Murder, Curlers, & Cream by Arlene McFarlane {Review}

Murder, Curlers, & Cream by Arlene McFarlane

ebook, 290 pages

Publication: November 8th 2016 by ParadiseDeer Publishing

Valentine Beaumont is a beautician with a problem. Not only has she got a meddling mother, a wacky staff, and a dying business, but now she’s got a dead client who was strangled while awaiting her facial.

With business the way it is, combing through this mystery may be the only way to save her salon. Until a second murder, an explosion, a kidnapping, death threats, and the hard-nosed Detective Romero complicate things. But Valentine will do anything to untangle the crime. That’s if she can keep her tools of the trade in her bag, keep herself alive, and avoid falling for the tough detective.

In the end, how hard can that be?

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My Review: 3 Stars

Valentine runs a beauty salon and a murdered client leaves her struggling business in even more trouble. The story is told from Valentine's point-of-view and her voice is very quirky and snarky, which is kind of fun. I felt that things were pretty superficial with her--the reader sees the story through her eyes, but I didn't feel a deep connection to who she really is--she's just all sass and personality. While I would have liked to get to know her on a deeper level, it worked for this story.

The plot moves at a quick pace, which makes it easy to stay engaged. A lot happens within these pages, some of it pure fun and some of it a little crude. I love that the murder mystery isn't gruesome, but from the very first sentence ("You wound a perm rod around a man's what?"), it's implied that there will be some suggestive content, which there is. Taking all that aside, the meat of the story does have a surprising who-done-it and has some interesting characters and situations. I enjoyed watching things unfold and overall, I think this is a fun adventure. I've never read a murder-mystery that takes place in a beauty salon before.

Content: innuendo (technically stays clean, but some implications, crude talk, and vague sexual references); mild-moderate language (no F*bombs, but a smattering of almost everything else); mild violence (not graphic).

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.* 

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About the Author

Arlene McFarlane is the author of the Murder, Curlers series. Previously an aesthetician, hairstylist, and owner of a full-service salon, Arlene now writes full time. When she’s not making up stories, or being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, cat-mom, or makeover artist, you’ll find her making music on the piano.

Arlene is a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Toronto Romance Writers, SOWG, and the Golden Network. She’s won and placed in over 30 contests, including twice in the Golden Heart and twice in the Daphne du Maurier.

Arlene lives with her family in Canada.

Heir of Thunder (Stormbourne Chronicles #1) by Karissa Laurel {Blog Tour Spotlight with Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Heir of Thunder

(Stormbourne Chronicles #1)
by Karissa Laurel

YA Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
October 14th 2016 by Evolved Publishing

The Lord of Thunder’s sudden death leaves his daughter, Evelyn Stormbourne, unprepared to rule Inselgrau in his place. Weeks before Evie’s ascension to the throne, revolutionaries attack and destroy her home. She conceals her identity and escapes under the protection of her father’s young horse master, Gideon Faust. Together they flee Inselgrau and set sail for the Continent, but they’re separated when a brutal storm washes Evie overboard.

In her efforts to reunite with her protector and reach allies on the Continent, Evie befriends a band of nomads who roam the world in airships fueled by lightning. She also confronts a cabal of dark Magicians plotting to use her powers to create a new divine being, and she clashes with an ancient family who insists her birthright belongs to them.

If she’s to prevail and defeat her enemies, Evie must claim her heritage, embrace her dominion over the sky, and define what it means to be Heir of Thunder.

Goodreads│Amazon

Excerpt

 

BOOK ONE
EXODUS FROM INSELGRAU

Chapter 1, Part 1

A rumble of thunder woke me. I shifted under my quilts, turned towards my window, and searched the sky for clouds. Storms always made me smile; made me feel a little less lonely.

Black clouds, lightning, and rain reminded me of better times, when thunder was a regular event in our household. My father used to make the loveliest thunder—more like percussion in a heavenly orchestra than cannonade and ordnance. I had never mustered the necessary energy to expulse that kind of force. My attempts always sounded more like the blast of a large pop gun.

Another report rippled through the air, but it sounded wrong this time—a little too sharp and cold for something as organic as thunder. A third, angry blast proved the source was nothing harmonious with nature. The clamor had a cadence, a rhythm, and when I slid out of bed, the vibrations from it quaked through the stones under my feet.

Boom!

“1... 2... 3... 4....” I counted off a half-minute and—Boom!—another explosion. I counted a half minute again, which concluded with another detonation.

Karissa Laurel lives in North Carolina with her kid, her husband, the occasional in-law, and a very hairy husky. Some of her favorite things are coffee, chocolate, and super heroes. She can quote Princess Brideverbatim. She loves to read and has a sweet tooth for fantasy, sci-fi, and anything in between.

Sometimes her husband convinces her to put down the books and take the motorcycles out for a spin. When it snows, you’ll find her on the slopes.

Karissa also crafts, paints, draws, and harbors a grand delusion that she might create a graphic novel someday.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

 

Tour Schedule

November 7th: Launch

November 8th: Katie's Clean Book Collection & Wishful Endings

November 9th: Rockin' Book Reviews & Live Laugh & Love Books

November 10th: Beck Valley Books & The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

November 11th: Falling Leaves

November 13th: Christy's Cozy Corners & Book It

November 14th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

2 winners will receive a signed copy of HEIR OF THUNDER (US only)
1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends November 19th

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From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen {Review and Giveaway}

From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen
A Timeless Romance Single

Kindle Edition, 108 pages

Published November 1st 2016 by Mirror Press

FROM CAIRO, WITH LOVE: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Nancy Campbell Allen.

Valentine Baker longs for adventure, so when the opportunity comes to travel to Venice and be a companion for the unconventional Contessa, she takes it--but they don’t stay in Venice long. Valentine finds herself on a ship bound for Cairo so the Contessa can hunt down a thief at one of her archaeological digs there. Before they ever get close to the coast of Egypt, however, the ship is threatened by a violent storm and someone has an ulterior motive for sticking close to the Contessa and her traveling companions.

Mr. Maxwell is assigned to protect the Contessa and the charming Valentine. He tries to keep his distance, but her warm nature and easy laugh draw him in. He soon comes to cherish their time together, until someone attempts to drug him, and the aftermath reveals serious consequences for Valentine. He’ll do anything to keep her safe and her reputation intact, yet with treachery on board and his heart at stake, Mr. Maxwell must make a choice that will change his life forever. Can he win the woman of his dreams or will whoever wants to hurt them get close enough to take away his one chance for love?  

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My Review: 5 Stars

Valentine is a sweet and innocent girl who longs for adventure. And boy, does she get it when she becomes the companion to an Italian countess and finds herself on a ship bound for Cairo. Her tongue is tied around handsome and daring Max, but an unlikely friendship develops, regardless. With danger on the high seas, life-altering choices, and a romance full of chemistry that will leave a reader swooning, this story packs a punch in such a short number of pages.

I love quirky characters who allow their true colors to shine and there's no shortage of those in this book. Max doesn't hold a typical job or title, yet he's held in awe by his peers. Valentine is completely charming and sweeter than honey. The Contessa is wise, yet unorthodox, and is as engaging as the trio of young men who worm their way in. 

There's something about a romance that blooms from the seeds of attraction, but is almost forced open before its time, that really brings a smile to my face. The potential of those little interludes didn't disappoint and the results are very delightful. I love to swoon! The added element of suspense is very fitting to the story and gave it an added dimension that really enhanced the characters in their situations.

Content: mild, swoony romance and mild innuendo; a few moments of suspense/danger/peril.

*I received a complementary copy of this book. All views expressed are completely my own.*

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About the Author:

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of 13 published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her Civil War series, Faith of our Fathers, won the Utah Best of State award in 2005 and two of her historicals featuring Isabelle Webb, Pinkerton spy, were finalists for the Whitney Award. Her steampunk novel, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, was released August, 2016, through Shadow Mountain. She served on the 2015 LDStorymakers Conference Committee and currently serves as the Teen Committee coordinator for The Teen Writers Conference. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

Her formal schooling includes a B.S. in Elementary Education from Weber State University and she has worked as a ghost writer and freelance editor, contributing to the releases, We Knew Howard Hughes, by Jim Whetton, and My Life Encapsulated, by Kenneth Brailsford.

Her agent is Pamela Howell of D4EO Literary Agency.

Nancy loves to read, write, travel and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah with her family and one very large Siberian Husky named Thor.

Giveaway:


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Follow the Tour:

November 7:  Heidi Reads / Katie's Clean Reads

November 8: Lisa is a Bookworm / Maria Hoagland

November 9: Smiling Book Reviews / Literary Time Out

November 10: My Book a Day / Wishful Endings

November 11: Singing Librarian Books 

Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon {Blog Tour Review with Giveaway}

Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon

Kindle Edition, 220 pages

Published November 1st 2016 by Stone Hall Books

After surviving an abusive marriage, Victoria Newel needs a clean slate for herself and her son. Taking a job as a math teacher, she moves across the country to the small town of Lincoln, Utah, where no one knows her and she can start over. However, her new colleague, Drew Dalton, offers her friendship and maybe something more. But has her heart healed enough that she could trust again?

Drew Dalton lost his wife to cancer years ago and he locked his heart away, throwing himself into his teaching job. But when Victoria Newel starts working at the high school, she awakens something in him that he never thought he’d feel again. Her gentle nature and quiet strength draws him to her, but it’s obvious she’s hiding something in her past from him. Can he open his heart to a woman who harbors so many secrets of her own?

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My Review: 5 Stars

I get a little nervous when a tried, true, and trusted author writes in a new genre, but I had no need to worry here! Ms. Bellon does a fantastic job of writing a genuine and tender romance without any of the suspense, which is the mark of talent.

Tori had an abusive marriage and struggles to fully trust again. I was drawn into her story from the first page and was eager to see how she would make a new life for herself and her young son. Moving to a small Utah town to teach high school math, she almost immediately encounters, Drew, who is a widower and is possibly ready to finally move on with his life.

There's something about school teachers that brings an element of nostalgia to my soul, for some odd reason, and watching Tori come into her element and gain confidence, both in the classroom and in her personal life, feels so triumphant and glorious. I can't imagine enduring what she had to and rebuilding a life is a grueling challenge, but the natural progress throughout the book is real. I love escaping my life, but entering into a story with real emotions is gratifying, especially since the story isn't heavy and depressing.

An added bonus are the great secondary characters that make appearances throughout--from sweet little Cal, Tori's son, to fascinating Olivia, Drew's sister. I love a story that splashes other personalities across a pleasant romance. The romance is gradual and uncertain--building in a natural way. I hope that Ms. Bellon will write more in this genre! 

Content: mild romance; mild/vague talk of abuse in the past.

*I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of more than a dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Julie offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com         

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COVER REVEAL: Gold Rush by Jennifer Comeaux {with Giveaway}

God is in the House: Congressional Testimonies of Faith by Virginia Foxx {Book Spotlight}

God is in the House: Congressional Testimonies of Faith

With all that’s going on with the upcoming presidential election, it can be easy to lose confidence in the direction of our country and the leadership of those in power. Find peace in the realization that many leaders in Washington still seek His divine guidance in their work with God is in the House: Congressional Testimonies of Faith.

Compiled by Representative Virginia Foxx (R), of North Carolina, this book includes contributions from seventeen fellow Christian members of Congress (including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and popular congressman Allen West), representing ten Christian denominations from both political parties, detailing their journeys of faith, why they believe God will continue to bless America and how their faith guides them as legislators.

http://shadowmountain.com/product/god-is-in-the-house-congressional-testimonies-of-faith/

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Cozumel Escape (A Destination Billionaire Romance) by Cami Checketts {Review}

Cozumel Escape (A Destination Billionaire Romance)
by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition, 149 pages

Published October 30th 2016 by Gelato Publishing Inc. 

 

 

 

 

Brooks Hoffman, billionaire, loves women, expensive toys and fighting—in that order. A week romancing a beautiful woman on his private island is a great way to pass the time. When Sydnee Lee Swenson isn’t impressed with his money, or charmed by his…well, charm, Brooks takes it as a personal challenge to change her mind.

Sydnee Lee moved to Cozumel to volunteer at the local orphanage. She’s fallen in love with the children and doesn’t need a good-looking, over-confident, guy complicating things. Sending Brooks on his way, with just the right amount of sass, was the only option. But when Brooks puts his own life on the line for her and some of the orphaned children, she may have to take another look at the guy behind the muscles and money. 

 

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

*This is a companion to Caribbean Rescue, but can be read as a stand alone.*

Cami Checketts always does such a great job of fabricating a wonderful mix of suspense and romance in her books and this story isn't any different. I loved seeing the familiar characters from Caribbean Rescue make an appearance, but this story is about the best friend from that book--Brooks. I adored him before because he's larger-than-life, over-the-top, and above-and-beyond in his generosity, charm, and personality. But as all characters with these characteristics have--he has a past that he's trying to conquer and uses these traits to mask things.

Brooks is a wealthy, handsome hero, but he's also a conceited brute and I loved getting to see him more in depth. Sydnee works at an orphanage and has captured his attention, but seems to be immune to his charms. I love seeing characters complement and bring out the best in each other. I also love watching a passion and adoration develop and the tension in coming to this point is very gratifying. The anticipation and glints of romance are swoony, indeed. There are a few menacing moments, which add to the story, and showcase what this author does best--romantic suspense.

The lesson? You can't judge a book by its cover.

Content: mild, swoony romance; moments of mild peril.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. All views expressed are completely my own.*

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About the Author:

 

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

www.camichecketts.com