kathleenfineauthor</a></h3>
<p> </p><p><b>MY REVIEW </b></p>
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<p> This was a great read, quick read that made me think about all the small (and big) moments and choices that have potential to change the course of your life forever. I have to admit that pretty much all of the characters are flawed, but aren't we all? </p><p>This book kept me reading, wanting to see what happens and what would happen to some of the characters. This (to me) was a very quick read. The writing was solid, the plot was interesting, and the conclusion was great. </p><p>I really enjoyed this one! </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews and opportunities to WIN! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=311690" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
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<p> </p>
<h2>ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Kathleen Fine. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-79840474471724360402023-10-23T03:00:00.001-05:002023-10-23T03:00:00.144-05:00What Are You Reading? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGc4-5Xlxh0uDi2JRv04oLTGpgNF59IMYcXGuDRtp8hf4JM_0sUs9qGWYpEmHHVfxKGCXit1XiliykzEV2rqwagr3gDXMj4v8NNcZUXIComDdBXz0oA7N8yzYLTM38GWxE772u-kqGH7Scfsa8ZtGcPqZ2eCrwSgcuIznLx1RnTQ5YyeuuRlT3sAbWRU/s296/watar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="296" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGc4-5Xlxh0uDi2JRv04oLTGpgNF59IMYcXGuDRtp8hf4JM_0sUs9qGWYpEmHHVfxKGCXit1XiliykzEV2rqwagr3gDXMj4v8NNcZUXIComDdBXz0oA7N8yzYLTM38GWxE772u-kqGH7Scfsa8ZtGcPqZ2eCrwSgcuIznLx1RnTQ5YyeuuRlT3sAbWRU/w400-h230/watar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I had such a good time this past weekend! I read SO SO MUCH! I feel so motivated to keep this reading spree going strong! I may actually hit my Goodreads goals for the year! Woo hooo!</p><p>I have a couple of books and one novella on my #TBR this week!</p><p><br /></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Trial-Kathleen-Fine-ebook/dp/B0C75NSLDB?crid=3QT95BGIUC23A&keywords=girl+on+trial+kathleen+fine&qid=1697981441&sprefix=girl+on+trial+%2Caps%2C520&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=629a0a520085f78fecdf2014443ab89c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0C75NSLDB&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0C75NSLDB" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Daphne-du-Maurier-ebook/dp/B00CO7FLJM?crid=2KVHKR8A7I003&keywords=rebecca+daphne+du+maurier&qid=1697981485&sprefix=rebecca%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=64ab486dc62ffff6f7313b4885a9644f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00CO7FLJM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00CO7FLJM" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>And the novella, If It Bleeds from same titled Stephen King book. </div><div><br /></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bleeds-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B07YN9YNP9?crid=2P7RZTRPTXVDW&keywords=if+it+bleeds&qid=1697981551&sprefix=if+it+bleeds%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=4bec2e26753ab728b0e3b57f22fafbf6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YN9YNP9&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07YN9YNP9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>I got quite a lovely bit of reading done, as you can tell by my readathon posts. So look forward to my reviews for:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Head Like a Hole </li><li>The Life of Chuck </li><li>The Pram by Joe Hill</li><li>Interview with the Vampire</li></ul><div>So now it's your turn! What are you going to be reading this week?</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp2wxaEndFR6YZ3OeMM_Zhj6vnD6jq8CHkt0Ho2kRL_b1CKYpG_fzyv8_5gd1WWFacHo9Osn78PAYKsEWJPLHxvVEuHIHecon_4rghiY_XMF1M_r_cyZo_dubtNrtcy9y0H9MpxNiutPgiPPVAB5tXzEpNScV1KQFWVXGhB3QSRKLtAHdeztrNLUk7io/s498/talk-to.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="498" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp2wxaEndFR6YZ3OeMM_Zhj6vnD6jq8CHkt0Ho2kRL_b1CKYpG_fzyv8_5gd1WWFacHo9Osn78PAYKsEWJPLHxvVEuHIHecon_4rghiY_XMF1M_r_cyZo_dubtNrtcy9y0H9MpxNiutPgiPPVAB5tXzEpNScV1KQFWVXGhB3QSRKLtAHdeztrNLUk7io/s320/talk-to.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-34055838101688284852023-10-21T06:45:00.014-05:002023-10-22T07:48:25.955-05:0024 Hour Read-a-thon Progress Post <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV9trIqe4hweml7A1x2Om6lvlvygzn4WE7wlS-YxmdItLqysEx42btWpBXAPISNWvDwGI3EKMT_inRUc6iQGSHBPbv8x2AFD-2XdtHvcqPqRVpAjca95nIxzzUGqiRPcPv-H07e6jAWLtAv7RYd0Ye6vPbIpOYx5YoRPh7xaBgPTYpZkdMdgy2_oUIAc/s1195/363364111_10161626036086424_1625869904590400156_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1195" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV9trIqe4hweml7A1x2Om6lvlvygzn4WE7wlS-YxmdItLqysEx42btWpBXAPISNWvDwGI3EKMT_inRUc6iQGSHBPbv8x2AFD-2XdtHvcqPqRVpAjca95nIxzzUGqiRPcPv-H07e6jAWLtAv7RYd0Ye6vPbIpOYx5YoRPh7xaBgPTYpZkdMdgy2_oUIAc/w400-h211/363364111_10161626036086424_1625869904590400156_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The day has come and here we go! I'm (hopefully) awake and getting caffeinated! I have my book stack (see below) and will be aiming for 2 books! Lately, I've been a slow reader so I'm not going to push myself, I just am going to enjoy the experience! I'll be updating in chunks and participating in as many challenges as I can. I will probably read here and there amongst these selections, I know my book A.D.D. will probably kick in at some point. If I add or swap a book with another one I'll update that too. </p><p>My theme for this readathon is "spooky/suspenseful" reads. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobirvCz2xebsKoGgwoHmg6Z4UoygR2QQ5RGkYPs13Q26Bh3s9hrSBUU9UP_jQXxwje0RkP_2FMU781V_FWv-aFZb8fn0o__ADoDj8GKSyJb2VOAyNAqTNhAu0SdDsmSoZj9vU9xO3r3totdTN4vHqlyzX1NbBwCI_PpF13apZJxMWrwQ_sIHNis6CXv8/s4032/ratstack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="4032" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobirvCz2xebsKoGgwoHmg6Z4UoygR2QQ5RGkYPs13Q26Bh3s9hrSBUU9UP_jQXxwje0RkP_2FMU781V_FWv-aFZb8fn0o__ADoDj8GKSyJb2VOAyNAqTNhAu0SdDsmSoZj9vU9xO3r3totdTN4vHqlyzX1NbBwCI_PpF13apZJxMWrwQ_sIHNis6CXv8/s320/ratstack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Snackage has been procured and or cooked/baked and ready for action! I have fruit, veggies (with dip), brownies, baked bread, soft pretzels and popcorn! Lots of fluids too! Caffeine, H20, tea and seltzer waters! I am so very ready and will be super carbed up! </div><div><br /></div><p><b>Update 1: Starting Time 7am CST-11am CST</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Book(s) </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pram-Creature-Feature-collection-ebook/dp/B0CF3DLKLV?crid=DWG62KRY2MUG&keywords=the+pram+joe+hill&qid=1697888609&sprefix=the+pram+%2Caps%2C726&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=de57e72fe7cc88a8532f05e10eda8868&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0CF3DLKLV&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0CF3DLKLV" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Head-Like-Hole-Novel-Horror-ebook/dp/B0B4GHMYNP?crid=2SUUJC1OLD887&keywords=head+like+a+hole&qid=1697893879&sprefix=head+like+a+%2Caps%2C496&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=1dec7bf42a3c086f9beb03f13e4135c6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0B4GHMYNP&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0B4GHMYNP" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></p><p>Pages Read: The Pram was 57 pages. I am on chapter 29 in Head Like a Hole that makes it 143 pages. So a total of 200 pages read so far. </p><p>Snacks/Beverages: Coffee with chocolate caramel creamer, and water. Home made bread with butter and Jam. An orange. </p><p>Notes: The Pram was good. I was a bit disappointed by the ending, but it was still a good read. I'll post a review soon. Head Like a Hole is a complete mystery to me, I'm not sure what the heck is going on but I do like it! I'm pleasantly confused! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Update 2: 11am-2:30pm</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Book(s) </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Head-Like-Hole-Novel-Horror-ebook/dp/B0B4GHMYNP?crid=2SUUJC1OLD887&keywords=head+like+a+hole&qid=1697893879&sprefix=head+like+a+%2Caps%2C496&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=1dec7bf42a3c086f9beb03f13e4135c6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0B4GHMYNP&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a></p><p>Pages Read: Starting pg: 143 HLAH Finished Head Like A Hole for 233 pages this block</p><p>Total pages read: 433 </p><p>Total Books Read: 1 novella and 1 book</p><p>Snacks/Beverages: Water with pineapple strawberry Mio. Chicken nuggets and fries. small slice of brownie (CALORIES DO NOT COUNT TODAY!!)</p><p>Notes: Head Like a Hole was good, confusing but good. I am going to take a small nap (about an hour) and then head into my next book. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Update 3: 3:30pm-7:30pm</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Book(s) </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bleeds-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B07YN9YNP9?crid=36BMG61MNS4S6&keywords=if+it+bleeds+stephen+king&qid=1697919862&sprefix=if+it+bleed%2Caps%2C629&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=e2bb3dd0ddd1f4ce8d5f6349a78c265c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YN9YNP9&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07YN9YNP9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> Starting with the Story The Life of Chuck-FINISHED</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Interview-Vampire-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B004AM5R20?crid=8POI3VCV90ZB&keywords=interview+with+the+vampire&qid=1697929511&sprefix=interview+with+the+vampire%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-5&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=c77ab3c6857765db695d74b32e4cdffa&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004AM5R20&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B004AM5R20" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />Started on page 1</p><p><br /></p><p>Pages Read This Block: 78 pages</p><p>Total Pages so Far: 511 pages</p><p>Total Read So far: 1 novella, 1 book, 1 short story</p><p>Snacks/Beverages: Water. Nachos, more nuggies...</p><p>Notes: I am slowing down a bit and going to try to ease back on the snackage just a bit. I'm going to take a wee little break and see if that "palate cleanser" helps be get back into the groove again. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Update 4: 8:30pm-11:00pm</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Book(s) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Interview-Vampire-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B004AM5R20?crid=8POI3VCV90ZB&keywords=interview+with+the+vampire&qid=1697929511&sprefix=interview+with+the+vampire%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-5&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=c77ab3c6857765db695d74b32e4cdffa&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004AM5R20&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B004AM5R20" style="border: none; margin: 0px; text-align: center;" width="1" />Finished </p><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>Pages Read: 346</p><p>Total Pages: 857</p><p>Total Read So Far: 2 books, 1 novella and 1 short story</p><p>Snacks/Beverages: Yogurt covered raisins, water. </p><p>Notes: I love this book. This is my maybe 10th re-read of this book. I'm starting to get sleepy but I'm going to go further. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Update 5: 12am-2:30am</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Book(s) </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Daphne-du-Maurier-ebook/dp/B00CO7FLJM?crid=19JYD60L1WTJU&keywords=rebecca&qid=1697946804&sprefix=rebecca%2Caps%2C375&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=14ee4b089c50ad0ab90673d6df3352e5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00CO7FLJM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00CO7FLJM" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></p><p>Pages Read: 20 measly pages. </p><p>Snacks/Beverages: I tried tea and a little coffee</p><p>Notes: Okay, I made it until about 2:30am ish. I tried to stay up. A "lil nap" turned into bedtime. But I am not upset! I did pretty good this readathon! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>FINAL UPDATE:</b></p><p><b>Total Books Read: </b>2 books, 1 novella and 1 short story</p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-64825629778953042822023-10-20T02:00:00.031-05:002023-10-20T02:00:00.149-05:00Pistol Rose and the Wedding That Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn (Blog Tour-Review and Guest Post)<a href="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pistol-Rose-Cover.png"><img alt="Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-11121" height="300" src="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pistol-Rose-Cover-200x300.png" width="200" /></a><div>Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn: </div><div>Publisher: Swashbuckle Holdings (August, 2023) <div>Category: Fantasy, Adult Epic Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Steampunk </div><div>Tour Dates October 16-November 22, 2023 </div><div>ISBN: 978-1962089005 </div><div>Available in Print and ebook, 194 pages</div><div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/isbn/ 1962089002" rel="noopener" style="border: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War" src="https://www.goodreads.com/images/atmb_add_book-70x25.png" /></a><h2>Description Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn</h2>
As a young wilderness girl, Pistol Rose knows nothing of the advanced Strelkie City or the mad king Ward Harrol who sits behind its walls. She doesn't understand why the Strelkie forbid marriage. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the king forces the surrounding countryside to change their traditional culture to match his vision, the Punimin resist, and Rose learns everything about how to kill Strelkie and get away with it.</div><div><br /></div><div> But throwing her own secret wedding without being caught... is another matter entirely. Rose refuses to give up her lover, Clock Dancin, for the tyrants who threaten her way of life. And most Punimin stand with her–only one is a betrayer.</div><div><br /></div><div> In this futuristic medieval steampunk country filled with liars, killers, and wilderuckers, the strongest weapon is love. But using it comes with a heavy cost. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>About Michael Ryan Hahn:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp2lj9caqDZhSmg-OdMmliqvIV0rbpuIzeInRJfrAZOps8SfStWlb_eXgd1KNIi_l50WfMwKXU5ZRWx1C27_sp2xKijF3mGrdggvVxQXpsvf2hkyxwBHqCewsmuPFQVT6lRA5V1ZQGjlDzF9lHxZu02IyaYC04TsFoJECM3adO1GhBhp17gAdpkKesgw/s517/Michael%20Hahn%20photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp2lj9caqDZhSmg-OdMmliqvIV0rbpuIzeInRJfrAZOps8SfStWlb_eXgd1KNIi_l50WfMwKXU5ZRWx1C27_sp2xKijF3mGrdggvVxQXpsvf2hkyxwBHqCewsmuPFQVT6lRA5V1ZQGjlDzF9lHxZu02IyaYC04TsFoJECM3adO1GhBhp17gAdpkKesgw/s320/Michael%20Hahn%20photo.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>‘Pistol Rose and the Wedding That Parked a War’ is Michael’s debut novel and the first in a planned 7- part series, The Anthem of Ash & Pistols. He previously wrote a standalone horror novella called ‘Children of the Storm’. He recently released an adventure podcast in the style of old radio plays called Fire Pockets. His stories aim to weave exciting action with humor and heart, with complicated villains—probably because of his upbringing. He comes from a big ol' raucous family, and he survived a shockingly bruising (but not altogether unfun) cadre of violently delinquent Boy Scouts to become an Eagle Scout. He loves fight scenes.
Michael won a ScreenCraft competition that led to development with Bad Robot. He's a 3x ScreenCraft Finalist, and has 18 other accolades from major screenwriting competitions, including AFF and Final Big Break.
As a director, he won Best Feature at GenCon and Best Director at BAFF for his micro-budget, wild sci-fi comedy action feature, ALIEN THEORY
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife. In his spare time, he designs custom habitats for cats.* The habitats are highly popular with the cats. </div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.michaelryanhahn.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.michaelryanhahn.com/</a></span> </div><div>Fire Pockets Podcast: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.michaelryanhahn.com/fire-pockets" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.michaelryanhahn.com/fire-pockets</a></span> </div><div>Twitter: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelRyanHahn" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MichaelRyanHahn</a></span></div><div><h2>Buy Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn</h2>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pistol-Rose-Wedding-that-Sparked-ebook/dp/B0CD7G8VTN?ref_=ast_author_mpb" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div><div><b>GUEST POST:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Pistol Rose</u> Guest Post for Melissa’s <i>Must Read
Faster</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How to Write by the Seat of your Pants: Outline or No?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Half of me is a massive fan of
outlining. It all begins with an idea of a theme or an argument (that I keep
quite secret and to myself), as a kind of story motivator. I wouldn’t call it a
“moral of the story,” it’s a little more buried than that. And I don’t bother
hoping that people will discover it, it’s more like a holy relic locked in an
altar if I’m feeling lofty, or a joke written on a scrap of paper and buried in
concrete if I’m feeling, well what’s the opposite of lofty, bunkery? It’s there
for me alone. The seed of the apple tree. If I have that little nugget stowed
in my pocket, then every strain of story that appears can more readily connect
to it. And for some reason, that just feels better to me than
reverse-engineering it. It’s a litmus test to know if an arc or a subplot or
whatever belongs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Naturally, I break the litmus test
half the time, and wrestle over whether something should be allowed to belong
despite its failure to adhere to form. Maybe half of my well-intended plans
make it into the outline? The outline is an arranged marriage between feelings
and action beats, something like a movie in a lot of ways. And once I’ve thought
about the story for a month or so, the outline itself takes a day. It’s
important to me to write it all out in a single day, if I can. Sometimes it
takes two or three. But the faster the outline materializes, the more alive the
story feels. I like to see it all at once.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I tend to write one paragraph per
planned chapter. Ideally, each planned chunk will tangle with the Big Stakes
that I set out at the beginning of the outline, so everything is moving forward
all the time. That paragraph, and sometimes it’s more than one, serves as a
kind of writing prompt more than an instruction list. I can write about one
chapter in a sitting, 10 to 20 pages, and a good prompt can fuel that through,
for the most part.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Often, I’ll get about halfway
through the outline, have all these grand plans and intricate designs, and then
some character will decide to up and wreck everything. Change of plans. Or it
will become clear that it is quite time for this character over here to die for
his crimes, and that alters the plan for what follows, somewhat. That’s the
half of me that doesn’t like outlining. The half that wants an organic
surprise. I’ve written chapters where I didn’t know how it was going to end…
and been so thankful I had that outline to run back to, crying with my bruises,
to guide me back on track.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The balance seems to be in having a
well-thought-out plan and in having the freedom to roam from it. Like being an
outdoor cat who likes to sleep inside at night. Whether they admit it or not, such
felines are never short on pride or humility, which makes for an adventurous
combination.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The particular outlining and
cobbling-together of this first <i>Pistol</i> book is actually even a little
different than my writing process as a whole. It started as a screenplay. Maybe
it will reach the screen one day, but I was drawn to the idea of fleshing out
the story in book form right now. A lot of people have asked how on earth you
can turn a script into a book, because it seems so hard when the training for
one mode is so different from the other. The answer is I just did it in layers.
Baby steps. I led with what was familiar to me. First was a direct
transposition of the script, then a writing pass adding all the direction (action)
I might explain if I were filming it, then another pass putting in all the set
and art direction, then a dialogue sweep and an inner thoughts sweep, and a
point of view controlling sweep to avoid head-hopping as much as possible… and
this all of course led to a fine mess.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But then there were bones that
almost <i>looked</i> like a book. It didn’t feel organic yet. So, then it was
off to the revisions, adding and cutting until a unifying feeling took over, and
with a little time, it all came together and made sense. It was like building a
house and then deciding to rotate the house ninety degrees, by hand, with the
wrong tools.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Which was great, because after
going through that, the next writings I’ve done have been much, much faster,
and from those, the process I explained above grew.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I suppose you could say that I
outline by the seat of my pants.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">© Michael Ryan Hahn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2>Giveaway Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn</h2>
This giveaway is for 2 copies. The winners will have the choice of print or ebook. This giveaway is open worldwide and on November 23, 2023 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e23ee71d1588" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e23ee71d1588/" id="rcwidget_w5olevq4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<h2><br /></h2><h2>MY REVIEW<br /><br /></h2><div>My first impressions of this book when I received it was "WOW! This is a pretty cover!" I love the artwork, the steam punky font and all of that! I did indeed judge this book by it's cover (at least at first) and I was amped to get started reading it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Once I cracked the spine and started reading, I was drawn into this rich history and back story. The first shot seemed a bit quick but hints about character personality and world building were peppered into the action. I really liked how that was done, one thing I dislike in a book is a world building "info-dump" in the beginning, so this book won me over straight away! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a tale that will keep you wanting to see what happens next. You'll feel like you know these characters and their life. The theme itself isn't entirely new, but with the way that Hahn writes it, it feels fresh. You will root for Rose and her people. You will want to continue seeing how everything unfolds. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is an excellent start to a series that is apparently going to run for a while, and that delights me! </div><h2><br /></h2><h2>Follow Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn</h2>
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Lyn <a href="https://hywelalyn.co.uk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Romance that's 'out of this world</a> </div><div>Oct 17 Guest Review Gracie & Excerpt
Dawn <a href="https://bound4escape.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bound 4 Escape</a> </div><div>Oct 18 Guest Review Sal
Gud Reader <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195438018-pistol-rose-and-the-wedding-that-sparked-a-war" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads </a></div><div> Oct 19 Review
Melissa <a href="https://mustreadfaster.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Must Read Faster</a> </div><div>Oct 20 Review & Guest Post
Linda Lu <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195438018-pistol-rose-and-the-wedding-that-sparked-a-war" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </div><div>Oct 23 Review
Lu Ann <a href="http://www.rockinbookreviews.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rockin' Book Reviews</a> </div><div>Oct 24 Review & Guest Post
DT Chantel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pistol-Rose-Wedding-that-Sparked-ebook/dp/B0CD7G8VTN?ref_=ast_author_mpb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </div><div>Oct 26 Review
Kathleen <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Celticlady’s Reviews</a> </div><div>Oct 27 Guest Review Laura & Guest Post
Mike <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195438018-pistol-rose-and-the-wedding-that-sparked-a-war" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </div><div>Oct 30 Review
Melissa C. <a href="https://deliciouslysavvy.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Deliciously Savvy</a> </div><div>Nov 1 Guest Review Betty & Excerpt
Leslie <a href="https://storeybookreviews.com/2023/08/review-giveaway-on-the-rails/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Storeybook Reviews</a> </div><div>Nov 2 Guest Review Nora
BookGirl <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195438018-pistol-rose-and-the-wedding-that-sparked-a-war" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> & <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pistol-Rose-Wedding-that-Sparked-ebook/dp/B0CD7G8VTN?ref_=ast_author_mpb" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </div><div>Nov 3 Review
Suzie <a href="https://mytangledskeinsbookreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews</a> </div><div>Nov 6 Review & Excerpt
Denise <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CD7G8VTN/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon.ca</a> </div><div>Nov 8 Review
Bee <a href="http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Book Pleasures</a> </div><div>Nov 9 Review & Interview
Liam <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195438018-pistol-rose-and-the-wedding-that-sparked-a-war" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div> Nov 13 Review
Tammy <a href="http://www.ttcbooksandmore.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TTC Books a more</a> </div><div>Nov 14 Guest Review- Betty B.
Smitty <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195438018-pistol-rose-and-the-wedding-that-sparked-a-war" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </div><div>Nov 15 Review
Cynthia <a href="https://www.oldbookshanty.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Old Book Shanty</a> </div><div>Nov 16 Guest review-Ellen</div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pistol-Rose-Tour-Banner.jpg"><img alt="Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War by Michael Ryan Hahn" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-11163" height="150" src="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pistol-Rose-Tour-Banner-300x150.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-48690022852879881282023-10-17T07:57:00.001-05:002023-10-17T07:57:26.792-05:00My Read-a-Thon #TBR Stack!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-cfntplbNWoD9vj7JYgYJuDgVE_Ds-q2jDVc7p6zk-z2KThLWKA_S67zrQ-vDBWBjfXxir1vhgnd4spfEUlgXlT2_WUFzZu_syIZiwRmFguhtMmolPMYTW5EB2vhZ4drdXdmK9fjyDdTz_ariIXzWxopWyonEbJ8KOoNe2cSXj82rUuyDMD_jlcUCVI/s4032/ratstack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="4032" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-cfntplbNWoD9vj7JYgYJuDgVE_Ds-q2jDVc7p6zk-z2KThLWKA_S67zrQ-vDBWBjfXxir1vhgnd4spfEUlgXlT2_WUFzZu_syIZiwRmFguhtMmolPMYTW5EB2vhZ4drdXdmK9fjyDdTz_ariIXzWxopWyonEbJ8KOoNe2cSXj82rUuyDMD_jlcUCVI/w400-h285/ratstack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> I'm going for a spoopy theme or a supernatural theme! My kindle has tons of "horror/suspense" selections too! I have my snacks, my fluids, and the weekend off! *Pardon the messy copy of Good Omens. The book has traveled through a few moves*<p></p><p><br />What are you going to be reading? I'm going to update on my blog here, various social media sites. <b>Follow me if you want! I'll follow back! </b></p><p><b>Follow Along With My Reading!</b></p><p>Mastodon: <a href="https://mastodonbooks.net/@TomesandCobwebs">https://mastodonbooks.net/@TomesandCobwebs</a></p><p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/lexley">https://twitter.com/lexley</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coraelle/">https://www.instagram.com/coraelle/</a></p><p>And FB: </p><p>Personal: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lexley/">https://www.facebook.com/lexley/</a></p><p>Book Blog: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MustReadFasterBookReviews/">https://www.facebook.com/MustReadFasterBookReviews/</a></p><p><br /></p><p>I am super duper excited about this weekend! I haven't been able to really do a readathon in a long time and I am PREPARED! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUbrIcG5gIwY60JabQrKECpmrDupDXNdfBZbS75jA0XVB80jb1Bgfr8a8vZ7lXCRoZ0pT0MiEIFO5la-72EhVI-XPD8II5ZQBiVzGegi9bXs_j-x-bv2Q5qK5yp8CZxXRD_RcgSEDt62uBFK4Y4zAblHiWyCCtBwsBcmsLWTS61Nbl7VcMoz6OYiTNDY/s200/200w%20(4).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUbrIcG5gIwY60JabQrKECpmrDupDXNdfBZbS75jA0XVB80jb1Bgfr8a8vZ7lXCRoZ0pT0MiEIFO5la-72EhVI-XPD8II5ZQBiVzGegi9bXs_j-x-bv2Q5qK5yp8CZxXRD_RcgSEDt62uBFK4Y4zAblHiWyCCtBwsBcmsLWTS61Nbl7VcMoz6OYiTNDY/w400-h400/200w%20(4).gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-52033330195871451652023-10-16T02:00:00.001-05:002023-10-16T02:00:00.147-05:00What Am I Reading? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRueBLZEmfvKOejH1PNkKZs-OYKQf-SX1YmiZxubC15M3XMbLa0sWU1oS4sdG3kOT68hQ9IPbgRnwwisifpFw2041sZ28sDYVCCa_bjAVEIWzwrIAsTdDB-DKaMJMGDnrmFathCDubfduChc73ZCWE2FM2nTzef_8SMs1tDWRrzCtsx1u7FuQs1ljazc/s428/monday%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="428" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRueBLZEmfvKOejH1PNkKZs-OYKQf-SX1YmiZxubC15M3XMbLa0sWU1oS4sdG3kOT68hQ9IPbgRnwwisifpFw2041sZ28sDYVCCa_bjAVEIWzwrIAsTdDB-DKaMJMGDnrmFathCDubfduChc73ZCWE2FM2nTzef_8SMs1tDWRrzCtsx1u7FuQs1ljazc/w400-h230/monday%20banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I am going to try to get 2 books read this week! I'm trying to train my brain to focus whilst reading, so that this weekend I can be a superstar for the Read-a-Thon! I have the weekend off and snacks prepared, and all that good stuff so I am excited AF! <p></p><p>So what's on my roster this week?<br /><br />Here they be!<br /><br /><br /> </p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swan-Song-Robert-R-McCammon-ebook/dp/B005T54IAY?crid=29O2BXTYDVNBO&keywords=swan+song+by+robert+mccammon+book&qid=1697413996&sprefix=swan+song%2Caps%2C373&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=ad8fc19cbc5b5c7e48b8f23d96581e94&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005T54IAY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B005T54IAY" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pistol-Rose-Wedding-that-Sparked/dp/1962089002?crid=1OTKHYB09HRXG&keywords=pistol+rose+and+the+wedding&qid=1697414122&sprefix=pistol+rose%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=ae28009ac68eff8be74c0e80a5a5f15a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1962089002&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=1962089002" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>I will be posting my readathon TBR a little later in the week. I do hope to make it as long as I can! I'm aiming for some spoopy reads. Tis the season! Are you guys going to be doing the 'thon?<br /><br />What are you all reading this week? Lemme know! Maybe I'll put some rec's on my list! </div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-46882677026269033602023-10-05T01:30:00.014-05:002023-10-05T01:30:00.156-05:00Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond (Blog Tour & Review & Giveaway) <div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/death-and-the-sisters-by-heather-redmond/" title="Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond"><img alt="Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/death-and-the-sisters-by-heather-redmond-banner-.png" width="600" /></a></h2>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>Death and the Sisters </h2>
<h3>by Heather Redmond</h3>
<h4>September 25 - October 20, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond" border="0" height="302" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/640a68df5b7c6-027E6EFB-1F8B-4DF5-AD44-049EE83AA288.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<h4>The tangled relationships between <i>Frankenstein</i> author Mary Shelley, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary’s stepsister Jane Clairmont form the backdrop for an intriguing historical mystery, set in London in 1814, that explores the complex dynamic between sisters and the birth of teenaged Mary’s creative genius.</h4>
<p><strong>London, 1814:</strong> Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick minds bolstered by an unconventional upbringing, and have little regard for the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, rejects the two paths that seem open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or an ordinary wife. Though quieter and more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she longs for real-world adventures.</p>
<p>One evening, an opportunity arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back.</p>
<p>The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had lately become a personal and professional rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all drawn to learn the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each discovery seems to hint at a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s closest circle. But as the attraction between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within . . .</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>Death and the Sisters</i>:</h3>
<p>"<i>Death and the Sisters</i> is a terrific blend of gritty history with a mystery that will keep readers turning pages. Impeccably researched and imaginative, Redmond’s first Mary Shelley Mystery immerses readers in the drama of young Mary Godwin and her family, as well as her budding romance with Percy Shelley, as they work together to solve a wonderfully bookish murder. I thoroughly enjoyed this series kick-off and can’t wait for the next story!" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Susanna Craig, author of <em>The Lady Knows Best</em></span></p>
<p>"<i>Death and the Sisters</i> is a rip-roaring murder mystery with twists and turns that introduces teenaged Mary Godwin, not yet the author of the immortal work Frankenstein, as an amateur detective. Redmond's foray in the world of rational atheists in early 19th century London is a mesmerizing, forceful delight." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Eilis Flynn, author of <em>The Riddle of Rym</em></span></p>
<p>"Crafted with vivid historical detail, an artfully twisted plot, and engaging characters, <i>Death and the Sisters</i> is an excellent start to what I hope will be a long-running series." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Dianne Freeman, author of the award-winning <em>Countess of Harleigh Mysteries</em></span></p>
<p>"It might be the way London comes to life in all of its dark and gritty complexities, or the dynamics between Mary and her step-sister, Jane, as they set out to find the killer of the man who they discover dead in the bookshop. Everyone is a suspect—even Percy Shelley who has caught the eye of the women in the household. Propulsive and immersive, Heather Redmond is at the top of her game until the intense and satisfying end." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Mary Keliikoa, author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/hidden-pieces-by-mary-keliikoa/">Hidden Pieces</a></em></span></p>
<p>"An intrepid cast of characters, a stunningly atmospheric 19th-century London, and a riveting murder… Highly recommend." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Melissa Bourbon, bestselling author</span></p>
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<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Historical mystery<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Kensington <br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 320<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781496737991 (ISBN10: 1496737997)<br />
<b>Series:</b> Mary Shelley Mystery, 1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3NQ1zyp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3Da35GV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3DcjwCj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3JZHq8a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3PWKMN1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kensington</a></p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>“Come, Mary.” Jane flopped onto her bed. “Tell us a story about the prisoner ghosts wailing.”</p>
<p>“I’ll have to think it up,” Mary said and then began to quote. “‘This relation is Matter of Fact, and attended with such Circumstances as may induce any Reasonable Man to believe it.’”</p>
<p>“What’s that?” Jane asked. The floor creaked as she kicked off her slippers and knocked them to the floor.</p>
<p>“Defoe, I think,” Mary said, already considering the form of her story. If only Mother had written such fanciful tales, to give her ideas on how to construct them. “I’ll consult his works in the bookshop for further inspiration. It seems like quite a good start to a ghost story.”</p>
<p>Mary placed her slippers next to Jane’s and walked down in her stocking feet, hugging the wall so as not to set off the worst of the creaking stairs. If Mamma heard her, she’d be set to mending something. Her stepmother never thought about the cost of candles when she could make her daughters work themselves into exhaustion after dark.</p>
<p>The bookshop’s interior door hung open. Very odd, as Mamma was particular about making sure that the smells of domestic life, particularly cooking odors, did not damage the books.</p>
<p>Mary shrugged, glad she had come downstairs, because if Mamma had been the first to notice, she’d have no doubt blamed Mary. She lit the lantern kept in readiness for customers who wanted to browse in the dark corners.</p>
<p>While she knew exactly where Defoe was kept, she first went to a back corner of the shop and dropped to her knees, then pulled out a much-loved volume that Mamma kept in stock because she knew that it sold, even though it was anything but highbrow or philosophical. Ann Radcliffe’s <i>The Romance of the Forest</i>. Feeling a little breathless, like a Gothic heroine about to swoon, she opened the book to her favorite page. With the lantern held over the engraving, she examined the bare legs of the man removing a blindfolded girl from a house.</p>
<p>She bit her lip as she looked over the engraved musculature, feeling a familiar shiver dance up through her body. Did Shelley have legs so magnificent? He certainly possessed the broad shoulders and narrow waist of the figure on the page. She set down the lantern when it shook in her hand.</p>
<p>“Oh, to see a form like that,” she whispered to herself. None of her Scottish suitors had possessed a body she wanted to caress. As such, none of them had enticed so much as a kiss from her. After a last heated glance, she closed the book and tucked it away again.</p>
<p>The next shelves were in front of the bow windows. The Juvenile Library was shelved there, at the perfect height for children. Works of historical merit were on the other side. Mary rose.</p>
<p>Her foot twisted as she took the first step. She grabbed for the edge of the bookcase with one hand, the other gripping the lantern tightly. Her fingers were trembling by the time she righted herself. She reached down and swiped at her foot. Something sticky coated her fingers. What was on the floor?</p>
<p>“Honestly,” she muttered to herself. More cleaning. She set the lantern on the bookcase and walked past the windows. Slatted lines from the shutters were illuminated by the oil lamp that burned all night at the corner of the road.</p>
<p>Distracted by the sudden reflected light, she tripped again. “Blast,” she cried.</p>
<p>When she tried to take another step forward, her way was blocked by something solid. Confused, she prodded it with her foot. It felt warm, dry, and slightly yielding. She backed up to take the lantern in her hand again, then cupped the side of it with her hand to keep the illumination from the road. When she reached the mass again, she held the lantern out over the floor.</p>
<p>Her mouth dropped open when she saw what lay in front of her. A man, like something out of a painting of the French Revolution, was sprawled on the floor. Facedown. She swept the lantern over his body. Her hand shook as she saw first one knife, then another.</p>
<p>The first was impaled in his back. The other, in the mysterious recesses between his legs.</p>
<p>“Faith!” Wobbly, Mary blinked hard, then forced herself to kneel down beside the sprawled figure, to touch the man’s hand.</p>
<p>Still warm. She squeezed it, feeling that strange sensation of callused male flesh under hers, then dropped the hand. What was she doing? Molesting a corpse?</p>
<p>She scooted back, her eyes closed, then opened them again, feeling her lips tremble at the sight of the dark blue velvet coat, the dark stain around the knife gleaming wetly in the light. She knew that coat. Shelley! That fine figure of a man, ended so cruelly. They had just seen him leave not twenty minutes earlier. Had he been accosted in the street and dumped here?</p>
<p>“I could have loved such a being.” Tears sprang to her eyes, and she let them fall, keenly feeling her sensibility. Hadn’t he said he was a new father? And his poor young wife, not even twenty yet, a widow.</p>
<p>“Mary?”</p>
<p><i>Drat that Jane.</i> Could she not offer up a moment’s solitude to anyone?</p>
<p>Her stepsister’s footsteps came closer, along with the bobbing of a candle flame.</p>
<p>“Don’t come any closer,” Mary warned. She set the lantern down.</p>
<p>Ignoring her, Jane came down the space between the bookshelves and turned in the nook in front of the windows.</p>
<p>“What are you doing?” she asked.</p>
<p>Mary scrambled to her feet, hoping to block her sister’s view. The candle wavered as Jane took in the scene. She gasped loudly.</p>
<p>“What,” Jane asked, “is that?”</p>
<p>“Knives,” Mary said. “Murder has been done here.”</p>
<p>“What?” Jane repeated, some frantic power coming into her voice. “Papa?”</p>
<p>“No,” Mary said, grabbing the candleholder before the candle dropped. “Shelley.”</p>
<p>She saw what was going to happen and held up her other hand, hoping to forestall it. But she failed, and Jane, coming closer, screamed. Mary bent under the onslaught and grabbed her sister’s hand.</p>
<p>“Hush,” she begged, pulling her away. “We have to tell Papa before the watch comes.”</p>
<p>Though Jane resisted, Mary pulled her through the bookshop, then forced her to sit on the steps and hold the candle while she went back for the lantern. She set it on the table in the hall.</p>
<p>“Stay here,” she commanded.</p>
<p>“But,” Jane whispered. “But the body.”</p>
<p>“Papa will know what to do.”</p>
<p>“But the watch.”</p>
<p>“Papa should call them, not us. Do you want him surprised?”</p>
<p>“The bookshop,” Jane said next.</p>
<p>“Yes, it’s very bad,” Mary agreed.</p>
<p>“It isn’t S-Shelley,” Jane stuttered. “He just left.”</p>
<p>Mary pulled the handkerchief from her sleeve and tucked it into Jane’s unresisting hand. “It must be,” she said. “Who else? Cry quietly, please.” Hoping her sister obeyed, she picked up her skirts and ran up the steps to her father’s library.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Death and the Sisters</i> by Heather Redmond. Copyright 2023 by Heather Redmond. Reproduced with permission from Heather Redmond. All rights reserved.</p>
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<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Heather Redmond" border="0" height="266" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/640a68e46ef1b-A636CAE8-9D9F-41EA-9414-BE09008B5B7E-scaled.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>Heather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century.</p>
<p>She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, <em>A Tale of Two Murders</em>, has received a coveted starred review from <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Heather Redmond:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3NVcRBL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.HeatherRedmond.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/46IfvTX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PXJSQf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @heatherredmond1</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/43sc0hA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @hiestandheather</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3rkzaJe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter - @heatheraredmond</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PkIWot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Heather Hiestand Redmond's Reader Group on Facebook</a></h3>
<p> </p><p><b>MY REVIEW</b></p><p>This was a great historical fiction mystery! I started this book rather blind, only having read the blurb on the back. I was sucked right in from the start and really enjoyed nearly everything about this book. The mystery element and the historical element were combined super well and made this book super fun! I was thoroughly entertained. </p><p>I loved how well written and well developed the characters were. The story flew fast and kept me reading steadily! I really am excited that this is the first book of a series and can't wait for more!</p><p>I am delighted to recommend this book to anyone that enjoys this genre! </p>
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<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=311402" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
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<h2>ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Heather Redmond. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-46304236228555477052023-10-04T04:00:00.025-05:002023-10-04T04:00:00.158-05:00This is How He Collects Them by Eric Woods (Book Tour & Review *With Giveaway*) <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/fall-2023/eric-woods-this-is-how-he-collects-them-virtual-book-tour"><img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/bbd11127c41146048e3141ef8ad9501a" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/8e45568dbe00458da87e8b76471d420d" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/8e45568dbe00458da87e8b76471d420d" width="299" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Horror</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Date Published:</b></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">10-13-2023</span>
</p><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179934441-this-is-how-he-collects-them" target="_blank"><img alt="photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/spring-2016/home/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsa0dd4209.png" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A series of haunting nightmares draws five former residents of a New York
City high-rise back to their one-time home. But this is not a reunion. These
five strangers have never met. But they are connected.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The depressed photographer with telekinetic abilities … the
paralegal who reads evil thoughts of strangers … the struggling
author who can predict dark futures … the malicious hypnotist
… the witch’s daughter …</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">They have met in their dreams, and they have observed the shadows who
follow them until they awaken. Now they want answers. And when the five
board the same elevator at the same time, an ominous reality surfaces. They
did not return on their own. They were drawn back. Drawn by their
nightmares. Drawn by darkness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Drawn … to be collected.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/f93624f2ebf74ff28eb42ff1261afb57" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/f93624f2ebf74ff28eb42ff1261afb57" width="564" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>About the Author</b></span></p><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/da6eb505dc8a4d0bb250a248843f7411" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/da6eb505dc8a4d0bb250a248843f7411" width="238" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">A writer since grade school, Eric Woods resides in Springfield, Illinois
and finally published his first novel in 2018. Today he has five novels, two
novellas, and one book of stage plays. Most recently, his short story
“The Taurus Bull” was featured in HorrorScope: A Zodiac
Anthology.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">If you want to be spooked in person, Eric hosts the Lincoln Ghost Walk in
Springfield (through October). Come take the tour and learn some creepy
tales about the 16th President of the United States!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Eric earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s
Degree in Communication from the University of Illinois Springfield. He
served as a collegiate speech and debate coach for seven years, and has been
a local freelance writer since 2005.</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Contact Links</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://ericwoodsauthor.com">Website</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheEricWoodsAuthorPage">Facebook</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ericwoodsauthor">Twitter</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ericwoodsauthor">TikTok</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.68px;"><b>Preorder Today</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-How-He-Collects-Them-ebook/dp/B0C8W5LVTS">Amazon</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-is-how-he-collects-them-eric-woods/1143752202?ean=9798369281918">B&N</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>MY REVIEW</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b style="font-size: 14pt;">First of all, I love the concept of this book. Reading the blurb I was like, Yes please!? So I accepted this one for review. It was slightly confusing in the </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>beginning</b></span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"> as you are kind of flung flailing into the story. This was my one main complaint with this book, the "cold opening" for lack of a better term (at least my brain can't think of one). But I did continue reading and got used to the shifting perspectives. This isn't a book with one main character but five! I liked that very much. The story weaves and connects with these people and it's an interesting way (if not a little clunky at times) to get the story out. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b style="font-size: 14pt;">I did love the plot. I liked the the concept very much and thought it was creepy and interesting as heck. I was intrigued enough to keep reading, and was glad that I did. I had some issues with the ending but I will not go into it so as not to spoil. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b style="font-size: 14pt;">All in all, this was an interesting book. A little confusing at times, but a good story with interesting characters and a creepy plot. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
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ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-15367233836234462912023-10-03T04:30:00.001-05:002023-10-03T04:30:00.141-05:00Mysteries of Mystic Hills by Chris Cannon (Book Blitz and Giveaway) <div style="margin: 0px auto 15px; text-align: center;">
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<p><strong>Murder in Mystic Hills</strong><br /><strong>Chris Cannon</strong><br />(Mysteries of Mystic Hills, #1)<br />Publication date: March 27th 2023<br />Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal</p><blockquote><p>All she wants is a break from adulting… then she rediscovers a world that’s been wiped from her memory.</p>
<p>Preschool teacher Belinda Harbinger’s summer vacation is going off the rails. After receiving a letter stating she’s inherited a tearoom and home, she’s shocked it’s from a beloved aunt she can’t remember… who could speak to the dead. And finding out she has the same power, it’s up to her to solve her mysterious relative’s murder.</p>
<p>Moving to the mystical town, Belinda takes up with a talking cat Familiar and learns she’s the only one who can help her aunt cross over before she becomes a vengeful spirit. But while searching the house for her lost memories, she faces heated magical politics, fresh bodies popping up, and a hidden evil threatening to make her the next victim.</p>
<p>Not knowing who to trust, can she expose a killer and rescue everyone from deadly plays for power?</p>
<p>Murder in Mystic Hills is the spellbinding first book in the Mysteries of Mystic Hills cozy paranormal series. If you like feline sidekicks, quirky characters, and winding trails of clues, then you’ll love Chris Cannon’s humorous hunt for justice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The complete series:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Murder-in-Mystic-Hills-Ebook-1-1.jpg"><img alt="" height="283" loading="lazy" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Murder-in-Mystic-Hills-Ebook-1-1.jpg" width="190" /> </a><a href="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/DTupdatedcoversept4.png"><img alt="" height="283" loading="lazy" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/DTupdatedcoversept4.png" width="190" /></a> <a href="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/spellbound9723.jpeg"><img alt="" height="283" loading="lazy" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/spellbound9723.jpeg" width="190" /></a></p></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=mystic+hills+chris&qid=2nc3rFjJ0I" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mysteries+of+Mystic+Hills+Chris+Cannon&crid=32F5IZYPL0WT3" target="_blank">Amazon</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">—</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>EXCERPT:</strong></p>
<p>We crowded around my butcher block table and my mom said, “You need to know that we love you more than anything or anyone else in the world.”</p>
<p>And there went my appetite. I set my fork down. “This is going to be bad, isn’t it?”</p>
<p>“Not bad,” my mother said. “Just sad in places. I grew up in Mystic Hills. It’s a town situated above an intersection of ley lines, meaning it’s a nexus for magical energy. Most of the population has some sort of gift or magical power. I didn’t. Citizens without magic are encouraged to leave, so I went to college and met your father. When you were born, we knew there was a chance you’d inherited the Harbinger family gift. I took you home to be baptized as Belinda Harbinger. In the rest of the world, you’re Linda James. Every year, on your birthday we took you to visit my family.”</p>
<p>“No, we had birthday parties at home.” I’d been there, I should know.</p>
<p>“You have two birthdays. The date of your birth we celebrate here, and the date of your Christening in Mystic Hills which is the anniversary of when you turned six months old.”</p>
<p>“Like a half birthday?” That would fall in the summer. “You’re saying every June you took me to a town called Mystic Hills to stay with an Aunt I can’t remember, who you never told me about until after she died?”</p>
<p>“The bracelet contains your memories,” my mom said. “Teresa collected them at the end of each visit and stored them away in case you ever wanted them.”</p>
<p>“I need more wine.” I went to the fridge and filled my glass before offering it to my guests. “Anyone else?”</p>
<p>My mom smiled. “Yes, please.”</p>
<p>I poured a glass for my mom and grabbed a beer for my dad. “Victor? Cat? Any beverages?”</p>
<p>“I’ll take a beer,” Victor said.</p>
<p>“Do you have any flavored creamer?” the cat asked hopefully.</p>
<p>“You mean like French vanilla coffee creamer?”</p>
<p>“Yes. In a bowl if you don’t mind.”</p>
<p>“Wouldn’t you rather have milk?”</p>
<p>“I’m lactose intolerant,” the cat said.</p>
<p>“Creamer it is.” After passing out drinks in various forms, I said, “Okay, go.”</p>
<p>“First,” my mom said, “I need to know how Teresa died.”</p>
<p>Victor scowled. “It was labeled an accident. But Teresa did not fall and break her neck in her own house. Someone or something pushed her. No one will help us. They are all frightened. Afraid something might happen to them. We need Belinda to come home with us so she can speak to Teresa and find out what happened.”</p>
<p>Wait. What? “If Teresa is dead, how am I supposed to talk to her?”</p>
<p>“That’s your gift,” Victor said. “You see spirits and speak to the dead.”</p>
<p>“Nope.” I pushed my chair back from the table. “I’m a teacher. My gift is teaching preschoolers that they have to share and take turns. I do not talk to dead people.”</p>
<p>“It’s in our blood,” my mom said. “Believe me there are worse gifts.”</p>
<p>“Put on the bracelet,” Victor said. “You’ll understand your duty.”</p>
<p>I pulled the bracelet out of my pocket. “Mom?”</p>
<p>“It might help with the transition. Please remember, we did what we did out of love and concern for you. If we let you remember your time in Mystic Hills, your gift would have blossomed. If you weren’t prepared…well it’s hard to explain to a six-year-old why ghosts are talking to her.”</p>
<p>I’d been about to slide my hand through the bracelet but stopped. “Wait. Ghosts can just talk to me?” I thought I’d need to hold a seance or say a spell.</p>
<p>“Think of yourself as a ghost magnet,” the cat said.</p>
<p>“I’d rather not,” I shot back. “What do the ghosts want?”</p>
<p>“Some have unfinished business, problems they need to solve before they can move on,” Victor explained. “The recently dead don’t always realize what’s happened. It’s your job to help them accept their new reality.”</p>
<p>“If what Teresa told me is true, it can be overwhelming at first.” Mom touched my arm. “You can learn to control it, but you’ll have to do that in Mystic Hills.”</p>
<p>This house and business no longer seemed like such a good deal. Seeing dead people hoping to settle a score didn’t sound fun. “Can I just ignore all of this? Send Victor and the cat back to Mystic Hills with the bracelet?”</p>
<p>“You could,” my mom said.</p>
<p>“But you shouldn’t,” Victor said. “Teresa has been knocking paintings off the walls trying to get our attention. No one will help her. The longer she’s distressed the more vengeful and unstable she’ll become. She won’t be able to cross over if you don’t help. She’ll be stuck here, and all her humanity will drain away. She’ll become a leech.”</p>
<p>“She’ll become a blood sucking bug?” That didn’t make sense.</p>
<p>“No.” Mom wiped at tears sliding down her cheeks. “A leech sucks the life force from its victims trying to gain power. The stronger it becomes the more dangerous it is. The Mystic Hills elders would hunt her down and damn her to hell for eternity.”<br />
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<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<p>Author Bio:</p>
<p>Chris Cannon is a speech therapist by day and the award-winning author of the Going Down In Flames series, the Boyfriend Chronicles, the Dating Dilemma series, the Demon Bound series, and Mysteries of Mystic Hills series by night.</p>
<p>She lives in Southern Illinois with her husband and several furry beasts. She believes coffee is the Elixir of Life. Most evenings after work, you can find her sipping coffee and writing fire-breathing urban fantasies, sweet snarky romantic comedies, or paranormal cozy mysteries. You can check out her website at www.chriscannonauthor.com. </p>
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<a href="https://www.chriscannonauthor.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8285334.Chris_Cannon" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chriscannonauthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/ccannonauthor" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chriscannonauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p>
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</p>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-51206787191700163202023-09-26T04:30:00.019-05:002023-09-26T04:30:00.152-05:00Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe (Blog Tour and Review) <div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/dead-by-proxy-by-manning-wolfe/" title="Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe"><img alt="Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dead-by-proxy-by-manning-wolfe-banner-3.png" width="600" /></a></h2>
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<h2>Dead By Proxy</h2>
<h3>by Manning Wolfe</h3>
<h4>September 18 - October 13, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe" border="0" height="300" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/xcnp5bcFVDnQ-DeadByProxy_eBook-scaled.jpg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<h4>In this lawyer on the run action suspense, attorney Quinton Bell loses the trial of his career, and possibly his life.</h4>
<p><i>Dead By Proxy</i> takes you on a heart-pounding journey through the life of a criminal defense attorney, whose world is wiped out. When Quinton loses a career-defining case, he finds himself being hunted by the very client he tried to save.</p>
<p>As Quinton navigates the treacherous path of survival, he is running from a powerful and relentless adversary who will stop at nothing to see him silenced. Finally landing in Houston, he hides in plain sight while re-inventing his new life as a trial lawyer.</p>
<p>When he’s forced to take on a high-profile murder case, he exposes himself and those he loves to danger. With each passing moment, the noose tightens, and he must draw on every ounce of wit to outsmart those who still want him dead.</p>
<h5>Will Quinton Bell find a way out, or will he forever be a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse?</h5>
<p><i>Dead By Proxy</i> is the first book in the edgy Proxy Legal Thriller Series. If you like memorable characters, smart gritty action, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love Manning Wolfe’s fast-paced page-turner.</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>Dead By Proxy</i>:</h3>
<p>"A riveting read that expertly teams courtroom drama and legal maneuvering with imminent danger, spine-tingling suspense, a touch of romance, and non-stop action. Talk about an adrenaline rush!"<br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Reedsy</em></span></p>
<p>"Manning Wolfe just put herself on my list of must-read authors!"<br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>John Ellsworth</em></span></p>
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<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Thriller<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Starpath Books, LLC<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 275<br />
<b>Series:</b> The Proxy Legal Thriller Series, Book 1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3sbJKCM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/45A93gf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>Byron was not jaded or trapped into being an attorney as many he knew were and he was not in it for the money, although that part was nice. And, he was not naive, as he was aware of severe injustices in the criminal justice system and felt improvement was needed. Byron continued to be on the playing field because he was one of the last true believers. The system was the best available right now and he actually trusted the outcome, most of the time.</p>
<p>Having deceased parents, one semi-estranged sibling in California, and no current plans to marry, Byron embraced the law as his mistress and his life. He simply loved it all. As most careers went, loving it meant he was devoted to it and good at it. He never glossed over a precedent or twisted a legal argument beyond its parameters. He was thrilled every time he set foot in a courtroom to do battle for his client, guilty or innocent.</p>
<p>Across the aisle, the prosecutor, Sebastian Roberts, relished this chance to incarcerate another criminal. Roberts moved his short spark-plug-of-a-body, decorated with a vest and bright paisley bow tie, around the courtroom as he laid out the federal government’s view of the case. He looked at Byron and his client, then back to the twelve chosen members of the jury. </p>
<p>Byron organized his thoughts, felt excitement tingle through his fingers and toes, and stood up at the defense table. In defending Killian Tyrone, Byron’s opening argument went something like this: “Your Honor and members of the jury. Today, I’d like to introduce you to my client, Killian Tyrone, the accused in this case. Now, I know what the prosecutor said about what he did, and that is probably swirling around in your brain right now, but I’d like for you to take a step back and listen to both sides of the story before you make a decision about my client’s behavior, guilt, or innocence. You also heard his inference about defense attorneys, that would be me.” He smiled and the jury laughed. “I’ll leave it to you to decide, but I have no intention of tricking you or trying to hide the ball.” </p>
<p>Byron pointed at his co-counsel, Michael, a shorter, younger version of himself, but with brown eyes. “My colleague, Michael Everett, and I will present Mr. Tyrone’s side of the case and, when we’re finished, I’m certain that you will find him not guilty.”</p>
<p>Byron smiled at the jury and took pride in the fact that when he won, he won fair and square, and he instilled these principles in his protégé, Michael. Byron encouraged Michael not to be blinded by the legal system, nor be immune to the tricks of the trade. Byron used the tools expertly, but he wanted to win with an equal playing field, or not at all, and the law allowed for plenty of ways to win. To Byron, what was the point if cheating was involved? That only proved he was the best cheater, not the best lawyer.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Dead By Proxy</i> by Manning Wolfe. Copyright 2023 by Manning Wolfe. Reproduced with permission from Manning Wolfe. All rights reserved.</p>
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<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Manning Wolfe" border="0" height="200" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/er6eNOghRFVh-Collar-headshot-cropped-copy.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="209" /></div>
<p>MANNING WOLFE, an award-winning author and attorney, writes cinematic-style, smart, fast-paced thrillers and crime fiction. Manning was recently featured on Oxygen TV’s: <i>Accident, Suicide, or Murder</i>, and has spoken at major book festivals around the world.</p>
<p>* Manning’s legal thriller series features Austin attorney Merit Bridges, including <i>Dollar Signs</i>, <i>Music Notes</i>, <i>Green Fees</i>, and <i>Chinese Wall</i>.</p>
<p>* Manning’s new Proxy Legal Thrillers Series features Houston attorney Quinton Bell, including <i>Dead By Proxy</i>, <i>Hunted By Proxy</i>, and <i>Alive By Proxy</i>.</p>
<p>* Manning is co-author of <i>Killer Set: Drop the Mic</i>, and twelve additional Bullet Books Speed Reads.</p>
<p>As a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Manning’s experience has given her a voyeur’s peek into some shady characters’ lives and a front-row seat to watch the good people who stand against them.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Manning Wolfe:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3Y7XKtk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ManningWolfe.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/450n46x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about Manning Wolfe on Amazon!</a></h3>
<p> </p><p><b>MY REVIEW:</b></p><p><b>This was a very fun and exciting read. The writing was excellent, the plot and the pacing were wonderful, and the characters were vivid and real. I thoroughly enjoyed the very delightful balance of courtroom drama and edge-of-your seat thrills. I truly devoured this book in one sitting that's how fun it was! </b></p><p><b>If you are a fan of legal thrillers then this is the read for you! I highly recommend! </b></p>
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ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-64074822153750392752023-09-26T03:00:00.015-05:002023-09-26T03:00:00.182-05:00Murder At Midnight by Katharine Schellman (Blog Tour and Guest Post) <div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/murder-at-midnight-by-katharine-schellman/" title="Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman"><img alt="Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/murder-at-midnight-by-katharine-schellman-banner-rev.jpg" width="600" /></a></h2>
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<h2>Murder at Midnight</h2>
<h3>by Katharine Schellman</h3>
<h4>September 18 - October 13, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman" border="0" height="300" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/7U7NDJMtC935-Murder-at-Midnight-Cover.png" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<h4>Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Ashley Weaver, when a body is found shot to death after an unexpected snowstorm, Lily Adler quickly realizes that some people will stop at nothing to bury their secrets.</h4>
<p>Regency widow Lily Adler is looking forward to a quiet Christmastide away from the schemes and secrets she witnessed daily in London. Not only will she be visiting the family of her late husband; she will be reunited with Captain Jack Hartley, her friend and confidante, finally returned after a long voyage at sea.</p>
<p>But secrets aren't only found in London. Jack's younger sister, Amelia, is the center of neighborhood scandal and gossip. She refuses to tell anyone what really happened, even when an unexpected snowstorm strands the neighborhood families together after a Christmas ball. Stuck until the snow stops, the Adlers, Hartleys, and their neighbors settle in for the night, only to be awakened in the morning by the scream of a maid who has just discovered a dead body.</p>
<p>The victim was the well-to-do son of a local gentleman--the same man whose name has become so scandalously linked to Amelia's.</p>
<p>With the snow still falling and no way to come or go, it's clear that someone in the house was responsible for the young man's death. When suspicion instantly falls on Jack's sister, he and Lily must unmask the true culprit before Amelia is convicted of a crime she didn't commit.</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>Murder at Midnight</i>:</h3>
<p>"Delightful . . . Historical mystery fans will devour this holiday treat." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Publishers Weekly</em></span></p>
<p>"A plummy period whodunit with a colorful collection of suspects." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Kirkus Reviews</em></span></p>
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<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Historical mystery<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Crooked Lane Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 320<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781639104321 (ISBN10: 1639104321)<br />
<b>Series:</b> A Lily Adler Mystery, 4<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3DbYQKQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3OdZePh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3pMTpPo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3pOPMIM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3NV6YUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Penguin Random House</a></p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>Lily sat bolt upright. Where had the sound come from? It hadn’t been loud . . . another part of the house? For a moment, in the pressing silence, she wondered if she had drifted back to sleep without realizing it and imagined the whole thing. </p>
<p>But a moment later, the sounds of a commotion rose just outside her window. Lily dashed to the window, throwing it open with some effort and peering out into the swirl of snow and early- morning light. </p>
<p>The guest room she had been given was one of the smaller ones—the better to quickly heat rooms that hadn’t been prepared in advance—and as was typical for such rooms, it lacked a pretty view. Hers looked over what she realized after a moment must be the poultry yard. Darkly clad figures who she could guess were servants stumbled through the thick layer of snow that had fallen, trying to reach the two people in the middle of the yard. </p>
<p>One Lily could see from her vantage only as a still, upright figure, hand outstretched and pointing toward the second person, who lay sprawled on the ground. The one on the ground was half covered by the ice and snow, unmoving. </p>
<p>Lily grabbed the dressing gown from the chair, pulled on her shoes, and ran from the room. In the hallway, a few guests were poking their heads out of their doors, hair tousled and faces creased with sleep, inquiring grumpily if anyone had heard an odd noise. </p>
<p>Lily didn’t stop to consider propriety or worry about what anyone else might think before she yelled “Jack!” as loudly as she could. She didn’t know which room he had been given, but a moment later, a door past the stairs was flung open and the navy captain’s head appeared.</p>
<p>“What is it?” he demanded. He was already dressed and wearing his driving coat over his clothing. That was odd at such an early hour, but Lily didn’t have time to be surprised. </p>
<p>“Downstairs.” In spite of the months they had spent apart, Lily knew she could depend on him to understand and act quickly. “Something happened. We have to help.” </p>
<p>And in spite of those months apart, he didn’t stop to ask questions. More guests were emerging, summoned by Lily’s shout, and questions were beginning to fly back and forth as she dashed down the stairs, Jack on her heels. </p>
<p>They didn’t need to wonder where to go; on the floor below, Mrs. Grantham was following a stately-looking woman who might have been the housekeeper or another upper servant. Their pace was just barely too dignified to be a run, but they couldn’t hide their worry as they disappeared down the steps to the kitchen. Lily and Jack hurried after them. </p>
<p>The servants’ staircase was narrow and cold. At the bottom, servants clustered in the kitchen, talking in shrill, anxious voices as the cook tried to keep some order. The underservants glanced uneasily at Lily and Jack as they came into the kitchen, but no one seemed to know what to do or say. The door to the yard had been left wide open, and the wind blew in gusts of snow and icy morning light. Outside, more servants were gathered, though they parted like a wave as the housekeeper led Mrs. Grantham out to see what had happened. </p>
<p>As Lily and Jack tried to follow, they were stopped by the frail but determined body of the butler, who interposed himself between them and the open door. “Madam, sir, perhaps you would care to return to your rooms? Breakfast will be ready shortly.” </p>
<p>Jack drew himself up, clearly prepared to use his rank to push his way past the aging servant. Before he could say anything, though, and before Lily could think how to reply, Mrs. Grantham turned sharply. </p>
<p>“What is . . .” She trailed off, eyeing Lily and Jack with trepidation. She looked ready to send them on their way with some commonplace assurance. But half a dozen emotions chased their way across her face in that moment, and she instead asked, “Mrs. Adler, how many of the rumors about you are true?” </p>
<p>“That depends on the rumors,” Lily replied calmly, though her heart was pounding. Behind Mrs. Grantham, she could see the limbs of the eerie, still figure sticking out of the snowbank. “Though if you refer only to the ones that are most relevant at this moment . . .” She turned her gaze pointedly toward the body in the snow. “There is indeed some truth to them.” </p>
<p>Mrs. Grantham hesitated, then seemed to make up her mind in a rush. She stepped aside, pulling the confused housekeeper with her. There were boots for the servants lined up next to the door, crusted with mud from repeated use. Lily pulled off her delicate evening slippers, slid her bare feet into the pair that looked closest to her size, and followed as she and Jack were ushered into the yard, their eyes fixed on what awaited them there. </p>
<p>A man dressed in borrowed clothes, his skin white with cold, his hair thick with clumps of ice and snow. He could have fallen, hit his head, been caught in the storm and frozen. He could still be alive, in need of help. He could have had an innocent reason for being out in the storm. </p>
<p>He could have. But this close, Lily could see the snow that had been kicked aside and trampled by half a dozen feet in the servants’ frantic attempts to clear it away. The icy powder was too thick on the ground for her to see the mud of the yard. But it was still stained with red and brown from where the man’s life had leaked away in the night. </p>
<p>The once-snowy linen of his shirt was stained the same color, jagged and torn from the bullet that had ended his life. The gun that had fired it had been unearthed beside him, as snow-logged as his own body. The man’s frozen eyes and mouth were wide open, as though he had not believed until the last moment that whoever had faced him in that yard could be capable of the shot that had ended his life. </p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Murder at Midnight</i> by Katharine Schellman. Copyright 2023 by Katharine Schellman. Reproduced with permission from Katharine Schellman. All rights reserved.</p>
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<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Katharine Schellman" border="0" height="300" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/xeNAWKtLWoha-2019KSchellman1-scaled.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>Katharine Schellman is a former actor and one-time political consultant. These days, she writes the Lily Adler Mysteries and the Nightingale Mysteries. Her books, which reviewers have praised as “worthy of Agatha Christie or Rex Stout” (<i>Library Journal</i>, starred review), have received multiple accolades, including being named a <i>Library Journal</i> Best Crime Fiction of 2022, a <i>Suspense Magazine</i> Best Book of 2020, and a <i>New York Times</i> editor’s pick in June 2022. Katharine lives and writes in the mountains of Virginia in the company of her husband, children, and the many houseplants she keeps accidentally murdering.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Katharine Schellman:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/453dqQX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.KatharineSchellman.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/46QZ1sq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PY3GD5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @KatharineSchellman</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/44oqUXu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @katharinewrites</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3JXWJy8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @katharineschellman</a></h3>
<p> </p><h1 style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b>Guest Post:
Before I Was a Writer<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b>by Katharine Schellman</b></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If you take a peek at my
official author bio, you might notice that writing wasn’t my first career. I’ve
had a whole bunch of different jobs since my parents stopped giving me an
allowance: babysitter, restaurant hostess, dance teacher, French tutor,
lingerie fitter, office manager, standardized patient, political consultant, wedding
makeup artist, and more. But my first real career was as an actor and dancer.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I informed my parents when I
was about six years old that I wanted to write books when I grew up. They told
me that was a great idea, and from then on, I was the kid who was always
writing down stories. But when I was ten, I also fell in love with acting. I
decided that I’d pursue a career as a performer. And I figured that one day,
eventually, I’d also write books.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">After getting a theatre degree
in college, I began acting and dancing professionally. (I was also, as you might
imagine, doing several of those jobs listed up there to pay my rent.) I loved
acting. I loved being onstage. But every career also creates a lifestyle. Over
time, I discovered that the life of a performer didn’t suit me as much as I
expected it to. But I didn’t want to give it up.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Then I had one of those
conversations that changes your life: the kind where a near-stranger pinpoints
a truth you hadn’t been able to see yourself.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“What do you want to be doing
in ten years?” a friend of a friend (who I have never seen again) asked me at a
New Year’s Eve party.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“I want to be writing and
publishing books,” I told him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well, then you probably should
be working on that now,” he said. “Even if it means you need to stop acting.”
He knew what he was talking about: he’d recently given up working as a
full-time musician to pursue managing and supporting other artists, something
he’d discovered he loved even more.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I had been writing casually
for years. I had two and a half novels on my hard drive that no one would ever
read. But I knew, after that conversation, that I wanted to give writing my
focus. I wanted to do the work it would take to make it a career. I made the
hard decision to stop acting, gave myself some time to think about what I
wanted to write, and got to work on a new book.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">That book eventually became
the first Lily Adler mystery. And now, eight years after the conversation that
changed my life, I’m so excited to share the fourth Lily Adler mystery with
you, <i>Murder at Midnight</i>.</span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Happy reading, friends. And
here’s to random conversations, big life changes, and finding what you’re meant
to be doing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=311405" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
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<h2>Join In for a Chance to WIN!</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Katharine Schellman. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-2896308468491814332023-09-25T06:52:00.002-05:002023-09-25T06:52:38.811-05:00Reading Plans for the Week: The Very Responsible and Dependable Version <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHCSuCsVfgTrK2khhFDQ7n-cfFnk7ENxMz5mNS_Otl9AlijiOnpBPUUP4bBIemt9wdz4tXYQf8GLVln-7ZZ0hv9fgmZC95ynNiqlvbuYO8_P7cbJ9H0piQeneWVkHcKjYPrPaHxCiiePihYQmgdIuwTGRzXwc38IQTLzB6_6VF76kD7Tb6Q2VNZI3kZQ/s428/monday%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="428" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHCSuCsVfgTrK2khhFDQ7n-cfFnk7ENxMz5mNS_Otl9AlijiOnpBPUUP4bBIemt9wdz4tXYQf8GLVln-7ZZ0hv9fgmZC95ynNiqlvbuYO8_P7cbJ9H0piQeneWVkHcKjYPrPaHxCiiePihYQmgdIuwTGRzXwc38IQTLzB6_6VF76kD7Tb6Q2VNZI3kZQ/w400-h230/monday%20banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Yeah, yeah so the daily reading thingy didn't quite go to plan did it? I know I am just super reliable and responsible but I have to tell you I have ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE..except for laziness? Is that a good one? I dunno, anyways, I have some good news! I think I'm finally adjusted to my new work schedule! It has only taken what? A few weeks to get into the groove? <br /><br />So I think now I have that under my belt and have gotten my brain/body sorted out things are going to be settling down some. </p><p>This week I have a couple of review books that need attending to! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-How-He-Collects-Them-ebook/dp/B0C8W5LVTS?crid=1VNW0J1TBOF4Q&keywords=this+is+how+he+collects+them&qid=1695642319&sprefix=this+is+how+he+collects+them%2Caps%2C412&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=e306d7b1a94646d617e3ef7557526c40&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0C8W5LVTS&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0C8W5LVTS" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Sisters-Mary-Shelley-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BRDWNTSL?crid=IRLABEGBCJA5&keywords=death+and+the+sisters&qid=1695642369&sprefix=death+and+the+sisters%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=753b3badc58389ebba46bd8aa880f36e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0BRDWNTSL&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0BRDWNTSL" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>These are both part of blog tours, so look out for those posts coming up in early October! Ahhhh Spoopy Month is about to START!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also I have a couple of side reads that I want to get into, won't commit to fully reading them this week but I do want to dive in:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bleeds-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B07YN9YNP9?crid=TU4D7IXDKC6W&keywords=if+it+bleeds+stephen+king&qid=1695642473&sprefix=if+it+bleeds%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=5b1b294666e6cd5d99ec6fa3d9fe0f39&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YN9YNP9&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07YN9YNP9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History-Vintage-Contemporaries-ebook/dp/B005PRJT9Q?crid=2RCH6X6SMTVT&keywords=the+secret+history&qid=1695642535&sprefix=the+secret+history%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=cac90b5bd1f6023fcbd49e724177bbb4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005PRJT9Q&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B005PRJT9Q" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>So as long as I don't let the couch eat me alive as it has been the last couple of weeks, I will be a reading machine this week! Tell me all about your reading choices for this week! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpjjUhPgSjEPgKHarSoOyiORwnVa60SLwmtO7R_oG_81jAn-q-4ranGFdQbsjPbNLVKCh49Mrmi8AIjmcGZW1_9LKorg9u_uL6pX3bmQ3P2KemhwaKKNEwkiHMcYCYOP_6T_ZEYSZDI_wTgxeYlJaSG_E3etfAPEewyFP5ZqZ6DeZhoWW3ve0J7L5lOQ/s500/finding-time-to-read-pic-01-by-casey-carlisle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpjjUhPgSjEPgKHarSoOyiORwnVa60SLwmtO7R_oG_81jAn-q-4ranGFdQbsjPbNLVKCh49Mrmi8AIjmcGZW1_9LKorg9u_uL6pX3bmQ3P2KemhwaKKNEwkiHMcYCYOP_6T_ZEYSZDI_wTgxeYlJaSG_E3etfAPEewyFP5ZqZ6DeZhoWW3ve0J7L5lOQ/s320/finding-time-to-read-pic-01-by-casey-carlisle.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-13692888265819715742023-09-19T06:20:00.000-05:002023-09-19T06:20:12.981-05:00Daily Reading-Tuesday Edition <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfw4eOdVov6SToX35didMm6fyZQskj_xh5Q-h11D5pu9k2ddlgwqfSL2gI_vFNLeFjF9crBkl6rdiFGG8QJvtWniiRH_M2Gs7oG1jjpEU993f5Gn0HwNHQhPx4DQKIVAHPAWTiGLFFa8O8-WHjlKfBg-4IOJW2MpFZXyTdM-wXauVLvHpI7UJ7x3TVdg/s275/1520246146190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="275" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfw4eOdVov6SToX35didMm6fyZQskj_xh5Q-h11D5pu9k2ddlgwqfSL2gI_vFNLeFjF9crBkl6rdiFGG8QJvtWniiRH_M2Gs7oG1jjpEU993f5Gn0HwNHQhPx4DQKIVAHPAWTiGLFFa8O8-WHjlKfBg-4IOJW2MpFZXyTdM-wXauVLvHpI7UJ7x3TVdg/w400-h228/1520246146190.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><br />Today I have plenty of spare time to read, I am sure I've mentioned it before but I've switched to mainly nights at work so my sleeping schedule and my brain have all been wonky lately. So when I have free time I've been doing a lot of sleeping. Well today it one of my "normal" days so not as much work and some free time. Yay! <div><br /></div><div>So here goes: <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>So I'm still reading:<br /></p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Authors-Preferred-Brian-Keene-ebook/dp/B00EZC42IA?crid=QO3RKTS2B7TI&keywords=the+rising+book+brian+keene&qid=1695038798&sprefix=the+rising+b%2Caps%2C389&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=dcae563516d83e53ec02005c06a33ccf&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00EZC42IA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00EZC42IA" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>I'm still plugging away today on this one! I am really liking it a lot! Starting on 52% and hope to get much much more read in this book today!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also going to be reading from the selection for the <i>If It Bleeds </i>read-a-long "The Life of Chuck" </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bleeds-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B07YN9YNP9?crid=34NPJRDWUCBU7&keywords=if+it+bleeds+stephen+king&qid=1695038959&sprefix=if+it+bleeds%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=f2f97f768f6bc901f5849510a0d31bfb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YN9YNP9&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07YN9YNP9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>Will be reading some of this story for my read-a-long. </div><div><br /></div><div>Daily Notes: </div></div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-39587686739849431662023-09-18T07:12:00.002-05:002023-09-19T06:17:02.571-05:00Daily Reads (New Thing) <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfw4eOdVov6SToX35didMm6fyZQskj_xh5Q-h11D5pu9k2ddlgwqfSL2gI_vFNLeFjF9crBkl6rdiFGG8QJvtWniiRH_M2Gs7oG1jjpEU993f5Gn0HwNHQhPx4DQKIVAHPAWTiGLFFa8O8-WHjlKfBg-4IOJW2MpFZXyTdM-wXauVLvHpI7UJ7x3TVdg/s275/1520246146190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="275" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfw4eOdVov6SToX35didMm6fyZQskj_xh5Q-h11D5pu9k2ddlgwqfSL2gI_vFNLeFjF9crBkl6rdiFGG8QJvtWniiRH_M2Gs7oG1jjpEU993f5Gn0HwNHQhPx4DQKIVAHPAWTiGLFFa8O8-WHjlKfBg-4IOJW2MpFZXyTdM-wXauVLvHpI7UJ7x3TVdg/w400-h228/1520246146190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Because my brain has been so fickle lately, I've decided to give this a go. Instead of a weekly TBR stack I'm going to post daily what I've read, why I read it, and what I felt about it. Not sure how this will work but whatever, I'm gonna give it a go. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>So I'm still reading:<br /></p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Authors-Preferred-Brian-Keene-ebook/dp/B00EZC42IA?crid=QO3RKTS2B7TI&keywords=the+rising+book+brian+keene&qid=1695038798&sprefix=the+rising+b%2Caps%2C389&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=dcae563516d83e53ec02005c06a33ccf&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00EZC42IA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00EZC42IA" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>I'm really liking this new, intriguing take on the zombie genre. So far the book is great, just my ADD kicks in and I start going other things. I'm reading this one on my Kindle so I'm as of now 42% into it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Daily Notes: I got a nice chunk read in this one. Am still very much into this read. The zombies are definitely a different take than I'm used to and I'm really curious to see where this goes. I like the varying POV's from the characters as they go through this "rising." </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also going to be reading from the selection for the <i>If It Bleeds </i>read-a-long "The Life of Chuck" </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bleeds-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B07YN9YNP9?crid=34NPJRDWUCBU7&keywords=if+it+bleeds+stephen+king&qid=1695038959&sprefix=if+it+bleeds%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=f2f97f768f6bc901f5849510a0d31bfb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YN9YNP9&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07YN9YNP9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed the first novella in this book. So I'm very much looking forward to this one. I haven't yet started on this, but I do think I'll get some read. </div><div><br /></div><div>Daily Notes: I did not get anything read in this one. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So I will try this out for a few days and see how this goes. I have more books on my table if I get the urge to bounce around but so far these are the two that are getting my attention. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what are you reading today? </div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4395328001253727346.post-60684671257615059122023-09-16T07:25:00.003-05:002023-09-16T07:25:56.169-05:00Weekend Plans<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1bEXjBY6FbWi-ATBl08mLncK-JN4grFDRTl2AhmvVH5qLbMJj9vRt3WJUVeaTmm0yqWAYGTpZH4KFMwqWld9TNdx94g5OrfJTWpVkzVTRKc2jFgUMlhLa7MnvZqb08zwO7UvAxgSmPyIWhDYOMQgYiyUWN5_Jq71hmqXDibUq8rgg85Q5d7G4pQagBo/s1000/weekend-reading.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1000" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1bEXjBY6FbWi-ATBl08mLncK-JN4grFDRTl2AhmvVH5qLbMJj9vRt3WJUVeaTmm0yqWAYGTpZH4KFMwqWld9TNdx94g5OrfJTWpVkzVTRKc2jFgUMlhLa7MnvZqb08zwO7UvAxgSmPyIWhDYOMQgYiyUWN5_Jq71hmqXDibUq8rgg85Q5d7G4pQagBo/w400-h185/weekend-reading.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> It is rainy and gross outside so what better way to spend the weekend than to curl up at every given moment and read? I do have work but I have plenty of down time to pick up a book or two! So I'm planning on squeezing in as much reading time as I can! <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Here's my stack: </p><p>I will be reading "The Life of Chuck" from <i>If It Bleeds</i></p><p><br /></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Authors-Preferred-Brian-Keene-ebook/dp/B00EZC42IA?crid=2EU1XYOWAW6I7&keywords=the+rising+book+brian+keene&qid=1694866864&sprefix=the+rising+b%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=ef930e779b7788a735aa611cc9545a2a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00EZC42IA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00EZC42IA" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History-Vintage-Contemporaries-ebook/dp/B005PRJT9Q?crid=V3FRG2VV675Z&keywords=the+secret+history&qid=1694866918&sprefix=the+secret+history%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=d91528f64cbd0704b8d1465d1200fe61&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005PRJT9Q&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B005PRJT9Q" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bleeds-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B07YN9YNP9?crid=30LRJVHKOQAGS&keywords=if+it+bleeds+stephen+king&qid=1694866952&sprefix=if+it+%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=musreafas-20&linkId=febfab82483b54974280035e80028993&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YN9YNP9&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=musreafas-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musreafas-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07YN9YNP9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>I do have a few others that I might graze from but I'm hoping to finish at least one of these this weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpab1YjF9dCd87REZWhfiRl6V09VJL36elEw3pRtGqO5Mzoe_yViJU838Cjo0ZDBjralkVTvV8r3yf3_m-w7_-wBH5I4uNXc5klgD72Rc4Z9UFdQdq--JpzaNy9-FXs7mwxZh6Mgxh6C2ucUamBrXE5ut9ayf3boQW1sN-3_aauBpZxpHWrJ9fc1kLPrY/s490/dc3e7b84f5dc22783994a07e37ca7414.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="490" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpab1YjF9dCd87REZWhfiRl6V09VJL36elEw3pRtGqO5Mzoe_yViJU838Cjo0ZDBjralkVTvV8r3yf3_m-w7_-wBH5I4uNXc5klgD72Rc4Z9UFdQdq--JpzaNy9-FXs7mwxZh6Mgxh6C2ucUamBrXE5ut9ayf3boQW1sN-3_aauBpZxpHWrJ9fc1kLPrY/w400-h225/dc3e7b84f5dc22783994a07e37ca7414.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>ShadowsTomeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730433852525253276noreply@blogger.com0