Tuesday, April 26, 2016

"White" by Denise Weimer Book Tour and GiveAway


About the Book

COVER-WHITE_RGB72webWhen Jennifer Rushmore accepts a brooding bachelor’s job offer to act as coordinator for the restoration of his family’s historic doctor’s house (White), apothecary (Widow) and log cabin (Witch) in a rural Georgia community, little does she know it’s her own heart that will undergo the greatest renovation. Three stories. Three centuries. Three lessons on the healing of the heart. And one buried mystery that threatens their redemption.
White: As historic preservationist Jennifer and brooding bachelor Michael restore his ancestors’ historic doctor’s residence in a rural Georgia community, they uncover the 1920s-era prejudice and secrets that caused Michael’s branch to fall off the family tree. Recent graduate Jennifer is determined to fulfill her first professional position with integrity even if her employer lacks a proper appreciation of history. Far more challenging—and sinister—than the social landscape of Hermon are the strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them on the Dunham property. Yet Michael’s and Jennifer’s own pasts pose the biggest obstacles to laying a fresh foundation of family and community.

About the Author
head shotIn addition to The Restoration Trilogy, native Georgian Denise Weimer is the author of numerous magazine articles about her home state, romantic novella Redeeming Grace, The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold). Bright as Gold won the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for authentic Southern literature. She holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University, is a wife and swim mom of two daughters, and always pauses for coffee, chocolate and old houses.

 Post from Denise Weimer

white guest post 2When I speak to book clubs or people ask me why I started writing historical fiction, I tell them that as I grew up, my parents took me to numerous historical sites. I wondered who lived in an old house or town and what their lives were like. What treasures, what secrets, might I find if I could dig down to the bones of an old mansion? My active imagination kicked in, and I started scribbling stories in spiral bound notebooks. I knew from age eleven I wanted to be a writer, though for a time I considered historical preservation as a career. I found the perfect marriage of those desires in The Restoration Trilogy, my new series with Canterbury House Publishing.
white guest postThe restoration my parents did on their own historic house and apothecary shop inspired White, Widow and Witch. While looking for a residence in a country community, Mom and Dad purchased a property they later learned belonged to a line of regionally famous doctors tracing back to Revolutionary War days. Watching them piece together stories from the past with the help of local historians nudged me to depart from the historical settings of my past novels (Redeeming Grace and The Georgia Gold Series) in favor of modern romantic suspense. Readers follow Jennifer Rushmore, a recent historic preservation graduate, and Michael Johnson, a brooding bachelor who has inherited property from ancestors he knows little about, as they restore a doctor’s house, apothecary shop and log cabin. During the restoration of each, they uncover a story from a different century (1920, 1870 and 1790) containing a lesson of “heart healing” they need to apply in the present.
Most of us have been through hardships in our lives that God would use to refine our characters or expose and heal pain from our pasts. Sometimes we’re tempted to just slap another coat of paint over a crack or build a cheap façade over a weakness. God knows that full restoration takes effort, time and expense, so He never goes to work without our permission. However, He is the only one who can bring us to wholeness.
Jennifer accepts the assignment in the eclectic community of Hermon while waiting for her dream job in Savannah, never imagining God might have other plans. Country neighbors determined to become friends, a handsome but secretive employer with conflicting ideas about how to conduct the restoration, and strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them working on the property strip away Jennifer’s personal defenses. She comes to learn that when a person is open to the work of the Master Renovator, one can find blessings in the unlikeliest of places




My Review: 
  
"White" by Denise Weimer is the first book in (The Restoration Trilogy) and is based on an actual restoration even though the book is fiction. 

I loved the story line and the plot but I really didn't like all the details of the house restoration. The characters are believable. 

Jennifer and Micheal both have secrets from their past and neither want to share them.  I felt the book ended on a good note for the characters but at the same time, it left me wondering what really happened between them, other than they both decided to trust God with their future.

I really liked reading Georgia Pearl parts in this book and I was really surprised to learn who she was and why her story was included in her own words throughout the story.

I ended up liking the story but I have to say it took me a while to start enjoying the story but once I started enjoying the book I couldn't put the book down.

I appreciate that Micheal is a Christian who has doubts and questions like most of us do.

I am hoping that book 2 might bring a romance between Jennifer and Micheal! But that is another book. There is a mystery in this book also that I'm hoping is solved in book 2 as well. 

I am giving "White" by Denise Weimer 4 stars. I was given a copy Of "White" by Celebrate Lit for an honest review. 



Blog Stops
April 19: Texas Book-aholic
April 25: Bigreadersite
April 26: Mary Hake
May 1: A Greater Yes
Link to purchase book: Paperback: http://amzn.to/1Ywy03f
Giveaway:                                                                      In honor of the White Celebration Tour, Denise is giving away a print copy of WHITE: Book One of The Restoration Trilogy, a $15 Starbucks card to representing the coffee-loving modern heroine, and a vintage hat to represent the historical heroine. Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/96a4
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Sunday, April 24, 2016

"A Zealot's Destiny "(MedAir Series) (Volume 5) by Braxton DeGarmo

Book Info: Who is trying to eliminate the British Royal Family? And why? After all, the monarchy is largely ceremonial and symbolic.  What does the Stone of Destiny have to do with ancient End Times prophecy?  Where is the Throne of David? After all, God promised David that someone would sit on his throne throughout eternity. It’s that earthly throne that Christ will claim upon His return. And yet, where did it go after King Zedekiah was overthrown and exiled to Babylon in 585 BC?  Why would a new world leader, who waits in the shadows to assume his role in history, want to claim the Throne of Promise as his?  When The Assembly is tasked to fulfill this leader’s wish, will they succeed in thwarting God’s plan? Based upon a mix of Biblical prophecy and current events, A Zealot’s Destiny, Book 5 of the MedAir Series, is a political thriller that will take you on a breakneck roller coaster of action. An explosion at a royal residence in England leads to a small town in Missouri. Is it terrorism, an assassination … or both? Agents of the Royal Protection Service, FBI, and Secret Service … some, or all, could be corrupt. From Westminster College back to Westminster Abbey, Lynch Cully doesn’t know who to trust. In the end, his life will never be the same. You won’t want to put this book down.

About the Author

Braxton DeGarmo spent over 30 years in Emergency and Family Medicine, both in and out of the military, before retiring to focus on writing in 2014. Many of the incidents in his books are based on real occurrences, people, and experiences in his own life, such as learning to escape a water crash in a helicopter. And the technologies described in his books are all current... and possible. Fortunately, he did not pull the events of the main plots from his personal life, although they are issues that affect us all. Human trafficking, medical kidnapping, the insanity of Washington, DC, and other injustices have become the premises used for his stories. He writes from a Judeo-Christian worldview, but he writes his stories to reach and entertain people of all backgrounds. Now, he just needs to find a way to fit his experience with the incredible shrinking woman of Ft. Campbell,KY into a story. Hmmm…
For more about Braxton or to sign up for his newsletter, go to www.braxtondegarmo.com

My Review:"A Zealot's Destiny " by Braxton DeGarmo is volume 5 of the (MedAir Series) and like the other 4 books, keeps you reading till the end and makes you wish for the next book.  It doesn't end with a cliff hanger as such but you know there is probably another book coming! This story uses current events into a believable story line that draws the readers in and keeps them turning the pages.  

 I recommend reading this entire series in order as they follow each other, but unlike other series, these books don't bore you with info from the other stories in this series.  

 "A Zealot's Destiny" by Braxton DeGarmo starts out with a bang, literally, because an explosion at a royal residence in England leads to a small town in Missouri. This small town in Missouri has been recently mentioned in the news a lot.  This story is not a happily ever after fairy tale but one that does end well for our heroes. I must warn you that you might want to have some tissues handy while reading "A Zealot's Destiny " and be prepared for twists and turns you don't see coming. 

 If you have read the other 4 books in this series, you will be happy to know your favorite characters are back and they are still working to"save the day and haven't given up the fight". If you haven't read the others in the series, I really recommend that you do. 

 I encourage you to read the back of this book also since it tells how Braxton Degarmo came up with the story line.

 I have enjoyed all 5 of these books but I think "A Zealot's Destiny" is my favorite of the series because it was nonstop action and I had no clue where the pages was going to take me next. 

 The (MedAir series) are political thrillers, as well as a clean love story. So you have mystery, intrigue and suspenseful plots and romance. I say pick up these books and start reading a series that will leave you like me, wanting to read the next book, or in the case of "A Zealot's Destiny" hoping there is a 6th book.

 I am giving "A Zealot's Destiny" by Braxton DeGarmo five stars. I was given a pfd copy by the author for an honest review. These opinions are my own.

To purchase go here : ttp://www.amazon.com/dp/1943509204/ref=rdr_ext_tmb




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Tuesday, April 19, 2016

"The Reluctant Duchess" by Roseanna M White Book Tour and GiveAway

   Book Information                                           Will Fleeing the Scottish Highlands Only Leave Her in More Danger?

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she’s never felt good enough–not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping those threatening her life.
Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, yet the last thing he needs is the distraction of the newly introduced Lady Rowena. He has enough on his plate having recently come into possession of a rare treasure for which many would kill, yet those around him seem intent on pairing him with this desperate but beguiling girl.
Rowena is reluctant to marry this notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she’ll end up in more danger than she fled.

About The Author

RoseannaWhite2014Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. The Reluctant Duchess is Roseanna’s eleventh published book. Her novels range from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

Guest Post from Roseanna White

Though I’ve written nearly thirty books, thirteen of which will be out by the end of 2016, there’s something very special about the Ladies of the Manor Series. The first book, The Lost Heiress, is a rewrite of the first novel I ever wrote—at the age of 12-13. Once I finished that first novel, I made it my goal to keep adding more manuscripts to my “finished” file. I started in immediately on the sequel . . . and soon ran into a problem. You see, I knew who I wanted these characters to be. Brice Myerston, a duke, whom readers would have met in the first book. And a young lady from Scotland who had suffered abuse.
That’s it. That’s all I knew. And it stymied 13-year-old me, who hadn’t a clue what it felt like to suffer such things, and whose imagination, while rich, just lacked a certain basis in the realities of human nature. Probably a good thing that I gave up on the story back then, and didn’t dust it off again until my mid-20s, when I was reworking the series. And better still that Rowena had many more drafts to go through before she finally took to the printed page in The Reluctant Duchess.
I narrowed my setting down, during those years, to the Highlands, and I chose Loch Morar because of how perfectly the region of Lochaber suited the story I wanted to tell. Isolated. Stark. Rugged. Beautiful. Sometimes cruel. This was a land utterly perfect for my heroine’s family, for her back story. Then came the challenge of picking a clan for her to belong to—because lemme just tell you, one could quite easily offend with such choices, if not portrayed properly, LOL. And because I wanted her father to be chief of her clan, I ran the risk of people mistaking him for the actual chief, if I chose an actual clan.
A writing friend came to rescue and offered her last name for my heroine: Kinnaird (pronounced “kin-AIRD”), which is a sept (branch) of another clan in reality, so had no chief of its own, but was still a well-established Scottish name. Perfect!
So Rowena Kinnaird was born after many years of her character floating in and around my head and computer screen. And I got to pair this backward, sometimes shy, sometimes stubborn Scottish lass with the charming, suave, polished English duke I’d had planned out since I was 13.
I went to great pains in The Lost Heiress to make Brice Myerston a favorite character, so that readers HAD to read his story. Mwa ha ha ha. 😉 So far, so good on that score! Brice is a hero who has his faults, but he also has character. He has faith. He has a good heart, he’s considerate, he’s understanding. And he’s also so accustomed to charming everything female that he doesn’t quite know what to do when Rowena doesn’t seem inclined to be charmed.

There are clashes. There is tension. There’s much healing on Rowena’s part. Many trials for them both. But I hope that through this story of The Reluctant Duchess readers see what it means to triumph over past hurts. And how brightly God shines against the darkness.                                                                                

My Review: "The Reluctant Duchess" by Roseanna M White is a book that once I started reading it I had to keep reading it till I finished it! It can be read as a standalone but I am so glad that I read the first book "The Lost Heiress" in this series ("Ladies Of The Manor"). "The Reluctant Duchess" is Lady Rowena Kinnaird's story but reintroduces us to characters from"The Lost Heiress". 


"The Reluctant Duchess" is a story of God's love in a world of darkness. "The Reluctant Duchess" isn't a fairy tale filled with all beauty and happiness but it is a story with a somewhat happy ending. I say this because the ending is happy for some characters but not others. But, isn't that the way life is. 

Roseanne White has written a novel with lots of truths that Rowena has learned about God and I believe that readers need to learn and apply to our lives as well. I am including a quote from the book about love that I believe expresses what love is so beautifully.

"He’d always thought love to be something that just happened. Or, as he’d said to Cayton that day at Whitby Park, an action they could take until their hearts caught up with their hands. But maybe it was more than that. Maybe it was a choice. Maybe it was as much about determination and dedication as discovery. Maybe it wasn’t a feeling, wasn’t an emotion—if it were, it would be changeable, fleeting, like anger or happiness or sorrow. But it shouldn’t be. Couldn’t be. Love had to be firmer than that. Which meant that love, like faith, couldn’t be based on feelings. It had to be based on what didn’t change. On what he knew".

I loved this novel but I have to be honest and say it wasn't a fast read like "The Lost Heiress" but it kept me turning the pages and yes I have to warn readers there is violence ( guns and attempted murder and rape, (the rape is not described in detail) but no cursing and no bedroom scenes except kissing, but who wouldn't want kisses in a book that was a love story! I recommend this book to Christian readers and nonbelievers alike as God's truths are spoken and shown throughout the story but not in a preachy way! 

Just like in any story there are characters you love to hate and characters you love and "The Reluctant Duchess" certainly don't disappoint in that aspect. The author writes in such a way that you can feel what the characters feel and feel like you are watching the story take place.

I am sure you can tell that I am giving "The Reluctant Duchess" five stars and I want to say Thank you to Roseanne White and Celebrate Lit for introducing me to (The Ladies of The Manor Series). I will be reading more of Roseanne's White's books in the future and am anxiously waiting for book 3 in this series! 

I was given a copy of "The Reluctant Duchess" by Roseanna White by Celebrate Lit for my honest review and these opinions are my own. 


Purchase your copy here.

                                                                  Blog Stops

April 12: Just Commonly
April 12: Book by Book
April 13: Melissa Wardwell
April 14: A Holland Reads
April 15: Splashes of Joy
April 15: Story Matters
April 16: Bookworm Mama
April 16: bigreadersite
April 17: cherylbbookblog
April 17: A Greater Yes
April 19: Henry Happens
April 19: Karen Hadley
April 20: Texas Book-aholic
April 21: Proverbial Reads
April 21: Heidi Reads…
April 22: 100 pages per hour
April 23: The Power of Words
April 24: Giveaway Lady
April 24: Under His Wings

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of her book, Roseanna is giving away a few of Roseanna’s favorite things. Click the link to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e146afbf20/?

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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

"A Season To Wed" Book Tour and a Kindle Fire Giveaway!

About the Book

They helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.


Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk
Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.
Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own.
A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck
Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.
Ginger Winters will be the “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade. But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts.
Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt
Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it’s served up on a silver platter?
Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career. Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow’s roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from.
But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen.

About the Authors

Rachel Hauck Bio:
Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.
Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck.
Cindy Kirk Bio:
Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls. Cindy invites you to check out her websitewww.cindykirk.com. Twitter: @CindyKirkAuthor
Cheryl Wyatt Bio:
Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s a USA Today bestselling author and has earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Join her newsletter at www.CherylWyatt.com. Facebook: CherylWyattAuthor Twitter: @cherylwyatt
My Review:                                                                 As stated above "A Season To Wed" is a collection of three winter love stories and they are all wonderful. They will cause your heart to want to fall in love again.  
"Love at Mistletoe Inn" by Cindy Kirk is the first story in the book and though I like the story, the book wasn't my idea of a Christian story, yes it was clean, I thought some parts might be considered a little much for a Christian romance. Yes,  I would recommend this book and say it is a clean read but the other two stories are definitely Christian. 
"A Brush with Love" by Rachel Hauck is one story that I really really loved. I have to  tell you I cried by the time I was finished with this story. No I don't have physical scars but I have emotional scars and I too have a hard time (some days) believing that God loves me, but I am going to tell myself that I am beautiful and that I am loved just like Ginger in the story. I was really convinced that my problem is like Ginger that I expect others to treat me like they do because it is how I see myself. I have put quotes from this book as my Facebook status. Yes, this story is that good. This is my Facebook status after finishing this story, Have you ever read a book that when you finish it you think God you had the author write this story just for me and it begins a personal change in your thinking about yourself and about how God loves you! I know others won't see this story the same way I did nor will it has the same impact but ""A Brush With Love" by Rachel Hauck is definitely a life changing book for me even if it is fiction.
"Serving Up a Sweetheart " by Cheryl Wyatt is about a girl who was abused at home and bullied by her classmates.  This story made me cry also. 
All three stories are about past loves and second chances. I am giving this book 4 stars. I have added all three authors to my authors I want to read more of their books list. 
I was given a copy of "A Season To Wed" by Celebrate Lit for my honest review and these opinions are my own.  
Click here to purchase your copy.

Giveaway  To celebrate the A Season To Wed Celebration Tour, Rachel Hauck is giving away a Kindle Fire!                                                                               Click to enter https://promosimple.com/ps/953c


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Friday, April 8, 2016

"The Carpenter's Daughter" by Jennifer Rodewald "Pre-Order and Release Extravaganza One Day Event"

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction
Publisher: Rooted Publishing
Publication Date: April 15, 2016
Number of pages: 349
Book Info: 
One word can change a life…

Sarah Sharpe has grown up as a carpenter’s daughter, knowing only the rough and work-heavy world of her father’s blue-collar profession. Abandoned by her mother as a baby, she’s lived twenty-one years content to drive nails at her dad’s side. Following her father into the world of construction was a natural path, and she took it without a second thought. But a harsh comment about her “butch” appearance sends her on a search for identity.
​Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy.  His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.
​
Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?
GOODREADS | Pre-order now on AMAZON for $0.99

Author Info: Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that pointed to the grace of God. Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic. She would love to hear from you! Please connect with Jennifer on:
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE
I Am Not Alone (Kari Jobi): 
https://www.youtube.com/embed/bfveawSAHJA

Jesus Loves Me (Chris Tomlin):
https://www.youtube.com/embed/c8gKXu6J2wE


 Tour Stops
Smiling Book Reviews--Guest Post: Introducing the Carpenter's Daughter...and Sharing a New That Lasts
​Reading is My SuperPower--Endorsements + Gust Post: Enough
cherylbbookblog --Game: Word Search
Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance--Sales Post
Katie's Clean Book Collection--Character Sketch
Bloomfield Of Thoughts--Guest Post: I am Loved
KJ's Book Nook--Game: Puzzles​
The Editor's Note--Behind the Scenes (plus a sneak-peek)...
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations--Playlist
Singing Librarian Books--Guest Post: The Story Behind the Cover

 
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Wednesday, April 6, 2016

"Buckhead Dead" by Deborah Malone and a Giveaway


Book Info:  Southerland and Honey Truelove have just finished an interior design job for Sylvia Landmark, one of Buckhead's most eccentric characters, and their designs are to die for. After a celebration at Sylvia's home where they reveal the new décor, including a desk with a possible link to the pirate Blackbeard, Sylvia turns up dead, leaving the ladies wondering if this desk is worth more than they bargained for. Skye and Honey are now suspects in the murder of a woman who had few friends, and plenty of possible enemies. In an attempt to clear their names, Skye, Honey, and Honey's loveable cousin Ginger embark on a journey to find the real killer, figure out the history behind the desk, and clear their names before they end up going to jail, or even worse, becoming the next victims! With plenty of warnings from Skye's husband Mitch, and the ruggedly handsome Detective Montaine assigned to Sylvia's case, these girls still manage to get right in the middle of the investigation, while having time to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.

AUTHOR INFO:
Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for 2011 and 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads” since 2001. She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson, as well as the “Christian Communicator.” She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writers and Speaker’s Association and the American Christian Fiction Writers.
 Journey to Publication
Pack your suitcase and come take a little journey with me. Let’s start at the beginning. I believe I came out of the womb with a book in my hands. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love to read. I can still remember the smell of the library in my elementary school. I don’t know if it was dust or mildew, but I associated it with books. I loved that smell!
When I got a little older my friend introduced me to the library downtown. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Book heaven that is! I think I read every mystery in the young adult section. I know many of you will remember Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon (then there will be others scratching your head). My main character, Trixie, in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series is named after Trixie Beldon.
When I was growing up my mother had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and required a lot of help from me. I would read my books to take me away from all the responsibility for a while. Looking back I believe my mother realized how important books were to me because she always made sure I had plenty to read.
I married at nineteen and had two girls over the next few years. My youngest daughter became very ill leaving her seriously disabled and requiring around the clock care. So I stayed busy raising my girls. In 1999 I went through a divorce and Niki and I moved in with my dad. I would take care of both of them for the next 10 years until my dad moved into assisted living. During those years I started writing, and this like reading would take me away from the tremendous responsibility for a little while. I worked on my first book off and on for the next ten years.
Then one day I learned about the on-line writer’s group, American Christian Fiction Writers. I knew I wanted to write my book as Christian fiction, but didn’t know how. I learned everything I could about the craft of writing (and still learning) and rewrote my first book, Death in Dahlonega, as a Christian cozy. This doesn’t mean that it is a preachy or judgmental book, but one that is just good clean fun. I hope I can make my readers laugh a little and take them away from their stress for a minute.
My first book, Death in Dahlonega, was published in 2011 by Lamp Post Publishing of California. There are now four books in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series. My latest book is, Buckhead Dead, the first book in the new series, Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery Series. I am working on the second book in the series, Decatur Dead. One thing that is unique about my books is that even though they are fiction all of the settings are real. If you knew the area you’d recognize the buildings, roads, restaurants, etc. But you don’t have to be familiar with the area to enjoy the book. It is just icing on the cake.
A fun thing about my book, Buckhead Dead, (an affluent suburb of Atlanta) is that one of the main characters, Honey Truelove, wears Merle Norman Romance Red Lipstick. I had a book signing the other day at a nearby Merle Norman and we had a ball. It was like having a great big girl party. I’ve had a lot of good feedback from those that have read, Buckhead Dead. I am now wearing Honey’s signature color, Romance Red, and really like it. I didn’t think I could wear red lipstick, but I’ve had a lot of compliments on it.
I’m looking forward to finishing the next two books in the series to see what kind of adventures the girls, Skye, Honey and Ginger take us on. I hope that you will take that journey with them, too, and that you’ve enjoyed going on a little journey down memory lane with me.
To purchase your copy of Buckhead Dead, click here.
MY REVIEW: "Buckhead Dead" by Deborah Malone is the first book in "The  Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery Series" and it was easy to read and easy to follow.
Though the book is a Christian book, I didn't find much to recommend it to other readers who only like to read Christian books. I must be honest and say I didn't really find anything unChristian except for one little part about spicing up the marriage ( this part wasn't too explicit, just a shock to me, though I admit I am old fashioned). 
There was one sentence on page 123, " I needed to give myself a break and remember God didn't expect us to be perfect". This was the only thing that I felt made it a Christian book for me. 
This was supposed to be a mystery and it was but I felt that two of the main characters were " wanting to attract the opposite sex more than solve the case.  I felt the characters were always eating in this book. 
I felt the last part of the story was better than the rest. I really like that this story ended up being two mysteries instead of one. ( I hope this isn't a spoiler alert).
I know most of the reviews for "Buckhead Dead"are favorable ones but I wasn't that impressed with this book but I will read book 2 as I really liked Skye's character. 
I am giving"Buckhead Dead" three stars.
I was given a copy of "Buckhead Dead" by Deborah Malone by Celebrate Lit for my honest review and these opinions are mine own.

Giveaway

To celebrate the book tour, Deborah is graciously giving away a $50 Darden gift card.  Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/94c8

Blog Stops

March 31: Just Commonly
April 1: ArtisticNobody
April 3: Mary Hake
April 4: Bigreadersite
April 7: Bukwurmzzz

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