I was left at the altar. There, I said it. I wish I didn’t find it so embarrassing. Wish it didn’t hurt so much, all these months later. Wish I could say I was handling it well, but I’m not. It feels like everything around me has changed. Or maybe, I am the thing that ..read more

Occupation: The Lazy Bones Bookshop dog Humans don’t understand how complicated the life of a bookshop dog can be. Let’s review one of my typical days. Bailey, the human I oversee, leads me into the backyard each morning before giving me breakfast inside, then disappears for an hour or two. She goes running, cycling, or paddleboarding—all activities that sound boring. I’m a Great Pyrenees; I run when it’s needed, like when treats are involved. Once Bailey is back, and ready to walk to the shop (side note, she never offers to share her breakfast, even when it involves peanut butter), I must pic ..read more

Coffee, and lots of it. That was the way I began every day. But today there was little joy in java as I pushed through my morning routine and made my way to the library, my calling, my work, my challenge. My friend Ruby’s dilemma weighed heavily on my mind. A bundle of worry kept me from getting into my stride. I made my usual rounds, greeted staff, checked my calendar, put out some small fires. Just after ten I made my way downstairs to the children’s section for the first activity of the day: preschool story time and singalong. The carpeted platform that served as a kiddy stage in the corner ..read more

Maddy sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we can learn more about what makes her tick. Let’s see what she has to say. What is your full name? Madison Renee Montgomery, but everyone calls me Maddy. How old are you? 28 What is your profession? I am an entrepreneur. I inherited Baby Cakes Bakery from my Great Aunt Octavia. Do you have a significant other? Oh YES!!! What is their name and profession? Dr. Michael Portman and I have been dating and I think things are getting serious. At least, they are on my part. Although, I’m not sure about Michael. He seems ..read more

I’m happy to host the cover reveal for the next book in Valona Jones’ mystery series, coming Month 2024 and now up for preorder. Publication Date: September 10, 2024 Publisher: Muddle House Publishing Format: Print, Digital Name of Series: Magic Candle Shop, Book 3 Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery Author Website: valonajones.com Book Synopsis When a killer props his third and latest victim against the double tombstone of Tabby and Sage Winslow’s grandparents’ grave in Savannah, Georgia, the psychic twins are stunned. Even worse, the victim is the very man they filed a restraining order against ..read more

Looking for something to read? Check out some of the new titles releasing during the week of July 21 – 27, 2024 with six debut series. I hope a few of these books take you to an exciting place. Have fun reading! JULY 22 Murder Among the Pyramids by Sara Rosett (Historical Mystery 1920s) *first book in a new series* Blix Windway has made a career out of her wanderlust, giving lectures to ladies’ groups about everything from the flora of the American desert to the beauty of the Swiss Alps, but she needs new material for her talks. She strikes what seems to be an ideal agreement with an eccentri ..read more

Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .   Why do you write the genre that you write? I primarily read crime fiction, so it seemed natural to me. What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has? Em Kelton, the heroine of Bad Boy Beat, doesn’t like fresh scones. What’s up with that?! Tell us how you got into writing? I have always written! Seriously, as soon as I mastered reading and the alphabet I began writing stories. What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer? I’ve been a journalist, which certainly helped me hone my craft and write ..read more

Hey, I’m Joss Miller and I’m a barista at Sugar Creek Café in Charleston, South Carolina. The café isn’t trendy and sleek like the popular franchise coffeehouses. More like walking into someone’s home. I heard the chimes of the café door indicating a customer had arrived or left. My heart broke a little as I spotted one of our regulars Claude McKnight. A very talented artist, the café practically was a gallery of sorts featuring all kinds of artwork by Claude. One of my favorite pieces was one I commissioned Claude to do for me. A large portrait of my grandfather August Manning graced the wall ..read more

Sometimes the best way to know a person is by asking questions, where you can learn more about what makes them tick. Get to know Thea with their answers below. What is your full name? Thea Olson How old are you? I’m in my late 20s. What is your profession? I’m an organizational development consultant, which means I work with companies on things like leadership development, employee engagement, and performance management. When I moved back to my hometown in North Dakota from Minneapolis, I set up my own consulting business. Being my own boss means I have a flexible schedule which comes in handy ..read more

In this feisty new culinary cozy mystery from Agatha and Edgar Award-nominated author Valerie Burns, social media influencer Maddy Montgomery is adjusting to her new life after moving to small-town Michigan to run a bakery and take care of a gigantic English mastiff—all while solving the murder of a one-time nemesis… Dru’s Short Musing: The first chapter. Pure hilarity that kept me immersed from the beginning to the end in this well-written and executed whodunit that I could not put down until all was said and done. An unexpected ex-friend shows up in New Bison to cause havoc in Maddie’s life ..read more