Heidi Reads...: January 2022

Monday, January 31, 2022

Review: Heart of the Frontier by Brittany Larsen, Jen Geigle Johnson, Jennie Hansen, Carolyn Twede Frank

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Venture into the heart of the Wild West in this collection of four romantic novellas by some of your favorite best-selling authors.

“The Gamble” by Brittany Larsen
British aristocrat Thomas Clayborne anticipated a grand adventure in America—but what he imagined is a far cry from the rough-and-tumble reality. When his journey West brings a bold young woman into his life, will he risk everything for true love?

“Celebration for Celia” by Carolyn Frank
Though Celia generally adores Fourth of July festivities, she finds herself weighed down by uncertainties that dim her anticipation of the holiday. Then fate brings into her life a dashing stranger who is determined to give Celia a celebration she’ll never forget.

“Her Frontier Bandit” by Jen Geigle Johnson
When Rebecca and her physician father relocate to a frontier town in desperate need of a doctor, Rebecca believes it will be an opportunity to mend her recently broken heart. But she quickly realizes that no matter how far you run, true love always finds a way.

“Sagebrush Sally” by Jennie Hansen
English rose Sally is finding it difficult to bloom in the rugged wasteland of the West. But with two handsome cowboys vying for her affections, it seems that even amid cattle thieves and gunfights, the truest danger lies in losing her heart.

My Review

I was so excited to see an anthology of stories with a western setting. I believe I've read stories by each of these authors before. They were all enjoyable, but I felt like they were a bit surface-level. I didn't find myself connecting with the characters or experiencing their emotions with them. I would say that these novellas were more plot-focused, and there is good variety between them.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Montana Reunion by Jen Gilroy

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Montana Reunion

By Jen Gilroy

Clean Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 244 Pages

January 25, 2022 by Harlequin Heartwarming

An unexpected reunion
Sparks familiar feelings!

Beth Flanagan became a mother when she took in her best friend’s daughter. Spending the summer at the Montana camp where she and her friend had made such wonderful memories was meant to create a much-needed bond. But Beth didn’t anticipate Zach Carter, the boy who’d stolen her heart, to be in charge. Nor did she anticipate how quickly their feelings would reignite–though Beth vows to not fall for him again!

(Affiliate links included.)

UK readers: the e-book is not available but the paperback is available via The Book Depository

My Review

The premise of this story is a little heartbreaking- Ellie recently lost her mother, and Beth her best friend. Ellie also has some physical special needs, which is a big focus of the book. The camp where Beth, Jilly, and Zach spent the summer together is now a therapy camp for kids with special needs, and it was interesting to learn about the details of Ellie's specific illness and how the camp helped her. It is very apparent that the author is knowledgeable on the subject. Beth and Zach's reluctance to reconnect is influenced by the relationship trauma they have suffered with others, and it really affects their current relationship. It's a rocky road for them to reignite their friendship and romance, and I struggled to connect with their emotions, feeling removed or kept at the surface. The relationship between Ellie and Beth is just as much the focus of the book as Beth navigates parenting a grieving young teen. I enjoyed the setting of Montana and the secondary characters that made it such a homey, special place.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Author

Photo credit: Robin Spencer, Spencer Studio

Jen Gilroy writes sweet romance and uplifting women’s fiction—warm, feel-good stories to bring readers’ hearts home. A Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® finalist and shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon award, she lives in small-town Ontario, Canada with her husband, teenage daughter and floppy-eared rescue hound. She loves reading, ice cream, ballet and paddling her purple kayak.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed print copy of Montana Reunion by Jen Gilroy (Open to US, UK, and Canada).

Ends February 9, 2022

ENTER HERE

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Review: Sunrise by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

My Review

I'm excited to begin a new series full of adventure from Susan May Warren! The setting of Alaska is epic, with extreme weather and grizzly bears the norm. The personalities of the characters are vivid, and I was quickly drawn into their world. Dodge and Echo have a difficult history of childhood friendship and young romance gone horribly awry, and it was gratifying to see them begin to heal and forgive their unseen hurts. The angst of their relationship gives way to powerful feelings that are only strengthened through their trials and I loved the way they supported each other as much as their chemistry. They both have complex family dynamics as well that come into play, and the theme of seeking and following God's will helps Echo, Dodge, and their parents envision a new future full of hope. The author skillfully balances the personal drama with dangerous rescues and nail-biting flights that kept me enthralled late into the night, not able to put the book down. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the next book in the Sky King Ranch series . . .

Coming June 2022

Available for pre-order

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Twelve Weeks To Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss

Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Twelve Weeks To Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: KidVenture Twelve Weeks To Midnight Blue

Series: KidVenture #1

Author: Steve Searfoss

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: Jan 26, 2020

Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction

Chance Sterling launches a pool cleaning business over the summer. Join Chance as he looks for new customers, discovers how much to charge them, takes on a business partner, recruits an employee, deals with difficult clients, and figures out how to make a profit. He has twelve weeks to reach his goal. Will he make it? Only if he takes some chances.

KidVenture stories are business adventures where kids figure out how to market their company, understand risk, and negotiate. Each chapter ends with a challenge, including business decisions, ethical dilemmas and interpersonal conflict for young readers to wrestle with. As the story progresses, the characters track revenue, costs, profit margin, and other key metrics which are explained in simple, fun ways that tie into the story.

EXCERPT

Just then my sister Addison walked in and poured herself some orange juice.
I cleared my throat dramatically. “What I propose is a pool cleaning service, where you don’t have to worry about your pool being clean, you don’t have to ever remind me. Instead, I guarantee that the pool will be cleaned every week by noon on Friday, so it’s ready for a weekend of swimming action.”
“That sounds interesting.” My dad raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”
“What I’m offering, then, is not just a clean pool, but peace of mind. You don’t have to worry again whether the pool will be clean, and you don’t have to remind me to do it.”
“I like it,” my dad said.
“And you can have this peace of mind for the small sum of ten dollars a week.” I smiled broadly, proud of myself. I was particularly proud of the for the small sum bit. I heard that on the radio once and liked it. “So $20 total.”
My dad whistled his surprise. “So you’re doubling the price?” he challenged.
“Small price to pay for peace of mind,” I countered.
“Fifteen,” my dad said.
I mumbled for a bit, unsure of what to say. I finally recovered enough to blurt out, “But the price is 20!”
I stared at my dad intently, narrowing my eyes and furrowing my forehead, much the way I imagine a cheetah does when it spots a gazelle that looks like dinner on the African savanna. Did I mention my middle name is Robert? That’s French for dangerous.
My dad stared back. He didn’t scowl like a cheetah. He simply stared at me, to see if I would flinch.
I gulped.
The stare-down continued. Who knew a gazelle could be that fierce?
“The price is $20,” I said evenly.
“I’ll do it for $10!” my sister suddenly interjected.
“What?!” My dad and I said at the same time and turned towards her.
“Addison!” I shouted. “You stay out of this.”
“I’ll do it for $10,” she insisted. “I’ll clean the pool and also that whole peace of mind thingamajig.”
“Fine! $15 and not a penny more!” I stretched out my hand and walked towards my father. “But you must decide now.”
He looked at me and smiled. “You have a deal.”
“We have a deal.” I shook his hand very dramatically so he wouldn’t change his mind.
“No fair!” Addie cried out. “Why does he get to do it? I offered to do it for less.”
“Well, I already know he can do the job, and I rather stick with one vendor right now.”
“What’s a vendor?” Addie asked.
“A vendor is someone who sells you a product, or in this case a service,” Dad explained.
“In other words, I am a vendor and you’re not.” I smirked.
“But I want to be a vendor!”
“You didn’t even know what a vendor was five minutes ago and now you want to be one,” I said.
“Daddy! No fair, why does he get to be a vendor and I don’t?”
“We’ll think of something for you Addie, don’t worry.” My dad poured himself a second cup of coffee.
“Hey Dad, if you know I can do the job and you trust me as a vendor already, why don’t you pay $20?”
“It’s called leverage, Son.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means there are two possible vendors bidding for the same job. Two vendors, only one client. Two of you, and only one of me. Who has the power to say no?”
I swallowed slowly and thought about it. “Um...uh...I suppose you do.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because if you say no to me, then you have Addie who can clean the pool. But if I say no to you, I don’t have anyone else and I’m out of a job.”
“Smart kid. Leverage is about who has more options.”
“Thanks a lot Addie! Thanks to you I just lost five dollars a week.”
“That’s a small price to pay to learn about leverage,” my dad said. “You’ll thank your sister one day.”
“I doubt it.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

steve searfoss

I wrote my first KidVenture book after years of making up stories to teach my kids about business and economics. Whenever they'd ask how something works or why things were a certain way, I would say, "Let's pretend you have a business that sells..." and off we'd go. What would start as a simple hypothetical to explain a concept would become an adventure spanning several days as my kids would come back with new questions which would spawn more plot twists. Rather than give them quick answers, I tried to create cliffhangers to get them to really think through an idea and make the experience as interactive as possible.

I try to bring that same spirit of fun, curiosity and challenge to each KidVenture book. That’s why every chapter ends with a dilemma and a set of questions. KidVenture books are fun for kids to read alone, and even more fun to read together and discuss. There are plenty of books where kids learn about being doctors and astronauts and firefighters. There are hardly any where they learn what it’s like to run small business. KidVenture is different. The companies the kids start are modest and simple, but the themes are serious and important.

I’m an entrepreneur who has started a half dozen or so businesses and have had my share of failures. My dad was an entrepreneur and as a kid I used to love asking him about his business and learning the ins and outs of what to do and not do. Mistakes make the best stories — and the best lessons. I wanted to write a business book that was realistic, where you get to see the characters stumble and wander and reset, the way entrepreneurs do in real life. Unlike most books and movies where business is portrayed as easy, where all you need is one good idea and the desire to be successful, the characters in KidVenture find that every day brings new problems to solve.

CONNECT WITH STEVE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift card! (10) winners will receive a paperback copy of Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue!

Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue JustRead Blog 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 January 25, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN/UK/AUSTRALIA 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.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Thief's Relic by Angela Knotts Morse

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Thief's Relic

(Son of Avaria #1)

By Angela Knotts Morse

Young Adult, Fantasy

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 394 Pages

December 4, 2021 by An Encouraging Thought Publishers

Eamonn never wanted to be a thief.

So when a risky mission goes awry and he receives the chance of a lifetime, he leaves behind everything, even his newfound family in the Thieves’ Guild, to pursue an apprenticeship as an honest merchant.

Traveling the country means he sees and hears everything. Civil unrest, rebellions against the monarchies, and rumors of a usurper bent on uniting the provinces under himself with a mythical form of magic. Few suspect he’s not chasing a dead end, including village girl Leyna, a believer in the magic of ancient histories. Eamonn’s skeptical heart is also swayed once he finds himself the tyrant’s target, unknowingly possessing the key to harness the dangerous power.

To protect it, Eamonn's only choice is to flee. But now that it’s the mission of his former brothers in the Guild to hunt him down, keeping magic out of their hands might be harder than either Leyna or Eamonn thought possible. If they fall, though, their world does too.

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

4 stars / I really liked it

It’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy book but I was quickly drawn into the world of kingdoms where Eamonn has grown up- neglected by his father, stealing necessities, and eventually leaving home to join a guild of teenage thieves. Eamonn values higher learning, and always has his goal of attending the university before him. He longs for the sense of family, belonging, and acceptance, but the guilt from stealing leads him to take the opportunity for an honest life when it is offered by merchant Dorlyss. I loved how Dorlyss and Eamonn’s relationship develops from mentorship to father and son. The world building was interesting as they travel the kingdoms with the caravan, discovering the political unrest and chaotic revolution. The story is told from Eamonn’s point of view initially, but as more characters enter, the author takes advantage of their perspectives as their influence in the plot necessitates. Although the story kept my interest, I didn’t connect with Eamonn’s emotions, being kept somewhat aloof. As Eamonn and his friends are drawn into the sphere of the evil usurper, the torture scenes turned my stomach and I found myself too sensitive for the descriptions. I was invested in how they would overcome and finished the book, glad that it did not end on a cliffhanger, but had an epilogue indicating the continuation of the story in the rest of the trilogy.

About the Author

Angela Morse has been writing since the fourth grade when a teacher wrote an encouraging note on one of her assignments. The note read, “I would not be surprised if I go to the library one day and pick up a book by Angela Knotts!” That simple note lit a fire within Angela and she developed a passion for writing stories. Though she has dabbled in a few genres, Angela’s favorite to write is Fantasy. Her audience is typically New Adult (NA) or sometimes Young Adult (YA), depending on the age and maturity of her characters and intended readers. Angela currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and cat.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed paperback copy of The Thief's Relic by Angela Knotts Morse (US only)

Ends February 2, 2022

ENTER HERE

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson

Healing Skye JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Healing Skye

Series: Coastal Hearts

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC

Release Date: December 16, 2021

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance

People can’t be trusted.

Animals always made more sense than humans did to marine biologist Skye Youngblood. After her mother’s suicide, she left Alabama and never looked back. These days, she pours her heart into protecting nature’s sea creatures. When she returns to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a temporary manatee migration study, her dark past is much too close. She can’t let her guard down. But how can she keep her heart hidden when a kind man with a genuine smile makes her want a fresh start?

Charter fishing pays the bills for widower Pete Thompson and his little girl, but like his father, a pastor, Pete can’t help but fish for men. Only, after growing up under constant scrutiny as a preacher’s kid, Pete’s ways are a bit more unconventional. And the bulk of his life revolves around raising his precious daughter.

When he witnesses the car wreck of a new marine biologist on the island, it doesn’t take a genius to see that more than just her physical pain needs tending. Pete feels called to help Skye find true healing, but he’s navigating dangerous waters. And he’s not at all sure he’ll walk away unscathed.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

EXCERPT

“Skye,” he whispered. “Look at me.” He cupped her cheeks, and she raised her eyes to his. “We’re all broken.”

Her gaze sought his. Searching. “What if I’m shattered beyond repair?”

“I wish I could take away your pain, but I’m just a man. God can heal our hearts. Your heart. He can lift us up and help us go on, despite what life or evil men dole out.”

“I hope you’re right.” Her hands covered his. “Because I’d like to…”

He shuddered at the slight touch. “You’d like to what?”

Her teeth caught her lip, and she dropped her gaze to his mouth. “I’d like to try.”

“I’ll let you take the lead.” He lowered his forehead almost to hers, so close her breath stroked his skin. “However you’re comfortable.”

Her face turned up, her look penetrating. Heat charged through him, but he didn’t dare move.

Hesitantly, soft lips brushed his, and her fingers feathered through his hair. His pulse thudded, and blood rushed in his ears. His thinking stalled as she took her time exploring his mouth with her kisses. Gently, he kissed her back, and all at once, with every single fiber of his being, he knew.

There was no turning back now. He was hopelessly in love with this woman. With Skye.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award-winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Skye, a T-shirt supporting the Manatee Network, magnetic butterfly bookmarks, prayers to share, a creative Bible study journal, a magnet, and a seashell from the author!

Healing Skye JustRead Blog Tour Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 24, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Book Blitz & Giveaway Day Three - Scattered Legacy by Marlene M Bell

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Annalisse series, Scattered Legacy! Today, we learn author Marlene M Bell's Top Ten activities for winter. If you missed her author interview, you can read that HERE. She also shared an excerpt from the book HERE. Plus, there's an awesome 3-winner giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

Scattered Legacy

(Annalissa Series #3)

By Marlene M Bell

Mystery, Christian Fiction

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

October 6, 2021 by Ewephoric Publishing

To outsiders, the relationship between Manhattan antiquities assessor Annalisse Drury and sports car magnate Alec Zavos must look carefree and glamorous. In reality, it’s a love affair regularly punctuated by treasure hunting, action-packed adventure, and the occasional dead body.

When Alec schedules an overseas trip to show Annalisse his mother's birthplace in Bari, Italy, he squeezes in the high-stakes business of divesting his family’s international corporation. But things go terribly wrong as murder makes its familiar reappearance in their lives – and this time it’s Alec’s disgraced former CFO who’s the main suspect.

Accompanied by friend and detective Bill Drake, Annalisse and Alec find themselves embroiled in a behind-closed-doors conspiracy that threatens the reputation and legacy of Alec’s late father – linking him to embezzlement, extortion, and the dirty business of the Sicilian Mafia. The search for the truth sends the trio straight into riddles, secrets, and an historic set of rosary beads. Annalisse leads Alec toward a discovery that is unthinkable, and events that will change their futures forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Scattered Legacy Book Trailer

Other Books in the Series

Stolen Obsession

(Annalissa Series #1)

By Marlene M Bell

Mystery

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 294 Pages

January 12, 2018 by Ewephoric Publishing

People die, but legends live on.

New York antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury recently lost her best friend to murder. The killer’s identity may be linked to her friend’s expensive missing bracelet—a 500-year-old artifact that carries an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family.

Weeks later, Annalisse sees a matching necklace at a Manhattan gallery opening. She begs the owner to destroy the cursed piece, but her pleas fall on deaf ears—despite the unnatural death that occurs during the opening. With two victims linked to the jewelry, Annalisse is certain she must act.

Desperate, Annalisse enlists the gallery owner’s son to help—even though she’s afraid he’ll break her heart. Wealthy and devastatingly handsome, with a string of bereft women in his wake, Greek playboy Alec Zavos dismisses Annalisse’s concerns—until his parents are ripped from the Zavos family yacht during their ocean voyage near Crete.

Annalisse and Alec race across two oceans to save his mother, feared dead or kidnapped. When the killer changes tactics and goes after Alec behind Annalisse’s back, can her plan to rescue Alec’s mother save them all?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Spent Identity

(Annalissa Series #2)

By Marlene M Bell

Mystery

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 378 Pages

November 18, 2019 by Ewephoric Publishing

To find her missing aunt, she has to unearth the secrets of the past. But lies and deceit run through the very heart of their town…

What started out as a promising relationship with adventurer and tycoon Alec Zavos has fizzled into an uncertain future for antiquities expert Annalisse Drury. Returning to Walker Farm in Upstate New York to see her Aunt Kate should have been a welcome homecoming and distraction. Instead, she finds the childhood home she expected to inherit is for sale, without her permission. What’s worse, Kate’s ranch manager makes a gruesome discovery in the barn: the body of a man, dead by foul play.

Annalisse turns to Alec for help. She and her aunt shelter on his estate in the Catskills while the authorities canvass the scene. But when Kate herself disappears without a trace, Annalisse fears the worst: that one of the many secrets of her hometown has ensnared her family—a secret someone is willing to kill for to keep hidden.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Marlene M Bell's Top 10 Favorite Things to Do in Winter

· Sit in front of a fire in our new library and read mysteries with Leo.

· Binge shop on the Etsy website to help other entrepreneurs.

· Take photographs of our Horned Dorset sheep and surrounding landscape.

· Sit in front of my personal computer and write when it’s raining.

· Set up giveaways for my Facebook friends who read, write and raise sheep.

· Watch feel-good movies on the Hallmark channels with my husband.

· Buy research books for novels to write, new characters, scenes and plots.

· Design punch hook rug patterns for my huge yarn collection

· Browse my cookbook collection and cook a gourmet meal for my husband.

· Photograph nature and wildlife while my husband fishes for bass in the pond. No too far out, though. We have wild hogs about that think nothing of coming after people who venture where they’re rooting.

This is just a list in no particular order. All ten situations are my favorite things do in the winter during downtime when the trees lose their leaves and the air turns crisp. We raise sheep, so this involves a certain amount of outdoor activity when the animals are fed twice a day. I’m a photographer and artist seeking out beautiful sunsets and cloudy skies to use in my catalog business. Many of the pictures taken contribute to the merchandise offered to our sheep clients and collectors of everything sheep and lamb.

I’m also a catalog shopping maniac. Back in the 1980’s when eBay began as a marketplace, I purchased sheep related gifts and eventually sold my own work there. I hoard mail order catalogs and frequently purchase all over the world for our home. Vintage or new products eventually land in our home, especially if they involve a sheep. As my business and publishing company says, I am Ewephoric about sheep and writing. https://www.ewephoric.us It’s all about hobbies and the outdoors for me. In a time when we are stuck inside our homes, I’m fortunate to roam our fifty acres and spend time with the wildlife. Because we raise animals as part of the food chain, I’m able to travel as needed. The cats, Leo and Hollywood make sure that I’m not gone from the house too long!

About the Author

Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer and acclaimed artist as well as a photographer. Her sheep landscapes grace the covers of livestock magazines such as, The Shepherd, Ranch & Rural Living, and Sheep Industry News. She has a mystery series available as well as a children's book featuring their bottle lamb, Natalie. Marlene and her husband, Gregg, reside in beautiful East Texas on a wooded ranch with their horned Dorset sheep, a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, along with Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks, the cats that believe they rule the household—and do.

Tour Giveaway

GRAND PRIZE
A Nicole Miller 50 x 60 inch ultra-soft throw in neutral colors
A signed copy of Scattered Legacy by Marlene M Bell
Two (2) 18 oz. mugs. One says: GRATEFUL the other, BLESSED
Box of 15 Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Mix

2nd place winner: A signed copy of Scattered Legacy by Marlene M Bell
3rd place winner: A signed copy of Scattered Legacy by Marlene M Bell

US Only

Ends January 22, 2022

ENTER HERE

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Book Blitz & Giveaway Day Two - Scattered Legacy by Marlene M Bell

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Annalisse series, Scattered Legacy! Today, author Marlene M Bell shares an excerpt from the book. If you missed her author interview, you can read that HERE. Next, we learn the author's Top Ten activities for winter. Plus, there's an awesome 3-winner giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

Scattered Legacy

(Annalissa Series #3)

By Marlene M Bell

Mystery, Christian Fiction

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

October 6, 2021 by Ewephoric Publishing

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Scattered Legacy Book Trailer

Other Books in the Series

Stolen Obsession

(Annalissa Series #1)

By Marlene M Bell

Mystery

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 294 Pages

January 12, 2018 by Ewephoric Publishing

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Spent Identity

(Annalissa Series #2)

By Marlene M Bell

Mystery

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 378 Pages

November 18, 2019 by Ewephoric Publishing

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Excerpt

The reception area is completely empty, and there’s a smell like metal in damp dirt circulating overhead. Farther in, the ceiling fan is hovering on high speed, and the windows are open.

A dead body inside a warm office leaves an unmistakable odor behind, as did the body Ethan found inside the stall at Walker Farm. Decomp is one smell that sticks with you forever. Adding to the office creepiness, who chose the interior’s decor? We’re surrounded by limestone walls painted an ugly shade of ochre, slightly more yellow and definitely more unappealing than the building’s exterior. The rooms will need another coat of fresh paint to cover a harsh stench known to stick to the walls like cigarette tar does.

No one is nearby, not even the receptionist.

The office cubicles are silent but for a few flapping papers. Not a single desk phone is ringing. It’s like the office decided to have a fire drill midday, and the employees left their computers on and didn’t bother to close folders—open to anyone passing by. Frames holding pictures of sweethearts and children stand by as guardians for the people who are absent from their high-back swivel chairs.

Officer Raffa returns and mutters in heavy Italian brogue, “Il signore is waiting for his… avvocato difensore.” He points to the room with a closed door. “Come, Mr. Zavos. Your friends stay here.”

“Josh is in there waiting for his defense attorney. Back soon.” Alec touches my arm and looks at Bill, sending him a private message.

Alec’s led to a side office, and the solid door closes behind them.

“Is Alec signing autographs, or should I even worry about what’s going on in that room? Has Josh been here the entire time messing with evidence?” I ask Bill.

“Alec’s prepared for all contingencies. I’m surprised they haven’t taken Jennings down to the station by now.”

A few minutes later, Alec emerges by himself. “They weren’t going to allow us to talk to Josh, but I persuaded him. It shouldn’t be much longer.”

For what feels like an eternity, we sit in ladderback pine chairs with brown cushions while Alec keeps adjusting his watch. I don’t know what Alec had to promise the officer. Autographs are fine with me, but if he had to pay him off, I’d rather not know.

“I hope Brad is parked in the shade somewhere.” Alec looks at his watch for the eighth time in twenty minutes and turns to me. “Now that we’re here, they seem to be in no hurry to get rid of us. I’m sorry, Anna. Hold on a little longer.” His smile is an honest one full of regret.

I’ve heard the sentiment from him so often it doesn’t even register with my brain anymore. We both have a lot of work to do in the I-promise-to-do-better department.

The closed door at the back wall opens, and a guy pokes his head out, surveying the room. He’s fiftyish and, with his reading glasses, reminds me of Gen’s studious accountant.

Alec pivots, and his earlier smile vanishes.

“That’s Jennings,” Bill says quietly.

“Yes.” Alec waves to draw the man’s attention.

A confused Josh looks at us and then the floor as if he’s embarrassed. Eventually he settles his eyes on Alec. “I wasn’t sure you’d come. My attorney should be here soon. Come back to the conference room.”

Bill asks Alec, “Is it okay to go on ahead?”

Alec must have compensated the officer well to allow us entry this close to the crime scene.

“Let’s get this over with.” Alec seems queasy.

The three of us move through the aisle between desks and toward the room with a door left open for us. Josh has already gone inside. For someone who wants Alec’s help, he sure doesn’t appear happy or grateful for his effort. A huge effort. This had better not be Josh’s way of buying himself out of the woman’s death. The disgrace of being fired from Signorile after Pearce’s tragedy has to hurt his pride.

There’s news of a deadly virus moving through Europe, and the typical handshake is no longer being used between business execs.

Bill lifts his arm and catches himself. “Mr. Jennings? My name is Bill Drake, an associate of Mr. Zavos. You’ve asked to see him, and we also have some questions for you on another matter.”

“Wonderful.” The man in a sweaty, slept-in polo isn’t thrilled with us staring him down. There’s frost in the room as testosterone flies between glances. No one wants to be the first to break the sheet of ice forming around the presumed blue-eyed killer. Alec hasn’t made any assumptions yet until we talk to him, but Josh’s cool facade feels calculated to me. A superior to Alec, or something like that. For an innocent, I don’t like his peculiar behavior in the presence of a man who’s here to keep his neck from a noose.

“I asked to see Alec. Who are the rest of you?”

He’s behind a chair, using it as a shield to save himself from a CEO who wants to take his livelihood from him again. Or is it because he’s guilty of ending a woman’s life?

Alec pulls out the chair for me, and we all sit at the long conference table with a fancy letter F embellished in the center.

Josh’s temples bead with sweat, and he’s wringing his hands next to a wool felt fedora hat with a band. They seem to be popular in Italy. The guy’s bloodshot eyes and dark circles are sure signs of insomnia and stressing to the max. Wet ovals hang beneath the armpits of his beige shirt.

Alec’s unshakable gaze lands on Jennings, who abruptly turns away.

This meeting isn’t opening well.

Bill addresses Josh. “We don’t have a lot of time. Authorities aren’t thrilled with us questioning you, but they were… let’s say, swayed. Tell us what happened here?”

“She was tied and tortured in my office after I left night before last. I opened the building in the morning at seven and found her lying on her side, strapped to a chair and wrapped in wire near my desk. Lots of blood.” Josh holds a paper towel over his mouth, then uses it to wipe away perspiration. “When I left the building, she was in the conference room. I have no idea how she ended up in the office. Maybe the cat went in there.” He slides the fedora into his lap.

“Who is she?” Alec asks.

“Benita Alvarez.”

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