Life’s Adventures: Trips and Trauma II

This is summer number 2 of a real mixed bag of highs and lows. 

In May, we made a partial move. We rented an apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona to get out of the heat of the RV at the Ranch. Mom (95-year-old Mom) moved in with us. 

On the high side, we are five minutes away from the kids. That means I’ve been able to play chauffeur to my granddaughter. 

On the low side, a 13-year-old granddaughter is not nearly as interested in spending time with her Nana anymore, so chauffeuring her around, to friends or with her friends, I at least get to see her. 

On the high side, we LOVE the apartment complex where we are living. It’s beautifully landscaped with lots of trees, grass, and flowering bushes which actually keeps it cooler in this gawdawful heat. 

On the low side, the patio isn't seeing much time in this gawdawful heat. 

On the high side, spending time with Mom is a blessing. How many women still have their mom around at 95? She’s spry, loves to shop, but her energy level is spotty. She still does for herself, so we are lucky. 

On the low side, my time isn’t totally my own anymore…that took some adjusting. 

On the high side, one of my books was chosen for a BookBub Featured Deal. I've tried numerous times, but they only let 20% of the submissions pay the outrageous price for the one day ad. The thing is, that one day equals lots of exposure. This is the book: Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GPJR7

On the low side, FDW and I have had numerous doctor appointments. And a few of his doctors are in Payson which is closer to Tonto Basin. Lots of time in the car. 

I’d like to end on all high side notations. 

On the high side, much of his problems are slowly getting better. My one excursion under the knife turned out amazing. 

On the high side, we managed an overnight trip up north to visit friends. 

On the high side, I had a great little birthday celebration with some
family. 

One last high. Although my time is not as free since our move, I am managing to put in some time on the next book. I’m writing a 1969 prequel to The MacKenzie Chronicles. 

All of you have a happy summer…if you haven’t heard, I HATE summer. LOL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JCKBVH2

 

 

 

Book Sale Limited Time Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder

 

While I work on book 5 in The Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery series...yet to be named...you can take advantage of a special! And I'll let you in on a clue for book 5. Nic is on her own in this one. Can she find the murderer without Em by her side? How will Guthrie feel about that? Can ex-husband #2, a relative of Wyatt Earp, be of any help?

AVAILABLE AUGUST 13 TO AUGUST 20, 2026

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder.

 

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park of their small town. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic is baking and has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement heats, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees.

 

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent?

 

In this cozy culinary mystery, these amateur sleuth sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If the Chocolate Martini Sisters can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

 

The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

In the Book: New Release and Giveaway

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is the third book in the cozy mystery adventures of sisters Nicole Earp and Emma Banefiled, Nic and Em. The book released to the world yesterday, April 30th. This story was great fun to write and promises even more enjoyment to read. We're on tour with the book, and you can catch all the excitement as well as a chance at a $20 giveaway. Hope to see you there! 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE 

May 1 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading – REVIEW

May 2 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

May 2 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

May 3 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 4 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

May 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

May 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

May 7 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 8 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

May 9 – Brooke Blogs – RECIPE POST

May 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHTWITH EXCERPT

May 13 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 14 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

In the Book

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

I'm excited to announce the third book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries, Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder, is up for preorder. The eBook will release on April 30...but you can preorder now for it to magically appear on your reader April 30.

ORDER YOU COPY BY CLICKING HERE

If you're a print book lover, you'll be able to order your copy on April 23rd.

Joyce and I feel Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is going to delight you! The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder. 

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees. 

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent? 

The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

Would you like to read the first chapter? You can on my website: https://brendawhiteside.com/cornbred%2Crib%26murd-chp-one