Author Interview: Halloween Hi-Jinx by Annee Jones

About the Book

Book: Halloween Hi-Jinx

Author: Annee Jones

Genre: Clean Cozy Mystery

Release date: October 14, 2022

Jinx the cat has a bad reputation for always being in the wrong place at the wrong time – and this Halloween turns out to be no different….

His former owners called him “Cursed” – blamed him for their troubles that began occurring after they got him, which is reason he was turned back into the shelter.  But Clarissa Lightfoot, owner of the new Cat Café doesn’t believe it and wants to help clear his name, so she brings him to the new café (doubling as a halfway house for homeless animals).  – There’s no such thing as a Cursed Cat…. Or is there???

The Cat Café is hosting a costume party fundraiser for Halloween to help homeless animals.  After the party, it’s discovered that someone stole $$ from the cash register, and Clarissa is implicated in the crime.

Someone wants her & her new café to go “Poof” and disappear – but who & why?

Can Jinx – along with handsome police officer Cody Shelton – help discover who’s playing tricks on Clarissa this Halloween?

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

Author Annee Jones loves to write all things romance, fantasy, cozy mystery, & more. She is passionate about writing stories where dreams come true, and love wins in the end!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways:  https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter.

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More from Annee

The story is told in part from Jinx the cat’s point of view!!  😉

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Author Interview with Annee

Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Annee: The inspiration behind this novel was my own cats & love for animals. I have a heart for pet rescue and helping homeless animals. I also know pets have their own (sometimes very big!) personalities, and I couldn’t wait to showcase the animal characters in this book. 😊 I also love cozy mysteries and have been reading mysteries ever since I was a little girl. Writing them has been even more fun that I could have imagined!! The animals definitely hold a special place in my heart – as do all my characters..


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Annee:  I hope that readers take away a light, clean, non-murder fun Halloween mystery (no violence, sex, language, etc.), that includes lots of humor, ambience, a cute mystery, and touch of romance. I hope they finish the book smiling from ear to ear!


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Annee:  Something about myself most readers wouldn’t know….I’m barely 5’ tall and 90 lbs if I’m lucky. I wear kids’ clothes and shoes. My daughter is taller than I am. I was also raised in a small town in rural Texas next to a ranch. Now I live in the city of Seattle. Definitely worlds apart!! I’ve been a mom to 1 daughter, 6 cats, and 1 dog. The animals have all crossed the rainbow bridge over the last several years and I feel another kitty is in our future sometime in the next year. I actually have a tattoo of the cartoon cat from Bewitched on my back. Along with the word Faith.


Q: How many bookshelves are in your home?

Annee:  I have 7 bookshelves in my house LOL (and multiple Kindles). I have an easier time parting with my grandmother’s estate jewelry than I do my physical books!!


Q: Who is an author you would recommend to anyone and everyone?

Annee:  An author I would recommend to anyone/ everyone – God. Reading the Bible & Bible studies is one of the best things a person can do. I highly recommend the Daily Grace Company for Bible studies.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Annee: 

Website: https://www.anneejones.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08KSFSHX1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authoranneejones
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annee-jones

Want to join Annee’s private Facebook reader group, Annee's Angels? Request your spot now:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anneesangelgroup

You can also connect with Annee on her FB author page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneeJones

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter.

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Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Artistic Nobody, October 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 15

Texas Book-aholic, October 16

Inklings and notions, October 17

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Beauty in the Binding, October 21 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 23

Through the Fire Blogs, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 26

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Annee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/22009/halloween-hi-jinx-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Spotlight: Range by Ronie Kendig

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Range by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Range 

Series: The Metcalfes #3 

Author: Ronie Kendig 

Publisher: Task Force Press 

Release Date: September 30, 2022 

Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense

He's back and he's out for blood.

Fed up with living in the shadow of his brothers, Range Metcalfe struck out to carve a name for himself—one written in the blood of many a terrorist. Now, he’s targeting the notorious Madam of Kandahar, who has trafficked children and women. Finally given the green light, he captures her and quickly finds himself entrenched up in a deadly encounter that forces him into the Afghan wilderness—with the madam. 

Ten years trapped in human trafficking and five of those spent overseeing a compound, Kasra Jazani has little left of her soul. No longer able to live with herself, she takes matters into her own hands and coordinates an escape, a massive coup against the man who has kept her and so many others captive. They flee into the night—right into the fierce and capable hands of American operators, who ruin everything and put lives at risk. Livid, she knows death is coming for them, because she also holds a very dangerous, very powerful secret: the name of the man at the top of the trafficking ring. Now that monster wants her—and her American protector—dead.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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EXCERPT

CIA SAFEHOUSE , KANDAHAR PROVINCE , AFGHANISTAN

“SOMETHING EATING YOU?”

Arms folded as he propped against the wall outside the interview room, Range trained his focus on the woman sitting on the other side of the one-way glass. “She gave up too easy.”

Pike joined him. “Who cares as long as we have her, and now a couple dozen women and children freed of her.”

Though Range nodded, it still didn’t add up.

“What?”

“Something’s not right.” He peeled off the wall and faced the onetime master chief. “You’ve seen it—these women are terrified to flee. Yet we infiltrated a heavily fortified compound and find them ... what? Escaping.” He shook his head. “Doesn’t add up.”

Pike studied him for a long second.

“I’m not overthinking it.”

“It’s what you do best.” Laughing, he slapped Range’s shoulder. “Relax. We got them—her. She’s there and she’s not going anywhere.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Range and an Operation Underground t-shirt.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 18, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 25, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Author Interview: The Dark Guest by Sarah Hamaker

 

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Dark Guest by Sarah Hamaker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Dark Guest 

Series: The Cold War Legacy #1 

Author: Sarah Hamaker 

Publisher: Seshva Press LLC 

Release Date: May 15, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense 

The Cold War is over, but The Wolf is still at the door. 

When Violet Lundy isn’t cleaning rooms at Happy Hills Assisted Living Facility, she loves spending her free time with resident Rainer Kopecek. Hearing his stories of the dangerous life he led behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin makes her own life seem more tolerable. But when Rainer is found dead and his room in disarray, Violet suspects foul play. 

Dr. Henry Silverton lives among his books, teaching and writing about the Cold War. A letter about an East German traitor known only as “The Wolf” propels Henry out of academia and into Violet’s life. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth about Rainer’s death and the traitor’s identity. 

Can Violet and Henry uncover the secrets of the past before one of them ends up as The Wolf’s next victim?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

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EXCERPT

“You have date tonight?” Rainer Kopecek smiled from his seat by the window, which overlooked the manicured lawn of the Happy Hill Assisted Living Facility.

Violet Lundy returned the old German’s smile as she removed the pillows from his bed. “Only if you’re available.”

He cackled with glee. “If I were only—”

“Forty years younger.” she finished his sentence before stripping the bed and tossing the sheets into her cart. “I don’t mind being alone.”

“Ah, you are much too young to give up on love. Too pretty as well.”

“You sound like a matchmaker.” She snapped a fresh sheet on the twin bed, then sprinkled a little lavender on it to help cover the strong disinfectant odor that permeated all the laundry. Of all the residents at the facility, she liked Mr. Kopecek best because of his optimism.

“Nothing wrong with that.” He waggled a gnarled finger. “I would like you settled before I meet my Maker.”

“I thought you were going to live as long as Methuselah.” She chuckled. “So I have plenty of time.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Life, it can be cut short. You should not wait too long to find someone.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.

Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahhamakerfiction.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Q: What was the inspiration behind The Dark Guest? 

Sarah: I’ve always been fascinated with the Cold War and East Germany in particular, given how tightly controlled the population was by the government and Stasi. So when this germ of an idea came to me about a mystery based in 1980s East Berlin that impacted lives today, I jumped on it. The result is Violet and Henry’s story, the first in a trilogy (The Cold War Legacy series) about something that happened in 1980s East Berlin with implications for today.

Q:  How long did it take you to write this story? 

Sarah: Which version—ha, ha. This has been a long time coming, given I started this particular story about 10 years ago. I entered it into the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest for three years in a row, revising the entry and book based on judges feedback. It won in 2015, and several publishers considered it, but ultimately decided not to publish it. Then a little over a year ago, I decided to finish writing books 2 and 3 in the trilogy, then begin indie publishing the series. So here we are! The Dark Atonement (book 2) released in September and The Dark Reckoning will be out in early 2023.

Q:  Do you have a favorite quote from this book? 

Sarah: I don’t have a favorite quote, but I do have a favorite character—Rainer Kopecek, who grew up behind the Iron Curtain before emigrating to the United States in the 1990s after the Berlin Wall came down. I liked him so much that I wrote a short story based in East Berlin so I could spend a little more time with him and his wife, Verna.

Q: . What do you hope readers take away from The Dark Guest? 

Sarah: That what happens in the past doesn’t have to color our future. The title comes from the Puritan book of prayers called Valley of Vision. This poem, entitled “The Dark Guest,” refers to how we invite sin into our hearts as if it’s a guest, but that through Christ’s work on the cross, we don’t have to keep the guest in our hearts—we’re freed from the bondage of sin.

Q:  Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know? 

Sarah: This is always a hard one for me, as I don’t think I live a very interesting life—or, perhaps, more accurately, I think my life is interesting and fulfilling but others might not. But I will say that as an introvert whose husband now works from home (and is therefore home all the time), I’ve started having an annual birthday getaway (since my birthday’s in June, this works out well!) all by myself. I’ve been very grateful my wonderful husband understands how important this is for me to recharge my batteries, so he’s been very supportive of my solo writing retreats.

Q:  What are you reading now? 

Sarah: I tend to juggle several books at once, dipping into them throughout the week. I’m reading Toni Shiloh’s In Search of a Prince, Pam Green’s Church on Fire, Nana Dolce’s The Seed of a Woman, The Connected Child, and Susan Cain’s Bittersweet.

Q:  How many bookcases are in your home? 

Sarah: I love this question! I have to go count. Be back in a sec. 18 bookcases! Wow, I knew we had a lot but didn’t realize we had that many. All but four have books on every shelf (the other four have CDs, games or DVDs). Thank goodness you didn’t ask me to count how many books we have!

Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing? 

Sarah: Watch BritBox and knit! I’m currently working on a blanket—well, when one of my three cats lets me knit instead of taking over my entire lap. I’m a little obsessed with British crime shows, and last Christmas, decided to ask my four teenagers if they would purchase an annual subscription to BritBox as my Christmas/birthday/Mother’s Day gifts for 2022. They thought that a fantastic idea, and I’ve already warned them they’ll need to renew for 2023.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Dark Guest (print or ebook, winner's choice), a 20 oz Wolf Tumbler-Stainless Steel Travel Mug With Lid And Straw, a Wolf Wristlet Keychain, an assortment of specialty teas, a The Dark Guest tote, and The Dark Guest notebook.

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of The Dark Guest, a Wolf Wristlet Keychain, an 

assortment of specialty teas, and The Dark Guest notebook.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 11, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Book Review: Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

About the Book:

Years ago, he shattered her heart. Now she must trust him with her life.

As the only girl in her family, and with four older brothers, Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest of ranchers. She's ready to have what she's always longed for--a home of her own. She's set her heart on a parcel of land south of Fairplay and is saving for it with her winnings from the cowhand competitions she sneaks into--but her dream is put in jeopardy when the man she once loved reappears in her life.

After two years away, Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy is all it takes for him to question the path he's set out for himself.

Even though Jericho tries to resist his longtime attraction to the beautiful and vivacious Ivy, he finds himself falling hard and fast for her. In the process, his worst fear comes true--he puts her smack-dab in the middle of danger. With Ivy's life in the balance, will Jericho give her up once again, or will he find a way back to her, this time forever?

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My Thoughts:

Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund takes the enemies-to-lovers romance trope back to 1869 Colorado Territory. Cowgirl Ivy McQuaid and undercover agent Jericho Bliss have the hots for each other from the start. Their love/hate relationship comes with an overload of physical attraction, and I wished for a more nuanced approach to the sexual tension. Still, Hedlund keeps the narrative in the “closed door” category.

Falling for the Cowgirl reads quick and easy despite its substantial length. It held my attention from start to finish, even in the moments that I sighed and wished Ivy and Jericho would stop repeating the same thoughts and harmful actions. The novel focuses primarily on the romance, but contains a treasure hunt, a murderer-in-hiding, and themes about women’s equality. Quite an entertaining blend of elements.

Falling for the Cowgirl lands as the fourth installment in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. The story works as a standalone, but the couples from previous novels make frequent appearances. With so many characters and backstories, I think it’s best to read the novels in order. Three stars.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

My September 2022 Reads and October 2022 TBR

My September 2022 Reads: 

1. The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I liked this book even more this time around. Read my original review.


2. Mothering by the Book  by Jennifer Pepito - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. Prayer Without Pretending by Angela Ashwin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Absolutely amazing book on prayer.


4. The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ - Review available closer to release date.


5. Defending Honor by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review.


6. Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review..


7. Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

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Expected October 2022 Reads:

1. The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski.


2. Life After by Katie Ganshert - My book club's October selection. 


3. Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson - Sally is one of my favorite authors on parenting/homeschooling!


4. Embracing Advent by Jen Ludwig.


5. Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell - This has been on my TBR for several months and I'm not sure if I'll get to read it this month, but I'm keeping it on the list anyway.


6.  The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano.

What will you read this month?

Epic Book Launch: The Letter by Edwina Kiernan

About the Book

Book: The Letter
Author: Edwina Kiernan
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release date: November 1, 2022

She wants a new life.
He’s in danger of losing his.
Will love solve everything — or immerse them in even worse peril?

Restless and ready for a change, Grace Stratton gladly accepts the opportunity to leave her remote parsonage home to serve as a wealthy spinster’s companion in the idyllic country town of Lindenfell. Its warm atmosphere and friendly inhabitants sooth Grace’s lonely heart. But when a mysterious stranger arrives, she soon discovers things aren’t always what they seem.

Convinced chloroform will revolutionise the medical world, Dr. David Carbury frequently administers it to his London patients — until one of them dies. Facing a grave trial to prove his innocence and defend a drug most people view as poisonous, he makes hasty plans to buy time to bolster his case. But he wasn’t expecting to face an even deadlier challenge.

As attraction sparks not long after they meet, Grace soon suspects he’s hiding something, and David knows he can’t run from the truth forever.

But neither of them could imagine the sinister threat lurking just around the corner…

Immersed in faith and intrigue, this Christian Victorian romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.

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BOOK EXCERPT #2

“Grace, my dear.”

Grace turned to see her father, the Reverend Henry Stratton, striding toward her. His dark eyes shimmered with delight, and his grin made her momentarily forget the frustration that had coiled her hands into tight balls at her sides.

“Papa. Another fine sermon.”

“Thank you, my dear.” He studied her for a moment, his grin slipping away. “Are you all right?”

Grace swallowed hard. Her father could read her better than anyone. “It is nothing.”

He gave her a knowing look. “Are you quite sure?”

Grace sighed, shaking her head gently. “Only the usual.”

Her father glanced about at the different clusters of people who were chatting and greeting one another now that the meeting was at an end. He drew his lips into a thin line. “Ah. I see.”

Grace followed his gaze, which seemed to have fallen upon the group of gossiping ladies at the end of the pew. She looked again at her father, gratitude stirring within her. He was gentle and kind, but a fierce streak of ardent protectiveness lay within him, and her great aunt had told her how daringly and passionately he had defended her mother. She still found all the stories she’d heard quite hard to believe sometimes, but what was clear was the deep love that each of her parents had for one another, and for God.

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LINKS TO ALL EXCERPTS

Excerpt One: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-letter-by-edwina-kiernan-epic-book.html

Excerpt Two: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2022/10/epic-book-launch-letter-by-edwina.html

Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-letter-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

Excerpt Four: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2022/10/the-letter-epic-book-launch.html

Excerpt Five: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2022/10/13/the-letter-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Six: http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-letter.html?m=1

Excerpt Seven: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-the-letter-by-edwina-kiernan

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past.

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood.

She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavours to use her pen to point others to Him.

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.

Join her mailing list for free gifts, updates, regular giveaways, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness.

Subscribe at www.edwinakiernan.com