Tuesday, May 31, 2022

~ GREAT ESCAPES LIES, SPIES, BAKER'S SURPRISE ~

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~ GREAT ESCAPES BLOG
TOUR STOP ~
--  'LIES, SPIES, AND THE
BAKER'S SURPRISE'  --
AUTHOR TERRY AMBROSE
~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,
Author Bio, Exclusive Author
Guest Post & Giveaway~
 
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Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise by Terry Ambrose

 

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About Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise

 

Cozy Mystery 6th in Series  
Satori (May 23, 2022)  
Print length ‏ : ‎ 315 pages 
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09X12RR5Y 

Rick Atwood is happy to welcome Henry and Tara Nicholas to his Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast. Henry owns a bakery and Tara, a bookstore. They seem like a nice couple—until Rick’s daughter Alex overhears Henry talking on his cellphone to his real wife. The situation blows up the following morning when Tara discovers Henry has been lying to her—thanks in part to Alex’s interference. Tara disrupts the entire breakfast service. She then demands Rick evict Henry.

After finding Henry a room at the town’s motel, Rick hopes the drama is over. But when Henry is found dead the following morning, Rick feels partially responsible. He and Chief of Police Adam Cunningham launch an official murder investigation. They quickly find multiple witnesses who saw Tara in Henry’s room at the time of the murder.

Alex, convinced Tara is innocent, launches her own undercover investigation. Her discovery puts her in a deadly showdown with a sociopath on a bluff near the Seaside Cove Lighthouse. What happens on the bluff could make or break the official murder investigation.

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About Terry Ambrose

Once upon a time, in a life he’d rather forget, Terry Ambrose, tracked down deadbeats for a living. He also hired big guys with tow trucks to steal cars—but only when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons such as—always keep your car in the garage.

Terry has written eighteen books, several of which have been award finalists. In 2014, his thriller, “Con Game,” won the San Diego Book Awards for Best Action-Thriller. His series include the Trouble in Paradise McKenna Mysteries, the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mysteries, and the License to Lie thriller series.

You can learn more about Terry and his writing at terryambrose.com.

 


At its heart, Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise is a mystery. It’s also the story of building a family. Yet when someone recently asked me what surprised me most about writing the book, I answered that it was my research into Joaquin Murrieta, one of early California’s most notorious bandits.  No spoilers here, but Murrieta has nothing to do with the baker’s surprise in the book. What amazed me was the difficulty in finding the truth about a man who was so well-known in his time. The reason, as we’re fond of saying these days, is that it’s complicated.

There are plenty of stories about Murrieta. They range from portraying him as a victim to a vicious killer. In one scenario, he was like thousands of other miners—only a peaceful man who came to California in search of gold. The story goes that he was driven off of his claim. (Or not.) In another version, he and his brother were arrested for stealing a mule. His brother was hung in front of him, and Murrieta vowed revenge on the men involved. (Could be, but maybe not.)

It’s almost impossible to determine which stories are true and which are false. There’s very little in the way of reliable news stories in the late nineteenth century. Who know? Was Murrieta an honest man who was driven by his tormentors to violence and revenge? Or was he just a man who enjoyed killing? The truth probably lies somewhere in between. And therein lies the problem. How was I going to portray this man with such a murky past?

As a writer, I need a clear picture of who I’m writing about. And so I chose the enigma itself. As the storyline develops, we get different perspectives on Joaquin Murrieta. In Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise, a stranger arrives in town claiming he’s a descendant of Murrieta. Nobody knows for sure, and you won’t find a spoiler here, but the legends surrounding Joaquin Murrieta provide a wealth of  material for a writer who loves to inject history into a modern mystery.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card in my Book Birthday Month contest for Lies, Spies, and the Baker’s Surprise. Enter the bonus code “#Enigma” for three bonus entries in the entry option for this blog.

 

Author links: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram BookBub Goodreads Amazon

Purchase – Amazon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS: 
May 23 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT  
May 23 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT  
May 24 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT  
May 24 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW  
May 25 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT  
May 25 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT  
May 26 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT  
May 26 – Celticlady's Reviews -SPOTLIGHT  
May 27 – Cassidy's Bookshelves - SPOTLIGHT  
May 27 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW  
May 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT  
May 28 – Ravenz Reviewz – AUTHOR INTERVIEW  
May 29 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW  
May 29 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT  
May 30 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT  
May 30 – Novels Alive – REVIEW  
May 31 – Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST  
June 1 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST  
June 1 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

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Thursday, May 26, 2022

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE A PROMISE ENGRAVED TAKEOVER ~

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 ~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~
Takeover Tour for:
--  'A Promise Engraved'  --
Author Liz Tolsma
~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,
Author Bio & Giveaway~
 
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A Promise Engraved JustRead Takeover Tour

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

 

A Promise Engraved
Title:  A Promise Engraved
Series:  Doors to the Past 
Author:  Liz Tolsma 
Publisher:  Barbour Fiction 
Release Date:  May 1, 2022 
Genre:  Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction, Romance 

Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years? 

Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love? 

Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love? 

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance. 
 
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MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

The Lady in Residence Bridge of Gold Undercurrent of Secrets Behind Loves Wall High Wire Heartbreak Love's Fortress


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz Tolsma

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

CONNECT WITH LIZ: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
 
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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Promise Engraved and a $15 Amazon egift card!

A Promise Engraved JustRead Takeover Tour

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 25, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2022. 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

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Wednesday, May 25, 2022

~ JORIE'S JOURNEY RELEASE! ~

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~ RELEASE DAY ~
--  'JORIE'S JOURNEY'  --
Book 2 in the Bonita Creek Series
AUTHOR JUNE McCRARY JACOBS
~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight +
Excerpt, Author Bio & Giveaway~
 
 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
 
After an idyllic life scarred by a traumatic event, is Jorie Woodstone ready to move forward to share her life's journey with a man who loves her unconditionally?

Welcome back to friendly Bonita Creek, a small town in the Coastal Mountains of the Mendocino Coast of California . . .

Jorie Woodstone is the owner and operator of the wildly successful Cowgirl Bakery in Old Town Bonita Creek. She appears to have it all. She is musically gifted and belongs to a warm, loving, supportive family; but she's built a brick fortress around her heart after being traumatized by an acquaintance in an unforgettable event three years earlier.

Join this talented, spirited cowgirl as she journeys on through life's joys and sorrows with faith, strength, courage, and love on the road to true happiness.

'Jorie's Journey,' Book Two in the Bonita Creek Series, is a contemporary Christian Western romance story which is completely clean in language and content.

Includes an original recipe by the author!
 

EXCERPT:

"Hello, miss. I need to pick up a couple of pies to take over to my friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. The Cowgirl Bakery was highly recommended to me by my hostess at the bed and breakfast inn where I'm staying. Please don't let me down by telling me it's too late to order pies for the occasion." His mouth settled into a sweet pout.

"What flavors did you have in mind?" Jorie tried to sound thrilled to have his business at this late hour. In truth, she was exhausted from the multitude of Thanksgiving orders for pies and other baked goods she'd received from her ultra-supportive hometown. She dreamed of going home early tonight to soak her exhausted body in a luxurious bubble bath and watch a couple of episodes of her favorite Masterpiece Mystery series.

"What do you recommend? I mean, you're the one who works in a bakery and all."

"I think it's always nice to offer an assortment of pies. How about one organic apple cinnamon and one organic pumpkin nutmeg? Most people seem to like one or both of those flavors."

"I'm from New Orleans, so I was dreaming of a pecan pie . . ."

"No can do," Jorie clipped off. "We don't usually do pecan pie here in California. Well, I mean we don't do pecan pie without some advance notice. It's too late to order organic pecans for tomorrow."

"What a shame," the customer shook his head sadly. "Well, I guess I'll just have to accept the fact tomorrow will be my first Thanksgiving feast ever without a slice or two or three of pecan pie."

He looked as if he were already grieving the loss of pecan pie on his Thanksgiving menu. Jorie felt a twinge of regret for his loss, but the line of customers behind him was stacking up and she was short-handed today. Her most-experienced employee, Connie, had requested the day off so that she and her husband could travel to spend the holiday with their family in Idaho. Her other experienced employee, James, was home nursing a bad case of strep throat and was unable to serve the public.

She wanted nothing more than to hurry this man along. However, she accepted long ago the reality that a large part of being a successful small business owner was to project the image that said owner actually enjoyed working with the public. She always attempted to give the illusion of being the queen of customer service in Bonita Creek.

Being a lifelong introvert had made being in a customer service job a supreme challenge for the down-to-earth cowgirl. Since her business was successful beyond her loftiest dreams and goals, the thirty-one-year old with dark auburn hair and hazel eyes believed her attempts at being an extrovert were worth the benefits she reaped in customer loyalty and goodwill.

In an effort to put the customer first she offered, "I could probably throw together a walnut pie for you to pick up early tomorrow morning. I know for a fact that the market around the corner doesn't have any pecans either because I asked the owner about them earlier this week. A walnut pie is the best I can do at this late hour."

"You'd do that for me? I mean, make a special pie on Thanksgiving morning for a complete stranger?"

Jorie clenched her jaw and attempted to cover it with a half-baked smile. "Sounds like I would—I mean, will."

"Well, then, I accept your gracious offer. Give me one apple, one pumpkin, and one walnut. I'll be here at whatever time you tell me to be to pick them up tomorrow morning, miss."

"Aren't you concerned about the cost of the pies?" she probed.

"No. Like I said, your bakery came highly recommended from the owner over at the inn. Mrs. Redmond said ya'll's pies are simply the cat's pajamas, as my grandma would say. Besides, I really want to make a good impression at the feast I'm invited to tomorrow. I'll be celebrating with the family of my best college buddy, and I want to show his family I have exquisite taste and refined manners."

"Well, I can't do anything about your manners, but the pies will be scrumptious. And just so you know, the pies are twenty dollars each."

"Is that enough? I don't cook or bake at all, so I live at the mercy of talented folks like you. I'd be glad to pay extra because of the short notice and all."

"Twenty dollars apiece is at least twice as much as the diner out on the highway charges for its pies. Of course, I use only the freshest organic ingredients in my pies, and everything is made from scratch each day. No need for you to pay extra; I'm grateful for your business. Even though we've been really busy with pre-holiday orders, we don't usually get a lot of street traffic around these parts on a holiday weekend."

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'JORIE'S JOURNEY' IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE KINDLE STORE ON AMAZON! FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED! 
PURCHASE LINK:
 
'ROBIN'S REWARD', BOOK ONE IN THE BONITA CREEK SERIES, IS ON SALE FOR ONLY $.99 FROM NOW THROUGH JUNE 2ND!
 PURCHASE LINK:   
 
 
~  GIVEAWAY ~
 
  
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~ NEW SEWING PATTERN FABRIC FLOWER TOWELS ~

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