Book Title: And the Trees Talked Back by Frederick J. Burns
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 48 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Frederick J. Burns
Release date: Nov 4, 2023
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
MY REVIEW
All I had to do was see the cover, read the title and know that I had to have this book. I love everything to do with trees, whether naked, clothed, or anything in between.
This oversized book, with wonderful illustrations, and a young girl who can talk to trees is sure to spark the young ones imaginations. Like seeing shapes in clouds, she sees faces in trees. I have seen things in trees too. Amanda has a huge heart and capacity for empathy. I smiled through the entire book and cannot imagine a child not enjoying this wonderful, magical adventure with Amanda.
Meet Amanda, an extraordinary child with a unique gift — she can talk to trees.
Living in a quaint village with a mystical forest, Amanda’s life takes an enchanting turn when she seeks out her inquisitive cat, Daisy. As the sun sets and the moonlight casts its glow, the duo embark on a thrilling night-time adventure.
As Amanda encounters ancient trees, she uncovers a world she never knew existed, where wisdom and acceptance coexist with fear and hatred. Amidst the rustling leaves and haunting shadows, she confronts the duality of nature, discovering the true meaning of good and evil. Her bonds with nature deepen and she learns to navigate the world where choices shape destinies.
And The Trees Talked Back is a heartwarming tale of wonder, friendship, and self-discover that will captivate readers of all ages.
Burns, always an artist on the inside, breaks through his trial attorney exterior at age 63, to write and illustrate his first children’s book, AND THE TREES TALKED BACK. Three years in the making, Burns strives to convey a world where commonalities are more important than differences, where empathy is more important than distain and where making friends is more important than creating enemies. With no formal art training, Burns enjoys working in and learning new mediums and styles. His art has won awards in juried competitions, been displayed on billboards, in government offices, the D’Amour Museum of Fine Art, and now graces the cover of Dave Brinnel’s second CD, ALONE. His detailed illustrations of trees using pen and ink with washes of watercolor have been compared to the fantastical illustrations of Arthur Rackham and Maurice Sendak. Burns lives in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Heather and two dogs, where he is developing ideas for his next book.
connect with author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Giveaway & Review – The Dolphin Dentist by Cheryl DaVeiga @ireadbooktours @BiffBamBooza
Book Title: The Dolphin Dentist: No Sharks Allowed by Cheryl DaVeiga
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 44 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Waterhole Productions LLC
Release date: November, 2023
Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
MY REVIEW
As soon as I saw The Dolphin Dentists by Cheryl DaVeiga, I had to have it. I love anything to do with marine life, oceans and seas. The illustrations are vibrant and amusing, sure to catch the eye of a child of any age. The characters are fun and endearing. Even a great white shark can be afraid of something. And who does like going to the dentist? Not me. What is the dentist afraid of? Sharks.
It is poetically written, with a rhythm that is easy to read along to. I had a smile on my face all the way through. I cannot imagine a child not being enchanted by The Dolphin Dentist. I sure was. I loved it and it will help a child (or all of us) realize, we are all afraid of something, but to face it before it becomes an even bigger problem, is the best solution. I give it five shining stars.
COMING SOON! A “Fin-tastic” adventure Like No Other!
Fearless Flossy, a mighty great white shark, has a secret—she’s terrified of going to the dentist. Dr. Dribble, the big-hearted dolphin dentist, has a jaw-dropping fear of his own, and a strict “No Sharks Allowed” policy. When Fearless Flossy makes an unannounced visit to Dr. Dribble’s office, it’s the start of an underwater adventure like no other! This ‘fin-tastic’ story is must-read for kids and parents alike. Young readers will be immersed in a tale of courage, compassion, and conquering fear, while giggling and cheering for these unlikely friends along the way.
Dive in with a big Biff Bam Booza smile.
Cheryl DaVeiga is an award-winning children’s book author and singer/songwriter residing in New Jersey. After a career in business, Cheryl’s passion for music caught up with her, and she began writing and recording children’s songs as her alter ego, CADi Grace. She then moved on to adult songs, including an ASCAP award-winning veteran’s anthem, the featured song for the State of Alabama Bicentennial Celebration, the theme song to the philanthropic Where Angels Play Foundation, and a NJ Arts’ pick for top NJ summer songs. She’s also written songs for artists on critically acclaimed albums.
You can find her books and animated sing-along song videos on her website for kids and kid-lovers– BiffBamBooza.com.
Biff Bam Booza books have received numerous awards and acclaim, including Mom’s Choice Gold, Purple Dragonfly, Eric Hoffer, and Literary Titan book awards, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star rating, and a Kirkus Review Magazine feature.
Cheryl lives in Tucson, Arizona, and spends summers in her native New Jersey.
connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads
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Giveaway – The Mark Of The Salamander by Justin Newland @JustinNewland53 @iReadBookTours
Author Justin Newland Guest Post for Sherry @ fundimental
My latest historical fiction novel, The Mark of the Salamander, has just hit the shelves. It’s
the first title in a two-book series, The Island of Angels, which tells the epic story and secret
history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.
This blog post is about the title, namely The Mark of the Salamander.
First of all, what is a salamander? Well, it’s a spirit of fire.
In Medieval times, Paracelsus, the great Swiss alchemist, identified the four beings or
spirits of the elements. While the salamander is the fire elemental, gnomes inhabit the earth, undines swim in the waters of the oceans, and sylphs are air spirits.
As a spirit of fire, the salamander is a lithe creature that occupied the other world, and so would only be appear to be seen those who had the eyes to see them. Just like the other
three elemental spirits, the salamander had healing properties, and had to those it attended, it gave the power of foresight, and of insight into the future.
Fire is fascinating. It lives, it’s alive. At the hearth, it warms, and yet it destroys. It melts, it smelts, and it cleanses. It houses the phoenix who rises from the ashes, it begets new
birth, and yet Hell is full of the stuff.
It’s the living fire, the fire that we breathe that’s inside the air, the flame of life and living.
And there’s a ruby salamander mentioned in the novel. The idea of it came from this image of a ruby salamander pendant. Gold filigree set with rubies, it was recovered from a Spanish galleon off the coast of Northern Ireland some years after the Armada. So, although it was probably not part of the treasure taken by Drake from the Spanish ship, the Cacafuego, the fact that it was a salamander gave me the idea to use it in the novel.
What about the mark, the mark of the salamander? What’s that?
Well, I got the idea from the Ancient Greek myth about the warrior Achilles. The legend goes that his mother dipped him into the River Styx to make his entire body invulnerable, except for the part of his foot where she held him—the proverbial Achilles heel. That was his identifying feature, in his case, his weakness and ultimately, his destiny.
In a similar way, Nelan, the hero of my novel, is born with three wavy lines beneath the middle finger of his right hand. That’s the mark of the salamander. That way, his supernatural powers, such as clairvoyance, ESP, and telepathy, can be identified with a physical feature, an actual mark on the body.
Justin Newland
5th October 2023
Book Details:
Book Title: The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 246 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction and Magical Realism
Publisher: The Book Guild
Release date: September 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M. Mild sex and cruelty. Mature themes.
1575.
Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan hides in London, before he is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind. Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hordes of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.
THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.
Book Guild
Amazon (US) ~ Amazon.uk ~ WHSmith
Bookshop.org ~ Brownsbfs ~ LoveReading
Waterstones ~ Google Books ~ Agenda Bookshop
add to goodreads
JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.
Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.
The historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.
The Coronation (Matador, 2019) was another historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.
The Abdication (Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.
The Mark of the Salamander (Book Guild, 2023) is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it’s an epic tale of England’s coming of age.
His work in progress is the second in the series, The Midnight of Eights, the charting of the uncanny coincidences that led to the repulse of the Spanish Armada.
Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin appears on LitFest panels, gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts. Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
connect with the author:
website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads
MY JUSTIN NEWLAND REVIEWS
- You can see my Giveaways HERE.no
- 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 – Marianne Scott, Best Selling Author @ireadbooktours @MScottauthor44
Book Title: Finding Ruby Draker, Shadows in the Aftermath, Reinhardt, and Underneath the Fireflies by Marianne Scott
Category: Adult Fiction (18+)
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Crowe Creations
Release dates: Re-release 2023
Content Rating: PG-13. Occasional colloquial language is used in dialog. Nothing that would offend the most discerning reader/s.
Giveaway & Review – Maya’s Tiny Warriors by Manasi Vegesna @ireadbooktours
I Read children’s books off and on, along with teen, young adult, right up to the dark and gritty, but especially during the holiday season I like to share books that make good gift ideas for the holiday season.
Book Details:
Book Title: Maya’s Tiny Warriors by Manasi Vegesna
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 4 to 8), 32 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Manasi Vegesna
Release date: Oct 2023
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
MY REVIEW
Maya’s Tiny Warrior’s by Manasi Vegesna is a wonderful introduction to science for a young child. It is recommended for ages 4 – 8, and though they may not grasp the concept in full, the colorful, fun illustrations may capture their curiosity. I strongly believe in education and feel that learning something new is always a good thing, even if they don’t understand it all. It will come to them as they reread the book, or pick up another with science as the topic. It is never too early to learn about our bodies and how they function. Small steps…
Book Description:
On the first day of school, Maya wakes up with a terrible flu. As she sneezes, coughs, and burns up with a fever, she can’t quite understand why she is sick. And why isn’t she getting better?
Thankfully for her, there are tiny warriors in her body that are battling for her well-being. Follow these warriors as they fight to keep Maya safe in this epic showdown between the immune system and the flu.
For ages 4-8, this book is perfect for young kids learning how their body works. By accompanying Maya’s warriors on their journey, readers will better understand their immune systems and illnesses.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads
Manasi Vegesna is a passionate author from Arizona who is interested in biology and medicine. She has utilized her love for immunology in order to help future young generations face their sickness with courage. In the future, she hopes to further dive into the wonders of science through more imaginative stories. Currently a high school senior, she continues to remain curious. When she’s not doing her homework, you can catch her playing the violin or reading a book. Or, she’s probably binging Disney movies.
connect with author: website ~ X/twitter ~ instagram ~ goodreads
- You can see my Giveaways HERE.no
- 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.
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The Spotlight Is On The Psychologist’s Shadow by Laury A Egan @ireadbooktours @EganLaury
Book Title: The Psychologist’s Shadow by Laury A. Egan
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 336 pages
Genre: Psychological Suspense
Publisher: Enigma Books, imprint of Spectrum Books, UK
Release date: Nov 18, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13. One scene of violence, no sexual scene
In October 1992, Dr. Ellen Haskell begins a new therapy practice in Princeton after a tragic error with a former client. Demoralized by her failure, Ellen strives to restore her emotional and professional confidence. Her parents have departed for Greece, leaving Ellen alone in their secluded country house. As the reader is introduced to her roster of clients through their individual sessions, Ellen becomes unnerved when she receives hang-up phone calls and a series of bizarre gifts from an anonymous admirer—at first at her office and then at home. As the obsessive lover increasingly invades her life, Ellen’s anxiety crescendos and she begins to fear the stalker’s behavior will escalate into violence.
The Psychologist’s Shadow is a portrait of a compassionate, introspective therapist who finds herself in a dangerous struggle with an unknown stalker. The novel is a simmering literary suspense, one in which tension accumulates as the reader gains insights during sessions with clients—one of whom may be the psychologist’s shadow—and through the stalker’s journal entries, which serve as a discordant counterpoint.
Also available at all other fine bookstores!
Laury A. Egan is the author of eleven novels, The Firefly; Once, Upon an Island; Wave in D Minor; Turnabout; Doublecrossed; The Swimmer; The Ungodly Hour; A Bittersweet Tale; Fabulous! An Opera Buffa; The Outcast Oracle; and Jenny Kidd; in addition to a collection, Fog and Other Stories. Four limited-edition poetry volumes have been published: Snow, Shadows, a Stranger; Beneath the Lion’s Paw; The Sea & Beyond” and Presence & Absence.”She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.
connect with author: website ~ X/twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Giveaway & Review – The Prime Suspense by Lauren Carr @iReadBookTours @TheMysteryLadie
Book Title: The Prime Suspect (A Sam MacKade PI Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 430 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Oct 26, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!
“Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. …“ – Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books
“I am, bottom line, amazed at the giant step that places Carr comparable to significant authors whose name slips off our tongues like, for instance, Nora Roberts. Watch this author–she’s moving quickly to where her goals are headed…” – review by Glenda Bixler, Book Readers Heaven
Lauren Carr is a master storyteller who combines the humor of Janet Evanovich and the investigative skills of Patricia Cornwell. She is always at the top of my reading list.” – review by Sherry Fundin, Fundinmental, As Eye See It
MY REVIEW
Lauren Carr has a large cast of characters in her novels and it amazes me how she is able to keep them clear in her mind, and the list in the beginning of her books helps me keep them clear in my mind.
A lone man walking across a deserted campus late at night. Such were the makings of suspense novels.
That was Dr Dermont Lynch’s thoughts as he walked through the deserted campus to his vehicle and was shot and killed. Bryce’s life has never been the same, since many think she was the person who killed him.
Sam MacKade’s mentor had tried to kill him, causing his injury that forced him out of the police force. He became a private eye. He hadn’t let anyone close, except for his canine companions. Will Bryce be the one to open his eyes, his heart and his life to…more?
Dogs, like Gus and Cleo, Dutch Shepherds, are hallmarks of Lauren Carr’s novels. They put many smiles on my face, at times having me laughing out loud. Lauren’s writing and creativity in describing their actions, antics and training add so much delicious goodness and feel good feelings to her stories. Between them and Sam, I think the Sam MacKade series may be my new favorite.
Bryce Greyson is one of the main characters, but her friends, Susan, Erin and Cat play important roles. With so much action and mystery, we have plenty of room for lots of characters.
“Don’t let the cat leave town.”
Bryce’s cat Misha, is a Ninja Cat and I LOVE IT! The whole situation in Bryce’s house, around page 360, was at turns funny, frightening and frustrating. I laughed at the mayhem Misha caused protecting her domain.
The Prime Suspect by Lauren Carr is filled with hours of reading entertainment. We have more than one mystery, danger and suspense, dogs with giant personalities and a ninja cat…oh my…with plenty of villains suspects, thieves and murderers.
Go ahead and pick up a copy of The Prime Suspense by Lauren Carr…and try to put it down. Go ahead. I dare ya. Can’t be done. There is so much going on, so many clues to follow, so many deaths, my head is spinning and I never want it to end.
Two murders with one common denominator. Both victims betrayed Bryce Greyson. How could she not be the prime suspect?
Four years after Bryce’s cheating husband is gunned down, her boyfriend-stealing former roommate’s remains are found buried under a statue at her alma mater.
Declared the prime suspect by both detectives and the media, Bryce has no choice but to hire someone to clear her name.
Enter Sam MacKade, private eye.
To solve two murders, the former police K-9 officer and his canine partners must sift through the clues and the lies to reveal the true prime suspect.
Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.
The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and author panels at conventions.
She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
connect with the author: website ~ amazon ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter
MY LAUREN CARR REVIEWS
- It’s Murder My Son (Mac Faraday Mystery #1)
- Three Days To Forever (Mac Faraday Mystery #2)
- Cancelled Vows (Mac Faraday Mystery #3)
- Candidate For Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #4)
- Crimes Past (A Mac Faraday Mystery #13)
- Shadow of Murder (A Mac Faraday Mystery #14)
- Kill And Run (Thorny Rose Mystery #1)
- A Fine Year For Murder (Thorny Rose Mystery #2)
- Twofer Murder (Thorny Rose Mystery #2.5)
- Murder by Perfection (Thorny Rose Mystery #3)
- The Nutcracker Conspiracy (Thorny Rose Mystery #4)
- Ice (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1)
- Spring Thaw (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1.5)
- Winter Frost (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2)
- The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3)
- Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4
- Killer In The Band (Lovers In Crime #3)
- Twofer Murder (Lovers In Crime #4
- The Root of Murder (Lovers In Crime #5)
- Killer Deadline (Nikki Bryant #1)
- The Wrong Side Of Murder (Nikki Bryant #2)
- 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!
Giveway & Review – Finding Fionn by M J Evans @ireadbooktours
Book Title: Finding Fionn – A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 310 pages
Release date: October 17 2023
Content Rating: Rated G – Completely clean
MY REVIEW
I love books based on true events and animals, so when I got a chance to get my hands on Finding Fionn by M J Evans, I had to have it. Finding Fionn is a mystery based on the kidnapping of Shergar, an Irish thoroughbred who had an amazing winning record.
Before I even cracked open the book, I was surfing for information on Shergar, the horse the book was based on. My biggest takeaway was how thought provoking the story was. Could there be some truth to the fiction?
M J Evans explains the IRA position in a simple to understand manner for such a complex situation. I have read other books where the IRA made an appearance and it was always hard for me to understand…why the conflict? Also, once their first kidnapping, to finance their war, was successful, why would they quit there? But a horse?
Fionn MacCool was a very successful racer and quickly put to stud. Patrick McCallin was the lucky, young jockey who got him there. It had been Patrick’s dream to be a jockey and when Fionn was taken, he was not going to stand by and watch as they closed the case.
It’s fun when a group of young people come together to solve a mystery. We have danger, betrayal and greed…the things people will do for money, never satisfied with what they have.
Finding Fionn is a wonderful story of a boy’s love for horses and his desire to be a jockey. I love the thought provoking conclusion and I think I will make my own conjecture on what really happened to the horse, Shergar, that the story was based on. I love that we have a happy ever after for Fionn MacCool, not so for Shergar.
The excitement felt in the Winner’s Circle vanishes when the jockey’s beloved horse disappears from his stall in the dark of night. Patrick McCallin is a young Irish lad growing up in the 1980’s when all of Ireland is groaning under the weight of The Troubles. Born to ride, he pays little mind to the political unrest going on around him. He dreams only of becoming a jockey. Patrick’s dream comes true when he is selected to ride an up-and-coming Thoroughbred, named Fionn MacCool, in the biggest races in England and Ireland. Race after race ends with Fionn and Patrick in the Winner’s Circle. The pair captures the heart of all Ireland. But the dream becomes a nightmare when Patrick’s beloved horse is kidnapped and held for ransom. When the horse’s owner refuses to pay and the Irish Garda closes the case, Patrick and his best friends, Ronan and Maddie, have no choice but to find Fionn themselves.
M.J. Evans is the author of more than twenty award-winning books for middle-graders, young adults, adults, and even a few picture books. Most of her titles are about horses or horse fantasy creatures. Ms. Evans is a graduate of Oregon State University and a former teacher of middle school and high school students. She is the mother of five and the grandmother of twelve. She and her husband live in Colorado.
connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads ~ pinterest
- You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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- 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’.
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The Spotlights Is On Murder By The Stroke by C S McDonald @ireadbooktours @CSMcDonald7
Book Details:
Book Title: Murder by the Stroke (A Fiona Quinn Mystery)
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: Adult Fiction, 260 pages
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Nov 2023
Content Rating: G. C.S. McDonald’s books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults–no bad language or sexual content.
Detective Landry’s old flame is drop-dead gorgeous, and so are her paintings!
Pittsburgh’s most influential cultural enthusiasts are overjoyed when famous artist, Vashti, has scheduled a gala followed by a weeklong exhibit of her latest works. On the other hand, Detective Nathan Landry isn’t so excited about the invitation he has received to the gala. Back in the day, he and the renowned painter were lovers. That is, when her name was Sadie Jensen, or as Nathan’s sister liked to call her, “Psycho Sadie.”
Art experts, and collectors alike, have been intrigued by a tiny brush stroke, known as an invisible stroke. So subtle and out of place is the technique, that Vashti’s elusive stroke has become as famous as a Where’s Waldo search.
Meanwhile, Fiona finds herself captivated by more than Vashti’s flair for the obscure. Rather, she is far more interested in the gorgeous artist and Nathan’s past. Against his wishes, Fiona, her mother, and her mother-in-law attend the exhibit.
Indeed, Vashti’s paintings are killing it in the art world, and in more ways than one.
For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.
Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!
Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Giveaway – Beverly Bonnefinche is Dead by Kristen Seeley @MarieStill @iReadBookTours
Book Details:
Book Title: Beverly Bonnefinche is Dead by Kristen Seeley
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 388 pages
Genre: Women’s / Book Club Fiction
Publisher: Rising Action Publishing
Release date: September 5, 2023
Content Rating: PG + M Please review content warnings in blurb.
Author’s Note: Books should always bring pleasure, and never cause harm, for this reason if you have any content that may be harmful to your mental wellbeing, I encourage you to visit https://mariestill.com/contentwarnings to ensure Beverly’s story is one you wish to read.
Please know that you are never alone. If you are in crisis or in need of someone to speak with, please reach out for help.
Below are the crisis lines. US readers dial 988 UK readers, text SHOUT to 85258 Canadian readers (youth) call 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868; Canadian readers (adults) call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741. Wherever you are, there are people who care, I encourage you to reach out when in need.
Beverly’s story, more than any of my other stories, is a personal one. As a society we get physicals annually, we talk openly about physical diseases, and support those battling them. Mental health isn’t treated with the same care and openness. While we have taken great strides, there is still more work to do. Preventative mental health is a lifesaver. You deserve to be happy just like you deserve to be physically and mentally healthy.
Each person’s journey with a mental health crisis or disorder is different. This story, while completely fictional, has been my way of processing one of the hardest battles I’ve had to fight.
Please show empathy for each other, you never know what demons someone is fighting internally, or if they are fighting a battle for someone they love very much.
Take care of yourself and those around you. No matter how different and unique your mind is, you, like Beverly, are perfect the way you are.
XOXO, Marie (aka Kristen Seeley)
Socially awkward, anxiety-riddled Beverly Bonnefinche only loves three things in life: her parents, books, and a homeless man named Bill. Without them, the only way Beverly manages to get by each day is with the help of a peculiar coping mechanism that allows her to dissolve her feelings. Yet everything changes for Beverly when she meets Henry, a persistent, friendly man who sees something in Beverly most people have missed. As their relationship develops, despite her best intentions, Beverly soon finds herself stepping outside of her carefully controlled life and forging new friendships.
It’s only when a series of twists and turns threatens to unravel her new life, and her mind, that Beverly must determine if she’s got it in her to stop trudging through life—and finally start living it.
Emotional, witty, and uplifting, Beverly Bonnefinche Is Dead is an unforgettable story of love, loss, friendship, and what it means to ultimately find the courage to be who you are.
Content Warnings: stillbirth, pregnancy loss, mental health, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation
Lover of books, Kristen spends her time overly caffeinated in front of her computer in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and four children.
Kristen’s debut novel, Beverly Bonnefinche is Dead was selected by Barnes & Noble as a Top Indie Favorites August/September 2023 Kristen Seeley is the pen name of Marie Still (which she writes suspense/thrillers under)
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