Cherie Colyer's Blog, page 12

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the 1-2-3-4, I DECLARE A THUMB WAR by Lisi Harrison & Daniel Kraus Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: 1-2-3-4, I DECLARE A THUMB WAR

Author: Lisi Harrison &

Pub. Date: September 6, 2022

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 256

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Meet Whisper, Frannie, Sophie, Gemma, and Zuzu, five friends who tell eerie tales by night and navigate middle school drama by day.

MISERY FALLS, OREGON, IS ABUZZ AS the 100th anniversary of the electrocution of the town’s most infamous killer, Silas Hoke, approaches. When a mysterious text message leads the girls to the cemetery—where Silas Hoke is buried!—life can’t get any creepier. Except, yes, it can thanks to the surprise storyteller who meets them at the cemetery, inspires the first-ever meeting of the Graveyard Girls, and sets the stage for a terrifying tale from Whisper that they’ll never forget.
 
This slightly scary, extremely addictive story is the first in a five-book series by New York Times bestselling authors Lisi Harrison and Daniel Kraus. 

Reviews...

“The humor is strong throughout, and the story is strongest when keeping readers guessing about what’s real—both in the interpersonal conflicts and the seemingly supernatural happenings.... A good blend of spooky and silly.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This clever, fast-paced story is filled with thrills that will have readers flipping pages into the night.…The town of Misery Falls gives an eerie feeling resembling that of Fear Street’s Shadyside.... A strong first title for fans of scary stories, horror movies, and things that go bump in the night.” — Booklist

 

My thoughts...

Definitely an interesting book. I found myself laughing out loud at the beginning of the book. For four girls who love telling spooky stories, they are a bit of scaredy cats, but it’s all part of the fun. The story quickly moves on and is told from alternating POVs that work well. The mystery has a Scooby-Doo-esque feel and discovering how the girls will unravel it was entertaining.

This book is the first in a five-book series, and I think kids between the ages of 10-13 who enjoy spooky stories and being a part of a secret club will like this one.

 

About Lisi Harrison:

Lisi Harrison, the queen of teen comedy, has written 37 YA and middle-grade novels including Monster High and the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Clique, which has sold more than eight million copies. Lisi launched two new middle-grade series in 2021, Girl Stuff and The Pack. She lives in California. Visit her at lisiharrison.com. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Daniel Kraus:

Daniel Kraus is a New York Times bestselling horror author and co-author of both Trollhunters and The Shape of Water with Guillermo del Toro. His work has been translated into more than twenty-five languages. Daniel lives in Illinois. Visit him at danielkraus.com.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads| Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of 1-2-3-4, I DECLARE A THUMB WAR, US Only.Ends September 13th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/29/2022

Feed Your Fiction Addiction

Review/IG Post

8/30/2022

Ya Books Central

Interview/IG Post

8/31/2022

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

9/1/2022

Wanderingwitchreads

Review/IG Post

9/2/2022

Write. Read. Live

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

9/5/2022

BookHounds YA

Review/IG Post

9/6/2022

The Real World According to Sam

Review/IG Post

9/7/2022

pick a good book

Guest Post/IG Post

9/8/2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

9/9/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

Do you read ghost stories? Do you have a favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

Who doesn't like a giveaway? And N.N. Light's Book Heaven always has fun giveaways for us book lovers. 
Autumn is here and readers are gearing up for some serious tackling of their to-be-read list. September is Read a Book a Month and N. N. Light’s Book Heaven is your guru to unleashing your inner reader. They have teamed up with over thirty authors to offer loads of books plus gift cards. Readers can win free books including hardcover, e-copy and audiobooks plus Amazon gift cards. The list is long and personally, I’d love to win myself but alas, I can’t. So, I’ll just live vicariously through the lucky winners. If there’s a particular book or prize you’d like to win, be sure to say which prize you want when you enter via Rafflecopter. Enter below and good luck!
What's up for grabs this month?
$25 Amazon gift card generously donated by Jennifer Ivy Walker$25 Amazon gift card generously donated by Jennifer Ivy Walker$25 Amazon gift card generously donated by Linda J. Parisi$10 Amazon gift card generously donated by Mary Morgan$5 Amazon gift card generously donated by Sharon Buchbinder$5 Amazon gift card generously donated by Cadence Vonn2 print copy of Skinny Dipping in a Dirty Pond by Lis Anna-Langstone-copy of Cowboys, Cattle & Cutthroats by Gini Rifkine-copy of Measure Twice, Murder Once by Barbara Barrette-copy of Bear With Me by Marilyn Barr3 e-copy of Blood & Studs by Lynda Reese-copy of Felony Melonie in Pageant Pandemonium: A Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novel by Douglas J. Eboch and Kris Bocke-copy or print copy of winner’s choice of one of C. C. Bolick’s bookse-copy of Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss by Cherie Colyere-copy of Just Desserts and Other Stories by Vicki Batmane-copy of Seduce by Marie Tuharte-copy of Chick Magnet by Mary Martinez (US only)2 e-copy of The Worst Lord in London by Anna Campbell (US only)e-copy of Iron Cop by Sally Boothe-copy of Night of the Owl by Judith Sterlinge-copy of Winter Storm by Ellie Graye-copy of winner’s choice of one of Cathy Burnham Martin’s bookse-copy of Fredrick Fly-Catcher by Helen C. Johannes (US only)e-copy of The Race by John Russo (US only)e-copy of Rubber Bullets by Roni Faciane (available in either English or Spanish)2 e-copy of Heart Storms by N. Christine Samuelsone-copy of Debriefing the Dead by Kerry Blaisdelle-copy of The Goalie by Angelo Lopeze-copy of A Soul Unbroken by A.D. Brittene-copy of Amity by Linda Carroll-Bradde-copy of A Magic Redemption by Tena Stetler (US only)signed print copy of Until We Say Goodbye by Jane Drager (US only)audiobook code of Bouquet by Lucinda Race (US only)e-copy of Return of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandinghame-copy of Thirsty for Water: A Short Story by N. N. Lighte-copy of Highland Burn by Michelle Deerwester-Dalyrymplee- copy of Aden’s Chance by Michael Roberts2 e-copy of Rock House Grill by D.V. Stone (US only)

Click here to enter

I'm delighted to welcome D.V. Stone back to my blog. She has shared with us a little about her books, the characters, and her hobbies. Plus, there is a Two Truths and a Lie at the end of the interview. Can you guess which is the lie?
Welcome back D.V. Stone! Thanks for being here with us.
What inspired you to write this book?
Jazz House is the second book of my Impact series about First Responders. As a former EMT, my goal is to present them as the heroes they are.

What are you working on now?
I have several works in progress including a third Impact book about firefighters. As a multi-genre author, I’m also working on Shield-Mates of Dar a fantasy series.

How did you come up with the concept and/or characters for the book?
Many readers of Rock House Grill fell in love with Michael Machau a police officer. Michael needed his own happily ever after. Jazz House is the second restaurant owned by the House family and Jordon, who had only been referred to in RHG fell in love with him too.

Tell us about your main character.
Michael is a gentle soul. He rescues animals and people too. I know the readers are going to adore him. He loves greatly and protects those he loves.

Tell us about the antagonist.
Kyrios is as Jordon tells Michael, “A very bad man.” He’s rich, entitled, and has ties with international crime syndicates.

Tell us about the research you did before writing this book.
I’m familiar with first responder things but I had a telephone interview with a local police sergeant (now retired) who helped me with showing a night in the life of a small-town beat cop. The scene with Michael patrolling the town and finding Jim Crawford and Mutt is one of my favorites.

Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your heroine’s bed?
A book, specifically a cop romance, a sewing kit, and a go-bag.

How about the hero’s bed?
A dog bone, a tumbleweed of dog hair, a box of pictures and memorabilia from his deceased mother.

Tell us about a book that stayed with you long after you finished reading it.
My inspirations for writing are JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Their writing continues to inspire and want to emulate. Then during my teen years, I found romance novels. Kathleen Woodiwiss, Victoria Holt, Rosemary Rogers, etc. Many of those novels wouldn't fly in today’s world but in my time they were the bomb.

What is your favorite genre and why? A read across genres. Fantasy, Romance, and Young Adult are my favorites but Sci-Fi and bios also line my shelves.
What do you do when you’re not writing?I’m a glamper! I love to travel the country and meet people. Cooking over the open fire and sharing meals with those brings me great joy.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Persistent, empathetic, optimistic, wry humor.

Where were you born/grew up?
I’m a Brooklyn NY native but have lived in many places. I’ve gone to 12 different schools and I’m not an army issue.

What are you passionate about?
Animal Rescue. It’s one of the traits I wanted to give Michael.



Now for a fun game. Below DV Stone provided two truths and a lie. Can you guess which is the lie?I met my husband while in a woman’s state prison.I’ve been on the receiving end of the delivery of two babies.My favorite foods are lima beans, coconut, and jello.

About the book
Jazz HouseAuthor: D. V. StoneGenre: Romantic SuspenseHeat level (if over PG13): PG
Blurb
Jordan Vasilakis is on the run, living under an assumed name. After a disastrous marriage to a notorious Greek business tycoon, she flees to the States and starts rebuilding her life. But her ruthless husband is determined to destroy her…once he finds her.
Michael Machau is drawn to the new singer at Jazz House restaurant, but the guarded woman is harboring dangerous secrets. The dedicated police officer may have to risk more than just his heart to forge a connection with the woman he knows as Madeline Cielo, especially when he discovers she’s living a lie.
Worlds collide. Lies entangle. Survival, much less love, is in question. They must quickly distinguish friends from enemies or risk losing everything—including a future together.

Grab your copy today!Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Apple Book  |  Other Book Sellers

Peek between the Pages
Jordan scrambled to the other side of the limo.

“You sing good tonight.” He scrolled through his phone.

“Yes, Kyrios.”

Outside the window, massive cruise ships docked in the port. Happy older people made their way up the gangplanks toting bags filled with souvenirs, while the younger ones debarked dressed for the nightlife. Sparkly sequins flashed like diamonds as one young woman twirled on the pier.

God, how had she come to this life? She willed her hovering tears not to fall. Kyrios wouldn’t approve.

When she was offered a place in the touring group ten years ago, she thought it was the beginning of great things. Standing in the cabaret with the lights shining down was her dream come true. When she was the woman in the sparkly dress.

Until he showed up.

Each night, Kyrios Vasilakis, Greek business tycoon, sat at the front table watching her. Yes, he was older but so very handsome. Dark hair with silver at the temples, he cut a dashing figure in his black suits.

Jordan began to sing to him. It was the beginning of the end. After a whirlwind romance, she found herself a prisoner in marriage to a brute.


About the author:
D. V. Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre, traditionally and independently published author. She writes books people want to read. Whether romance or fantasy, her stories are about the importance of friends and family. About overcoming obstacles while doing it with humor.

Around the Fire is a popular weekly blog where she introduces both established and new authors giving an insider’s look into their lives and books as well as tidbits about her own life.

After retiring, she is now a full-time author and incorporates her life experiences into her books.

A former Emergency Medical Technician, she volunteered in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At the same time, she worked as a professional EMT in a women’s state prison. She was the proprietor of a coffee shop and a small restaurant/ice cream stand in the years that followed. The years following were as a manager in an animal emergency hospital, while her last position was in a human medical office.
When not behind the wheel of 2Hoots—a 41 foot long 13.2 feet high 5th Wheel camper, she rambles around town in Northern New Jersey in a white Camaro. She also loves travel and history.
D.V. is wife to an amazing husband, mother to one son, and not your average grandma to three beautiful grands. A woman of faith, she believes and trusts in God.

“My greatest pleasures are spending time outside with friends and family, cooking over the open fire, sipping a glass of wine, and reading.”

Hali, her rescue dog, always reminds her to let readers know, “Woof, woof.” Which is loosely translated as support your local animal rescue.

You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media.

Connect with D.V. StoneWebsite  |  Links  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon  |  TikTok  |  Newsletter

It's here! My newest contemporary, paranormal romance!
I'd like to thank everyone at The Wild Rose Press who ushered this story through the publishing process. Special thanks to Eilidh MacKenzie, my fantastic editor. The book wouldn’t be what it is today without your keen eye for detail and expert guidance, to RJ Morris for the adorable cover, to Lisa Dawn for always being there to answer questions, and to the many others who had a hand in bringing this book to you.

I'd also like to thank Kym Brunner and Katie Sparks. I couldn’t have finished this book in the short timeframe I wrote it in without your support and feedback. You’ll see that many of your suggestions made it into the story.
Now, without further ado...  


Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding KissAuthor: Cherie ColyerPublisher: The Wild Rose PressSeries: One Scoop or TwoGenres: Paranormal Romance
A kiss to remember... if only she could.
Blurb
Roman Briggs built a life for himself in Siren’s Cove. He restored the Sugar Cones Ice Cream Parlor and turned it into a popular stop along the boardwalk. He has everything he needs until a certain blue-eyed woman wanders back into his life.
Seer and witch Peyton Woods isn’t sure why her latest visions feature a man and boy she’s never met. Determined to find out, she casts a spell that leads her to a small beach town in Maine and, to her utter surprise, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier.
Peyton's left with one question. Why didn't her magic show her him?

What readers have said

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This enchanting read is perfect for a summer afternoon.” - Still Moment Magazine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“This book is perfect for a summer afternoon, preferably with a huge ice cream.” – Goodreads reviewer

Grab your copy today! Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Apple ~ Universal link  ~Goodreads ~ Bookbub

Events
August 22nd - 28th: Instagram Book Tour & Giveaway hosted by Hidden Hollow TourSeptember 5th - 18th: Book Blog & Giveaway Tour hosted by RABTMore to come!

In the spirit of this book, tell me what your favorite ice cream is.

I'm delighted to have my middle-grade, action-adventure, FRIENDS TO THE END, featured in Long and Short Reviews' 15th Anniversary celebration! Don't miss the party! They will be giving away two $100 Amazon/BN gift cards along with smaller Amazon gift cards and books! There will be dozens of winners. Good luck to everyone who enters!
"Friends to the End was a heartwarming read for anyone who loves the paranormal side of the fantasy genre." - Long and Short Reviews. 

FRIENDS TO THE ENDby C.L. ColyerMiddle-grade AdventureReluctant reader approved!
About the book
Twelve-year-old Zach is convinced he'll never be happy without his best friend Jeremy by his side. But both of their lives changed with a bang five months ago, and as far as Zach's concerned, it's his fault Jeremy will never see his twelfth birthday.

When Zach moves with his family to a Chicago suburb, he quickly becomes friends with a group of thrill-seeking kids trying to find a disappearing haunted house. But Zach's not worried. He doesn't believe in ghosts, so he follows them into a wild, dangerous encounter that becomes a battle to decide what's real and what's not.
Grab your copy today!
Follow the link to enter the giveaway!

Hi! I'm so glad you stopped by!

Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss is available on Netgalley. If you're a fan of romance, ice cream, and a bit of magic, this might just be the book you've been looking for. I'd be honored if you'd check it out. Also, if you could help me spread the word by Twittering or sharing on Pinterest or Instagram I'd be ever so grateful!

Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding KissAuthor: Cherie ColyerPublisher: The Wild Rose PressSeries: One Scoop or TwoGenres: Paranormal Romance
A kiss to remember... if only she could.
Blurb
Roman Briggs built a life for himself in Siren’s Cove. He restored the Sugar Cones Ice Cream Parlor and turned it into a popular stop along the boardwalk. He has everything he needs until a certain blue-eyed woman wanders back into his life.
Seer and witch Peyton Woods isn’t sure why her latest visions feature a man and boy she’s never met. Determined to find out, she casts a spell that leads her to a small beach town in Maine and, to her utter surprise, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier.
Peyton's left with one question. Why didn't her magic show her him?

Request a copy on Netgalley!
What readers have said
5-stars"This enchanting read is perfect for a summer afternoon.” - Still Moment Magazine
5-stars“This book is perfect for a summer afternoon, preferably with a huge ice cream.” – Goodreads reviewer

Not on NetGalley? No problem! Pre-order your copy today! Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Apple ~ Universal link  ~Goodreads ~ Bookbub

A Kelly Society Christmasby S.K. AndrewsGenre: ParanormalPublisher: Wild Rose Press
Blurb
After killing a demon and saving the modern world, paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly only has three days till Christmas. She scrambles to buy gifts, grocery shop for holiday feasts, and get a Christmas tree. She’s on track when suddenly, her young friend Josh calls the wrath of Krampus, the Christmas demon.
Can Vivien buy gifts, cook Christmas dinner, decorate the tree, and also save Josh before Krampus drags him to an eternal hell? Vivien must call upon the most frightening goddess of all for help—Hel, goddess of the underworld.

Peek between the pages...
Vivien picked up her petticoats with one hand, clung to her songbook with the other, and ran. “Josh, Brian, come with us! We have to stay together!” she called over her shoulder.

Neal held onto his top hat and ran alongside Vivien.

A group of four millennials whipped their heads around and started following Krampus, Vivien, and Neal.

“Wow! This show is dope!”

“Don’t you know who that is?” The red-haired woman in their group pointed her finger. “That’s Krampus! My cousin went to the Krampusnacht Festival in Austria last year. He’s the opposite of Santa Claus. He’s a Christmas demon who punishes naughty children!”

“Let’s go!”

“Yeah, let’s check it out!”

They crossed the street with hollers and laughter.

To her horror, Vivien glanced back to see a mass of individuals pacing behind them in the middle of the road. The caroling team, Christmas shoppers, and random folks holding coffee cups moved in to see what would happen.


Grab your copy today!Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub

About the author:When S.K. Andrews wasn't swimming in the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, she busied herself by writing fantasy stories and acting on stage. Having grown up watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and Night Gallery shows on TV, S.K. quickly fell in love with paranormal tales with a message of wisdom and love. Also, being a fan of romance novels and non-fiction ghost stories, she decided to marry the two and write paranormal novels of suspense, adventure, and intrigue with a strong romantic foundation. The sense of adventure inside her came from summers of camping with her family in Mexico (Baja California) and walking along beaches with no other footprints but hers, as her family members unpacked the camper and got ready to collect clams right off the shoreline for dinner. After attaining a B.A. degree in Theatre from University of California, Irvine, and a Professional Acting Certificate from LACC Acting Academy, an idea sparked for interviewing actors to help student actors entering the theatre arena. Her non-fiction book The Pursuit of Acting; Working Actors Share Their Experience and Advice was published by Praeger Publishers. In The Kelly Society book series, S.K.'s heroine, paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly and her team are in a race to rid the modern world of deadly Celtic creatures. Bay of Darkness and A Kelly Society Christmas are the first two books in the series. Bay of Darkness won the Finalist prize in 2019 from N.N. Light's Book Heaven and also placed Finalist with Readers Favorite in 2020. The beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York is where S.K. calls home. To sign up for her monthly newsletter and learn more, check out: https://www.skandrews.com

Connect with S.K. AndrewsWebsite  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

 

I'm excited to be hosting a spot on the JUCHE by Adria Carmichael Blog Tour hosted by Goddess Fish  Tours. One randomly drawn winner will win a $50 Amazon/BN Gift card. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!


Juche Part One: The Deamon YodokAuthor: Adria CarmichaelGenre: YA Dystopian

BlurbJust when Areum - daughter of a privileged family in the totalitarian state of Choson (North Korea) - thought she was free from her personal prison, her world collapses around her as her family is taken away in the middle of the night to a hell-like camp in the mountains where people who have strayed from the righteous path are brutally re-educated through blood, sweat, tears, and starvation.


There she has to fight for survival together with the family she hates and is forced to re-evaluate every aspect of her life until then: her deep resentment toward her twin sister; her view of her father in the face of mounting evidence that he is a traitor with the blood of millions of fellow countrymen on his hands; and even her love and affection for the Great General - the eternal savior and protector of Choson, whom she had always considered her true father.




Amazon Buy links
Juche 1 – The Demon of Yodok 
Juche 2 – The Weeping Masses
Juche 3 – The Storm of Storms
Juche 4 -- Freedom or Death
Juche 1-4 Box Set




Note from the author:

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like when seen through an indoctrinated mind?

This is a topic that has intrigued me for as long as I can remember, so when I came up with the idea to write a book many years ago, I decided to create it from the viewpoint of a victim of indoctrination… which in the end became Areum (the protagonist of the story).

What I try to explore in this story is how deep the indoctrination of a 14-year old girl can run and how much “reality” it can be exposed to before breaking… if it will break at all. As a comparison, the defectors from North Korea who arrive in South Korea are isolated for three months in a de-programming facility called Hanawon before they are allowed to join society where they go through this process in a more controlled (and less brutal) way than Areum.

I hope you will enjoy this slightly different take on the dystopian genre!

Peek between the pages...
A loud screech in the sky interrupts me. I look up. A large black crow is circling high above us. Then another crow joins in. The screeching intensifies. Another one joins in, and then another. Before I know it, the whole sky has turned black with a swirling mass of crows, flying in a tornado-like circle right above us. I feel their beady eyes looking down at me.

The mass of crows now forms a funnel, spiraling downward toward us. I scream and put my hands up in defense. But the crows don’t target me. The black moving mass instead completely consumes the living corpse of my dad.

"NOOO!” I scream as I helplessly witness the crows dismembering him piece by piece right before my eyes. They pull his eyeballs out from their sockets. They tear the skin from his arms and legs. I cry and scream. I want to run to him, to help him… but I still can’t move.

Then it’s all over, and the crows disperse and ascend back into the sky, bringing their ear-piercing screech and the pieces of my father’s body with them. What was left of him is now again lying lifelessly on the ground. His face is still turned to me, but he had no more dead eyes to look at me with.

Another screech makes me look up to the sky again. The crows are circling ominously. Faster and faster. The screeching intensifies, cutting painfully into my ears, as they once more swirl down towards me like a tornado. I put my hands up in defense and scream as the first crow brushes against my hair. Another one grabs my arm with its claws. I try to break free, but my feet are still glued to the ground.

I now have crows all over my body, and as the one on my arm penetrates my skin with its beak, I…

About the author:
Adria Carmichael is a writer of dystopian fiction with a twist. When she is not devouring dystopian and post-apocalyptic content in any format - books, movies, TV-series and PlayStation games - she is crafting the epic and highly-addictive Juche saga, her 2020 debut novel series that takes place in the brutal, totalitarian nation of Choson. When the limit of doom and gloom is reached, a 10K run on a sunny day or binging a silly sitcom on a rainy day is her go-to way to unwind.

Connect with Adria Carmichael
Goodreads  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Bookbub


Enter the giveaway.
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Image from https://www.marycunninghambooks.com/
I'm delighted to welcome Mary Cunningham to my blog. This is such a fun interview, and her new book, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder sounds like the perfect cozy mystery to curl up with this summer. Let's meet Mary, and be sure to stick around to learn more about the book!
Mary, welcome to my blog. Can you tell us how you came up with the concept and characters for  Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder ?
Keeping with some excellent advice I got years ago, to “write what you know’, Andi Anna Jones’ character and job are loosely based on a horrifying stint I had in North Miami Beach as a travel agent. I was truly awful and would duck down behind my computer whenever a customer came in the door.

Fortunately, I worked with a fabulous agent named Ellen who recognized my fear and would usually jump in to help when I got stuck. In honor of Ellen, Andi’s sidekick and true manager of Graves Travel Agency is Ellie. She saves Andi’s backside in the same way Ellen saved mine. The only thing Andi finds irritating about her assistant is that she always calls her, Jonesy.

Writing the book will helped exorcise the experience from my memory by giving Andi a positive outlet for her curiosity and love of a good mystery.


Tell us about a book that stayed with you long after you finished reading it.

I’m sort of a fantasy buff. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, along with The Hobbit, stayed with me for decades. In fact, I still enjoy rereading the books.


Tell us something unique/quirky about yourself.

I could fill up the whole page with this, but I’ll give just one. I was a Bee Gees groupie in my early 30’s! Yes, you read that right. My best friend and I went to four concerts in 1979, met their dad, tour manager, and head of security. Oh, and we met, and were kissed by, Barry Gibb!

Now you know how easy it is for me to include quirky characters in my books!

About the book:
Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder Author: Mary CunninghamGenre: Cozy Mystery/Amateur Sleuth
Blurb
Andi’s stepmom, Ruby, is a piece of work, but is she a murderer?
Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect.
Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can’t quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother.
While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn’t the only one in jeopardy.
Grab your copy Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble 


Peek between the pages...

I jumped when the phone rang in the middle of grinding espresso beans. I weighed the options. Much-needed caffeine or my sense of duty? Duty won.

“Ruby?”

“Hello? Miss? Are you there?”

Well, this sure isn’t Ruby. Nice baritone. “I’m here, but you’re cutting out. Who’s this?”

“Manuel Gonzales of the Cancun Sheriff’s Department, Miss…?”

“Jones. But then I imagine you already know since you called me.” Was this the “high-fallutin’” sheriff who arrested Ruby?

“Miss Jones, I apologize for the early morning call, but you were given as the main contact by one of our prisoners. I’d like to ask a few questions if I may.”

“I assume you’re calling about Ruby Jones.” Ground coffee beans beckoned. A half cup of scalded frothy milk waited to join fresh-brewed espresso. Darn. Why didn’t his call come in after I made coffee? I walked from the kitchen, blaming the man on the other end of the phone for my caffeine deprivation. “Ask away, Sheriff Gonzales.”

“First, allow me to get you up to speed regarding last night’s—uh—apparent homicide. I personally inspected the scene and made the arrest. Regarding the suspect, she is currently being—”

“Wait.” I cut him off, mid-sentence. A high-pitched commotion in the background sounded all too familiar. “Is that Ruby?”

“Un momento, por favor, Señorita Jones.” A second tirade came across, loud and clear.

“You can’t do this to me! I have rights as an American citizen! Remember the Al-a-moooo!”

“Cállate!”

I smiled for the first time since the nightmare began. Good luck shutting Ruby up.


About the author:
Author, Mary Cunningham, grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad's original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun "yarn."

Through the author's horrifying stint as a travel agent, Andi Anna Jones sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, "Write what you know." Cunningham has several books published, including Cynthia's Attic series, a five-book middle-grade fantasy, and women’s lifestyle/humor book, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Sisters In Crime, Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, she enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband.

Connect with Mary Cunningham Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |   Amazon Author Page  |  BookBub

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the STORM AND FLAME by Mallory Wanless Book Blitz hosted by
Xpresso Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Storm and Flame
Mallory Wanless
(Enchanted, #1)
Publication date: September 22nd 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Elena has always been a disappointment. Her magic is practically non-existent and now, on her sixteenth birthday, she is expelled from magic school by the strict headmistress–also known as her mother. Cast out into the world of the magically inept with only her familiar for company, Elena feels lost and alone until she meets a strange boy in the woods.

Quinn is a thief, a hunter, and a hothead. His unexpected friendship with Elena awakens a fiery side in him–quite literally–and uncovers new and surprising magical abilities. Except men aren’t supposed to be capable of magic.

With Quinn’s help, Elena carves a safe new life as a barmaid, but when she is attacked, her powers awaken with shocking ferocity. Elena’s explosion of magic creates a power surge that attracts the attention of magical investigators, sent to uncover and contain the source of the power surge.

But the awakening of their powers kickstarts an ancient prophecy. Will they be able to escape those that hunt them? Can they fulfill the prophecy, destroy the turmio and save magic from being destroyed once and for all?

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EXCERPT:

“Come on. Just work, dammit,” Elena muttered to herself, trying for the millionth time to cast her spell.

Agon had stretched his lithe, weasel-like body across a long, skinny patch of sunlight on the floor of the testing room. He’d spent the morning basking in the warmth of the sun-drenched stone and flicking his fluffy blue-black tail back and forth. As her closest, and arguably only, friend, Agon knew nothing he could say would make her feel better. She was in a mood, and the best thing he could do was to leave her be.

Sparks flared and quickly sputtered out from Elena’s fingertips.

“Dammit. Why can’t I get this stupid spell right?” It was a rhetorical question, but Elena was so frustrated by her own ineptitude that she would have traded everything she owned to successfully complete a spell on the first try.

Elena was easily the worst enchantress in her class, probably the whole school. The other students mocked her mercilessly. It didn’t help that her mother, Madame LaBelle, was the most famous enchantress in the whole country, possibly the world, and the headmistress of their school. She could turn a seed into a centuries-old tree with the flick of her wrist. Elena could grow a seed into a sapling with twenty minutes of chanting, flicking, waving, and praying. Maybe. On a good day.

Madame LaBelle was notorious for her skills with magic as much as her beauty. Unfortunately for Elena, she inherited her looks from her father. At least, she assumed that’s where she got her flat hair and dull brown eyes. She’d never actually met him. In Waverly, as far as enchantresses were concerned, men served one purpose: impregnating women. The men were used and released of all parental rights, whether they liked it or not. Most men didn’t even know the woman they had lain with was an enchantress, much less that they had fathered a child as a result. The women opted to disguise themselves — bar wenches, visitors lost in the big city, damsels in need of aid on the side of the road, etc. — just to get what they needed and be gone before the man even knew her name.

It was crass and cowardly, but Elena had been raised to believe it was for the best. Men weren’t capable of raising children, especially magical ones, and an enchantress always gave birth to another enchantress. Never in the history of the world, had an enchantress given birth to a non-magical child. Or a boy, for that matter. Enchantress beget enchantress. End of story.

Elena dreamed of love and happy endings when she was younger. All the girls did, but their time at Harbor Ridge taught them that magic was their top priority, followed closely by their loyalty to the school and Madame LaBelle. Elena always felt that it was a tad hypocritical how often her mother preached about loyalty to their family — the school and their classmates — when she never paid any attention to her own flesh and blood. What sort of mother neglects her own child to favor those who are more adept at magic? Not a good one, Elena mused glumly.

Agon had been with her since before she was born, like all familiars. They were born together and stayed attached for an “unusually long time,” according to her mother. Typically, familiars disconnected from the baby’s umbilical cord within a few days before settling into their permanent animal form. Agon and Elena stayed connected for two weeks, all the while Agon remained a blob encased in the placenta. Her mother had many specialists, including a Therionology Enchantress, or an animal enchantress, come and inspect Agon and try to coax him into taking any form at all. Nothing worked. Baby Elena just spent her days cuddling “this disgusting blob of goo” and sleeping. Madame LaBelle often liked to remind Elena of how unusual that was, and how that should have been a sign that her daughter was going to be different, and not in a good way.

Agon did eventually develop into an animal; however, he didn’t change into anything anyone had ever seen before. When she was young, Elena overheard one of the scholars reminiscing with another about how they’d managed to identify Agon as a Raju. Madame LaBelle had tasked all of the scholars in the Therionology department to scour all the history books and tomes to identify him. Agon was the only known Raju in ages, and Madame LaBelle hated it. Rajus were blue-furred, weasel-like creatures that had lightning abilities. Another frustrating hiccup, as far as Madame LaBelle was concerned. Familiars weren’t supposed to have magic of their own; they were just meant to be guides to help the enchantress learn to control her powers.

Author Bio:

Mallory lives in Texas with her husband and their two young boys. She spends her days homeschooling and full-time parenting. Her nights, and any free time she manages to carve out during the day, are devoted to reading and writing.

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