Bunny Express Saturday 2019 (Nov 30)

Bunny Express Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.          

In this explosive thriller, a New York City-based book editor travels to a Southern island to meet a mysterious author -- but she's about to uncover the truth about a carefully concealed crime.

Maris Matherly-Reed is a renowned New York book editor, the daughter of a publisher and the wife of bestselling author Noah Reed. It's not often that an unsolicited submission tantalizes her, but a new manuscript with blockbuster potential inspires her to search for the elusive author.

On an obscure island off the Georgia coast, amid the ruins of an eerie cotton plantation, she finds Parker Evans, a man determined to conceal his identity as well as his past. Working with him chapter by chapter, Maris is riveted by his tale of two friends who charter a boat with a young woman for a night of revelry an excursion from which only one person returns.

As the story unfolds, Maris becomes convinced it is more than just fiction. Disturbed about her growing attraction to Parker and gripped by a chilling suspicion about his novel's characters, she searches for the hidden truth about a crime committed decades ago. Then someone close to her dies while an evil presence looms even closer: a man who will use anyone -- and anything -- to get what he wants.

A killer with all the skills of a master detective has made Alex Cross the subject of his deranged "investigation."

In a Virginia penitentiary, Alex Cross and his partner, John Sampson, witness the execution of a killer they helped convict. Hours later, they are called to the scene of a copycat crime. A note signed "M" rests on the corpse. "You messed up big time, Dr. Cross."

Was an innocent man just put to death? Alex soon realizes he may have much to answer for, as "M" lures the detective out of the capital to the sites of multiple homicides, all marked with distressingly familiar details -- details that conjure up decades-old cases. Details that conjure up Cross family secrets. Details that make clear that M is after a prize so dear that -- were the killer to attain it -- Alex's heart would no longer have reason to beat.

Top FBI profiler Grace Steele was just a girl when she escaped the Order of the New Dawn, and she's spent the last seventeen years trying to forget her time there. But when private security firm Steele Ops needs her help extracting a young woman from the secretive cult's clutches, she's all in. Even though the mission requires posing as the fiancée of the only man who's ever broken her heart.

It's been nine years since Cade Wright turned his back on his childhood sweetheart, and he's never stopped regretting it. Now that they're forced to work together, he knows this is his opportunity to show Grace how much he's changed. But the deeper they get pulled into New Dawn, the clearer it becomes that the demons still haunting Grace are very real, and Cade will have to risk everything to keep her safe including his own life.

Includes the bonus novel Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake!

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada!

Waiting on Wednesday

 

Please list the books/manga/manhwa/yaoi manga from your wishlist that you are hoping to add to your shelves in a comment, thanks.    

First in a new series set in Alaska from beloved author Paige Shelton, Thin Ice will chill your bones.

Beth Rivers is on the run – she’s doing the only thing she could think of to keep herself safe. Known to the world as thriller author Elizabeth Fairchild, she had become the subject of a fanatic’s obsession. After being held in a van for three days by her kidnapper, Levi Brooks, Beth managed to escape, and until he is captured, she's got to get away. Cold and remote, Alaska seems tailor-made for her to hideout.

Beth’s new home in Alaska is sparsely populated with people who all seem to be running or hiding from something, and though she accidentally booked a room at a halfway house, she feels safer than she’s felt since Levi took her. That is, until she’s told about a local death that’s a suspected murder. Could the death of Linda Rafferty have anything to do with her horror at the hands of Levi Brooks?

As Beth navigates her way through the wilds of her new home, her memories of her time in the van are coming back, replaying the terror and the fear―and threatening to keep her from healing, from reclaiming her old life again. Can she get back to normal, will she ever truly feel safe, and can she help solve the local mystery, if only so she doesn’t have to think about her own?

New Releases (Nov 26)

New Releases

#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward is heating things up this winter with a holiday novel featuring some of her most iconic Black Dagger Brothers.

When Trez lost his beloved to a tragic death (The Shadows, Black Dagger Brotherhood #13), his soul was crushed and his destiny seemed relegated to suffering. But when he meets a mysterious female, he becomes convinced his true love has been reincarnated. Is he right? Or has his grief created a disastrous delusion?

Therese has come to Caldwell to escape a rift with her bloodline. The revelation that she was adopted and not born into her family shakes the foundations of her identity, and she is determined to make it on her own. Her attraction to Trez is not what she’s looking for, except the sexy Shadow proves to be undeniable.

Has fate provided a grieving widower with a second chance...or is Trez too blinded by the past to see the present for what it really is? In this sensual, arresting book full of the themes of redemption and self-discovery, two lost souls find themselves at a crossroads where the heart is the only compass that can be trusted but that may require a courage that neither of them possesses.

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Year One and Of Blood and Bone concludes her stunning new trilogy praised as “A match for end-of-the-world classics like Stephen King’s The Stand.”

After the sickness known as the Doom destroyed civilization, magick has become commonplace, and Fallon Swift has spent her young years learning its ways. Fallon cannot live in peace until she frees those who have been preyed upon by the government or the fanatical Purity Warriors, endlessly hunted or locked up in laboratories, brutalized for years on end. She is determined to save even those who have been complicit with this evil out of fear or weakness ― if, indeed, they can be saved.

Strengthened by the bond she shares with her fellow warrior, Duncan, Fallon has already succeeded in rescuing countless shifters and elves and ordinary humans. Now she must help them heal ― and rediscover the light and faith within themselves. For although from the time of her birth, she has been The One, she is still only one. And as she faces down an old nemesis, sets her sights on the enemy’s stronghold, and pursues her destiny ― to finally restore the mystical shield that once protected them all ― she will need an army behind her.

Top FBI profiler Grace Steele was just a girl when she escaped the Order of the New Dawn, and she's spent the last seventeen years trying to forget her time there. But when private security firm Steele Ops needs her help extracting a young woman from the secretive cult's clutches, she's all in. Even though the mission requires posing as the fiancée of the only man who's ever broken her heart.

It's been nine years since Cade Wright turned his back on his childhood sweetheart, and he's never stopped regretting it. Now that they're forced to work together, he knows this is his opportunity to show Grace how much he's changed. But the deeper they get pulled into New Dawn, the clearer it becomes that the demons still haunting Grace are very real, and Cade will have to risk everything to keep her safe including his own life.

Includes the bonus novel Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake!

Weekly Book Reads (Nov 25)

Weekly Book Reads

Weekly Book Reads is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews:

Post the books read last week and books you plan on finishing this week.

Read Last Week:

1. Hounds of the Basket Stitch - Anne Canadeo

Weekly Book Reading:

1. Strangers She Knows - Christina Dodd
2. Word to the Wise - Jenn McKinlay

Nancy Lynn Jarvis's Cozy Food Blog Tour with a Spotlight and Giveaway

I am so excited to have Nancy Lynn Jarvis here at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight and Giveaway.

Thanks Nancy and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for allowing me to join your Cozy Food Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Nancy!

Cozy Food: 128 Cozy Mystery Writers Share Their Favorite Recipes
Cozy Cookbook
Good Read Mysteries (May 15, 2014)
Number of Pages: 241 (167 of recipes, 70 of contributor bios and books)
ISBN-10: 0983589178
ISBN-13: 978-0983589174
Kindle ASIN: B00KGZSEQ6



What happens when 128 cozy mystery writers get together to do a cookbook? You get more than 220 recipes that are as varied and interesting as an amateur sleuth’s day job.

Regional recipes come from every part of the United States and England — a couple find their way from Australia and Italy, too — and from diverse times. There are recipes from people looking to keep gluten out of their lives, eat vegetarian, or make a treat or two for their furry four-legged friends. And yes, there are recipes that appeal to the sweet tooth, lots of them, in fact.

There’s no mystery about what happens when cozy writers get together. They bring the wit, inventiveness, and adventure found in their books right along with their recipes.

The recipes are introduced by their authors and linked to the writer bios in the back of the book.
You can look up your favorite cozy writer and see which recipes are their favorites; they’ll tell you what the recipe means to them. Or you can enjoy a dish and then link to the recipe’s author’s biography and books.

Either way you enjoy the cookbook, you’re sure to find great new recipes to make and terrific new cozy authors to read.

Contributing Authors: Sparkle Abbey, Ellery Adams, (aka J. B. Stanley, Jennifer Stanley) Judy Alter, Marian Allen, Ritter Ames, Donna Andrews, Traci Andrighetti, Amy Beth Arkawy, Mignon F. Ballard, Sandra Balzo, JoAnn Bassett, Cynthia Baxter, (aka Cynthia Blair) Jenna Bennett, (aka Jennie Bentley) Sally Berneathy, (aka Sally Carleen, Sally Steward, Sara Garrett) Maggie Bishop, Cindy Blackburn, Juliet Blackwell, Susan Furlong Bollinger, Sheila Webster Boneham, Laura Bradford, Frances Brody, Duffy Brown, Joyce Ann Brown, Mollie Bryan, B.B. Cantwell, Laurie Cass, (aka Laura Alden) Nancy J. Cohen, Shelley Costa, Judith Cutler, Rebecca (aka R.P.) Dahlke, Kathi Daley, Kathleen Delaney, Diana Dempsey, Pamela Frost Dennis, Lesley A. Diehl, Leighann Dobbs, Vicki Doudera, Pamela DuMond, Carola Dunn, Jean Erhardt, Chloe Evans, Monica Ferris, (aka Margaret Frazer, Mary Monica Pulver, Mary Kuhfeld) Judy Fitzwater, Chris Forman, Kaye George, Sally Goldenbaum, Barbara Graham, Sarah Graves, Carolyn Haines, (aka R.B. Chesterton) Vinnie Hansen, Traci Hilton, Sibel Hodge, Valerie Horowitz, Mary Ellen Hughes, Linda Joffe Hull, Ellen Elizabeth Hunter, Dawn Greenfield Ireland, Melanie Jackson, Holly Jacobs, Miranda James, (aka Dean James) Nancy Lynn Jarvis, Heather Justesen, Pamela Kelley, E.E. Kennedy, Mary Kennedy, Josi S. Kilpack, Kelly Klepfer, (aka Michelle Griep, Ellie Marks) Barbara Lee Cool, Marilyn Levinson, Liz Lipperman, Gail Lukasik, Elaine Macko, Sylvia Massara, Sonja Massie, (aka G.A. McKevett) Edith Maxwell, (aka Tace Baker) Lorena McCourtney, Marja McGraw, Eileen Haavik McIntire, Staci McLaughlin, Catriona McPherson, Camille Minichino, (aka Margaret Grace, Ada Madison) Marie Moore, Ruth Moose, Amy Myers, Tamar Myers, Christa Nardi, Radine Trees Nehring, Kerri Nelson, Clare O’Donohue, Diana Orgain, Joyce Oroz, Elaine L. Orr, Helen Osterman, Gail Oust, K.B. Owen, Sharon Pape, Nancy J. Parra, (aka Nancy J. Coco) Allison Cesario Paton, Joanne Pence, Maggie Pill, Ann Purser, Melissa Bourbon Ramirez, (aka Melissa Bourbon) Nanci Rathbun, Rosalee Richland, Becky Lyn Rickman, Karen Robbins, Carolyn J. Rose, Pamela Rose, Cindy Sample, June Shaw, Connie Shelton, Clea Simon, Joanna Campbell Slan, Karen Rose Smith, Lane Stone, Maria Grazia Swan, Denise Swanson, Marcia Talley, Nancy Jill Thames, Sharon Burch Toner, Elaine Viets, Lea Wait, Wendy Lyn Watson, (aka Annie Knox) Christine Wenger, Gayle Wigglesworth, Lois Winston, Joan H. Young, Suzanne Young

About Editor Nancy Lynn Jarvis

Nancy Lynn Jarvis was a Santa Cruz, California, Realtor® for more than twenty years before she fell in love with writing and let her license lapse.

After earning a BA in behavioral science from San Jose State University, she worked in the advertising department of the San Jose Mercury News. A move to Santa Cruz meant a new job as a librarian and later a stint as the business manager for Shakespeare/Santa Cruz at UCSC.

Nancy’s work history reflects her philosophy: people should try something radically different every few years, a philosophy she applies to her writing, as well. She has written seven Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries; a stand-alone novel “Mags and the AARP Gang” about a group of octogenarian bank robbers; edited “Cozy Food: 128 Cozy Mystery Writers Share Their Favorite Recipes” and a short story anthology, “Santa Cruz Weird;” and even done a little insider’s book, “The Truth About Hosting Airbnb” about her first year as a host.

Her newest venture is “The Glass House” is the first book in a planned series of PIP Inc. Mysteries. Now she’s trying to figure out when to work on another series she’d love to do called “Geezers with Tools” about two older handymen who will solve mysteries in the course of doing their work, and setting up writer retreats at her house.

Editor Links

Website – https://www.nancylynnjarvis.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2918242.Nancy_Lynn_Jarvis

Purchase – Amazon – Kindle – Amazon Paperback

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792966

Please follow the rest of the tour here, thanks:

https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/books-currently-on-tour/cozy-food-128-cozy-mystery-writers-share-their-favorite-recipes-by-nancy-lynn-jarvis

 

Nancy J. Cohen's A Bad Hair Day Cookbook Blog Tour with a Spotlight, Giveaway and Guest Post

 

I am so excited to have Nancy J. Cohen here at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight, Giveaway and Guest Post.

Thanks Nancy and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for allowing me to join your A Bad Hair Day Cookbook Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Nancy!

Cooking Can Be Dangerous by Nancy J. Cohen

Choose your weapon — metal kabob skewers, chef’s knife, cast iron skillet, or rolling pin? A climactic scene in a kitchen is appropriate for a cozy mystery novel featuring an amateur sleuth. Imagine the killer brandishing a butcher knife while the heroine grabs a skillet to defend herself. What scarier place for a confrontation exists than at home where you feel safe? It’s especially frightening in the kitchen, where we prepare food to please our family and friends. We don’t expect a violation of our space while going about our daily routine.

And yet, how many times do you read in the newspapers about a domestic incident that turned violent? Maybe the abusive husband didn’t like the way his peas were cooked. Or the cowed woman had suffered enough, and she grabbed the meat fork from a kitchen drawer. A house is full of dangerous objects, many of which can be found in the kitchen.

Next time you go to cook a meal, take a look around and picture what you could use if you had to defend yourself. Don’t forget boiling water or acidic liquids that you can toss into an assailant’s eyes. But do forget reality, because cozy mysteries contain an element of fantasy. The heroine always escapes. The killer is always caught. This may not happen in real life, but it does happen in the pages of our books.

And hey, you could always toss a cookbook at the bad guy’s head.

The only dangerous tale in my new release, A Bad Hair Day Cookbook, is from one of the excerpts included. Hairstylist sleuth Marla Vail is working in the kitchen. She gives her husband a task to perform. Here’s what happens:

Speaking of challenges, she gave Dalton one in the kitchen that afternoon. He’d come home from work with the acorn squashes she’d requested. Occupied with retrieving serving platters, Marla asked him to stick a squash in the microwave for five minutes. Once softened, she could slice it and save the baking part for later.

She’d lined up her serving dishes and was drying dishes by the sink when a loud popping noise sounded from behind. She whipped around just as the microwave door burst open. With a shriek, she leapt back. That thing might have cracked her on the head if she’d stood in front of it.

Regaining her equilibrium, she dropped her dish towel and went over to cancel the programming. Oh no. Dalton had timed it for fifteen minutes, not five minutes as requested! Her pulse still raced as she regarded the mangled mess inside the oven. Steam billowed from the interior.

“You should have pricked the skin if you put it in for that long,” she admonished Dalton, who’d rushed over from his perch in front of the TV. He gaped at the microwave unit, his astonished expression diminishing her annoyance.

“What do you mean?”

“I told you to put it in for five minutes, not fifteen. Pricking the skin lets air escape so the squash doesn’t explode. It’s a good thing we have more of them to cook.”

His forehead creased. “Thank goodness you weren’t hurt. That’s all that matters.”

Brianna wandered into the room. “What did you do, Dad?”

He pointed to his chest. “Hey, why does everybody blame me? How am I supposed to know about these things? If you want it done right, do it yourself.”

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

Ingredients

2 Acorn Squash
Olive Oil
Paprika, Oregano, Parsley, Garlic Powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook acorn squash in microwave on high for a few minutes until somewhat soft. Place the squash on a cutting board and slice it in half length-wise. Remove the seeds. Lay the half pieces cut-side-down on the board and slice into ¼ inch length-wise slices or along ridges.

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a greased aluminum-foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each squash piece and sprinkle with spices. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until slices are fork-tender. Serves 4.

A Bad Hair Day Cookbook: Recipes from Nancy J. Cohen’s Cozy Mystery Series
Cozy Cookbook
Orange Grove Press (November 19, 2019)
Paperback: 324 pages
ISBN-10: 099979325X
ISBN-13: 978-0999793251
Digital ASIN: B07XSH6C7B


 


A BAD HAIR DAY COOKBOOK: Recipes from Nancy J. Cohen’s Cozy Mystery Series

Are you having a bad hair day? Whip out your whisk, snatch up your spoon, and prepare your palate. Inside the pages of this cookbook are recipes that will bring you good cheer.

Enjoy 160+ tasty recipes from Nancy J. Cohen’s popular Bad Hair Day cozy mystery series. Included in this cookbook are excerpts, cooking tips, and anecdotes written by hairstylist and savvy sleuth Marla Vail. From appetizers to desserts, Marla offers cooking tips and tricks along with commentary about the dishes she prepares for her family. Whether you’re a skilled cook or an eager novice, this cookbook will unravel the mystery of cooking. Put on your apron and plan to make some killer recipes!

Bonuses Include: 

Meet the Sleuth
Introduction by Marla Vail
Cooking Tips
Excerpts from Series Titles
Themed Menu Suggestions
“A Sabbath Dinner” by Nancy’s Mother

For Home Cooks, Food Lovers, Mystery Fans and Cookbook Collectors

BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Hair-Day-Cookbook-Recipes-ebook/dp/B07XSH6C7B/

Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Hair-Day-Cookbook-Recipes/dp/099979325X/

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-bad-hair-day-cookbook/id1479889058

Nook: https://bit.ly/2kvrySl

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-bad-hair-day-cookbook

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/ABadHairDayCookbook

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-bad-hair-day-cookbook-recipes-from-nancy-j-cohen-s-cozy-mystery-series-by-nancy-j-cohen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48136773-a-bad-hair-day-cookbook

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won a Readers' Favorite gold medal, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Nancy’s instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery, was nominated for an Agatha Award and won a gold medal at the President’s Book Awards from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys cooking, fine dining, cruising, visiting Disney World, and shopping.

Website: https://nancyjcohen.com

Blog: https://nancyjcohen.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyJCohenAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nancyjcohen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyjcohen

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-j-cohen

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nancyjcohen

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/njcohen/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/nancyjcohen

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/59c47e2844 

Please follow the rest of the tour here, thanks:

https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/books-currently-on-tour/a-bad-hair-day-cookbook-recipes-from-nancy-j-cohens-cozy-mystery-series-by-nancy-j-cohen

 

Kirsten Weiss's Fate Blog Tour with a Spotlight and Giveaway

 

I am so excited to have Kirsten Weiss here at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight and Giveaway.

Thanks Kirsten and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for allowing me to join your Fate Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Kirsten!



 

Fate: A Doyle Witch Cozy Mystery (The Witches of Doyle)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
misterio press (November 15, 2019)
Number of Pages – 250
ASIN: B07XF27R72



Something wicked this way comes…

Witch Jayce Bonheim has spent the last four months waiting for a horde of dark magicians to come to town.

Now, they’ve arrived.

And they’re bigger and badder than this ex-party girl could have imagined, wreaking havoc wherever they go.

When a murder rocks her small town, Jayce must stop the chaos. Battling her way through dark spells and past regrets, this Doyle witch struggles to divine her true friends…

…and her shadowy enemies.

But can she stop a murderer and prevent the opening of a portal that will transform their world forever?

Start reading Fate, book 6 in The Witches of Doyle cozy mystery novels.

This novel is a full-length, witch cozy mystery featuring true-to-life spells in the back of the book, a trio of witchy sisters, and a dash of romance. Though Fate can be read as a standalone, it’s best read in series order. It’s rated PG-13 due to mild language and some romance.

About Kirsten Weiss

Kirsten Weiss has never met a dessert she didn’t like, and her guilty pleasures are watching Ghost Whisperer re-runs and drinking red wine. The latter gives her heartburn, but she drinks it anyway.

Now based in Colorado Springs, CO, she writes genre-blending cozy mystery, supernatural and steampunk suspense, mixing her experiences and imagination to create vivid worlds of fun and enchantment.

If you like funny cozy mysteries, check out her Pie Town, Tea and Tarot, Paranormal Museum and Wits’ End books. If you’re looking for some magic with your mystery, give the Witches of Doyle, Riga Hayworth, and Rocky Bridges books a try. And if you like steampunk, the Sensibility Grey series might be for you.

Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com

Author Links

Twitter: @KirstenWeiss

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kirsten.weiss/

Instagram: @KirstenWeissAuthor

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/kirsten-weiss

Book Series: Sensibility Grey Steampunk Suspense, Tea and Tarot cozy mysteries, the Pie Town cozy mysteries, the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum cozy mysteries, the Doyle Witch and Doyle Cozy mystery novels, the Riga Hayworth paranormal mysteries.

Purchase Links – Amazon – B and N – Kobo

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792959

Please follow the rest of the tour here, thanks:

https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/books-currently-on-tour/fate-a-doyle-witch-cozy-mystery-the-witches-of-doyle-by-kirsten-weiss

Weekly Book Reads (Nov 18)

Weekly Book Reads

Weekly Book Reads is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews:

Post the books read last week and books you plan on finishing this week.

Read Last Week:

1.  Christmas Cocoa Murder - Carlene O'Connor
2.  Peach Clobbered - Anna Gerard

Weekly Book Reading:

1.  Hounds of the Basket Stitch - Anne Canadeo
2.  Word to the Wise - Jenn McKinlay

Library Haul 2019 (Nov 17 - 23)

Library Haul

Here's the list of books/manga/manhwa/yaoi manga I picked up this week at the library:

Hardcover:

1.  Strangers She Knows - Christina Dodd
2.  Word to the Wise - Jenn McKinlay

Bunny Express Saturday 2019 (Nov 16)

Bunny Express Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.         

James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies -- and now he's bringing those thrills to a new generation! Alex's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery?

Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?

When Ali's best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood --- and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy --- especially when your father warns you not to get involved! --- and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Abraham's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

 

Imagine dating the internet's boyfriend in this illustrated homage to the always charming and often enigmatic Keanu Reeves. This full-color hardcover contains biographical information as well as illustrated quotes straight from the unicorn-of-a-man himself.

Keanu Reeves insists he's "just a normal guy" despite being one of the most recognizable (and most excellent) faces in Hollywood. Apparently, Keanu's humility knows no bounds -- just like our love for him. After all, the Keanusance didn't just come out of nowhere. He's had an epic four-decade-long acting career that includes the heart-stopping John Wick, the heart-melting Always Be My Maybe, and the heart-pounding The Matrix. His generosity and kindness are legendary, and he remains an enigmatic mystery we're dying to solve. And how could we forget, he's the Sexiest Man Alive!

Part biography and part dreamlike narrative, this vibrant book imagines what it would be like if the internet's boyfriend were YOUR boyfriend. Get to know your man even better through stunning hand-lettered quotes including gems like: "I don't get out much" and "Life is good when you have a good sandwich." If Keanu Were Your Boyfriend is the perfect celebration of the man, the myth, the whoa: Keanu Reeves.

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada!

Library Haul 2019 (Nov 10 - 16)

Library Haul

Here's the list of books/manga/manhwa/yaoi manga I picked up this week at the library:

Hardcover:

1.  Hounds of the Basket Stitch - Anne Canadeo

Theresa Piasta's Raising A Doodle Blog Tour with a Spotlight, Guest Post and Q and A

 

I am so excited to have Theresa Piasta here at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight and Q and A.

Thanks Theresa and PR by the Books for allowing me to join your Raising A Doodle Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Theresa!

100+ Uplifting Stories (and Photos!) of Lovable Dogs Who Are Changing Lives

How a service dog named Waffles inspired an Iraq War Veteran to build a tech start-up

and lifestyle brand for dog moms that is creating a more dog-friendly world

Website: https://puppymama.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puppy.mama/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/PuppyMamaCommunity

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PuppyMamaDotCom

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FazcblX-9NA&t=6s

App: https://app.puppymama.com/auth

Raising a Doodle: Heartwarming Stories from Dog Parents Around the World

Doodles, crossbreeds that are part poodle, have exploded in popularity in the last 5 years. The tag #doodlesofinstagram has over 4 million posts. One specific breed of these living teddy bears, #goldendoodle has 5.3 million pictures. At the heart of ‘Doodlemania’ are dog mom communities who come together to share the joy of their fluffy companions at dog parks, ‘doodle romps’, yappy hours, and even workplace events. Celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres, Bradley Cooper, Usher, Blake Lively, Rihanna are all doodle parents.

According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert in canine psychology, poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, second only to border collies. They also shed less and are known for being a better breed option for people with allergies. From Aussiedoodles to Whoodles, there are more than 75 different breed combinations – each with their own lovable traits.

In Puppy Mama’s first book Raising a Doodle, readers find dog expert interviews from specialists in canine therapy, grooming, veterinary, and training fields, along with practical tips, tricks, how-tos, and advice. But most important are the 100+ stories (and adorable full color photos) from this community of doodle moms. Many stories are adorably entertaining. Others are heartwarming examples of how these dogs have changed lives for the better – helping their owners through serious physical and mental illness with their furry heroism.

As an Iraq War Veteran, author and Puppy Mama Founder Theresa Piasta is also passionate about helping military veterans. 5% of the net proceeds from this book will be donated to help Canine Companions train service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Raising a Doodle shares practical tips and tricks about:

● How to survive crate and potty training

● Speaking your pup’s language: How do I know what my puppy is trying to tell me?

● Is your pup socialized and well-behaved enough to bring him/her out and about?

● 20 toxic and unhealthy foods that your pup should never eat

● Advice to keep your dog happy and healthy

● Socialization and training tips for older dogs

About the Author

Before founding Puppy Mama, Theresa Piasta served in the U.S. Army as a Captain and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for her leadership in Iraq during her fourteen-month deployment from 2008-2009.

After leaving the military in the aftermath of the financial crisis, Theresa transitioned to a Wall Street Sales and Trading career, spending six total years at two Wall Street banks (later becoming a vice president at J.P. Morgan) – compounding the stress she had experienced in the military. For years, Theresa struggled with pain and suffering that was later diagnosed as PTSD. In time, Theresa turned her attention to her health, which included a new puppy named Waffles, whom she calls “a 13-pound ball of fluffy puppy happiness.” Having Waffles in her life inspired Theresa to take on a project that has grown into a tech start-up and lifestyle brand. Puppy Mama is a platform leveraging technology to deliver community and convenience to dog moms around the world so that they may live a more connected and joyful dog-friendly lifestyle.

Since Theresa shared her story, over a thousand women have submitted their own stories to Puppy Mama about how their dogs are healing them and bringing joy to their lives. These stories are the foundation for the Puppy Mama book series. Theresa wrote Puppy Mama’s first book, Raising a Doodle, with her long time friend and Wellesley College classmate Audrey Courchesne, a writer who’s built a career in publishing, marketing, and communications after receiving an English degree from Wellesley. Audrey shares Theresa’s passion for supporting women and creating community and has loved connecting with doodle moms from around the world to help tell their stories.

Theresa’s latest passion project is Pups for Veterans. Ever since Theresa discovered the power of canine therapy through her pup Waffles, she became eager to help match other female veterans with service dogs to help them heal. Pups for Veterans brings awareness to the female veteran health crisis, and recommends scaling canine therapy from trained service dogs as a proven impactful solution.

Discussion Topics

● The suicide rate for female veterans has soared 85% in recent years. Theresa explains the overwhelming need for canine therapy and why “Pups for Veterans” is crucial and how others can get involved

● The healing power of canine therapy: true stories from real women with photos of these special heroes and their moms

● The book inspires the dog-friendly lifestyle that dog moms want

● The rising trends of the ‘humanization of pets’, and the various humanlike characteristics of poodle-mix breeds

● The most shocking or heartwarming stories in Theresa’s book and community

● Tips on photographing your pup and why Instagram is filled with women with their pups

● Navigating the holidays with your doodle: tips for boarding, traveling, meeting new family

Book specs:

SparkPress
Pub date: November 4, 2019
Print ISBN: 978-1-68463-020-2
$34.95
E-book ISBN: 978-1-68463-021-9
$12.95

Guest Post

Women Unite Through Puppy Love

Dogs facilitate positive interactions with other people.

While on my own healing journey, I personally experienced how powerful these positive interactions were for my own healthy recovery and overall well-being. At a time when I felt “alone” and not understood, Waffles changed all of that. While with Waffles, every interaction we had (and continue to have) together with other people was (and remains) positive and joyful, and she became my connection back to community.

In time, I learned how impactful building a positive community could be for others. She inspired me to build a community of women who love their dogs like family–a safe and supportive place for other women coping with pain to share their stories, a place where they were heard, understood and welcomed.

The women in the Puppy Mama community understand how special the dog-parent bond is, and how a furry best friend can brighten your home and community. They share amazing stories, post beautiful pictures of their adorable pups, and connect with each other in person and over social media. For many women, sharing their experiences online has led to friendships with other dog moms offline.

Dogs help their moms in so many ways. Women share that they are happier and more fulfilled with their pups in their lives. Many have expressed that their pups fill voids in their hearts that they did not even know were there in the first place. Their pups get them out to exercise and to meet and connect with new people, and help them to focus on the present. Even during bad days, pups help women to forget their troubles with their playful antics: from showering them with kisses to looking like they found heaven in an exciting new stick. Coming home to a furry best friend is never lonely, with a ball of fluff running at you with so much love and excitement because you finally made it back home to them.

At a time when social media has been used to foster negativity and divisiveness – our loving and compassionate community has proven that it doesn’t have to be. This medium can be used to spread joy and build positive interactions with other people.

And that’s why I love the Puppy Mama community; our members spread joy and acceptance to one another; and the way they interact with one another is absolutely beautiful.

TOP 22 ways doodles are acting more and more like humans.

They give the BEST hugs!


https://www.instagram.com/p/BsJlSy7g2Zu/


They smile:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BppaUn1Ae8x/


They go on road trips with their friends

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvCMpKmgNyH/



They go to happy hours (AKA "yappy hours"):

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmTNucogvgH/


They wear snow booties and hit the slopes:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtEGMwJgpft/


They dress up in jammies:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3-tfwgmYP/


They love to snuggle in bed:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoMTQzxAY4h/


They love to brunch!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsmBq8IA7LE/



They love kisses!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq2UfVsABwt/


They dance at weddings:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdTtiTggGa/


They go to the ball park:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnXdTl3gS2W/


They love to go on adventures

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqSRs5ZAPOf/


They bundle up

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHi8NWA0Aj/


They enjoy going to cafes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRwoQhgCLw/


They make amazing eye contact

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRwoQhgCLw/


They love water sports

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRwoQhgCLw/


They celebrate their birthdays

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2OuGaAgwv/


They go to holiday parties:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrSmlrPAqnI/

They have human siblings

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiLA-39gIzK/

They attend meet-ups called "Doodle Romps":

https://www.instagram.com/p/BidHM7oAdMQ/

They give high fives!

They go to the office:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhbp1e0gf1W/


“Raising a Doodle: Heartwarming Stories from Dog Parents Around the World"


Amazon

Target

Walmart

Barnes  and Noble

Puppy Mama

Q/A

Where did you grow up /live now?

– Born and raised: Santa Rosa, CA

– Live Now: San Francisco, CA


As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

– a lawyer


What is your education/career background?

– Stanford GSB Ignite 2016

–Wellesley College, B.A. in economics 2006

– MIT: Military Science and ROTC scholarship recipient


Do you have kids and/or pets?

– 6 month old son: Colin


– Dog: Cavapoo Waffles (50% king charles cavalier, 50% toy poodle)


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write?

I was compelled to share my story 3 years ago to encourage others to share; since sharing my story on Veterans Day, we (at Puppy Mama) have received about 1000 heartfelt stories from women around the world how their dogs help inspire and heal them. I became eager to “bottle up” these joyful and powerful stories into books.


From the more than 1000 submitted stories how dogs are helping heal and inspire women around the world, we've discovered that each dog breed has a unique story to share. The first book in the Puppy Mama series focuses on poodle-mix breeds, and how they are taking over Instagram ("by storm") and bringing joy and laughter to families and communities around the world.


With the help of my Wellesley College classmate Audrey Courchesne, we worked hard to churn hundreds of story and photo submissions into Raising a Doodle: Heartwarming Stories from Dog Parents Around the World. 5% of the net proceeds of the book will be donated to help train service dogs for military veterans in need.


Canine therapy stories: Hundreds of the stories that have been submitted to Puppy Mama center around how their dog has helped them cope emotionally (this content is fueling our book series). A sample of these stories:


In book: Infertility + Depression

Share: Traumatic Pedestrian Accident Recovery, including PTSD

In book: Chronic Pain relief story

Crohn’s disease + depression


What was your inspiration for launching Puppy Mama?


Before Puppy Mama, I thought I was a “hard ass” living an intense life  —  from collegiate soccer, to 4 years active duty in the Army and a 14-month deployment to Iraq War, to Wall Street sales and trading life. Eventually, the high stress of those environments caught up to me. It crept up on me through anxiety, horrible migraines and depression. I was ultimately diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”).

But, summer 2015 is when I met an angel who along with my husband helped me survive the most painful year of my life. Waffles, a 13-pound ball of fluffy puppy happiness, was there every moment to help me get through significant suffering and sadness. She comforted me when I needed it most, and never failed to put a smile on my face. Her love is contagious — she spreads laughter and happiness to everyone she meets. To this day, she continues to remind me daily to embrace life and search for love and joy.

Throughout the first year raising Waffles, I discovered that I wasn’t alone in the love that I felt for her —  that there were other women who were as passionate about their dogs as I was, who wanted to include their dogs in their daily lives. I also learned that canine therapy is very helpful for many illnesses  —  including PTSD.


Knowing how much canine therapy helped me, and learning how much it can help with other issues as well, I was inspired to create a community of women who provide positivity and advocate for others, whose lives have been changed by their dogs. From women dealing with heavily stigmatized illnesses such as anxiety and depression to women who have found joy in their pup, I wanted to empower women to live their best lives, and advocate for canine therapy for those in need.

Today, Puppy Mama is leveraging technology to deliver community and convenience to dog moms around the world so that they may live a more connected and joyful dog-friendly lifestyle. Together, the Puppy Mama community is advocating for a more dog-friendly world and for the healing power of canine therapy.


What do you consider Puppy Mama’s greatest business achievement so far?

Due to Puppy Mama’s focus on two emerging trends (1) the humanization of pets, and (2) the explosive growth of mass affluent dog moms, Puppy Mama was selected as a Spotlight Finalist at Pets and Money 2018 conference and featured in Forbes article: The Biggest Trends of The Pet Industry.


What do you consider Puppy Mama’s greatest impact so far?

Many have shared their mental health and illness stories for the first time on our platform; and women who are experiencing pain and suffering have told us how thrilled they were to find a platform that offers a safe place to discuss their battles to overcome various hardships, including PTSD, depression and anxiety. Puppy Mama is a movement to end mental health stigmas and we have created this safe and trusted place for women to share  —  I am incredibly proud of this.

One strong memory: a year ago, I teared up immediately after reading the heartfelt story we received from a Canadian woman, who was fighting through a lot of pain (including PTSD, anxiety and depression) after she was hit by a car as a pedestrian crossing the street  —  and ultimately found healing, comfort and strength from a dog she rescued from a shelter after the accident. When we shared her story as our “top story,” she immediately reshared the article to her family and friends on Facebook with a beautiful note how our platform helped her share her healing journey story — witnessing the consequential outpouring of love and support her family and friends gave to her, warmed my heart so much.

And, this is only one of the hundreds of healing stories that we’ve received and shared. When we ask women to share how their dogs help them, I’m so touched how they share such personal vulnerable stories. Their stories have become “love” letters to their furry best friends who’ve helped them cope with loss, tragedy and suffering. These stories have fueled my passion to keep this loving community growing, and are the foundation of our book series.


Why do you think Waffles has been so instrumental in your healing?

After numerous years struggling to overcome a painful illness incurred during my military service, I met Waffles, an angel who helped me survive the most difficult year of my life. Despite all of the obstacles I have had to overcome throughout the years, battling PTSD was my Everest.

Waffles, a 13-pound ball of fluffy puppy happiness, was there every moment to help me get through significant pain. She comforted me when I needed it most, and never failed to put a smile on my face. Her love is contagious – she spreads laughter and happiness to anyone she meets. And, she reminded me every day to embrace life and search for love and joy.

She also helped me to focus on the present and realize that we were "in it" together as a team–she curled up next to me when I was in pain and forced me to get fresh air and exercise on days I wanted to stay indoors. And, she brought out the loving side in me that I feel had been missing for years... I started to connect with new people in a positive way – all because of her. (I now call this the "Waffles introduction")

The unconditional love and companionship gifted to me from my angel Waffles became not only a powerful form of healing, but also became my connection back to community. While with Waffles, every interaction we have had together with other people was (and remains) positive and joyful, and learned how powerful building a positive community could be for others. She inspired me to start the Puppy Mama loving and compassionate community, and a safe and supportive place for other women coping with pain to share their stories–a place where they were heard, understood and welcomed.

And, being Waffles's mama, I've also learned many of the unique traits of poodle-mix breeds. So every time another doodle mama shared a similar silly anecdote, trait, mannerism, and/or story, how their doodle was helping her health and/or relationship (out of the 1000+ submitted stories), I knew that this breed (and all breeds) have a unique story to share. We started to work on Raising a Doodle first – with the goal to share the stories of other breeds as well in future books.


What is a memorable example of a specific time Waffles helped you through a difficult time?

Waffles always knows when I am not feeling well; she will rush right over to me, look at me with empathetic eyes, lick my leg to help me think positively and then curl right up next to me. These acts of pure unconditional love became a routine. From battling PTSD to navigating experiences with my recent pregnancy–Waffles has been there for me through everything during the past 4 years. I am forever grateful for her and our special bond.


When you are struggling to write/have writer’s block, what are some ways that help you find your creative muse again?

Coffee!


And...

I am so appreciative to the Puppy Mama community for all of their heartfelt story submissions. So many of their stories help me think about what topics to focus on next.

And, as the Founder of Puppy Mama, there are many other aspects of the business that need tending to. Finding the balance to move writing projects forward, while also running a business has its challenges. I have found that it is important for me to set aside time to focus on writing/designing the book.


What do you think makes a good story?

Stories of healing from canine therapy:

Dogs make people happy and bring us together in a positive way...add a powerful healing story, the “happiness level” skyrockets.


How does a new story idea come to you?

We’ve received over 1000 stories from dog parents around the world – these stories are fueling my passion to cover new topics that would help dog parents train, raise and take care of a furry best friend–as well as spread the word how much dogs can help people cope and/or heal in a variety of ways.

And, through raising Waffles, I’ve personally have been working hard to take good care of her, and in time, have learned various opportunities to help other dog parents navigate obstacles caring for their pups, as well.

Is there a message/theme in your book that you want readers to grasp?

● Dogs are family

● Dogs can help people cope with pain, tragedy, mental illness and loss

● Dogs bring us together

● How to properly train, raise and care for a dog

● How to build a lifelong bond with a furry best friend

● Poodle-mix breeds are bringing the world tremendous joy

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

My goal was to create a book that brought the Instagram (photo + text sharing) to life.

Creating a beautiful layout for a photo book with the ~1000 submitted photos was challenging. From matching the photos to the text, to matching photo moods in each layout, to visual challenges after converting photos from RGB to CMYK, I learned so much throughout this book design journey that will help us with our future books.


What was your greatest challenge in writing this book?

The peak of the milestone-related due dates for this book (design and print) were during my last month of pregnancy, and my son arrived 2.5 weeks earlier than expected! I am so grateful to my husband and mother for helping me so much take care of our newborn son, especially during the first week after he was born, to help me have the space I needed to work on getting this project closer to the finish line.


When they say “It Takes a Village” – it most certainly does! Taking care of babies and dogs can be a team effort.

In Raising a Doodle, we discuss how raising a puppy “takes a village,” as well.


On a Friday night, what are you most likely to be doing?

Like other parents, work and raising a family keep our calendars full, and as an entrepreneur, I often found myself working through Friday nights and throughout the weekends.

After our son was born, my husband and I’ve learned how important it is to make the time to spend 1x1 time with one another. This has become so important to us, that we’ve maintained a calendar block on our calendars to ensure that we schedule a sitter in advance–holding us accountable to make the night happen.

We are so grateful for this ability to take a couple of hours out of the apartment 1x1 and I realize that not every couple has the capability to do so. For those who can, I highly recommend scheduling a sitter and/or ask a family member to help so you and your partner can work on maintaining a happy and healthy relationship.


What do you like to do when you are not working on Puppy Mama?

Spending time with my adorable “kiddos” – Colin + Waffles.


Who are some of your favorite authors?

Business Inspiration: Malcolm Gladwell
Overall creativity: J.K. Rowlings


Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things on it?

– Grow Puppy Mama to be the “Glossier” for the pet industry.

– Travel to 100 countries (I’ve been to 29 to date)


Have you won any awards or honors (not just for writing)?

Bronze Star Medal Recipient (Iraq War 2008-2009)


Spotlight Finalist at Kisaco Research’s Pets & Money 2018 Conference


Other Military Awards:

Global War on Terror Service Medal

Army Commendation Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star (2 awards)

Overseas Service Ribbon

Army Achievement Medal


What person(s) has/have helped you the most in your career?

I am so thankful for my parents; I am 4th of 7 children and my parents sacrificed so much to give me every opportunity to learn and grow.


And I am so thankful to my husband’s unconditional love and continuous support to me – to build a community that encourages joyful interactions with other people.