Tag Archives: animals

Review & Giveaway – Shadow Grizzly by Natascha Birovljev @ireadbooktours

Posted on by

Book Details:

Book Title:  Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  352 pages
Genre: Adventure 
Publisher:  North Raven Books 
Release date:  March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

MY REVIEW

Shadow Grizzly Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovjlev is the third book in the Rocky Mountain series and the best one…so far. The characters lives are moving forward as they face obstacles placed in their paths.

Each book starts with a Prologue, sharing a Native legend. The Great Bear is based on an Iroquois legend and, of course, I think most of us know of the constellation.

Natascha Birovjlev had me chuckling right off the bat. These are a couple of my favorite quotes:

“Wash it off, put a bandage around it, and I think you’ll live, Boss.”

He bent over and grabbed an apple and took a bite. “Hmm, these would make a great apple pie.”

“If you make it, I’ll eat it,” replied Lyla.

Rosie is a new character that has come to Willow Ranch. She is the niece of Eric LaForge, a trapper and friend of Lee’s father. We also have Woodwind, coming to join us. He is Lonefeather’s brother, recently released from prison. He will face some challenges, and I wondered what his story was. We will also meet Dorothy and Sam. OMG. This nine year old girl stole my heart. Her mother calls her Starshine. It is a fitting name, seeing she lights up the world around her. She is much older than her age, being raised by a single mother who shares the important things with her, preparing her…

“Seeing the world through the yes of a child can make us adults start to believe in dreams again.”

I love learning the history of the Natives and can see why they feel so much resentment and confusion when Natascha Birovjlev shares their story of the residential schools. I love when an author has me surfing the web, doing my own research, wanting to know more. I can feel their anger and disgust as I learn. But that is the past. Now, WE must figure out where we go from here.

He put his arm around Sam, who was also crying softly and pulled her tight. “Thank you for being here,” he whispered to the girl. “A shared burden is easier to bear.”

OK, here come the waterworks, even though I knew this was going to happen.

“Okay, but can I have whipped cream on top?” Sam replied between sobs, wiping her eyes.

The innocence of this sweet, sweet child breaks my heart and puts it back together again.

Shadow Grizzly Of The Smoky Mountains by Natascha Birovjlev is the third book of the Smoky Mountain series and the one that has hit me the hardest. I laughed with the characters, I cried with the characters, and, at the end, I felt all was right with the world. I am excited to find out what comes next for the Spruce View residents.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Grizzly by Natascha Birovljev.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

Book Description:

Can love triumph in the face of adversity and the shadows of the past?

In the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, a gripping tale of love, danger, and destiny awaits.

Discover the enthralling story of rancher Lee, who finally gets permission to lead horseback tours in the wilds of Canada. His dreams of family and shaping the future of Willow Ranch hang in the balance. If he fails, he loses everything.

As Lee embarks on his quest, his sister Lyla returns from the Yukon to take charge of the wildlife station. Destiny reunites her with Lonefeather Jones, a Native American dreamcatcher weaver grappling with demons from his past. As the flames of their long-hidden feelings spark to life, they must confront the shadows that threaten to keep them apart.

Amidst the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains, new challenges test the courage and unity of Willow Ranch’s residents and friends. As relationships falter, death looms, and darkness threatens to consume the light, can the power of love prevail?

Join the unforgettable characters of the Willow Ranch series in this heart-stopping third installment. In a breathtaking landscape where mysteries lurk around every corner, you’ll be captivated by tales of love, adventure, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows of the Rockies. Will love conquer the darkness before the last light on the horizon fades? The answer lies within these pages.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca /  goodreads

Meet the Author:

Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.

Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.

Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.

Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.

Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

WILLOW RANCH Book Series Tour Giveaway

MY NATASCHA BIROVLJEV REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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!

Review and Giveaway – Shadow Crow by Natascha Birovljev @ireadbooktours

Posted on by

Book Details:

Book Title:  Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  446 pages
Genre: Adventure 
Publisher:  North Raven Books 
Release date:  March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

MY REVIEW

I love how each book of the Rocky Mountain series starts with a Prologue and a Native story. The Prologue of Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev is a Lenape legend. I have always been fascinated by the Natives culture and this series has been excellently translated. As far as ranch life and horses, Natascha Birovljev lives what she writes.

“Dad’s dead, Chuck muttered. “I still can’t believe it.”

Now, he is returning to Spruce View with his raggedy pickup and his best friend, Goat, his mule mare. It’s a loss, but also a blessing that he was pulled from hunting camp he was working at that had become hell for him. Chuck had up and left. No goodbye to anyone.

He inherits his fathers trapline. And thus starts the mystery.

I love books that have crows in them and they will make an appearance, here and there throughout. Are they a sign for Chuck? Are they trying to tell him something? Is he listening?

It is wonderful to be back with some familiar characters. As soon as I finished one book, I picked up the next.

Lyla is a Cree woman and has been involved with Nick, co owner of Willow Ranch. I don’t want to go into too much detail about the book because it is a series and I don’t want to give anything away, but Lyla will have some life changes. I love her dog, Mr Mud. What a fun name.

In Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck doesn’t come off so well. He pissed me off, more and more. Is he really so dense he can’t see what’s coming, or is he so wrapped up in himself he can’t see past his own state of mind.? Through most of the book I was hating on the men, Chuck and Nick. Can they be redeemed, because they sure have some issues.

I am so excited that I have all four books of the Rocky Mountain series by Natascha Birovjlev. As soon as I finished one, I picked up the next one, getting more and more involved in the characters lives. I try not to judge them, because the author is the one telling the story and the characters are talking to her. Their reasons are there own, and as the story unravels, I was able to understand their reasons and motivations for their actions, right or wrong.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Crow by Natascha Birovljev.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

Book Description:

Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?

Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.

In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.

When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck’s plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.

Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?

As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains. 

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.

Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.

Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.

Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.

Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

WILLOW RANCH Book Series Tour Giveaway

MY NATASCHA BIROVLJEV REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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!

Review & Giveaway – Shadow Horses by Natascha Birovljev @ireadbooktours

Posted on by

 


Book Details:

Book Title:  Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  372 pages
Genre: Adventure 
Publisher:  North Raven Books 
Release date:  March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

MY REVIEW

‘They’ say to write about something you know and that is what Natascha Birovljey has done in Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains. If you check out her bio, you will see that she emigrated from Germany to Canada and lives with her horses, like her characters, Lee and Lyla. Her translators, Hilary Whiteley and Anna Fin did an excellent job, making the novel flow smoothly and easy to read.

I love the Cree influence and the Prologue shares a story based on the Yinnuwok First Ntaions people. More than once, Natascha Birovljey had me surfing the web, checking out this and that. I love when an author does their research.

A phone call from Lee’s Aunt Jeanne has him and his sister, Lyla, coming home to Willow Ranch. His father has cancer and the clock is ticking down on his life. His grumpiness made me think of my father, when he was bedridden. It’s hard for a strong, independent man to let others take over.

His photography career will play a part, and as a lover of photography and animals, I found a connection with him, until….well, he does something that made me think, what the….why would you do that? Is he really that dense? That gullible? And Naira, a Cree woman who runs a wildlife sanctuary, why would you say that to her? But, you will need to find out for yourself what I am talking about, because mum is the word.

Lyla has a connection to animals, nightmares, and feels like someone is keeping secrets from her. After a while, I began to figure out some of it, but I was happy that I wasn’t right about everything.

When I read about the burrowing owls, it made me think of a TV program I watched about them. They are such cute little animals and definitely serve their purpose in the novel.

Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Biroljev was everything I had hoped it would be and more. If you love reading about the Native culture, animals, especially horses, second chances, love and forgiveness, I feel this is a book for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains by Natascha Biroljev.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars



Book Description:

Have you ever felt the call of the wild, beckoning you to a place where the beauty of nature takes your breath away?

Get ready to be swept away by the powerful and heartwarming tale of Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains. This story of love, family, and friendship will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Follow the journey of siblings Lee and Lyla Meyers as they leave their lives in Germany behind and return to their roots in the Canadian Cowboy Country. Nature sets the tone in this breathtaking setting where freedom requires courage, and the magic of love between untamed hearts can be found around every corner.

As Lyla and Lee rediscover their family and their roots on the Willow Ranch, they are welcomed by the stunning Rocky Mountains and the unforgettable horses that roam freely. The beauty of the wilderness is nothing short of magical, but danger lurks around every corner. The siblings are tested in ways they never could have imagined, and their courage is put to the ultimate test.

New love relationships blossom and the bonds of family are renewed, but a dark family secret threatens to tear everything apart. Lyla and Lee are willing to risk everything to save their beloved ranch and the family they have grown to love.

Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains is a breathtaking adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you believe in the power of love and the strength of family, this book is a must-read. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the Canadian wilderness and the wild spirits that call it home.


Enjoy the Rest in the Willow Ranch Series:


Book Details:

Book Title:  Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  446 pages
Genre: Adventure 
Publisher:  North Raven Books 
Release date:  March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements













Book Description:

Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?

Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.

In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.

When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck’s plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.

Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?

As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains. 

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads


Book Details:

Book Title:  Shadow Grizzly of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  352 pages
Genre: Adventure 
Publisher:  North Raven Books 
Release date:  March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

Book Description:

Can love triumph in the face of adversity and the shadows of the past?

In the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, a gripping tale of love, danger, and destiny awaits.

Discover the enthralling story of rancher Lee, who finally gets permission to lead horseback tours in the wilds of Canada. His dreams of family and shaping the future of Willow Ranch hang in the balance. If he fails, he loses everything.

As Lee embarks on his quest, his sister Lyla returns from the Yukon to take charge of the wildlife station. Destiny reunites her with Lonefeather Jones, a Native American dreamcatcher weaver grappling with demons from his past. As the flames of their long-hidden feelings spark to life, they must confront the shadows that threaten to keep them apart.

Amidst the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains, new challenges test the courage and unity of Willow Ranch’s residents and friends. As relationships falter, death looms, and darkness threatens to consume the light, can the power of love prevail?

Join the unforgettable characters of the Willow Ranch series in this heart-stopping third installment. In a breathtaking landscape where mysteries lurk around every corner, you’ll be captivated by tales of love, adventure, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows of the Rockies. Will love conquer the darkness before the last light on the horizon fades? The answer lies within these pages.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads


Book Details:

Book Title:  Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  484 pages
Genre: Adventure 
Publisher:  North Raven Books 
Release date:  March 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG for romantic elements













Book Description:

What if the untamed wilderness held the key to unlocking the deepest desires of the heart?

In the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, whispers of untold stories and hidden destinies come to life. Welcome to the world of The Shadow Wolf of the Rocky Mountains, the fourth installment in the gripping Willow Ranch series. Here, three humans and a she-wolf navigate a treacherous landscape of love, loss, and the unforgiving wilderness.

When fate intertwines the lives of Rosie, the resilient groom, Cody, the enigmatic cowboy, and Woodwind, the mystical Cree Indian, their fragile dreams and deepest fears are unearthed. At the heart of it all is the Willow Ranch, a place where passions ignite, and lives are forever altered. Can they trust the strength of their bond and the power of love to guide them through the storm?

In this haunting tale of self-discovery and the quest for redemption, each character is forced to confront their own demons. As Cody grapples with the crushing weight of his brother’s suicide, Rosie fights for her horses and her home amidst swirling deception. And Woodwind, haunted by self-doubt, must find the courage to save the she-wolf and the woman who has captured his heart.

As careless decisions threaten the future of the Willow Ranch, the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains presents a formidable challenge. With time running out, the friends and staff must pull together and believe in the magic of community to save their home and their happiness.

Dare to venture into the wild unknown, where heartache and hope collide, and where the call of the heart is a siren song that cannot be ignored. “Song of the Wild: Call of the Heart” beckons you to the Willow Ranch, where the secrets of the wilderness hold the key to love, courage, and the power of unity.

Embark on this unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery today – answer the call of the heart and unlock the secrets hidden within the wild. 

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
add to goodreads



Meet the Author:

Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.

Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.

Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.

Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.

Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads


Enter the Giveaway:

WILLOW RANCH Book Series Tour Giveaway



  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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 Ghost Goes To The Dogs by Cleo Coyle @dollycas @CleoCoyle

Posted on by

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs (Haunted Bookshop Mystery) by Cleo Coyle

About The Ghost Goes to the Dogs


The Ghost Goes to the Dogs (Haunted Bookshop Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
9th in Series
Setting -‎ Rhode Island
Berkley (May 2, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0425255492
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0425255490
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B8GC8YHT

A stray dog leads bookseller Penelope McClure and her gumshoe ghost on a chase for a cunning criminal in this brand-new entry in the “UTTERLY CHARMING” (Mystery Scene) Haunted Bookshop Mysteries from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

Pet Mystery Week brings brisk business to Penelope’s Rhode Island bookshop, but a real mystery comes barking at her door when a lost dog turns up in a panic. Pen and her son Spencer follow the furry fugitive to a wooded area where the dog’s owner lies unconscious. Mrs. Cunningham is a warm-hearted widow who volunteers at the animal shelter and runs Buy the Book’s pet lovers book club. Why would anyone shoot such a sweet soul?

The police believe it’s an accident, a shot by a careless deer hunter, but Pen remains skeptical. To straighten out this doggone mess, she whistles for the ghost of PI Jack Shepard, an expert in hounding as well as haunting. Jack has a dog story of his own, a case from the 1940s that may help Pen sniff out clues to her present predicament. Yet even with Jack’s hard-boiled help, Pen may not be able to stop the killer from striking again or letting this whole case go to the dogs…

About the Author

CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times-bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries and Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, now celebrating nearly 20 years in print. With more than one million books sold, their work has been honored with starred reviews and multiple best-of-year list selections by reviewers. Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together.

Author Links

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

a Rafflecopter giveaway ;

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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 – Brushed Up On Murder by Ruth J Hartman @dollycas @RuthjHartman

Posted on by


Brushed Up On Murder: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J Hartman

About Brushed Up On Murder


Brushed Up On Murder: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Indiana
Level Best Books (April 18, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 275 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BXB8BZMQ

The life of a cat groomer isn’t just pampering purring felines, it’s murder.

Mobile Cat Groomer Molly Stewart loves her job. Until she finds the dead body of one of her pet parents stabbed with a garden implement in his back yard. When Molly’s uncle Russ becomes the prime suspect in the murder and the sheriff won’t consider anyone else, Molly claws through obstacles as she prowls for clues.

With help from handsome veterinarian Hank Chenowith and Molly’s two cats, Percival and Jasper, will Molly succeed in proving her uncle’s innocence before the real murderer pounces on her?

About Ruth J. Hartman

Ruth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats and her nights spinning mysterious tales. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people’s recliners. Not that the cats couldn’t get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else’s.

Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling writer uses her sense of humor as she writes tales of lovable, klutzy women who seem to find trouble without even trying.

Ruth’s husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her despite her insistence all of her books have at least one cat in them. See updates about her cozy mysteries at Ruthjhartman.com.

Author Links

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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!

Review – Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold #NetGalley @Carolyn_Arnold #BowledOverAmericano

Posted on by

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold is a departure from her normal writing of police procedurals and thrillers, veering off into the world of cozies, and I am eager to see how she does. The cover looks fun…sooo….let’s go bowling.

Sara Cain is a detective by day and a writer by night. An evening run has her meeting Magnum, a beagle, who leads her to his murdered owner. Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler. Douche Detective Davenport is on the case. He is incompetent, choosing the easy way out to close his cases. She is drawn into the case, when her mother makes the request.

Sara and Sean are partners….and that’s all. They both acknowledge their attraction, but she won’t let it go any further. No mingling in the work place.

Sean is a kind and compassionate person and a kindness given reaps Sean more than he ever could have imagined. He is so romantic, so sweet. How has he not been snatched up yet? Sara better be careful.

Carolyn Arnold handles her foray into cozy mysteries with the same panache as her police procedurals and thrillers. The writing flows smoothly, leading me from page to page, devouring the words, becoming involved with the richly developed characters, walking with them step by step to the very end…enjoying every minute of it.

I am eager to see what adventure comes next for Sara and Sean.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Sara Cain isn’t your typical thirty-two-year-old woman. Murder detective by day, writer and… sleuth by night? Just as long as there’s enough coffee to keep her going…

When her first novel gives her trouble, Sara goes for a walk to clear her writer’s block and ends up stumbling right into a real-life murder mystery. Magnum, an adventurous beagle, comes running off leash toward her in the local park, and she returns him home only to find his master dead on the entry floor.

Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler with a mean streak and a temper, and police are pegging his Golden Pin bowling trophy as the murder weapon. While any number of people could have clocked a strike by knocking him on the noggin, the prime suspect is a friend of Sara’s mother—and she expects Sara to prove the woman’s innocence. A tall order, as the case isn’t officially hers and belongs to a rival detective.

But a promise is a promise, and Sara soon finds herself sleuthing undercover—and off the clock—in a world of polyester shirts and rental shoes. It’s not all bad, though, as she’s taking her friend and partner Sean McKinley along for the ride. They are better together than they’ve ever been split, and they’re not amateurs at finding killers.

Despite being up against small-town hijinks and colorful characters who threaten to roll their efforts into the gutter, they are having fun. That is, until they get close to the killer and a dangerous twist puts their lives at risk.

A completely addictive caper full of twists that offers up a serving of murder, a dollop of romance, and a dash of humor. This perfect blend of robust and sweet is bound to hit the spot with readers who are fans of Verity Bright, Tonya Kappes, and Agatha Frost.

ABOUT CAROLYN ARNOLD

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

MY REVIEWS FOR CAROLYN ARNOLD

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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 – No Small Murder by Lena Gregory @dollycas LenaGregory03

Posted on by

No Small Murder: A Mini-Meadows Mystery by Lena Gregory

About No Small Murder

No Small Murder: A Mini-Meadows Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Florida
Level Best Books (February 21, 2023)
Number of Pages 215
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BHX5L1J4

Mini Meadows, a Tiny Home community in rural Central Florida, is home to Emma Wells, a downsize specialist who left her daddy’s mansion and her inheritance behind in favor of a simpler, more peaceful life in a tiny home that was once two shipping containers. But when she opens a shipping container and discovers her dead client sitting in a rocking chair, neatly wrapped and labeled, and two of her friends end up on the suspect list, Emma pitches in to help find the killer. With plenty of clues to unpack, Emma narrows down the suspect list, but as she begins to close in on the culprit, she realizes if she’s not careful she could end up in a box of her own.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Tiny houses are all the rage these days and a small town in Central Florida is embracing the concept mightily. Mini Meadows is a Tiny Home community with new residents and businesses flocking to the town at a rapid pace. Emma Wells had a major disagreement with her father and she left his mansion and money behind for a tiny home in Mini-Meadows. She has also become a downsizing specialist to help people make the transition from their large houses of several thousand square feet to smaller or tiny homes in the 500 square feet range.

Her client, Mr. Aldridge was having his train-inspired mini home placed in Mini Meadows and his and his wife’s belonging delivered. Mr. Aldridge has been a difficult person to work with so Emma is anxious for his move to go smoothly. When she arrives to help unload his furnishings from the trailer she sees something strange in a rocking chair wrapped in plastic. As she gets closer she sees the new homeowner’s face. Broderick Aldridge no longer needed his unique tiny house and she needed to call the police.

Surprised to learn two of her friends are on the suspect list Emma decides to do a little investigating of her own. But if she’s not careful she could be moving to a much smaller tiny home six feet underground.

Oh, I love the theme of this new cozy series! There have been many times I thought I could be happy in a tiny house. Then my family points out all the stuff I have that I just can’t part with, like my books, LOL.

Ms. Gregory introduces some dynamic characters in this series’ debut. Emma Wells’ father disinherited her so she moved out of his huge home into her tiny one and has been quite happy. I love her energy and positive attitude. Her Granny Rose was also living with her father and missed Emma greatly after she moved out. She gave her son an ultimatum and moved out. She has now moved into Emma’s tiny house too. It is a bit cramped but Emma had missed her Granny Rose as well so vowed to make it work. Granny Rose is not your typical granny. She drives a shiny red corvette and is embracing a whole new self. Wearing frayed jeans, camisoles, high-top sneakers, gold chains, and earrings, she shocks Emma. This is not the grandma she grew up with. Granny also grabs the attention of the elderly gentleman that just moved in across the street from Emma. Oh my gosh, she is a delight and a spitfire and so much fun. Emma has two close girlfriends, Jade and Chloe. Chloe runs Pocket Books and Jade owns Little Bits Consignment and Thrift Shop. We also meet Libby who owns the local diner. All great places to hear local gossip. I can’t forget that Emma has an orange tabby named Ginger and it isn’t long before a Great Dane named Butch joins the family. All these characters are nicely crafted and continue to evolve over the course of the story.

There was something off about the deceased Broderick Aldridge from the start so there were clearly a couple of suspects right away but as the story continued several more were added to the list. With the many twists and turns it was almost impossible to eliminate any of them. I loved following along with Emma as she tried to unpack each clue and make it fit into the puzzle before her. The murderer was on my list but I was really iffy about the motive. An epic final twist revealed all and set up a very dramatic ending.

No Small Murder was a wonderfully entertaining read. A fresh theme, fun characters, and a rousing mystery have set this series off to a fantastic start. I am excited for this series to continue. We have just scratched the surface of what I hope will be a long-running series.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Lena Gregory

Lena Gregory grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of Central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links
Newsletter    Website    Facebook    Facebook Fan Page    Twitter    Goodreads    Pinterest

Purchase Links – Amazon

Also by Lena Gregory

Great Escape Praise for No Small Murder by Lena Gregory 

Great characters and an intriguing mystery make NO SMALL MURDER a delightful start to a new series.
~Cozy Up With Kathy

The characters are well-rounded and well-developed. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
~ MJB Reviewers

I am a huge fan of pretty much anything Lena Gregory writes. So I was more than eager to get my hands on the start of a new series. The setting is absolutely adorable! A “Tiny House Community” is a great choice for cozy fans.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

What a fun setting for this new cozy series, a tiny home community. I love looking at tiny homes; just not 100% sure I could live in one. If I did, I would need someone like Emma to help me downsize my current home to a new one. I think this is going to be a fun new series, and I look forward to upcoming books.
~Story Book Reviews

No Small Murder is a great book. The story grabbed my attention and kept me engaged. The story was fun, exciting, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. Fun characters with a fantastic whodunit made this cozy mystery top-notch. It checked all my cozy boxes!
~Sapphyria’s Books

TOUR PARTICIPANTS – Please visit all the stops. 
February 21 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
February 21 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
February 22 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 22 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
February 23 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
February 23 – Diane Reviews Books – SPOTLIGHT
February 24 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy  REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
February 24 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT
February 25 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
February 25 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW
February 26 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
February 26 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
February 27 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
February 27 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
February 28 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST
February 28 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
March 1 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
March 2 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
March 2 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
March 3 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
March 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
March 4 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 5 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
March 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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 – Race Against Time by Claire Eckard @ireadbooktours #claireeckard #nonfiction

Posted on by


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Race Against Time by Claire Eckard
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  192 pages
Genre: Creative Non-Fiction 
Publisher:  Cedar Fort Press
Release date:  Jan 10, 2023
Content Rating: G for all readers 



Book Description:

Flash was a pony that had fallen between the cracks-too small for most to ride, even for a Hackney pony, and too feral to be shown. What he needed was a person as small as he was-who had the guts and the patience to give a wild pony a chance. Then along came a little girl with a sensitive soul and a big heart.

Kyla Law was just nine years old when she met Flash, and neither of them could have anticipated that their partnership would make history.

In an inspiring true story of family, faith, and perseverance, Kyla and Flash’s relationship mirrors the journey we must all take in life: one of highs and lows, successes and failures-theirs just happens to be along a hundred-mile historic trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains-the setting for the most famous endurance race in the world. From the moment they met, to the moment they crossed the finish line, their tenacity exhibits pure spirit: the human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the fire-in-the-soul kind of spirit that helps us climb mountains and cross rivers, literally and figuratively.

This story is about a girl and her pony, and how in one amazing day they inspired an international community, as Flash became the smallest horse to ever finish the Western States One-Hundred-Mile, One-Day Ride-the Tevis Cup.



Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an award-winning author and songwriter who lives in Arizona. Claire loves to write inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction that have an impact on the reader. Often her books revolve around the amazing bond between animals and humans. She grew up in England and is obsessed with clotted cream teas and the tranquil English countryside of her youth. Claire is a frequent speaker at schools, events, bookstores and on various podcasts. More information on Claire and links to her latest projects can be found at www.claireeckardauthor.com.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub




RACE AGAINST TIME Book Tour Giveaway



  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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 – Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder @dollycas #cozymystery

Posted on by

.

Carmel Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery by Stacy Wilder


Carmel Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery by Stacy Wilder

About Carmel Conundrum


Carmel Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – California
Wild Hawk Press (December 10, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985426625
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BPQXHL7Y

Stolen identities, a cult, a kidnapping, an attempted murder, and a budding romance . . .

Join Private Investigator Liz Adams, and her lie-detecting Labrador, Duke, in the scenic town of Carmel By-the-Sea, as the pair investigate the mystery of stolen identities. Complications arise when Liz becomes romantically entangled with her hot new client, Brad.

Enter Apollo, a charismatic cult leader, whose mission to save the homeless has a dark twist. Why does he continue to trespass on Liz’s property? She’s compelled to uncover the answer.

Tensions mount, as the stakes become a matter of life and death. Will Liz and Duke solve both mysteries before the damage is irreparable?

Travel with Liz from Charleston, SC to Carmel, CA, and back to discover the astounding truth.

The Carmel Conundrum Playlist

  • 1.         “Hotel California,” The Eagles (thanks to Barry Edick for the song suggestion)
  • 2.         “Only The Good Die Young,” Billy Joel
  • 3.         “California Dreamin,’” The Mamas & the Papas (thanks to Mary Ellen Hendricks for the song suggestion)
  • 4.         “Glitter in the Air,” P!nk
  • 5.         “King of the Road,” Roger Miller
  • 6.         “California Girls,” The Beach Boys (thanks to Barry Edick and Mary Ellen Hendricks for the song suggestion)
  • 7.         “Celebration,” Kool & The Gang
  • 8.         “Take My Breath Away,” Berlin
  • 9.         “Hit the Road Jack,” Ray Charles
  • 10.       “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” Otis Redding
  • 11.       “Life is a Highway,” Rascal Flatts
  • 12.       “Bad Day,” Daniel Powter
  • 13.       “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Cyndi Lauper
  • 14.       “I Knew I Loved You,” Savage Garden

About Stacy Wilder

Stacy Wilder has traveled to six out of seven continents Books have shaped her life and her travels. Her love of mysteries began with Nancy Drew.

Carmel Conundrum is the second book in the riveting Liz Adams Mystery series. In addition to mysteries, Stacy writes children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas, with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve.

Author Links

Purchase Links

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

a Rafflecopter giveaway ;

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • 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 & Recipe – Avalon by Vanessa Morgan @RoxanneRhoads

Posted on by


EGG NOG RECIPES FOR YOU… AND YOUR CAT

 
No Christmas is ever complete without at least one serving of Egg Nog, the holiday-themed cocktail drink that is popular in the United States and Canada. It is a frothy beverage that contains milk, cream, and eggs. You can combine this mixture with other ingredients such as alcohol, sugar, and spices. It is best served chilled.

You can easily modify the Egg Nog recipe below to be vegan-friendly (by replacing the eggs with silken tofu and by using almond milk instead of cow’s milk).

When I was in my twenties, I used to buy Egg Nog in the supermarket at Christmas-time. Nowadays, however, I prefer to make it myself.

My cat Avalon used to go all crazy whenever I pulled out the Egg Nog, so I started by making a cat-friendly version, just for him. It may sound a little crazy, but trust me on this one… Kitty Egg Nog is sure to please even the most discerning palates, and your cat will be eternally grateful to you for it.

On top of that, we are celebrating the French edition release of Avalon’s memoir, so we should all indulge a little extra this year, don’t you agree?

Here’s what you need to make Egg Nog for both you and your cat.

Egg Nog for you




Ingredients:

2 cups of milk
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla powder
1/8 tablespoon nutmeg
¼ cup cream

If you like it sweet, you can add three tablespoons of sugar. Also, I usually make Egg Nog without alcohol, but if I do add some, I prefer to add rum over any other type. 

Preparation:

Beat the eggs until smooth
Add the milk, cream, vanilla powder, and nutmeg (and any other ingredients)
Put everything in the blender
Serve chilled



Egg Nog for your cat
 
Ingredients:

200 ml cat milk
1 egg yolk
1 pinch of turmeric (don’t use cinnamon as it can be toxic to cats)
A little whipped cream

Preparation:

Put all ingredients in the blender, and blend until smooth
Serve in small portions, as it is a heavy drink, even without the alcohol.

Warning! Don’t use real milk for your cat’s Egg Nog. After all, the lactose in cow’s milk may cause diarrhea and other digestive problems in cats.

Let me know in the comments if you will be making Egg Nog for yourself and your cat this year.

Enjoy!


Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story
Vanessa Morgan

Genre:  Memoir / Cats
Date of Publication:  June 4, 2015 
ISBN:1511863633 
ASIN: B00XC1NE4I 
Number of pages:134 pages 
Word Count: 31.468 words
Cover Artist: Gilles Vranckx

Tagline:  Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one.

Book Description:

From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat.

With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. 

Avalon was so incorrigible that even the landlord ordered to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon’s demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.

Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.

Avalon is also available in French.



Filming of The Strangers Outside took place in August and September 2010. Avalon joined the set for two days. The location: a vacation cabin in the woods of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, a place where shadows came alive and danced with the rare patches of light. The perfect site for a horror movie.

Outside the vacation cabin, the film crew prepared for action. Camera tripods and lights were set up. An actor in monk clothes smoked his last cigarette before the shoot.

Two large tables with food and drinks sat in the shade, each bottle of water labeled with the name of an actor or crew member. Avalon had a bottle all for himself.

Avalon was remarkably at ease on set. He examined the vacation cabin for about half an hour, sniffing his way through the dusty corners, before settling into a deep sleep on the couch.

While everyone fawned over Avalon and fed him snacks from the buffet table, the director gave us a quick rundown of the scene to come. “The camera focuses on Avalon lying on the coffee table. In the background, through the windows, we see actors Pierre Lekeux and Iulia Nastase arriving home. Avalon follows their movements with his head as they move from one side of the house to the other. When the front door opens, Avalon jumps off the table to greet them.”

“Avalon won’t do that,” I said. “Just like children, cats are uncontrollable. It’s a great idea for a scene, but I’m afraid you’ll have to come up with something less demanding.”

Apparently, I didn’t know my cat very well, because Avalon did exactly what was expected of him.

The scene was shot several times in a row and Avalon never missed a beat.
In another scene, while eating his Schesir dinner, Avalon suddenly had to look up in panic. The fear in his eyes looked genuine. He was perfect.

Sitting at the dining table, actor Pierre Lekeux watched Avalon with incomprehensibility and admiration, shaking his head in denial. “I need at least twenty minutes to prepare a scene, to enter a certain state of mind. But this cat nails it in a matter of seconds. Avalon’s the best actor on set. He’s even better than me.”

Pierre was right. Avalon had this air–he carried himself in a certain way, very much aware of his charisma. He was a natural performer. A miniature star.





About the Author:

Vanessa Morgan is the editor of the movie reference guides When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampire Movies, and Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children. She also has had one cat book (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders) published. Three of her stories have been turned into movies. She has written for myriad Belgian magazines and newspapers and introduces movie screenings at several European film festivals. She is also a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Belgium. When she’s not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching movies, eating out, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats.









a Rafflecopter giveaway
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • 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!