Category: Book Release

Guest Post – Gloucester’s Own – #newbook by Andrew Joyce

~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

 

I am very happy to have Andrew Joyce here to discuss his new book, Gloucester’s Own. Andrew is one of my favorite authors. He tells fascinating stories about people with such detail that you would almost swear he has lived with them. Of course, since many of his books take place in a historical context, logic says he can’t possibly have been part of the characters’ lives unless he can time travel. Since I’m pretty sure he can’t time travel, so I’ll just say he is a talented writer.

Here is Andrew to tell us a little about Gloucester’s Own.

Thanks, John.

Everybody has a story. When people learn I write books, they inevitably say to me, “I should write a book.” Then they’ll tell me their story. And it’s true: Everyone does have a story.

In Gloucester’s Own, I endeavor to tell the stories of twenty people who now call Gloucester, Massachusetts, their home. Some have traveled a long, winding road getting to Gloucester. Others come from families who have been entrenched here for many generations. It’s a cross-section of people. From “Movers and Shakers” to a bus driver, a scalloper, a house painter, a retired Broadway actor, and other assorted individuals. Each story starts with a family history going back as far as could be researched, the average is 300 years. This is a book rich in history and speaks to the importance of family.

Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D955CGZ8

About the author

Andrew Joyce left home at seventeen to hitchhike throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. He wouldn’t return from his journey until years later when he decided to become a writer. Joyce has written seven books and 143 short stories. One of which won the Writing Spirit Award for best short story of 2011. His first novel, “Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer,” was awarded the Editors’ Choice Award for Best Western of 2013. A subsequent novel, “Yellow Hair,” received the Book of the Year award from Just Reviews and Best Historical Fiction of 2016 from Colleen’s Book Reviews.

Joyce now lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

You can reach Andrew at his website andrewjoyce76.com

Finding Me: The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book 2 by Jacquie Biggar

~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, I’m happy to welcome Jacquie Biggar, New York Times best-selling author. Jacquie is here today to discuss her new book, Finding Me: The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book 2. Welcome Jacquie.

Thank you for sharing my new release on your blog today, John. It’s deeply appreciated!

A few years ago, a regular customer of my restaurant lost her husband to suicide. It shocked our small community and devastated her family. They seemed like a happy, loving couple, so what happened?

The same occurred to a famous, well-loved dancer called tWitch. He and his wife had three children, the youngest only two years old. And yet, he, too, is gone.

This led me to wonder (and worry) about the children left behind. How do they handle the loss of their father? Do they blame themselves? Each other?

The Defiant Sisters Duet is an exploration of two sisters, Renée and Izzy, affected differently by the loss and how it eats at the family’s dynamics.

Finding Me

Izzy

My life is not like I dreamed it would be. I had the foolish fantasy of finishing high school, going to college, making something of myself- maybe even becoming famous.

Instead, I’m the infamous kid of the father who killed himself in the family’s backyard.

How’s that for a legacy?

Renée

I came home for my mother’s funeral, but I’m staying to mend bridges with my sister. We have another chance, and whatever it takes, we need to come together as a family or live the rest of our lives knowing we let our brother down.

They say pride goes before a fall, but it doesn’t tell us how to avoid the scrapes along the way.

Excerpt:

My sister is here.

Joy sweeps through my chest, brushing away months of loneliness and pain, but hard on its heel, fury erupts, boiling up through my throat until I want to scream at her for not being here, for leaving us when we needed her most. She ran away days after Dad… and never came back, not even for his funeral. She left us to clean up the mess and deal with the aftermath in typical Renée fashion. She can’t just show up whenever she wants. My hands fist at my sides.

Battening down the maelstrom inside, I stride down the hallway, sparing a glance for Benjamin’s room, but the door is still closed. I’m relieved. The next few minutes will be ugly enough without him listening in.

The front gate creaks, warning me she’s close. Taking a deep breath to gather my armor around me, I tug on the sticky door and let the sun sweep over the threshold. Too bad it can’t warm the ice encapsulating my heart.

“What are you doing here?” They say the best defense is a strong offense. The sooner she gets the message I don’t want her here, the better. But then I look at her, and the years fall away, and we’re climbing trees and skipping rope again, and I want to hold her more than I want to breathe. She’s beautiful, but then she always was. I’m the Orphan Annie, the family’s black sheep. I can’t do this. My nails bite into the door, and I’m glad I’m holding it, or I might fall to my knees and beg her to stay, embarrassing us both. She has a life I know nothing about, and I have… Ben—it’s enough, it has to be.

Before I get the chance to regroup, she’s on me, her arms wrapping me in comfort and compassion. I freeze, taking it all in, eyes burning and heart crumbling. My knees wobble, threatening to give me away, and I press against her hold, wordlessly asking to be released from the torture. She tightens her grip as though she can absorb me into her skin, then slowly lets go, and I’m bereft.

Bio

Jacquie Biggar is an award-winning author of romance who has been listed on USA Today’s bestseller list. Her writing is centered around tough, alpha male characters who fall for strong and independent contemporary women. She resides on Vancouver Island with her husband and would love to hear from readers worldwide!

In her own words: “My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I’m not being a klutz, I’m a wife, a mother of one, a grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat. Watching reality TV shows such as The Voice and Amazing Race is one of my guilty pleasures. Every Monday night, you can find me laughing at the judge’s shenanigans as I’m plastered to my armchair. I love hanging out with my husband at the beach, taking pictures, and reading romance novels (what else?). I have a slight obsession with Tim Hortons, enjoy gardening, everything pink, and talking to my friends.”

Subscribe to her Newsletter and follow her on these sites:

Amazon | Website | Facebook | Newsletter

Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads | Bookbub

Purchase links

Guest post – Mae Clair – The Keeping Place #newbook

~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

I’m very pleased to have the very talented author Mae Clair as a guest. She has a new book and would like to give you the details. If you have read Mae’s work, you know her books are wonderful. If you have not read her work, this might be a good time to start. Thanks for the visit, Mae. The post is yours.

Hi, John! Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. I’m delighted to be here, sharing my upcoming release The Keeping Place, a dual timeline mystery which is now available for pre-order! Most readers know me as someone who loves weaving urban legends and threads of the supernatural into my stories. The Keeping Place took an entirely different turn.

Well… there is a small thread that does involve an old town legend and a ghost, but nothing that takes center stage as in my other books. The story is more of a “quiet” mystery than I usually write.

In the tale, Nicole Seabrooke returns home after ten years of estrangement from her mother, Glory Larkin, who was once a B-movie-actress. A decade earlier, Nicole’s younger sister, Janie, vanished on a night Nicole was supposed to be looking after her. It’s always been believed Janie drowned in a nearby creek, but Janie’s remains have recently been discovered with new evidence suggesting homicide.

In the excerpt below, Jude Beck, Hornwood’s Chief of Police visits Glory and Nicole to ask about a bracelet he found which bears an unusual inscription. Janie wore a similar one.

EXCERPT:

Jude dug a clear bag from his pocket, placing it on the table. Nicole leaned forward to eye the contents—an old bracelet with tarnished silver links and an engraved plate. Her breath caught when the inscription registered.

“A foot in the past.” A stupid saying, or so she’d once thought. The phrase had never made sense to her, but it mattered to her sister. Heart thudding, she looked from the bag to Jude. “That’s the same line Janie had on her bracelet. I took her to Bottleneck to have it inscribed a few weeks before she went missing.”

Her mom made a soft sound, one trembling hand pressed to her lips. “You told me the bracelet was with Janie when she was found,” she said to Jude.

“It was. This is a different one.”

“Belonging to Hayden.” A hard edge crept into Glory’s voice.

“I don’t think so.” Jude’s expression was thoughtful. “This was clearly designed for a woman. It could be Cora’s, but the matching inscription to Janie’s bracelet throws another red flag in Hayden’s corner.”

“Have you talked to Cora?” Nicole asked.

“Not yet. First, I want to know what the inscription meant to Janie. I checked online, thinking it might have been a popular phrase at the time, or part of a quote, but there’s nothing remotely in the ballpark. She must have talked about it to the two of you.” He glanced between them.

“It was just some phrase she latched onto.” Nicole’s mouth was dry. Why hadn’t she paid more attention? She’d been so focused on the senior party and Vin, she’d barely had time for her little sister. She remembered whining to Glory when her mom insisted she take Janie shopping for the bracelet.

“Glory?” Jude prodded.

“I…” Her mom lowered her head, fingers working at massaging her temple. “I don’t remember anything special about it.” Her mouth drew down, cutting crevasses in the corners. Heavy lines pregnant with shadow that left her skin ashen by contrast. “I was busy with Movie Night, and…”

An unexpected swell of protectiveness flowed over Nicole when she floundered.

Glory Larkin had never been an average mother. She loved the limelight too much, but looking at her now—mussed hair, streaked mascara, and trembling hands—Nicole was overcome by a sharp-edged knot of love and pity. Surprisingly, love was still there, stronger than she’d imagined, buried under years of distance, layers of hurt.

“I wish I knew more.” Glory raised teary eyes to Jude, her mortification evident. “I know a mother should be able to—”

“You have to understand Janie was a collector.” Nicole jumped to her mom’s defense. “She was always latching onto some new idea or trinket. Remember her notebooks?” She talked faster, feeling Glory’s gaze, wanting to lift the burden of embarrassment from her without understanding why. “Janie used to keep lists of things that interested her. And she’d pick up stray baubles. Junk. She used to scour the railbed behind the Boone Line shack looking for cast off trash.”

“What are you saying?” Jude asked.

Nicole wet her lips, conscious that Glory studied her openly. “I loved Janie, but she was peculiar. She might have heard that phrase—a foot in the past—or read it in a book and it became her new mantra. It’s just the way she was.”

++++

As in most dual timeline mysteries, The Keeping Place delivers a mystery in the present as well as the past. I hope the blurb will tempt you further:

Even if it means killing again.

++++

Thanks again for hosting me today, John. I appreciate the opportunity to share The Keeping Place with your readers. I’ve held onto this novel for two years, uncertain how I wanted to publish it. As an author, I naturally like every book I’ve written, but The Keeping Place is my personal favorite—perhaps because it’s so different in tone from my other mysteries.

I still utilize dual timelines, but rather than having centuries between them, my timelines are separated by a mere ten years.

It’s my sincere hope readers will enjoy the story.

RELEASE DATE IS MARCH 5TH

PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter/X | Goodreads|

Guest Author Gwen M. Plano #newbook The Soul Whisperer’s Decision

~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

I am pleased to have Gwen Plano visiting today. She is out and about talking about her new book, The Soul Whisperer’s Decision. Please welcome Gwen.

Thank you, John. Before we look at the blurb, I want to give your readers some background on the book.

I have a special interest in the Near-Death Experience phenomenon. Since the 1980s, I’ve read original research of accounts, and I’ve also read numerous books by survivors. Though I’ve not experienced an NDE, I’ve had several inexplicable experiences of a loving presence at times of great duress.

For ten years, 2002 – 2012, I was an administrator at a college near Camp Pendleton in California. I worked directly with the Marine veterans and, to a lesser degree, veterans from the other branches of the military. I quickly discovered that almost all the Marines suffered PTSD and/or physical injuries from their service in Iraq or Afghanistan. I became their advocate and tried to provide a ‘safe’ place for the veterans to meet, hang out, and process. To this day, my experience with the veterans remains the highlight of my thirty years in Higher Education.

When I wrote The Soul Whisperer’s Decision, I sought to illuminate the struggles of those who have experienced extreme violence. And, as well, I tried to show the healing power of love. None of us can erase our past or another’s, but by our choices, we can carve a hopeful future for ourselves and others.

BLURB:

Sarah Jameson, a nurse at County Central Hospital, survives an accident that kills her two young children. While comatose, she travels into the heavenly realm, where she visits with her precious little ones. She is given a choice – return to her husband, Jack, or remain with her children in their celestial home.

Jack was not in the fated automobile. Though he heard the crash and ran to help, there was nothing he could do. He suffers the loss of his children, fears the potential demise of his wife, and wonders about his own sanity. His struggle with PTSD from his military years has returned, and at times, he cannot distinguish between the present and the past.

An accident tragically changed the lives of this young family, but out of sorrow emerges unexpected blessings.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon:   https://bit.ly/488Ziay

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/48aWmdu

 BLOG: www.gwenplano.com ( https://bit.ly/48AKRvE )

BIOGRAPHY

Gwen M. Plano, aka Gwendolyn M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen’s academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband.

Gwen’s first book is an acclaimed memoir, Letting Go into Perfect Love. Her second book, The Contract between heaven and earth, is a thriller fiction novel co-authored by John W. Howell. It has received multiple awards and is an Amazon Best Seller. The Choice, the unexpected heroes, is the sequel to The Contract. It is also a thriller involving the attempt of an unfriendly nation to take over the world. The third book in the series, The Culmination, a new beginning, is an action-packed military thriller that spans the globe and involves multiple Heads of State and the threat of World War III. Only love can change the fate of humanity.

When Gwen is not writing, she’s often in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, where she finds inspiration.

 

Guest Post – Dan Antion to introduce – Secrets Held Against Evil #newbook

~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

 

It is a pleasure to have Dan Antion visit Fiction Favorites, as Dan and I have been following each other since November 2014. I think we all enjoy visiting Dan on his blog, No Facilities. You can go there now if you want to read his introduction post.

In addition, Dan hosts the popular feature Thursday Doors, which has a large following. You can go HERE if you want to learn more about that as well.

So, not only is Dan a talented blogger, but he has written four entertaining books. His visit today is to introduce you to his latest book four, Secrets Held Against Evil.

Book Blurb:

Zach Amsted, his best friend Billy, and FBI Special Agent Thomas Slocum caused a lot of collateral damage as they battled each other and then teamed against Special Agent Grayson Dyer. Many people died. Many others were drawn into a timeline that wasn’t theirs. Zach struggles with the guilt of having disrupted so many lives.

The story was fading away until a young new reporter arrived in Pittsburgh. Rachael “Rascal” Todd was given some old stories to sort through and digs into the mysteries the police and FBI seem content to ignore. Rascal’s investigation brings her into the world Zach had left behind and new enemies.

This time, Zach and Billy must take a back seat as the timeline they started plays out.

Secrets, lies, crimes, social issues, a bit of romance, and the promise of redemption are all in play as Rascal Todd is launched into her career, facing danger and learning lessons they didn’t teach in college. If you like character-driven action, suspense, and a bit of mystery with strong women in leading roles, you will enjoy this book.

Excerpt:

Bernard Bouchard had taken an early retirement from the Chicago Tribune and returned to Pittsburgh to be close to his family. Bored in retirement, he purchased the Courier-Reformeras it entered bankruptcy for the third time…

… When he heard that Rachael Todd was graduating from the University of Georgia, he reached out to his old friend.

“Frank, what are the chances your daughter would like to come work for a struggling paper under the leadership of a broken-down editor whose head is stuck in the past?”

Frank laughed. “As I recall, Bernie, people thought your head was frequently stuck somewhere much less palatable. Rachael is a good fit for you. She’s trapped by the romance of a career that no longer exists. At least she’ll get valuable experience. I’ll have her call you. Just don’t cut her any slack because she’s my kid.”

“Thanks, Frank. I won’t hold that fact against her, either.”

***

Rachael began working the week before Christmas.

“Welcome to the Courier-Reformer, Rachael.”

“Thank you, Mister Bouchard, it’s good to be here.”

“Enough with the mister stuff. Everyone around here calls me Bernie.”

Rachael smiled. “That’ll be hard. I remember you from all those years when you and my dad worked together. It was always Mister Bouchard back then.”

“And as I recall, we called you Rascal.”

Rachael giggled. “You did. All because my brother couldn’t say Rachael.”

“You know, Rascal has a certain panache. You should use that as your by-line. If you’re OK with that, that’s how I’ll introduce you in tomorrow’s editorial.”

“Editorial? Introduction?”

“You’re the first reporter we’ve hired in three years, and the only female on the news staff. I’m going to play this up big. Don’t let it go to your head. I’m still going to drop a pile of cold stories on your desk. So, are you OK with Rascal?”

“I’d like that very much, Bernie.”

Links to Purchase and Trailer

Kindle – https://relinks.me/B0CJ7N6ZGR

Paperback – https://relinks.me/B0CJ49KXN9

Dan’s Author page – https://relinks.me/DanielAntion

The trailer – https://youtu.be/F6wqexT7JBM

Bio

Dan Antion was born and raised in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been publishing the popular blog No Facilities since 2011. After a forty-two-year-long career in Information Management, he began pursuing his dream of writing novels.

When he’s not writing, he might be found working around his house, hiding in his wood shop, or exploring historic sites.

Guest Post – D.L.Finn – Deep in the Forest Where the Poetry Blooms – #newbook

~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

I am so pleased to have Denise Finn visit the blog today. Denise writes terrific books and also beautiful poetry. She’s here today to tell us about her latest book of poems. Welcome, Denise.

Thank you for having me over to visit today, John. 😊 Today, I’m going to share a couple of poems, a video, and a chance to win a gift card.

Blurb

Embark on a captivating journey with D. L. Finn as she guides you through the intricate landscapes of free verse and symbolic poetry. Hike with her through the magical forest, feel the wind on your face riding on the back of a Harley, or bask on the warm Hawaiian shores. Her search for life’s magic invites the reader to traverse through the four seasons in part one. Emotions, observations, and stories weave through part two’s texture. Whether the words explore a sunset, healing, or magic, each poem flows through moments where poetry blooms.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9M14J7M3RU

Excerpts

From Forest

CALL OF THE WILD 

I hear him call to me.

A haunting howl echoes in the distance

Gliding over the frozen snow

My reply is muted behind a barrier.

I try to dig…

I try to scratch…

I try to jump.

Around the wooden prison planks.

I’m offered meals.

A small brick house.

Lush, manicured lawn.

I’m cared for—yet unhappy.

My soul runs through the evergreens

Where I can roam uninhibited

Yet, I’m tethered to a fenced space.

Marking my territory in the shadows

I release another guarded bark

Immediately, I’m called back to the lights.

The portal to heat and treats awaits.

Holding my tail high,

I pad across the alpine tundra.

And step within the barriers.

Inside my prison is a crackling fire.

I settle onto the blue foam comfort,

Ears erect, to capture the call of the wild,

I drift off to sleep with my favorite duck chew toy.

Tomorrow I will find a way to escape,

Yes—tomorrow after breakfast.

 

From The Back of the Harley

TROUBLES

I leave my troubles behind,

Like the carefree youthful happiness,

Of distant summers departed.

When clouds captured imagination.

When ice cream floats were a gourmet treat.

When learning how to ride a bicycle brought joy.

Small, but meaningful moments.

Now, this feeling is found on the back of a Harley.

Unplanned days float by,

Without the troubles of being an adult,

Flying through the mountain highways—I’m grateful.

From Paradise

it was that moment

I swam with ancient wisdom

and understood love

AMAZON UNIVERSAL ORDER LINK

FUN FINN FACTS

  1. We have three indoor cats and a feral. This is the first time in forty years we haven’t had a dog. If we are meant to get another dog it will show up…
  2. I patiently wait for September 1 to start decorating for Halloween.

Giveaway

To celebrate my latest release, I will randomly choose a winner from the comment section for one $5 Amazon Gift Card.

Bio

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

D.L. Finn Links:

Twitter/X

Bookbub

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

D.L. Finn blog

Amazon Page

YouTube

 

Guest Andrew Joyce – #Newbook Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer

~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

 

Click cover for Amazon.

I am happy to feature Andrew Joyce on Fiction Favorites. I have enjoyed Andrew’s work since I became aware of his writing. His stories are generally historical fiction, but he is also comfortable writing the memoir of a friend and the antics of his departed pet, Danny. I do not fear disagreement when I say Andrew’s work is compelling and hard to put down. Every book and story I have read of his has moved me in some way and left me richer for having read it.

Today, I want to introduce you to a book that Andrew wrote several years ago. He has since gone back into the story and completely revamped it to be more consistent with his current abilities. The book is his debut novel and an award winner, but Andrew always had some nagging thoughts that he could improve it. He turned those thoughts into action, and now a new edition of Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer is available.

Blurb

Three men come together in the town of Redemption, Colorado, each for his own purpose. Huck Finn is a famous lawman who does not hesitate to use his gun to protect the weak. He has come to right a terrible wrong. After his wife’s death, Tom Sawyer does not want to live anymore; he has come to die. The third man, the Laramie Kid, a killer Huck and Tom befriended years earlier, has come to kill a man. For these three men, Death is a constant companion. For these three men, it is their last chance for redemption.

Link to Redemption eBook: Redemption

Link to Andrew Joyce’s Author page

Bio

Andrew Joyce left home at seventeen to hitchhike throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. He wouldn’t return from his journey until years later when he decided to become a writer. Joyce has written seven books and 143 short stories. One of which won the Writing Spirit Award for best short story of 2011. His first novel, Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, was awarded the Editors’ Choice Award for Best Western of 2013. A subsequent novel, Yellow Hair, received the Book of the Year award from Just Reviews and Best Historical Fiction of 2016 from Colleen’s Book Reviews.

Joyce now lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

 

 

Do I Need to Use A Dragon #newbook by Charles Yallowitz

~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

Charles Yallowitz is a prolific and talented writer who has published 42 titles in multiple genres. His latest is a book for the rest of us. He lays out inside tips on the writing craft, which are useful to all writers regardless of genre choice. For a limited time, the e-book can be had for 99¢. Here’s the cover.

Here’s the link.

Curious about craftwork? Tempted to try writing fantasy? Then grab a copy of Do I Need to Use a Dragon? as a 99 cents eBook!

Here’s Charles’ bio.

About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn’t working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. ‘Legends of Windemere’ is his first series, but it certainly won’t be his last.

His blog

Amazon Author site

Life, Death & Other Characters by Geoff Le Pard #Newbook

~ John W. Howell ~ 109 Comments

 

 

Amazon.co.uk 

Amazon.com 

I am pleased to welcome Geoff Le Pard, who has a new book in paper and Kindle. Many of you know Geoff’s work from his blog and his other books. I hope more of you get to experience Geoff’s unique way of telling a story, a poem, an anecdote, or a travel adventure. Geoff’s go-to style is humor with a bit of spice thrown in for good measure. So here is his latest book, and I would encourage you to visit his blog. You will be entertained. Here’s the link geofflepard.com.

The blurb

What would you do if you were to host a dinner party and the sky wasn’t what you’d ordered? Could you find someone to shake out the creases from the clouds and tone down the wind to an acceptable zephyr? And what are the challenges facing a Portal Management Volunteer as they steer the recently departed to their chosen Hereafter? Or how would you organise your life if you were called to do God service just when you’d planned on making marmalade that weekend? Life, DEATH and Other Characters will inform and, where necessary, guide you through these and other complications amongst a lot of other short fiction that will educate inform and entertain. Well, maybe one out of three.

An excerpt

Send In The Clouds

Celia Pomeroy pressed the intercom. ‘Yes?’

‘Mrs. Pomeroy?’

Whoever was at the front gate sounded cheerful. Celia wished she could muster such bonhomie.

‘It’s Rebecca. From Landscape Cleaners. Skies, views, and aspects are our speciality.’

‘Lands…? Oh, are you here about our aspect?’ Thank heavens, she thought. Hosting Gerald’s business contacts would be hell enough without the right view to set everything off.

‘That’s right. We’ll soon have you shipshape and visually credible.’

‘Do you want to drive round the back, and I’ll show you what we need.’ The girl – Rebecca, was it? –  had better be as good as she’d heard. Pulling on her sou’wester and heavy-duty wellingtons, Celia headed for the back of the house.

As she emerged from the French windows, Rebecca was easing herself out of her van, clutching an enormous umbrella. She smiled enthusiastically. ‘How can we help? You said you’d spoken to some party planners?’

Celia wrapped her arms around herself, trying to shrink inside her coat. ‘We bought this place a few weeks ago, but we had no idea that might happen.’ She waved at the trees. ‘I mean, who’d do that?’

Rebecca squinted where Celia had pointed. ‘I’ll go and check in a moment, but from here, I’d say sprites or possibly sprites and tree faeries. Didn’t the vendor mention the need to pay them fealty?’

‘No.’

‘It’s pretty standard. You should take it up with your lawyers. It’s something you’d expect to be disclosed when they do their inquiries.’ She peered at the troubled branches again. ‘That weaving is pretty recent, so we should be able to unknot everything and then defrustigate your arbours.’

‘Will this fealty cost much? We’ve lived in the city up to now, so I’ve no experience of these rural practices.’

‘Oh no. A few bowls of milk and a daily newspaper. That should see them right. What else?’

‘The sky? The party planners told me it needs a clean.’

Rebecca looked up. ‘It is pretty scuffed and rumpled. We’ll reel it in, give it a good wash and shake and then rehang it. Don’t worry; when the boys put it back, they’ll tuck it in and no one will know it’s been down. We can iron it, but some people think it looks a bit too perfect. Are the planners aiming at rustic or sophisticated?’

‘Sophisticated with a supercilious overtone.’

‘Then we’ll iron it. If it’s too flat, give us a call, and we’ll have someone puff it out a bit.’

Celia began to relax. ‘I’m so glad you came.’

‘It’s why we’re here.’ Rebecca licked her finger and stuck it into the air. ‘This wind is fairly boisterous. If you’re aiming at sophisticated, shall we tone it down?’

‘Is that easy?’

‘It should be. We can add in some bespoke zephyrs to accompany the coffees and liqueurs, if you like. Maybe you should raise it with the planners and let me know.’ She grinned. ‘I’ll just take a few pictures and measure up. Why don’t you go back inside? It’s a bit chilly out here.’

‘Yes, I’ll do that. Oh, one other thing. I wondered if you knew anything about flowers.’

‘Flowers?’

‘A friend told me it’s the latest addition to the best organised parties. You have arrangements and bouquets and all sorts.’

‘Really? No, I’ve not heard this. How does it work?’

‘Well, it did sound a bit fantastical.’ Celia giggled. ‘The way I heard it, there are these specialists – flowerists, I think they’re called – who buy in a lot of cut flowers and -’

‘Cut? As in severed from their stalks?’ Rebecca took a step back. ‘That sounds barbaric!’

‘It does a bit, doesn’t it? I think we’ll stick to the tried and tested. One final thing. Do you do moon dimmers? I’ve heard we’re in for a full moon on Saturday, and I don’t want it detracting from the light show.’

‘It’s not a service we offer, but I have a good contact at Lune In A Tic, who provide all your lunar requisites. I’ll give you their number before I leave.’

‘Marvellous. I’m making coffee. Would you like a cup?’

‘Lovely.’

* * *

Geoff’s Bio and links

Geoff Le Pard started writing to entertain in 2006. He hasn’t left his keyboard since. When he’s not churning out novels, he writes some maudlin self-indulgent poetry, short fiction, and blogs at geofflepard.com. He walks the dog for mutual inspiration, and most of his best ideas come out of these strolls. He also cooks with passion if not precision. 

Amazon.co.uk 

Amazon.com 

Geoff Le Pard’s Amazon Author Page 

 

 

 

Death at the Asylum by Noelle Granger #newbook

~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

 

I am very pleased to have Noelle Granger join me today. She is launching a new book and is here to tell you about it. Noelle, the floor is yours.

Thank you so much, John. Death at the Asylum is the fifth book in the Rhe Brewster series. The others are Death in a Red Canvas Chair, Death in a Dacron Sail, Death by Pumpkin, and Death in a Mudflat.

Here is the blurb.

Attending the opening of a new commercial center, Rhe Brewster, an ER nurse and police investigator, and her husband Sam, chief of the Pequod police department, save the governor of Maine from a sniper attack. They are assigned to a task force to find the sniper, at the same time trying to identify the person who has stolen Rhe’s personal data and is using it to run up thousands of dollars in debt and even steal their home. Rhe treats a student from Pequod University raped following a night at a local bar and soon discovers there is a serial rapist on the loose. The threats to Rhe and Sam escalate as a sociopath from Rhe’s past reemerges in a strange twist. Are any of these perpetrators linked?

Maine’s most tenacious sleuth is back, surrounded by the colorful characters who populate the coastal town of Pequod. In this fifth installment of the Rhe Brewster Mysteries, Rhe’s strength and determination are tested to their limits while she tries to protect her unborn child.

To give you a flavor of the story, here is an excerpt.

 

“You don’t want to do that, Morris,” the figure in black said. “So far, you’ve not killed anyone. That’s in your favor.”

“If I’d had my way, this bitch’d be lying cold in her grave by now. Seems having the wheel come off that Jeep weren’t enough. Go ahead and shoot me, but it won’t stop me pulling the trigger and blowing her brains out. If you drop your gun, you might buy Rhe here some more time. I’d enjoy that.”

During this exchange, my heart rate soared, along with my adrenaline levels. My heart pounded so loudly I could hardly hear what they said. I had no doubt the bullet from the gun against my face would do its damage long before Morris himself was hit.

A twinkle of movement caught the corner of my eye. I turned my head ever so slightly to the left, toward one of the front windows. Deputy Birch’s face appeared in one of the broken windows, and she motioned me to duck.

Purchase links

Kindle

Paper

Bio

N.A. GRANGER is a Professor Emerita at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. After forty years of research and teaching undergraduates and medical students, plus earning her EMT license, she decided to use her knowledge of human anatomy and emergency medicine in mystery writing. In addition to the Rhe Brewster mystery series (Death in a Red Canvas Chair, Death in a Dacron Sail, Death by Pumpkin, Death in a Mudflat), she has written for Coastal Living and Sea Level magazines and several times for the Bella Online Literary Review. She recently published her first historical fiction novel, The Last Pilgrim, which received critical acclaim. The mystery series has its own website: http:www.na-granger.com. You can find more of her writing at saylingaway.wordpress.com. She lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband and a Maine coon cat who blogs

The trailer