Check It Out! by Susan Harris Howell

 MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Susan Howelll to Discover... for Muse Monday. It's a fun library story.

I have been borrowing library books for as long as I can remember. And while I do buy books occasionally - to support a new author or if the book has information I’ll want to reference later - most of my reading today comes to me in digital form from my library.

I used to wonder how authors felt about people borrowing rather than buying their books. But considering the number of books purchased by libraries and the number of people who wouldn't read their books otherwise, I assume that authors, as a group, are pro-library.

I know that this author is. When people check out my books, I’m happy. For one thing, goodness, I get it. If you read a lot you can go broke buying each book you find interesting. Plus, the more libraries that carry my books, the more people will benefit from what they offer. And I won't pretend otherwise - I hope those who check out my books today will become fans who look forward to buying my next release.

The first time I saw my first book, Buried Talents, in our local library I was more than a little thrilled; the same, when I happened to run across my second, The Spirit of Vanderlaan.

Okay - In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't happen to run across it - I entered the Taylor County Public Library of Campbellsville, Kentucky like a woman on a mission. I zipped past all authors with names beginning A-G like I’d found a rainbow leading to my pot of gold. I slowed just a bit at Kristin Hannah and Ernest Hemingway, but I stayed the course. At Bell Hooks I knew I was almost there. My hands danced along the spines of those books like I was practicing scales on the piano.

And then— then I saw it. Sitting there on that shelf like it belonged.

My book.

I giggled and did a little happy dance. I’d never thought about authors getting a kick out of this sort of thing. And who knows, at some point it might get old. But I doubt it.

So, if you've purchased my books, borrowed them from a library, or even stolen one from a friend - you have my sincerest gratitude. And if your library doesn’t already carry them, I would appreciate if you’d request the physical and digital copies so others can discover them too.

And if you don’t have a library card, September is the month to get one. Your future favorite author is waiting to be discovered. And when they find out they have a new fan, I bet they’ll do their own happy dance.

Blurb:

When Samantha and her students uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science to seances, to learn what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

Excerpt:

As she walked to her first class of the day, Samantha congratulated herself that for the first time this semester she would arrive at her own class on time. A glance at her watch revealed she even had five minutes to spare. With Douglas Hall in sight and her classroom on its main floor, she was sure to make it on time—“Samantha!”

Grrr! So close. Although showing up late for class frustrated her, she was mostly annoyed by the person who was about to detain her. If I ignore him, maybe he’ll go away.

“Samantha!” This time he was more insistent.

Samantha released a breath of resignation. She should have known better. He wasn’t the kind to be ignored. Samantha turned to face him as she reached the door of the building. She hadn’t been at Vanderlaan long enough to flout someone who carried the weight around here that he did. “What can I do for you, Len?”

Dr. Len Titus stood before her, dressed as always, in a suit with a starched white shirt and tie which he would loosen by afternoon. His graying hair with a precise part on the side had become his hallmark, along with his hands-on-hips pose and gravelly voice. Levi’s imitation of each was spot on, although professional decorum required that Samantha refrain from the encouragement her laughter would ensure. Since Len Titus was of slight frame, someone unfamiliar with this man might assume passivity or weakness. Not Samantha.

“I see we’re both teaching in Douglas Hall this semester,” he said. “Hope I won’t be in your way.” He peered over his wire-rimmed glasses. “Or you in mine.”

Samantha took a breath, gritted her teeth, and walked through the door. She would use the back entrance next time. 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Vanderlaan-Samantha-Hayes-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHV65RM4?ref_=ast_author_dp

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spirit-of-vanderlaan-susan-howell/1146282868?ean=9781509258888

Author Bio:

Dr. Susan Harris Howell is a psychologist and retired university professor who taught and mentored students for over thirty years. Her novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, draws on that career to capture the warmth between a psychology professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office.

Her first book, Buried Talents, focuses on the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Through her writing and speaking, her passion is to free others from unnecessary restrictions so they can step into their best life.

Susan and her husband have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

            Email: susan.howell.writer@gmail.com

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

Email List & Monthly Blog:  https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter

 

Blog Tour, Giveaway, New Release

Joyce and I are excited to start the blog tour for Birds, Puppies, and Murder, the 4th book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books.  We have some great tour stops with fun interviews, articles, and reviews. Stop in on each one and be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card. If you go in other than the listed date, you might have to scroll down to see our post. Hope to see you there! 

September 22 – Jody's Bookish Haven 

September 22 – Books1987 

September 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy 

September 23 – Salty Inspirations 

September 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea 

September 25 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog   

September 25 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews 

September 26 – MJB Reviewers 

September 27 – Socrates Book Reviews 

September 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A GoodBook   

September 28 – FUONLYKNEW 

September 29 – Sarandipity's 

September 29 – Maureen's Musings 

September 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! 

October 1 – Christy's Cozy Corners 

October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews 

October 3 – Infinite House of Books 

October 4 – StoreyBook Reviews 

October 4 – Bigreadersite 

October 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read 

AND in celebration of our new release, you can snag a $.99 deal on the first book in the series, Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder! One week only so don't delary. This sale is good for Amazon US and Amazon UK.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G

Fearless or the Courage to Trust by Birdie Song

FEARLESS FRIDAY

I have an absolutely delightful guest post today by Birdie Song. We're happy to have her for Fearless Friday on Discover... And even more special, her latest book released just two days ago. Congratulations, Birdie!

I’ve been lucky, in that most rash or life-changing things I’ve done have come with a measure of safety and protection. I moved to Perth and started high school, but I had my whole family with me. I split up with a serious partner and started my life over, but I was young and energetic and had relatively few responsibilities.

What might be more interesting would be to tell you about the times I did things without fear, only to later learn that I should have been more afraid. Like when I snuck into a crowded roped-off area at a festival that had stopped letting people in (hello, fire hazard), or the time I patted a full-grown Berkshire pig and he bit my hand (could’ve done some real damage), or the time I walked through an alley in a foreign country only to come out the other side and see a guy behind me carrying a machete (yes, he was actually looking for me!).

Often when we think about being brave or fearless, we picture hectic stunts and thrilling once-in-a-lifetime moments, but there’s also a lot to be said for the everyday fearlessness we must summon just to get on with life. One of my favourite examples of this “chronic fearlessness” is how vulnerable we need to let ourselves be in order to truly connect with people.

It’s hard being this vulnerable. When you’re the one speaking, you reveal something about yourself without knowing how another person might take it. Will they react violently, threateningly; will they use your secrets against you later; or will they be careless with your heart, enabling someone else to hurt you? It taps into something primal within us, something that evolved in our social Homo sapien brains to help us survive. We’re wired to fear judgement and ostracisation.

When you’re the one listening, your sense of self is called into question. Are you a traitor to your loved ones if you hear something disagreeable? Do you get to still identify as a certain type of person if you give attention to the unfamiliar, unusual, or unexpected? Will you be exposed as ignorant or incompetent or irrelevant? The way we respond to people, to books, to life, can often reveal our deepest fears and secret shames.

To be a caring person, a thoughtful person, the kind of person who helps where help is needed, knows when to back off, and intuits and respects boundaries is no easy thing. It takes a certain measure of courage, wisdom, and the willingness to trust. Some days my socially anxious side takes over, and I hide from the world because I just can’t be that person – it’s too hard, and I’m too luteal.

But the point, I think, is to try as best we can, whenever we can, to face our everyday fears for the sake of something better. I might not walk that alleyway again, but perhaps I’ll let my guard down next time a new friend invites me round for tea.

The Guy from the Beach Resort by Birdie Song

A guy who keeps his promise could be worth breaking hers.

Reformed party-girl Penny is going to fix her life. No, really, she’s gonna do it this time! Starting with a vow of abstinence, five days in a Bali beach resort, and literally running into a well-timed fake boyfriend she definitely won’t fool around with.

Unfortunately for her, Adam is smart, funny, charming, and starting to look like an all-round decent human being. All green flags and zero risk, he’s the kind of guy who respects her and keeps his promises, leaving Penny desperate to break hers.

The Guy from the Beach Resort is a sweet, fake dating, slow-burn romance, set in the world of Somerville Downs.

AMAZON BUY LINK

About Birdie Song

Birdie Song was born in Southeast Asia and now writes from Perth, Western Australia on Whadjuk-Noongar country. She believes love is more important than labels, integrity is a person’s most attractive quality, and that no one should be judged for putting pineapple on a pizza. When not writing, she tends to a veggie garden and reads a variety of books, hoping to one day understand the meaning of life.

Website: https://birdiesongauthor.com
Newsletter: https://birdiesongauthor.com/newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20263281.Birdie_Song
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/birdie-song

New Release by Tina Donahue

MUSE MONDAY

 Tina Donahue has a brand new release!

AMAZON

Unearthly Desire

Book Five Outlawed Realm

Erotic Urban Fantasy

Enemies to Lovers - Non-Stop Danger

Terrifying Monsters

A Shocking Secret

They’re fighting for their lives, freedom, and love…in the realm of the dead.

Eeete, a pleasure slave, thought she’d found freedom in an underwater colony until a hated Palace guard abducted her for his carnal pleasure. Swept with him through a portal into E3, she faces danger from the deceased, grotesque monsters, and a dimension where few things are as they seem and nothing can be trusted…including her own desire.

Running from sure death, she comes upon Makam, another guard, sentenced to E3 for treason against their dimension’s depraved ruler. She’s determined to hate him—as she does all men who imprisoned her in the Palace—but survival depends on them fighting together.

Curious about Makam’s seeming honor and tempted by his untamed allure, she soon falls under his sensual spell, their nights filled with unrestrained passion, their days spent trying to stay alive…an increasingly impossible struggle.

When all appears lost, an unexpected chance allows hope for them to flee together toward a promising future.

Until a shocking secret threatens to tear them apart forever.

TEASERS

Excerpt:

Her breath spilled out. She trembled, her teeth chattering.

The pods halted then turned to the sound.

With her hand pressed against her mouth, she warned herself not to panic or give up. She never had in the Palace no matter what she’d faced. She’d survived.

If she expected to do so here and return to Zekin and Paige, she’d have to figure this realm out on her own.

First, though, she needed to eat. Dizzy from hunger, her mouth cottony and needing water, she struggled to her knees in the narrow hiding place but didn’t leave.

The pods drifted into and out of her sight, their numbers reduced over time. Whether minutes or hours had passed she didn’t know.

Once alone and unable to wait any longer, she crept from the crevice then searched the surroundings, hoping to find a drop of water, a plant, or whatever would make her throat and stomach stop hurting.

Red globes speckled a grayish mound. They reminded her of berries she’d eaten in the Palace.

Her mouth watered, wanting their succulent sweetness.

She plucked several free and crammed them between her lips.

A grainy texture greeted her, the globes hard.

Rocks, not berries.

She spit them out and swiped tears off her cheeks. Crying wouldn’t help her find a portal to get out of here. Caution and a thorough search would.

After edging around the rocks, she stopped at a tiny pool resembling water. How to tell for certain though without tasting it.

Hunkered next to the puddle, she sniffed. There wasn’t an odor, the same as water. Still…

Not yet convinced she could drink it, she used a longish rock to stir the liquid, hoping insects wouldn’t rise to the surface.

They didn’t.

Hissing and spitting, the liquid ate away the end of the rock.

She dropped the stone and scooted back on her ass.

“Hungry?”

The thin voice resembled whistling wind.

On her feet, she gaped at the pods that followed her here.

The male, who led the rest, released his arm and hand from the pod. “Hungry?”

Her stomach rumbled in answer.

“Try this.” Blinking slowly, like the rest, he peeled off his bottom lip.

She shuddered, bile rising to her throat.

The male smiled, the area where his lower lip had been leaving a gaping, bloodless hole. “It’s good. The best bread there is.”

“That’s your lip, not bread!”

Shocked at her outburst, she covered her mouth, wanting to run.

The swaying pods mesmerized her, keeping her in place.

“No, this is bread.” He offered the pale flesh to her. “Soft, warm, and sweet. Try it, please. No need to go hungry.”

Her stomach cramped worse than earlier. She licked her parched lips.

“Eat this and I’ll give you more…however much you want.” He peeled off his top lip.

No, not his lip, a piece of bread. She recognized it now. The same as the rich, chewy kind rulers and elites ate in the Palace.

Starving, she accepted both pieces and lifted them to her mouth.

“No!”

The tall guard from earlier slapped the food from her hand. “Don’t ever touch that.”

The bread landed in a dank puddle.

Eeete growled. “What have you done!?” Her throaty voice—unused to speaking that hadn’t been allowed in the Palace—was clear and hard now. “Stay away. That’s mine.”

She scrambled after the food.

He tugged her back. “Don’t you understand? The dead will lie to you.”

“But you won’t? Bastard.” A word Paige used for men she loathed. “You’re lying to take my food. Find your own.”

Eeete rammed her shoulder against his chest.

He lost his balance and windmilled his arms to right himself.

She dove for the bread.

He was on her in a second, shouting, “Eating any of the dead will doom you to an eternity here. A place a thousand times worse than what you knew in the Pleasure Palace.”

Check out Tina's September newsletter to learn more about her books:

CLICK HERE TO READ

TRAILER

 

Chocolate Martinis and Murder

Lost puppies, endangered birds… The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.

Only ten days until the release of the fourth book in The Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books. Birds, Puppies, and Murder is our most complicated plot yet in the series. We're so excited to get it out worldwide September 23. The sisters are up to their usual antics and all while getting their new businesses off the ground. 

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire. 

When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone? 

While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?

If you preorder now, the eBook is only $2.99! 

Click Here: AMAZON

EXCERPT:

“We don’t even know if they’ve ruled it a homicide yet.”

“Do you hold sway with Detective Hakata like you do Rodney?” Lydia’s mischievous smile matched her teasing tone. “Friend to friend?”

Nic gazed on the colorful paintings of peacocks and Indian dancers on the far wall while seeming to consider how much influence she had over either man. “Yes and no. Ken was a wealth of information on our first venture into sleuthing. He became more tight-lipped on the following two cases. Because of Dawg.”

Her aunt blinked several times, not understanding. “A dog was involved?”

Nic joined Emma in laughter. “Guthrie’s nickname around the station is Bulldog. He’s a ferocious detective, although I’m doubtful he knows he has a nickname. Not the sort of thing he’d appreciate. Em and I shortened it to D-A-W-G. Dawg.”

Lydia clapped her hands. “Love it!” She chuckled. “So, he’s the dog, but he’s got his sidekick on a short leash.”

“Ha. Good one, Auntie.” Emma dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Guthrie didn’t like our interference on the first case. We were instrumental in leading him to the killer and, most likely, poked his ego.”

You can find all of the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX

Life's Adventures...Recycled

I couldn't sleep. I found myself browsing old posts from Discover... When I ran across one that mentioned sweaty butt cheeks, I stopped. We're still battling summer in the Basin. I'm grumpier than ever because of the heat. But eight years ago, I still found the life on the RV Ranch highly amusing. Recycling this August post from 2017...

We're living life on the RV Ranch these days. If you're from the western United States, you might have a feel for a little town, that's not a town, like Tonto Basin. There are two gas stations, (update...we're down to one) an IGA Market, a Dollar Store, and numerous RV parks. 

And don't forget the local hardware store with local color. One day, I complained to the counter guy that it was really hot. He said, "my granny used to say if you wake up and there ain't sweat tricklin' between your butt cheeks, then you're dead."

Up the road is Punkin' Center with a post office, school, and library. Down the road is Roosevelt Lake.

I dislike the desert...well, most deserts. This part of Arizona is what I call pretty desert because we have mountains and trees. It's also only a thirty minute drive to pine country. There's an owl who lives in the tree outside our door. Javelinas (nasty wild pig like animals that aren't pigs at all) stroll through the park early mornings, and bunny rabbits are everywhere. At night, the coyotes howl.

There's an owl who lives in the tree outside our door. Javelinas (nasty wild pigs) stroll through the park early mornings, and bunny rabbits are everywhere. At night, the coyotes howl.

Most everyone owns a dog. We don't. (update we do now...Amigo) Can't seem to replace Rusty. AND a dog does limit mobility. One man has a nice tribute to his deceased doggie.

The people here are from everywhere. Some are year round, others are weekenders, and still others come for the winter months.

These in-between years mean our household goods are in storage. I want to sell it all and if or when we get another real house, buy more. FDW isn't entirely on the same page. This month we compromised and we're selling some. The antique German clock sold last week. There is some interest in two of FDW's cameras. I really want to sell our hand carved, teak tables from Taiwan. No bites yet.

How will it all shake out? Not sure, but I'll let you know. For now...I'll go with the flow.

(Update...we're going to become winter Ranch dwellers soon!)

Book Catalogs! Book Catalogs!

September! Fall is coming! Good time to stock up on books. These catalogs have some of my books in them and a whole lot more you should check out.

Get your cozy fill here (even you pumpkin haters will find some great reads):

https://books.bookfunnel.com/pumpkinspicecozies/j95dqj0pld

Here's another catalog that is sure to complete your September reading

(western or thriller or mystery with the right touch of romance): https://books.bookfunnel.com/romancebeginnings/lf60q6crz2

Who doesn't love a mystery packed thriller or twisty who dunnit for FREE?

This catalog for September fits the bill.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/thrillingfreebies-sep/msdzkcog7z

Reading and Reviews (Finn and Grafton)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author. 

The Secret in the Stacks (The Bookshop Detective) by Kat Finn 

A mysterious letter hidden in a valuable book leads a novice bookshop owner to uncover a decades-old disappearance in a quaint coastal town. 

A former librarian turned bookshop owner uses her literary expertise and newfound amateur sleuthing skills to solve a decades-old missing person case in a small coastal town, uncovering long-held secrets and finding her place in a close-knit community. 

When Olivia Paige inherits her aunt's bookshop in charming Millbrook Cove, she expects a quiet life surrounded by books. But a cryptic letter discovered in a rare edition of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" plunges her into a 30-year-old cold case. As Olivia investigates, she clashes with skeptical locals and forms unlikely alliances, including a gruff fisherman with surprising literary knowledge. With her keen analytical mind and vast knowledge of mystery novels, Olivia must piece together clues from dusty records and town gossip to solve a long-buried secret—and possibly put herself in the crosshairs of a killer who thought their crime was long forgotten.

This is the PREQUEL to The Bookshop Detective series.

My Review 

I haven’t read any of the other novels in this series. I was given this prequel free, and I’m glad I read it. I’m a fan of cozies, but I don’t like the cutesy kind which seem to be in abundance right now. I started two others and quit a chapter in. Ms. Fin has woven a twisty cozy with smart characters and just enough of the “cozy” feel to make it a good Cozy Mystery. I’ll be sure to check out the other books in this series. 

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Stacks-Bookshop-Detective-ebook/dp/B0DJPR518R/

 

 

S is for Silence: A Kinsey Millhone Novel by Sue Grafton 

Cases don't get much colder than that of Violet Sullivan, who disappeared from her rural California town in 1953, leaving behind an abusive husband and a seven-year-old named Daisy. But PI Kinsey Millhone has promised the now adult Daisy she'll try her best to locate Violet, dead or alive. All signs point to a runaway wife—the clothes that disappeared; the secret stash of money Violet bragged about; the brazen flirtations she indulged in with local men, including some married ones.

Kinsey tries to pick up a trail by speaking to those who remember Violet—and perhaps were more involved in her life than they let on. But the trail could lead her somewhere very dangerous. Because the case may have gone cold, but some people's feelings about Violet Sullivan still run as hot as ever... 

My Review 

To date, I’ve enjoyed the PI Kinsey books, but this one wasn’t one of the best. It started off keeping me turning pages so I got deep enough into it, I had to follow it to the end. There is a lot of jumping around in past and present. I didn’t much care for some of the supporting characters that I thought I was supposed to like. Or maybe I wasn’t supposed to like any of them. Hard to tell. Where they find Violet was a stretch for me. That’s all I’ll say so I won’t spoil it. Eh, somewhat entertaining. 

https://www.amazon.com/S-Silence-Kinsey-Millhone-Novel-ebook/dp/B000O76NCS/