Big Hair and Buttermilk Pie - Book review & tour

Book: Big Hair & Buttermilk Pie

)A Rose Cottage Cafe Mystery(

Author: Lori Stacy

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Superlative Media

Publication date: 18 April, 2016

Print Length: 116 pages

ASIN: B01DL3XZGI

Synopsis:

Mandy Hemphill is living her dream, running the successful Rose Cottage Cafe in Orchardville, Texas, from the ground floor of a converted, old—and possibly haunted—downtown home. She even had plans to grow her business with a new outdoor patio…if only the mayor wouldn’t have turned her down.

So when the beloved mayor is found murdered, Mandy finds herself among the suspects. And now business at the cafe is dropping faster than a fallen soufflé. How can she prove her innocence and save the Rose Cottage Cafe?

Thankfully Ben, the new owner of The Orchardville Gazette, doesn’t believe she’s guilty. As the two of them set out to find the real killer, they uncover one small-town lie after the next. But the closer they get to learning the truth about who killed the mayor, the more in danger they find themselves.

Book Review

Big Hair and Buttermilk Pie by Lori Stacy is the first instalment in the Rose Cottage Café Mysteries.

The book is cozy to the point where you feel like you're part of the setting and the characters are your friends and I particularly enjoyed that about the novella.

The story opens with a prologue of a small-town Mayor and his wife and we're given the idea that he may be unfaithful. The first chapter opens at the Rose Cottage Café owned and run by Mandy Hemphill and we, along with the Mayor's wife, are informed that the Mayor has been killed and likely murdered.

From here, the novel begins to cover various angles of who could have killed the Mayor, while it is implied that the murder weapon may have come from Mandy's kitchen.

"Solve a murder? I don't solve crimes, I…I bake muffins."

As Mandy tries to clear her name and find out who would want to frame her, her customer numbers keep dwindling. We learn that Mandy had submitted a request for a patio to be added to her café but the late Mayor had turned down her request.

Mandy, along with the new tenant in her building, Ben, who is resurrecting a local newspaper, begin to snoop around and ask questions, while the police continue to be anywhere but near the real culprit.

There isn't much imagery in the novel, but the sweet treats and other foods made at the Rose Cottage Café make up for that. Moreover, the writing and the characters are very realistic, which makes the reader feel as though they are part of the novel.

"It was hardly a secret to her staff that Mandy found baking therapeutic. It was a big part of why had chosen to go into this business in the first place. Of everything she did in her life, nothing made her feel happier and more at peace than baking."

The chapters are short and the pace is quick, prompting the reader to carry on without thinking.

There were a few repetitions in the novella that bugged me a bit, but overall it was a fun read.

I also liked that Mandy did not get the guy at the end but that after the crime was solved, all the good characters were rewarded in some way or other, like justice being served but in different ways.

Cozy and with many sweet treats, Big Hair and Buttermilk Pie is a quick read, that can easily be read in a day or sitting. There are also two recipes at the end of the book to complement the reader's appetite for the Rose Cottage confectioneries.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

Keep up with the rest of the tour here.

Giveaway

As part of the tour with Lori Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, there is a giveaway. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

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About the Author

After her twenty-year career in magazine publishing came to a screeching halt faster than you can say “print is dead,” Lori Stacy decided it was time to finally turn the many stories she had been crafting in her head over the years into books.

Lori has authored a number of fiction and nonfiction books for young adults, has written articles for both print and online publications, and has written about hotels for one of the world’s leading search engines.

She lives in Texas with her husband and three children. When she is not writing, you can usually find her in the kitchen baking treats (which she says are for her children) or trying to train their hundred-pound golden retriever, an obedience school dropout.

You can find out more about Lori and her latest books at www.loristacy.com, provided she didn’t forget to pay her web hosting bill.

Purchase via Amazon 

Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review via Lori's Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

The Almost an Angel Series continues - Excerpt + giveaway

The scrumptiously romantic series continues with the second book in the Almost an Angel Series by Bestselling Authors Jenifer Youngblood and Sandra Poole.

Gracie, an angel-in-training, has completed her first assignment, reuniting Alex and Dawson after their tumultuous breakup. Her elation is cut short when she receives her next assignment: Brooke Matthews—the snotty, entitled, princess, who did everything in her power to snatch Dawson away from Alex.

Where in the world will Gracie find a man to put up with this beauty of a beast?

Nash Rigby is a bull rider. Used to taking life by the horns, he’s willing to enter into an arrangement—a dubious arrangement—to save his father’s ranch. He’s trained to hang on for all he’s worth for eight seconds, but can this cowboy hang on to Brooke long enough to win the prize? Or, will he be able to see Brooke’s inner beauty and find the love of a lifetime? Maybe … with a little help from an almost angel.

Faced with the insurmountable task of helping the cowboy and the billionaire’s daughter fall in love, Gracie digs in, determined to do things her way. When Sheldon, a dark angel with killer looks, floats back into her life, err … afterlife, Gracie must fight against her growing attraction to heaven’s bad boy.

Heart of the Billionaire is a stand-alone novel. But to get the full effect of how things work in the realm of angels, check out Candlelight Kisses (Book 1 in the Almost an Angel Series)

Praise for the Series:

"I did not see that ending coming! Gracie is not what I expected either...she doesn't fit the mold of what you think an "angel-in-training" is supposed to be like, and it will be fun to see her continue to learn and change. I love her mentor, Gertrude! It is a fun, clean romance that keeps you interested and entertained. Eagerly anticipating the next one in the series!” by Verified Amazon Customer

"Love this series! Nash's desire to save his father's ranch touched me. And it helped he's hot and swoon worthy! And Gracie's love story with the 'bad boy' makes it even more interesting! Love this! Don't miss it!” Always Reading





Excerpt from Heart of the Billionaire (Book 2 in The Almost an Angel Series)

Stewart Matthews sat poised on the edge of his seat, his body taut—his face wearing the laser-beam focus of a General preparing for battle. In many ways, he was fighting the greatest battle of his life, for it involved the heart of the one he loved the most.

He could only see one way to help Brooke, but she wouldn’t like it. In fact, she would be so angry that she might never speak to him again. That was the price he would have to pay for attempting to save her. Better to be a parent than a friend. Even though he dreaded what was to come, he knew there was no other option. His money had been the thing that sent Brooke down her path of self-destruction. He could only hope that it would also be the catalyst that would save her

A feeling of resignation settled over him as he looked down at the blank page. Then he picked up the pen and began to write …

My Darling Brooke,

From the moment you were born and I held you in my arms, I knew that my life would never again be the same. Never before had I experienced such pure and complete love. And that love has only grown and multiplied over the years. You are my heart, my primary responsibility, and I will take any measures necessary to protect you, even if that means protecting you from yourself.

Sweetheart, my only desire is that you find joy and contentment—the kind that can only come from within. You need to learn to love unconditionally and to love someone so completely that you are willing to put his needs before your own. Please know that I have spent many a night, walking the floors, trying to determine the best course of action to set you back on the right path.

A way has been opened up, and I intend to take full advantage of it. My only hope is that you will one day find it in your heart to forgive me, for what I’m about to do.

A knock sounded. He looked up as his assistant stuck her head in the door. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but the attorney is here and waiting in the conference room. It’s time.”

The moment of truth was here. Once he signed the documents, there would be no going back. He blew out a breath, a rigid look of determination on his lined face. “Tell them I’ll be there in five minutes.”

Jennifer Youngblood & Sandra Poole

Jennifer and Sandra—daughter and mother writing duo—have been writing together for many years and have over a dozen published novels, a collection of short stories, and a children’s book (released under the pen name of Periwinkle Blue). They feel it’s a great privilege to be able to collaborate with each other as it adds a depth and spice to their work that neither of them could get independently. For them, writing is a continual journey of discovery. They have so many ideas for books that it’s hard to focus on one at a time.

Both of them have a penchant for chocolate, seafood, and movies.

Jennifer has a B.A. in English and Social Sciences from BYU Hawaii, and Sandra has a Masters in Business Administration. Jennifer and Sandra now live in the Rocky Mountains with their families.

Website * Facebook * Newsletter * Twitter

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/13/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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From Titans - Excerpt, giveaway & book trailer!

From Titans (Book #4) by Mary Ting

Everyone is searching for Mason.

Zeus sent Hermes, and the Oracles have used their magic, with no success. A sparkle of hope arises when Eris, the goddess of Chaos, sends an invitation to her wedding engagement party. She’s holding Mason hostage, and Skylar and her friends only need permission to enter Eris’s world to rescue him.

At the party, Eris gives them one condition: In exchange for Mason, they must travel to the Land of Reverse and bring back the bottle of gold water King Midas used to wash himself free of his gift. Further chaos follows when Eris not only sets up a hunt in the Labyrinth of Crete, but makes a bargain with the Titans she rescued.

The Titans possess power more than anyone anticipated, and Cronus is hungry for revenge after his own children locked him up in Tartarus. No one is safe. Not even the humans.

Summary for Book 1:

Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day?

Don’t blame Mother Nature.

Skylar Rome can’t wait to spend her last summer before college with her cousin, Kayla. Everything changes when they meet the Grand brothers. Skylar is sure she should stay away from Mason Grand, but their attraction is undeniable. Then Skylar’s life erupts into turmoil. She steps into a world where descendants of ancient gods have super powers, evil beings chase her, and questions arise about her own identity. She is running out of time and running for her life, while trying to unravel the mystery of what they want from her.

Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will Skylar find the answers she seeks, or will she die trying?

Praise for the Series

"From Gods takes mythology to a whole new level of imagination with its incredible plot and amazing characters. It's full of hotness that you never want to end!" Michele, Insane About Books

"From Gods by the AMAZING AUTHOR Mary Ting is OMGods good!! If you even LIKE Greek Mythology, set aside some time because you will DEVOUR Mary Ting's Demi Gods and Vultures!!!" Mindy, Books Complete Me

Grab a FREE copy of From Gods this weekend ONLY!

From Gods (Book #1) by Mary Ting

Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day?

Don’t blame Mother Nature.

Skylar Rome can’t wait to spend her last summer before college with her cousin, Kayla. Everything changes when they meet the Grand brothers. Skylar is sure she should stay away from Mason Grand, but their attraction is undeniable. Then Skylar’s life erupts into turmoil. She steps into a world where descendants of ancient gods have super powers, evil beings chase her, and questions arise about her own identity. She is running out of time and running for her life, while trying to unravel the mystery of what they want from her.

Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will Skylar find the answers she seeks, or will she die trying?

Excerpt

“Mason, MASON, MASON!” Skylar panicked.

“I know. Skylar, hold on tight. I’m going to brake.”

“But there are cars behind us.”

“We have no choice. Don’t worry. I got this.” Mason pushed down on the brake forcefully. The car hydroplaned to the right. “Hold on.”

Skylar gripped the first thing her hand found. The water from the road jetted up into the air like in a water show, but the car kept gliding sideways, until finally it spun in a full circle and stopped. With no time to waste, Mason turned it to the right and accelerated, hoping to dodge what was coming toward them.

Out of nowhere, a long piece of ice, taking the form of a spear, darted through the trucks’ tires and punctured some of them. More ice spears came soaring out of the rain, but this time ten or more sphere-like ice balls followed, denting the sides of the trucks. One went through a windshield. With flat tires, the trucks now glided as if skating on ice, maneuvering from side to side.

“Did you do that?” Skylar asked excitedly.

“No. Must be Poseidon’s kids. Where the hell are they?” Mason spread his right arm out in front of Skylar as if to protect her. “Bend down, Sky.”

One of the trucks hit another and veered off, hitting yet another one. The crash caused the trucks to flip and tumble, heading straight for Mason’s car. With a look of shock, Skylar held her breath. There was no time to move, think, or get out of the car, so she closed her eyes and prepared for the crash.

Seconds before impact, Mason’s car flew up into the air and over the trucks. Somehow, as if by magic, the water created a liquid bridge, guiding the car safely over, and then it thumped hard onto the ground on the other side. Without looking back, Mason sped away as the sound of screeching brakes and metal hitting metal blasted behind them.

Author Mary Ting
International Bestselling, Award-Winning, Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.







Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/13/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Author Rebecca Chastain expands novella to a full trilogy!

Today I’m featuring author Rebecca Chastain – again – who has just announced that her sequel to Magic of the Gargoyles, previously a standalone novella is coming out this month.

Magic of the Gargoyles

Mika is a mid-level earth elemental with ambitions of becoming a quartz artisan, and her hard work is starting to get noticed. But when a panicked baby gargoyle insists Mika is the only person she’ll trust with her desperate mission, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…

http://smarturl.it/MagicGargoyles

Read an excerpt from Magic of the Gargoyles here.

Curse of the Gargoyles

Mika Stillwater isn’t known for her skills with combat magic. As a gargoyle healer, she spends her days mending broken appendages and curing illnesses in the living-quartz bodies of Terra Haven’s gargoyles. But when a squad of the city’s elite Federal Pentagon Defense warriors requests her assistance in freeing a gargoyle ensnared in a vicious invention, Mika jumps into the fray.

No one could have predicted that her involvement would ignite a chain reaction set to destroy the city, the world, and magic itself.

http://www.rebeccachastain.com/books/gargoyle-guardian-chronicles/

Release date: 18 May, 2016

Length: About 150 pages

Purchase links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Secret of the Gargoyles, the third book in the trilogy is currently available for preorder. Check it out here:

Smart URL: http://smarturl.it/SecretGargoyles

Buy links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FPX3VYS

As part of the month-long blitz, there is a giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card.

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About the Author:

Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling fantasy author of A Fistful of Evil, A Fistful of Fire and Magic of the Gargoyles. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in Northern California with her wonderful husband and three bossy cats.

Connect with Rebecca Chastain via her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Read Nadaness In Motion's five-star book review of A Fistful of Evil here.

Interview with Mark Benjamin author of A Change of Heart

Book: A Change of Heart

Author: Mark Benjamin

Date of Publication: Sunday, 29 May, 2016

Genres: Urban fantasy, paranormal

Synopsis

Bullied his entire life, orphaned university graduate, Gabriel Harper, is bitten by a Royal vampire moments before sunrise, transforming him over the course of six terrible and exhilarating nights into a hybrid—human by day, vampire by night.

Just as he learns to come to grips with what he has become, the Silver Legion—a covert, vampire-hunting organisation—kidnap him and his three friends, forcing them to join their clandestine crusade; however, they remain unaware of Gabriel’s nature until it is too late.

Each choice made sets in motion a turn of devastating events—from love-triangles and fratricide, lust and betrayal, broken dreams and the thirst for power, vengeance and the spilling of blood defines victory.

A Change Of Heart is set primarily in the fictional City of Penance; interweaving the lives of Legionnaires, humans and vampires in the course of a year.

Mark Benjamin's exclusive interview with Nadaness In Motion ahead of the release of A Change of Heart.

About Mark Benjamin

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing journey.

Mark Benjamin: I’m the second born out of three other siblings (two girls, two boys) where my parents worked hard to provide for us and raise us well. I take after my father who is an avid reader as well as a creative writer, poet and play director in his youthful days. I studied Law with Business in London, England; and International Business and Marketing in Perth, Australia. I am also happily married with a baby daughter.

My writing journey began when I was very young, reading books from my earliest memory. Writing seriously began in my early twenties, slumped for a bit due to life, and then came back again in my late twenties.

Q: What countries would you like to visit?

MB: I would like to visit the Caribbean, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, Greece and Spain; basically, include all Seven Wonders of the World too. Now, I know you didn’t ask this (but as a fiction writer I take pride in making things up as I go along) but fictional places I’d love to go include; Hogsmeade, the only all-wizard village in Britain (Harry Potter); South Park, Colorado (Southpark); Atlantis; Bikini Bottom (SpongeBob SquarePants); and Springfield (The Simpsons). Now, I know you may be wondering why I haven’t said Gotham City or Metropolis, but there’s just too much danger in those kind of cities!

Q: Are you an indie author? Can you tell us more about how your book came about and what inspired you?

MB: I am a proud indie author and extremely grateful for the opportunities the Internet has given us. My book, A Change of Heart, had its first creative thought process in my early teens. I completely forgot about it until one night when I awoke from a dream about it in my early twenties. I put pen to paper and the story evolved to where we are now. Inspiration for vampires came mostly from Anne Rice and through Dracula: The Series, the 90’s children’s show I watched as a kid.

Q: Are you a full-time author? If not, what else do you do?

MB: I write part-time but my dream, shared by many I’m sure, is to be a full-time author. My day job consists of me being a banker.

Talking about A Change of Heart

Q: Is A Change of Heart the first in a series or is it a standalone?

MB: A Change of Heart is the first in The Royal Blood Chronicles series.

Q: What is the era used in your novel?

MB: The era within the novel is present day, though in future books there shall be flashbacks delving into the past.

Q: There have been lots of novels and movies about Vampires. Are there any specific aspects about the Vampires in A Change of Heart? (I couldn't help but feel a slight similarity between Gabriel Harper and Blade in the half-and-half bit – but that could just be me. I hope they don't glitter in the sun though :D)

MB: You are very right. There really have been quite a lot when it comes to vampires, be it in books, movies, series, video games, comics and graphic novels. In The Royal Blood Chronicles series however, I’ve taken it back to how I found vampires; mortal weakness towards sunlight and silver, while leaving out the garlic and inability to enter churches. What I have added, however, is that there are a class of vampires, the Royals, who are born vampires and not made (you can learn more about them in A Change of Heart).

Hahaha! No, my vampires do not glitter in the sun. Regarding Blade, there are some similarities between him and Gabriel, though they have their own distinct differentiations. Gabriel relies solely on his self-control to defeat his blood thirst unlike Blade (movie) who needs a serum; Gabriel’s superhuman abilities disappear during the day unlike Blade’s (movie and comic) which are there throughout; and Gabriel is only immune to sunlight whereas Blade (movie and comic) is immune is to sunlight and silver. However, we find out more about Gabriel in the future books.

More on the book

Q: Tell us about how the cover came to be and how the sword relates to the events in the novel (without spoilers if possible) (It gave me a sort of ancient feel, hence the next question)

MB: The idea of the sword had always been the main theme for the book cover. It represents the common weapon the Dark Knights, the nighttime vampire hunters of The Silver Legionnaires, use to dispatch their sworn enemies. The red (bloody) heart emphasises the title of the book. Both images were selected by my wife who played an integral role in assisting with the book cover.

Q: What genres does the novel fall under? Is there any adult content/what is the age range for its readers?

MB: The genre is first and foremost urban fantasy, with a sprinkling of thriller and paranormal elements. It does have some adult content in terms of violence, two sex scenes (not graphic) and swear words. My age range for this would be mature, but it’s hard to say as I read far worse as a teen. Would I let my daughter read it? Only once she’s turned 17 or 18 though.

Q: You said that A Change of Heart is set in a fictional city, can you elaborate on the setting you've created in your novel?

MB: Penance City, the main capital within the novel, is an urban metropolitan city like any other in the world today; be it New York, London or Tokyo. The idea came from reading Stephen King’s novels where the setting is mainly in his fictional cities in Maine i.e. Derry and Castle Rock.

Q: What do you like and dislike about your main character, Gabriel?

MB: I like Gabriel’s loyalty to his friends and family, his unwavering stance to do what is right and not take the easy way out. Now as to what I dislike about him, a truly difficult question for me to answer if I’m to be honest, I would say I dislike that due to his supernatural abilities and his sense of responsibility towards them, leaves him too stoic, too serious, at times.

Q: A Change of Heart is a fantasy novel, did you have to do a lot of research for it? Can you tell us about that?

MB: There really wasn’t that much research done for A Change of Heart, but I did read a lot of fantasy novels and vampire books, and watched anything that included vampires whilst I was at it, a really fun way of researching.

Q: What are you upcoming projects?

MB: Upcoming project is to get The Royal Blood Chronicles series finished, with the next instalment to be out in 2017.

Q: Can you tell us about something you've learnt in the writing and/or publishing process?

MB: Take everything you hear about your work (novel, short story, poetry) with a grain of salt, be it positive or negative. Not everyone can like what you’ve done, but if you’ve worked at it to your very best of abilities, then the right audience shall find it and like it. Also, have a tough skin as it can get rough out there in the book publishing world.

Add A Change of Heart on Goodreads here.

A Change of Heart is available for pre-order via the links below.

Purchase links:

Amazon US and Amazon UK 

Connect with Mark Benjamin

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Smashwords, Goodreads, Google+