The Fireside Book Cafe!

I belong to a reader and author group on Facebook, and we are doing an Advent Calendar game. If you like fun contests and are on Facebook, you can join the "Fireside Book Cafe" and be part of the fun! There are lots of author takeover days where authors in all sorts of genres give away ebooks, audiobooks, and physical books. 

Social media is a dumpster fire most of the time and is getting filled with more and more ads and AI videos. This group is a nice escape from all of that! 

My little bookish ghosty! 

 

Mark Your Calendar! Join me for the Ho-Ho-Ho RAT!

 

Are you ready to do some reading? I'm excited to particpate in the Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon this year. I'm going to host a challenge and give away gift card --I don't know what the challenge will be so stay tuned! 

Since it isn't Halloween yet, I'm still on my morbid reading kick. Currently I'm listening to The Demon of Unrest  and reading Cemetary stories. But I promise by November 26, I'll be in holiday reading mode!

Click here to join the Readathon! https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html

What are you reading or watching this month? 

My hub signed up for BritBox so we are currently watching Beyond Paradise and Back to Paradise. There are a ton of cozy mystery shows to watch! 

A New Release in Nicole Craig's Deadman's Tribe Series~Brave Enough

 

If you like your male lead's on the Alpha side, this is a great series for you! 

It’s difficult to be brave when you’ve been running scared your whole life. She’s woken up with no idea who she is. She may not know who she is or how she got here, but she knows that the man guarding her will do so with his life. The bigger question: why does she feel like she needs protection? It’s always been easier to be what others expect him to be. Studious child, man of the house, responsible brother, thief, computer genius. Why not add bodyguard to his list of roles? He’s had so many over the years, he’s completely lost track of who the “real” Midas is anymore. Two lost souls brought together by Fate. It’s instant attraction for Mouse and Midas—an attraction they’re afraid to give in to. When her memories begin returning, the truth of who she is could be the end of much more than just their relationship.

Are you read dive in? Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPWKBJCZ

This is the fifth book in Nicole's romantic suspense series. 

Nicole Craig writes action packed steamy romance. Strong alpha males, her male main characters will do anything to protect their women. Her female main characters accept their men flaws and all. Her Deadman series is all about bad boys falling for good women. From southeastern Wisconsin, she spends time with her husband and three furry children. If you are on Facebook, you can find her here: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.craig.352527

Darkness is coming #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 week is the last week before we fall back, and night shows up before five p.m. I am not a fan of such early nightfall. How about you? 

Yesterday I attended a very fun event--a brunch with authors and readers! How was your weekend? 

We also watched the movie The Substance It was filled with body horror, but had a very affirming message about life. Then we watched A House of Dynamite, which reaffirmed that if there is an apocalypse, I don't want to be part of the post-apocalypse--just take me in the first round of disaster, please. 

A ghost cloche I made. It was a kit from our local library! 

Book Anniversary for April Decton's "For the Love of Weezie"

If you enjoy reading books that include historical events. This might be a good fit for you. 

 On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the

US was attacked. Four aircraft were hijacked. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and one in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many lives were lost aboard the four aircraft and on the ground. Many more lives were lost in rescue and recovery efforts. This is the story of A man who lost his wife. A toddler who lost her mother. A woman who lost her husband. But together they find life, hope, and love beyond the tragedies.

Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGPR75CZ

Ready to learn more about April Decton?

April lives in Indiana and is a mother to two, extraordinary daughters and their husbands. She has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. When not with family, reading, or writing, April enjoys walking, hiking, loves to travel and is most happy with her toes at water’s edge of a beach. April never aspired to be a writer. After fighting her first story for nearly five years, she gave in. April loves attending author events and meeting new readers at her table. https://www.amazon.com/stores/April-Decton/author/B09Z7RY8R3

Author Spotlight --Harper Black!

Harper Black’s love of reading and curiosity about the world was stirred at an early age. That curiosity, a desire to get a college education, and a sense of adventure, led Harper to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Harper’s military career took her to destinations that were both intrepid and romantic, embarking on a journey to achieve her professional goals while navigating the ebbs and flows of international romance.

Her travels included memorable experiences in Scotland, Italy, and England. Her experiences in traveling and dating inspired her to write. In her stories, Harper crafts romantic adventures that reflect diverse cultures and encourages each of us to follow our desire for true love wherever it takes us. Harper is a native of Wisconsin and loves travel, music and romance.

Vanessa Lawrence has never had good luck with men. Her cheating, narcissistic ex-husband was bad enough, but now her boyfriend has suddenly ended their relationship just days before their upcoming trip to Mexico to celebrate her birthday. Buoyed by the support of her family, Vanessa decides to travel solo and unexpectedly meets charming, retired police officer, Bastien Bertrand. A dinner invitation follows, and a romantic dance together changes everything. But back home, trusting their growing feelings is more complicated. Bastien lives miles away in Louisiana running his family’s farming business, while Vanessa is worried about how her college-age son and Bastien’s family will react. When Vanessa’s ex-husband starts making sinister threats, refusing to put the past behind them, it’s not only her hopes for the future that stand to be destroyed, but the reputation of the man she loves. Will their dance of the heart lead to a lasting love… or a bittersweet memory?

If you like a later-in-life story of second chances along with some romantic suspense--pick up A Dance of the Heart here; https://a.co/d/8E4DBUK

The Sunday Post Morbid History

 

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.

Our library has some great programs, and this one was no exception. It was called "Morbid History." And the content lived up to the name. The presenter talked about some of the strange (and gross) history of human burial and cemeteries from around 1830 to the present. 

It was so fascinating, I actually borrowed on of the books on the presenter's recommended books list. I listened to the audiobook Stiff by Mary Roach. It was hard to turn off! The book is all about human cadavers. I actually fell asleep listening to it and had a great night of sleep--don't ask me why! I have no clue--the book is super morbid. I mean, it's literally all about what happens to the body after death. 

In lighter news, I got my manuscript back from my editor and am halfway done revising it. Then it will go to my proofreader, and then I'll revise it some more, and then I'll format it and revise it again! I still need to come up with a cover and the blurb for the back of the book--ugh! So hard!

How was your week? Any fun plans for the upcoming week? 

We are all decorated for Halloween! If it was dark you could see the orange and purple lights as well! 

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