BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Happy Homicides 2--Crimes Of The Heart: Thirteen Cozy Valentine's Day Mysteries

Happy Homicides – Crimes of the Heart – Valentine’s Day Mysteries

By –

Joanna Campbell Slan, Teresa Trent,

Neil Plakcy, Elaine Viets,

Annie Adams, Camille Minichino, Kathi Daley,

Nancy Jill Thames, Linda Gordon Hengerer,

Carolyn Haines, Randy Rawls,

Anna Celeste Burke,

and Maggie Toussaint

Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries (Crimes of the Heart)

Cozy Mystery Collection

Print Length: 597 pages

Publisher: Spot On Publishing (February 14, 2016)

ASIN: B01B3FKGOU

Synopsis:  Happy Homicides 2 is the second book in the Happy Homicides collection. This book features crimes of the heart from thirteen cozy mystery writers. 

All the short stories in the collection are wonderful tales of love and murder that you won’t want to miss.

The stories in the anthology:

Stupid Cupid: A Cara Mia Delgatto Novella by Joanna Campbell Slan—Cara Mia’s search for love gets her involved in a star-crossed, homicidal romance.

A Heart for Murder by Teresa Trent—An expensive family heirloom is stolen from a local jewelry store, and Betsy Livingston Fitzpatrick would love to figure out who’s responsible.

For the Love of Dog by Neil Plakcy—A young woman’s death causes a man to consider the many aspects of love. Is it ever a justification for murder?

Wedding Knife by Elaine Viets—A groom learns to take his vow–Till death do we part—very, very seriously.

Death and a Dozen Roses by Annie Adams—Plucky florist Rosie McKay is reunited with an old love, thanks to complications that happen when she tries to deliver a dozen roses.

The Sodium Arrow by Camille Minichino—The love of a student for a favorite teacher drives a freelance embalmer to seek out justice.

Sweets, Treats, and Murder by Nancy Jill Thames—Jillian Bradley is a widow with no children, but she still has a keen sense of family. Her love of a good mystery sets her and her canine companion, Teddy, on a quest for justice.

Dying for Valentine’s Tea: A Beach Tea Shop Novella by Linda Gordon Hengerer—The three Powell sisters want their friend Thelma to find true love, but they’re having trouble believing her fiancé has her best interests at heart.

The New Normal by Kathi Daley—Although her own dreams have been shattered, Ellie Davis finds it impossible to quit loving an old friend, even after he’s accused of murder.

Bones and Arrows by Carolyn Haines—Intrepid Sarah Booth Delaney would rather face a gun than a party on Valentine’s Day. Not surprisingly, she’s decided that Cupid is a big phony. But is he a jewel thief, too?

Murder at Catmmando Mountain: Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 1 by Anna Celeste Burke—Georgina Shaw loves her cat, chocolate, and cooking. When she’s framed for a crime, she’s forced to reconsider her priorities.

The Missing Jacket by Randy Rawls—A golfing buddy offers Jonathan Boykin big money to retrieve a stolen jacket, but Jonathan suspects something else is going on. Jonathan is smart enough to discern the difference between love and lust. But can he also figure out the scam?

Really, Truly Dead by Maggie Toussaint—Lindsey McKay has no desire to return to small town life. But her love for her father brings her back home when he’s accused of murder.

Bonus story:Impediments: A Kiki Lowenstein Short Story by Joanna Campbell Slan—Family problems and priestly politics threaten to derail a love match, until Kiki Lowenstein suggests a surprising solution.

Review: After getting so much enjoyment from the original Happy Homicides collection, I was thrilled when I discovered there would be another. This second collection on thirteen cozy mysteries, by a variety of authors, is just as high quality as the first.

While all thirteen stories are very well crafted, not all of them grabbed my attention or enthusiasm. But that's the beauty of a collection like this, there is a little bit of something for everyone. 

Each of the stories, while being a mystery of some sort, also contains elements of romance, which makes this a perfect February read--or even a gift for someone special who is a fan of cozy mysteries.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Five stars

Find out about the authors on their webpages below. 

Joanna Campbell Slan

Teresa Trent

Neil Plakcy

Elaine Viets

Annie Adams

Camille Minichino

Kathi Daley 

Nancy Jill Thames

Linda Gordon Hengerer

Carolyn Haines

Randy Rawls

Anna Celeste Burke

Maggie Toussaint

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BOOK BLAST: Mind Matters by Tanya J. Miller

#newrelease #inspirational #selfhelp #motivational @amreading

Mind Matters: Get Out Of Your Head, and Jump Into Life

by Tanya J. Miller

This book blast will run February 29, 2016

Do you ever get lost in the maze of your mind? When your thoughts start spiraling in a continuous loop—positive or negative—it can seem impossible to consider a different idea or even catch your breath. If the way you think greatly influences the way you live, then it’s important to know how to manage your thoughts and channel their power to improve your life, rather than hinder it. Mind Matters explores practical ways you can bring balance to your thought life, from replacing anxious thoughts with hopeful ones to curbing unnecessary thinking altogether. It also points out traps that keep you stuck, like “clearing your mind” by airing your thoughts to anyone that will listen via Facebook or the occasional tantrum and outburst. As you learn the art of controlling your thoughts, you will be able to focus on what you can do in the present to experience the life you want in the future. Whether you struggle with anxious thoughts or just need a few tips to better manage your mind, this easy-to-read guide provides you with simple instructions you can immediately put into practice.

Tanya J. Miller is a certified life coach with over eighteen years’ experience working with youth, young adults, and women throughout the community and in ministry to pursue purpose, passion and destiny. Tanya holds a BBA in finance and business management from Northwood University and an MBA from Regent University and is also certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Scrum Master. Her lifelong passion for writing eventually led her to start the blog Talking with Tanya in 2005. Mind Matters is her debut book. Tanya is married and currently lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Remem

What I read last week:
1) The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring
2) Mayhem At The Orient Express by Kylie Logan
3) Happy Homicides 2: Valentine Edition (cozy mystery anthology)
4) Suddenly Spellbound by Ericka Lucke Dean
5) Eye Of Fear (phobia anthology)
6) The Daffodils Still Grow by Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell (childrens)
7) Deep Fried and Pickled by Paisley Ray
8) Shards Of Murder by Cheryl Hollon
9) Plateful of Murder by Carole Fawkes

What I listened to last week:
1) Young Elizabeth: The Making Of The Queen by Kate Williams

What I'm currently reading:
1) A Touch Of Ghost by Nic Saint
2) Resonance by Erica O'Rourke
3) A Jingle Valley Wedding by Martha Reynolds
4) The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim
5) Lead Me Home by Amy K. Sorrells

What I'm currently listening to:
1) The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

What I plan to read this week:
1) The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum by Kirsten Weiss
2) Fall Of Poppies (anthology)
3) The Island by Clarissa Johal
4) Dark Touch by Aimee L. Salter
5) Empire Rising by Cheyanne Young
6) Sunflower Touches by Cheryl Oblon

What I plan to listen to this week:
1) Royal Highness by Thomas Mann

What I got in the mail last week:
1) Remember To Forget by Ashley Royer
2) Glass Shatters by Michelle Meyers
3) Banished Threads by Kaylin McFarren

What I won last week:
1) Suffragette (DVD)
2) The Fast Diet Cookbook by Liz Arnold
3) A 13th Tail by Daniel Kelley

What I got from the library:
1)Resonance by Erica O'Rourke
2) The Longest Night by Andria Williams

Craving For Cozies and Cruisin' Thru The Cozies Challenges: February Update

12) A Scone To Die For by H.Y. Hanna
13) Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad
14) Dishing Up Death by Marie Celine
15) The Unfur-tunate Valentine's Scam by Alannah Rogers
16) Lights, Camera, Murder by Marie Celine
17) Barnyard Murder by Mak K. Han
18) Mayhem At The Orient Express by Kylie Logan
19) Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries

100+ Book Challenge: February Update

1) Shamrock Shenanigans, Kathi Daley
2) A Free Unsullied Land by Maggie Kast
3) A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly
4) Stabbing In The Senate by Colleen J. Shogan
5) Last Dance by Joyce and Jim Lavene
6) Swan Deception by Glede Browne Kabongo
7) Whispers In The Reading Room by Shelley Gray
8) 14 Days To Die by A. B. Whelan
9) Thread And Gone by Lea Wait
10) The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth
11) Accused: My Fight For Truth, Justice and The Strength To Forgive by Tonya Craft
12) New Beginnings: A 31-Day Devotional Journey by Cathy Bryant
13) All In Her Head by Sunny Mera
14) The Memory Box by Eva Lesko Natiello
15) Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
16) The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
17) Sweet Pepper Hero by J.J. Cook
18) Zimmerman Academy: The New Normal by Kathi Daley
19) The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
20) George by Alex Gino
21)  Karma's A Killer by Tracy Weber
22) Gunfight At Grace Gulch by Darlene Franklin
23) Dante's Gift by Aubrey Wynne
24) How To Grow An Addict by J.A. Wright
25) Caskets From Costco by Kelly Wilson
26) His Father Still: A Parenting Memoir by Tim Hollister
27) Journey Beyond The Trauma by Dr. J. Denee
28) Double Doubt by Ann Hammerton
29) We Are All The Same by Jim Wooten
30) Anthem by Ayn Rand
31) Game Of Fear by Glede Browne Kabongo
32) Follow Me Home by Cathy Woodman
33) Gone By Midnight by Joyce and Jim Lavene
34) The Ravine by Robert Pascuzzi
35) My Name Is Not Friday by Jon Walter
36) Murder On Wheels by Lynn Cahoon
37) Be Still My Beading Heart by Janice Peacock
38) Risen by Angela Elwell Hunt
39) Elemental Kingdoms: Darkness Descends by Peter Arvo and Lauren Arvo
40) Persuasion by Jane Austen
----------------------------------------------------------------
41) A Scone To Die For by H.Y. Hanna
42) The Gates Manor Band by Jan Hemby
43) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
44) Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad
45) Killing Me Softly by Kathryn R. Biel
46) The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth
47) Before The Storm by Steena Holmes
48) Dishing Up Death by Marie Celine
49) The Unfur-tunate Valentine's Scam by Alannah Rogers
50) In The Dark by Chris Patchell
51) Molly's Misadventures by D.E. Haggerty
52) Dragon Wife by Diana Green
53) Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson
54) Sincerely, Your Prostate by Ben Samaroo
55) Lights, Camera, Murder by Marie Celine
56) Barnyard Murder by Mak K. Han
57) Bliss House by Laura Benedict
58) Memory House by Bette Lee Crosby
59) Dancing Up A Storm edited by Lynellen Perry
60) Spies and Spells by Tonya Kappes
61) Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes
62) Strangers On A Bridge by James Donovan
63) Kiss and Spell by various authors
64) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
65) Welcome to Lovely by Candace Clark
66) The Marriage Test by Jill Andres and Brook Silva-Braga
67) The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring
68) Mayhem at the Orient Express by Kylie Logan
69) Young Elizabeth: The Making Of The Queen
70) Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries
71) Suddenly Spellbound by Erica Lucke Dean

2016 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge--February Update

A--Accused: My Fight For Truth, Justice and The Strength To Forgive by Tonya Craft

B--Be Still My Beading Heart by Janice Peacock

C--(A) Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly

D--Dante's Gift by Aubrey Wynne

E--Elemental Kingdoms: Darkness Descends by Peter Arvo and Lauren Arvo

F--(A) Free, Unsullied Land by Maggie Kast

G--Gone By Midnight (And Other Stories) by Joyce and Jim Lavene

H--How To Grow An Addict by J. A. Wright

I--(The) Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

J--Journey Beyond The Trauma by Dr. J. Denee

K--Karma's A Killer by Tracy Weber

L--Last Dance by Joyce and Jim Lavene

M--(The) Memory Box by Eva Lesko Natiello

N--New Beginnings: A 31 Day Devotional Journey by Cathy Bryant

O--

P--Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Q

R--(The) Ravine by Robert Pascuzzi

S--Shamrock Shenanigans, Kathi Daley

T--(The) Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth

U

V

W--Whispers In The Reading Room, Shelley Gray

X

Y--Young Elizabeth: The Making Of The Queen, Kate Williams

Z--Zimmerman Academy: The New Normal, Kathi Daley

A Look Back At February 2016

Total Books Read: 

Paperbacks/Hardcovers: 11

Ebooks: 19

Audiobooks: 4

Requested Reviews: 21

From TBR shelf: 9

Genres Read

Cozy mystery: 8

Science Fiction: 1 

Womens Fiction:  3

Mystery/Thriller:  4

Fantasy: 4

Christian Fiction: 2

Memoir/Biography: 3

Children's: 3

Romance: 1

Health: 1 

Classics: 1

Anthology: 3

Historical fiction: 1

Titles Read

The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

A Scone To Die For by H.Y. Hanna

The Gates Manor Band by Jan Hemby

Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad

Killing Me Softly by Kathryn R. Biel

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Crystal The Christmas Angel by Theresa Oliver

Before The Storm by Steena Holmes

Dishing Up Death by Marie Celine

The Unfur-tunate Valentine's Scam by Alannah Rogers

In The Dark by Chris Patchell

Molly's Misadventures by D.E. Haggerty

Africa's Big Five Wild Animals by Anna Othitis

Dragon Wife by Diana Green

Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

Sincerely, Your Prostate by Ben Samaroo

Lights, Camera, Murder by Marie Celine

Barnyard Murder by Mak K. Han

Bliss House by Laura Benedict

Memory House by Bette Lee Crosby

Dancing Up A Storm edited by Lynellen Perry

Spies And Spells by Tonya Kappes

Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes

Strangers On A Bridge by James Donovan

Kiss And Spell by various authors

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Welcome To Lovely by Candace Clark

The Marriage Test by Jill Andres and Brook Silva-Braga

The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring

Mayhem At The Orient Express by Kylie Logan

The Legend Of The Easter Robin by Dandi Daley Makall

Young Elizabeth: The Making Of The Queen by Kate Williams

Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries

Suddenly Spellbound by Erica Lucke Dean

Favorite Book For February

The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring

Cloak And Dagger Reading Challenge: February Update

16) A Scone To Die For by H.Y. Hanna
17) Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad
18) Dishing Up Death by Marie Celine
19) The Unfur-tunate Valentine's Scam by Alannah Rogers
20) In The Dark by Chris Patchell
21) Lights, Camera, Murder by Marie Celine
22) Barnyard Murder by Mak K. Han
23) Bliss House by Laura Benedict
24) Welcome To Lovely by Candace Clark
25) Mayhem At The Orient Express by Kylie Logan
26) Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries

2016 Reading Challenge: February Update

Tier one: 23/36
Tier two: 23/52

Read a book that takes place on each continent, or is written by an author from that continent (fiction or non-fiction)

1. North America-- A Free Unsullied Land by Maggie Kast (USA)
2. South America
3. Africa--We Are All The Same by Jim Wooten (South Africa)
4. Antarctica
5. Europe--  Shamrock Shenanigans by Kathi Daley-- set in Ireland
6. Asia
7. Australia

8. A banned or challenged book
9. An award winning book (Pulitzer, Hugo, Man Booker, etc.)
10. Memoir/Autobiography/Biography--Accused: My Fight For Truth, Justice and The Strength To Forgive by Tonya Craft
11. A dead author's last book--Persuasion by Jane Austen
12. A book with LGBT matter or character(s)--George by Alex Gino
13. A book your favorite author loves
14. A retold fairytale--The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson
15. A Young Adult book--My Name Is Not Friday by Jon Walter
16. A history book (fiction or non-fiction)--Strangers On A Bridge by James Donovan
17. A book where you have seen the movie, but not read the book
18. A book from the NYT Bestseller list
19. A book with the point of view of an immigrant
20. A controversial book
21. The first book you see when you walk into a library or bookstore
22. A classic
23. A debut novel -- Stabbing In The Senate by Colleen J. Shogan
24. Published this year (2016)--The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth
25. Based entirely on the cover
26. Own but never read
27. A book by an author you never read before--The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey 
28. A book recommended to you by a friendly librarian
29. A book by a Nobel Prize winner
30. Mythology (not just Greek)--The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
31. A book written by someone born the same year as you
32. Dystopia--Anthem by Ayn Rand
33. Reread of a favorite book --Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
34. A book about books
35. Book published the year you graduated high school
36. A book a child/teen/someone younger than you loves
37. A book about/set by the sea
38. A book with two authors --Gone By Midnight by Joyce and Jim Lavene
39. Author from your own state, province, or country
40. A book about a trip (road, cruise, around the world)
41. A book with the name of a person in the title
42. Science Fiction--The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
43. Fantasy --Dragon Wife by Diana Green
44. Alternative history- A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly
45. Book with a number in the title- 14 Days To Die by A.B. Whelan
46. Christian fiction--Whispers In The Reading Room by Shelley Gray
47. Family Drama--The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth (early onset Alzheimers)
48. Cozy Mystery--Sweet Pepper Hero by J. J. Cook
49. Wild card
50. Wild card
51. Wild card
52. Wild card 

THE MUNICH GIRL by Phyllis Edgerly Ring

Book Information

Genre: Historical fiction

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Phyllis Edgerly Ring; 1 edition (November 14, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0996546987
• ISBN-13: 978-0996546980

Synopsis: Anna Dahlberg grew up eating dinner under her father’s war-trophy portrait of Eva Braun. 

Fifty years after the war, she discovers what he never did—that her mother and Hitler’s mistress were friends. 

The secret surfaces with a mysterious monogrammed handkerchief, and a man, Hannes Ritter, whose Third Reich family history is entwined with Anna’s. 

Plunged into the world of the “ordinary” Munich girl who was her mother’s confidante—and a tyrant’s lover—Anna finds her every belief about right and wrong challenged. With Hannes’s help, she retraces the path of two women who met as teenagers, shared a friendship that spanned the years that Eva Braun was Hitler’s mistress, yet never knew that the men they loved had opposing ambitions. 

Eva’s story reveals that she never joined the Nazi party, had Jewish friends, and was credited at the Nuremberg Trials with saving 35,000 Allied lives. As Anna's journey leads back through the treacherous years in wartime Germany, it uncovers long-buried secrets and unknown reaches of her heart to reveal the enduring power of love in the legacies that always outlast war.

Review: This book provides a completely new and different slant on the story of Eva Braun. If you think you know her story, or the story of her relationship with Hitler, this book will make you look at her in a whole new light.

The author blends fact and fiction to present a masterful story of three women, two from the past and one from the present. She makes the characters come to life, drawing the reader into each of the stories with her words. Each of the women chooses to put the happiness of someone else above the happiness of herself, which we see have adverse consequences for each of them.

This story has many different settings, and each one is described in vivid detail. You can close your eyes and see the places the author is describing. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating:  Four stars

About the author

As she writes fiction and nonfiction, Phyllis Edgerly Ring watches for the noblest possibilities in the human heart. She's always curious to discover how history, culture, relationships, spirituality, and the natural world influence us and point the way for the human family on our shared journey.

Her newest novel, The Munich Girl: A Novel of the Legacies That Outlast War, traces a pathway of love and secrets in WWII Germany when protagonist Anna Dahlberg discovers that her mother shared a secret friendship with Hitler's mistress, Eva Braun. Her journey to discover the truth about this, and her own life, will challenge most every belief she has about right and wrong.

The author has worked as writer, editor, nurse, tour guide, program director at a Baha'i conference center, taught English to kindergartners in China, and served as instructor for the Long Ridge Writer's Group. She has written for such publications as Christian Science Monitor, Ms., Writer's Digest, and Yankee, and also published several nonfiction books about creating balance between the spiritual and material aspects of life. More information can be found at her blog, Leaf of the Tree: https://phyllisedgerlyring.wordpress.com/

Dancing Up A Storm: 9 Christian Short Stories edited by Lynellen D.S. Perry

Book Information

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Speculative

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: HopeSprings Books (February 15, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1938708709
• ISBN-13: 978-1938708701

Synopsis: A boxed set / anthology featuring the winners of the 2015 "Storming the Short Story" contest, which was hosted by The Woodlands (Texas) chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Table of Contents:

“When I'm Gone” by Angela K. Couch
First Place Romance
Summer 1942. Just before the competition that could launch their careers as professional ballroom dancers, Elaine Mathews’s partner, James Larson, gets drafted into the army. Now, with her dreams and the man she loves hanging in the balance, Elaine must acknowledge what she’s most afraid to lose.

“Dancing in the Rain” by Marion Ueckermann
Honorable Mention Romance
Their outdoor wedding planned for the middle of Africa’s rainy summer, chances are it’ll pour on Mirabelle Kelly’s bridal parade—after all, she is marrying Noah Raines. To make matters worse, the African Rain Queen, Modjadji, is invited to the wedding. Mirabelle must shun her superstitions and place her faith in the One who really controls the weather.

“Dancing Hands” by Derinda Babcock
First Place Contemporary
Morgan hears, Toby doesn't. Their two worlds intersect and expand when the language of the hands allows them to sing, dance, and heal.

“Teething Troubles” by Elizabeth Pina
Honorable Mention Contemporary
When dancing is replaced by diaper changes, Todd's life becomes one problem after another. Is it the beginning of the end for him and Maria, or just the teething troubles of a young marriage?

“Fred & Ginger” by Steve Hooley
Honorable Mention Contemporary
When a new dance studio opens in his small town, Fred's boring life is totally disrupted. And even worse, the new owner, Ginger, reminds him of his late wife. When Ginger asks Fred for help, can he move out of his comfort zone and onto the dance floor of a new life?

“Last Waltz” by Toby Quirk
Honorable Mention Contemporary
In the summer of 1969, the backlash from the war in Vietnam spread through cities and campuses all over America. The homecoming ball at West Point was about to become engulfed in the violence.

"The Confession” by Kathrese McKee
First Place Speculative
Christine accepts one last assignment on Earth with her news crew to revisit treasured memories. Arrested as a spy, she has the option of dancing to her captors' tune or deciding what her confession will be.

“Night Dance” by Gretchen E. K. Engel
Honorable Mention Speculative.
Kati is hired by a wealthy woman to find the cause of her son's illness. Lonan believes his parents want his younger brother to be their heir apparent and begins a search for his birth parents. The quest forces him to reconcile his past with his present.

“The Dance of the Light Brigade” by Steve Hooley
Honorable Mention Speculative
Penult 666 has nearly destroyed the Earth and is moving in for the kill shot. David Benjamin's brigade of six hundred is chosen to lead the counter attack, a suicide mission. Can Benjamin set aside his personal pride in the brigade's performance and make the ultimate sacrifice to save the Earth?

Proceeds from the sale of the anthology will be donated to the Scholarship Fund of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Review: I look forward to reading this anthology every year.  Last year the stories were all about storms, and this year they are all based on the theme of dancing. There are a variety of genres, with a little something for everyone.

This year's collection made it very difficult for me to pick favorites...nearly all of them were my favorites, which I am sure speaks to the quality of the winning writers.  I do have to admit, however, that "Teething Troubles" is the one story I have read more than once.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating:  Five stars  

Welcome To Lovely (The Lovely Mystery Series #1) by Candace Clark

Book Information

Genre: Mystery

Series: The Lovely Mystery Series

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (February 18, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1530068584
• ISBN-13: 978-1530068586

Synopsis: Discover what evil lurks in the shadows as Samantha Roberts puts her life in danger, and their love on the line, helping Detective Daniel Drake unravel this mystery..... WELCOME TO LOVELY. 

Lovely is a charming place tucked deep in the Appalachian Mountains. One hot August morning the sleepy little town awakens to the horrific murder of the beautiful, yet troubled, Emily Teller. The killing doesn’t stop with her. 
Putting newly appointed Detective Daniel Drake to the test, the Lovely murders, call into question his promotion, and push his relationship with local television reporter Samantha Roberts to the limits. Nothing is more important to Daniel than catching the killer tormenting his town. At least, that's what he thinks. 
For Samantha Roberts, the Lovely murders are the breaking news story she thought she wanted. An opportunity that could propel her career to the next level, but that would mean leaving Lovely and Daniel behind. Are the murders the wish that becomes a curse? 
While Samantha and Daniel struggle to deal with their professional demons, Lovely’s time as a safe, innocent, small town fades into the hills that protect it from the outside world. 

Review:  Lovely is a fairly typical small town, quiet and peaceful--until the murders start.  Then things get tense for everyone in town, wondering who will be the next victim and who the killer is.  Everything the author writes about this town and its residents reminds me of the small town where I grew up, so that made the story very believable for me.

The main characters, Daniel and Samantha, are very well written and developed. The relationship between them is a very realistic one, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books, to watch the relationship grow. Christopher, the district attorney, is rather creepy and seems to think he is God's gift to women. There are several secondary characters who come into play during the story, some of whom I hope we will get to know better in future installments of the series.

This is a very well-written debut novel, and a fabulous opening for a new series. I can hardly wait to see what other adventures await us in Lovely.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating:  Four stars

About the author

Candace Clark was born in Ashland, Kentucky, the youngest of three children. After growing up in the small Eastern Kentucky town, Inez, her family moved to Central Kentucky where she finished high school and attended her first two years of college at Transylvania University. Transferring to Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia set Candace on a path that would change her life. Over the course of ten years, she graduated, moved to New York City, attended Parsons School of Design and found her creative voice.

After years of studying design and photography, she finally took to the page unleashing the ramblings of stories, characters, and scenes trapped in her mind. Finding inspiration in reading romance, mystery and suspense novels, she draws inspiration from many sources. When not typing away at her computer, she can be found cooking up some recipe she has undoubtedly altered to suit her family's food sensitivities, crafting with her daughter, or enjoying a peaceful evening with her partner on their secluded farm in Central Kentucky. 

While writing is her passion, her family always comes first. An avid reader, budding blogger and hell of an editor, her daughter is a great help with every story. As in most great love stories her partner, Billy is more than just a supporter, he is a contributor of ideas, plot lines, characters, and one hell of a dialogue whisper, without whom the worlds in her novels would not be the same.