A Maple Cookie Homecoming

 A Maple Cookie Homecoming

by Judy Ann Davis

Can you ever go home again? Julien Franklin is recently discharged from the Army and headed back to his hometown of Linden, Vermont with a new puppy he's named Mozart. He's planning to stay "for a while" and remodel his adopted parents' home. He's unprepared to see Natalie Pinkett again. She's the one he regretted had got away. Now, years later lots of life has happened to them both, changed them both. Is there any possibility they can rekindle their friendship, or even their star-crossed romance? What surprises are in store with the house remodel? Plans to stay a while be extended, or shortened as his heart will dictate.

The former high school sweethearts begin to get reacquainted over coffee and their forever favorite treat, maple cookies. Natalie is running her bookstore, and renting the rooms above it for extra money. She's returned home herself after becoming a widow. She wants to raise her daughter in her own home town. Julien is looking for a place to stay, and moves into this apartment. The pair will remain in close contact, especially since Natalie's daughter and Mozart become fast friends.

Judy Ann Davis, the author of this charming story sets a vivid scene of a small town and the details that make it unique. It's easy to see why it's a magnet for those characters who grew up there. The author creates intriguing characters and introduces the reader to them, then slowly peels away the layers and reveals more and more about their backgrounds, desires, dreams, and buried secrets. As the plot moves forward, the ripple effects of one person's life on others' lives is beautifully shown and quite thought provoking. It's such an engaging story, and it surfaces an interesting debate about possibilities, and exploring the idea of how idyllic is it if you ever go home again?

Merry Little Wishing Spritz Holiday Read

Merry Little Wishing Spritz

by Cherie Colyer

Cassie is about to lose everything. Big change threatens her present and her plans for her future. The home and the job she loves are facing a large yellow construction crane and demolition blueprints according to a prescient vision disclosed by her friend. Lakeside Books is a charming store and living above it suits Cassie just right in the idyllic town of Mystic Creek. She had a beloved history with this bookstore and Bea, the current owner. On the brink of a heartbreak, her thoughts turn dark toward the anonymous buyer. Wrath in a witch such as Cassie can be a worry, except she's bound by the magic rules, or can those rules be stretched?

Cassie and her friend just happen to have baked a batch of special cookies used to cast a wish-come-true spell. Deciding it's worth a try, Cassie casts enthusiastically and with only the best of intentions. What could possibly go wrong? Just like Cassie, you'll be surprised at the answer to that.

The first surprise is the handsome new visitor to town who has a great interest in the bookstore as well. Cassie's attraction to this man grows stronger as she gets to know him better. She has her own rules to apply in this aspect of her life too. This dear witch has vowed not to date mortals. In this case, it's a tough decision to stick to, romance has a magic all its own.

It's not long before Cassie has her hands full smoothing the wrinkles caused by her good natured spell. Some of the affects are unexpected and don't seem to occur due to her actions alone. Is someone else dabbling in magic?

Author Cherie Colyer writes a delightful, winsome romance that amuses from page to page as the reader frolics through this charming witch Cassie's story. You'll want to linger over every page with its vivid descriptions, sweet humor, and characters that you'll wish were friends living in your own hometown. Spend the holidays with them in this merry little read. 

Death By Sample Size

 

Death by Sample Size

By Susie Black

How about a liberal dose of laugh out loud humor with your intriguing mystery? Here's an amateur sleuth who is wise-cracking, irreverent, and becomes determined to follow all clues and find a cunning killer. The victim was certainly no friend to Holly Schlivnik. In fact Bunny Frank really had no friends, leaving a long line of suspects in her wake. It's when Holly's friend Sonia is charged with the murder that this swimwear sales executive gets into action to help her friend. How can the police get it all so wrong? But, Holly hasn't investigated a crime before. Can she really be any help? When she rolls up her sleeves, which suspects will stand out to her? Can she convince authorities with the clues she finds? The police are not happy with an amateur on the case, and the situation could become desperate for poor Sonia behind bars.

Unlike the murdered Bunny Frank, Holly Schlivnik has lots of friends. She meets up with many of them often at The Java Jolt as they take begin their work day in the garment industry, or taking a break. They talk about the business, and about the people in the business. Holly is able to recruit some help from them, especially from Queenie Levine who, along with Holly keeps the reader laughing out loud while they dig up irresistible clues. There's plenty of opportunity for readers to analyze the clues along with the swimwear sales exec and narrow down suspects.

Miguel Martinez is the detective challenged by this amateur sleuth and her friends. There appears there's a romantic spark between the two of them, at least when confrontational sparks aren't flying between them over the case.

The details in the case about the the setting of Los Angeles, and especially about the fashion industry matches the excitement of the suspect chase and hunt for the killer. It's very interesting to learn about this business, and the unique characters enhance the plot. The author's story telling style flows beautifully through this delightful fast paced mystery.

Born in the Big Apple, Susie Black calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Susie Black

Snickerdoodle Snowmen Tells A Sweet Story

Snickerdoodle Snowmen

by Sarita Leone 

It's the busiest time of the year in North Pole, Alaska. Baker Kris Kringles is certainly feeling the deadline pressures as she bakes, packages and sends snickerdoodles all across the globe. Keeping busy means she can fulfill the wishes of all those people waiting for their sweets, and she can bury her secret regrets in her work. She certainly doesn't want to share with anyone the secret she hides, and she doesn't want to talk about it with her sometimes meddling sister. After all, what help is a sister who believes in magic and happy endings?

Big time New York reporter Santos Kloss makes no secret of his feelings about Christmas - bah humbug! It's his last assignment before he moves on and of all the bad luck, he's sent to North Pole to report on a certain baker's world renowned Snickerdoodle Snowmen. He's not happy, but he will fulfill his final obligations.

The flour flies when these two strong-willed characters meet on the snowy grounds of North Pole. It is the time of miracles, in the clear, frozen, tundra. Will a miracle bring peace between these two? Do they have something to offer each other that they didn't even realize they might be missing? How could that possibly happen between two strangers, both so set in their ways? It is North Pole after all.

This author skillfully interjects delightful humor into a sweet, romantic book. The setting is crafted so vividly, you'll want a steaming mug of hot chocolate nearby as you enthusiastically devour each page. The characters will steal your heart, including a mischievous sister who only means well. This dear story is absolutely a stocking stuffer must, but you don't have to wait, you can get it now.

Krampus and the Kolaches Holiday Reading

Krampus and the Kolaches

by JD Douwes

Now this is anything but a harmonious caroling expedition, but these characters sure know how to show a reader a good time. It was so fun to join Khalie and her quirky group of friends on their way to the Figgy Pudding event and singing competition. They're all seasonally excited, and I am too as I read about their antics in this vibrant and witty story. 

One of the friends, Dina has brought along her son Fred. He is a mischievous imp, and Dina is in denial about his pranks. That's when the action turns wild. Who shows up as the sparks fly? Krampus appears. Of course, that's the costume that Khalie's boyfriend Harry planned to wear for the caroling event. His furry appearance scares Fred who runs away. Krampus helps Santa by scaring the naughty.

The hunt for Fred begins, and reveals such a crazy adventure all over the holiday event. Everyone wants a taste of Khalie's delicious kolaches too, but she needs to deliver them to the event's bake sale intact. That turns out to be easier said than done. Along the way, Khalie notices some curious peculiarities about Harry in the Krampus costume. What has got into him? What indeed? It's very unnerving, but some changes are actually endearing. With all the crowds and commotion, will they find Fred? What naughtiness will he have instigated? 

At the end of this rollicking chase, you'll have exercised your funny bone. The mystery of the Krampus will be revealed and it will warm your heart. This author has created a delightful holiday story filled with entertaining characters. A nice gift for the season.

Murder In The Past Tense

 

Murder In The Past Tense

By Lynn Bohart

There's a gruesome discovery lying in wait. Decades go by. People move on with their own lives in Southern California. Then one day, one very routine, regular work day, that body is discovered. At first no one knows who it is, but there are clues. Detective Giorgio Salvatori is called to investigate. History has not been buried forever. History has secrets to show, heartbreak to revisit, and sinister acts to finally bring to justice. This death was not natural. No, this death was a violent act. Giorgio will not stop until he uncovers the whole truth, as dirty as it may be. Although many have forgotten those days way back then, this investigation will finally revive the memories of the innocent that were wronged. But how will Giorgio do that, when someone is throwing obstacles in his path, and threatening him and his family? Is there a paranormal force that may also help Giorgio?

The second book in the Giorgio Salvatori mysteries, this detective moved from the New York police department to a small town in Southern California to bring his family away from the crime of that large city. Now he's confronting a murder mystery that touches his heart. It's a brutal murder. As if he's not motivated enough to solve the mystery, he's also haunted by an image that seems unrelated yet is pushing him to uncover clues. It's a mystery within a mystery.

The Southern California setting is so vividly described in this story. The characters are dynamic. Giorgio's family life with his wife and children is brilliantly depicted and contrasted with his job. His brother also assists in this case, and the ties that bind despite some frayed threads. Their partnership is fascinating. It's compelling to watch a police detective who is driven by facts and where the clues lead him also steered by a paranormal force that appears directly to him. Giorgio is more comfortable with facts, but cannot turn away from anything that can help him deliver justice and solve this mystery. The picture of the victim, and the way the author artfully tells this character's story allows the reader to fully get to know them.

After a more than 35 year career as a nonprofit executive, author Lynn Bohart now owns a freelance writing company called Lil Dog Communications, by the way she's a big dog lover too, and she writes for nonprofits and businesses all over the world. With a Master's degree in Theatre, she loves diving into a good story whether she's writing it, reading it, watching it, or bringing it to the stage. She loves a mystery, with the intriguing characters and danger lurking around every corner and is author of 3 series and ten books. Her website is lynnbohart-author.com For more information about the author and her books. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Lynn Bohart

Birth of the Fae - An Electric Debut

Birth of the Fae                        Locked Out of Heaven

By Danielle M. Orsino

What's it like to be abandoned, locked out from your home and left to find your own way. The angels on earth must reconcile their feelings as their beautiful wings decay, and they are locked outside the gates of Heaven. After the great war with Lucifer, they band together to learn how to survive, even how to thrive in this foreign land called earth. Now they need to embark on a new, fantastical, epic adventure. They will transform, with their magical dragons, into the Fellowship Aegis of Earth, the FAE. Can they unite? They splinter into the Court of Light and the Court of Dark. They need to find ways to protect themselves from the people of earth, and each other.

In the dedication for this first book in the series, the author writes this book is “to all of the freethinkers and anyone who was told they had a vivid imagination, were too dramatic or flamboyant. . . . You never know where it will take you or the worlds you will create . . . .” Danielle M. Orsino's skill in world building is breathtaking. Characters are striking in their great and varied strengths, but also in their stunning flaws to overcome. The earth's dragons are infused with extraordinary and unique personalities as well. The characters are all so interesting and tug on your heart strings. This story certainly celebrates imagination and the heights it can take a reader.

The Court of Light is led by Queen Aurora. She has her hands full providing vision for a great unity of former virtue angels. These desperate beings populating water, different lands, and air need to be shown the advantages of uniting. Queen Aurora is strong, with a bright vision, but she needs the help of her friends and her court to successfully aid her fellow beings.

In the meantime, the Court of Dark is commanded by King Jarvok who is a former Power Brigade Angel. There is a bitterness that lingers over abandonment from their Creator. When these two factions clash, it is truly epic. And the people can get in the way. All around, the stakes are high.

Drawing from her passion for comic books, cosplay, and the fantasy genre, along with her martial arts expertise Danielle M. Orsino authors an electric book debut. And this is only the beginning of this growing series. You'll want to check out the website https://www.birthofthefae.com/ for more information about the author and her books. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Danielle M. Orsino

Beasts and Butterflies by Wendy Beasley

Beasts and Butterflies

by Wendy Beasley

Something had always seemed strange, a bit odd, unspeakably scary about her best friend Jess' father. At thirteen years old, Rachel didn't know why he made her so uncomfortable, why she feared him. Then one day he viciously attacked, and lives were forever changed. He threatened her never to tell anyone, and she didn't. She kept the sad secret even after she discovered she was pregnant. She never told the secret when her adoptive parents told her she was a disgrace and threw her away. Never underestimate the beauty of a person's inner strength that's honed to a fine mettle. This is the story of Beasts and Butterflies. Share the journey of a young girl forced to struggle, and make tough choices. When she eventually returns to face her past, will she prevail? After hiding in the cocoon she weaves, will she emerge and spread her wings in strength and beauty?

After the attack, Rachel changed immediately from a confident, bubbly extrovert to a morose teenager. Her friendship with Jess was broken. And soon after, she was thrown out of her home by her callous, adopted parents. She felt fortunate to have a refuge with her Nan, her adoptive grandparent, who lived in a different city. They became a new family, and her baby son Tom became their bright new addition. Their lives together moved forward, but the secret laced everything with a darkness. Despite some distance from the beast, the ramifications of the secret festered.

Hard work and courage are Rachel's defenses in the mysteries of life, but she's also responsible for her young son Tom's life. As Tom grows, so does the trouble he finds for himself. Rachel begins to have grave concerns for his future. An opportunity presents itself for them to start over again, but it's back in the village where she grew up. Could she do that for her son? Could she face her old neighbors, her past friends, the beast himself who is Tom's secret father? Could Rachel wrestle her inner demons and finally put them to rest? Would it be possible to find happiness? As she moves forward, she has no idea the mystery that also awaits her.

The author, Wendy Beasley creates such memorable characters. Some will steal your heart, and others will fill you with outrage. Rachel carries a heavy secret, but she's not the only one. This story weaves in layers of personal motives and revelations that reflect life's complications, surrounded by raw human emotions. The author skillfully shows you the ripples peoples' actions cause in each other's lives. A heartwarming story of a strong woman and not only the people who surround her, but also the loyal, eager pup who adores her.

After many years as a columnist and freelance writer, this is author Wendy Beasley's first venture into the world of fiction and the book she'd always promised herself that she would write. It's such an inspiring and heartfelt achievement. Wendy Beasley is an ardent dog lover and when she's not out walking or working her well-trained dogs she enjoys writing. Take a look at her website at wendybeasley.uk to learn more about this charming author and her children's book as well. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Wendy Beasley

Discover - The Secrets of the Ravine

 

Secrets of the Ravine

By Brenda Whiteside

    Shop keeper Magpie MacKenzie's emotions are in turmoil questions surface once again about an unsolved murder, and the disappearance of her teenage love from the Ravine decades ago. Will the mystery behind this tragedy in the Ravine finally be solved?  Is the answer of what happened to her first love, lost to her with no explanation, about to surface and shock town residents? What ominous revelations will come from answers revealed? For family members who secretly harbored doubts about each other possibly being a murderer, will the truth be what they've feared the most? Is one among them the murderer?

    The same day skeletal remains are found on the edge of town, a tourist keeps people talking about his striking resemblance to the ill-fated, long missing young man named Mark. Magpie Mackenzie was stopped in her tracks at the sight of this lawyer who so looks like a matured Mark. As investigation into the unsolved murder is reopened, Magpie finds that this lawyer, Zack wants to help her. He's eager to do what he can for her, and he's also curious about the strange feelings of deja vu he's feeling. Together they uncover clues to what happened that tragic night in the Ravine. What they discover is darker than ever suspected, and puts both Magpie and Zack in grave danger.

    While they partner in this investigation, Magpie struggles not only with the mystery but also with her feelings toward Zack. As she gets to know him, are her romantic inclinations due to the reminders of Mark, or truly what she sees in Zack? And if her feelings are true, what is it that he feels for her? Could they have a future together, or is their connection only fleeting?

    The people who live in the Ravine remain devotees of a hippie lifestyle. The author presents an intriguing picture of this community of characters, skillfully comparing and contrasting their present day to their past. The Secrets of the Ravine are destined to finally see the light of day, no matter the consequences.

    Author Brenda Whiteside tells a page turner story that weaves mystery with romance, building tension on all fronts. In her series, the MacKenzie Chronicles, she took her interest of legendary mining communities and the '60's subculture to create stories centered around the MacKenzies, a family who live in the contemporary and reportedly haunted city of Joshua, Arizona. It's a mining town, turned ghost town, turned hippie community, turned tourist town. Find out more about this author and her books on her website brendawhiteside.com.

The Night She Disappeared

The Night She Disappeared

By Kevin O'Brien

What happened last night? Anna Malone is a Seattle TV reporter. Viewers rely on her to be observant, know the facts on a scene, and report clearly. Today it's the morning after. She's in pain, uneasy, thinking through a brutal hangover. She can't remember last night. At one point she was at a dinner with her lover and his wife. Talk about an awkward situation. How she ended up at that table is an odd enough story on its own. All memory of what happened after dinner is gone. And today so is her lover's wife.

Award winning author Kevin O'Brien has written another chills up your spine, lock all the doors, riveting suspense thriller. Where is Courtney? Why has she disappeared? Is she alive? Who knows what happened? Whoever knows, will they say Anna's lover did something wrong to his wife? Will they say Anna did it? Are you on the edge of your seat yet? You will be, as you read more and more about the mystery, the suspects, the motives and events leading up to The Night She Disappeared. You may want to check on your own alibi.

Set in scenic Seattle, Anna tries to work through what could have caused Courtney to disappear. As clues start point back in her own direction, threatening her TV ratings, her job, her secret affair with Courtney's husband Russ, and her sanity, Anna is determined to investigate on her own. She will clear her name, she fervently hopes. Maybe Courtney will turn up and end this torment.

Like the lake Anna's houseboat home floats on, Courtney's life under the surface is teeming with surprises. Other suspects with intriguing motives create disturbing twists and turns. Thankfully Anna has some friends she can lean on. She also has TV network competitors who delight in launching sensational attacks against her personal reputation. It's disgusting and alarming, and since Anna still can't remember it's terrifying. And there's someone out there who keeps contacting her with messages that they know what happened The Night She Disappeared.

This is truly a thriller of a story. The characters are all so well developed and credible. You get time with every suspect so you can make up your own mind on guilt or innocence. The Seattle setting can't be beat and certainly contributes a scenic contrast of beauty against danger in our region. This author know Seattle so very well, and those details greatly enhance the excitement of reading about the events in the story. Kevin O'Brien weaves a tremendous action-filled plot that's driven by spellbinding characters.

New York Times bestselling author Kevin O'Brien grew up on Chicago’s North Shore, the youngest of six children, and studied Journalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He moved to Seattle in 1980. His railroad job took him all over the Pacific Northwest, and he wrote most of his first novel in Best Westerns and Red Lions. He's now working on his twenty-third novel and continues thrilling his many fans. Find out more from the author himself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Kevin O'Brien. And visit the author's website at kevinobrienbooks.com

Sweet Dreams At The Palace Hotel

 

Sweet Dreams

at The Palace Hotel

By Stella Jayne Phillips

Do spirits in a haunted hotel show glimpses into the future, or merely reenact the past? It's a question posed in the first book, Sweet Dreams at The Palace Hotel of the paranormal Creekside Dreams series by author Stella Jayne Phillips. With a mix of excitement, fear, and great anticipation, brand new hotel owner Nikki Benton reopens the historic Palace Hotel. When asked, why the Palace? Nikki answers, “Three reasons, Creekside's cooler than the desert. Price was good . . . It's haunted. How cool is that?” For readers, it's very cool.

The influence of the spirited past on the present can sometimes be chilling, and sometimes illuminates an emotional nostalgia, and sometimes simply reveals the unknowns of what has come before. Nikki is one of those people keenly attuned to the paranormal. And she has lots of exposure to it, with the resident ghosts at her hotel. That's not all that's keeping her busy. Guests checking in and out offer a steady stream of new faces and new stories. Nikki is also close to family and many friends. Sometimes she's called to support and aid them, and sometimes she can use a hand herself.

The small town community of Creekside provides a beautiful backdrop for these characters. Romance is in the air for Nikki when she meets police chief Alex Stark. There are some unexpected bumps ahead for the two of them. It's funny how talk spreads throughout the town, friendly gossip. These town characters present great glimpses into this small town's life, and sometimes drama.

Author Stella Jayne Phillips is an Arizona native. The strong women from her own lineage, willing to risk it all for family, are inspiration for the female lead characters in the paranormal Creekside Dreams series. Her spirited books Sweet Dreams at The Palace Hotel and her newest, Promise In A Dream keep readers turning pages. When not writing at home or in a hotel lobby, Stella can be found enjoying her active life with yoga, line dancing, reading, cooking, traveling, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband and small white dog Candy. Find out more from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Stella Jayne Phillips. And visit the author's website at Stellajaynephillips.com

Enjoy A Fashionable Fate

 

A Fashionable Fate

By Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe

Take a vacation to lovely Colten Island. It's just north of Key West, a cozy, scenic, residential home of a couple of hundred intriguing characters. Enjoy your stay while shopping and walking the beach, but be on the alert because intrigue lingers on the balmy breezes. Rosa lives on the island. She's a thirty-five year old Cuban-American psychic and couture fashion designer, and one of her models for her runway show has just been murdered. The killer is somewhere loose on the island, and may kill again

Rosa is on the case. She has amazing skills at amateur sleuthing and she has special insights from her psychic capabilities. She's teamed up with her spirit guide, a truly free spirit and ghost Raul. She also has some help from her eclectic group of friends she refers to as the cubanitas. Rosa is going to need all the help she can get in solving this mystery. Her Nana has seen something ominous while reading the tarot cards. Rosa will need to be careful. Everything is not what it seems.

The author Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe creates a fun plot puzzler for readers to try to solve. There's a few interesting surprises throughout the story, leading all the way up to the heartwarming ending. The characters are so fun, and this author will even have you believing in ghosts. The delightful Cuban style, culture, and setting certainly enhances the story.

For years Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe wanted to be an author. After raising two children and owning numerous businesses, she decided to take the plunge. Since two of her passions are the paranormal and high-end fashion, she found a way to combine them and created Rosa The Cuban Psychic Mysteries. This series brings together her Cuban and American cultures to make for a fun cozy mystery story. You can learn more about her works at her website imrenfroe.com and find her Facebook group – Cozy Mystery Village. If you'd like to hear from the author herself she's interviewed on YouTube's A Novel Talk with Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe

The Eidola Project Super!Natural Read

 

The Eidola Project

By Robert Herold

Eidola is an ancient Greek word for ghosts. In this exciting, sometimes ominous novel, The Eidola Project team forms in the late 1800's to investigate ghosts, and that definition was just their starting point. They expanded their scope to include the presence of all things supernatural. Treat yourself to this super read that explores and reveals for your own observation an opportunity to immerse yourself in an adventure of paranormal events. You'll find that this fictional team is strained by the challenges they encounter. Will they be able to save those terrified people who have called on them, desperate for help? Or when confronted, will they succumb to the dangers and temptations of the hunt?

It's an unusual and fascinating group of stray personalities drawn together in this endeavor. Each reveals distinct flaws that have driven them from society's norms. Rejected by those around them who have chosen more prescribed lifestyles, these individuals have both a passion and a respect for the paranormal. They slowly begin to find from within a strength, and some unique powers or skills they never realized before. They are up against grisly threats however, that the strongest person would run from. Although they don't want help, they cannot take on this work as individuals. They need to learn how to work together as a team, and use their talents for their common purpose. But can they unite before they are defeated, or are they too busy fighting among themselves as sparks fly?

The critical scenes of other wordly events and creatures are all absorbing and draw the reader in with nerves taut and holding your breath. The suspense is compelling. The fated events manifest when least expected, and in extraordinary ways. The historical setting is well researched and presents some interesting dimensions and perilous challenges within the plot.

The award winning author, Robert Herold has been haunted over the years by an interest in the supernatural. Happily for readers he decided to write The Eidola Project based on an idea he'd had as a teenager. You can learn more about his works including the sequel at his website robertheroldauthor.com and if you'd like to hear from the author himself he's interviewed on YouTube's A Novel Talk with Robert Herold

Dementia Home Care - A Comprehensive Guide

 

Dementia Home Care

By Tracy Cram Perkins

This book is going to help a lot of people care for people who are dear to them. Here is a comprehensive guide from a caregiver who has lived the experience and accumulated tremendous advice for caring for someone with dementia. Just as valuable is her advice to help you home caretakers too. You need to find out how to help take care of yourself when your world has changed. From the time dementia is diagnosed, your loved one and you are on a journey, a unique one. This is the guide book with the help you're looking for, showing where you're headed and so many helpful tips for preserving your humor, stamina, and emotional connections along the way.

Dementia Home Care is well organized for reading from beginning to end, and it's also a handy reference where you can quickly access information as you need it on specific topics. As you see the breadth of the subjects, you'll be impressed. From recogizing the first symptoms and how to cope with the following stages, to preparing the living environment, to personal care, for important recipes, regarding long term care, including the end of the journey, and so much more. Advice is clever, creative, innovative, and outlined in a practical way. So many tips and chapters cover information you may not even realize can lessen your load.

The author shares from her personal experience, and her writing also includes notes of citations from formal professionals, reflecting her impressive research. The chapters show you what can be helpful for you, and there's an extensive appendix of resources from A to Z and how to access those when you need to. This book offers the life hacks of home care to add some ease to your daily to-do's. It's amazing to find out that raising your awareness to situations can lead to doable solutions that can ease life for caregiver and also the one they care for. And very important to always remember a good laugh a day soothes tension away. An underlying good will basis of humor laces the text of this important resource book.

Author Tracy Cram Perkins's twelve years of caregiving for her parents with dementia and an uncle with mild dementia created the base for this book. Caring for her family, she learned the depression, anxiety, and guilt that comes with dementia care. You can find out more, and see news about Tracy's upcoming books as well by going to her website tracycramperkins.com.

A Wing And A Prayer And A Great Read

 

A Wing And A Prayer
By M. W. Arnold

In Britain during World War II women pilots played a critical role in the Air Transport Auxiliary, a very dangerous endeavor, flying Spitfires and many other types of planes from factories to RAF squadrons. Author M.W. Arnold treats readers to a fictional glimpse into the lives of four ATA pilots thrown together to do their part in this war effort. Their skills are put to the test not only in the skies but on the ground as these women stumble into a deadly mystery right at their air field in England. It will require them to work together and pool their skills to uncover how another pilot was murdered, and by who. Their friendships grow, as does their determination to right this wrong. They move forward on A Wing And A Prayer despite their own peril, to find the killer and bring that cut-throat to justice.

Each of these main characters has her own compelling reasons for joining the ATA force. Some are running away from a past, but all are committed to this cause which is greater than herself. Fascinating that one of them is an American, Doris. She's not only adjusting to the challenges of her assignments, she is learning about life in Britain. Three cheers for fish and chips! Due to a funny series of events, three of the women end up meeting fellow pilot Betty and boarding at her place. That's where they discover the events that took place a few months earlier and led to the death of Betty's sister. Suspicions grow as more is learned about that final plane landing, and as surprises about her sister's life surface.

Sparks fly over other people that the women meet, including romantic interests that are as unique as each of their personalities. The passion of this setting filled with imminent danger intensifies all emotions of friendship, love, and dedication. These tenacious women work hard for their cause, and for each other. Their delightful personalities and little quirks are so much fun to read about. The humor in this novel is laugh out loud.

A Wing And A Prayer is the first book in the Broken Wing series by author M. W. Arnold, who tells such a wonderful story that includes sweet humor and fun, but also great intensity and suspense. The characters jump off the page to include you in their adventures. The author's research is impressive, and so very skillfully woven into the fiction. Interest in the real life pilots may spur you to learn more as you wait for the sequel. You'll marvel at the many insights this British author provides in this exciting and fun work of historical mystery fiction.

Ghostly Interference Can Be Romantic

 Ghostly Interference

By Jan Sikes

Here's a paranormal romance that will rev your heart. Rena Jett's life took a sharp turn around an unexpected corner when she lost her beloved brother. They'd grown up together through the turmoil of a tough childhood. All she had left of him was a candy apple red Harley, his dogtags, and memories. Rena is sure that life holds no joy ahead for her, no future. She can see nothing but darkness for her after the sudden, devastating loss. She hasn't counted on destiny, and the possibility of Ghostly Interference bringing help from beyond the grave. Yet, Rena will have to choose whether she's willing to accept the help and find how to alter her fatalistic course. Can Rena summon the courage to make the changes required so she can love, laugh and live again?

Jag Peters ran into Rena, literally, when he barely avoided driving his car into a direct crash with her as she rode her motorcycle. Their distinctly different lives collide as they get to know each other. It's not long before another man appears to Jag. Only Jag can see him, and he makes a ghostly impression. Rena doesn't see this man, she's scared to believe who he could be, but she most certainly does feel his presence. Jag figures out that he is her brother's spirit.

A brother's devotion for his sister merges with a man's love for this tormented woman, and they combine efforts. They try to turn their care for Rena into a possibility for a new destiny. Rena is a troubled soul, and it seems unlikely they can successfully show her a way. And even if they can manage to show her, they can't create it for her. That's something only she can choose for herself. But will she?

Secrets can shade people's lives with illusions, and life is filled with surprises, good and challenging ones. Jag has no idea how his life is about to be turned upside down. He's never had to face the kind of unknowns that lay in wait for him. Will he learn from his experiences with Rena and her brother's spirit what he'll need to know in order to gain strength and acceptance? Could a brother's final gift uplift them both?

Award winning author Jan Sikes openly admits she never intended to be an author, but she had a story to tell. It was a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. She chose to create fictitious characters to tell her story, and they bring the intricately woven tale to life in such an entertaining way. It took four books to chronicle her incredible life with Texas singer/songwriter Rick Sikes. And she released a series of music CDs, one to accompany each of these books. This is a sizzling new paranormal romance written with such touching emotion. Ghostly Interference is the first book in the White Rune Series and Jan's debut fiction novel.

To learn more about Jan Sikes, check out jansikes.com on social media, and to hear more from the author, listen on YouTube to A Novel Talk With Jan Sikes.

Murder At Andaman, Maya Mallick PI

 

Murder At Andaman

By Bharti Kirchner

Idyllic, exotic Andaman. Maya Mallick's best friends Lee and Rory are on their way from Seattle for a meaningful visit there. Lee has a special secret she'll share after they arrive. But paradise is not always beautiful and “Andaman can turn things upside down for you.” News of a Murder at Andaman will shock Maya to her core and compel her to travel to the precious island chain, on the hunt for a killer. No one is exempt from her investigation, not even friends.

It's fast paced intrigue as this Private Investigator is confronted by a scintillating mix of personalities and motives. Maya makes some interesting discoveries despite the top cop inspector's reluctance to collaborate. Clues lurk in the darkest hearts and quarters of this remote island, and some are dug up amidst the brightest, most glittering backdrops. With so much to cover, PI Maya sends for her trusted assistant Hank. What a surprise to find that his girlfriend Sophie, a young girl barely out of her teens had invited herself along for fun. Maya's concern grows over the fun Sophie may find at this unsafe time on Andaman.

Maya soon finds out from a suspect, “There's more to Andaman than meets the eye . . . Your movements are being watched. There could be attempts on your life or someone close to you.” The reader is analyzing the clues and the information along with Maya, and it's a race to see who will find the killer first. The author skillfully develops the plot and Maya is up against a formidable opponent. The artful, visual descriptions of the diverse settings enhance also include insights into the culture and history of Andaman, making reading a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Murder At Andaman is the second in the Maya Mallick Mystery series. This calm, smart PI is a dynamic force. In addition to this series, the author, Bharti Kirchner has several other novels and also fabulous cookbooks. To learn more about Bharti Kirchner, check out bhartikirchner.com on social media, and to hear more from the author, listen on YouTube to A Novel Talk With Bharti Kirchner.