Thursday, July 24, 2025

Native American Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Apache Kid - Army Apache Scout by W. Michael Farmer

This morning, I have a historical fiction novel to share! Learn about The Apache Kid: Army Apache Scout, the first volume in The Apache Kid Chronicles by W. Michael Farmer. Read an 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. 


ARMY APACHE SCOUT (The Apache Kid Chronicles-Volume 1)


Fiction / Indigenous / Historical Fiction / Native American

Date Published: 06-03-2015

Publisher: Hat Creek


 

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About the Book

 

From Army Scout to Outlaw, from Hero to Legend.

He survived the embers of the fires and murders at the Camp Grant Massacre of the Apache. Young Has-kay-bay-nay-ntayl ("brave and tall and will come to a mysterious end"), a child known by many names but later feared and revered as the Apache Kid-grows up in two cultures where survival means choosing between loyalty and betrayal, his people and their overseers. Trained by the legendary Al Sieber and other former military officers, the Kid makes a meteoric rise to prominence as a First Sergeant of scouts, a warrior whose skill and leadership helps win the U.S. Army's fight against renegades and maintain peace between Apache bands at San Carlos Reservation.

 

But neither war nor peace are ever simple. When forced to make an impossible choice between his own People or the Army, he chooses his People. His choice leads the Army to imprison him at Alcatraz. Released early by the Army, Arizona Territory tries to imprison him again but he, with seven other Apache on the way to Yuma Penitentiary, escape and become the object of the greatest manhunt in Arizona history. The only one to survive the manhunt, Kid becomes both a ghost and a legend, the most feared border outlaw for the next ten years before vanishing into Mexico.

 

Seen through Kid's eyes, The Apache Kid: Army Apache Scout brings to life the thrilling and tragic journey of Apache Kid as a young man and the best of the Army's Apache scouts.

 

 Read an Excerpt
The stars in the milk river sweeping over us seemed especially bright that night, and I could
hear bats swooping through the cool night air collecting insects. Off toward the north, Wolf
howled and then Coyote. It was a beautiful night, one that lives in my memory.

Sieber said, “Kid, I wanted to talk to you about what you plan to do when your six-month
enlistment is up. Do you think you’ll reenlist? Do you plan to be in the scouts a while? I expect
the Chiricahuas are gonna be runnin’ wild after they heal up from that beatin’ we gave ’em. I
understand General Crook is gonna be comin’ back to command Arizona Territory and maybe
even New Mexico. I hope so, cause he knows what he’s doin’.”

I took a swallow of coffee and, staring at the fire, said, “I be scout. Wait for Hashke Bahnzin
daughter, Chita, to have her womanhood ceremony. Then we marry. She already strong, wise
woman I think of many times. Why you ask, Sieber?”

“I watched how you fought against the Chiricahuas. You did just like I thought you would.
Cool under fire and still a great shot. If you stay in the scouts, I want you to become a first
sergeant.”

I raised my brows in surprise and Sieber grinned.

“That’s a step up from the time to become a first sergeant as we talked about earlier. You
knew all the drill commands and how to do them when you joined. I never saw you make a drill
mistake when you drilled after signing up. You know the rules and you’re a natural leader. It’ll
mean extra pay if you’re also a first sergeant. What do you say?”

 
Meet the Author 



W. MICHAEL FARMER blends over fifteen years of research into 19th-century Apache history and Southwest living to create richly authentic stories. A retired PhD physicist, his scientific work included laser-based measurements of atmospheric aerosols, and he authored a two-volume reference on atmospheric effects.

 

His fiction and essays have earned numerous honors, including three Will Rogers Gold and six Silver Medallions, multiple New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, and a Spur Finalist Award. His novels include The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Legends of the Desert, and the award-winning Geronimo duology. His latest novels include Trini! Come! and the Chato Duology, featuring Desperate Warrior and Proud Outcast.

 

 Connect with the Author 

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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Thriller Review Feature: Serves You Right by Orion Gregory

This morning, I have a mystery thriller in our book review feature spot! Learn about Serves You Right and author Orion Gregory, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 



Book Title:  Serves You Right by Orion Gregory
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 300 pages 
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:   July 8, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: No explicit sex scenes, a couple of f-words, one suicide.

 

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About the Book

Rookie detective Sydney Livingstone thought she’d left the chaos of her tennis career behind when she joined the small Walsh County Police Department. But a shadowy figure known as "The Enforcer" has other plans. On the dark web, a vigilante is waging their own brand of justice, pushing Sydney to confront a force that threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.

As she investigates a disturbing series of events, including a stalker targeting a seasoned officer, Sydney must navigate the twisted maze of corruption, deception, and a growing conspiracy within her own department. With the media spotlight on Walsh County and danger closing in, will Sydney uncover the truth—or become its next victim?​
 
My Review

 

Serves You Right Brings a Well-Paced, Page Turner. I love mystery/thrillers that actually keep readers guessing a little as the scenes play out. The author creates a very well-developed thriller that moves well and drops enough surprises that cause some second-guessing and a few surprises to hold reader interest from beginning to end. As the author builds the story around The Enforcer and a combination of tech and traditional police investigation, the scenes layer strongly and interestingly. While the story wraps up successfully at the end, there are some loose ends that will pull you into (hopefully) future books of the series.  

 

Expect to Enjoy Sydney's Character--but not all of the Conversation. I loved Sydney's character and the actual storyline development as the puzzle pieces unfolded to resolution. Some of the wishy-washy dialogue and character interactions seemed inconsistent with the other strongly written scenes. At times, the conversations made Sydney and the story seem a little unrealistic, like a "cozy mystery"; however, her actions would then seem more aligned with the other well-developed elements of the thriller.  

 

Would I Recommend Serves You Right? I enjoyed Sydney's character, and I loved the mystery development as the storyline moved along. Despite sections of the dialogue feeling unrealistic for some scenes, the strength of the novel as a whole made it a page-turner that truly kept me engaged in solving the mystery with the characters. It's a great page-turner for mystery lovers. 

 
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Meet the Author

Orion Gregory spent the early part of his career as a writer in the newspaper, magazine, and advertising industries, where he was the recipient of several prestigious awards. The latter part of his working career consisted of more than 25 years in marketing/sales industry. He never forgot his love of writing during that time, and always vowed to return to his roots. Presently, Orion spends the majority of his time writing mystery/thriller novels when he’s not coaching or teaching tennis. He finds great pleasure in mentoring young people and improving the conditions of animals in need. His life revolves around his wife and two daughters, as well as the wonderful friends he has made along his journey. He subscribes to the theory that the only bad pun is the one left unsaid.

connect with the author: website x ~ facebook instagram ~ goodreads
 
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Teaser Tuesday Romance: Salvation by Harley Wylde

This morning, I have a motorcycle club romance novel in our Teaser Tuesday spotlight! Check out Salvation and learn about author Harley Wylde! 


Reckless Kings MC, Book 6


Motorcycle Club Romance

Date Published: July 25, 2025

Publisher: Changeling Press



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About the Book


Is it friendship or something more? I think I’m ready to find out.


Yulia -- They call him Salvation, and that’s exactly what he’s been for me. I was only sixteen when he swept me up into his arms and carried me out of hell. Things were so bad, all I wanted was to die. He and his club, the Reckless Kings, they saved me. Salvation’s never touched me, even though we’re technically married, and he honestly has enough on his plate already with a daughter who’s badly scarred from an explosion. But we’ve been together for eleven years now, and the older I get, the more I want our marriage to be real.
 

Salvation -- Since the day Yulia came to live with me, I’ve not once cheated on her. She’s legally my wife, and that’s all that matters. Besides, my daughter, Clover, has kept me busy. Now Clover’s nearly an adult and I’ve noticed the way Yulia looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. But can we have a real marriage when we’ve been nothing but friends all these years? It’s too bad my family has be to taken before I realize the answer to that question. Now I’ll do whatever it takes to get Clover and Yulia back, and I’ll send their kidnappers straight to hell.


Warning: Salvation is intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, bad language, and violence. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the series will be enjoyed more if read in order. This is a slow-burn romance with steamy scenes. There’s no cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEAT!

 


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

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15


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Monday, July 21, 2025

Historical Fiction Audiobook Spotlight: The Irish Girl by Ashley E. Sweeney

Do you enjoy coming of age novels and historical fiction? This morning, I have an audiobook to share! Learn about The Irish Girl and author Ashley E. Sweeney! Check out the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! 


Coming of Age/ Fiction/ Historical Fiction

Date Published: December 10, 2024 (Paperback) / March 11, 2025 (Audiobook)

Publisher: She Writes Press/Tantor Media

Narrator: Aoife McMahon

Run Time: 9 hours and 39 minutes



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About the Book

 
From multi-award-winning historical fiction author Ashley E. Sweeney comes a family saga about the Irish immigrant experience spanning New York, Chicago, and Colorado so compelling that, USA Today best-selling author Kelli Estes says, “I read this story in one sitting.”
 

Thirteen-year-old Mary Agnes Coyne, forced from her home in rural Ireland in 1886 after being accused of incest, endures a treacherous voyage across the Atlantic alone to an unknown life in America. From the tenements of New York to the rough alleys of Chicago, Mary Agnes suffers the bitter taste of prejudice for the crime of being poor and Irish. 

 

After moving west to Colorado, Mary Agnes again faces hardships and grapples with heritage, religion, and matters of the heart. Will she ever find a home to call her own? Where?



About the Author

A native New Yorker, Ashley E. Sweeney is the multi-award-winning author of four novels, The Irish Girl, Hardland, Answer Creek: A Novel of The Donner Party, and Eliza Waite. She graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, Mass. with a degree in American Literature and American History and spent her career as a journalist and educator before turning to writing full-time. When she is not chained to her writing desk, Sweeney is an avid gardener, art quilter, and mosaic artist. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and Tucson.

 

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Science Fiction Fantasy Book Blitz: Standing At Heaven's Doorstep by Judy Cohen

This morning, I have a science fiction fantasy novel in our book blitz spotlight. Learn about Standing at Heaven's Doorstep by author Judy Cohen.  


Fantasy and Sci-fi

Date Published: 05-11-2025


 

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About the Book

 
Standing at Heaven's Doorstep is a book of 31 short stories. They are of fantasy and science fiction. I have revised old fairy tales. We will ravel to new worlds and assist in solving their problems. You will meet three devils, I have known. Tooth fairies and dreamers are waiting. Join me... Judy

  

About the Author

 

 My name is Judy Cohen. I taught kindergarten, and new teachers for 27 years. During that time i was a blogger and a part time writer. My family encouraged me to write my book. The question they posed was, what am i waiting for? Standing at Heaven's Doorstep was born..


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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Fiction Spotlight: Dangerous Times by William Kinsolving

Today, I have a fictional novel in our featured book spotlight! Learn about Dangerous Times by author William Kinsolving! 




Fiction

Date Published: May 1, 2025

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group


 

 

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About the Book
  
This book's background is the prophetic but overlooked decade of American history, 1846 to 1856, from the Mexican War to the presidential election of James Buchanan. The decade was a foreshadowing of our national cataclysm. Underlying every social aspect was the nation's fatal flaw, slavery, that perverted the Constitution on which the Enlightenment ideals of a "United States" were based. And on every day, similarities to the distortions of the present decade are obvious.
 

I chose a Southern ethos, finding an unexpected woman to suffer and survive the decade; and three brothers, each of whom carves a unique path through it, one as a fugitive unjustly accused of murder and slave-stealing, one as an enigmatic operative across the jagged spectrum of antebellum party politics, and the eldest who inherits his family's storied tobacco plantation as its lands burn out.

 

The story is told chronologically, the fiction adhering to the history. Should a question arise as to which is which, any event of historical significance - no matter how bizarre or implausible -- did indeed happen.

 

The novel echoes ethnic truths as they were at the time. I write of intimacies as well as horrors found in historical records. Both public and private relations were often infused with their own destruction -- as were the expanding "United States" in that decade, and I fear in this one.

 

 


About the Book

 

After a questionable academic career at Stanford (I mean, how practical is a double major in Drama and Far Eastern Theology?), Kinsolving fled to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to play Richard II. He then attended The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for polish. Returning to New York, he appeared as an actor under-, off- and on Broadway, as well as a saloon singer in foul Greenwich Village nightclubs. For creative diversion during these years, he acted and/or directed back in Oregon, at the Stratford (CT) Shakespeare Theater, Harvard, Dartmouth, Café La Mama, then went out and won the Best Actor of the Year award from the San Francisco Chronicle for performing at the Berkeley Rep.

 

Ineluctably transitioning to a second career, Kinsolving wrote a play with 84 speaking roles, was awarded a Ford Foundation Playwriting Grant, and had the play produced by the Stratford Ontario Shakespeare Festival. This led to the first of some 54 films on which he worked for every major studio (and several distinctly minor ones) in Los Angeles, London and Rome (ask him about Zeffirelli sometime) as screenwriter and script doctor. Suspecting that such a life was leading to the utter corruption of his soul (not to dare mention his body), he retreated to Carmel to write the first of five novels (a NY Times best-seller, a couple of Literary Guild Main Selections, he adds humbly, but only if asked).

 

While serving on the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of the Arts, he regressed happily to nightclub and fundraising performances, accompanied by the likes of Peter Duchin and Emmanuel Ax, singing at the Algonquin Hotel’s late lamented Oak Room and for one of the late Brooke Astor’s better birthday parties among many other less name-dropping venues.

 

Last year, he directed a musical for which he wrote the book and lyrics in the nave of San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral about Johann Sebastian Bach and his family. Bach provided all the music, and proved to be very easy to work with. THAT WEEK WITH THE BACHS had the best voices in the Bay Area, including the ineffable Frederica von Stade.

 

He began work on the historical novel DANGEROUS TIMES between the diversions above. He knew the history, but even so, was startled by how constant the similarities are in that destructive time to what’s going on in this one.

 

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Paranormal Romance Blitz: Once Upon a Blue Moon by Avery Arujo

Today, I have a paranormal romance in our book blitz spotlight! Learn about Once Upon a Blue Moon and author Avery Arujo! 



Paranormal Romance/Mystery

Date Published: July 1, 2025


 

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About the Book


Magic, mystery, and enemies-to-something-much-sweeter collide in this cozy paranormal romance full of heart, humor, and hexes.

 

Hazel Thornton is a small-town witch with a knack for brewing potions, botching spells, and annoying her grumpy werewolf neighbor, Blake Carter. But when a magical mishap leaves them trapped in each other’s bodies, they’re forced to work together—awkwardly, sarcastically, and very much against their will. 

 

To make matters worse, Moonridge is on edge. Wolves are acting strange. Magic is going haywire. And beneath Hazel’s apothecary, something old and dangerous is waking up. As Hazel and Blake stumble through spellwork, supernatural politics, and a suspiciously perfect wellness guru with a shady agenda, one thing becomes clear: this body swap isn’t their biggest problem. 

 

As Hazel and Blake race to reverse the spell, they uncover secrets that could tear the town apart. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the more they realize their biggest problem might not be magic... it might be how much they’re falling for each other.


About the Author


Avery Arujo is the pen name of a neurodivergent, painfully shy, and proudly introverted writer who has finally decided to dip her toes into the chaotic world of self-publishing.
 

Though she’s been quietly writing for years (mostly through anonymous fanfic and enthusiastic encouragement for other writers) this marks her first official foray into paranormal-romance-mysteries. (ParaRoMystery?) It was the quiet days of the COVID pandemic, the persistent voices of the Moonridge characters in her head, and the gentle (okay, sometimes pushy) insistence of family and friends that nudged her toward publishing. 

 

Avery lives in the northern U.S., where it’s cold more often than not, with two opinionated dogs, and a significant other who is equal parts grumpy and lovely. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her watching trashy reality TV or reading with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and at least one pet trying to prove that they are more interesting than her book.

 

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