Author & Sewing Designer June McCrary Jacobs: September 2020

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

~ GREAT ESCAPES HOLLYBERRY HOMICIDE ~

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~ GREAT ESCAPES BLOG TOUR STOP ~

-- 'HOLLYBERRY HOMICIDE' --

AUTHOR SHARON FARROW

~Post Includes: Book Spotlight,

Author Bio & Giveway~

Hollyberry Homicide (A Berry Basket Mystery)

by Sharon Farrow

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About Hollyberry Homicide

Hollyberry Homicide (A Berry Basket Mystery)

Cozy Mystery 5th in Series

Publisher: Kensington (September 29, 2020)

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages

ISBN-10: 1496722620 I

SBN-13: 978-1496722621

Digital ASIN: B082WQTC18

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A cold wind is blowing off Lake Michigan, and murder is scaring the dickens out of everyone . . .
Considering her name, Marlee Jacob is an obvious choice for the role of Jacob Marley in Oriole Point’s production of A Christmas Carol. It’s just sad that the role has opened up because of the death of the elderly actor who’d originally been cast.
But Marlee, the proprietor of The Berry Basket, will do her best to keep spirits high—that is, until clues start mounting that there’s danger behind the scenes. There are accidents on set, the tree in the village square topples over, and worst of all, a body is found wit

h a sprig of holly draped over it. If Marlee can’t wrap up the case, she may not have a berry merry Christmas . . .
Includes Berry Recipes!

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About Sharon Farrow

Sharon Farrow is the latest pen name of award-winning author Sharon Pisacreta. A freelance writer since her twenties, she has been published in mystery, fantasy, and romance. Sharon currently writes The Berry Basket cozy mystery series for Kensington. The series debuted in 2016 and is set along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline where she now lives. She is also one half of the writing team D.E. Ireland, who co-author the Agatha nominated Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins mysteries.

Author Links –

WEB PAGE http://sharonfarrowauthor.com/

FACEBOOK @SharonFarrowAuthor

TWITTER @SharonFarrowBB

BOOKBUB @SharonFarrow

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Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

September 28 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – Reading Authors Network – REVIEW

September 29 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 29 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

September 30 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

October 1 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

October 2 – Books to the Ceiling – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 2 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

October 3 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 4 – Literary Gold – GUEST POST

October 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 6 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

October 6 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 7 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

October 9 – Baroness' Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – Readeropolis - SPOTLIGHT

October 10 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

October 10 – A Chick Who Reads –REVIEW

October 10 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

October 11 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

October 11 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

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Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

~ BLOG BLITZ PALMER GIRL ~

~ BLOG BLITZ ~

-- 'PALMER GIRL' --

AUTHOR DAWN KLINGE

~Post Includes: Book Spotlight, Excerpt,

Author Bio & Giveaway~

Palmer Girl Blog Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Palmer Girl by Dawn Klinge, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Palmer Girl
Series: The Historic Hotels Collection #2
Author: Dawn Klinge
Release Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance

When insurance tycoon, Cornelius Nordeman, is recruited to work for the Exposition Corporation, the New Yorker brings his family to live at the Palmer House Hotel, far away from any reminders of a recent tragedy. He’s hopeful this move will offer respite from his family's grief.

Elizabeth Nordeman, his daughter, has something to prove, which leads her to seek work as a florist at Marshall Field’s, Chicago's finest department store.

John Lewis knows something is different and intriguing about the new florist he hired. When his boss, Marshall Field, informs him that Elizabeth is the Nordeman heiress, his job suddenly becomes more complicated--especially when he finds himself falling for her.

On the eve of the Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago prepares to prove that it’s a first-class city, and the brightest minds from around the country will plan the most spectacular fair the world has seen.

The World’s Fair will bring change and innovation into a society bound tightly by class and tradition. Elizabeth’s heart longs to push against those boundaries, so what’s holding her back?

EXCERPT:

“Who is Mr. Lewis?” asked Sissy.

“He’s in charge of visual merchandising, though I’m not even sure what that means.” She pulled on her gloves.

“It means, he’s probably the person who created this beautiful display right there.”

Elizabeth studied the scene in front of her. The dressmaker dummy in the window wore a sapphire silk evening gown by Worth. Thousands of delicate crystals hung from the ceiling, creating an effect of stars. Elizabeth could envision herself in the dress, dancing in a beautiful ballroom. Whoever designed this breathtaking window was an artist.

Mr. Lewis had given her a job, and for that, she was grateful. One thing she couldn’t deny—the man was good at his job— if these were, indeed, his window displays. They were the talk of the town. People were always milling about the sidewalk outside the store and admiring the stunning displays.

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PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn Klinge is a Pacific Northwest native who loves a rainy day, a hot cup of coffee, and a good book to get lost in. This wife and mom to two young adults is often inspired by true personal and historical accounts. Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Sorrento Girl is her debut novel, the first in the Historic Hotels Collection.

CONNECT WITH DAWN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of Palmer Girl and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Palmer Girl JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 30, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 7, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Monday, September 28, 2020

~ GREAT ESCAPES CAMPAIGNING CAN BE DEADLY ~

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~ GREAT ESCAPES BOOK BLAST ~

-- 'CAMPAIGNING CAN BE DEADLY' --

AUTHOR CHARLOTTE STUART

~Post Includes: Book Spotlight & Author Bio~

Campaigning Can Be Deadly (A Discount Detective Mystery)

by Charlotte Stuart

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About Campaigning Can Be Deadly

Campaigning Can Be Deadly (A Discount Detective Mystery)

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series

Walrus Publishing, an imprint of Amphorae Publishing Group (September 29, 2020)

Number of Pages - 300

ISBN-10: 194044232X ISBN-13: 978-1940442327

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What begins as a prank ends in murder . . .
The campaign for the U.S. Congressional seat was referred to in the press as "Mr. Smith goes to Washington versus the carpetbagger. "The popular local candidate gets the majority of endorsements, but his opponent's wealthy, out-of-state family is willing to do whatever it takes for him to win.
Penny-wise Investigations a discount detective agency located in a mall, is hired to find out who is stealing the local candidate's political signs. Two of their investigators, Cameron Chandler and Yuri Webster, not only catch the thieves in the act, they find a body next to a pile of stolen signs, proving that . . . Campaigning Can Be Deadly.
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About Charlotte Stuart

In a world filled with uncertainty and too little chocolate, Charlotte Stuart has a passion for writing lighthearted mysteries with a pinch of adventure and a dollop of humor. Her first discount detective mystery, Survival Can Be Deadly, was a Foreward INDIES finalist. Why me? Chimeras, Conundrums and Dead Goldfish was short-listed for the Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem contest before it was published. She began her career in academia with a PhD in communications. Then, she and her husband decided to build a commercial boat and go fishing for salmon in Alaska. Currently, she is the VP for Puget Sound Sisters in Crime and lives and writes on Vashon Island in Washington State’s Puget Sound. She spends time each day entertained by herons, seals, eagles, and other wildlife.

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Author Links:

Website: www.charlottestuart.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/quirkymysteries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.stuart.mysterywriter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19305587.Charlotte_Stuart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clzstuart/?hl=en

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Purchase Links: Amazon - B&N - Book Depository - IndieBound

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BOOK BLAST PARTICIPANTS

SEPTEMBER 29

I Read What You Write

Literary Gold

Celticlady's Reviews

Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic

Cozy Up With Kathy

Carla Loves To Read

FUONLYKNEW

Maureen's Musings

I'm All About Books

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Baroness' Book Trove

eBook Addicts

Brooke Blogs

StoreyBook Reviews

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

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Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

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~ COVER REVEAL SNOWBOUND IN WINTERBERRY FALLS ~

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COVER REVEAL!

-- 'Snowbound in Winterberry Falls' --

AUTHOR ANN BRODEUR

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Part of the Anaiah Christmas Novella collection

Release date: November 6th, 2020

Genre: Christian Romance

Available on Amazon in ebook and print

A buried story. A powerful senator. A Christmas they won’t forget.

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget.

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge.

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

Follow Anaiah’s Blog so you don’t miss the release!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m married to my own hero and am Maman to four beautiful children, one set of identical twins. Our story is a modern-day romance: we met online through a Christian dating site (maybe that idea will make it into a book someday!) We are both avid readers. When we moved from our apartment to our house, the movers complained we didn’t own a TV for entertainment – just boxes of books. I’m not sure what they would say now, since we’ve added a few more filled bookshelves to our collection.

You can find me in the following places:

My website is a place where readers can find out the latest about everything having to do with book releases book topics, books I’m currently reading and a place to sign up for my newsletter: https://www.brodeurwrites.com

My Facebook page is a fun, interactive place where I post things twice weekly. Stop by on Tuesdays and Fridays to join in: https://www.facebook.com/annbrodeurauthor

Looking for a heartwarming Christmas read? Shop more seasonal titles here: https://www.anaiahpress.com/shop/anaiah-seasonal/7

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Sunday, September 27, 2020

~ HISTORICAL FICTION FEATURE UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT ~

~ HISTORICAL FICTION FEATURE ~

-- 'UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT' --

AUTHOR DEBORAH HOPKINSON

ILLUSTRATOR JAMES E. RANSOME

September is National Sewing Month in the US each year, and I wanted to share some of my favorite quilt books for children with you this final Monday of September and on into October.

As someone who has loved to sew since I was eight years old, I enjoyed sharing my love of sewing and quilting with my students when I was a classroom teacher. We read lots of books together, and I taught them three different sewing stitches using cardstock and yarn art projects.

Other teachers used to ask me if this was okay with the boys. Did the boys enjoy the books and the sewing as much as the girls? Honestly, in my experience some of the boys enjoyed it even more because they had moms, aunts, and grandmas who sewed at home so they already had a connection with the art and skill of creating something with a needle and thread.

It's been awhile, but I can't remember a single student, boy or girl, who complained when we read literature where sewing or quilting was a main theme. When I would announce a new 'sewing project' for activity time or art instruction, there was usually a loud cheer from the entire group of students no matter who was in the classroom at the time.

Below is a post featuring a book I read to my class the last few years I was in the classroom. It was published in 2002, and it is simply beautiful. I have included information about the book, the author, and the illustrator from Goodreads, the publisher's website, and Publisher's Weekly (their original review) to spotlight this special piece of historical literature for young and middle-grade readers. At the end of the post there is a link to an entire unit provided on the internet by a university that I thought you may like to view.

I think it is wonderful when educators and parents/grandparents can provide a tangible connection between history and a skill/craft that the students can learn, practice, and enjoy in these current times. Enjoy! 🧵✂ 😀

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:

Award-winning duo Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome combine their talents once more for this sequel to the best-selling Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. Traveling late one night, a runaway slave girl spies a quilt hanging outside a house. The quilt's center is a striking deep blue -- a sign that the people inside are willing to help her escape. Can she bravely navigate the complex world of the Underground Railroad and lead her family to freedom?

Honors & Awards:

· Washington State Book Award (2003)

· ILA/CBC Children's Choices

· Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award Master List (OR)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from the publisher's website}:

Deborah Hopkinson is the author of numerous award-winning children's books, including Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, winner of the International Reading Association Award, Girl Wonder, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award, and Apples to Oregon, a Junior Library Guild Selection. She received the 2003 Washington State Book Award for Under the Quilt for the Night. She lives in Oregon. Visit her online at DeborahHopkinson.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR {from the publisher's website }:

James E. Ransome’s highly acclaimed illustrations for Before She Was Harriet received the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. His other award-winning titles include the Coretta Scott King winner The Creation; Coretta Scott King Honor Book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; and Let My People Go, winner of the NAACP Image Award. He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome. One of their recent titles is Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams, which received four starred reviews and was an ALA Notable Children’s Book. James is a professor and coordinator of the MFA Illustration Graduate Program at Syracuse University. He lives in New York’s Hudson River Valley region with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.

PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY REVIEW: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-689-82227-8

Dramatic oil paintings and compelling verse-like prose combine to portray the harsh yet hopeful experience of travel along the Underground Railroad. Hopkinson and Ransome revisit the theme of their first collaboration, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. This time readers journey the precarious trail to freedom with a young runaway as she escapes to Canada via clandestine routes and dangerous nighttime treks. The intense opening spread features three panels showing her nameless family running for their lives by the light of the full moon, some shoeless or with only rags on their feet. (Subsequent pages show snarling dogs and overseers in hot pursuit.) The story comes to a formidable climax when they're almost discovered hiding in the back of a wagon. Hopkinson names each segment of the journey ("Running," "Waiting," "Hiding") and her narrative conveys the emotional and physical hardships of the trip ("Fear is so real, it lies here beside me"). The author connects the metaphorical protective quilt of night with folkloric elements (legend has it that quilts with blue center squares indicated safe houses on the Underground Railroad). Ransome fills in the characterizations with portraits that convey a strong familial connection and the kindness of the conductors along the way. This suspenseful story successfully introduces and sheds light on a pivotal chapter in America's history for youngest readers. Ages 5-10. (Jan.)

FREE RESOURCE:

Here is the link to a PDF posted by Hobart and William Smith Colleges which includes several excellent activities for children to work on relating to this book:

LINK TO LESSON PLAN FOR 'UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT'

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Find the links to read more great Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts from middle-grade authors and bloggers at Greg Pattridge's 'Always in the Middle' Blog.

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Find the links to more great 'It's Monday! What Are You Reading?' (#IMWAYR) posts for children's and Young Adult books over at the Unleashing Readers website.

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