Angel's Serenade by Linda Weaver Clarke

It's a pleasure to welcome Linda! She's such a talented author, with interesting and entrancing plots that will keep you reading...just one more page!!

Read on to find out about her newest book:

Angel’s Serenade is a Historical Romance with a mystery to solve. This story is set in 1836 in the United States. You will learn about the infamous River Pirates, the remedies for illnesses of that time period, the effects that music has on a person, and you will fall in love all over again.

Emmeline Scott is raising her sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping her nephew adapt to his surroundings. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates who is causing so much havoc?

“This book, combining children, 

doctors and music 

with a little bit of a mysterious pirate gang, 

is a lovely way to relax and enjoy positivity! 

Ms. Clarke has a gift for 

writing homey dialogue, 

and a deep understanding of 

children’s needs and feelings – 

all combined into a developing love story

in the not-so-long-ago past. 

All of this results in an enjoyable read.” –Author Sherrill Cannon

When Emmeline is given the responsibility of raising her sister’s children, she finds out that it is not as easy as she thought. The children have a difficult time adapting to their new surroundings. Would giving them an education and all her love be enough? After her nephew meets the good doctor, Emmeline wonders why Sam is so drawn to him? When Doctor Lucas Golden finds out that he’s being picked on at school, he wants to help young Sam but his advice is unusual and Emmeline is not happy about his interference.

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, 

and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, 

medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those 

who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Emmeline Scott is an accomplished pianist and teaches piano to young students. Every day at five o’clock, after her last student is gone, she sits down at the piano and plays her favorite pieces. Unbeknown to Emmeline, the new doctor across the street sits outside on his porch and listens to her play. Lucas closes his practice at 5:00 and looks forward to being serenaded. It relaxes him after a long day at work. They haven’t been introduced, but he has dubbed her “Angel Lady” because of her music.

How about the mystery surrounding this story? Emmeline is worried about her neighbor. Why is Mr. Miller acting suspicious and meeting with disagreeable men in private? Is her neighbor harboring a secret, which may prevent him from winning the election? Is it possible that Emmeline can help or is it best to not get involved?

The first book in the Willow Valley Historical Romances is One Last Dance. In this story, Felicity Brooks is an artist, but her career is cut short when her father passes away. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father had discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

“One Last Dance is a historical romance with a mystery to add to the tale. 

Felicity has always been a strong and independent woman. 

Amongst mystery, loss, paintings, and a career, 

she is going to have to decide if love has a place in her heart.” --Author Anna Del C Dye

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Serenade-Willow-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07RV79LDN

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Willow-Valley-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07GVNWSP9

Here is a Video link for One Last Dance:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

About the Author:

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Mystery Suspense, Cozy Mysteries, Swashbuckling/Adventure Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda teaches a class about writing your family history that is free to the public at the Family Search Center in Southern Utah. She is also a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn about their heritage.







Don't miss out on reading this book!
Happy reading!

***

A great summer read! 

Book 2 of the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series

Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia. Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing.

Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play?

And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?

Buy the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

An Interview with Author Carol Heilman by Carole Brown

I'm tickled to introduce you to my friend, Carol Heilman! Her books are delightful and intriguing mysteries that are bound to keep your interest. Do check out her links to purchase them!

Is there a story behind your books?

Yes indeed. Agnes Hopper began as a short story—a writing assignment from a creative writing class. The story ended when Agnes walked away from a retirement home where the administrator ran a tight ship for sinister reasons. When I began asking

“What if Agnes stayed to help her friends?”

the story evolved into a book, and then a series. It’s been an adventure.

What started you on your writing journey?

I began writing in my fifties when I purchased a book on “free writing.” Completing those exercises took my breath away. I was hooked.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

Mostly historical fiction

• The Cigar Factory by Michele Moore,
• The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd, and
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Nellie, a recent resident of the retirement home, who claims to be Minnie Pearl’s cousin twice removed. She looks like the little old woman who lived in a shoe. She is a kleptomaniac, a quirky character who lends a sense of humor to the story.

Why do you write in the genre you do?

I love the people and their lives in small southern towns where a mystery thrives in the hot, humid air.

What is a favorite memory from your childhood?

Summer evenings spent listening to my coal miner daddy and uncle tell stories on our front porch while lightening bugs danced along the wood’s edge.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to 

you. (and why it's special)

2^nd Samuel 22:17 NIV

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters."

I was in my early thirties at the time when the Lord spoke to me through this verse. I was drowning in deep waters of bitterness yet He rescued me with His steadfast love. He has remained faithful and true.

Buy her books here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792DNZMW/

About Carol:

Carol Heilman, a coal miner's daughter, married her high school sweetheart, a farmer's son. She began writing family stories, especially about her dad's Appalachian humor, for newspapers and magazines. One day her mother said, "We don't have any secrets any more!"

Carol's book series, Agnes Hopper Shakes Up Sweetbriar and Agnes Hopper Bets on Murder, was inspired by her mother's spunky spirit and her dad's humor.

She has relocated, along with her husband of fifty-plus years, from the mountains of NC to Charleston, SC. The low country is now their home. They love to play cards, go antiquing, hike, and visit grandsons on the east and west coasts.

***

Love Historical Romantic Suspense? Check out the first book of my WWII Spies series!

Book One:

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong willed as she is.

As Tyrell works to keep his double life a secret and locate the traitor, he refuses to believe that Emma Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style they’re used to, that he’ll stoop to espionage?

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

Buy the book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Young Adult Nick Caden (via Author Eddie Jones)

Welcome To Nick (and Eddie!). 

Using a young person's viewpoint, Eddie captures their doubts, questions, and suspicions of what is real and what is not. In today's world, plenty of young people are searching for faith of some sort, for answers. 

We're excited to read about this opportunity for writers who want to learn about writing for the young adult age group. Read on to find out what makes Nick tick and some of his history and a bit about what Nick's adventures are about...you won't be disappointed!

Some readers have asked the guy who helps me write my stories (Mr. Jones) if I’m a Christian. I doubt that I am. I’m in my teens, which means I sort of question everything. Especially people who say they know for sure something is true.

I know Mom and Dad aren’t Christians. Neither is my sister. But then again, a lot of the people I meet who say they are Christians don’t act like it. They’re mean or rude or don’t do hardly any of the things the Bible says you’re supposed to do, like treat your neighbor like you want to be treated or (and this is a big one) treat God like he’s actually GOD.

Pop, my grandfather, is a Christian. He used to teach religion at a college in Sleepy Hollow. When I was a kid he told me every person who’s ever been born was messed up in God’s eyes. Some worse than others. But Pop said being even a little messed up is enough to send you off the road and into the ditch. Except he didn’t say ditch. He used a word I can’t repeat because Mom says it’s a cuss word. Pop said that’s how come we need God’s help to get fixed.

I know most of the boys my age don’t think a lot of stuff in the Bible actually happened. Like, how can there have been dinosaurs during the Jurassic Park era and the earth only be 6000 years old? 6000 years old! My grandfather has packing peanuts that old. My grandfather never throws away bubble wrap or packing peanuts. “Never know when I’m going to need to mail something.” By the way, my grandfather hardly ever leaves the house so I’m not sure when he thinks he’s going to mail something to someone.

But then my science teacher swears we came from some single-cell-ameba-whatever that crawled from the sea a gazillion years ago and eventually grew into a human. How’s that even possible? And where did the single-cell-ameba-whatever come from? Or the earth? Or our solar system? See what I’m saying? There had to be something or someone before there was the single-cell-ameba-whatever. I’ll be honest: I’m not sure either side knows the real facts.

Only thing I know is that the more I read in the Bible about ghosts and the “walking dead,” and “men turned into wild beasts” (that could or could not have been a “wolf-man”), the more I wonder if maybe some (maybe all) of what’s in the Bible might be true.

And if it is, then the Bible is about the scariest book I know of.

By the way, did you know that:

• According to the National Assessment of Education Progress' latest report, 64% of all eighth-grade students are unable to read proficiently.
• 82% percent of black students and 77% of Hispanic students are not reading proficiently.
• More than 30 million Americans cannot read or write above a third-grade level.
• 85% of the juveniles in the court system are functionally illiterate, as are 60% of prison inmates.
• The reading gap between boys and girls increases as they age. By 12th grade girls are two times more likely to score higher on reading tests than boys.

I wrote the 'Caden Chronicles' series with boys in mind. The 'Caden Chronicles' books are short murder mysteries with a spiritual supernatural element. For example, 

Dead Man's Hand addresses the myth of ghosts. 

Skull Creek Stakeout addresses the myth of vampires (it started in the Upper Room). 

Dead Low Tide addresses the myth of zombies and the walking dead. 

Rumor of a Werewolf deals with powerful men who refuse to honor God 

and are turned into beast-like creatures (Book of Daniel).

"Immediately his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Let him live with the animals of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal." ~ the Bible "werewolf"

Opportunity for writers:

By the way, if you know a boy or girl who likes to make up stories and stuff, send them my way. The Cool Ghoul Gazette, at http://coolghoulgazette.com needs some new writers/reporters. No experience required. We will teach you how to write a lead, build upon the “who, what, when, where, how” reporting style, and help you improve your writing skills. Think of this like your high school newspaper, only way more fun.

The man who helps me write the Caden Chronicle series (Mr. Jones) graduated with a journalism degree back when reporters published the facts, not their opinions, and sought to present both sides of a story fairly. (Mr. Jones added that last part.) And if you’re too old to be called young (or whatever), you can still write for us. It’s just that we give kids my age first priority on the big stories.You can contact me, Nick Caden, at: mailto:editor@coolghoulgazette.com. The scarier the story, the better. If The Cool Ghoul Gazette had been around when that fellow Edgar Allan Poe was alive, he’d have probably written for us. Anyway, we need lots of scary stories so send us some strange writers.

Thank you so much for joining us Nick (and Eddie)!!

***

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Toby's Troubles: A Ghost, A Thief and a Girl

Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church's youth functions.

But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it's just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what the thing is looking. 

To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he's wanted forever but is in love with him. And he's not interested.

Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin' Life—is drawn into capturing Toby's “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby since a teenager, she's more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendances to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who's determined to ignore her love.

In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he'll stop at nothing.

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

What Readers are saying:
Everyone loves Toby Gibson, including his best friend Amy.  The point is, is that Toby can't see the love that Amy has for him.   When a mysterious old man comes to town, break-ins occur at the "Undiscovered Treasures" and at "Bloomin' Life" flower shop.  What could they be looking for?

This is an amusing and fun read.   Situated in a small town where everybody knows everyone and their business; it certainly makes for a great novel.  The reader will enjoy the characters and have a chuckle or two.  

This novel is full of mystery and suspense.  What better place for a mystery than an antique shop?  Full of old things, with lots of history.   Each piece can tell its own story with a past that the buyer sometimes will never know about.  Each is a treasure all of its own.  

The author has done a marvelous job of portraying the characters personalities.   Toby is a fun loving fellow, who loves his theater, youth group and running.   He is afraid of commitment that is loyal and loving.  Amy is steadfast, patient and willing to do almost anything for anyone.

There are many twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on your toes and entertained through to the end.   If you are looking for a novel that any age can read, this is it.   Young and old will enjoy "Toby's Troubles"  --Godly Book Reviews

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Hidden Currents

Hidden Currents

By Christy Barritt

Romantic suspense at the beach! It’s the perfect summer read.

I picked this up not knowing anything about the writer or the series. In fact, I didn’t even know it was a series. But what a find! The story begins when an undercover cop has a price put on her head for taking down a gang. She needs a place to hide until she can testify in court, so she finds an island in the outer banks of NC.

The setting is perfect (as a North Carolinian, I loved it!). She basically pretends to be someone new and it’s fun to see how difficult the acting becomes for her. Part of her cover is that she drives the ice cream truck and sells ice cream to the tourists. Locals won’t buy ice cream from her and she can’t figure out why. Lots of fun stuff here, including a hunky next door neighbor who happens to be a former Navy Seal. She can’t seem to say anything right around him and he manages to get under her skin all the time.

While the mystery is solved at the end of this book, the story is not over. In fact, it is part of the Lantern Beach Mysteries, a 6 book series. So for some, this will be great news – you can stay with these characters through 5 more books! And these characters will be fun to follow.

I recommend this to anyone wishing they were at the beach, anyone going to the beach yet this summer, and anyone else who likes the beach (doesn’t this include everyone?) A quick read and great story.

What's your favorite beach? Or do you prefer anything but the beach? Leave us a comment for a chance to win this week's giveaway!

Review by Jennifer Fromke, an aspiring novelist who writes from NC where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 26 years have raised three Southern-ish children, much to their amazement. Jennifer also reviews books at Shetalksbooks.com. She writes contemporary women’s fiction and email. Lots of email.