Review – Sara by Tony Hayden #tonyhayden

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I was scrolling through my reading list and came across the cover for Sara by Tony Hayden and I wondered why it has sat on my reading list since 8.10.14. Does the cover draw you in, make you wonder what evils are inside the cover?

Sara

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Sara unfolds like a Criminal Minds episode…a young college girl, a small town, a flat tire, a corrupt and dangerous police chief, a dad looking…

I was drawn in so quickly, with shivers running up and down my spine, rapidly turning pages…

At 20% my fears ramped up, the tension and pacing was off the charts and I couldn’t read fast enough. I could see this really happening, the events and characters could be real, the writing made the story come to life.

I found myself checking how much of the book was left because I had a really bad feeling…

I love this quote: “…we concentrate on finding the bad guys after the fact to ensure the cycle is broken.”

As the pieces came together, I knew my spidey senses hadn’t failed me, but I didn’t realize how bad these monsters were…and how many there were in one small town.

Tony Hayden took a twist I didn’t see coming and I love when an author can spin a twist to a story that I have read over and over…missing girl…in the woods…and make me unable to put the book down until I found all the answers.

I had two problems, which I won’t detail, one with the dad and one with Sara, but it kept the story going to the place Tony Hayden wanted it to be. That happens to me a lot in suspense novels, and I totally understand why it has to go that way. And, who knows how people will react until they are put in that position. Still, it kept nagging me, so a solid four stars it is.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

On a lonely two-lane highway through the foothills of Northern Colorado, Sara Jean Haller has disappeared. Her father, a rural county deputy, battles his own demons and a despotic sheriff in a desperate search to find his only child. Mike Haller must untangle a web of lies and secrets woven into the fabric of this small mountain town to discover the road that leads to his missing daughter.
Tony Hayden has laced together a story of struggle, hope and the untethered brutality of men without boundary that forces the reader up a dark mountain path to the edge of a shallow grave that hides no secrets.

ABOUT TONY HAYDEN

Tony Hayden

Tony Hayden is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. A former history teacher and fourteen year veteran of the Army and Army National Guard, he now lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and son.

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Rescued Release Day Blitz @CaffeinatedPR

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Today we are excited to share the release of Rescued. This anthology from New York Times and USA bestselling authors delivers a collection of contemporary romances filled with heat, heart and dog treats! The authors have rescue dogs and came together because of their beloved pups. They are donating release day sales to Roxanne St. Claire’s rescue charity.   

Rescued Release Day!!



Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple

What happens when 10 dog-loving romance authors get together and brainstorm? Why, books with rescue dogs, sexy heroes, dirty talking, and lots of dog treats, of course.

From Cynthia D’Alba – Hot Assets– A Dallas socialite must team up with a cop to save her rescued dog from a determined dognapper
From Donna Alward – Doggie on her Doorstep When Emily’s flighty cousin leaves her dog on Em’s doorstep, she enlists the help of the sexy grouch next door.
From Jenna Bayley-Burke – The Guy Next Door –Fourth grade teacher has the naughtiest dog, the punniest jokes, and perfect washboard abs…and now an angry neighbor with a busted fence thanks to his dog.
From Mandy Harbin– Rescuing Orion – When undercover FBI agents foster a dog to investigate a money launderer, ignoring their attraction becomes difficult with playing house with a cute pooch.
From Cindy Kirk – For the Love of Ivy – A city girl and the dog she rescues turns a sexy rancher’s life upside down
From Melissa Schroeder – Last Love – A single mom tries to avoid her one-night stand, but her dog, Houdini, keeps leading her to his door.
From Lexxie Couper – Who’s A Good Boy? – After meeting a feisty dog trainer and a 3-legged dog, the future PM of Australia questions his future and his life.
From Shana Gray – Dogs on A Plane- A heavy snow strands a bush pilot and socialite with a pack of love hungry pups. Who saves who?
From Laura Trentham –Nobody’s Hero – An ex-con tries to persuade an abandoned puppy and an innocent romance author he’s nobody’s hero.
From Tamlyn Black – Nobody But You – A grumpy cowboy has his world upended by his sister’s new BFF and the stray dog she brings to his door

Teaser from A Dog on Her Doorstep

 

Emily Janssen stood at the bottom of her driveway and stared at her front step. Even from fifty feet away, she could see that the black and-brown lump blocking her front door was a dog.

A big dog.

A big, hairy dog.

She wasn’t afraid of dogs, though she always took care when approaching one she didn’t know. That was just responsible. She was just… confused. Why on earth would a dog choose her front step? There was nothing to entice a pup to her townhouse. No other dogs—or cats, for that matter—or treats or toys or kids looking to play.

More was the pity, but who had time for all that, anyway?

The dog finally noticed her, sat up, and let out a deep woof accompanied by a swooshy, waggy tail.

She sighed, but couldn’t help but be charmed.

“Well, hello to you too,” she said starting up the driveway. “And who might you be? Aren’t you pretty?”

The swishy tail swished faster as the dog stood, and its back end started to wiggle. She recognized the breed easily. Bernese Mountain Dogs were lovely, but large. If this guy decided to jump up to say hello, she’d find herself on her butt. – Excerpt from Doggie on Her Doorstep by Donna Alward



Grab your copy: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple

Release Day sales benefit Roxanne St. Claire’s rescue charity.   

Authors

Cynthia D’Alba, Donna Alward, Jenna Bayley-Burke, Mandy Harbin, Melissa Schroeder, Lexxie Couper, Shana Gray, Laura Trentham, Tamlyn Black, & Cindy Kirk forward by Roxanne St. Claire.


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Giveaway – Shadowed Horizons by Reily Garrett @XpressoTours

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Shadowed Horizons
Reily Garrett
(The Guardians, #1)
Publication date: May 13th 2022
Genres: Adult, Horror, Paranormal

Fate can have many paths. Which would you choose?

Kiera’s capacity to face death stems from training, begun when old enough to wield a knife. Befriended by wolves and raised by a group of psychic men sworn to protect humanity, she now faces mercenaries intent on reshaping the world using equal talents.

Prodigious keyboard skills and innate curiosity has led Wyatt McGlauklin to invent the unimaginable. He’s long since claimed status as the top computer science geek. Little do people know, there’s much more to Wyatt.

When a blonde spitfire steps out of nowhere to prevent his assassination, his life’s direction takes an extraordinary turn where his analytical mind can’t validate paranormal phenomena.

Fate decrees Kiera find her life partner, but she learns you don’t always get to choose whom you love. Wyatt’s arrival challenges destiny as they combine forces to preserve the world as they know it.

A must-read for fans of for fans of CM Sutter, Dale Mayer, Dean Koontz, LT Ryan, and Fiona Quinn.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Each flip of the key ring around his index finger tallied another reason to quit the world of high stake’s business. Work stemming from a far-fetched theory had taken form and flourished beyond his imagination.

Unlike the soundless steps of his bodyguard’s booted strides, Wyatt’s tennis shoes pealed squishy squeaks through the dimly lit parking garage.

“Adam, this does not make my list of top favorite places to visit. Next time I help an old college friend, maybe we could pick a drier day and find parking other than a creepy garage?”

A rat skittered across the floor in the shadows, its gimlet-eyed stare marking the intruders’ positions. Air redolent of filth, gas, and pizza from a nearby restaurant clogged Wyatt’s sinuses, reminiscent of the alley apartment occupied during college. Since those lean years, digital fluency and hard work had jettisoned him to the top of his field.

The clash of artificial dingy light and murky silhouettes added an ominous, prophetic feeling he couldn’t shake. Water stains mingled with shapeless apparitions to create fleeting two-dimensional monsters between vehicles, ready to attack unwary travelers.

He was not a fan of inkblot tests.

I haven’t been spooked like this in years.

Adam shrugged. “As far as security is concerned, it’s not an ideal location since the street side is open, but it is the closest available. Roadside parking leaves you too vulnerable. As much as you cherish you privacy, I’m surprised you offered to help him. Why couldn’t you do it over the net?”

“Hardware issues require hands-on assistance. He’s my ex-roommate. I felt sorry for him. Modern advances in technology left him in the dust.”

“Next time, suggest a meeting during daylight hours and a place of our choosing?”

Adam narrowed his eyes and tilted his head as if listening to a far-off sound. The combination spelled trouble. His steps slowed and adopted a deliberate edge even as his shoulders tightened in preparation to strike.

“A graveyard walk would be less creepy, and a proctologist’s exam more fun.” Sweat beaded Wyatt’s forehead despite the cool spring breeze drifting over the graffiti-covered knee wall.

“This place feels off to me. Let’s get the hell out of here—” Adam stopped, holding out his right arm to halt their progress.

Wyatt’s slip on a crudely patched piece of concrete necessitated his bodyguard’s steadying hand. Dirt and loose crumbles skittered underfoot, their audio report echoing off the walls.

“Watch your step, boss. No need to broadcast our location.”

“You know,” Wyatt muttered. “People think of me as a good analytical, concrete thinker. I guess whatever higher power gifted me with intuitive abilities for logistics and computers exacted a mental tariff—common sense.” His penchant for talking when nervous filled the quiet atmosphere.

“My instincts say trouble’s GPS has locked on. Stay close.”

The soft glide of his bodyguard’s gun from his shoulder rig compelled Wyatt to suck in chilled air that seared his lungs. Each step forward carried the expectation of death.

“Intuition is your best survival tool and seldom wrong. For an athletic geek, yours is pretty good.”

Wyatt didn’t argue the conciliatory assessment. Routine sparring with Adam revealed the bodyguard had reflexes that boggled the mind.

Sudden sharp beeps shattered the silence. A sequence of long and short chirps denoting binary code identified Wyatt’s caller. His heart rate shot into overdrive. Hair on his nape prickled as he fumbled the device. Swiping to ignore didn’t recall the audible beacon.

Massive pillars supported the five-story concrete structure that supplied parking space for the attached office building. Rounding one to his left, Wyatt stumbled as Adam snatched him sideways.

The colossal brute they almost bounced off had detached from the shadows with a stealth befitting a sixteenth century ninja. Colossal mass defied speed but personified malice with a savage gaze and gap-toothed smile.

“Jesus!” Wyatt’s split-second observation induced a rush of adrenaline with the hand holding his cell thrusting forward in self-protection. “Damn. You’re big.”

Deep chuckling inspired images of the worst villains in horror movies.

Brown hair pulled back in a ponytail swept the shoulder of the man bearing a gold tooth. A ridge of pitted, tanned skin separated the straight bushy unibrow deepening with a tilt of his head. Dark eyes retained terrible knowledge embracing and calculating endless methods for the most efficient kill.

After flicking a glance over the bodyguard in silent disregard, the brute’s appraisal raked Wyatt’s body head to toe. Thin lips widened in obvious glee.

“Time to meet your maker, prodigy.” He mimicked Wyatt’s sidestep in a lightning-fast move and knocked Adam’s gun from his hand. The pistol ricocheted under a nearby Toyota producing multiple tin-like clinks.

Time shattered into bits and pieces where each fractured instant unfurled another fragment of the ominous scene. Wyatt’s thoughts stuttered on a long blink.


Author Bio:

Reily Garrett is a writer, mother, and companion to three long coat German shepherds. When not working with her dogs, she’s sitting at her desk with her fur kids by her side.

Author of chilling suspense and snarky romance, her stories span the distance of romantic thrillers, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. Regardless of genre, each book delves into a dark and twisted imagination yet is tempered with romance and a touch of humor.

Reviews by Kirkus Reviews, San Francisco Bay Review, and BestThrillers.com best describe her work:

“This could be James Patterson, Lee Child, and Tess Gerritsen rolled into one, but the dark, twisted methods used by the serial killer could surprise even those readers…” – San Francisco Bay Review

“…steamy, seductive police procedural…” – BestThrillers.com

“…well-researched thriller that remains romantically genuine throughout.” – Kirkus Review

Prior experience in the Military Police, private investigations, and as an ICU nurse gives her fiction a real-world flavor. Find Reily below.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon


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Giveaway = The Heart Knows by Toby Negus @GoddessFish

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I want to welcome Toby Negus to fundinmental. I left the topic open to whatever Toby would like to share. I hope you enjoy it. Take it away Toby….

Love

While I was sitting within a grove of trees, my gaze came to rest upon a single tree. I tried to see this tree as it was, to feel its life without my conditions of how I thought it should be.  So, I waited for another way to understand this tree, resisting the distractions in me that so wanted to tell the tree what it was. I waited for the tree to tell me who it was. Ever so slowly, an awareness of the tree grew in me of its life, its interconnectivity to the other trees, the air, and the earth. This tree felt singular in its purpose; not a different type of tree or a daffodil, but the tree that it was.

It felt like it had no doubt of what it was or why it was. The power of the tree’s self-identity was total. It was in love with being the tree that it was.

This irrevocable love that is evident in nature, feels so different from the human experience of love. Ours seems a kaleidoscopic chaotic love affair. Unfixed to the singular love that a tree has. It is a helter-skelter ride of highs and lows, where our everchanging will causes our love to come and go all too easily.

The tree does not have to make it, it is in it! We have to summon it; create its opportunities and beckon it into our lives. And we do this each day; rekindle the sparks of our purpose to find again our love. Because we do long to be in love in what we do, with another and with who we are. We love to love, love to share, love to give, love to make things that shine, and of course, we love to be happy.

It seems that the human task is to ‘make love’, to give birth to it by our will.  And this we do, in our choices of passion and in the struggles we endure to bring our heart’s love to life.

The Heart Knows What the Mind Cannot See by Toby Negus

GENRE:   self-help, mind body spirit

BLURB

This is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of spirituality and perception. The text functions as a guide to self-improvement, with a mixture of autobiographical elements and snippets of universal wisdom. The speaker provides accessible solutions to life’s difficulties, and an outlook of optimism applicable to any circumstance. The illustrations and graphics are thoughtfully chosen, and the interactive textual elements give this work an originality that sets it apart. The speaker’s own experiences and conclusions are at the heart of this fiction, and the first person narrative voice creates a sense of proximity between author and reader. The text describes itself as ‘a journey to the heart’, and this truthful discovery of the self is reflected in the speaker’s revelation of his whole self through the text. The narrative often presents a dichotomy between positive and negative outlooks or voices.


For example, the speaker includes sections in which his self-doubt speaks, ‘you’ve got no proper education, you can’t spell properly, you’re dyslexic and your grammar is crap. You’re not really a writer’. This negative voice directly opposes the sense of self-belief the speaker builds within the narrative. He uses examples such as this to remind readers that the journey to happiness is complex and that flaws or setbacks are natural. The negative separation or fragmentation of the self is prevalent in the lines, ‘I do not love the grumpy me, the sad me, the hostile me, the parts of me that act as if I do not care’. The act of writing represents a unification of the self and an attempt to reframe the speaker’s life into coherence. The frequent use of direct address and rhetorical questions promotes an active reading experience, in which the author opens up a dialogue with the reader. The text includes prompts and activities for the reader to engage with and learn from. Encouraging readers to take part in the text is emblematic of their journey to self-fulfilment and love, in which they must take responsibility for actively creating their own happiness.


The speaker depicts his process of enlightenment as a framework for others to emulate, and the format of the text demonstrates the transfer of agency to those who take part in the speaker’s challenges at the end of each chapter. This work ultimately teaches us that ‘we are the cause of what is’ and thus sheds light on the crucial idea that every individual has the power to create themselves and their world positively.

EXCERPT

Real learning is not what we expect.
If we could expect it, it wouldn’t be learning.

I looked in the mirror today and saw more than who I thought I was; within the eyes was a million years of purpose. I saw the depth of the universe and felt its unfaltering love. It was as if I had seen the divine within myself, the truth of who we are. The us that never dies, the custodian of our purpose, the love of our life.

This wasn’t what I expected and was somewhat sobering. There was no blinding light, no sound of trumpets, and no big handshake with an almighty. But it was as profound as if there had been. For it seemed I was touching an eternal part of myself, an authority within that could create my heaven on earth, that was already in heaven on earth! It was a glimpse of something other than the me I thought I was. Its light questioned the lack of self-care and love I held for myself. And its presence would eventually crack and then dissolve my view of what I thought it meant to be human.

Doing a spiritual journey and tackling self-development issues can give many profound perceptions, and I have had my fair share of them. But this was different, this was personal. It was my eyes that were looking at me, something that I could not escape from. It could not be brushed off as a ‘perhaps’ or a nice perception that subsided over time. Its truth seemed to embed itself into my very soul.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Toby Negus has studied and taught spiritual and personal development in the UK and around the world for over two decades. He is qualified in advanced counselling, as a life coach and as a Cognitive Behaviour therapist. He is an Amazon best-selling author of a collaborative Conscious Creators book and has illustrated and self published two books on the subject of self-awareness and the spiritual journey. He is also a published author of a children’s book The Boy Who Dreamed in Colour. He has given talks and run workshops in support of his published work within the UK.

In the last few years, he has created many pieces of artwork that are a reflection of his spiritual journey. These have appeared in magazines and have been exhibited in the UK.  

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‘The Mill’ Is Haunted by Cailyn Lloyd @cailynrox

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The Mill

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

My first book by Cailyn Lloyd was Shepherd’s Warning and I loved it. I am excited to share my thoughts about The Mill. I love the blend of a serial killer and ghosts, Cailyn Lloyd did it very well.

Chase Riddell has OCD. When something is out of place, no matter how small a change, he will notice. He has secrets and will kill to keep them.

Lili knew spirits hung at the Mill and she wanted to speak to them. She is a psychic and owner of Revelations, a metaphysical store. She doesn’t have to physically visit a place. She can astral travel.

Emma, a spirit who resides at The Mill found out Chase Riddell’s secrets, and she felt she had to do something about it. She loves to read and really gets ‘into’ it. I thought the way she did it was so cool. She loves TV and movies. She is a great character, and they more I read, the more interesting she became.

Martin is the police detective on the case.

We know the villain and what is happening, but it doesn’t lessen the suspense. A serial killer who revels in his ‘job’, but there is so much more going on than the serial killer’s story. I am only halfway through and I cannot put it down.

I wonder about Chase, I wonder about Eamon and Frank and Emma, the ghosts.

The Mill is a riveting novel, filled with suspense, and the pacing makes me read word after word, page after page, chapter after chapter, never wanting to stop. The original concept for the ghosts had me smiling and cringing and I never would have guessed how it would be wrapped up.

I loved it so much, I hope there will be another book. We could have Martin, Lily and Emma functioning as a crime solving team. Do you have an idea lingering in the back of your mind, Cailyn? Are the characters still talking to you?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Mill by Cailyn Lloyd.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

These rooms have killer views…

As a psychic, seeing ghosts is routine for Lili. She isn’t surprised to discover spirits lurking in the renovated paper mill where she just bought an apartment. What she doesn’t expect is the dark, sinister presence under the floor and the serial killer who is prowling about the mill. When a woman is found murdered and another goes missing, Lili tries to work with one of the spirits—a young girl long dead—to expose the psychopath. But not everyone can be trusted and soon, Lili fears the killer will flee, never to be found and free to strike again.

From the bestselling author of Shepherd’s Warning and The Elders Series comes a terrifying and compelling story that will keep you reading long into the night.

ABOUT CAILYN LLOYD

Cailyn Lloyd

A lifelong writer, Cailyn Lloyd, spent three years living in a truly haunted house and experienced first hand the nuances of strange and eerie places. Shepherd’s Warning is her first book.

In addition to writing, Cailyn is an accomplished weather photographer and her work has appeared in several publications including Life Magazine and Time Magazine. She is also a composer and musician with three album releases to her credit. Cailyn lives near the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin and when she’s not writing spooky stories, loves hiking with her children and dogs.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY CAILYN LLOYD’S REVIEWS

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Giveaway – The Memory Keeper Of Kyiv by Erin Litteken @XpressoTours

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The Memory Keeper of Kyiv
Erin Litteken
Publication date: May 16th 2022
Genres: Literary Fiction

Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Beekeeper of Aleppo.
“A powerfully moving debut . . . Ukraine’s tragic history painfully echoes its current crisis, and on every page the Ukrainian spirit shines out, unbowed, unbent and unbroken. This is a compelling, timely read.” Kate Quinn, author of The Rose Code

In the 1930s, Stalin’s activists marched through the Soviet Union, espousing the greatness of collective farming. It was the first step in creating a man-made famine that, in Ukraine, stole almost 4 million lives. Inspired by the history the world forgot, and the Russian government denies, Erin Litteken reimagines their story.
In 1929, Katya is 16 years old, surrounded by family and in love with the boy next door. When Stalin’s activists arrive in her village, it’s just a few, a little pressure to join the collective. But soon neighbors disappear, those who speak out are never seen again and every new day is uncertain.

Resistance has a price, and as desperate hunger grips the countryside, survival seems more a dream than a possibility. But, even in the darkest times, love beckons.

Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother’s journal, one that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her family’s haunted past.

This is a story of the resilience of the human spirit, the love that sees us through our darkest hours and the true horror of what happened during the Holodomor.

“I never imagined the release of my novel on a past oppression of the Ukrainian people would coincide with such a parallel tragedy.” Erin Litteken

May we never forget, lest history repeat itself.

A share of proceeds will be donated to DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

A sharp click echoed in the room, and everyone froze. The Russian’s cocked pistol pointed at Tato. “Are you resisting orders? If you are, we will have to label you an enemy of the people. We all know what happens to enemies of the people. I could shoot you right now, and nobody would care.”

Katya’s head buzzed. All the anger she’d felt morphed into sheer terror as she stared at her Tato. His beet-red face glistened with sweat and his hands curled slowly into fists, the anger crackling off him like a hungry fire seeking fuel. If someone didn’t intercede, he would be shot for attempting to murder Prokyp with his bare hands.

Mama, too, saw his inner struggle, for she stepped in front of Tato and spoke calmly. “I apologize for my husband’s behavior. He’s overprotective of his daughters. He didn’t mean what he said. We’ll cooperate, I swear it.”

The Russian smirked and lowered his gun. Dropping Alina’s hand, Katya pulled her father into a hug and spoke in his ear. “Please, Tato, there is no harm done, but we can’t lose you. Please.” She felt the tension lessen from his body, but vibrations of anger still throbbed like the veins on his neck.

Prokyp watched the scene with amusement, then sauntered back over to his cohorts, smiling. The Russian turned to him and asked with complete sincerity, “Have you been offended by this man? What would you like to do, Comrade?”

Prokyp glanced at Tato and then at Alina, who was white as a sheet, but holding her head high as Mama had taught them to. Katya’s legs wobbled, so she locked her knees and held her breath as they waited for this fool to decide the fate of their family.

“I suppose I can overlook it this once, as long as he and his family promise to cooperate fully in the future.” His gaze lingered on Alina. “But we shall have to check back here often to make sure they are behaving.”

Another activist pushed into the house with a large sack of wheat balanced on his shoulder. “I found this, and another just like it, hidden in the barn loft.”

Katya’s heart sank. She’d worried the wheat in the barn wasn’t hidden well enough, but Tato thought it safe out of sight beneath the hay.

“You can’t take that!” Tato shouted. “It’s my seed for planting this fall!”

“This will pay your quota. For now.” The Russian Soviet waved a hand dismissively, as if suddenly bored by them. “Come, we must move to the next house.”

The woman cast an apologetic look toward Mama and hurried behind the men as they left. The door swung wildly in their wake, and none of them moved until Tato strode forward and slammed it shut, though not before Katya saw the activists’ cart stacked high with sacks of grain, just like the ones they’d taken from the barn.


Author Bio:

Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub


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Giveaway – Bluster Blue Jay by Mother Melania Salem @iReadBookTours

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Join Us for This Book Series Tour:  May 2 to May 22, 2022
 
Book Series Details:

Book Series Title: Fearless and Friends by Mother Melania Salem
Category:  Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date:   Feb 28, 2022
Content Rating:  G – This is a wholesome children’s book. 
I just finished reading all four books in this series of heart-warming, lovable characters, who hold your attention throughout their escapades. After the first book, you know the member of the Pond Community behaving badly will redeem her/himself, but how? That is the question and the surprise and the charm of each book. Oh so subtly, young and old alike learn that happiness comes from living graciously, with courtesy, kindness, respect, and compassion for others. My congratulations to the author, Mother Melania, who enables us to learn valuable lessons without lecturing us, and to her illustrator, Cayce-Marie Halsell, who allows us to see the charming animals of the Pond in action. Part of the charm of the illustrations is that they look like they were done with crayons! I loved the effect. The books are perfect for adults to read to younger children and as books for children starting to read on their own. I bought all four for my Godson — two for Christmas and two for his birthday in March. I can’t wait to read them to him. – 5-Star Review on Amazon
Review One or Two of Any Fearless and Friends Books:
 
Book Details:

Book Title: Capers and Harry: High Climbing – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category:  Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date:   January 2018
Content Rating:  G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
 
 
 
 

Click here to download a free copy of this and other great children’s books. 
 
Book Description:

Capers the Cat gets stuck in a tree, but is too vain to admit it. Can Fearless the Fire Duck and Harry the Hound rescue their friend?
 
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Book Details:

Book Title: Greedy the Crow: Finders Keepers – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category:  Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date:   October 2021
Content Rating:  G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Book Description:

Greedy the Crow’s greedy ways are going to get him in trouble! Will anybody help him?
 
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Amazon
add to goodreads
 


Book Details:

Book Title: Mimi the Mynah: It’s All Mine! – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category:  Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date:   November 2021
Content Rating:  G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Book Description:

Mimi knows two words – “me” and “mine.” When disaster strikes the Duck Pond, will she finally learn a new word? 
 
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Amazon
add to goodreads
 
Book Details:

Book Title: Bluster Blue Jay: Not My Fault! – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category:  Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date:   November 2021
Content Rating:  G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Book Description:

Bluster Blue Jay is not the easiest bird to be around. Nothing ever works for him, but it’s never HIS fault! When he joins Fearless and Grateful on their camping trip, can they be patient with him? And will he learn a lesson about accepting blame? Join them and find out!
 
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Amazon
 
Meet the Author:

Mother Melania is the Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. She grew up in a house that always had tons of children around, her poor parents had to read to her till they were hoarse, and from the moment she learned to read, she always had her nose in a book. So, it was only natural for her to grow up to write children’s books. In her books, she strives to teach virtue in a fun, non-preachy way.

connect with the author: Amazon 
 
Tour Schedule:

May 2 – Working Mommy Journal – books spotlight / giveaway
May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 3 – Splashes of Joy – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 4 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS / giveaway
May 4 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 5 – Fur Everywhere – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 6 – Bigreadersite – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 6 – Literary Flits – books spotlight / giveaway
May 10 – Baroness’ Book Trove – books spotlights / giveaway
May 10 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 10 – Reading is My Passion – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 10 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / guest post / giveaway
May 11 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 11 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / guest post / giveaway
May 11 – Kam’s Place – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 12 – Bookworm for Kid – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 12 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / author interview / giveaway
May 12 – @twilight_reader – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 13 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 13 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 16 – fundinmental – books spotlight / giveaway
May 16 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / guest post / giveaway
May 17 – Older & Smarter? – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 17 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS / giveaway
May 17 – Books for Books – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT!
May 18 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 18 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 19 – Triquetra Reviews – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / guest post / giveaway
May 19 – Ravenz Reviewz – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 20 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 20 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING

Enter the Giveaway:
 
FEARLESS AND FRIENDS Book Tour Giveaway
 
 

 
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Sherry’s Shelves 5.8 – 5.14.22

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Hi Everyone.

I have been working in the yard and messing around the house, decluttering. I am determined to shed some stuff. It is difficult to pick and choose what to let go. I know as soon as I get rid of something, somewhere down the line I’ll want it. Have you ever done that? Doesn’t matter though, gotta let it go.

Mr Wonderful has been working for The Pensacola Blue Wahoos all week and I am enjoying my alone time. Thanks to my brother in law, I am binging on Walking Dead. I know I am a bit behind the times, but he got me hooked. Gotta run. Got some zombies to kill. LOL

Stay safe and wear a mask..

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

COMING UP ON fundinmental

  • Sherry’s Shelves
  • Giveaway – Bear Witness by Lark O Jensen
  • Giveaway – Bluster Blue Jay by Mother Melania Salem
  • Giveaway – The Memory Keeper Of Kyiv by Erin Litteken
  • “The Mil” Is Haunted by Cailyn Lloyd
  • Giveaway – The Heart Knows by Toby Negus
  • Giveaway – Shadowed Horizons by Reily Garrett
  • Rescue Release Day Blitz
  • Review – Sara by Tony Hayden
  • Giveaway – Vindictive by Ryan Lawrence
  • Giveaway – Craved By A Wolf by Felicity Heaton
  • Review = Witch Weigh, Mine & Protecting The Dream
  • Giveaway = The Seraphim’s Song by Barbara Casey
  • Giveaway – Mermaid Of Paris by Jincey Lumpkin
  • A Twofer For Marc Layton
  • Giveaway – Finding Light In A Lost Year by Carin Fahr Shulusky
  • Review – The Graveyard Speaks by Hunter Shea
  • Tackling The TBR
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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Giveaway – Bear Witness by Lark O Jensen @dollycas

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Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery) by Lark O. Jensen

About Bear Witness


Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Alaska
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (May 10, 2022)
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643858963
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643858968
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CD3RWVD

Alaska tour boat guide Stacie Calder faces the deep freeze in this scenic cozy series debut perfect for fans of Paige Shelton.

No nine-to-five cubicle career will suit Stacie Calder—the naturalist much prefers working in the great outdoors. Specifically, the spacious and spectacular Alaskan wilderness, whose rugged charms she shares with sightseers on the top deck of the tour boat where she works. But one May afternoon, Stacie’s passengers see more than glittering glaciers, frolicking harbor seals, climbing bears and soaring seabirds…they also witness a man lying dead in the frigid Alaskan waters. And it seems likely that someone gave him a fatal push.

Stacie didn’t know the unfortunate victim, but he sure wanted to know a lot about her. He spent most of his final afternoon bombarding her with questions quite awkward to answer. And when he wasn’t in her hair, he was arguing incessantly with the boat’s beleaguered crew. Which makes for a suspect list about as long as the passenger manifest. Furthermore, as police helicopters relentlessly circle her boat in search of any clues, Stacie is shaken to find herself on that suspect list.

Before the tour boat reaches shore Stacie—accompanied by her beautiful blue-eyed husky, Sasha—must deduce just who sent the testy tourist tumbling into the turgid waters and have the authorities take custody. Because if she can’t, then the killer might aim a fatal ice-cold stare at Stacie.

About Lark O. Jensen

Lark O. Jensen is the pseudonym of Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer. Lark has written Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed mystery for Crooked Lane. Linda has written the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series and the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink and the Pet Rescue Mysteries and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and her stories often involve dogs.

Author Links

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Tackling The TBR 5.7 – 5.13.22

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I got the idea and the motivation to start doing Tackling The TBR from All The Book Blog Names Are Taken. It has helped me to keep track of my reading shelf as far as current events and I also started doing a post for Books From The Backlog, from Carole’s Random Life in Books, to tidy up my shelves. I feel better about my out of control TBR and have even knocked off a couple of those old ones that had been hanging around for years.

COME ON….JOIN IN.

Previous Total: 2129

Currently Reading

You can check out Little Ballerina by Jane Blythe on Goodreads.

Little Ballerina (Candella Sisters' Heroes, #3)
Protected in Darkness (In Darkness #2.5; Special Forces: Operation Alpha)

Books Read

Books Added

Click the cover to enter the Goodreads giveaway.

Cold Silence (Cold Justice, #16; Cold Justice: Most Wanted, #1)

The goodreads givaway is still going on HERE.

Bad Girls Drink Blood

Goodreads giveaway HERE.

Better Off Dead (Jack Reacher #26)

Goodreads giveaway HERE.

The Crush

Books DNF-ed: 0

Books Deleted: 0

Duplicates Removed: 0

New TBR Total: 2121

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!