We're With The Band Hits A High Note

 

We're With The Band

By Johanna Flynn

Her name is Lark, and she says she's dead ended with nowhere to go. Relationship ended, job non-inspiring, and the perception that her options are few and pathetic. That's just the kind of attitude that can lead to taking a chance and ending up on a wild adventure. You never know where destiny will send you, just when you least expect it. A night out with her best friend Bev, a musician stranded on the road ahead of them, followed by an invitation to enjoy the music scene. Before they know it, Lark and Bev are on stage singing. They're a hit. Suddenly Lark and Bev decide We're With The Band. It's a band that's in need of singers for their new road trip, from Oregon to Ireland. Added benefit, Lark knows Ireland well, since she's from there. Here's an opportunity to visit her mom and her home, but can you go home again? And, in the mists of Ireland there lies in wait a mystery to be solved. Not all is as it appears.

Rhett is the unpredictable leader of this rag tag motley band of characters who play to a different drummer. This eclectic group get themselves into the funniest, most outrageous situations. Their actions will keep you laughing, and wondering how they'll ever get back on track, or if they ever will. Driving their rented bus all over Ireland to different locations for their performance bookings generates plenty of time for mutual suspicions and romances to simmer, and in time boil over. The drummer, Jeremy and the third singer, Candi come and go as they apparently fall in and out of love with each other, or in and out of something. Each musician has their own eccentricities.

In the meantime, there's been a disappearance of treasured antiquities of Irish history from the museum. How could this diabolical theft have been executed so secretly and so successfully? Who could have pulled this off? It could be anyone. Lark has her suspicions and theories, and recruits her friend Bev to investigate with her. Their efforts are rewarded by threats of danger, encroaching and waiting to pounce.

This book is such a treat to read. It sweeps you away to Ireland and immerses you in the beautiful landscape, people, and culture. There is so much fun humor throughout this adventure, and the characters are intriguing, yet in many ways you feel like you know them so well. The mystery will tickle your curiosity, and Lark's energetic personality will delight as she interacts with friends, family, exes, musicians, pub and bar owners, audiences. She has some big surprises of her own to reveal, and a best friend to try and save. They're in this together. After all, We're With The Band.

Award winning author Johanna Flynn's debut novel is Hidden Pictures. She is a contributing author in the NIWA Anthology, Escape. She lives in Western Washington and you can learn more about her at her website johannaflynn.com.

Mountain Blaze - A Steamy, Romantic Mystery

 

Mountain Blaze

By Debby Grahl

Diana Thompson is engaged, but not happily. Doubts about the imminent big day lead Diana to accept a Thanksgiving invitation from her friend Jenn, who promised a relaxing time away from the city and her fiance. They travel into the mountains of North Carolina to join Jenn's family at their remote ranch. It's a fateful vacation, where Diana meets rodeo star Dillon McCoy and discovers he is the love of her life. Danger stalks Dillon now though, and that puts Diana's life at risk too.

This is a steamy romance between Diana and Dillon, sizzling on the page. Their mutual attraction is strong and the surrounding danger draws them close, and they hang on tight to each other. Dillon has quit the rodeo to return home to the ranch and run it for his grandparents. A mysterious, anonymous person seems determined to buy the ranch away from him. Dillon is not at all interested in selling, but persistent offers continue, and grow bolder. Tensions grow from Dillon's neighbors. Similar to Diana, Dillon is entangled in a relationship that is not ending smoothly. Then, there are shots, and an attempted murder.

Tensions heat up from Diana's side of their relationship too. Her suspicious fiance is not happy, and he decides he'll take out his feelings violently. Even nature turns treacherous, as the beauty of the Carolina mountains shows its hazards. Diana and Dillon will have to solve the mystery of who is threatening them, and put a stop to it, if they want to have any chance for a steamy and happily ever after together.

This book is a fun, romantic read. The contrasting lifestyles of Diana and Dillon adds to the interest in the developing relationship, and whether it is true love. The supporting characters of friend Jenn and her family bring humor and reveal more about the main characters' personalities. The array of suspects are all worthy opponents, with diverse motives. They will keep you guessing, as Diana and Dillon uncover clues and discuss theories about who may be after one, or now both of them.

Award-winning author Debby Grahl writes contemporary romance with elements of suspense -- and sometimes ghosts or witches. She lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David.

Yummy Read - The Spy Who Loved My Russian Teacakes

 

The Spy Who Loved My Russian Teacakes

By Marilyn Barr

Here's a fun read that will tantalize and intrigue you with its mystery and passion. At the heart are unique characters whose actions are driven by the misunderstandings surrounding their lives. Cassie Morgan is a spiritual healer, completely surprised by the events that follow her first sight of an unknown coma patient. She wants to help this patient, but it's really not like any other patient. She's drawn to this handsome, mystery man, although she knows nothing of him. When she discovers more about him, desire ignites between them. The flames may prove to be dangerous, especially because he has unfinished business.

What an amazing start to a relationship. Cassie reaches out to her patient within conjoined dreams. These are seductive reading. The author excels at surfacing both the physical and the emotional connections. And these characters are so sincere as they reach toward each other in these dreams. As her patient restores parts of his identity his name begins clues to his identity, Sergei Chekov. Learning about and reacting to his life and his feelings, shows aspects of Cassie's feelings too. The reader begins to cheer for these two, in the hopes that their destinies will merge for a happy future. Trouble is on Sergei's horizon though, and Cassie is now involved.

You'll be spellbound. This story is a most enjoyable romance, laced with mystery and the paranormal. The author skillfully blends these genres into a taut, thrill that sends your heart pounding. You'll be cheering for the characters and wondering on every page how all the entanglements can resolve. You'll be as surprised as the characters are, thanks to the author's clever plotting.

And added bonus, the recipe is included for the delicious Russian Teacakes. And just wait until you find out how the teacakes are woven into the story.