Category: Guest Post

Posted in Blog Tour, Guest Post

Death on Dickens Island by Allison Brook – Guest Post and Block Tour

Posted on by Debbie


Death on Dickens Island: A Books on the Beach Mystery
by Allison Brook

About Death on Dickens Island


Death on Dickens Island: A Books on the Beach Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – On Dickens Island, a fictional island in the Long Island Sound between Long Island and CT.
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 21, 2025
Hardcover
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892420488
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892422536
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892420495
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DTNMGQTK
Audiobook ASIN: B0DT4WXPWL
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A divorced sleuth in her thirties must bring peace back to her small town after a murder tears neighbors and family members apart in this series debut from Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook, perfect for fans of Cynthia Riggs and Eva Gates.

Delia Dickens has come home to Dickens Island, a small island in the Long Island Sound, after a twelve-year stint in Manhattan. She’s looking forward to helping her father revitalize the general store that the family owns as well as curating a small book nook. Most importantly, she wants to reunite with her fifteen-year-old son. But Dickens Island isn’t the peaceful town Delia remembers–and she might be in more danger here than she ever was in the big city.

Delia’s Aunt Reenie and Uncle Brad, both prominent community leaders, are at odds over the sale of a farm and its future use. This has created friction, not only in their marriage, but amongst the citizens of the town. When a young woman, new to the town council and friendly with Brad, is found murdered, everything escalates and reaches a new boiling point.

With Reenie and Brad both suspects in the case and at each other’s throats, the townspeople start to take sides. When the ghost of her grandmother visits her, Delia learns how past events have impacted the present, and it is up to her to expose the farm’s sordid secrets in order to catch a murderer and restore peace to her beloved island.

GUEST POST

I’m happy to be Debbie’s guest today talking about my latest mystery, DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND, the first book in my Books on the Beach Mystery series. Starting a new series is a great undertaking. Aside from the mysteries that need to be solved, I had to create a cast of characters and a unique setting that will be featured throughout the series. And always in the back of my mind I wondered: Will my readers love this series as much as the last one I’d written.

Readers of my Haunted Library books had grown fond of my sleuth, Carrie Singleton, her friends and colleagues, and the town of Clover Ridge, Connecticut. At the start of DEATH OVERDUE, the first book in the series, Carrie is unhappy, unsettled, and unfulfilled. She’s ready to leave town; it doesn’t matter where to. And then she’s offered the position of head of programs and events in the Clover Ridge Library. Over the course of eight books, Carrie matures, makes friends and finds love as she solves mysteries with the help of her ghost friend, Evelyn Havers. As soon as I started to write BOOKED ON MURDER, the eighth book in the series, I realized that Carrie had come into her own. Her story arc was complete.

Time to start a new series, I decided. Yes, I felt a bit guilty when some readers told me they didn’t want the series to end, but I was ready to explore a new world filled with new characters. I knew I wanted to set my series on an island of my creation, located smack in the middle of the Long Island Sound, between Long Island and Connecticut. The island was purchased by Nathanial Dickens in the last half of the eighteenth century, and the Dickens family is still active in its government and island activities.

My sleuth, Delia Dickens, has recently returned to the island to live with her fifteen-year-old son Connor in the beautiful Victorian home that Helena, her grandmother, left her when she died. Helena appears when Delia’s in the secret room that Connor has discovered. Readers learn about Helena’s early life and how the past impacts the murders that Delia helps solve. Delia’s s Aunt Reenie is the island’s manager (mayor); her husband, Delia’s Uncle Brad, is the president of the town council. The two, while madly in love, are often at loggerheads when it comes to the island’s growth and development. Carrie’s father, who sees himself as the island’s patriarch but shies away from confrontation, expects Delia to smooth things over–an impossible task. And then a young woman is murdered and Uncle Brad is Suspect Number One.

Riley, a Bearded Collie with a very matted coat, follows Connor home one day and seems to have adopted Delia and Connor as his family. But Delia knows the dog must belong to someone and so she brings him to Jack Morrison, the local vet, who also happens to be the guy who broke her heart when they were young.

So much happens in this new world of Dickens Island. I know it takes time for readers to fall in love with a new series, but the many glowing reviews I’ve received give me hope that this will happen.

About Allison Brook

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, novels of suspense, and books for kids. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series, the Twin Lakes series, and Giving Up the Ghost. Her suspense, Come Home to Death, was released in April 2024, and her suspense, Dangerous Relations, will be republished in 2025. Death on Dickens Island is the first book in her Books on the Beach series.

Marilyn’s juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice and has recently come out in a new edition. Rufus and the Witch’s Drudge, the second book in the series, has been released, and the third, Rufus and the Dark Side of Magic, will be out later this year. And Don’t Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards. Her YA horror, The Devil’s Pawn, came out in a new edition in January 2024.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids, and playing with her kittens, Romeo and Juliet.

Author Links

Website/Newsletter Sign Up: http://www.marilynlevinson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.10

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson

X: https://twitter.com/MarilynLevinson

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marilyn-levinson

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allison-brook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilynlevinsonauthor/

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Bookshop.org PenguinRandomHouse

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 21 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 22 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 23 – Wine Cellar Library – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 24 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

October 25 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 25 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

October 27 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 28 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

October 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

GIVEAWAY LINK: https://kingsumo.com/g/3zjjx61/death-on-dickens-island-a-books-on-the-beach-mystery-by-allison-brook

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Posted in Blog Tour, Guest Post, New Releases

Author Guest Post and Blog Tour for Grave Words by Gerri Lewis

Posted on by Debbie


Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery
by Gerri Lewis

About Grave Words


Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 10, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892421133
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892422482
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGPF9R8P
Audiobook ASIN B0F97G3PP3
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Winter Snow has had it! With her business in a death drought, her best friend Scoop implicated in a string of arsons, and an obituary listing Winter herself as deceased, her life is heating up. But just as she’s trying to cool things down, she receives her newest assignment: an obituary for Chester, a homeless man found in a burning building.

Promising the local funeral home manager that she will have the obituary by the deadline, Winter is stonewalled at every turn, failing to discover Chester’s last name, or where he came from. When it is discovered that Chester was murdered and that the fire was set to cover it up, all fingers immediately point to Scoop. Not only is Scoop a person of interest in the arsons, he was also the last person to see Chester alive.

As more nails are pounded into Scoop’s coffin, Winter’s uncle Richard hopes to help by inviting the notorious town gossips, The Nosy Parkers, to a neighborhood food fest. Unfortunately, the breadcrumbs they toss set murder in motion.

More determined than ever, Winter must figure out the twists and turns of the case to clear Scoop’s name, putting her on a deadly deadline to solve the murder and avoid meeting the same grave consequences.

AUTHOR GUEST POST

BOOK CLUB DIARIES

BY GERRI LEWIS

There are twenty-two people I do not want to read my books.  They belong to a library group in my hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut called “Murder by the Book. ”  For one hour a month, this book club discusses mysteries and thrillers.  I am a member as a participant only. Unless specifically asked, I don’t offer my “author” point of view, and I definitely don’t offer up my books to read.

A pretty young librarian named Kelly-Ann starts each session with solid reviews from places like Library Journal, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and Goodreads. She then dives into the writer’s background—why that topic, genre, what else have they written?  This is my favorite part of the discussion because it often evokes that aha moment where we understand the book and the author better.

After her overview, by a show of hands we’re asked who liked the story.  And that’s where my nightmares start.   Usually, but not always, most enjoy the book.   But that doesn’t keep them from shredding, tearing and dissecting every single plot twist, red herring or character trait.  Destination mysteries get particularly critical scrutiny in this well-travelled crowd.  I don’t think we’ve read a mystery set in one location that someone in the room hasn’t either lived in or visited.

And don’t get me started on clues.  I don’t know how she does it, but one woman I’ll call Jane is particularly keen when it comes to solving the crime.  Jane picks up every tiny hint, can immediately identify the red herrings and always  guesses the murderer.  The rest of us miss a lot and when she points things out, we are suddenly outraged.

Not fair, cry out some of the members.  The clues were stuck in like an afterthought.

I’ve been a guest speaker at a lot of book clubs.  When sitting  face to face, members are rarely critical, and I’ve been spoiled with easy process-related questions. That is until a recent Zoom.  The mid-western group let me know up front, they only read the first book in a series.  They had their own Jane, who rarely missed a clue and almost always knew who-done-it.   My stomach was doing backflips as they discussed The Last Word as if I wasn’t there.

Fortunately, their comments were mostly kind.  Even Jane hadn’t figured out the twist that came at the end and while they picked on some of my characters, they also decided to break their fast rule of reading only one in a series.  Their only complaint—my fictional town sounded  a little too good to be true.   Before I could jump in, one member piped up that she had researched it and yes, Ridgefield was in fact a real town in Connecticut.  Now they all want to visit.

When I critique, I tend to think of being face to face with the author.   And, I almost always find something to like in every book  because I know how hard it is to write one. All parts of the mystery must fall into place gradually so that the ending makes sense.  The characters have to stay—in character.  And scoring a book deal these days feels like winning the lottery for someone breaking in.  So yes, I almost always find something positive about every book I read.

However, put me in the room with my fellow Murder by the Book members and I find myself nodding my head up and down like a bobble doll—suddenly baring my fangs as I tear into the flesh of the who-done-it.  Who gets away with killing the main character?   Why set the book in Paris and not even mention the Eiffel Tower or any of the sights that make the city special. Who drowns their ex because he wants you to give him royalties on a book you haven’t even written yet?

At home I write down what I learn from my book club in hopes of making my own mysteries better—and then I pray that none of the twenty-two members decide to Murder My Book!

BOOK CLUB TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Pay close attention to the bad guys:  In my book Grave Words, one reader said I introduced the arsonist at the very end and that wasn’t fair.  Not true.  The arsonist was introduced several times early in the book and was talked about a lot more.  Jane probably would have gotten that.  However, most of our book club is probably like my reader so I have a note to self: Make sure the bad guys show up obviously and early.
  2. Make sure your clues belong in the narrative. Don’t just drop them in like mustard on a white tablecloth.
  3. Put on your armor. Not everyone is going to like your book.  I had a very prolific and successful writer tell me recently to never, ever read reviews.  Why?  You can only please some of the readers some of the time.

About Gerri Lewis

GERRI LEWIS is the author of The Last Word (2024) and Grave Words (June 10, 2025), the first two books in her Deadly Deadlines Mystery series published by Crooked Lane Books. Set in her Hallmark-worthy hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut, this cozy mystery is about obituary writer Winter Snow, who solves murders along with a cast of lovable characters. During her career as an award-winning reporter, columnist, and feature writer, Gerri has become a go-to person in her community for obituaries. When she is not helping her protagonist solve mysteries, she writes magazine features and is the Public Information Officer for the Ridgefield Office of Emergency Management. She lives with her husband in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the picture-perfect setting for her books.

Author Links

Website: https://gerrilewis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerri.lewis.author/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrilewisauthor/

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse – Kobo – Apple –

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 3 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW*

October 4 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 9 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 11 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 11 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 15 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 15 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

Giveaway: https://kingsumo.com/g/1vj9ev1/grave-words-a-deadly-deadlines-mystery-by-gerri-lewis

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Posted in Blog Tour, Guest Post

Guest Post and Blog Tour for Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman

Posted on by Debbie


Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library
(Mrs. Christie Series)
by Amanda Chapman

About Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library


Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Greenwich Village in New York City (primarily near Washington Square)
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 26, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593818814
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593818817
Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593818831
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DP3R1Q9G
Audiobook ASIN B0DPJK5BPS
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Book conservator Tory Van Dyne and a woman claiming to be Agatha Christie on holiday from the Great Beyond join forces to catch a killer in this spirited mystery from Amanda Chapman.

Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family. For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder— that has not yet happened.

But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.

Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths —including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”

AUTHOR GUEST POST

What Exactly Is the Mystery Guild Library? by Amanda Chapman

I love writing mysteries. I really do. But until I started writing them, my goal was to spend every day reading them. Which I pretty much did (and still do). But sometimes I can’t get my hands on that out-of-print classic that I’ve heard about. This (as we all know) is very frustrating and explains how I came to imagine The World’s Best Library – a library where you could find not only that particular out-of-print mystery classic, but others that you’d never even heard of. A veritable Aladdin’s cave of mystery novels.

Which is why, in MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY, I allowed my fevered imagination full reign.  The library would be, as you might suspect (pun fully intended), dedicated to crime fiction: from traditional Golden Age mysteries (think Dorothy L. Sayers or John Dickson Carr); to American private eye whodunnits (think Raymond Chandler or Ross McDonald); to police procedurals (think Ed McBain to Tana French); to contemporary Scandinavian noir (think Steig Larson or Maj Sowall); to everything in between (add your favorites here). It would feature sleuths of all colors, all creeds, all genders, all ages, all levels of expertise (from police veterans to new-minted amateurs) – and all asking (and eventually answering) the same critical question: “Who dunnit?”

The Mystery Guild Library, I decided, would occupy the first two floors of one of the dozen or so remaining Greek Revival townhouses in Greenwich Village known as “The Row,” a series of elegant red brick, marble-trimmed mansions overlooking Washington Square Park. And it would have specific rooms devoted to a few of the greats – prime among them, of course, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie herself. And best of all, I would live there.

Oops. I mean, my protagonist, the Mystery Guild Library’s fairly reclusive book conservator, Tory Van Dyne, would live there. She would live there because her grandmother had willed the house to her with the proviso that the Mystery Guild Library—a wonderful resource for mystery and crime fiction fans and scholars that had until then been jammed into four cramped rooms on the Upper West Side—would be given a twenty-year lease on the first two floors of the house.This is no problem for Tory, who loves the house, loves the idea of hundreds of mysteries at her fingertips and most of all loves the Christie Room.

Here’s how Tory describes it:

“The library’s Agatha Christie Room is a very close replica of British mystery novelist Agatha Christie’s personal library in Greenway House, her holiday home in Devon, England. It had been a labor of love masterminded by my grandmother, Margaret Jane Van Dyne, in what was at the time her home on Washington Square North and which now houses the Mystery Guild Library on the first two floors and Yours Truly on the two floors above.

“There she lived quite happily with her extensive collection of Agatha Christie first editions, spending the last twenty years of her life absorbed in re‑creating as closely as possible Mrs. Christie’s library at Greenway House.

“And when I say as closely as possible, I am not kidding.

“The Christie Room had been carved out of Grandmother’s second-floor drawing room overlooking the park. It was not only an architectural replica of the Greenway library — including faithful reproductions of its wonderfully eclectic furnishings—it also housed copies—hunted down over years by my grandmother of many of the more than four thousand volumes on the Greenway library shelves. These, of course, included Dame Agatha’s own sixty-six mystery novels (every one of which I had read, and in many cases reread, much to Grandmother’s delight), nineteen plays and two memoirs.

“The room itself was a comfortable space, large but quietly informal, with cream walls and white bookshelves and a down-filled, blue damask couch facing the fireplace. That couch fairly begged you to pick up one of Mrs. Christie’s mysteries (maybe The Body in the Library) and curl up for a good read. Or you could browse the offerings in its cozy alcove, where a collection of bargeware teapots shared space with a well-stocked bar cart, an armchair upholstered in dull gold velvet with an intricate design recalling Egyptian hieroglyphics, and a navy velvet settee edged with gold-embroidered trim.”

So, yes, it all sounds pretty idyllic, right? Until that fateful night when a woman claiming to be Agatha Christie on holiday from the Great Beyond shows up in the Christie Room, politely asks for a cocktail and announces that she is there to help Tory solve a murder – that has not yet happened.

Order Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library here! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763557/mrs-christie-at-the-mystery-guild-library-by-amanda-chapman/

About me: I am a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith. As a book editor, fashion reporter and, eventually, the head of employee communications at a global bank, I’ve always made a living with my pen. But when the book-writing bug hit, I cheerfully waved goodbye to all that to write mysteries full time. Under the name Amy Pershing, I first wrote the Cape Cod Foodie Mysteries. MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY is the first book in my new Agatha Inc. mystery series.  You can learn more about me (and sign up for my newsletter!) on my website as well as follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

About Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library:

Book conservator Tory Van Dyne and a woman claiming to be Agatha Christie on holiday from the Great Beyond join forces to catch a killer in this spirited mystery from Amanda Chapman.

Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family. For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder—that has not yet happened.

But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.

Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths—including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”

About Amanda Chapman

Amanda Chapman (aka Amy Pershing) is a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith. Under the name Amy Pershing, she is also the author of the Cape Cod Foodie mysteries. An enthusiastic fan of traditional mysteries and of New York City, she found herself wondering, “What if someone recreated Agatha Christie’s personal library -– even to the furnishings and architecture — in New York City? What would happen in that space?” And thus MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY — the first in a new series — was born.

Author Links

https://www.facebook.com/amandachapmanauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/amandachapman_author/?hl=en

Website www.amandachapmanauthor.com

Follow Amanda Chapman on Goodreads

Purchase Links
PenguinRandomHouse – Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org – Kobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 18 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Salty Inspirations – COCKTAIL RECIPE

August 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 22 – Hall Ways Blog – SPOTLIGHT

August 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 24 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

August 25 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 25 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 27 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

August 28 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 29 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 29 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 31 – From the TBR Pile – REVIEW

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Posted in Blog Tour, Guest Post

Spotlight and Guest Post for Lost Heart in King Manor

Posted on by Debbie

 


Lost Heart in King Manor: Mysteries of a Heart Series
by Celeste Fenton

About Lost Heart in King Manor

Lost Heart in King Manor: Mysteries of a Heart Series
Romantic Suspense/Edgy Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Dost Island (fictional) off the coast of Massachusetts
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently Published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 24, 2025
Hardcover
Print length ‏ : ‎ 347 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8280471207
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8280071773
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F2ZML3M9
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LOST HEART IN KING MANOR
Book One in the Mysteries of a Heart Series

At 45, Gabby Heart isn’t looking for drama—just quiet days on Dost Island running her village gift shop, teaching art, and keeping her past tucked safely away. But when her mother suffers a sudden health crisis, Gabby is pulled into a storm of family secrets, betrayal, and a dark legacy buried within the walls of the once-grand King Manor. What was supposed to be a safe place for her mother’s recovery becomes the backdrop for a chilling mystery. Strange incidents begin to unfold, and it becomes clear: someone inside King Manor has a deadly agenda. As a hurricane traps Gabby inside the sprawling estate, she’s forced to work alongside two very different men—her maddeningly attractive officemate and a charming new neighbor, both hiding dark secrets. One man may want her heart. The other may want her dead.

But can she trust her instincts before it’s too late?

★ A slow-burn romantic suspense with an edgy cozy mystery twist peppered with humor, Lost Heart in King Manor is perfect for fans of strong women over 40, amateur sleuths, brooding men with buried secrets, and small seaside towns hiding deadly truths. ★

Because some secrets are worth killing for.
And some hearts don’t break quietly.

Companion Guide to Lost Heart in King Manor: An inside look (Mysteries of a Heart Series)

Companion Guide to Lost Heart in King Manor
Step deeper into the secrets of Dost Island with this richly illustrated companion to Lost Heart in King Manor, the first book in the Mysteries of a Heart series.

Explore the island’s storm-swept cliffs, charming village life, and shadowy past through exclusive character profiles, behind-the-scenes insights, maps, photographs, and bonus content that brings Gabby Heart’s world to life. Meet the unforgettable residents—from the sharp-witted Jay Laird and enigmatic Rick Payne, to the wise and mysterious women of the Heart family—each with their own stories, scars, and secrets.

This companion is your invitation behind the curtain.
But be warned…
On Dost Island, even the quietest corners have something to hide.

GUEST POST

From Gift Shop to Amateur Sleuth: How Gabby Heart Was BornBy Celeste Fenton

My first attempt at writing a novel was, quite frankly, a disaster. It was a chaotic purge of every wrong I’d ever committed, and every slight ever dealt to me. I read it once, winced, and promptly deleted it, hoping it wouldn’t float around cyberspace for eternity like a digital ghost. Then I hung up my writer’s dream, convinced I simply wasn’t one.
Then came a season of deep loss. My husband passed away. Other heartbreaks followed. I found myself untethered. And then, standing in a grocery store line, I overheard two women chatting about an old-shuttered hospital on the West Coast that had been turned into a senior residence. My brain, grief-heavy but still curious, perked up. I shamelessly eavesdropped and even barged into the conversation to ask questions.

Back in my car, I couldn’t stop the what ifs…?
What if the seniors were trapped there? What if there was a storm? What if the residents’ adult children met and things got… complicated?

A few weeks later, on a trip to Maine, I drafted an outline. Was it a Jessica Fletcher-style possession? A creative breakthrough? I’m not sure. But that’s when Gabby Heart walked onto the page—sassy, skeptical, sketchbook in hand, and hiding a guilty secret.

She didn’t tiptoe in politely. She showed up, fully formed and opinionated, bringing her family and friends with her. Somewhere between my own work experiences, the people I’ve known, and the bittersweet transitions of my life, Gabby arrived. And she wasn’t leaving.

Gabby is a widow. A mother. A teacher. An artist. A woman whose life, like so many of ours, veered off script. She’s smart, stubborn, sarcastic, fiercely loyal, and often completely unaware of her own emotional blind spots. She doesn’t carry a badge or a PI license, but she notices things: a strange hesitation in someone’s voice, a glance that means more than it should, something small that just doesn’t belong.

I didn’t want to write a perfect heroine. I wanted to write someone real. Someone good-hearted but complicated. A woman who made me laugh, made me cry, and made terrible decisions even when I begged her not to.

Gabby was never going to be a sweet, cupcake-sleuth. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore those stories too. I’ll take a cozy bookshop, a charming bakery, or a llama farm mystery with my cup of tea any day. But Gabby had sharper edges. She’d survived trauma. She carried invisible scars. And while she had friends (some loyal, some chaotic, all memorable), she didn’t always know how to rely on them. That emotional messiness mattered to me. Because so many of us, especially in midlife and beyond, are navigating complex, beautiful, unfinished lives. Why shouldn’t our heroines reflect that?

The Mysteries of a Heart series blends whodunits with emotional depth: romance and regret, secrets and second chances. It’s sprinkled with humor, layered with grief, and salted with zingers. Gabby isn’t magically “fixed” by solving crimes or falling in love. But each adventure challenges her to see herself more clearly. To confront the guilt she carries. To risk hope. To let herself be loved again even when it terrifies her.

People sometimes ask if Gabby is based on me. Short answer? Not really. She’s braver. I’d run from a villain, whereas she climbs through tunnels to face them. But emotionally? She holds fragments of so many of us: the part that wonders if it’s too late to start over. The part that aches for someone we lost. The part that dares to believe we’re still capable of joy, reinvention, and justice.

Gabby’s journey has taken me places I never expected: into the tunnels beneath a historic manor, across the sea to a Scottish castle, and soon, into a snowbound Canadian chalet with an old map and a new danger. If she makes it out of that, there’s an adventure waiting in Tasmania… and even survival on a deserted island. Each book uncovers new truths. Not just about the mystery at hand, but about who Gabby is becoming. And always, at the core, are the people in her orbit, her friends, family, and unexpected allies, each with their own arcs.

Gabby Heart may not have asked to become an amateur sleuth. But like so many women reinventing themselves in the second and third acts of life, she’s proof that curiosity, courage, a touch of stubbornness, and a spark of imagination can take you farther than you ever dreamed.

About the Author Celeste Fenton is the author of the Mysteries of a Heart series, a romantic suspense saga featuring mature heroines, buried secrets, and just the right amount of edge. A retired educator turned full-time writer, Celeste writes stories filled with heart, humor, and a touch of danger. When she’s not plotting her next twist, you’ll find her remodeling her home, walking her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, spending time with family, planning her next trip to a small town in America, or escaping into a cozy mystery with a hot cup of tea.

Start the series with Lost Heart in King Manor
Where some hearts don’t break quietly.
Available on Amazon Learn more at: celestefenton.com

About Celeste Fenton

I have an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in education and have worked in higher education for over thirty-years. A former educator and lifelong reader, I began writing seriously at age 60. No one is more surprised than me, that in retirement, I found reward and occupation as an author.

My writing is fueled by a lifelong love of mystery and a fascination with the complexities of the human heart. As a widow, mother of adult twin sons, proud grandmother, dog lover, and semi-retired educator, I believe I have enough real-world experience to weave imagination with insight to create stories rich with emotion and suspense. My work blends romance, mystery, and heart—with healthy doses of humor and hope. I feel passionate about helping others realize that creativity doesn’t have an expiration date.

When I’m not writing, reading, or plotting another plot twist, I like to explore small towns across America—setting out solo for month-long adventures much to the awe (and occasional alarm) of family and friends. My latest obsessions include escape rooms, mastering the perfect miter cut for a DIY bathroom remodel, training my cavalier spaniel to do a high five, and making the impossible decision of where to travel next.

• Website: https://celestefenton.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.fenton.9/

Purchase Links
• Amazon
• IngramSpark
Barnes and Noble

Companion Guide Purchase Link
Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 11 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 12 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

August 13 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 14 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 15 – FUONLYKNEW– SPOTLIGHT

August 16 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 21 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 23 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 24 – Salty Inspirations – REVIEW

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Guest Post and Blog Tour for The Spirit of Vanderlaan by Susan Harris Howell

Posted on by Debbie

The Spirit of Vanderlaan (The Samantha Hayes Series)
by Susan Harris Howell

About The Spirit of Vanderlaan

The Spirit of Vanderlaan (The Samantha Hayes Series)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting: This story is set on the fictitious campus of Vanderlaan University, in the Midwest or Midsouth region of the United States
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 2, 2024
Print length ‏ : ‎ 370 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509258884
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509258888
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DHV65RM4
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When beloved professor, Samantha Hayes, learns that her favorite four students live in as many of her old dorm rooms, she wonders how it happened and for what purpose. As she and her student entourage explore the possibilities, they uncover a death years ago and what appears to be the ghost of the dearly departed. All of this stirs up Samantha’s long-held fear that she was responsible for that death, challenging all she thought she knew about herself and the work she holds dear. They must figure out what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

GUEST POST

The Desk: Four Lessons to Help Writers Tackle the Impossible

By Susan Harris Howell

Submitted to Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour

My new desk came to me in 483 pieces—slats, panels, and hardware wrapped in plastic bags for “easy delivery and assembly.” My daughter commented that the company might have just sent me a tree and an ice pick for the work it would require.

I sat on the floor, surrounded by debris that looked nothing like the desk I had ordered. I wanted to lie down and cry. I would have too if I’d had enough floor space to lie down. This was an impossible task.

I wanted to send it back, but I could no more repack that box than I could un-ring a bell. So, I picked up the forty-eight-page instruction booklet, turned to page one, and put the “twist-lock fasteners into outer ends A and C.”

That first step was the beginning of a three-day process which led to a beautiful desk I still adore. It also taught me a few things about another “impossible” task I would soon face – writing my first novel.

Here’s what I learned.

Lesson One: Just do today’s work.

As I thumbed through the encyclopedic-sized instruction manual, I knew I’d have to narrow my focus. So, I concentrated on step one without mentally moving on to step two or three. This helped me begin and kept me moving forward.

Likewise, when writing a book, we often work best by tackling one manageable task at a time without mentally wandering into steps two, three, or beyond. Narrowing our focus can move us forward.

Lesson Two: Be confident.

That first day, colleagues dropped by to offer condolences. I assumed they would know more than I and would have secrets to share on furniture assembly. Sadly, none of them did; evidently, there were no secrets.

Similarly, when we have a story to tell, we can’t assume someone else will tell it better. They have their own stories to write, their own desks to assemble. My story is my story; your story is yours. Be confident in the telling.

Lesson Three: Use available resources.

On the first day when my husband offered our power drill, I declined since the instructions clearly said power tools weren’t necessary. On day two, I grabbed that power drill and didn’t let go. Using the right tool made the task easier.

Likewise, when writing, we can avail ourselves of quality resources. Books, conferences, blogs and podcasts – a lot of information is out there. Find it and use it.

Lesson Four: Let others participate.

When one of my students (now a friend) offered to help, I gratefully accepted. Not only was Bethany’s help priceless, she and I bonded through our desk-a-thon experience. For several days, we posted pictures and progress reports on social media. Friends across several states watched with interest and celebrated the finished product.

In the same way, writing is richer when others walk alongside us. Whether they read each draft, encourage our persistence, or subscribe to our newsletter, many will participate if we invite them. Don’t go it alone.

The takeaway?

My desk serves as a daily reminder of what can be accomplished when we focus on today’s work, remain confident, use available resources, and invite others to join us.

I hope these lessons encourage you in your next “impossible” endeavor.

About Susan Harris Howell

I am a psychologist, speaker, and author of The Spirit of Vanderlaan, my debut novel released in December of 2024. This book is a fun, cozy, ghost story featuring a professor, Samantha Hayes, and her lively band of students who get caught up in solving a campus mystery. This book draws on my teaching career of over thirty years to capture the camaraderie and warmth between a professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office.

I have also published extensively on equality between women and men. My first book, Buried Talents, explores the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Buried Talents was named a winner in InterVarsity Press’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

My husband and I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word I say, he fully supports my speaking and writing endeavors.

Links to My Socials:

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

Email List & Monthly Blog: https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Zp0OTN

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22175282.Susan_Harris_Howell

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-harris-howell

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 24 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

July 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 25 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

July 26 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

July 27 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 28 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT

July 29 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 30 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 31 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

August 1 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

August 1 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 3 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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Guest Post and Blog Tour for Puzzles and Premieres, Magical Mystery Book Club by Elizabeth Pantley

Posted on by Debbie

Puzzles and Premieres: Magical Mystery Book Club )
by Elizabeth Pantley

About Puzzles and Premieres


Puzzles and Premieres: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
10th in Series
Setting – In a ski town at a film festival
Better Beginnings, Inc. (July 15, 2025)
Number of Pages: 290
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8287878528
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DZFCSX39
Audiobook ASIN B0CY8K98SF
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When this club selects a book, magic happens!

This book club does more than read their books – they are absorbed right into the story to become the amateur sleuths! To exit the book and get back home, they need to solve the mystery and reach The End.

In this journey, they travel to a mountaintop ski town to experience the enchanting setting of a famous film festival. They’ll meet movie stars, producers, and directors. They’ll watch a film premiere, go skiing, and eat at fancy restaurants. It’s all very glamorous and exciting – until a famous actress disappears.

The book club is on the case! They discover clues in the most unusual way – by putting together enchanted jigsaw puzzles.

As usual, the club finds plenty of time to enjoy the unique setting of their journey, as they put together the mystery – one puzzle piece at a time.

A Weird Thing Happened on my Walk

By Elizabeth Pantley, author of Puzzles and Premieres, Book 10 of the Magical Mystery Book Club Series

I take a daily walk around my neighborhood. I like the fresh air and exercise, and I enjoy looking at the different homes and landscaping. Yesterday, I saw an old blue car parked on the street. Something about it made me suspicious. I’m not sure whether it was how it was parked, where it was parked, or how it looked.

Then, I questioned myself. As a writer of mysteries, was I just creating a story over a regular old parked car? I turned around and walked past it again. No. I really did get a feeling that it didn’t belong there.

Luckily, we have a neighborhood watch group. I texted the group and asked if anyone knew about the car. No one did. That ramped up my suspicion. One of my neighbors agreed and called our local police station with a non-urgent situation.

So, what happened, you want to know. Did the car belong to a random person’s guest, perhaps? Or was it a door-to-door solicitor selling candy bars or magazines? Nope! The police investigated and it turned out to be a group of people caught trespassing in an empty home! The people who were arrested, and that old blue car was removed.

Perhaps my fine-tuned mystery author’s spidey-senses work better than I realized.

About Elizabeth Pantley

Elizabeth writes well-loved cozy mysteries in two series: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, two very different places. Both are rich, gorgeous, natural places, and inspire the settings in many of her books.

Author Links

Website – https://elizabethpantleyauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DestinyFallsMysteryandMagic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyfallsmystery/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/345907-magical-mystery-book-club

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-pantley

Purchase Link: Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 15 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 16 – Baroness’ Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

July 17 –Sarandipity’s– AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 18 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

July 18 – Review Thick And Thin – REVIEW

July 19 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 21 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

July 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

July 23 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

July 24 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 25 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 28 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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Guest Post and Blog Tour for Exposing Lethal Secrets by Deena Alexander

Posted on by Debbie


Exposing Lethal Secrets
by Deena Alexander

About Exposing Lethal Secrets


Exposing Lethal Secrets
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
3rd in Series
Setting – California desert and Florida forest
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335980687
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335980687
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DFQCVR9L
Audiobook ASIN B0DK44F6MS
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This bodyguard and his K-9
will do anything to uncover the truth.

Stumbling upon a burning car and rescuing an injured woman wasn’t on bodyguard Caleb Miller’s vacation itinerary—nor were the gunmen who open fire on them. But Olivia Delaney has no memory of who she is or how she got there, only that she is under threat. Vowing to protect the woman in danger, Caleb and his K-9 go on the run with Olivia. As they work to stay a step ahead of her pursuers, they must untangle her past together…before her family’s deadly schemes bury them both.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

GUEST POST

I love flawed characters, whose internal conflicts are as unique and challenging as the danger they find themselves in. This is a prevailing theme throughout most of my stories. Don’t we all have our own flaws to examine, our own challenges to overcome? But to face those challenges while fleeing from or fighting unimaginable danger takes a special kind of strength, courage and faith. In each of my stories, my characters face their own internal battles while running for their lives.

Exposing Lethal Secrets is no different. When Olivia Delaney regains consciousness after the limo she was riding in went over the side of a cliff, she has no memory of who she is, where she came from, or how she got there. She’s alone, afraid, and has no idea where to turn for help. This is the first time I’ve written a story where the main character had amnesia, and in doing so I tried to envision what she would have felt. The fear would have to be debilitating. Then there would be the trust issues. Both of which Olivia deals with, all while running from a killer. How can she trust the man who finds her when she doesn’t know him and has no idea who’s gunning for her?

Then there’s Caleb Miller and his K-9 companion, Ranger. All Caleb wanted was to go off grid in the desert to heal after a particularly difficult case. Instead, he ends up trying to keep Olivia alive long enough to untangle a past she can’t remember. Together, they’ll have to work through their trust issues if they’re going to survive.

My biggest goal as a writer is to touch as many people’s lives as possible. I’ve always read a lot, and escaping into a fantasy world through books has gotten me through some of my most difficult challenges in life. I would love to offer that same faith, hope, and escape to someone else. Oh, and I’d also LOVE for one of my books to be made into a TV show or movie.

About Deena Alexander

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena’s love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night, and she now works full time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links

Purchase Links
Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 1 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 2 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 4 – OFF

July 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

July 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

July 6 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

July 8 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 9 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 11 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 12 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 13 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

July 14 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

July 15 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

July 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

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Guest Post and Blog Tour for Rocky Road to Murder by Lena Gregory

Posted on by Debbie

 

Rocky Road to Murder (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)
by Lena Gregory

About Rocky Road to Murder


Rocky Road to Murder (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing (July 1, 2025)
Number of Pages – 220
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F7MV3JW5
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From author Lena Gregory comes a tasty summer murder mystery…

Danika Delaney is thrilled that her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, has gotten a catering contract for the biggest party of the season, the Rutherford Manor Fourth of July gala. She’ll be providing desserts for the party as well as attending the exclusive event on Eastern Long Island.

However her path to the gala quickly becomes a rocky road…

Dani arrives at the event, only to find the gala’s hostess, Cressida Rutherford, dead! What’s worse, one of Dani’s signature parfaits sits next to the dead woman, with what looks like peanuts in it—a food Cressida is severely allergic to. Amid the melted ice cream mess, Dani initially blames herself, thinking she made a mistake while rushing with the desserts. However she quickly learns that what appeared to be an accident was actually foul play, and suddenly Dani has to spring into action proving that she isn’t the perpetrator. Along with her friends, Dani uncovers a string of people in Cressida’s life who might have wanted the socialite dead. Can she prove her innocence and make sure the killer gets their just desserts?

GUEST POST

My Writing Journey by Lena Gregory

I suppose you could say my writing journey began when I was in the fifth grade and wrote a story using my vocabulary words about a couple of girls getting lost in the woods. To this day, I can remember the only place I lost points—using petrified to mean scared instead of turned to stone. I also remember my teacher’s reaction to my story. She said there was no way I wrote it. Looking back, I still don’t know if she meant it as a compliment or an accusation, but instead of being flattered that she thought my story was so good I couldn’t have written it myself, I was hurt and discouraged. Thus ended my writing journey (unless you count a spiral notebook full of terrible poetry I wrote as an angsty teenager and kept to myself) for the next thirty-five years.

When my youngest son, who is now fourteen, was born, he didn’t sleep through the night. Since my daughter was seven before she started sleeping through the night, I figured I was in for a lot of years of sleepless nights, which was fine by me because I rarely sleep anyway. I’ve always loved reading, but with all those nights looming ahead of me, I decided to give writing a try. I knew nothing about the writing process, didn’t own a computer, didn’t know what Microsoft Word was, didn’t know how to send an email…never mind using track changes for editing. But I wanted to write, so I set up a loose-leaf binder with a divider for each chapter and began writing my first novel by hand.

Once my husband realized I was serious about writing a novel, he set me up an office and bought me a computer. My best friend taught me how to work Microsoft word, and I took off from there, researching everything I could get my hands on about the writing process.

The first book I wrote was contracted with a small press. and I was thrilled. Of course, that brought a whole new set of learning experiences; editing, using Track Changes, cover art sheets, writing blurbs, and marketing. I was very eager to learn, and I absorbed everything I could over the next few years.

I’ve dreamed of being a published author since I first learned how to read. I’ve always loved to make up stories and often entertained myself that way when I was younger. When I finally signed with my agent, Dawn Dowdle, who sadly passed away last November, she suggested I give writing cozy mysteries a try, and I loved them!

I’ll never forget the call from Dawn saying Berkley was interested in Death at First Sight the first book in my Bay Island Psychic Mystery series. I was standing in the middle of the Magic Kingdom with my husband and kids when the call came in on my cell phone. That was the best vacation ever, even though much of it was spent working on rewrites and working out the details of the contract. I will admit, I cried the first time I walked into Barnes & Noble and found my book on the shelf. I still get emotional when I have a new book release.

Now, I work full-time as a writer and freelance editor. Even though I know what I’m doing more now than I did back then, my writing life isn’t without challenges. I am homeschooling my younger son. My older son, who is twenty-six and on the autistic spectrum, is trying to write his own children’s book and needs help. To make things easier for me to do everything at once, my husband (who is amazing and one of the most supportive men ever, so I am very blessed to have him) built an office in our new house with three work stations, so all of us can work together, and I have never been happier.

About Lena Gregory

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links

Purchase Links – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Kobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 1 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

July 2 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 3 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

July 3 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT

July 4 – OFF

July 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

July 5 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 6 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW , CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 7 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Baroness’ Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 8 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

July 9 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

July 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

July 10 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

July 11 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

July 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 12 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

July 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 14 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

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Posted in Blog Tour, Guest Post

Guest Post and Blog Tour for Camping Conundrum by Stacy Wilder

Posted on by Debbie

A Camping Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
by Stacy Wilde

About A Camping Conundrum


A Camping Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Poinsett Park, SC
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Hawk Press (April 28, 2025)
Number of Pages : 137 Pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990783133
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990783126
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F6MCFQFT
Audio ASIN B0F7GMFQ58
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A heart-pounding cozy mystery filled with twists, turns, and canine charm. Perfect for fans of page-turning whodunits and outdoor adventures!

Private Investigator Liz Adams isn’t thrilled when her husband, Brad, suggests a camping getaway to South Carolina’s picturesque Poinsett Park. The mention of camping brings back a haunting memory of a childhood Girl Scout trip that went terribly wrong. But for Brad, the park is a refuge—a chance to relive happy moments from his past.

The long weekend escape takes a dark turn when Brad discovers a woman’s lifeless body in the park’s peaceful lake. The victim, the landlady of a strip center in the neighboring town of Sumter, was notorious for making enemies among her tenants. With no shortage of motives but no clear suspects, Liz and her truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, embark on a quest to identify the culprit.

As Liz races to uncover the truth and put the killer in jail, the couple experiences one camping disaster after another. Will justice be served? Or will an unexpected twist of karma change everything?

GUEST POST

Here’s an excerpt from the story, based on a real experience I had when I was ten years old:

During a Girl Scout trip to Audubon Park in New Orleans, we stayed in a cabin, and on the first night, men with pantyhose over their heads pressed their faces against the cabin’s windows. The camping trip was cut short, and I remember sitting in the car, trembling, while we waited for our counselors to finish speaking with the police.

My favorite Girl Scout counselor navigated the highway that led to the campground outside of Atlanta where we’d pitch our tents. Inside the van, the mood was festive, and I couldn’t wait to add the coveted camping badge to my collection of awards. The noise level escalated as the rowdy group of ten-year-olds chatted about our latest crushes and favorite TV shows. Our chaperones told us to keep the racket down several times.

After we arrived, we unloaded the camping gear, and the counselors demonstrated how to set up our tents. My friend and I wrestled with the poles for half an hour before we claimed victory. By dinner time, I was starving. Our troop collected logs, built a fire, and roasted a feast of hot dogs, baked beans, and corn on the cob. As a magical golden full moon rose, we sang songs and toasted marshmallows over the flames. I licked the melted chocolate that oozed out the side of a s’more, and my tastebuds tingled.

When it was time to clean up, clouds drifted overhead, and the sky darkened. Two men with pantyhose over their heads appeared out of nowhere. I trembled at the sight of their mushed faces. While they waved knives at the counselors, the men demanded money and food. The adults motioned for us to sit on nearby logs while they emptied their wallets into a paper sack. Several girls screamed, and the men shouted at us to shut up. My heart pounded in my chest. I clamped my hands over my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. When my friend nudged me and whispered, “They’re gone,” I lowered my shaking palms.

The adults called the cops and then ushered us into the van, where we huddled together until the police arrived. The sound of sobs filled the space, and I couldn’t stop shaking. We never completed the trip, so I never earned that badge—and I never went camping again.

About Stacy Wilder

Stacy Wilder writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.

Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, the adventure of travel, and the joy of reading.

She and her husband live in Houston, TX, with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve.

Author Links

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org –

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 19 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 20 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

June 20 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

June 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 22 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 23 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

June 24 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CAMPING CONUNDRUM PLAYLIST

June 25 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

June 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

June 26 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 26 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW, RECIPE

June 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

June 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

June 29 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW

June 30 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

July 1 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

July 2 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

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Posted in Blog Tour, Guest Post

Guest Post and Blog Tour for Dinked Serenity Acres by Crystal Quast

Posted on by Debbie


Dinked: Serenity Acres: Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden
by Crystal Quast

About Dinked: Serenity Acres


Dinked: Serenity Acres: Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden
Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Serenity Acres in the town of Southpoint
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crystal Quast (April 15, 2025)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 254 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1069383813
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1069383815
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DZFCMVHL
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If you love cozy mysteries, welcome to Serenity Acres in the town of Southpoint, where everyone is a hot mess with a secret to hide.

Dinked: Secrets of Serenity Acres, dives deep into the deadly tensions between pickleball and tennis players in the bucolic, ball-buster neighborhood. When Margot Fields tries to push through a plan to expand the local courts, secrets start to come to the surface and residents start to unravel. It’s a death match to the end, but who will come out unscathed in this fun, feisty thriller?

GUEST POST

Not only is Dinked: Serenity Acres my first novel, it is my first attempt at creative writing after nearly 20 years working as a professional writer.

Serenity Acres is set in the bucolic, ball-buster town of Southpoint. Everyone in the posh gated community is a hot mess with a secret to hide. And with Courts Director Margot Fields’ plans to expand the local courts, secrets buried for years threaten to rise to the surface. Pickleball and tennis players are at each other’s throats—and someone might get theirs slit.

That’s got everyone taking wild swings—and guesses—about who’s about to string up Margot.

Dinked: Serenity Acres is Volume 1 in a planned series of five.

Serenity Acres is like an onion. So many layers, there was just no way to reveal all of the secrets in just one novel. That’s why I’ll be building on the funny and flawed residents of this enclave for the next couple of years.

My day job? I’m a Corporate Communications writer for companies listed on stock exchanges all over the world. With over 20 years of experience, I have worked with many types of companies—from nuts-and-bolts manufacturers to high-tech start-ups and everything in between—in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. I even walked past Buckingham Palace on the way to work to sit in the House of Commons on behalf of a cannabis company. Now that’s a Throwback Thursday!

After running my own small agency for nearly a decade, I still wanted to try my hand at the holy grail of most writers: the novel.

I grew up enjoying cozy mysteries like Murder, She Wrote and Columbo with my parents. I enjoyed the light-hearted criminality. Sure, someone got killed in each episode, but not one was seriously sinister. There were no cages in basements or boiling bodies in vats of acid. Just a single shot at mid-range or a sharp hit with a poker, and the victim had been victimized.

And the resolutions left my mom and me laughing out loud. How easily each perpetrator copped to their crime—no interrogations necessary. My husband is similarly inclined, and we gravitate towards light-hearted comedies and sitcoms and avoid anything too graphic. I was the only person who didn’t love Pulp Fiction at the time! (I know, I know… it’s a classic…)

I also grew up in the age of moms ironing to soap operas after school, and as an adult, I still love dramedic-style, serialized shows.

So when I went to create Serenity Acres—the series—I wanted to create something centered on a mystery, but with lasting characters that could move from one crisis to the next, and do it with flair! A little bit of crime, a little bit of fashion, a lot of fun!

For music lovers, there are tons of easter eggs hidden throughout the book—lyrics woven into the prose to hint at characters or even outcomes. How many can you find?

Birds are everywhere, too, in Dinked: Serenity Acres. Giving these creatures of the sky, who can surveil us any time, the power to watch, gossip, and judge the happenings in Serenity Acres adds another dimension. And what’s with all of the crows? With memories like elephants and the ability to hold a grudge longer than an election cycle, they just come back to create more trouble in Volume 2.

I hope you enjoy reading Dinked: Serenity Acres as much as I did writing it.

About Crystal Quast

With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, C.A. loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Author Links

Dinked: Serenity Acres on Facebook

Dinked: Serenity Acres on Instagram

Serenity Acres Secrets (Author website)

My LinkedIN Profile

My company – Bullseye Corporate

Purchase Links

Dinked Serenity Acres on Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 21 – Deal Sharing Aunt – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 22 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 23 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 25 – TOUR PAGE PROMOTION

May 26 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

May 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 28 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

May 30 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

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