BLOG TOUR: After The Fall, Brad Graber

AFTER THE FALL

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

• Paperback: 318 pages
• Publisher: Dark Victory Press (May 9, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0997604220
• ISBN-13: 978-0997604221

Synopsis: Rikki, a teenager being raised by her grandmother, has a secret. She can’t remember her mother. Whenever Rikki asks the older woman a question, Rita falls apart and refuses to discuss the matter. Desperate to learn the truth, Rikki finds a hidden family album. Is the boy in the photograph with her mother a long lost uncle? Determined to solve the mystery, Rikki embarks on a journey from New York City to Toledo, then on to Detroit and Phoenix to meet Harry, a writer who is struggling with his own issues of identity.

From the award-winning writer of The Intersect, come After the Fall, a fast-paced, engaging read, with twists and turns that will surely surprise. After the Fall: an emotional roller-coaster of a mystery packed with personality and charm. Once you begin the journey, you won’t be able to turn back. 

Review: This was a book full of surprises, both for the main character and the reader. When I realized what had actually happened to Rikki's mother, it was heartbreaking. 

Nearly all of the characters in this story were dealing with some sort of loss, and the author does a fantastic job of showing different ways we handle that situation. While I may not have agreed with some of the ways, they are portrayed extremely realistically. 

The story is presented from multiple points of view, as well as with some flashback scenes, but it is all presented in such a way that the reader is never left confused. The book deals with very timely issues and events in a realistic, compassionate way.

Along with all the stories about the humans, there is a bittersweet subplot woven in about Harry's senior dog, Beetle, which got to me almost as much as the other traumas and tragedies.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Brad Graber writes novels because he grew up in a family where no one ever listened to him - so he made up stories about them.

Born and raised in New York City, Brad obtained a B.A. in Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.H.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. A former healthcare executive, Brad has held a number of management positions and been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Medical Executive through Medical Group Management Association. Though he no longer works in healthcare, he continues to volunteer with local non-profits.

After the Fall is Brad’s second novel. His debut novel, The Intersect, released in 2016, has won multiple awards and garnered rave reviews.

Brad has lived in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago; West Bloomfield, a suburb of Detroit; and Mill Valley, a suburb of San Francisco. He currently resides in Phoenix on the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore with his husband Jeff and their dog Charlie.

Twitter: @Jefbra1
Facebook: bradgraberauthor

Website: https://bradgraber.com/

On Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Jk9YuR

BOOK BLITZ: Home Is Where The Bark Is (Paws Fur Play Mysteries Book 1) by Stella St. Claire

BOOK INFORMATION

Home Is Where the Bark Is

By Stella St. Claire

Genre: Cozy Mystery

• Series: Paws Fur Play Mystery #1
• Publication Date: July 2, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07F7KQ7WY
• Purchase Link: http://mybook.to/PawsFurPlay1

Willow Wells is officially an entrepreneur. With the first phase of her dog gym’s renovation complete, and a success, Willow is ready for more. A doggie spa to be exact. The plan is to win an upcoming dog show, not only giving her the funds for the expansion but a national advertising campaign with the winning dog, Lady Valkyrie. Everything is going according to plan—and Willow can see the future in all its gold medal and dog grooming glory—until Terry Gib, Lady Valkyrie’s owner, is accused of murder.

Willow thought that Terry had come to Pineview just for training, but it turns out Terry has ties to the town; a painful past that links her to a local bed and breakfast owner. And now that owner is dead. As Willow races to clear Terry and save their chance at victory with Lady Valkyrie, the rest of her life begins to fall apart too. Wednesday is distracted, her father is anxious, and Griffin, the man she’s coming to depend on, is threatening to leave her—so he can woo her.

Now Willow is forced to make some big decisions: about who she trusts, who she should believe, and who she should date before she loses it all forever.

About the Author

Stella lives and breathes cozy mysteries! With her head always buried inside these books, it’s no wonder that she would put pen to paper to bring her own cozy mysteries to life. The words flew onto the page, and she’s already teeming with ideas for the next cozy mystery series.

With her trusted canine by her side, it seemed only natural to be inspired by her beautiful beagle Doogle and the many hours they spent walking through scenic New England villages. When Stella’s not reading books, she’s off on road trips, exploring every nook and cranny in neighboring towns, seeking inspiration for her next book. She’s keen to see what her fellow cozy critics think of “Happy Tails Dog  Walking Mysteries,” so please leave a review and share your thoughts on Stella’s Website, Facebook, Bookbub or Goodreads!

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/stellastclaire/

www.stellastclaire.com

On Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/Stella_StClaire

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stella-st-claire

BOOK TOUR: Giant Killers by Steve Lawson

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian, Christian Living, Personal Empowerment

File Size: 941 KB

Print Length: 145 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1519655118

Publication Date: January 18, 2016

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Language: English

ASIN: B01ATR9A2C

Synopsis: It seemed a lopsided battle. On one side, a small shepherd with a sling and five stones. On the other, a heavily armored ten-foot giant whose taunts and challenges immobilized an army of seasoned warriors.

The story of David and Goliath has become an almost universal underdog story; but in reality, Goliath never stood a chance.

In Giant Killers, emotional intelligence speaker, consultant, and author Steve Lawson identifies the five vital emotional and social skills David possessed: identity, discipline, graciousness, action, and hope. When combined with the power of God’s grace, these strengths made it possible for David to defeat Goliath, build a mighty army out of social rejects, and establish the greatest kingdom in the history of Israel.

Identity. Discipline. Graciousness. Action. Hope. These five important emotional skills establish how we perceive and express ourselves—and how willingly we seize the opportunities God provides. Who better to demonstrate these powerful traits than David, who slew his own giant?

We all face giants in our lives—challenges and obstacles that intimidate us, limit our potential, and keep us from moving forward. It’s easy to feel like David fighting Goliath. And that’s good—because David won. Like David, we can overcome any challenge, seizing with confidence the opportunities God places in our path. Giant Killers teaches you how to do so, providing a foundation on which you can build success after success. It all begins with you—and your willingness to trust in God’s grace.

Review: This book was a quick easy read, but it is jam-packed with inspirational information. I enjoyed every single page of it, and couldn't put it down until I was finished with it.

This book talks about "giants" or "glass ceilings" we all have in our lives--things that keep us from moving forward, from reaching our full potential. These things can be internal (guilt, insecurity,worry, etc.), external (trauma, crisis, stress, finances, relationships), or opportunities (new job, new school, new ministry, personal growth, dreams, etc.). Thanks to the strategies in this book, we can learn to face them and to conquer them.

The most important quote I took away from this book was "Don't let your giants make the rules." To me, that means keeping focused on the goal and pressing on no matter what the obstacle.

If you have "giants" in your life (and let's face it, who doesn't?), I highly recommend this book!

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

Rating: Four stars

About the author

A former small-business owner and church planter, Steve Lawson recently stepped down as the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Greenville, Texas, to focus on his writing, speaking, and leadership training activities.

He holds a doctor of strategic leadership degree from Regent University, a master of divinity degree from The King’s University, an MBA from Amberton University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Texas.

Lawson owns Leadership Transformation Inc., providing emotional intelligence training and consulting to organizations of all sizes. More information on his consulting services is available at www.leadershiptransformation.net. An avid blogger and writer, Lawson is

available for speaking engagements in churches, seminars, and conferences. You can contact him at www.stevelawson.us.

He and his wife, Karen, live in Greenville, Texas. They are the parents of three grown daughters.

https://www.facebook.com/dr.steve.lawson

https://twitter.com/steveatgrace

www.stevelawson.us

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/1q0EPPs

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13806275.Steve_Lawson

COVER REVEAL: Come Bitter Poison by Monica Knightley

Come, Bitter Poison

By Monica Knightley

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Book Description

Sexy film star. Long-held secrets. Murder by poison.

When international stage and film star Miles Elliot comes to Stratford Upon Avondale to play MacBeth, Maggie O’Flynn is thrilled. He’s been her actor crush for years. But when Miles ends up at the center of a murder investigation Maggie finds herself slipping back into the role of amateur sleuth. Before long many of her friends become suspects in not just one murder, but two. Maggie must discover who’s poisoning people associated with the Shakespeare Festival before one of her friends gets slapped with a murder charge. And she must do so while dodging paparazzi that are stalking her due to a supposed love affair she’s having with Miles Elliot.

With a bit of Shakespeare, copious amounts of tea, and a faux-English setting to rival anything the real England has to offer, COME, BITTER POISON is the second book in THE STRATFORD UPON AVONDALE mystery series. Though part of a series, COME, BITTER POISON can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Lovers of cozy mysteries will find a cozy home in Stratford Upon Avondale.

https://twitter.com/monicaknightley 

https://www.facebook.com/monicaknightleyauthor/

http://www.monicaknightley.com/

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BOOK TOUR: Death By Diploma (Chalkboard Outlines #1) by Kelley Kaye

Book Information

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: Chalkboard Outlines, Book One

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Red Adept Publishing (January 6, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1940215625
• ISBN-13: 978-1940215624
• 
  

Synopsis:  Emma Lovett leaves her philandering husband and crosses the country to begin her teaching career at a high school in Pinewood, Colorado.  There, she meets Leslie Parker, a fellow teacher given to quoting Shakespeare to fit all situations, and the two become fast friends.  

Arriving at work early one morning, Emma discovers the body of the school custodian, a man who reminds her of her late father. When the police struggle to find the killer, the ladies decide to help solve the murder. Their efforts lead them to a myriad of suspects: the schizophrenic librarian, the crude football coach, the mysterious social studies teacher, and even Emma’s new love interest. 

  

As Emma Lovett discovers the perils of teaching high school, she and Leslie learn more than they ever wanted to know about the reasons people kill. 

Review: This author is new to me, but I can hardly wait to read more of her work. Emma is a fabulous main character, and I love her after just one book. As a Southern girl transplanted to Colorado, she finds herself in a brand new world. I love that she uses so many typically Southern expressions and that parts of her dialogue are even written with a Southern accent. 

Her co-worker and new friend, Leslie, is a fun character as well. She has a Shakespearean quote for every occasion and is the type of person that I would enjoy spending time with in real life. I look forward to her part in future stories as well.

The plot of this story is well laid out, and gives the reader several suspects to consider. There are a few curse words used, but they are not overly abundant.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this is definitely one to try. 

**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

Kelley Kaye taught High School English and Drama for twenty years, but her love for storytelling dates back to creating captions for her high school yearbook. Maybe back to the tales she created around her Barbie and Ken — whatever the case, the love’s been around for a long time.

Kelley is married to this amazing man who cooks for her, and they have two funny and wonderful sons. She lives in Southern California.

http://www.kelleykaybowles.com/

On Twitter: @kelkay1202

BOOK TOUR: Suddenly Spellbound (Ivie McKie Chronicles #2) by Erica Lucke Dean

Suddenly Spellbound

By Erica Lucke Dean

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Ivie McKie Chronicles

Paperback: 256 pages

• Publisher: Red Adept Publishing (January 4, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1940215668
• ISBN-13: 978-1940215662
• 
  

Synopsis: 

Something witchy this way comes. 

Kindergarten-teacher-slash-sorceress Ivie McKie has officially sworn off magic. With her father back from the dead—just in time for her upcoming wedding to sexy former magician Jackson Blake—Ivie has plotted a course straight to happily-ever-after-ville. And she won’t let anything get in her way this time. 

But Daddy Dearest has something sneaky up his sleeve. When “just one more spell” goes horribly wrong and detours her into the path of her father’s dangerously hot new apprentice, Ivie has to scramble to get the magic… and her love life… back on track.  

Along the way, she encounters a promise made before she was born, a clan of Scottish sorcerers in kilts, and yet another goat.  

Suddenly Spellbound is a new madcap adventure featuring Ivie McKie from Suddenly Sorceress.   

Review: This is such a fun, easy read! I could have easily sat down and read it cover to cover in one sitting, if it weren't for real life interrupting.  I didn't read the first book in the series, Suddenly Sorceress, and didn't find that to be a drawback, but it might not be a bad idea to read the series in order.

The author has written an amazing magical adventure, full of romance and humor. Ivie is one of the unluckiest witches I have ever read about--every time she attempts magic, something goes comically wrong. Most of the trouble she finds herself in during this story seems to come from her parents, mostly her father. There are a lot of ups and downs to this plot, and the book ends on a cliffhanger which left me anxious for the next release.

**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

After walking away from her career as a business banker to pursue writing full-time, Erica moved from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a small tourist town in the North Georgia Mountains where she lives in a 90-year-old haunted farmhouse with her workaholic husband, her 180lb lap dog, and at least one ghost. 

When she's not busy writing or tending to her collection of crazy chickens, diabolical ducks, and a quintet of piglets, hell bent on having her for dinner, she's either reading bad fan fiction or singing karaoke in the local pub. Much like the main character in her first book, To Katie With Love, Erica is a magnet for disaster, and has been known to trip on air while walking across flat surfaces. 

How she's managed to survive this long is one of life's great mysteries. 

On Red Adept: http://bit.ly/RAPSpellbound

Erica on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaLuckeDean Erica on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericaluckedean