Monthly Archives: October 2023

Giveaway – Forevermore: A Romance Anthology @XpressoTours

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Forevermore: A Romance Anthology
Publication date: October 10th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

You are cordially invited.

The Moore family requests the pleasure of your company on a starry harvest night, rich with tales of passion, magic, and love.

Our beloved Filipino American family hosts a gathering at Hacienda Luz this autumn for another grand celebration – Vida and Rafa’s long-anticipated wedding. As promises of fidelity and infinity fill the air, ten couples live and relive intimate stories that attest to the true meaning of happily ever after.

Acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors – Aurora Paige, Elle Cruz, June Gray, Kaye Rockwell, Liz Durano, Maan Gabriel, Maida Malby, Mia Hopkins, Sarah Smith, and Tif Marcelo – bring you Forevermore, a romance collection celebrating love everlasting.

~ * ~

Forevermore, A Romance Anthology is a collection of new and never-been-published stories by the authors that brought you Pasko Na, My Love, A Holiday Romance Anthology and from exciting voices in Filipino American Romantic Fiction. Lola Naty is back along with her sprawling multicultural family, friends from all over the world, and a gatecrasher or two.

  • Moments In The Vineyard by Aurora Paige
  • The Memory of You by Elle Cruz
  • Double Exposure by June Gray
  • Maybe This Time by Kaye Rockwell
  • Stay With Me by Liz Durano
  • Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye by Maan Gabriel
  • Now That I Have You by Maida Malby
  • Moonlight Serenade by Mia Hopkins
  • The Stand-In by Sarah Smith
  • Win Your Love by Tif Marcelo

Add to Goodreads / Purchase

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BLURBS:

Moonlight Serenade – Mia Hopkins

After surviving the war, Natividad Moore, her husband Robert and their three young children move from the Philippines to Robert’s family home in Napa, California. There, instead of a peaceful refuge, they discover isolation, a failing vineyard and Robert’s cold, disapproving mother. In the face of these obstacles, Naty yearns to reconnect with Robert. But has the war changed him, and their love, forever?

The Memory of You – Elle Cruz

Once upon a time, a terrible mistake sparked the vengeful heart of a witch. Over sixty years later, the curse strikes its mark. Not only is Eli Amaro doomed to repeat the same day over and over again, but he is also forced to re-live the same excruciating sacrifice forever. To break the evil spell, he must give up what he loves the most, and he’s not sure he has the heart to do it.

Maybe This Time – Kaye Rockwell

Gabriella Alonso and Cole Williams used to be best friends who were secretly in love with each other. Until one night changed the course of their lives forever. Now ten years later, Gabriella, who is hiding a dark secret, is surprised to find out she will be working with the guy who ghosted and abandoned her when she needed him the most. Cole is determined to make things right. He spent the last two years looking for her but he’s shocked to find a complete stranger instead of the girl he used to know. Can Cole win Gabriella over? Or will the ghosts of their past destroy any chance he ever had?

Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye – Maan Gabriel

As a bestselling romance author, Carisa “Carrie” Bloom knows the formula for happily ever after. It’s the reason she is living one of her own. But when her beautifully crafted fairy tale ends tragically, she is left both fragile and broken.

For years, Carrie stays away from the limelight, abandoning her career to live a quiet life, until she receives a proposal from a British film producer, Joshua Grant, to turn one of her books into a movie. It only takes one day and a night in London for this opportunity of a lifetime to change their lives forever.

But is Joshua ready for this? And is Carrie brave enough to take a chance again? She must choose to stop believing that in her life, Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye.

Moments In the Vineyard – Aurora Paige

Ava

The Russos are ruthless and want my vineyard. No amount of money can buy what’s mine. I’m making sure of it. Until I run into Sebastian Russo. My enemy. I’m supposed to stay away from him. What happens when the moment we have in my vineyard changes all that?

Sebastian

I have one task—take Maldonado Vineyard. It’ll be easy. I’m irresistible. Ava Maldonado will hand it right over.

I’m wrong– Ava makes me forget why I initially approached her. I’m forced to choose between my love and my family. Whatever I choose, I’m losing someone I love.

Double Exposure – June Gray

When twenty-seven-year-old Roxie flew to California to photograph the Moore-Balmaseda wedding, the last person she expected to see among the guests was AJ, the man who broke her heart almost a decade ago.

The moment AJ saw Roxie again, he knew she hadn’t forgiven him. But he was determined not to waste this second chance. This time, he would prove that he was no longer that same kid who made foolish but well-meaning mistakes.

But can AJ earn her trust again? And can Roxie find it in her heart to forgive?

Stay With Me – Liz Durano

It’s been three years since landscape painter Tallie Vicente walled off her heart after losing her husband and the scandal that followed. But when car trouble while driving from New Mexico to Napa Valley to attend her best friend’s wedding ends up having her sharing a room—and a bed—with a young gorgeous doctor, unexpected sparks fly between them, proving that it’s never too late to fall in love again.

The Stand-In – Sarah Smith

When florist Violet sees her cheating ex at the wedding she’s working, she panics and asks Toby, her ruggedly handsome and tatted up coworker, to pretend to be her boyfriend. Together they make the perfect fake couple, but when Toby accidentally lets it slip that he’s been hiding a crush on Violet, it throws their entire friendship for a loop…in the hottest way.

Win Your Love – Tif Marcelo

After being unceremoniously stood up by her fake date to her cousin’s wedding, Alexandra Moore’s day goes from bad to worse when she has to fight over the last gift of the wedding registry with former neighbor and all-around rival, Jordan Franco. But as the wedding and reception minutes click by, along with their constant bickering and mini-competitions, Alex and Jordan reignite the spark that almost brought them together years ago. Will they let their ambition reign? Or will they finally concede that love wins above all?

Now That I Have You – Maida Malby

One year after they met, Vida and Rafa are engaged. Soon, plans for a grand Filipino Cuban American wedding in the fall are underway. As the countdown winds down, things go smoothly … maybe too smoothly. Will their special day go off without a hitch, or will disaster strike before they can promise to love now and forevermore?


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Giveaway – Guardian Monsters by Catherine Stine @RoxanneRhoads

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Witchy and Supernatural Power of the Feminine Fun Facts!
Compiled by Author Catherine Stine

Before people had hospitals and surgeons to fix people, they had midwives and herbalists. When babies or moms died in childbirth, or the herbal fix was insufficient to cure what we would now know was a fatal disease, who do you think was blamed? The same women who delivered babies and gave expert herbal remedies! In a fearful and ignorant world, they were labeled as witches, or agents of the devil.
***
Ironically, in ancient Rome even though women were housebound with zero political power, the most revered, influential people were the high priestesses presiding over the oracles, such as the one at Delphi. These women were said to be able to predict the future, wield supernatural powers and have innate knowledge of the divine realms. Greek citizens would go on pilgrimages to seek out their womanly wisdom. 
***
In Chaucer’s and Boccaccio’s European middle ages (mid 1300s) people were expected to be devout in their Christianity. Many believed literally in the devil and the power of witches. Interestingly, as devout as they were to the going religion, they also prayed to the sprites and night nymphs of their recently dropped Pagan beliefs. They also believed in Fortuna, or the wheel of Fortune: that fortunes rose and fell by the whirl of a wheel, often portrayed by a beautiful woman, Fortuna. How’s that for supernatural female power!
***
During the Victorian Era in 1899 Charles Godfrey Leland published a book called Aradia or Gospel of the Witches. This Aradia goddess, the incarnation of Diana/Artemis was going to bring magic to the Victorians and hopefully free women from the oppression of the times. 
***
Tamsin Blight 1798-1856 was a famous English witch healer, able to remove curses or spells from a person. She was also said to have put spells on those who displeased her. She was also known as Tammy Blee and Tamson.
***
In the 1920s and 30s there was a craze for psychics, card readers, and mediums who claimed they could communicate with people’s dead relatives. Harry Houdini, the famous magician, ironically made it his life’s work to try and debunk these folks. Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the Sherlock Holmes series was a huge believer in the supernatural. He had heated debates with Houdini.
***
The Tarot fascinates me. I collect cards for their variety and amazing images. They are thought to have originated all the way back in ancient Egypt, as a cosmic source of wisdom and divination of the future. The Egyptian word TAR means royal and ROmeans royal – thus the royal road to wisdom. Later, in northern Italy, a complete deck for card playing and gambling was devised. In France in the 1700s, a “cartomancer” named Jean Baptiste-Alliette created the imagery in the decks we often see today. There are cups, swords, wands, and pentacles. And the Major Arcana cards that hold great symbolism, such as the hermit, the world and the death card (which can also mean rebirth!)



Guardian of Monsters 
Sleuths of Shadow Salon
Book One
Catherine Stine

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Private Investigation Thriller
Publisher: Konjur Road Press
Date of Publication: August 6, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-7333901-7-0
ASIN: B0CD9VP4NS
Number of pages: 236
Word Count: 65k
Cover Artist: Christian Bentulan

Tagline: Supernaturally on the case! Celestine LeBlanc and Luna Finley are the Sleuths of Shadow Salon.

Book Description:

Celestine, witch and wolf shifter has a talent for prophetic drawings. She’s shocked when she draws her landlord Ray with his eyes gouged out and a strange winged-mermaid leaning over him. Later she finds an eyeless Ray dead on the sidewalk. All she wanted to do was open a gallery, but first she must apprehend his killer. In a note she found after he died, Ray revealed he wasn’t just a leather-smith but a supernatural pirate mage. Years back, his Jekyll crew trapped the evil Demon Three Eyes clan. Ray had feared they’d escaped, were stalking him, and would soon wreak havoc on Savannah.

Oryn, a fellow student in Celestine’s continuing ed art class, is a fae and a thorn in her side, when he asks nosy questions about the case. Yet, she’s drawn to him when he’s her masseur at the spa she frequents, and he’s clever at brainstorming leads regarding Ray’s case. He insists his air magic could come in handy.

When pirates in Ray’s old crew are murdered, their body parts stolen, Celestine puts more horrifying clues together. She’ll need everyone on board, including Oryn and Luna, a mermaid asking to show her sea-glass sculptures at Celestine’s new gallery—the very same mermaid in Celestine’s tragic drawing of Ray. Otherwise, the lethal monstrosity Demon Three Eyes is unleashing on Savannah will destroy the city and everyone in it. 

This series may appeal to fans of Kim Harrison and Charlaine Harris.

Amazon        BN       Apple      Kobo      Smashwords       Books2Read  


Mics were thrust in her face as she stepped toward the front stairs.

“How do you feel about Ray Bartello’s murder?”

“Do you have a statement for the press?”

“Is it true that your drawing predicted Bartello’s death?”

“Why would you draw him eyeless?”

“Are you the murderer?”

She waited until that last crappy question—more an accusation—to say anything. Then she stared at the reporter. With scalding rage contained in a deceptively quiet hiss, she said, “Ray Bartello was a good friend of mine. I’m heartbroken by his passing.”

She glanced at Oryn for moral support. His slightly narrowed eyes seemed to say, Go slow, you don’t owe them. She agreed. After the supernatural attacks, she was not going to hint that she knew a damn thing, because the more that bad entities knew she was trying to figure out the case, the more they would try to maul, even kill her. Oryn gave a faint nod, his eyes tinting green. She went on.

“I know nothing about how this happened. You could camp here for days, and I still couldn’t tell you more. The proper place to provide any tips or leads is to the Savannah Police.”

As she pushed through the group, Oryn walked slightly behind her, since the reporters were busy photographing them together, no doubt fuel for salacious media.

“How do you know Miss LeBlanc? Are you dating her?” some ballsy reporter asked Oryn. He didn’t answer.

“Did you know Ray Bartello? Did you or Miss LeBlanc have a fight earlier on the day he was found?” asked another.

“Can you tell us anything more about the case?” asked a third.

Oryn face wrinkled in disgust. “Look, Miss LeBlanc needs peace. She’s said what she can. Yes, we’re friends, not that it’s your business,” he added sharply. “You may as well go get some sleep. Camping out here won’t get you what you seek.” He swept his arm around

Celestine, and they hurried up the stone stairs leading to her place.

Oryn stopped on the stoop while Celestine unlocked the door. “So, I’ll see you at class tomorrow? Will you be okay?” he asked. “If you want, I can cast a few air wards around the house so you can get a worry-free night’s sleep. Otherwise—”

“It’s not your job to protect me,” she said, gazing up at him and realizing how very much taller he was, next to her five-foot, seven-inch frame. Good goddess, the man must be six and a half feet tall if he’s an inch.




About the Author: 

Catherine Stine is a USA Today bestselling author of paranormal, urban and historical fantasy, all with romance and suspense. Witch of the Wild Beasts won a second prize in the Romance Writers of America’s Sheila Contest. Other novels have earned Indie Notable awards and New York Public Library Best Books. She lives in New York State and grew up in Philadelphia. Before writing novels, she was a painter and fabric designer. She’s a visual author and sees writing as painting with words. Catherine loves spending time with her beagle Benny, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening and meeting readers at book fests. Learn more at catherinestine.com










 


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Living Zombies? River Of Souls by T L Bodine @glassratmedia

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Looking for a ‘fresh’ and original take on zombies? Look no further than River Of Souls by T L Bodine. I am so happy that T contacted me about her Neverest story. I knew then that I would read anything she writes. The depth and details of her stories have me engulfed in her novels, not wanting to put them down for anything.

River Of Souls, the first book of the Lazarus series by T L Bodine, was so intriguing that I began reading almost as soon as I received it. I mean, considering Undeath a manageable condition as long as they have Lazarus, a life extension drug?

…the zombies are here, but instead of tearing down civilization, they’re standing in line at the Social Security office, waiting for their checks like everyone else.

In the small, sleepy town of Los Ojos, New Mexico, Davin Montoya struggles to care for his zombie father and his teenage sister. When a car accident turns him into one of the Undead, he hides it to keep his sister, Zoe, from being sent into foster care.

Davin begins to discover that things are not as they seem. He is unregistered, so getting access to Lazarus becomes a black market misadventure. Now he is dealing with dangerous drug dealers. The supply dries up, Davin becomes desperate, and questions arise.

I would share something in this review, then delete it. I don’t know how to say what I want without giving away too much. Are there lies? Sure. Is there a conspiracy? Probably. Is there more to the story? Absolutely. And, one thing sticks in my mind and makes me laugh…can zombies get it up? I mean…I get shivers and my mind just won’t let me go there. LOL

River Of Souls by T L Bodine is such a unique take on zombies, I couldn’t stop reading and am (im)patiently waiting for what comes next.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS

Undeath is a manageable condition.

That’s what the media says, anyway: with the help of the miracle life-extension drug, Lazarus, the Undead can retain their humanity and live normal, happy lives. Without it, they become violent, mindless walking corpses.

Davin Montoya was eager to believe all of that. Forced to drop out of college to take care of his teenage sister, Zoe, after their father drank himself to death, he was more than happy to sign the no-good alcoholic over to the government’s Lazarus House for treatment. That was one less thing for him to worry about.

Until an accident left him joining the ranks of the freshly deceased himself.

Now, keeping his death a secret is the only way to keep his sister out of foster care. But to do so, he must venture into the underground society of Unregistered Undead – a dangerous world of drug deals and government resistance. But when their access to Lazarus begins to run dry, the truth starts to unravel…and it’s not what anyone expected.

ABOUT T L BODINE

T.L. Bodine writes dark fantasy and horror. She’s interested in uncanny, fantastic things, and the way real people with real problems interact with them.

You can also read up-and-coming stories on Wattpad, or check out her Tumblr for writing advice, creepypasta, and more.

When not writing, she can usually be found watching horror movies, playing story-heavy video games, or experimenting in the kitchen.

She lives in New Mexico with her husband, David, and two small dogs.

View content warnings for her books here: http://www.tlbodine.com/p/read-my-sto…

MY T L BODINE REVIEWS

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Cruisin’ The Coast & Sherry’s Shelves 10.1 – 10.7.23 #weeklyupdates

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Hi Everyone. This week was a fun one. We made our annual trip to Cruisin’ The Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi. You can see a lot more by visiting Mr Wonderful’s Facebook Page.

I am a huge sports car fan. And I always have a place in my heart for Monte Carlos.

Mr Wonderful is a hug Bug fan.

We have our eyes out for the fun and unusual.

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

COMING UP ON fundinmental

  • Sherry’s Shelves
  • Giveaway – The Cat That Played Chess by Catarrina Cummings
  • Living Zombies? River Of Souls by T L Bodine
  • Giveaway – Forevermore: A Romance Anthology
  • Apocalyptic Excellence – Descension by Olivia Boothe
  • Giveaway – The Adventures of Jimmy Jams by Summerton Thompson Connor
  • Review – The Nightlife San Antonio by Travis Luedke
  • Giveaway – Living With Depression by Deborah Senrani
  • Short Horror Stories Anthology – Night Terrors
  • Giveaway – Balancing Entropy by M H Cali
  • Goosebumply – Let Him In by William Friend
  • Giveaway – Eat Pray Hex by Tara Lush
  • HMMMM – Twas The Bit Before Christmas by David Rosenfelt
  • Tackling The TBR
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – The Cat That Played Chess by Catarrina Cummings @XpressoTours

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The Cat That Played Chess
Catarrina Cummings
Publication date: July 10th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Mystery

Having received an eviction notice, Zapporah Leverne needs money fast. Her current job as a product tester will not meet the deadline. She believes her extraordinary cat named Rookie can fix this. This feline is so good at copying humans that she can move chess pieces on the chessboard.

Zapporah pulls ropes to land Rookie a part in a commercial. Her cat wows the director to the point he thinks she would be good in his reality television series. But Rookie is stolen from Zapporah’s apartment.

Although there are few clues to the thief’s identity, Sloth, Zapporah’s roommate, believes the landlady is the thief and attempts to prove it. When Zapporah receives a voice message with a cat meowing in the background from talent agent Gloria Stravos, her suspicions are confirmed. Whoever stole Rookie will put her in show business. Arriving at Gloria’s office, Zapporah discovers Gloria has been murdered. Things don’t look good for Zapporah when the homicide detective learns she and Gloria had a history of fighting.

Will Zapporah’s intuition and tech-savvy help find Rookie and save her from a cunning murderer hiding behind the cloak of a white nationalist organization?

Amazon

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Author Bio:

Catarrina Cummings is an author from Baltimore, Maryland who now lives in San Diego. She is the creator of the Snooping While Black mysteries series, with the first book being The Cat That Played Chess. In addition to dedicated service to her feline overlord, Madam Scrunchka, she also hones her guitar playing under a master instructor.

Her love for chess began when she served in the U.S. Navy, traveling and engaging in tournaments. She’s thrilled that she found the chance to include it in her first novel.

Nowadays, Catarrina can be found solving chess problems and attending multiple book clubs. If she ever finds enough free time from these activities, she might wish to consider finishing the second installation of her mystery series.

Website


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Tackling The TBR 9.30 – 10.6.23 #tacklingthetbr

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I got the idea and the motivation to start doing Tackling The TBR from All The Blog Names Are Taken. I love showcasing the books on Goodreads, my ereader and my bookshelves. The more exposure for authors and their books, the better….RIGHT?

COME ON….JOIN IN.

Previous Total: 1995

Currently Reading

The Rumor Game has a Goodreads Giveway.

Twenty Seven Minutes has a Goodreads Giveaway. I was so disappointed it is only for Canada, but that won’t stop me from sharing it with you, plus I got a copy for NetGalley.

Books Read

Books Added: 0

Books DNF-ed: 0

Books Deleted: 0

Duplicates Removed: 3

New TBR Total: 1995

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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A Spooky Town Visit – Echoes Of Other Times by Kathryn Meyer Griffith @KathrynG64

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https://amzn.to/4668Nqb

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Echoes of other Times is the eighth book in Kathryn Meyer Griffith’s Spook Town Mystery series. I have been loving these intriguing characters and reading about their eventful lives. There is never a dull moment in Spooky Town, so let’s begin.

We start off with a homeless young man. There is something unusual and special about him and when he meets Myrtle…well…he may find his place in this world.

The residents of the town are beginning to come out of their hibernation after the pandemic. Myrtle…scootering around town…I love this woman. I can see her, motoring around, singing a Perry Como song at the top of her lungs. Her heart is so big, as are many others in the town. They have suffered many horrors, but never turn their backs on those in need. I love where Kathryn Meyer Griffith takes this part of the story. I had an idea of what would happen, but it is so much better than I anticipated. My heart went out to the boy, as did others.

Glinda is a psychic and the spirit world is talking to her…loudly. She reads tarot cards and the messages she’s receiving are warnings of what is to come.

Abigail has a big role to play too. She is an artist and when she meets an older woman and offers her a ride, her world expands, as does Theodora’s. That saying, ‘There but for the grace of God go I’ applies. I love the Pay It Forward aspect that makes an appearance.

I have fear for the characters. I have known Kathryn Meyer Griffith to take them out on occasion and I have a heavy sense of trepidation the more I read. Their hearts are so big and welcoming, they stick with you long after the book is read.

It’s great writing like:

…the loss had again driven home the truth that no one lives forever and life was brief. A person should try to be happy. If one wanted to do something, they should do it now. Treat each day as if it were one’s last.

I feel Kathryn Meyer Griffith puts her heart into her characters and they shine.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREAD BLURB

Frank and Abigail, and the town of Spookie, have survived the last horrific year and a half and are moving on with their lives. They’re sending their two children, Laura and Nick, off into the world to seek their futures. Abigail is preparing for another art gallery show, her theme this ghosts . Frank is preparing to fully retire, for the final time, from his part-time deputy’s job at the sheriff’s department…after he helps the sheriff solve one last case. A missing husband. A case that doesn’t end up anything like either of them expect, when it leads to vile murders. Then Myrtle, while scootering around in town, is befriended by a strange barefoot boy who seems to be homeless…and special in many unusual ways. Glinda, Myrtle’s grandniece, the psychic, has a secret. All the other quirky citizens of Spookie are here as well living their everyday lives amidst the fog and the mysteries. There are now nine Spookie Town Murder Mystery books.

  • Genre: Fiction, Ghosts, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Witches and Wizards
  • 383 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published March 18, 2022
  • Series: Spooky Town Murder Mysteries, 38

ABOUT KATHRYN MEYER GRIFFITH

Since childhood I’ve been an artist and worked as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before I quit to write full time. But I’d already begun writing novels at 21, over fifty-one years ago now, and now have had thirty-six (romantic horror, thrillers, SF Thrillers, horror novels, romantic SF horror, romantic suspense, romantic time travel, historical romance, and murder mysteries) novels, and thirteen short stories, published from many traditional publishers since 1984. But since 2012 I’ve gone into self-publishing in a big way; and upon getting some of my older books’ full rights back for the first time in 36 years, self-published all of them along with my newer novels. My seven Dinosaur Lake novels and nine Spookie Town Murder Mysteries (Scraps of Paper, All Things Slip Away, Ghosts Beneath Us, Witches Among Us, What Lies Beneath the Graves, All Those Who Came Before, When the Fireflies Returned, Echoes of Other Times, and Waiting Beyond The Veil) are my best-sellers.

I was married to beloved Russell (who passed away on August 27, 2021) for over forty-three years; have a son, two grandchildren, and a great granddaughter, and I live in a small quaint town in Illinois. I have a quirky cat, Sasha, and live in an old house in the heart of town. Though I’ve been an artist, and a folk/classic rock singer in my youth with my late brother Jim, writing has always been my greatest passion, my butterfly stage, and I’ll probably write stories until the day I die…or until my memory goes.

2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *Finalist* for her horror novel The Last Vampire ~ 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS * Finalist * for her thriller novel Dinosaur Lake.

Novels and short stories from Kathryn Meyer Griffith:

Evil Stalks the Night, The Heart of the Rose, Love Is Stronger Than Evil, Vampire Blood, The Last Vampire (2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS*Finalist* in their Horror category), Witches, Witches II: Apocalypse, Witches plus bonus Witches II: Apocalypse, The Nameless One erotic horror short story, The Calling, Scraps of Paper (The First Spookie Town Murder Mystery), All Things Slip Away (The Second Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Ghosts Beneath Us (The Third Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Witches Among Us (The Fourth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), What Lies Beneath the Graves (The Fifth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), All Those Who Came Before (The Sixth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), When the Fireflies Returned (The Seventh Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Echoes of Other Times (The Eighth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Waiting Beyond The Veil (The Ninth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Egyptian Heart, Winter’s Journey, The Ice Bridge, Don’t Look Back, Agnes, A Time of Demons and Angels, The Woman in Crimson, Human No Longer, Spooky Short Stories Collection, Haunted Tales, Forever and Always Romantic Novella, Night Carnival Short Story, Dinosaur Lake (2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS*Finalist* in their Thriller/Adventure category), Dinosaur Lake II: Dinosaurs Arising, Dinosaur Lake III: Infestation, Dinosaur Lake IV: Dinosaur Wars, Dinosaur Lake V: Survivors, Dinosaur Lake VI: The Alien Connection, Dinosaur Lake VII: The Aliens Return, Dinosaur Lake VIII: For Love of Oscar…coming soon. Memories of My Childhood (short story collection) and my Christmas Magic 1959 non-fiction autobiographical short story.

Stalk Kathryn Meyer Griffith:

MY KATHRYN MEYER GRIFFITH REVIEWS

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Giveaway – Welcome To Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf @XpressoTours

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Welcome to Fae Cafe
Jennifer Kropf
Publication date: October 3rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Fantasy

On a cozy fall morning, Kate Kole is nestled in a coffee shop in the city of Toronto reading her favourite novel when she accidentally kills a guy who’s being rude to the coffee shop’s cashier. Unfortunately for Kate, the person she killed was a fae assassin of the North Corner of Ever, visiting the human realm in secret.

From there, four deadly fae assassins come to the human realm to hunt her down for breaking a fairy law and killing one of their own. Leading them is Prince Cressica Alabastian, the most feared and deadly fae assassin of the North and heir to the North Corner of Ever.

After the assassins arrive in the human realm, things go terribly wrong. To Prince Cressica’s horror, his assassins unwittingly get roped into running a cozy café on Kate Kole’s behalf. To blend in, the fae assassins are forced to learn how to do basic human activities like cleaning up after themselves, driving without road rage, reading popular fantasy books at book club without getting into alpha male fights over what they’re reading, and in general, be nice, all to blend into regular human society.

With a temper like no other, and deadly power that’s unmatched, Prince Cressica seeks to get revenge on Kate Kole. But as he aims to strike where it will hurt her the most, the Prince finds himself enchanted by his human target in more ways than one. And when the darkness of the Ever Corners comes knocking at the human realm’s door, he needs to make a choice that could cost him everything.

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Author Bio:

Jennifer Kropf spent her college years bored to death (nearly) in marketing and advertising classes and graduated only to discover once and for all that her true passion is telling stories. She lives amidst lush Ontario farmland with her husband and three kids, reads obsessively, and writes even more obsessively. She thinks tea is gross and coffee is great and secretly wishes Peter Pan will show up on some cool summer evening and ask if she wants to visit Neverland.

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GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Anything For Family – The Squandered by David Putnam @daveputnam @oceanviewpub

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The Squandered
The Squandered
The Squandered
The Squandered

I was so excited when I won hardcover, signed copies of The Disposables, The Squandered, and The Heartless, and a signed paperback of The Scorned by David Putnam.

Today, I am going to share The Squandered in the Bruno Johnson Thriller series by David Putnam.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

In The Disposables, things become very personal for Bruno Johnson when his brother’s grandchildren are kidnapped. Children Bruno never knew existed because he had been estranged from his incarcerated brother. Why is always the big question. As they dodge arrest, kidnappers, drug dealers and government agents, secrets will be exposed and we know some will go to any lengths to keep them under wraps. I twisted and turned with the characters as the danger dogs their every step. Bruno and Marie’s relationship will be tested, but I have confidence they will stand together. The action and suspense is nonstop. I was frantically turning the pages, on pins and needles, as I was gulping down words.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“The Squandered “propels Bruno into an emotionally charged high-speed chase as he and Marie leave their rescued kids in Costa Rica and risk returning to the U.S. at the request of Bruno s terminally ill father. Bruno s estranged and incarcerated brother needs Bruno to help rescue his abducted young grandchildren, children that Bruno hadn t known existed.

Bruno cannot deny his father, and Marie will not let Bruno go alone. As fugitives, they return to the U.S. to face not only imminent arrest, but also to confront ruthless kidnappers, drug dealers, and government agents who will stop at nothing to keep a secret from the past buried forever.

Glimpses of Bruno s law enforcement past shed light on the mayhem they encounter once they are discovered in L.A. It seems that Bruno s brother, Noble, has inadvertently kicked a hornet s nest of criminals, both in and out of prison, and among various law enforcement agencies looking to find a long missing load of nine million dollars worth of cocaine. And Noble s grandchildren are caught in the crosshairs.

The chase, the brutality, and the emotional stress tests Bruno and Marie s relationship and forces them to define family what s okay to forgive, and what should never be forgotten. Armed with a new moral code, will they live long enough to put it into practice?”

  • Genres: Action and Adventure, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Vigilante
  • 336 pages, Hardcover
  • First published February 2, 2016 by Oceanview Publishing
  • Series: Bruno Johnson #3

ABOUT DAVID PUTNAM

Best-selling author David Putnam comes from a family of law enforcement. During his career, he did it all: worked in narcotics, served on FBI-sponsored violent crimes teams, and was cross-sworn as a US Marshall, pursuing murder suspects and bank robbers in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Putnam did two tours on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s SWAT team. He also has experience in criminal intelligence and internal affairs and has supervised corrections, patrol, and a detective bureau. In Hawaii, Putnam was a member of the real-life Hawaii Five O, serving as Special Agent for the Attorney General investigating smuggling and white-collar crimes.

Putnam lives in Southern California with his wife, Mary.

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MY DAVID PUTNAM REVIEWS

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Giveaway – Just a Fika by Beck Erixson @XpressoTours @BErixson

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Just a Fika: Coffee, Connection, and a Matchmaking Ghost Grandmother
Beck Erixson
Publication date: October 3rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Women’s Fiction

Family.

They’re always meddling in your love life

Even after they’re dead.

Brooklynite-and genealogist-Ingrid Ekstrom accepts a surprise request from her typically estranged family: to become the live-in caretaker of their shared historic house in the sleepy Jersey Shore town of Aegir Haven. A fun-loving cousin is quick to introduce Ingrid to the local handyman and bluegrass musician. As he fixes up the place, Ingrid digs into the house’s past and learns about the family she barely knows.

And then Mormor-her long-dead grandmother-shows up, acting as though not being in the spirit realm is perfectly normal.

Ingrid’s always yearned for stronger family connections, and it’s nice having Mormor around. Mormor tries to set her up with a young real estate attorney who’s closer to her more thunderous, god-like personal standards than the musician with keen senses Ingrid is falling for. As lore and legends mingle with real life, she’s torn. Mormor’s fantastical family sagas can’t actually be true, right?

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EXCERPT:

“Mormor?” I mouth to her. Numbness spreads inside of my shoulders, and I let my arms fall to my sides.

“Did you say something?” Kurt asks.

“Oh, I asked if you needed more.” Think, think. What is she even doing? “Sugar. Do you need more sugar?”

“Nah, I prefer black coffee.” He leans to catch my gaze. “How did you sleep?”

“Pretty well.” Can he not see the massive distraction wandering around us?

His eyes trace up and down my face, which is fair considering I’ve already memorized the sculpted lines of his.

Ignore her. She’s not real. “You know how it is when you sleep in a new bed, it takes a lot to find the right position.” I cringe at the poor phrasing.

“We can get you a new mattress.” He laughs. “Consider me an extra set of hands.”

“For breaking in mattresses?” Nope, that’s not what he meant, and yet it flew from my mouth.

“I didn’t mean…” Kurt fidgets with his mug and can’t seem to hide the shades of pink in his cheeks. “Your cousin said you could use some help with the house.” He clears his throat. “Unless this wasn’t about repairs.”

“The little I know about my family, I wouldn’t put it past her.” I take a sip of the icy drink. “Don’t worry. I don’t throw myself at strangers.”

He chokes on a sip and blinks in response.

Bail out, I need to bail out. “Any help you can give with the house is much appreciated.”

The woman is still looking straight at me. She sticks out her tongue and crosses her eyes before pulling the newspaper closer to cover her face. Mormor? But it can’t be. Mormor is dead. The air is playing tricks on me.


Author Bio:

Beck Erixson writes about the beautifully awkward world of navigating the journey to true happiness through friendships, love, and family—be it blood, found, or chosen. Her stories enhance the importance of positive interconnection, even when we feel lonely. She lives on the Jersey Shore, and can often be found either writing by the river, or in it in some way. Her short stories have appeared in Many Nice Donkeys, and Full Mood Mag.

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GIVEAWAY!
WIN a paperback of Just a Fika!

To enter, follow @beckerixsonauthor, repost an image of the book, and comment using the hashtag #JustAFika between 10/01/2023 and 10/10/2023 on Instagram to be entered into the giveaway. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Washington D.C. (excluding HI and AK)

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  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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