Thursday, April 24, 2025

Children's Book Spotlight: Sundays with Grandma by Siavoche Siassi

This morning, I have a children's book in our book spotlight! Check out Sundays with Grandma, read a quick excerpt from the book and learn about author Siavoche Siassi.



Children's Book

Date Published: January 3, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media


 

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About the Book

 

Sundays with Grandma tells the story of an ailing Grandmother who spends her last years in life fully present for her Grandson while cultivating within him an enduring hope and optimism for the beauty of life. Inspired by true events, the book is based on the author's observations of the playful relationship between his son and his mother during a period when she was battling and ultimately succumbed to breast cancer. 

 

Told through the eyes of young grandson Noah, this is a story recounting the memories Noah had with his loving Grandma Sherry during their weekly Sunday visits. These Sundays are filled with delicious food, silly fun times with Grandma, and important life lessons. While Noah notices that Grandma is getting weaker and weaker with each visit, that doesn't stop their special Sundays together. Noah realizes when he is older that Grandma's important lessons have taught him not only about the beauty of life but also how to accept some of its most difficult moments.

 

Written for kids of all ages, Sundays with Grandma delicately uses the beauty of nature to remind kids who might be experiencing loss and grief that their lives are just beginning to blossom, with so much beauty and growth to look forward to in the days to come.



Read an Excerpt

 



About the Author
 

Siavoche Siassi is passionate about the unique role storytelling can play to connect with young audiences. A career professional in the life sciences industry, Siavoche only recently took up writing children's books, inspired by the birth of his son and the close bond formed with him while reading together as a family. Drawing intimately from personal experiences, his stories shine a light on the often challenging moments of life, with the hopes of empowering parents to navigate these conversations with their little ones.

 

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Cozy Mystery Spotlight: The Victorian Locket by Elefair King

Today, I have a cozy mystery to share in our featured book spotlight! Check out The Victorian Locket and learn about author Elefair King!



A Galveston Historical Mystery

Cozy Mystery

 

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About the Book

 

Sarah Anne Law, affectionately known to family and friends as Sam, was playing the stalking game with her cat when she inadvertently discovered a secret compartment in her haunted Victorian home. Not only did Sam find a hidden treasure, but she also realized that their playful game aroused a long-dormant spirit. Perhaps the newly awakened spirit and one of the more disturbing hauntings in her beautiful home were connected. Did a murder occur? As Sam followed clues to unravel the 125-year-old mysteries, she unveiled the true horrors of Galveston’s deadly and gruesome past.


 

About the Author

Elefair King, a native Texan, grew up in Houston. Retired, she now lives in The Woodlands, Texas. Married for 40 years, she has one son who lives nearby. Driven by her compassion to serve others, she founded several non-profit organizations as well as served on committees and boards of many local and regional charities. Elefair loves history, especially about her beloved Texas. She frequently stops along its country roads to read historical markers when seeking new adventures.

 

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Website

 

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Thriller Spotlight: The Third Estate by D.R. Berlin

This morning, I have a suspense thriller in our book spotlight! Check out The Third Estate, learn about author D.R. Berlin and read a quick excerpt from the book! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 



Secrets of the Manor


Suspense Thriller

Date Published: December 26, 2024

 

 

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About the Book

 

In a busy outdoor market, in broad daylight, an apparently ordinary woman is gunned down by a professional assassin. Twelve years later, the killer is back with a new target – and a mysteriously sinister employer…

 

What secrets could a father leave behind?

 

A gripping, high-stakes thriller that seamlessly blends espionage, mystery, and intense suspense, The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

 

Sophie Allard, a promising jet pilot cadet at a prestigious military academy, finds her world shattered when she’s summoned to the Commander’s office with devastating news—her estranged father has died in a mysterious lab explosion at their family estate.

 

What begins as a routine investigation soon spirals into something far more dangerous.

 

As Sophie delves deeper into the secrets surrounding her father’s death, she uncovers hidden truths that threaten not only her career but her life. Unraveling a web of deception and betrayal, Sophie discovers that her father’s involvement with a powerful and shadowy organization—the Third Estate—could hold the key to both her survival and her downfall.

 

With an assassin hunting her every step and the enigmatic Grey Lady pulling the strings behind the scenes, Sophie must navigate a perilous landscape of secrets, lies, and danger.

 

This fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of complex conspiracies, strong female protagonists, and unpredictable twists. If you love novels that combine action, suspense, and mystery, The Third Estate is your next must-read.

Will Sophie uncover the truth—before it’s too late?

 

 
Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1

Thunderstorms prevented Kai Lovac’s flight from arriving on time at the Denver airport. He stared out the window at the fast-approaching tarmac, a welcome break from refreshing the in-flight Wi-Fi on his cell phone. Eternally unresponsive. The airplane taxied to the terminal at 9:00 a.m., ten minutes behind schedule. With the cramped legroom, constant jostling for elbow space with his fellow passenger, and being last on the standby list to board, Lovac cursed the mechanic who couldn’t repair his private plane in time.

He switched his phone off airplane mode. A litany of notifications assaulted his screen. One grabbed his attention: Local accident on Airport Road. Car won’t arrive in time. Sedan reserved at Savvy Rental counter. Usual details.

I’m never late, he thought. Never.

He deplaned via a portable stairway, nodding to the flight attendant who wished him a pleasant day. He checked the reservation on his phone and reviewed his itinerary.

A change. Why the new locker number?

Lovac merged onto the concourse train with his fellow travelers and exited at the central terminal. He proceeded up the escalator. After clearing a security checkpoint, he weaved in between the arriving and departing passengers. He blended into the background, always acutely aware of the people, objects, and circumstances of his surroundings.

The crowd thinned as Lovac traveled through baggage claim and approached the car rental area. He slowed his stride to study his environment. Six wall-mounted cameras and corner mirrors covered every angle.

Continuous surveillance. Security office must be nearby.

He passed two guards chatting near the exit. Their backs to the rental counter, they focused their attention on the TV monitor on the far wall. ESPN commentators, involved in a spirited discussion of the upcoming football season, drowned the murmur from customers waiting in line.

Not a threat.

He continued his evaluation as he joined the line.

Ten feet from the counter to the exit. Four seconds to escape at full sprint. Five if anyone is in my way.

Eleven people waited ahead of him, from elderly couples to young families with small children. Although no imminent issues had emerged, Lovac couldn’t shake his apprehension and hypervigilance. He studied the itinerary, calculated his movements, and weighed various options to shave time off his schedule. Without exception, he always kept to his schedule.

As a relaxing mental exercise, Lovac analyzed the two middle-aged employees at the counter, both more interested in their cell phones than the customers. He studied their mannerisms, posture, and reactions. The first, taller than her colleague, was five feet four, thirty-eight pounds overweight, dark complexion, with peroxide-blond shoulder-length hair pulled back. Her false eyelashes made her blue contacts pop.

She spoke with a thick New York accent. Bronx, Westchester Avenue area.

Strands of the second employee’s black hair had escaped her knotted braid and extended in every direction. She skewered her chewing gum with a six-inch-long acrylic nail and wrapped the gum in a tissue.

Nails: red. Right hand third fingernail chipped, fourth fingernail missing.

Her statements sounded like questions. California—Los Angeles.

The progress of the line slowed, and Lovac’s patience thinned. Someone tapped his shoulder from behind. Lovac tensed and turned to face a stout elderly woman peering up at him. “Could you help me with my bag?” she asked. “I can’t get it closed.”

With the skill and precision of a surgeon, Lovac manipulated the zipper and closed the suitcase.

“Thank you for your help. Business or pleasure?” She tightened the double knot of her fluffy bow used to differentiate her suitcase from the others.

“Excuse me?”

“Are you traveling for business or pleasure? I’m heading to the Springs to visit my grandchildren.”

He pressed his lips together for a moment. “Business,” he said quietly.

The woman removed a bag from her purse and popped a few peanuts in her mouth. “Do you travel a lot for your job?”

Lovac turned slightly, trying to avoid eye contact. “Some.”

She raised her voice and stepped closer, invading Lovac’s personal space. “How interesting. What do you do? A pilot? Traveling salesman?”

Lovac recoiled. “Risk management.”

She smiled. “Well, that sounds exciting.”

He turned to face the woman but stared past her. “Not at all. It’s just business.”

“My husband, Freddie, he’s a car salesman. My four grandchildren…” She riffled through her purse. “Now, where is that picture?”

Lovac, relieved to reach the counter, wished the grandmother a safe trip. He completed his paperwork, taking care to avoid the claws of the bubble-gum-chewing employee. Her fingernails tapped the computer keys in slow motion. The clock on the back wall emitted a deafening tone as the second hand clicked forward. Did the security camera, now focused on Lovac’s face, move? 

Taking forever. Why hasn’t she returned my driver’s license? 

“Sorry for the delay. Our copy machine is on the fritz.” She handed Lovac his identification. 

He walked toward the exit, quickening his pace. The sound of his footsteps striking the floor rang in his ears as the crowd’s noise changed from ambient background voices to silence. Lovac’s senses sharpened. The travelers scattered. He glanced at a mirror to view the commotion and noticed two guards racing toward him. His heart rate slowed and his eyes widened. He turned his head, studied the guards, and assessed the situation. He clenched his jaw. Twelve minutes behind schedule; time was not his ally. He weighed his options. 

Lovac put down his bag and turned to face the onslaught. 

They know, but how? Not possible. 

A guard lunged at him and missed. Lovac didn’t flinch. 

“That’s him,” screamed an older woman, pointing behind Lovac to the young thief who stole her purse.

Lovac stepped aside as the second security guard tackled a teenager, knocking him to the ground. The woman’s pocketbook dislodged from the thief’s grip and bounced off the floor, spewing its innards in all directions. One guard placed the boy in handcuffs and directed him toward the security office, while the other retrieved the purse and its contents. Lovac grabbed his bag and hurried toward the exit, blending into the crowd once more.

No more delays. Still behind schedule. Not acceptable.

Lovac located his car and drove out of the rental area, ready to start his assignment. Light traffic facilitated an uneventful drive. Before long, he arrived at his destination: a majestic stone edifice. With its three towering arched windows flanked by smaller ones, Union Station sat in the heart of Denver. The immense neon Travel by Train sign and an ever-precise clock, now reading 10:32 a.m., welcomed travelers. With trains leaving and arriving every few minutes, the station pulsed with activity.

He skirted the security post, passed a disorganized group of teachers and schoolchildren on a field trip, and arrived at the lockers. He found number 213, tucked in the corner of the bottom row. Lovac keyed 4308 on the touch pad, and the door sprung open. He removed a midsize black duffel bag and exited the station.

Eleven minutes behind, he explored the bag in the privacy of his car. He pushed aside the bag’s contents and opened a legal-size envelope containing Dossier 1627. He memorized the precise timeline with addresses, maps, and a description of his contact. Lovac studied the photo: a thirty-five-year-old white female; athletic build; five feet five; brown eyes; thick collar-length auburn hair curling at the ends. She resembled someone. A person from his past, but who? He searched the picture for a clue, a spark of recognition, a reason for his hesitation, but returned to the same thought.

Boring. Plain. Soccer mom. Why her?

The map guided him to a secure parking lot one mile west of his destination. Lovac squinted in the glaring summer sun. He put on sunglasses and walked to his location: a busy farmers’ market sprawled across a community park.

The blocked streets on the periphery fanned out in all directions, allowing for safe shopping. Small booths peddling food, flowers, clothing, and crafts filled his view. A local band played country music on a stage in the center of the festivities.

From the edge of the park, Lovac surveyed the nearby buildings to determine the best angle for his perch. He located the perfect spot—the right height, the right distance, the right level of privacy.

An excellent choice.

Once decided, his motivation to make his return flight kicked into high gear. He quickened his step. The shortest route to his destination passed by the Polaroid photo booth in front of the stage. His desire to stay masked in the shadows clashed with his need to make up time.

Still behind. No one will recognize me in this crowd. No one knows I’m here.

As Lovac approached the photo booth, the attendant raised his camera and smiled. “Would you like a complimentary picture?”

“No, thank you.” Lovac turned and lowered his head. He pulled the rim of his baseball hat to the level of his sunglasses.

I’m off my game.

He moved to his right and attempted to slip by a teenage volunteer blocking his path.

 

About the Author

D.R. Berlin is an award-winning author, U.S. Army veteran, and General Surgeon with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Writing minor from MIT. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, her career in high-pressure environments fuels the pulse-pounding suspense and authentic detail in The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor. Berlin combines her scientific expertise and love of storytelling to deliver a gripping, intricate thriller that keeps readers on edge. Drafted as the unofficial photographer of her children’s sports teams, she has been affectionally dubbed the “Mamarazzi.”

 

Connect with the Author

Website

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Pinterest

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LinkedIn

Facebook

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Teaser Tuesday Romance Spotlight: Azrael by Harley Wylde

This morning, I have a romantic suspense novel in our book spotlight. Check out motorcycle club romance novel Azrael from the Devil's Boneyard MC series and learn about author Harley Wylde.


Devil's Boneyard MC (#13)


Romantic Suspense / MC Romance

Date to Be Published: April 25, 2025

Publisher:  Changeling Press


 

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About the Book

 

Sometimes, to find yourself, you have to get lost in the shadows. Are you ready to embrace the darkness?

 

Zara: My mother vanished without a trace, and no one seems willing to help. Except for one enigmatic figure whispered about in hushed tones: the Angel of Death, Azrael, a guardian of justice who ensures bad men meet their fate. I set out to find him. I didn't count on finding him to be the sexiest man I'd ever met, or falling for him. In his arms, I find an unexpected sanctuary. I should be terrified of his violent world, but he offers me safety and ignites a passion I've never felt before.

 

Azrael: I live in the shadows, doing whatever I must to protect those who have lost all hope. It's no place for a woman. Then I met Zara.  Her fierce spirit and unwavering courage break down my walls. I'll stop at nothing to bring her mother home, even if it means I leave a trail of bodies in my wake. For Zara, I'd do anything, even walk through hell itself. I never wanted to fall in love... but now that I have, I'll do anything to keep my new family safe. I'm the monster who hunts other monsters, the one who defends those who can't protect themselves. Now I need to make sure that darkness doesn't touch those I love, or die trying.

 

Lose yourself in a world where love conquers fear, and courage fights against the darkness.

 

Pre-Order the Book

 

Pre-Order Today

Buy the Devil's Boneyard MC Series

 


About the Author

 

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

 

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.

 

Connect with the Author & Publisher

 

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde


Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress



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Monday, April 21, 2025

Poetry Spotlight: Diving Into the Beloved by Lark Compton

This morning, I have a poetry collection to share! Check out Diving into the Beloved, learn about author Lark Compton and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

 

Poetry, Art

Date Published: 10-14-2024

Publisher: Infinite Heart Publications


 

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About the Book

 

The Timeless Dance of Love and Devotion

 

These poetic verses explore the timeless and transcendent nature of love, where beauty and devotion surpass the boundaries of time and space. The writer evokes a cosmic connection between two souls, celebrating love as an eternal, infinite force that binds them together in a dance of passion and unity.


About the Author

Lark enjoys being a hermit and staying out of the limelight.

He has been know to accidentally bodysurf with turtles at play.

He leaves them alone and they leave him alone.

Everyone’s happy.

 

Connect with the Author

Website

 

Buy the Book

Amazon

 

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Thursday, April 17, 2025

Nonfiction Review: The Author's AI Tool Kit: From Concept to Publication by Hank Quense

This morning, I have a new book for authors in our book review spotlight! We all are becoming quickly aware that AI is around to stay--and learning to better use the tools of AI is on the to-do list for many of us. Today, I have a new book from author Hank Quense that takes a big step toward helping authors open the doors to using AI in the writing and publishing processes. Check out The Author's AI Tool Kit, learn about author Hank Quense, read my thoughts on the book & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


 

Book Title:  The Author's AI Toolkit: From Concept to Publication by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 83 pages
Genre: Non-fiction-Reference-writing, research and publishing guides ​
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  March 1, 2025
Content Rating: G: It contains only technical information of interest to authors and writers

 

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About the Book

​
This groundbreaking resource offers a wealth of practical AI applications, expertly crafted to elevate every aspect of your craft. From brainstorming and drafting to publishing and marketing, discover how AI can revolutionize your workflow and amplify your creative voice. With clear examples and actionable strategies, this comprehensive guide empowers you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Unlock the power of AI in your writing journey with "The Author's AI Tool
​Whether you're a seasoned author or an aspiring wordsmith, harness the potential of AI to streamline your process, overcome challenges, and take your writing career to new heights.
 
My Review

​The Author's AI Tool Kit is a wonderful introduction to the power of AI. The author does a wonderful job taking the reader through the various tasks an author may encounter in both writing and navigating the business side of being an author while giving AI-usage ideas for every step.  The author offers sample prompts, or queries, that can be used for each step--and gives sample AI responses for each step. The author focuses consistently on the prompts/responses for one AI model--but the process is similar no matter which AI model you choose to use. I often work with Anthropic's Claude--but, others work well with ChatGPT or Gemini. The prompt writing format is similar; you just may find the responses a little different from model to model. This book is perfect for authors interested in adding AI to their workflow. The author provides many examples of simple starting points for crafting prompts. Once you become used to the basics, you'll be able to add follow-up prompts and learn to fine-tune your questions to yield better, more relevant AI responses.
Expect to Learn A Lot from the Pages of the Book.  I love the structure and easy-to-follow organization of this book. The author clearly notes that the intention is not for the AI to write your book; the intention is to use the AI to help you create a better book, become a better author and be better able to accomplish the tasks necessary in the business of writing. This is the perfect book for authors first exploring AI--or for authors wondering how to use AI in their processes. 
Would I Recommend The Author's AI Tool Kit: From Concept to Publication by Hank Quense. This is a great introduction to AI for writers. If you are wondering what you can do with AI as a writer--or looking to grow as a writer or access resources to help you run the marketing or business sides of your career--this book is a simple introduction that is packed with ideas to get you started with AI. I would definitely recommend it. It's a quick, easy read that will give you several starting points to boost your confidence to launch your first prompt and explore AI for your writing career.
 
Buy the Book
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Meet the Author

Hank Quense has self-published his books for over 12 years.  

His fiction works include the Gundarland series, the Princess Moxie series and the soon-to-be-published Zaftan series.

His non-fiction books cover fiction writing (Creating Stories), self-publishing (How to Self-publish and Market a Book, Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps), marketing (Book Marketing Fundamentals) and author business (Business Basics for Authors) and Creating Your First Novel.

Connect with the Author: ​Website ~ X ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

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