Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Terminal Danger
Series: Guardians Unleashed #5
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.  

Exactly as she planned. 

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured. 

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve. 

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Interview with Author Jerusha Agen

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been writing and enjoying stories as a reader since I was a little girl, so I’m in my dream job as an author of Christian fiction. I’m a lifelong animal lover and am thankful to share my life with two very big, furry dogs and two little cats.

What do you do besides writing?

Writing is my full-time job, but when I’m not working (or engaged in pet care), I enjoy watching lots of movies, baking and eating delicious desserts, and longing for snowy winters.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

Since the bulk of Terminal Danger takes place in a U.S. National Park, I got to research national parks extensively. That was particularly fun because I encountered many gorgeous photos of the beautiful nature God created for us to enjoy. Nature is full of wonders and jaw-dropping beauty beyond my imagination!

I also learned facts I didn’t know before about the geological formations in some local national parks. A couple of these unique formations show up in Terminal Danger.

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

Sometimes, I write characters without any visual inspiration. But that can pose a challenge when I want a photo later to share with readers. Then, I have to try to find a photo of a real person who matches my visual image of the fictional character!

Phoenix Gray, the heroine of Terminal Danger, was particularly challenging to find a photo for. I actually spent years searching, off and on, for an image that could capture her with any accuracy. I’d nearly given up, but then this year, since the publication of Terminal Danger was at hand, I tried one last time.

At last, I finally found the image I had been looking for, the photo that came the closest to how I had envisioned Phoenix and described her in previous books. God provided the visual just when I needed it to share with readers!

Here’s the visual representation of the mysterious Phoenix Gray (which she would not want me sharing in public!):

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I love to listen to movie soundtracks while I write. Nothing fuels my imagination as well as an appropriate film score. I often gravitate repeatedly toward one for each particular book because that score best gets me into the creative headspace I need to access for that story.

While writing Terminal Danger, I listened to the soundtrack of Inception by Hans Zimmer. I needed maximum intensity, suspense, twistiness, and emotional depth for this book, so the Inception score worked perfectly.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

I trust that God will meet readers in this book with the message He wants them to hear. But the message that I found most helpful from this story is God’s answer to the evil in this world.

I get overwhelmed by the suffering in this world, especially the suffering of children and other helpless victims. There’s so much of that in our own country right now. It’s hard to see why God allows such things to happen.

It often feels like evil is winning, like the bad guys are winning.

But God has a plan, and it includes His justice and His purpose being brought about, now and in the future.

Evil is not winning. In fact, God has already won! He is in complete control of ALL that happens. And He promises that He will bring about full and complete justice in the end.

There is so much encouragement in understanding and holding fast to that truth!

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

I am launching a new series in 2025! The Windy City Westons Series will begin in March with Waylaid, the first installment in a Christian romantic suspense series that follows the five Weston siblings in Chicago, where they encounter danger, love, and God.

Here’s the Waylaid teaser: Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Waylaid is available for preorder now! https://amzn.to/3C3x324

 

More Books in This Series

     

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About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Blog Tour, Character Interview & Giveaway: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse
Author: Kate Tompkins
Publisher: ‎ The Matthewsburg Manse
Release Date: October 26, 2023
Genre: Short stories/Poetry, Christian fiction, general fiction, rural fiction, wholesome fiction

When city girl Viv's husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv's new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring? 

"This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life's adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good." - Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Character Interview

Interview with Viv Cottrell, main character from Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Viv Cottrell here, the pastor’s wife. I’m always reluctant to admit to that, because it leads to several expectations, including that I’m willing and able to play piano if the church organist is away, and that I’m an excellent cook who can be relied on for endless supplies of baking and casseroles. Neither of those lie among my talents.

I grew up in the suburbs of a mid-sized city, together with my two older brothers. I met Mark at a bible study at university. He was taking theology, I was taking art, but things clicked. Next thing I knew, we were married and Mark had accepted a job at Matthewsburg. I was looking forward to having a bigger garden, but wondering what I was going to do with all of my time. Silly me.

What are your hobbies or activities you enjoy?

When I’m not in my role as pastor’s wife? Lately, I’ve taken up Scottish Country Dancing. It’s good exercise and a good way to meet people. I love to garden and bird watch. Painting and drawing, and designing needlepoint pictures help fulfill my creative urge. And I enjoy talking to people and hearing their stories, though that often does fall into my role as pastor’s wife. One of my favourite things to do is sit out on the porch swing with Mark and watch the stars come out as we talk about our day.

What was your favorite part of the story?

Going on a road trip to Cape Breton with my friend Maddie. Spectacular scenery, friendly people, great music. I need to work on convincing Mark we need a vacation “Down East.”

What kind of music do you find inspiring?

I’m partial to old-fashioned hymns. My mom’s mom lived with us for several years and she loved to sing them. Hearing them reminds me of her.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from your story?

Everyone has problems in life, but with prayer and being willing to ask or give help, things generally work out. I sometimes act first and don’t think to pray until later, but God still comes through.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

Who knows? Maybe I can learn to cook.

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About the Author

Kate Tompkins lives in Montreal’s West Island, where she shares a small house and a big backyard with her husband and the latest in a series of very spoiled cats. She writes short stories, poetry (yes, the non-literary, rhyming kind), and the occasional essay. When not hanging out with her church’s writing group or getting lost down an internet rabbit hole, she can be found trying out recipes from old cookbooks for her cooking blog, Kate’s Virtual Kitchen, or outside keeping the flowerbeds in order.

Connect with Kate by visiting katetompkinsbooks.ca to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Book Blitz, Character Interview & Giveaway: Mountain of Flame by Diane E. Samson

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Gems of Fire series, Mountain of Flame! Today, the author shares an interview with the main character of the series, Anna. Next, she shares excerpts from the books. Plus, there's a giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

Gems of Fire

(Gems of Fire #1)

By Diane E. Samson

Young Adult Fantasy

Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 276 Pages

November 6, 2018 by Clean Reads

Palace of Sunderland. Paradise to the peasants. Prison to sixteen-year-old Anna, daughter of the king. She can never escape the castle’s cold walls and scorning disapproval of her father and his brute royal counsel, Seamus. She’ll always live in the shadow of her late mother, the queen. Will they ever see her for who she really is?

A riding accident lands Anna in the hands of traders who sell her as a slave in distant Kasdod to none other than her father’s enemy, Lord Anwar. After overhearing a dangerous plot to conquer Sunderland and kill the royal family, Anna must escape and warn her father, even if it means facing her greatest enemy.

With the doom looming over her, Anna is approached by a dangerous man in the dark. He claims to want to help her, but can she trust him with her secrets? The perils of the journey ahead will push Anna to the limit and answer the one question that has always plagued her...

Will she ever be enough?

Praise for the Book

“What an exciting book to read. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters were very well developed, and it made me cheer for them all the way through. The cover is very dramatic and fits very well with the story. Great read.” - Goodreads Reviewer

“One Tough Princess…A princess who despite great suffering never gives up. I really loved Anna’s determination and heart. You’ll find adventure, high stakes and romance in the midst of such horrible circumstances. A solid plot with a story that stayed with me.” - Amazon Reviewer

“A breathtaking journey into royal courts, slavery, escape, war, and love. This book has it all…” - Amazon Reviewer

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target | Book Depository

Valley of Bones

(Gems of Fire #2)

By Diane E. Samson

Young Adult Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 370 Pages

February 13, 2021 by Diane E. Samson

Princess Anna is left to rule Sunderland as regent when her father, brother and her presumed fiancé Jack ride to battle devouring creatures in Jack’s home kingdom of Oclen. She must establish herself as a strong leader with the Sunderland council and a neighboring king who brings along two handsome princes to negotiate an alliance.

Trouble erupts as outlining Sunderland villages are attacked by pillaging marauders and the council loses confidence in Anna’s leadership. As Anna waits in trepidation for word from her father’s army, all she hears is silence. Her scouts never return. When the reports of a coming horror reach Anna, she forges an unlikely alliance and forgoes her father’s long-standing policies against gems of power. She trains Sunderland’s remaining soldiers to fight with gems. She’ll lead them to battle to rescue her family and the one she loves.

But first she must survive the treachery brewing in her own court.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

 

Mountain of Flame

(Gems of Fire #3)

By Diane E. Samson

Young Adult Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 450 Pages

August 4, 2021 by Diane E. Samson

Reeling from Jack becoming king of Oclen, Princess Anna returns home as Sunderland’s Defender. Earning her title was a hard-fought honor, but Anna can’t escape the guilt of leaving Jack alone in that cursed, starving place.

When Jack comes to Sunderland seeking aid from Anna’s father, she must decide whether to return with him and help defeat the curse plaguing the cold northern land. If she remains Sunderland’s Defender, she knows her heart would never forgive her for abandoning Jack to rebuild a crushed kingdom.

Can Anna leave what she loves to become queen of a people suspicious of her and the gems? Joining Jack would mean battling an evil greater than anything she’s ever faced, for the curse’s roots grow deep. But if she doesn’t, Oclen will likely fall and Anna will lose Jack forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

Character Interview with Anna

(These answers represent the timing of Book One, Gems of Fire)
 

Tell me about yourself:

I’m Anna of Sunderland, 16-year-old, third-born to King Vilipp. My birthday is in autumn, September 21. I resemble my mother in appearance only. She was loving, good and adored by all. I can’t help but disappoint my father and his brooding advisor, Seamus.

Who are your siblings?

Stefan is my older brother and crown prince of Sunderland. He’s watched out for me to the best of his ability since our mother passed away when I was four. He is now 22 years old. Saira, 20 years old, is my older sister. She’s been away to be educated as an ambassador and has recently returned to Sunderland.

I get along better with Stefan. I’m frequently compared to perfect Saira. I’m always found lacking.

Describe your home:

Sunderland is a medium-sized kingdom in the heart of the continent, bordered by a semi-circle of mountains on the west, north and east sides. To the south of Sunderland lies a semi-arid region and the kingdom of Tagora. The capital city is Kasdod where King Vilipp’s enemy, Anwar resides.

Karfin is Sunderland’s capital, a city set into a white mountain where valuable gems are mined. The village in front of the castle is surrounded by a tall outer wall. The Alpin river weaves in front of the castle, providing protection from intruders. The only way into the castle is by a drawbridge.

Where are you the happiest?

I find comfort at the stables and riding my horse, Farley. He was given to me by a southern prince who found him alone in the desert as a yearling. He quickly became my project and my solace. Farley only allows me on his back. His groom’s name is Bart. I consider him my only friend.

What is your greatest fear?

I fear I’ll never gain the respect of my father. He only sees me as someone to marry off. And no one wants a headstrong girl. I also fear being locked away in a cage, trapped and unable to defend myself. I especially fear being alone with Seamus.

What are your pursuits?

I love horseback riding, archery and sparring with Stefan. I grew up hiding from my tutors, and they’ve pretty much given up educating me. I don’t have many friends at court.

Are you close to your father?

Not really. Father has never recovered from losing my mother. I pretty much lost both parents back then. Like I said, Stefan has done his best to look after me, as well as my faithful nurse, Mary.

Who is the person you admire and/or despise the most?

I admire my brother Stefan. He’s funny, caring and loyal. He’ll make a great king.

I despise Seamus, my father’s advisor. He’s pretty much taken over most duties of the king and poisons me in my father’s mind.

What do you remember of your mother?

Mother was gently, kind and always held me close when I cried. She loved me very much.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Spirited, Longing, Determined

About the Author

 

Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever.

She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

Tour Giveaway

Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only)

Ends September 19, 2021

ENTER HERE

 

Character Interview with Tracy from Swell Time For a Swing Dance by Cindy Vincent

* Be sure to keep scrolling after the interview to see the free e-book and giveaway! *

Hello, Heidi, and thank you so much for inviting me here today!  It’s really swell of you!

1.  Hi, Tracy! How fun to have the opportunity to chat with an apprentice P.I.! First off, how long have you had this job title? Have you solved many mysteries?

Goodness, when it comes to being an Apprentice P.I., I’m still what you might call “wet behind the ears”!  Because I just started this job barely a month ago.  My boss, Sammy Falcone—a guy who can pass for an older Humphrey Bogart—always tells me I’m a natural at being a detective.  I’m not sure what he sees in me, but I have to give credit where credit is due—most of the stuff I’ve learned comes from reading Katie McClue mystery novels!  I’ve been reading them since I could even read at all, and they’re my favorite series.  Of course, Katie is absolutely brilliant when it comes to solving crimes, and I’d like to think that I’m following her lead.

Anyway, I ended up getting this job when Sammy and I crossed paths by accident.  I sort of ran into him when I became suspicious about the blonde bombshell who lived across the hall from my best friend, Jayne.  It turned out that Sammy had been following her, too, hoping to get some information from her.  To tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure if Sammy was a good guy or a bad guy at first.  But after I found the bombshell dead and the police accused me of killing her, Sammy jumped in to my rescue.  He claimed I was his apprentice and had only been on the scene to investigate.  And right after he sprung me from the police station, he offered me a job.  His old partner in their detective agency had gone off to war, and he thought I was a shoo-in when it came to being a gumshoe.  So of course I said yes right away.  Being a P.I. was a dream come true.  So here I am!  An Apprentice P.I.

2.  Tell us a bit about your latest mystery. Is this about murder, theft, or both? Is it true your grandmother is a suspect?

Well, I hope everyone went to the pictures to see The Maltese Falcon, the movie that came out last year.  October of 1941 to be exact.  If you did, you probably also know that The Maltese Falcon was considered to be the best mystery thriller of the year.  Anyway, what I’m getting at in a roundabout way is that this newest case is a lot like The Maltese Falcon.  Can you believe it?  There is a murder mystery, as well as an ancient marble bird statue that has gone missing!  The whole case is pretty convoluted, and it has us going in about ten different directions at once.  Plus, on top of it all, it seems like the war has practically landed on my doorstep.  I know that sounds a little cryptic, but you’ll understand after you read my story.  I think this case would’ve even given Katie McClue a run for her money.  And yes, my grandmother is a suspect, but then again, so is my fella, Pete!  So there is a lot at stake for me personally in this mystery.  Whew. 

3.  How has your life changed since the United States is at war?

Plenty!  Sure, we had an idea that Uncle Sam might go to war, but somehow, it was still a pretty big shock when it happened.  There had been rumblings for years now, but when Hitler invaded Poland a couple of years ago, and then goose-stepped his army into France the next year, followed by non-stop bombing of England, well, let’s just say that we could see the writing on the wall.  Finally, after the Japanese attacked us at Pearl Harbor in the Territory of Hawaii, we were in.  And it is very scary stuff.

Now we’ve got fellas enlisting in the service just as fast as they can, ready to go off and fight.  That means us gals need to step into the jobs that men used to hold, just to keep the country running.  It’s a whole new world for lots of us.  To tell you the truth, I didn’t grow up thinking I’d have a real job one day.  But now here I am, working as an Apprentice P.I.  Overall, I really like it a lot.  Though plenty of my friends are thinking about becoming Army nurses and joining other military programs for women.  Like we keep hearing, it’s going to take all of us working together to win this war.  And to protect our own country.  After all, you probably saw the article in Life Magazine, the one that talks about the routes that Germany and Japan will probably take if they try to invade our country?  Like I said, it’s all very scary stuff!

4.  I've heard rumors there's a love interest in your life. :) How does he feel about your line of work? Would you say the relationship is pretty serious?

Well, to be honest, my romantic life has been one big roller coaster ride!  Whew!  Last year I was engaged to a man named Michael, a man that my mother was more in love with than I was.  Not only was it a disaster, but it ended with a rather stormy breakup . . . smack dab in the middle of a thunderstorm!  Then Pete was there.  I’d known him since high school, but I hadn’t seen him in a while.  Though I have to say, the next time I ran into him, I could hardly believe how much he’d grown up!  So we started dating, and we really fit together nicely.  Pete is a wonderful guy, and well, right away, I had an inkling that he might be “the one.”  So I figured we might date for a while and maybe get engaged in a year or so.  Then I guessed it would be another six months before I met him at the altar. 

But this crazy war has changed everything.  Because here’s the deal—Pete, being the noble guy that he is, plans to enlist and go off to fight.  He’ll probably end up in some place that I’ve never even heard of, and most likely, he’ll be in harm’s way.  Just like all the fellas going off to fight!  After he goes, we’ll have nothing but letters to keep in touch.  We won’t have any phone calls and we won’t be able to see each other.  And we have no idea how long this war will last.  Or, if he’ll even live through it.  And with Germany and Japan threatening our country, I wonder if I’ll live through it.  So the bottom line is, we don’t know if we’ll have a tomorrow.  And the idea of getting married is on the table now.  Way, way ahead of schedule.

5.  One last question, and it's a fun one! I've heard you're a great dancer and was wondering if you have any advice for those who want to "cut a rug" but feel like they've got two left feet?

Having “two left feet” isn’t something to worry about, because everyone starts out that way!  But there’s only one way to learn—and that’s to practice, practice, practice!  And sure, there’s always someone around who can give you lessons.  Lots of older people are happy to, because dancing is for old and young alike.  And to tell you the truth, if you don’t know how to dance, you won’t have much of a social life.  Since that’s pretty much what everyone does for fun!  Pete and I go out and swing a wing lots of nights!

Thanks again, Heidi, for hosting me here.  I hope to see you at the next USO dance, and don’t forget to do your part in the war effort!  Take care and God bless!

Synopsis

December 31, 1941. Young Houston socialite Tracy Truworth, Apprentice P.I., can’t imagine a better way to send off the old year and ring in the new than by dancing through the night with her fella, Pete Stalwart. But a swell evening soon takes a terrible turn when a fellow dancer with moves like Fred Astaire ends up dead on the dance floor. And before the hands on the clock can point to midnight, a finger is pointed at Pete, accusing him of murdering the young man.

Then after Pete is hauled away in handcuffs, the night goes from bad to worse . . . and Tracy’s sweet grandmother is accused of stealing an ancient artifact from the museum. Now Tracy must team up with her boss and mentor, Sammy Falcone, in order to find the stolen statuette, unmask the real murderer, and restore the reputations of those she loves the most.

Yet as America becomes embroiled in another world war, the risks and sacrifices intensify—even on the homefront. And Tracy soon finds her own home invaded by a near parade of questionable characters, while unsavory suspects lurk in the shadows, and a ruthless reporter makes her life miserable. With time ticking against her, Tracy must be willing to swing past the setbacks and hop through the hazards if she hopes to solve a mystery that involves a lot of dancing . . . and a lot more danger.

Free E-book

Beginning Tuesday, October 16th, Swell Time For a Swing Dance will be FREE until the end of the blog tour!

 Giveaway

Time to get “in the mood” with a fun 1940s-themed giveaway! Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter for a chance to win a pewter ornament from The National WWII Museum, a Glenn Miller CD, and paperback copies of the first two books in the Tracy Truworth series: Bad Day for a Bombshell and Swell Time for a Swing Dance. Due to shipping costs and varying international laws, this giveaway is open to US residents (age 18 or older) only. Good luck!

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