Author Spotlight! Trail To Trouble By Valerie Clarizio

 He’s never stopped loving her. She’s never stopped running.

Hunter Samuelson has spent a decade longing for the woman who vanished without a trace. Hannah Rice just wants to escape the shadows of a violent past. When a chance encounter ignites old flames, it also awakens a deadly threat. Now, survival means trusting each other, and risking everything for a second chance at love.

Craving more? Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLWMG4DV

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trail-to-trouble-valerie-j-clarizio/1148023780?ean=2940184422688 iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/trail-to-trouble/id6751426005 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trail-to-trouble?sId=4ccd7d7d-f1c2-46eb-8c66-6534746f21e4 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Valerie_J_Clarizio_Trail_to_Trouble?id=jsF4EQAAQBAJ&hl=en_US

This was released on October first and is a fundraising book for suicide and bullying awareness. Please feel free to share this post with your friends.

Valerie Clarizio is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in romantic Door County Wisconsin with her husband. She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She's lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into an outdoors enthusiast, of which her favorite activity is hiking in national parks. While out on the trails, she has plenty of time to conjure up irresistible characters and unique storylines for her next romantic suspense, time travel, or contemporary romance novel.

Giving My Self A Pat On the Back!

 I've actually been doing some of the autumn things on my fall bucket list! Too often, I've let life get in the way of enjoying the season. Not this year! 

Recently, we went to a farm to enjoy the harvest fun. I also attended two presentations at my library. The first was a dramatic reading from an accused witch in Salem, MA. The actor did a forty-minute monologue. I was so impressed at her memorization skills--plus her dramatic acting. 

The next day, I attended "Morbid History," which was done by a local actor and playwright. She had the entire presentation and concept sold to be a streaming show, but then the pandemic happened, and morbid history was not what people wanted to watch. I hope she decided to make a podcast because her morbid history was fascinating and I'd like more! 

Here are some pictures from my adventures:

What activities do you enjoy doing when the leaves change color? 

Author Spotlight! A New Book From Tess Summers! Out Today!

Here is a taste of Sergeant O'   to get you started... 

 I heard the beeping sounds first.

Then came the distinctive smell. I know that smell. How do I know that smell? But opening my eyes was a struggle. I kept willing my lids up, to no avail. And fuck, I was thirsty. Finally, my crusty eyes pried themselves open, and my vision came into focus. And there she was. The woman I’d secretly been crushing on—Lainey’s sister, Jade. Was I dreaming? I looked around and realized I was in a hospital room. Then I looked down and saw I was the patient. Oh hell no. She noticed me moving around and smiled. “Hi. Welcome back.” Where had I been? I tried to ask just that, but my mouth felt like it was full of cotton. Jade immediately stepped closer and offered me an ice chip on a spoon. My pride wanted me to refuse being spoon fed like I was a damn baby, but my dry mouth and throat overruled it. So, I sucked the ice into my mouth. The moisture made me immediately feel better. Then another thought occurred to me: Am I naked under this gown? I tried to casually move my hand to my junk, something that was easier said than done with all the tubes connected to me. Yeah, that’s what I thought. Naked. Which meant my butt was on full display for all of Haven Springs to see every time I got out of bed. “Why am I here?” “You were shot in the thigh while rescuing my sister, and it nicked your femoral artery. You’re waking up from surgery. You’ve got a waiting room full of people anxious to see you.” Ugh. I remembered getting shot, but not much else after that. I could only imagine what I said and did while I was under anesthesia. One thing was certain; I didn’t want her to see me like this: helpless and weak. “You can’t be my nurse,” I blurted out. She cocked her head and furrowed her brows. “That’s not something you really get a choice on.” “No,” I insisted. “You have to recuse yourself. It’s a conflict of interest. I was shot rescuing your sister.” “Nurses don’t ‘recuse’ themselves. This isn’t a court of law, Brian. Those rules don’t apply in the medical field. And if they did, how would providing you with medical care after you saved my sister be a conflict of interest?” I didn’t know, still… “I don’t care.” She put her hand on her hip. “What is your problem?” “You’re my problem. I don’t want you to be my nurse!” “And I’m telling you; you don’t have a choice.” “I just got shot in the line of duty. Chad isn’t going to tell me no.” Chad was the CEO of the hospital. “Brian O’Shaughnessy—you are the most infuriatingly, handsome patient I’ve ever had!” Her eyes got big, and she quickly tried to correct herself. “Annoying! Infuriatingly annoying!” I felt a grin form. “You think I’m handsome?” I can work with this. “No. I told you, I think you’re annoying!” “But you said handsome first.” She turned on the ball of her foot and headed toward the door. “Where are you going?” Looking back, she eyed me up and down in my hospital bed. “To find you a new nurse.” “But I don’t want one, now.” “Too bad. I want a new patient.”

Ready to read more: https://bit.ly/4n4mu0P

Tess Summers is a USA Today and Amazon international bestselling author who has transformed her passion for storytelling into a thriving writing career. A former teacher and businesswoman, Tess always dreamed of writing a novel but struggled to find the time—until life’s challenges led her to embrace her creativity fully. Now, as she navigates the complexities of living with MS, Tess has finally dedicated herself to penning the stories she’s always wanted to tell. Married for nearly 30 years to her real-life hero, she’s the proud mother of three grown children and a devoted dog lover. A former dog foster mom, Tess found joy in adopting her furry friends, and she now shares her home with her "foster failures." Splitting her time between the sunny desert of Arizona and the serene lakes of Michigan, Tess enjoys the perfect climate—never too hot and never too cold.

https://tesssummersauthor.com/wounded-heroes

Spooky Season calls for Paranormal Mystery!

Have you read anything by Terri Reid? 

Start the new month with a new mystery series! 

Loose Ends by Terri Reid

Dying is what changed Mary O'Reilly's life. Well, actually, coming back from the dead and having the ability to communicate with ghosts is really what did it. Now, a private investigator in rural Freeport, Illinois, Mary's trying to learn how to incorporate her experience as a Chicago cop and newfound talent into a real job.

Her challenge is to solve the mysteries, get real evidence (a ghost's word just doesn't hold up in court), and be sure the folks in town, especially the handsome new police chief, don't think she's nuts. Twenty-four years ago, a young woman drowned in the swimming pool of a newly elected State Senator. It was ruled an accident.

But now, as the Senator prepares to move on to higher positions, the ghost of the woman is appearing to the Senator's wife. Mary is hired to discover the truth behind the death. She unearths a connection between the murder and the disappearance of five little girls whose cases, twenty-four years later, are still all unsolved. As she digs further, she becomes the next target for the serial killer's quest to tie up all his loose ends. Add it to your bookshelf here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y5H8IK

And here is a little bit about author Terri Reid.

 Terri Reid is known for relatable, down-to-earth characters and her ability to combine mystery with humor and suspense with romance. The first book in The Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery series was named "One of the Top Five Best Paranormal Books of All Time" by Most Recommended Books and was included in Malevolentlydark.com's "Horror Fiction Top 50" in 2024. Readers find her books compulsively readable with plots that keep them engaged from start to finish. Learn more on her website: https: //www.terrireid.com

The Sunday Post! Life on the Farm

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

If you could allow me to complain for one moment. Yesterday it was like 90 degrees outside (31 Celcius). Come on now! There are only a few days left in September--where is my sweater weather! 

Thanks. Now moving on. This past week, I got to be part of a book signing at a working farm.  https://www.rosewfarm.com/ They have a really nice event space, so you could imagine the fun weddings that are held there. I sold some books and enjoyed the surroundings. The evening weather was very nice, and I think I only got two mosquito bites. 

Caffeinated Reviewer shared a link to the read-ins to protest banned books event that will be held October 5-7th across America. So I'm sharing the link as well! You can find an event near you and get a free audiobook!  Here is the link: https://blog.libro.fm/banned-books-read-in/

How was your week? Did you do anything fun? We watched Art Detectives on Acorn. It's a delight! 

Pictures from the farm:

Did You Know You Can Request Your Library Add a Book? And Christmas Stories

 

If you have an interest in reading any of my books, but it's not in your budget, you can request that your local library gets my book and add it to their collection so you can borrow it!

Should you do this, please let me know! I'd love to imagine my book on the shelf of your local library!

Currently, I'm trying to figure out a short story that takes place in Marley Creek at Christmas. It's a special thank-you story to my newsletter subscribers. Do you read short stories? I have to admit I'm much more likely to read a book than a short story, but I do read them when they are set in a fictional world I enjoy. 

And speaking of Christmas, it's only 89 days away. This whole very long year only has 96 more days left. But I'm not going to get ahead of myself. There is plenty of Halloween fun ahead. 

Under The Endless Sky Historical Romance by Jane Yunker!

It’s 1890, and Hannah Becker does not want to marry her father’s cousin, Gunter. Grandmother suggests she go west to South Dakota and file a claim under the Homestead Act. This would take her far from Gunter’s reach, and allow her to own land of her own. Prairie life would be hard, but the rewards would be hers, not her father’s or husband’s. On her journey, she befriends the Bergen sisters of Rock Creek, experienced girl homesteaders who know of the abandoned neighboring Goldman claim now up for grabs. Frederick “Dutch” Schmidt has had his eyes on the Goldman claim for some time, and now that it’s available, he hopes to file and make it an extension of his own. But when he gets to town, he finds yet another girl homesteader has beat him to it. A confirmed bachelor, he resents all the women filing on land that should rightly go to men. Can they find common ground, and love?

What do you think? Ready to learn more? 

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Endless-Sky-Jane-Yunker/dp/B0F5BLGN2Q

Jane Yunker lives in northwest Wisconsin along the beautiful St Croix River. When she's not writing American historical fiction, you can find her walking the trails, golfing, or visiting her grandson in sunny southwest Florida. She also enjoys reading, x-stitch, and jigsaw puzzles. Check out her blog at: www.janeyunkerauthor.com where you will find many more historical romances!

 

Happy Autumnal Equinox! The Sunday Post

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

After over a week of no rain and lots of heat, yesterday it rained. I hope it rains more on Sunday. And then I would like all rain after 4pm and before 8am. This way I don't have to deal with the dreaded indoor recess! 

What are you reading or streaming?  We are looking forward to the new episodes of Slow Horses on Apple TV. I'm reading a book called Leaving Grayson.  

This week, I am going to be part of a books and booze sunset event at a farm. I'm excited to go and see it. They grow fruits and vegetables, and they have an event space. So it's going to be picturesque, and I'm looking forward to taking some pictures. If I remember, I'm going to take some photos or video. See if I can make a couple of TikToks out of it! 

How about you? Do you have anything coming up this week?

The current state of leaves in my neighborhood! 

Fri-Yay! My Plan for the Weekend? Do Nothing!

 

This week, our school district had a wellness challenge. To earn points for your school, you went to a local forest preserve and walked. This forest preserve has a steep incline of stairs left over from when people used to toboggan in the winter. Toboggans are big sleds that multiple people climb on and slide down a hill. The slides are gone, but the stairs are still there. This picture is the view from the top of the stairs. I walked up and down only twice. I also did a twenty-minute walk on a walking trail at the top of the stairs. 

I'm planning to start going back to the stairs twice a week. It's close to my house, and I want to build up to being able to do at least five sets of up and down. It continues to be a boiling hot September in my area. I'm looking forward to a cold front. I would also like the ragweed to die off. Allergy season has been dreadful for me this year! 

I finally got it together and started bringing a physical book to work so I can spend my lunch reading instead of scrolling social media. Do you read physical books? Have you read this one? 

Author Spotlight! Cecelia Conway: Can Five Days In July Change Your Life?

Five Nights in July: Door County Dreams Book One 

Can five days in July change your life?

Lenore Michaels has her doubts when everything seems to go wrong one morning. Her car breaks down on the highway, she loses her job, and she’s down to her last dollar. She moved to Door County for a new life, but it seems like she’s proving everyone right.

Then Matt Song steps in to save the day. He’s the local mechanic, he’s hiring, and he’s smitten with the gorgeous woman he meets in line at the gas station.

The handsome stranger makes Lenore feel like anything is possible. Can he convince her he’s worth the risk to have it all: a fresh start, a new job, and a new relationship?

Click here to get your copy! https://buy.bookfunnel.com/5k2brom2oy

Want to know more about Cecelia Conway and read more of her books?   Hop on over to her website! 

www.ceceliaconway.com

Have You Ever Been to A College Football Game? The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Yesterday, the hubs and I got to attend a University of Illinois football game. We got the tickets via my son, who works for a local television station in Champaign/Urbana. It was raining by us, but fortunately, not down at the game. We live about two hours away from the U of I. 

Have you ever been to a college football game? Which one?

It was super hot at the football game! We are melting in this picture.

Tomorrow is the hub's bday so we are going to see a Blues musician that he likes at local brewery that also has yummy food. The kids are coming in to celebrate--which is great since it is a monday and all. 

The rest of the week I'll be writing my book and putting up autumn and Halloween decor around my house. 
 What are you up to?

Deliciously Good Read For Fall!

 

This book is a fun as the cover looks. Ramona is a demon, and Iris is a witch. They live in a magical small town. Humans visit and think it's all a Halloweentown act, but in fact, all the monsters are real! If only this town was real, I'd book my October vacation!

And speaking of delicious. I made zucchini bread, or is it cake? I don't know. The important thing is that it is delicious. Would you like to hear my little life hack? We had a package of mixed nuts sitting in the cabinet, so I smashed the nuts up with a meat tenderizer and added them to the bread/cake. Delicious!

Is there anything that could make this taste better? Yes, whipped cream. But I didn't have any on hand. Do you have fun plans for the weekend? Me and the Hubs are going to see the Fighting Illini!  Since I'm not a big football fan, I have no idea who they are playing. I do know the halftime marching band show will be great! 

TRAPPED by Eveline Rose Romantic Suspense!

 

Craving some romantic suspense? Check out this series by author Eveline Rose! Trapped is available in paperback, Kindle, and free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

TRAPPED, Sheppard & Sons Investigations, Book 6:

When an unforgettable night leads to a broken heart, trusting again feels impossible.

After a string of bad luck, Ashley York moves back to her hometown of Weatherford, hoping to get her life back on track. But her bad luck continues when she finds out the man who ghosted her in Vegas is the newest addition to Sheppard & Sons Investigations.

Everything she knew about him was a lie.

Nathan Blaszek can’t forget the vivacious woman he met a year ago in Vegas, and the night he stood her up still haunts him. In more ways than one. Taking a job at a small-town private investigation company seems like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. Until he hears a sound he never expected to hear again.

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

Nathan wants a second chance with Ashley, but he’ll need to face his demons to win back her trust.
When Ashley disappears, Nathan risks everything to find her, including his new job. But a dangerous game of cat and mouse could destroy their reunion.

EVELINE ROSE:

Eveline Rose is an award-winning author who fell in love with storytelling in high school and is thrilled to share her small-town romantic suspense stories with you. Every book has a heroine who is stronger than she believes, and a protective hero who falls hard and will do anything to protect her.

"They'll get their HEA, but it won't be easy."

She lives in the Chicago area with her cat, HRH, The Prince of Destruction, where she pours her heart and soul into her characters for your reading pleasure. She’s a foodie who loves her coffee, and happy endings.

Want more Sheppard & Sons and Eveline Rose?  Follow her socials and check out her website:

www.evelineroseauthor.com

www.instagram.com/evelineroseauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/eveline.rose.talbot.author

A Trip to a Small Town - The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

This weekend, I took part in a book signing event called Romantic Galena Reads. It's held in the picturesque town of Galena, Illinois. I stayed at the DeSoto House hotel, which is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. It's the town where Ulysses "Zaddy" Grant started his presidential campaign. I say Zaddy because, as far as past US presidents go, he was one of the few who were/are handsome. Obviously, Barack Obama is #1 on my list. 

See what I mean? Handsome with a good beard.

Here are a few pictures of the town. There were so many cute shops and restaurants. 

How was your week? 

New Cozy Fantasy Book!

Author Kristen Vale is a member of the Chicago North Romance Writers, a group I am the current secretary for. She just had a cozy fantasy come out and I wanted to share it here. Have you read any cozy fantasy? 

Here is a link to get the book if the blurb below leaves you wanting more:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kristen-vale/a-tale-of-mirth-magic/9781538771822/

A maker of magical jewelry finds her life turned upside down when she ends up on the run with a half-giant in this spicy and cozy fantasy romance—perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes and The Spellshop. 

Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant. 
 
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger.  As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.