❀New Memoir Alert❀: A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness by Terese Luikens

Title: A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness 
Author: Terese Luikens
Publication Date: November 3, 2022
Pages: 282
Genre: Memoir

For Terese Luikens, a picture-perfect childhood it was not. Frequent cross country moves, an emotionally absent mother and an alcoholic father who ends his life by suicide when Terese is just thirteen years old. 

The sixth of seven children, Terese grew up in an unstable and chaotic household–invisible to her mom yet cherished by her father. 

This heartfelt memoir documents the chain reaction of a tumultuous family history. From her stormy childhood to the far-reaching effects of her father’s suicide, Terese shares her inspiring journey to escape the shame of her past, find healing and live, learn to trust, and discover faith in a real and personal God.  

A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt

In my mind, these warm childhood memories include only my dad, never my mom. One photo from that era, snapped by an older sibling using Mom’s Instamatic camera, seems to capture our family dynamic. We are in the living room of the house that had the front-porch swing. I might be around four years old. My hair is cut short, pixie style, and I am wearing a long-sleeved, cotton-ribbed bathrobe. Dad, kneeling, wears a suit coat and a bowler hat. His hands are clasped behind my back and mine are hooked around his neck. Smiling, cheek-to-cheek, we face the camera.

Dad and I are in the center of the photo while Mom is in the lower left hand corner. She is sitting in a chair, and wears a plaid skirt and a turtleneck sweater. Her passive face is turned toward the camera.

That snapshot captures my life: Dad at the center and Mom on the perimeter.

About the Author

Terese Luikens has been married for forty-four years to the same man, although she is on her third wedding ring, having lost one and worn out another. She lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren. She is the author of A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness, a Memoir of her inspiring journey of emotional healing from her father’s suicide. She facilitates retreats and workshops focusing on forgiveness, and publishes her own blog, Why Bother? 

You can visit her website at www.tereseluikens.com.

❀New True Crime Book Alert❀: I Will Ruin You by Emilio Corsetti III

 

Title: I Will Ruin You
Author: Emilio Corsetti III
Publisher: Wild Blue Press
Pages: 420
Genre: True Crime

Moments before boarding a passenger flight on 11 May 2019 as the first officer, pilot Christian “Kit” Martin, a former army ranger, was arrested by a swarm of heavily armed officers for the murders of three of his neighbors. The arrest captured global attention as Martin’s mugshot, clad in a pilot’s uniform, spread across the internet, sparking a media firestorm with headlines such as “Monster in the Cockpit.”

A combat helicopter pilot, Kit Martin had seen his life unravel after seeking a divorce. His wife’s threatening words, “If you leave me, I will ruin your life …,” overheard by his daughter, seemed to have become a grim reality, escalating to a court-martial and culminating in a high-stakes murder trial at which he was convicted.

I WILL RUIN YOU: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial delves into the complex circumstances behind Martin’s story. It looks beyond the sensational headlines and legal turmoil into the heart of this controversial case.

You can purchase I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind the Kit Martin Murder Trial at Amazon.

Book Excerpt

Not long after Kit’s call to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and Joan’s 911 call, two police cars showed up at 458 South Main Street in Pembroke, Kentucky. Sergeant Andrew Trafford was first to arrive, followed shortly after by Deputy Eddie Frye and Officer John Bruce. Alma, whose bedroom faced the street, watched the scene unfold from her bedroom window.

Deputy Frye was barely out of his car when Joan approached and said, “He beat the shit out of me again.” Deputy Frye asked Joan where she had been hit. Joan pointed to her temples and the back of her head. Deputy Frye used his flashlight to examine Joan. When Deputy Frye indicated that he didn’t see any marks, Joan replied that her son was upstairs and that he should talk to him.

Deputy Frye then headed to the back porch, where Sergeant Trafford spoke with Kit. Frye told Sergeant Trafford that he would go inside and question the kids. When the deputy entered the residence, the first thing that caught his attention was how dark it was inside. He had to use his flashlight to see. 

McKenzie was the first of the kids to talk to Deputy Frye. She indicated there had been a verbal argument, but she hadn’t seen anything. When Deputy Frye asked where the “boy” was, McKenzie said he was upstairs.

Still using his flashlight to guide him, Deputy Frye climbed the steep stairs to the second floor. Both Alma and Elijah met him at the top of the stairs. Frye indicated that he wanted to talk to Elijah. After introducing himself, he asked Elijah to tell him exactly what he had heard and seen. He added that he needed to know one hundred percent what had happened, no matter who was at fault. Elijah said that his dad was upstairs on the couch and that his mom came upstairs and yelled at him. Elijah then emphasized that “he never touched her.”

Deputy Frye asked again, “You never saw him hit her?” 

“No,” Elijah answered. “He did not hit her.” 

About the Author

Emilio Corsetti III is a retired airline pilot and the author of the bestselling nonfiction books 35 Miles From Shore and Scapegoat. Emilio is a graduate of St. Louis University Parks College of Aviation. He and his wife, Lynn, reside in Dallas, Texas.

Author Links  

Website | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

❀New Historical Biography Book Alert❀: Echoes of a Voice for Justice by Anita Hackley Lambert

 

Title: Echoes of a Voice for Justice
Author: Anita Hackley Lambert
Publisher: HLE Publishing
Pages: 296
Genre: Historical Biography

Experience the extraordinary life of Barry Antonio Murray, an unwavering champion for the progressive Black movement of the post-Reconstruction era. Ms. Lambert masterfully tells the riveting tale of this unsung civil rights activist, influential publisher, and uncompromising editor in this historic biography. Uncovering a 50-year-old family secret, Ms. Lambert’s captivating narrative begins at her book's debut, where chance encounters forever altered her life. Delve into Barry Murray’s legacy, his ties to F.H.M. Murray, a civil rights trailblazer and the great-grandfather he never knew—yet, walked in his shoes. Readers gain insights into the nation’s racial divide and witness the heart-wrenching conclusion and his questionable sudden death. This captivating biography sheds light on Barry’s remarkable journey, celebrating his unwavering activism, pursuit of justice, and empowerment of the community. This saga intertwines history, personal struggles, and family secrets, leaving an indelible mark on readers, showcasing the indomitable spirit of one man’s triumphs and divine destiny.

“Barry was one of those Black people who was loyal to his belief in the need to sacrifice for full Black freedom. People like him often make great sacrifices but do not benefit from their sacrifices. He never got rewarded by the community for his service to the community – most never do. If we all lived as Barry did we would be free.” -- Wayne Young, Editor of Port of Harlem Magazine

Buy Link:

Amazon

Book Excerpt

Prologue

Echoes of a Divine Encounter

God blessed me, then set me up to bless me again. 

Call it an omen if you like. I know better. It was a clear demonstration of God's favor in my life, as He has always been present. In His infinite wisdom, the Holy Spirit sent a message to my spirit, assuring me that great things would transpire once my book, F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice was released. Little did I know how astonishingly accurate that message would prove to be. 

As a first-time author entering the arena of Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, the journey behind the creation of this book is remarkable in itself. Allow me to indulge in a few eventful affirmations leading to this book.

Revelation At Harpers Ferry

DAY 1. Over three remarkable days, I experienced an extraordinary blessing. The journey began with a captivating audience of history enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the scholarly presentation of my  book. Hosting the event was none other than the talented actor and orator, Fred Morsel, adding an extra layer of prestige to the occasion.

DAY 2. The second day brought an unforgettable collaboration as I joined forces with the esteemed Dr. Henry Lewis Gates. Together, he and our volunteer group embarked on a historical reenactment that transported us back in time, allowing us to breathe life into the past. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

DAY 3. As the event's third and final day unfolded, it delivered an exceptional finale that surpassed all expectations. Amidst a captivating photo shoot, I had the incredible honor of meeting the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and esteemed historian, David Levering Lewis. His approval of my book was a momentous validation, solidifying its significance in the literary world. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of engaging with readers and selling and signing copies of my book--an experience that felt like a dream come true for a first-time author.

But the wonders did not end there. On this very same day, I had the privilege of capturing memories alongside the illustrious Dr. DuBois Irving, the great-granddaughter of the legendary W.E.B. DuBois, as well as Reverend Walter Fauntroy. It was a surreal convergence of influential figures embodying the legacy and impact of the subject I had delved into within my book.

In retrospect, I realized how mistaken I was to believe that the day couldn't get any better. This trifecta of days had become the pinnacle of a first-time author's aspirations, a once-in-a-lifetime culmination of success, connections, and reflective experiences. It was an unforgettable chapter in my life, ever etched in my memory.

The true purpose behind our fateful meeting that day in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia became crystal clear, and its significance can never be underestimated. It felt as if the forces of destiny were at work, orchestrating every detail. Joan Anderson and her daughter Kelly had embarked on a journey with a singular objective in mind: to find me and engage in a discussion. Their presence was no mere coincidence; they sought me out with a determination reminiscent of an eagle's relentless pursuit of its prey.

As they made their way across the paved courtyard towards me, I immediately sensed an air of urgency and purpose. Joan, with a noticeable limp and relying on a cane for support, locked eyes with me. The tremor in her voice betrayed her emotional state as she began to speak. What she revealed next left me utterly stunned. "My son, Barry, has been a closely guarded family secret for half a century," she confessed. Her words hung heavy in the air. "He is none other than F.H.M. Murray's great-grandson. He shares a bloodline with you."

Sensing the watchful eyes of curious onlookers, Joan guided me away from the crowd, creating a cocoon of privacy amidst the bustling celebration. She revealed that other family members were in attendance, yet she chose to trust me, a stranger, with her most painful secret. As she spoke, her words carried a weight of sincere love and immeasurable loss. It was palpable how deeply she cherished her son and the devastation she felt in his absence. 

The burden she had carried for so long was finally lifted, and she entrusted it to me, a confidant she had only just met.

In that moment, the weight of generations converged, extraordinarily intertwining our lives. The revelation brought forth a deep sense of connection as if a hidden mystery of familial ties had been unveiled. Our encounter was far more than a chance meeting—it was a cosmic convergence guided by an unseen hand. It was as if the universe itself conspired to bring us together, weaving together our shared heritage and the legacy of our ancestors.

I sat in awe as Joan continued to unveil the depths of her long-held secret, her words flowing uninterrupted. It was as if she bore the weight of this revelation for years, and now she was resolute in her purpose. There was a certainty in her voice, an insightful understanding of the task before her. With a firm determination, she looked directly into my eyes as if she could anticipate my very thoughts.

You have been chosen," she declared, her gaze piercing into the depths of my soul, "to write Barry's story."

At that moment, the weight of responsibility and privilege intertwined. For over fifty years, the truth about Freeman Murray's audacious fight for African-Americans had remained buried, neglected by historians and authors who failed to uncover his significant contributions. Yet, she believed that I, and only I, possessed the ability to breathe life into Barry's legacy, to connect him to his Murray lineage, and to share his untold journey with the world. Joan was adamant, unyielding in her conviction that it was my divine purpose to write Barry's biography.

An inexplicable connection enveloped us instantaneously as if the threads of fate had bound our lives together across the ages. It felt as though I had stumbled upon the long-lost sister I had conjured in my childhood fantasies. Joan articulated that our bond symbolized her "freedom," a newfound purpose that propelled her forward. As I grappled with the weight of this extraordinary opportunity, I contemplated whether I dared embrace an encounter that would bind me by an unbreakable oath while simultaneously liberating her.

Though cognizant of the commitment that awaited me, I recognized it as a remarkable honor to undertake. The magnitude of this chance was too extraordinary to overlook. It held the promise of a cherished friendship, a sisterhood forged in the depths of shared secrets, a bond of cousinhood, and the revelation of a hidden familial legacy. Moreover, it presented an unparalleled opportunity to craft yet another captivating book, exceeding my wildest aspirations. The first book had merely set the stage, but this authorized biography, bestowed upon me like precious rubies, was a treasure of immeasurable worth. It came accompanied by invaluable documentation, slashing through the dense thicket of research and providing a shortcut to truth.

About the Author

Ms. Lambert, a distinguished genealogist, historian, and biographer, achieved historical acclaim with her inaugural book, praised by luminaries such as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Levering Lewis and historian Charles Patterson. As an unrivaled familial authority, she penned insightful biographies of visionary businessmen and civil rights champions F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, Ms. Lambert continues her literary journey, poised to add two more captivating biographies and contribute to a quartet of nonfiction gems, that showcases her unwavering commitment to illuminating the human experience.

Author Links  

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | LinkedIn

❀New Children's Book Alert❀: Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade #ScrappersChristmasStory

Title: Scrapper's Christmas Story

Author: Maria J. Andrade

Publication Date: November 18, 2022

Pages: 36

Genre: Children's Fiction

Ever wonder why there are “mews” in “amewzing”?

This collection of cat poems will tickle your whiskers and your funny bone. They’re the purr-fect way to brighten your day and celebrate the furry friends in your life.

Prepare to laugh out loud as you read about cat adventures with magnets, candles, strawberry milkshakes, and plush balls—but don’t let me ruin the surprise, you’ll have to read to find out! 

Get ready to laugh your tail off!

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple | Scribd | Smashwords

Book Excerpt

The magnets are so cute

that I must knock them off

but get yelled at for this,

so the new approach is soft.

I sit by the fridge

staring at those squares

and when Human isn’t looking

I lick with tongue hairs.

All was going good

until one was quite sticky

leaving a bad taste,

and I’m not so picky.

I bite at the air

to get rid of the taste

then knock down that magnet;

good riddance, post-haste.**

About the Author

M.G. Rorai enjoys hanging with her cats and annoying her husband. Her latest book is Catnip, Plushie Balls, and Q-Tips.

Author Links  

Website | Facebook

❀New Nonfiction Book Alert❀: Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani #BecomingFlawesome

 

Becoming Flawesome
Kristina Mand-Lakhiani
Hay House

280 pages

Nonfiction

Perfection. We all dream of living by it, feeling it, being it.

And it is in the name of perfection that we demonize our flaws, make ourselves ‘less-than,’ and render ourselves vulnerable to the shame of not being good enough.

We live in a society that subliminally encourages us to wear metaphorical masks, slay our inner sadness, and ignore our imperfections, or as Kristina refers to them, her ‘dragons.’ Even within the world of personal development and spirituality, toxic perfectionism lurks in the shadows.

In Kristina’s upcoming book Becoming Flawesome #BecomingFlawesome, she reflects on her own story, her battle against perfectionism, and what it took for her to return to what she now deems to be her most authentic self. Being described as “10 years worth of therapy in one book,” Becoming Flawesome is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth.

Every chapter is closed with reflection points and exercises to encourage the readers to dive deep into the essence of who they truly are, what their values are, and how to navigate an oftentimes overwhelming world.

In this book, Kristina breaks the mold as she takes the reader on a journey through:

• The dark, controversial side of ‘personal growth,’ and the insecurities that thrive on it

• Self-care vs. self-love, and why you need both

• What authenticity actually is, beyond the buzz

• The ‘hermione Syndrome,’ and how to diagnose if you’re secretly suffering from it

• How to create aligned lifestyle habits that stick

• Why the more you judge others, the more you judge yourself

• Societal masks, and how to remove them from your psyche

• Imposter syndrome in the world of high-flyers

• Emotional literacy: how to cope with strong, painful emotions healthily

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mwtzj3jx

Mind Valley Books: https://www.mindvalley.com/books/flawesome

Book Excerpt

The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life

Introduction

Let’s Begin

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a good book has to start with a proper introduction.

And by “proper” I mean that it has to prime the reader for the journey, raise excitement and set expectations, explain the process, and make reading the book an experience both profitable and smooth. After all, we are about to spend some time together on this journey.

Therefore, I was not surprised when on the first meeting with my publisher I was asked if I would consider writing a proper introduction to my book. You see—the original manuscript started with a story of me pondering my future book while standing in the shower, warm water running down my back, and my finger absentmindedly drawing random patterns on the fogged-up glass.

I started this book during the long years of successive COVID confinements, and I was planning to self-publish it because I wanted the freedom to make decisions about the book—how to write, what to write, what stories to include, what kind of experience to offer to my reader. So, naturally, it wasn’t following any universally acknowledged truths or conventions.

Yet, by the time I had to present my book-baby to the world, I felt that I wanted to give it the best possible future, and I had to face the big decision between my heart and my brain: Will it be self-published (heart), or will I work with a traditional publisher (brain)? Going the traditional way meant facing more choices between my quirky and obstinate self-expression and conventional ways of doing things.

This book is about finding your way back to yourself, about understanding who you really are, accepting your dents and scratches, your quirky uniqueness and even your flaws. It is about thriving in being unapologetically you, most flawesomely.

This book has been through the hands of several editors ever since I put the last stop on its original manuscript. This journey has been both emotional and transformative for me. I had to face my biggest dragon by far—my obstinate need for pure self-expression—over and over again.

When do you follow convention, and when do you stick to your own principles and values?

There is no simple answer to this question, except: you have to learn to balance.

If you follow all the rules that your peers expect you to follow, you bet all there is on a slim chance of the grand prize, but you do it at the price of your own unique self-expression. At times, I felt like I had to “sell my soul to the devil” for a chance at success.

But if you obstinately stick to your own unique quirks and principles, you might end up being unheard and misunderstood so universally that there is no point in writing a book. For it is the readers who make a writer. Without the readers, a book is just a private diary.

Reader, will you judge me if I tell you that this book is a delicate balance between convention and my own uniqueness? Of course, I want you to succeed. But I cannot give you the proper introduction to my book because every book is a journey. This book has been my journey, and

now it is yours. I walked my path to my true self, to understanding what makes me truly me . . .

and what of that unique quirkiness is simply noise. You see, your flaws and your dragons are there for a reason—they make you who you are, but they also hold the key to your biggest value, to your mightiest strengths, if you choose to look your dragons in the eye.

Now I am hoping that you will take this journey with me to your unique destination—to finding the path back to you. I will be your companion on this journey, but it is yours to take.

So why wouldn’t I tell you what’s ahead? Imagine if Gandalf told Bilbo Baggins that on his journey, he would encounter trolls, go through a perilous enchanted forest, and face a dragon in a far-away mountain. Wouldn’t that be a bit of a spoiler?

I want you to take this journey back to you without any spoilers, with an open heart, and trust that the destination is going to be worth your effort. Because becoming flawesome is the best gift you can give to yourself.

So, if you are ready, let’s begin!

About the Author

Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is an international speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of 2 kids. As a co-founder of Mindvalley, a leading publisher in the personal growth industry, Kristina dedicated the last 20 years of her career from teachers like Michael Beckwith, Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, and many more.

She started her career in a government office in her native Estonia and, by her mid-20s, achieved a level of success mostly known to male politicians at the end of their careers. It was shortly after that Kristina and her then-husband Vishen founded Mindvalley. From a small meditation business operating out of the couple’s apartment in New York, the company grew into a global educational organization offering top training for peak human performance to hundreds of thousands of students all around the world.

Kristina believes life it too important to be taken seriously and makes sure to bring fun into every one of her roles: as a teacher, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveler. Kristina helps her students to virtually hack happiness by taking them through her unique framework – “Hacking happiness” – a unique framework of balancing your life, taking in every moment, and paying close attention the small daily choices.

Kristina is also the author of three transformational quests – “7 Days to Happiness“, “Live By Your Own Rules.” and “The Art of Being Flawesome.” Kristina talks about personal transformation, authenticity, understanding and accepting oneself, and a path to happiness.

In July 2023, with the help of Hay House Publishing, Kristina releases her very first book – “Becoming Flawesome” #BecomingFlawsome. In her book, Kristina shares her own journey from being on top of a personal growth empire like Mindvalley to stepping aside, conscious uncoupling from her husband, and walking her path towards being more honest with herself.

Website: https://kristinamand.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinamand

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mand-lakhiani-73168414

 

❀New Mystery Book Alert❀: All That Glitters by Mike Martin

 

All That Glitters
Mike Martin
Ottawa Press and Publishing

282 pages

Mystery

Sergeant Winston Windflower is moving on to a new chapter of his life, no longer an RCMP officer but now a Community Safety Officer in his home of Grand Bank, Newfoundland.

But when a body is found in the bed and breakfast he co-owns, diamonds are found in the body’s digestive system, and then Windflower’s friend Dr. Sanjay, who was given the diamonds for safekeeping, is kidnapped, it’s clear that crime has returned once more to Grand Bank.

Windflower finds himself back in the thick of it, helping his newly promoted friend, RCMP Corporal Eddie Tizzard, track down a ruthless diamond smuggler who will stop at nothing — kidnapping, even murder — to pull off his dirty business.

This is another finely spun Windflower mystery that contrasts suspense and tension with the joys of friendship, family, and gratitude.

Amazon (US): https://tinyurl.com/4ucyjwzv

Amazon (Canada): https://tinyurl.com/z9b2n5br

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/2nzf687b

Book Excerpt

After hugs and kisses and pats on the head all around, Windflower managed to get out of the house and walked to the B&B. He had just opened the front door of the beautifully restored inn when Levi Parsons, the manager, came running towards him.

“We think he’s dead,” said Levi.

“Who’s dead?” asked Windflower. 

“The man in Room 12,” said Levi. “Beulah tried to get in to make up his room, but the door is locked and bolted from the inside. And there’s not a sound.”

Beulah, the cleaner and part-time server, came around the corner from the kitchen when she heard Windflower arrive. 

“I don’t know for sure, but there’s something funny going on,” she said. “We haven’t really seen him all week, and now there’s no answer when I knocks on his door.”

“Maybe he’s sleeping,” said Windflower.

“His breakfast tray is still outside his door. I knows we don’t see much of him, but he always takes his meals in and leaves the empty one outside. Then he often goes out in the morning, and that’s when I cleans up,” said Beulah.

“Sneaks out,” said Levi. “I only seen him once. When he checked in. I haven’t seen him since.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” said Windflower. “What’s his name?”

“Robert Smart,” said Levi. “From Burlington, Ontario. That’s his Cadillac parked on the side. He wanted a safe and secure place for his car.”

Windflower climbed the stairs to the second floor and walked down the corridor to Room 12. He knocked on the door and called out the man’s name. No answer. He took the keys from Levi and tried the lock. But they were right. The deadbolt was locked from the inside.

He looked at Levi and then at Beulah. “Do you have a couple of hair pins I can borrow?” he asked Beulah.

The woman looked at him funny but reached into her hair and pulled out one bobby pin and then another. She handed them to him.

“Don’t look,” he said to Levi as he inserted the closed side of one bobby pin into the bottom portion of the lock. Then he broke the other pin in half and pushed it into the top of the lock and jiggled it back and forth. After a little while he could feel the deadbolt moving and finally unlocking. He swung the door open.

About the Author

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the award-winning and best-selling author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 13 books in this light mystery series with the publication of All That Glitters. 

A Tangled Web was shortlisted in 2017 for the best light mystery of the year, and Darkest Before the Dawn won the 2019 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award. 

Some Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are now available as audiobooks and the latest A Tangled Web was released as an audiobook in 2023. All audiobooks are available from Audible in Canada and around the world.

Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and Capital Crime Writers.

Website: https://sgtwindflowermysteries.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mike54martin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore

 

❀New Romantic Suspense Book Alert❀: Crossing a Fine Line: The McKay Series Book 5 by W.L. Brooks

 

Crossing a Fine Line: The McKay Series Book 5
W.L. Brooks
The Wild Rose Press

314 pages

Romantic Suspense

Fletcher J. McKay has been shot, driven insane, and tortured by a madman, so what’s one more psycho coming after her? But this foe’s disturbing attempts to extinguish Fletch’s light leave her shaken. Running out of options, she must consort with the enemy.

Fletcher is undoubtedly Sheriff Noah Reed’s nemesis. Their discord began with an irrevocable outcome of an unforeseeable trauma, but duty demands he keeps her safe. The closer he gets, the more his loathing turns to lust.

Devastated by loss, Fletcher agrees to go into Noah’s protective custody. Passion takes them across the boundaries of their animosity, but is their tentative bond enough? Or is the line between love and hate, as with life and death, fixed.

Pre-order eBook on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TD6x4a 

Amazon (paperback): https://amzn.to/3FJd33G

Book Excerpt

Noah walked barefoot to his office and poured himself a scotch. He closed his eyes as the liquid traced a molten path to his stomach. Shaking it off, he sat at his desk and flicked on the TV for background noise. On top of his stack of mail was a letter with his name on it, one that hadn’t been there before. 

Opening the drawer to his left, he pulled out a pair of latex gloves. Using every precaution, he unsealed the envelope and dumped out the contents. 

He picked it up with his thumb and forefinger and unfolded the paper. 

Reed around the rosy 

Someone’s too damn nosy

 Ashes to embers 

Make sure he remembers 

Ashes take flight

 Someone dies tonight 

What the hell? Someone had been in his house. He squeezed his eyes shut. She’d broken in before. Hadn’t she?

 Damn it; this had gone too far. He got a plastic baggy from the kitchen, put the note inside, slipped on his loafers, and grabbed his keys. So much for getting any sleep tonight.

About the Author

 

W.L. Brooks was born with an active imagination.  When characters come into her mind, she has to give them a life- a chance to tell their stories. With a coffee cup in her hand and a cat by her side, she spends her days letting the ideas flow onto paper.  A voracious reader, she draws her inspiration from mystery, romance, suspense and a dash of the paranormal.

A native of Virginia Beach, she is currently living in Western North Carolina. Pick up her latest novel, Unearthing the Past - available now!

Website: www.wlbrooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorwlbrooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16200243.W_L_Brooks

❀New Thriller Book Alert❀: Fateful Connections by Karen Charles

 

 

Fateful Connections
Karen Charles
BookBaby

91 pages

Thriller

Fateful Connections tells the story of four people brought together by the tragic events of 9/11 in the United States. These four individuals were attending a conference in Seattle, Washington, and found it nearly impossible to make it back to their homes, which were scattered across the country. They decide to rent a car and drive together, as they cannot get any flights home. As rental cars are also impossible to come upon, they find a friend who has access to a repossessed car, which he is willing to rent out. Unbeknownst to the friends, the rightful owner of the car wants his car back, and as they find out, hidden inside the car are drugs and guns. What ensues is a dangerous journey which impacts the four friends’ lives forever. The story follows them on their harrowing journey home, then one and two years later as they meet up for an annual reunion. 

The strengths of this story are the easy-to-read narrative and compelling plot. The author introduces four intriguing main characters, as well as a number of antagonists, who hunt down the friends and engage in dangerous and illegal plans to not only recapture their guns and drugs, but also kill the friends so there are no witnesses to their illegal activities. The reader is instantly drawn into the storyline, and moves along with the characters as they experience fear, joy, love, and relief. The plot is compelling, and the reader cannot help but become invested in the lives of these four main characters.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41WDECT

Book Excerpt

President Bush was making another announcement. The Federal Aviation Administration had issued the first national ground stop in US history, prohibiting departures for all civilian aircraft. After the third hijacked plane struck the Pentagon, all aircraft were ordered to land at the nearest airport. Three and a half hours after the first plane hit, all US airspace was clear. 

Suddenly, Ethan, who had been unusually quiet, jumped to his feet. “Our flights!” he yelled. “We don’t have any way to get home!” 

The room was silent. “Maybe we could rent a car,” Harper suggested. 

Henry sprang into action, calling every car rental agency in Seattle. Nothing was available. Dismayed, he sank into his chair. “What are we going to do now?” 

After thoughtful silence, Owen spoke up. “I have a friend over on Yesler Way who repossesses cars. Maybe he might have an idea what we could do.” 

Everyone agreed, hoping for a solution to their transportation dilemma. Ethan had to get home to San Jose, California; Owen to Santa Clarita, California; Harper to Phoenix, Arizona; and Henry to Austin, Texas. All of them, industry-leading CEOs of No. 1 ranked companies, had flown in to attend this elite executive conference. 

Owen interrupted a conversation about the ramifications of air travel being halted. “My friend Jimmy says he has a car we can use. They don’t usually rent them, but in these unusual circumstances, he doesn’t see any problem. It was repossessed a while ago, so the guy has had lots of time to make up his payments. Jimmy said we can pick it up anytime.” 

“Wait a minute,” objected Ethan. “Are you sure it’s legal?” 

“We don’t have any other options,” confirmed Owen. 

“Let’s pack, get some sleep, and leave in the morning,” instructed Henry, always the leader. 

Jimmy had the car ready for them early the next day. 

“What happens if that guy gets the money and comes back for his car?” asked Ethan, still worried about this being a smart idea. 

“He’s probably got another set of wheels by now,” answered Jimmy. “Don’t think we’ll ever see his ugly face again!”

About the Author

 

Karen Charles is a children’s book author and educator. She lives with her husband on a beautiful bay in Washington State. Her latest book is the thriller, Fateful Connections.

Website: https://karenrabe18.wixsite.com/my-site-2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenra24229683

❀New Mystery Suspense Book Alert❀: The K-Frost Caper by James Blakley

 

 

The K-Frost Caper
James Blakley
The Powers That Be Publishing

141 pages

Mystery | Suspense

A cold case heats up when Kelvin Frost, believed to have drowned in Alabama, returns from the dead to apply for more life insurance. Or has he? When a body-a dead body-identified as Kelvin Frost, turns up in Miami, murder complicates matters. Enter Luna Nightcrow, the insurance fraud investigator whose “smartphone never sleeps.” After recovering a valuable Cherokee relic, Nightcrow accepts Charmed Life Mutual Insurance’s offer of $50,000 to sniff out and close down the K-Frost Caper. But it won’t be easy with so few leads or clues. Paired with cosmopolitan cop Tiago Toussaint, the two match wits and wiles, in attempt to find out when is the last time anyone saw Frost … in Miami?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zru92q 

B&N: https://bit.ly/3KrkJdx 

Books-a-Million: https://bit.ly/3MssXnl 

Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MazR0j 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3nFV8Vp 

BookBub: https://bit.ly/3GePsIf

Book Excerpt

Southern Comfort Flight 213 landed smoothly at Miami International Airport around 6 pm. Luna left the plane and walked to the baggage area. While she waited for her luggage to arrive, her first thought was to call Hector Luz’s cell. But, if he was corrupt, Luna’s call—even if she tried to hide her number with a star 67 code—might tip him off that Charmed Life increased its search for him. So she didn’t call.

     When Luna’s luggage finally arrived, it wasn’t hard to find. Nor, it appeared, was she.

     A dark-skinned man in a tan cotton suit and black tie spotted her. He folded the newspaper he’d watch Luna from behind and rubbed his goatee thoughtfully.  Then he began to move. 

     Luna gathered her laptop, slung her purse, and extended the handle of her rolling duffel bag. Just as she was about to start up, the man with the goatee slowed her down. 

     “Luna Nightcrow?” the man asked.

     “Yes,” she answered.

 

About the Author

James Blakley was educated at Missouri Western State College and Washburn University. While at MWSC, he was a local and national award-winning columnist and section editor of “The Griffon-News.” Blakley worked 10 1/2 years as a page and as an Assistant Librarian for the River Bluffs Regional Libraries of St. Joseph, MO. He currently lives in Topeka, KS where he worked for The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and several years in clerical and customer support capacities for international computer companies, such as EDS and HP. Additionally, Blakley has worked in information gathering and analysis for various government agencies and programs.