Bon Voyage to Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8 Author: C.S. McDonald

 

Also for Your Listening Pleasure, Enjoy These Cozy Mysteries.

 

[BON VOYGE TO MURDER]

A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Bon Voyage to Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8

Author:  C.S. McDonald

Category:  YA Fiction, 198 pages

Run Time: 6 hours, 52 minutes

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Publisher:  McWriter Books

Release date:  Nov 5, 2019

Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Hooray! Fiona has finally convinced her boyfriend detective Nathan Landry to go on a romantic Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, their fun on the high seas is interrupted by murder. It isn’t long before they discover a boatload of suspects, who have motives deeper than the ocean for wanting the victim out of their lives.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I was honored to read book one in A Fiona Quinn Mystery series and I couldn't wait to snuggle up in another cozy mystery where I know Fiona would be on her deceive hunt. That girl can smell trouble anywhere. Well, this time Fiona and Nathan's cruise is a cruise gone bad from the start. In the very beginning there is what is thought to be an attempted murder and we know Fiona can't let this one go, fun cruise or not. So here goes her  sleuthing skills, and she and Nathan put their heads together and start checking out what is happening and before they know it, the cruise gone bad it done with! I love this sweet cozy mystery just as much as the first Fiona Mystery I read. Though it's a series you can certainly read these as a stand alone, but I would like to eventually read them in order because I think it would be more fun. 

This time I listen to this one, and the narration by Maren Swenson Waxenberg was such a wonderful pleasant experience. I'm not a huge fan of audio books, they are slowly growing on me, and I am finding out that it is the person doing the narration that makes the audio book. I could listen to Waxenberg for hours at a time and not get tired. I do have another Fiona Cozy Mystery review coming up in a couple of weeks so I hope you will check it out. If you love yourself a good cozy mystery, only now we can't say by the fire unless we go outside in the heat, this is an amazing choice for you.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

BUY THE BOOK:

Audible ~ Amazon

Book Details:

Book Title:  Taking Notes on Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #9

Author:  C.S. McDonald

Category:  YA Fiction, 184 pages

Run Time: 5 hours

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Publisher:  McWriter Books

Release date:  May 19, 2020

Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Mysterious notes are showing up in Fiona’s kindergarten classroom, claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a homicide. Detective Landry maintains the messages are too vague, possess no integrity, and do not warrant a review of the old case.

Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect Nancy Quinn!

Can Fiona crack this cold case, and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder!

BUY THE BOOK:

Audible ~ Amazon

Meet the Author: 

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense 

and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

 

Tour Schedule: 

June 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 21 - Working Mommy Journal – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 21 - Locks, Hooks and Books - audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 22 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 22 - Bound 4 Escape – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 22 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 22 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 23 – Splashes of Joy – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 23 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 23 - Working Mommy Journal – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 23 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

June 24 - Buried Under Books - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 24 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 24 - Locks, Hooks and Books - audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

June 24 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

June 24 – Working Mommy Journal – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

June 25 - StoreyBook Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 25 - Olio by Marilyn - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 25 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 28 - Books for Books - book review of Maxed Out

June 28 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 28 - Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 29 - Literary Flits - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

June 29 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

June 29 – Westveil Publishing – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 30 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

June 30 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 1 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Maxed Out

July 1 - I Read What You Write – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 1 - Literary Flits - book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 2 - Olio by Marilyn - book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 2 – Westveil Publishing – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 2 - I Read What You Write – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 5 - Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 5 - Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder

July 6 - Blooming with Books – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 6 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 6 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 6 - Literary Flits - book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 7 - I Read What You Write – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 7 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 7 - @twilight_reader – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder

July 7 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 8 – Bigreadersite – book review of Maxed Out

July 8 - Laura's Interests – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 8 - Books for Books - audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder

July 8 - @twilight_reader – book review of Taking Notes on Murder

July 9 – Hall Ways Blog – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 9 - Westveil Publishing – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 9 - @twilight_reader – book review of Maxed Out

July 9 - Books for Books - audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder

July 12 - Chit Chat with Charity – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 12 – Bigreadersite – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder

July 12 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 12 - Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Taking Notes on Murder

July 13 - The Momma Spot – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 13 - Cheryl's Book Nook – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 13 – Bigreadersite – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder

July 14 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 14 - Laura's Interests – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 14 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 15 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 15 – Chit Chat with Charity – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 15 - Laura's Interests – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 15 - Cheryl's Book Nook – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

July 16 – Lisa's Reading – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway

July 16 - Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway

July 16 - Olio by Marilyn - book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway

 

Enter the Giveaway:

MAXED OUT Book Tour Giveaway

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Darkness Hides by J C Gatlin

 

Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 2, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title: DARKNESS HIDES by J.C. Gatlin Category:  Adult Fiction (18 + yrs), 251 pages Genre:  Mystery / Suspense Publisher:  Milford House Press Release date:  April 2021 Format available for review:  print and ebook (Gifted Kindle) Will send print books out:  USA and Canada Tour dates: June 14 to July 2 Content Rating:  PG-13: There are a couple of murders and mild language (damn, shit)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-NPyUzc8QE] Book Description: Someone she knows is watching. Someone she knows is stalking. And something hides in the darkness. With a Category 4 hurricane about to make landfall, boat safety instructor Kate Parks is running out of time. Bodies are piling up--and they're not from the raging storm. An injury may have ended her career as a Fish and Wildlife officer, but nothing can keep her away from the investigation. And it doesn’t take long for her to see that the clues have one thing in common: a connection to the recent death of her five-year-old nephew. In a brewing storm of rage, guilt, and family secrets, Kate fights to protect her grieving sister just as the hurricane threatens everything she knows and loves. But before her world is completely ravaged, she must uncover one final truth: Run from the water. Hide from the wind. Flee from the shadows where a weeper seeks revenge.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I enjoyed any read that is a suspense, so when Darkness Hides came up for review, I had to read it because it just sounded like a very good read and I was not disappointed! This is one of those books that takes a few chapters to get into the story but then you just can't put it down and it was a sleepless night for me reading this one. Kate's five year old nephew was killed in an accident and she is trying to be there for her sister. But in the meantime there is a Category 4 hurricane brewing. People are dying before their eyes and more and more Kate is wondering if it had anything to do with her nephews accident. Kate is determined to find out what is going on in this Florida town. J.C. Gatlin creates a cast of characters that play their parts so well as the story unfolds. The story was intense since the 5 year old may have been involved. Kate does her best to keep up with the strict details of the story so she could really find out who was murdering these people and why. And why were people watching her so closely. You will find this out and so much more in this intriguing, interesting suspense that will stay with you for quite some time. This one is a Five Stars for me. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Buy the Book:

Amazon Sun Bury Press add to Goodreads

Join me in reading this interesting interview with J.C. Gatlin

Can you tell me about your new book, Darkness Hides? Darkness Hides is an Amateur Sleuth murder mystery set in Florida. In it, a former Fish and Wildlife officer launches an off-the-books investigation into a string of corpses that appear to have a connection to her nephew’s death. Then the hurricane hits. What does the title mean? That’s a great question. The title, Darkness Hides, has several meanings. The obvious connection is to a children’s book that a grieving mother reads to her deceased son titled Where the Darkness Hides. Figuratively, as a murder mystery, the title eludes to one of the characters hiding the darkness inside of him, as he has the capacity to commit several murders.  Who is the main character and is she based on a real person? Kate Parks is the “amateur sleuth” who gets wrapped-up in solving the murder mystery. She’s a young woman in her early thirties trying to put her life back together after a gunshot injury ended her career with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. She’s also trying to mend the estranged relationship with her sister and reevaluating where her relationship is going with a rebel-with-too-many-causes boyfriend. She’s not based on any one person but is an amalgamation of many people. There’s even a little of me in the character.  What inspired you to create this character? There’s a pub where I hang out that has several local police and Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission officers who also hang out there when they’re off duty. Kate was born from my conversations with them. They have a million incredible stories. However, I wanted to keep her as an “amateur sleuth,” so law enforcement became her back story. Now, getting involved in a murder investigation is outside her job responsibilities. Plus, she’s pursuing a murderer without a gun, which added another level of peril.   Why do you write murder mysteries? I’ve been an avid mystery reader my whole life. As a kid, I read all the Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, as well as The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries. Those books inspired me to become an author as an adult. Mysteries have all the elements I love: plot twists, compelling characters with secrets to hide, and a good hook. My mysteries go one step further and deliver an unexpected ending. I put a lot of time in creating a suspenseful ending that keeps the reader turning pages. What do you hope readers take away from Darkness Hides? I want readers to have that rush that comes with reading a suspenseful book that they just can’t put down. Several people have told me that they stayed up till the wee hours in the morning to finish Darkness Hides because they just couldn’t tear themselves away from it. That’s my favorite type of book to read, and that’s the type of book I wanted to write. 

Meet the Author:

JC Gatlin lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes mystery novels that include sunny Florida locales and quirky locals as characters. His last novel, H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word, won the coveted Florida Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Mystery in 2019. He is active in the Florida Writer’s Association and is a board member on the Florida Writer’s Foundation, a charity organization that fights illiteracy. connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ linkedin ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:  

June 14 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview June 14 – Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway June 15 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book review June 16 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway June 16 – GivernyReads – book review / author interview June 17 - World of My Imagination – book spotlight / guest post June 17 - Books for Books – book review June 18 – I Read What You Write – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway June 21 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – book spotlight / giveaway June 22 – A Crane Between the Pages – book review June 22 - The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway June 23 – PuzzlePaws Blog – book review / giveaway June 23 - Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight June 24 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway June 25 – Hall Ways Blog – book review / giveaway June 28 – Adventurous Jessy – book review / giveaway June 28 - The Eclectic Review – book review / giveaway June 29 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway June 29 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway June 30 - JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway June 30 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway July 1 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway July 1 - Leels Loves Books – book review July 2 – Kam’s Place – book review July 2 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review / giveaway July 6 – Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway July 7 – @twilight_reader – book review July 7 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway July 8 – @books_and_bagels (Instagram) – book review / giveaway July 8 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway July 9 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:  DARKNESS HIDES Book Tour Giveaway

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Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky

 

Join us for this tour from May 4 to May 31, 2021!

Book Details: Book Title:  Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages Genre:  Children's Picture Book Publisher:  Mascot Books Release date:   May 4, 2021 Formats available: hardback Content Rating:  G for everyone.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJsghdqccH0] Book Description: How can children begin to heal after losing a pet? Balloons for Tiger takes an imaginative look at this tough topic as colorful balloons travel from the hands of children to their beloved cat who has passed on. This book lets children open up their hearts and imaginations for a magical journey to the farthest corners of the world, where they'll meet skydivers, astronauts, superheroes, and everything in between. As they watch the balloons voyage to the other side of the rainbow bridge, they learn to positively process their grief. Balloons for Tiger is a great tool for any child who has experienced the loss of a pet- or any other loved one, too.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound ~ Mascot Books add to goodreads

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Balloons for Tiger is a book I wish I'd had when my son was younger. This is a beautiful book inside and out to help children cope with losing a beloved pet. Lori Orlinsky does a fabulous job of writing this book in a way children will understand and she also helps each child to understand what happens to their pets. I love the way she uses the balloons to flow to the other side of the rainbow bridge as they met many on the way. I like that this helps with grief, not only with children but adults as well. And I have to mention illustrator Vanessa Alexandre and the amazing illustrations she has created for this precious book. The bright vibrant colors and adorable characters inside the pages of this book as well as on the cover are just what every child needs to pick this book every time. I love how the beautiful creations fit perfectly with the story on each page, bringing it to life. Excellent writing as well as Excellent illustrations make this book fabulous! Balloons for Tiger is a Five Star for me and I highly recommend this book to every household with children that have pets. Keep this sweet book on hand because sooner or later you will need it. This is an incredibly lovely book inside and out. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Interview with Author Lori Orlinsky

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• Where do you get your inspiration for stories?

The inspiration for my stories comes from real-life experiences with my family. I’ve always dreamed of writing a children’s book, but until I had a family, I never had something inspire me enough to use it as a topic. When my daughter Hayley was 3 years old, her preschool class hung up a growth chart and she realized she was the shortest kid in class. She was teased about her height, and I was unable to find any books about the topic to make her feel better. That’s when I wrote my first book, “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All).” That book gave me the confidence to write more and more books. My second book “The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache” is a lesson-based book about telling the truth — something I wanted to showcase the importance of to my kids. And finally, the inspiration for “Balloons for Tiger” came after we lost our 18-year-old cat, Tiger. We did a balloon release for her, and I found my kids asking me where the balloons went before they reached Tiger. I thought it was an imaginative and positive way to talk about the loss of a pet.

• How did you do research for your book?

Crowdsourcing! I am a member of many author networking groups. After making a list of all the things that fly, I asked others for their suggestions. I ended up with so many ideas that they did not all fit into this book!

• Do you have another profession besides writing? I co-own a publicity firm, Foreword Publicity, which does book marketing and publicity for authors. My partner and fellow-author Alysson Bourque and I work with authors of just about every genre. I absolutely love this side hustle-turned full-time gig because it allows me to combine my passions for marketing (I was previously a Marketing Director), storytelling and books.

1. In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper? I am famous for writing on Post-it notes. I always have a roll of them in my purse, and when the mood strikes, I jot down ideas or stanzas to a book.

• Name a quirky thing you like to do. I am a HUGE fan of the show “Friends.” I’ve seen every episode at least 20 times. My favorite character is Ross. Fun fact: I met him in Chicago and made sure to tell him that we are related, since my maiden name is Geller. My top Ross moment is when he sat naked with Ugly Naked Guy so he could get his apartment.

Meet the Author: Lori Orlinsky is a multi-award-winning children's book author who lives in Chicago. She was inspired to tell this story after her family experienced the loss of their beloved eighteen-year-old cat, Tiger. Unable to find books about pet loss to help her young kids cope with their grief, Lori wrote Balloons for Tiger. She hopes this book will help others, too. connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule: May 4 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway May 4 - Welcome To MLMOpinion’s Reviews - book review May 5 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway May 6 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway May 7 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway May 10 – The Pen and Muse Book Reviews – book review / giveaway May 11 – Twirling Book Princess – book review May 11 - Corinne Rodrigues / Booksnista - book spotlight / giveaway May 12 – Pick a Good Book - book review / author interview / giveaway May 13 – I'd Rather Be At The Beach – book review / giveaway May 13 - Chit Chat with Charity – book review / author interview / giveaway May 14 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway May 17 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway May 18 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway May 18 - The Bespectacled Mother - book review May 19 – The Adventures Of A Travelers Wife – book review / guest post / giveaway May 20 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 20 - Nighttime Reading Center - book review / giveaway May 21 – Icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway May 24 – I'm Into Books – book review May 24 - Reading is My Passion – book review May 25 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway May 26 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway May 27 – Laura's Interests – book review / guest post / giveaway May 27 - I Read Kid's Books - book review / author interview /giveaway May 28 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway May 31 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway May 31 - Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Lori Orlinsky's BALLONS FOR TIGER Book Tour Giveaway

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You Writing Matters Colleen Story

 

Book Details: Book Title:  Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance by Colleen M. Story Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  260 pages Genre: Non-fiction Writing/Publishing Publisher:  Midchannel Press Release date:  July 2021 Content Rating: G

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJh6Cb9gyrs] Book Description: Does your future as a writer feel uncertain? You write day after day. You dream of bestseller’s lists and royalty checks, but despite your best marketing efforts, those dreams remain out of reach. You wonder if you’re wasting your time. Does your writing even matter? Author Colleen M. Story, a long-time professional writer and writing coach, helps you decide whether you truly have a writer’s DNA. She examines why you feel pressured to make money with your work, why the search for a readership is both motivating and discouraging, and why it’s so common to doubt yourself along the way. Step by step, you’ll gain a clear-eyed view at the challenges a writer faces in the outside world, while taking your own journey inward to discover what writing really means to you. Should you continue on this path, or adjust your course now before it’s too late? Don’t waste your precious time in indecision. Let Your Writing Matters guide you to your truth and you’ll MY THOUGHTS ON Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance by Colleen M. Story Author Colleen M. Story has written a book that every author wants to read, and needs to read. Story knows the ups and downs an author goes through during their writing career. In the book Your Writing Matters, you will learn how to face the issues challenges that are sure to come your way. I really enjoyed reading this book. As a reviewer o found some of the things that are very helpful to me. I found that a lot of the questions answered was was really nice for all writers, especially the new writers. You will find a wealth of information in this book. There is so much to talk about with authors and upcoming authors. Here are three questions that authors need to ask themselves when writing a book. Why Writers Doubt Themselves, The Many Benefits of Writing, and Make the Big Decisions. All three of these questions should be in every book. Did he/she follow these questions?  I strongly encourage you to check this wonderful book out. This one gets Five Stars from me. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Buy the Book: Amazon add to Goodreads

Meet the Author: Colleen M. Story inspires writers to overcome modern-day challenges and find creative fulfillment in their work. Her book on author platforms, "Writer Get Noticed!," was a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards and a first-place winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. "Overwhelmed Writer Rescue" was named Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book in 2018 and was an Amazon bestseller. Her novel, "Loreena’s Gift," was a Foreword Reviews' INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others. Colleen frequently serves as a workshop leader and motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers. Her first course, “How to Finish the Creative Projects You Start,” is available on Teachable. Go to Colleen's website for free chapters of her books. connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule: June 7 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / book excerpt / giveaway June 8 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / giveaway June 8 - Literary Flits – book review / giveaway June 9 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review June 9 - Welcome To MLM Opinion’s Reviews – book review June 10 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway June 11 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway June 14 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / book excerpt / giveaway June 15 - Locks Hooks and Books – book review / book excerpt / giveaway June 16 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway June 17 - Laura's Interests – book review / book excerpt / giveaway June 18 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway June 21 – Books for Books – book spotlight June 22 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / book excerpt / giveaway June 23 – Olio By Marilyn – book review / giveaway June 24 – Debora-Zenha Adams – book review / giveaway June 25 - Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway June 25 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway June 28 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / book excerpt / giveaway June 28 - The Frangipani Creative – book review / book excerpt / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:    YOUR WRITING MATTERS Book Tour Giveaway

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Maxed Out (The Owl's Nest Mysteries) Author: C.S. McDonald

 

I WANT TO REVIEW THIS BOOKJoin us for this review tour from Jun 21 to Jul 16, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Maxed Out (The Owl's Nest Mysteries) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  Adult Fiction, 184 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  April 2021
Tour dates:  Jun 21 to Jul 16, 2020
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald's books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults--no bad language or sexual content.

Book Description:

The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe is a huge success! Business is booming and Alexa Owl’s love life is heating up. Yet much to the seamstress’s dismay, Detective Bobby Starr is suddenly back again! Bobby isn’t your everyday gumshoe. Rather, he’s an angel who’s trying to earn a place in Saint Peter’s Guardian Angel Squad. He’s required to solve murders he had left unsettled from when he walked the earth in order to be accepted into this prestigious group. Of course, they will need to return to the time period in which the murder took place, and again, Alexa is a reluctant time traveler. Oh, and there’s one more little problem—this time, Bobby’s brought along a friend, Maxi Krogen, and she’s no angel!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS AUDIO BOOK

I so much enjoyed Maxed Out author C.S. McDonald does an amazing job writing this book. With interesting and unique character to tell the story will have you laughing one minute and seeing what is happening with this crazy crew the next. Detective Starr is back but as an 'Angel' with his new friend, Maxi. This could get interesting. And he still has to solve all of the cases as before while he is back. And it was fun to visit with Alexa Owl that we met in the first book,, Back to the Burgh and Beyond. I like Alexa and was glad to see her back.

I have read several of C.S. McDonald and I love her books. You just can't beat a good Cozy Mystery that pulls you in for a good cozy and fun read. I love The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe and it's fun, and the entertaining people who visit. And Alexia Owl is so much fun for me and Alexis is a character everyone will love. I look forward to the next book in this series,, meeting new characters along with the ones we already know and love If you enjoy a good laid back cozy read, you have to read Maxed Out. This one is Five Stars for me. Go check it out. You will be glad you did.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Buy the Book: Amazon~B&N
add to goodreads

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Also Available for Review:
Book Details:

Book Title:  Bon Voyage to Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 198 pages
Run Time: 6 hours, 52 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 5, 2019
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Jun 21 to Jul 16, 2021
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Hooray! Fiona has finally convinced her boyfriend detective Nathan Landry to go on a romantic Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, their fun on the high seas is interrupted by murder. It isn’t long before they discover a boatload of suspects, who have motives deeper than the ocean for wanting the victim out of their lives.

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Taking Notes on Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #9
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 184 pages
Run Time: 5 hours
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  May 19, 2020
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Jun 21 to Jul 16, 2021
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Mysterious notes are showing up in Fiona’s kindergarten classroom, claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a homicide. Detective Landry maintains the messages are too vague, possess no integrity, and do not warrant a review of the old case.

Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect Nancy Quinn!
Can Fiona crack this cold case, and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder! 
BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon

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Meet the Author: 

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook
Tour Schedule:
June 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 21 -Working Mommy Journal – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 21 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 22 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
June 22 -Bound 4 Escape – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 22 -Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 22 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 23 – Splashes of Joy – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 23 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 23 - Working Mommy Journal – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 23 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
June 24 - Buried Under Books - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 24 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 24 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
June 24 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
June 24 – Working Mommy Journal – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
June 25 - StoreyBook Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 25 - Olio by Marilyn - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 25 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 28 - Books for Books - book review of Maxed Out
June 28 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 28 - Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 29 - Literary Flits - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
June 29 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 29 – Westveil Publishing – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 30 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
June 30 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 1 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Maxed Out
July 1 - I Read What You Write – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 1 - Literary Flits - book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 2 - Olio by Marilyn - book review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 2 – Westveil Publishing – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 2 - I Read What You Write – book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 5 - Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 5 - Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder
July 6 - Blooming with Books – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 6 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 6 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 6 - Literary Flits - book review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 7 - I Read What You Write – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 7 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 7 - @twilight_reader – book review of Bon Voyage to Murder
July 7 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 8 – Bigreadersite – book review of Maxed Out
July 8 - Laura's Interests – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 8 - Books for Books - audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder
July 8 - @twilight_reader – book review of Taking Notes on Murder
July 9 – Hall Ways Blog – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 9 - Westveil Publishing – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 9 - @twilight_reader – book review of Maxed Out
July 9 - Books for Books - audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder
July 12 - Chit Chat with Charity – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 12 – Bigreadersite – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder
July 12 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 12 - Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Taking Notes on Murder
July 13 - The Momma Spot – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 13 - Cheryl's Book Nook – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 13 – Bigreadersite – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder
July 14 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 14 - Laura's Interests – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 14 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 15 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 15 – Chit Chat with Charity – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 15 - Laura's Interests – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 15 - Cheryl's Book Nook – audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder / giveaway
July 16 – Lisa's Reading – book review of Maxed Out / giveaway
July 16 - Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of Bon Voyage to Murder / giveaway
July 16 - Olio by Marilyn - book review of Taking Notes on Murder /

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/L7Y1A/maxed-out-book-tour-giveaway

Spotlight for Kip the Letter X and Spartan and the Green Egg

 

I WANT TO SPOTLIGHT THESE BOOKS

Join us for this tour from June 7to June 25, 2021!

Book Details:
Book Title:  Kip the Letter X by Kim Patrick
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher:  Full Cycle Publications
Release date:  June 2020
Tour dates: June 7 to June 25, 2021
Content Rating:  G.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/TM9CRhP2gMY

Book Description:

Kip the Letter X searches far and wide trying to find his purpose.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Full Cycle Publications

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Kim Patrick was born in England, raised in Britain and South Africa, and now lives in the United States. She loves animals, books, films, the letter X, and much of the rest of the alphabet.

connect with the author:  website ~ twitter ~ goodreads

GREAT INTERVIEW FROM AUTHOR KIM PATRICK

What made you want to write a children’s book?

Children take in information at such a phenomenal rate compared to adults. Learning to love yourself is something that once you learn it, you never forget it. Why not start with the very young? 

In this book you focus on self worth and loving yourself. Why?

I wanted to write a book that would be interesting and funny, but also offer more than just a good giggle. Maybe if more kids learned to appreciate their uniqueness instead of trying to conform, then we’d have much happier adults in the world. 

How do you decide what to write about for a children’s book?

I can’t speak to what other writers do, but for me it starts out as something that has really caused an emotional reaction in me. Watching kids on a playground bully another kid kicked off this book. Luckily, the parents stepped in and the situation was diffused, but I always wondered about the poor kid that was picked on. How did he feel? How did his mother deal with the fall out from that? 

How do you make time to write? 

I have to schedule it in or it never gets done! Some of the biggest writing distractions for me are movies, my animals demanding playtime, and having to stop and eat. 

Will you be writing another book?

After I finish writing a book I usually give myself time to reconnect with the world and my family. Then, when it’s time I’ll know it and another book will happen. 

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I WANT TO SPOTLIGHT THESE BOOKS

Join us for this tour from June 7to June 25, 2021!

Book Details:
Book Title:  Spartan and the Green Egg by Nabila Khashoggi
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  95 pages
Genre: Children's Adventure: Graphic Novel
Publisher:  Full Cycle Publications
Release date:  January 20, 2021
Tour dates: June 7 to June 25, 2021
Content Rating:  G.

Book Description:

In Book 5, Land of The Midnight Sun, Egg, the friendly live alien spaceship, creatively uses an enchanting art gallery to reveal the young adventurers’ next destination. Spartan, Katie, Max, Tor, and Grimm find themselves in Greenland, home to some of the biggest glaciers on earth, and known as The Land of the Midnight Sun because, in summer, the sun never sets. Greenland’s vast and daunting landscape is almost completely covered with ice and snow.

With the help of some friendly Greenland sled dogs, they arrive in the charming village of Siorapaluk and befriend a young Inuit, Malik, and his family. They soon learn that Malik’s father and his group have gone missing while on an expedition. The team goes in search of them, at their own risk. Before long, they are caught up in a treacherous avalanche and trapped on a glacier that has broken off from the mainland. Hope arrives from a powerful source as they bear witness to an astonishing and beautiful miracle from the Earth’s living creatures.

Buy the Book: Amazon.com
Full Cycle Publications

AND NOW AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Nabila Khashoggi

What is Land of the Midnight Sun all about?

This is the fifth book in the Spartan & the Green Egg series and it is set in Greenland. The gang of kids, along with their helpful alien friend, named Egg, must help rescue a film crew and their guides from an iceberg that has broken away from the mainland. It tells a great story, IMHO, but also uses climate change and its impact as a backdrop. 

Do you have a favorite among the books you’ve written?

Actually, it’s always the one I’ve just finished. Probably because it is the one that is freshest in my mind!

How did you get started writing children’s books?

I got started on a whim. I used to tell my son, Spartan, bedtime stories that involved his favorite toy (a green egg). It kind of took on a life of its own and I took the leap into making them into a graphic novel. 

Why did you choose to write your book as a graphic novel? 

I decided that using a graphic novel format would make the book more accessible to a wider range of children, especially those readers who maybe weren’t fans of reading. I also am a comic book fan and grew up loving them. 

What’s next?

Well, I’m working on Book 6 in the series as well as working as the spokeswoman for The Children for Peace. It’s a nonprofit organization that helps children in impoverished places around the world to obtain equipment, books, desks, and so forth for their schools. 

Meet the Author:

When her eldest son was a toddler, Nabila used to entertain him with made-up stories about a boy who traveled the world inside a live green egg that just so happened to be an alien from another planet. She turned the tales into a colorful children¹s graphic novel series, Spartan and the Green Egg, with the intention of introducing children to environmental and cultural themes around the world.

A portion of all proceeds from the Spartan and the Green Egg book series, toys and accessories is donated to The Children for Peace ONLUS. Based in Italy, this non-governmental organization helps young people worldwide who are living in challenging circumstances obtain their essential needs such as food, medical help and educational opportunities. Nabila currently lives in New York and has two sons.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

June 7 –Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight / giveaway
June 7 - Working Mommy Journal – books spotlight / giveaway
June 8 – Wottaread – book spotlight of Kip the Letter X / author interview with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 8 –Wottaread – books spotlight / author interview with Nabila Khashoggi /  giveaway
June 8 – Rockin' Book Reviews – books spotlight / guest post with Nabila Khashoggi / guest post with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 9 - Locks, Hooks and Books - books spotlight / giveaway
June 10 –A Mama's Corner of the World – books spotlight / giveaway
June 14 – @twilight_reader – books spotlight
June 15 –Jazzy Book Reviews – books spotlight / guest post with Nabila Khashoggi / author interview with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 16 –Stephanie Jane – books spotlight / giveaway
June 16 - The Adventures of a Travelers Wife - books spotlight / author interview with Nabila Khashoggi / author interview with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 17 – Pick a Good Book – books spotlight / author interview with Nabila Khashoggi / author interview with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 18 –Books for Books – books spotlight
June 21 – The Bespectacled Mother – books spotlight
June 22 – Lisa's Reading – books spotlight / guest post with Nabila Khashoggi / author interview with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 23 – Splashes of Joy – books spotlight / author interview with Nabila Khashoggi / author interview with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 24 – Gina Rae Mitchell - books spotlight / giveaway
June 24 - I Read Kid's Books - books spotlight / guest post with Nabila Khashoggi / guest post with Kim Patrick / giveaway
June 25 – Sefina Hawke's Books – books spotlight
TBA – Rajiv's Reviews – books spotlight / giveaway

And now for the wonderful giveaway Click on the link below.

https://gleam.io/Dgncu/kip-the-letter-x-spartan-and-the-green-egg-book-tour-giveaway