Summer New Release Spotlight: A Cup of Silver Linings by Karen Hawkins

 Discover the newest book in Karen Hawkins' Dove Pond series in A Cup of Silver Linings.

• Publisher: Gallery Books (July 6, 2021)
• Length: 368 pages
• ISBN13: 9781982105563
• Women's Fiction, Contemporary
• Buy Links HERE

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins returns to her beloved Dove Pond series with another “mesmerizing fusion of the mystical and the everyday” (Susan Andersen, New York Times bestselling author)—but this time, the magic is in the tea leaves.

Ava Dove—the sixth of the seven famed Dove sisters and owner of Ava Dove’s Landscaping and Specialty Teas—is frantic.

Just as her fabulous new tearoom is about to open, her herbal teas have gone wonky. Suddenly, her sleep-inducing tea is startling her clients awake with vivid dreams, her romance-kindling tea is causing people to blurt out their darkest secrets, and her anti-anxiety tea is making them spend hours staring into mirrors. Ava is desperate for a remedy, but her search leads her into dangerous territory, as she is forced to face a dark secret she’s been hiding for over a decade.

Meanwhile, successful architect Ellen Foster has arrived in Dove Pond to attend the funeral of her estranged daughter, Julie. Grieving deeply, Ellen is determined to fix up her daughter’s ramshackle house, sell it, and then sweep her sixteen-year-old granddaughter, Kristen, off to a saner, calmer life in Raleigh. But Kristen has other plans. Desperate to stay with her friends in Dove Pond, Kristen sets off on a quest she’s avoided her whole life—to find her never-been-there father in the hopes of winning her freedom from the grandmother she barely knows.

Together, Ava, Kristen, and Ellen embark on a reluctant but magical journey of healing, friendship, and family that will delight fans of Alice Hoffman, Kate Morton, and Sarah Addison Allen.

The Dove Pond Series:

Also discover Book 1: The Book Charmer now available too!

• Publisher: Gallery Books (July 30, 2019)
• Length: 368 pages
• ISBN13: 9781982105549
• Buy links HERE

• New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins crafts an unforgettable story about a sleepy Southern town, two fiercely independent women, and a truly magical friendship.
  
  Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.
  
  If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.
  
  “A mesmerizing fusion of the mystical and the everyday” (Susan Andersen, New York Times bestselling author), The Book Charmer is a heartwarming story about the magic of books that feels more than a little magical itself. Prepare to fall under its spell.
• 
  

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond series is a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors for her to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, check in with her at Facebook.com/KarenHawkinsWriter, @KarenHawkinsAuthor on Instagram, and at her website, KarenHawkins.com.

Book Review- Catherine Coulter's Labyrinth

A car accident, a unique and confusing case and more stalk FBI agents Savich and Sherlock. Can they solve the case or will it get them in the crosshairs of a killer rumored to have psychic powers?

My Rating for Labyrinth: 4 Stars and a Series Recommended Read

Find Labyrinth at Amazon

Agent Lacey Sherlock is on her way to downtown Washington when she is in an auto accident. All she remembers is a body hitting her windshield and then nothing but darkness. When she wakes, she finds out no one knows who the guy is except he is a CIA analyst that is still missing.

Meanwhile on another case, FBI agent Griffin Hammersmith rescues a woman claiming she was kidnapped and that the kidnapper killed three other people. But when Griffin investigates it, he finds the accused kidnapper is a member of a prominent family who claim to have psychic powers. When Griffin and the woman he rescued are arrested by the sheriff, he calls Savich for help and they have to work their way through the lies that keep piling up even as Savich tries to help Sherlock and deal with the case of the missing CIA analyst.

Wow is all I can say after reading the latest FBI novel from Catherine Coulter. What a great premise and storyline plus I loved returning to past characters again to see where they went on after their book. Ms. Coulter delivers a fast paced, action packed story that will keep you glued to the pages until the very last page is read. I know I was just blown away by all the twists this author through at the characters. I have no idea how this author keeps surprising her readers with unique and intriguing stories in her FBI series and at book twenty-three, you would think it would be stale and boring. That is NOT the case for LABYRINTH at all. It’s just as fresh and exciting as book one, The cove. Every FBI novel has two stories running through it that at times intersect or are separate from the Savich and Sherlock main storyline. What I love the most is how much fun these books are. They are so entertaining and enjoyable that I love rereading them periodically to see back on characters or past storylines.

This time we see Savich dealing with Sherlock being injured and that story line shows a few twists I won’t get into it here to not spoil it for you in case you haven’t read it yet. I love these two characters and love how Savich and Sherlock work so well together as well as raise a wonderful little boy named Sean. Those glimpses into their personal relationship and family are the calm of the case(s) they deal with and I love seeing those glimpses into their life together. The characters are wonderfully written and highly entertaining. I think in LABYRINTH, Griffin is a delight and his dealing with a family who thinks they have psychic powers was fun to see this by logical special agent deal with. The characters are really well written and wonderful to read. I couldn’t help but get into the story itself and root for them to succeed in solving both cases.

If you have never read one of this author’s FBI novels, you can start anywhere as each story is basically stand alone in the series but I highly recommend reading from the beginning with The Cove and moving from there to see how Savich and Sherlock got together and see how some of the other characters joined Savich’s FBI unit. If you like a mystery that sinks its teeth into you while you read, action that keeps you on the edge of your seat and more then run to grab LABYRINTH and settle in for one wild ride from start to finish. I can’t wait to see where the author goes in the next FBI series book next.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

Book Spotlight & Giveaway~ The Book Charmer

Discover the world of author Karen Hawkins with their new book, The Book Charmer. Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter giveaway below for a chance to win a print copy of the book from the publisher. Sorry, only US entries allowed for this contest. Contest closes July 31st.

THE BOOK CHARMER

By Karen Hawkins

On sale July 30, 2019

Trade Paperback Original ▪ 9781982105549 ▪ $16.00

eBook ▪ 9781982105556 ▪ $7.99

Book description

Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.

If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.

Excerpt:

Sarah crossed her arms and leaned on the case, peering through the dim light at the journal. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I have a question.”

The book grumbled, but she couldn’t make out the words, so she continued. “There’s a new woman in town and I think she’s a sign that Dove Pond is about to be saved.”

The book said something under its breath.

“What?” Sarah asked.

I’m not your personal seer, the book snapped.

“Look, I just want to know how she’s going to help. That’s your job, isn’t it? To explain how I’m going to meet my destiny? How I’m supposed to save the town?”

The book didn’t answer, and after a moment, Sarah tapped her finger on the glass.

The book jolted as if awakened.

“Her name is Grace Wheeler.”

The book said in a sharp tone, Ask another book! I’m sleeping.

Sarah had to fight not to snap out something unpleasant. “Come on,” she pleaded. “This is about Dove Pond, and that’s what you’re about. No other book here would know.”

That’s true, the book said grumpily. It sighed and then rustled, as if searching for an answer.

Sarah tried to contain her excitement. She tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear, and, as the minutes lengthened, jiggled her foot impatiently under the case.

Finally, she could stand it no more. Just as she opened her mouth to ask her question again, the book spoke.

She’s the one.

Yes! There it was. Confirmation at last. “I knew she was important! But what will she do? I know she’s here to help me, but how?”

You’ll know.

The book’s flat tone suggested that was all the help it was willing to give. She bit back a frustrated sigh and said, “Come on. Just explain what you mean by that and I’ll leave you alone.”

No.

She supposed she was lucky it had taken the time to say what it had. “Fine. I’ll make it work. It’s not ideal, having an assistant, because I always thought I’d be the one to do all the work when the time came, but hey, I’ve never been one to turn down help, so—yes. This will be great. But I hope she hurries and does whatever she’s supposed to do, because she’s not planning on staying long.”

The book, which had been drifting back asleep as she spoke, suddenly focused its attention on her. What?

“I spoke to her not five minutes ago and she says she’ll be here a year, if that, and no more.”

She has to stay.

“Has to? Like . . . forever?”

Yes, forever. The book couldn’t have sounded more irritated.

“But why? I mean, once she’s helped the town, she can leave, because I’ll still be here.”

She has to stay forever.

Sarah gave an uneasy laugh. “I wish she would, because I’m sure she’s nice once you get to know her, but I can’t just make someone stay in Dove Pond who doesn’t want to. I couldn’t even get my sisters to stay, and I know them.”

She. Has. To. Stay. The book hissed each word, punctuating them as if with a hammer.

Sarah grimaced. “That’s not going to be easy.”

The book didn’t answer but muttered about “silly people” as it settled deeper into its cushion. Soon, the only noise coming from it was a faint snore, and Sarah knew it was done for the day.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win one print copy of The Book Charmer (US Entries only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond series is a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors for her to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, check in with her at Facebook.com/KarenHawkinsWriter, @KarenHawkinsAuthor on Instagram, and at her website, KarenHawkins.com.

Book Spotlight- Passion on Park Avenue

PASSION ON PARK AVENUE

By Lauren Layne

Book 1 of The Central Park Pact series

On sale May 28, 2019

Trade Paperback - Price: $16.00 - ISBN: 9781501191572

eBook - Price: $11.99 - ISBN: 9781501191589

Book description

For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite—the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants—but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.

The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham—the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a ridiculously attractive adult, he’s tormenting her in entirely different ways. Now they find themselves engaged in a battle-of-wills that will either consume or destroy them…

About the author

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Release Day Review- The Last Second by Catherine Coulter and JT Ellison

FBI agents Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine are back on the job and this time the evil plan the bad guys have can end the world as they know it in the Sixth book in a Brit in the FBI Series.

My Rating for THE LAST SECOND: 5 Stars and a Series Recommend Read

Buy The Last Second at Amazon

For FBI Special Agents Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine, recovering from their last adventure in saving the world has given them a few days of peace but when one of their friends is lost at sea on a regular security job, they leap into action and find they are in the middle of a case that will change the face of the world if it succeeds.

Former astronaut Dr. Nevaeh Patel is booted from the NASA program after an unexpected calamity when she was out on the International Space Station. Deemed crazy as she raved that aliens called the Numen, wanted to bring peace to the world when they saved her. Pushed from the world and a job that she has trained for over the years, Patel is determined to quiet the space above earth with an EMP attached to nuclear device on a satellite for the Numen and help remake the world into her favor. But as Drummond and Caine find out, all things are not as it seems when the fabled holy grail is found then stolen by Patel. With the clock ticking, they must stop Patel from activating the EMP and bringing about World War III.

THE LAST SECOND is a thrill ride from start to finish and these two authors deliver the thrills and chills with a breakneck speed that will leave you breathless. I love this series and find each book a thrill a minute as the cases Drummond and Caine get involved in are intriguing and unique. The series just gets better with each book and I love how the characters continue to grow with each book. Ms. Coulter and Ms. Ellison deliver lots of action scenes that left me gasping as I flipped the pages on my kindle. The mythology of the Holy Grail was intriguing one that added much to the other aspect of the storyline, the ‘aliens’ and their representative here on earth, Dr. Patel. The story starts off slow as we meet the new players in the series and catch up with Drummond and Caine who are taking a much-needed break after their last adventure almost killed them. This time going to help a friend leads them into a bigger mystery that leaves them nothing to do but see to it till the end.  Full of amazing characters that fairly leap off the pages and a storyline that just keeps you glued to the edge of your seat, the reader is lost within the pages of THE LAST SECOND till the very end.

THE LAST SECOND delivers so much within the pages that you can not help but get sucked in. I couldn’t put this book down and I just loved all the twists and turns the characters took as they chased down leads to Patel and her evil plot to ‘quiet’ the world. These two authors are so good together in this series and I loved every minute of THE LAST SECOND. If you haven’t read A Brit in the FBI series, then I highly recommend it, though start at the beginning with book one, The Final Cut, as you get to meet all the main players and continue from there to the other books in the series. I am looking forward to seeing where these two authors go next in their next adventure for Drummond and Caine as well as the rest of the Covert Ops group of the FBI. Run-don’t walk-to the check this series out. You won’t want to miss all the fun times they get into and the unique cases they need to solve.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

A Brit in the FBI Series Reading Order:

Book 1: The Final Cut

Book 2: The Lost Key

Book 3: The End Game

Book 4: The Devil's Triangle

Book 5: The Sixth Day

Check out the Series on Goodreads

New Release from Mariah Stewart- The Sugarhouse Blues

Welcome back to Hidden Falls, Pennsylvania where the Hudson Sisters are getting to know one another and trying to bring back a family owned Art Deco theater that they have to restore in order to get their inheritance. 

THE SUGARHOUSE BLUES

The Hudson Sisters series, Book 2

On sale May 15, 2018!

Trade Paperback • Price: $16.00 • ISBN: 9781501144929

eBook • Price: $7.99 • ISBN: 9781501144967

Available at Amazon

Book description

Allie, Des, and Cara, each having her own reasons for wanting a share of their father's estate, meet in the grand Victorian home in which he grew up, only to be greeted by another secret he purposely hid from them: his sister Bonnie. The women reluctantly band together to take on Fritz's challenge, working with a local contractor to begin the renovations financed by an account Fritz had set up for the task. While the restoration appears to go smoothly at first, it soon becomes apparent that the work will be more extensive than originally thought, and Des, elected to handle the money, needs to find ways to stretch out the remaining savings while searching for new sources of funding.

As strangers linked only by their DNA try to become a family, the Hudson sisters also try to come to terms with the father they only thought they knew. In the process, each woman discovers her own capacity for understanding, forgiveness, love, and the true meaning of family.

Excerpt

Dad was the late Franklin—Fritz—Hudson, Hollywood agent and father to Des and her sister, Allie, via their mother, Honora—Nora—Hudson, the actress, who’d died four years earlier. Unbeknownst to them until recently, he’d also been father to Cara, whose mother, Susa, may or may not have been Fritz’s legal wife. Things were a bit fuzzy where his marriages were concerned. Had he divorced Nora before marrying Susa? The paper trail was spotty, and Fritz’s best friend and attorney, Pete Wheeler, hadn’t been able to shed any light on the situation when it came time to sort out the legalities. After Fritz died, it had fallen to Pete to introduce Des, Allie, and Cara to each other, and to break the news to all three daughters about their father’s dual families. Once the shock had begun to subside, Pete’d dropped the other shoe: To inherit Fritz’s estate, the three women had to live together in their father’s family home in Hidden Falls, Pennsylvania, until they completed the restoration of the family’s boarded up, run-down theater. If any one of the three refused or left before the restoration was complete, the entire estate would be donated to a charity of Pete’s choice. Since Fritz’s daughters each had her own reason for needing the money, they’d agreed to the absurd terms.

But it turned out that Fritz had kept other secrets.

There was that little matter of Fritz’s sister, Bonnie—known to everyone in Hidden Falls as Barney—who’d been living in the Hudson family home. While Fritz’d never told  his daughters about her, Barney had known all about them and the terms of her late brother’s will, and was waiting for them with open arms when they arrived. It had been impossible not to love Barney, and they’d all taken to her immediately. Barney was not only smart, she was wise, loving, and had a heart of gold. She’d cheerfully filled in her nieces on the family history their father had neglected to share. Des knew her life was so much richer for having Barney in it.

And the more Des got to know Cara, the more she cared about this half sister who was down-to-earth and fun, and had been blessed with common sense, a logical mind, and an abundance of heart. She and Des even looked a little alike, both having the same curly auburn hair and heart-shaped face. Together they’d studied the family portraits displayed in Barney’s front hall, trying to figure out which ancestor they resembled.

Cara was easy to get along with, certainly more so than Allie, who was the oldest of the three, and the tallest. She was slim, and her blond hair was long and straight. She had cheek bones that a model would envy, and features that guaranteed that more often than not, she’d be the most beautiful woman in the room. Allie had an innate sense of style that Des admittedly lacked. And while as a child Des had been the star of her own TV show, Des Does It All, she’d always felt invisible when Allie was around.

About the author

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel. Visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.