Book Spotlight: All That Glitters by Mike Martin

Sergeant Winston Windflower is moving on to a new chapter of his life, no longer an RCMP officer but now a Community Safety Officer in his home of Grand Bank, Newfoundland.

But when a body is found in the bed and breakfast he co-owns, diamonds are found in the body’s digestive system, and then Windflower’s friend Dr. Sanjay, who was given the diamonds for safekeeping, is kidnapped, it’s clear that crime has returned once more to Grand Bank.

Windflower finds himself back in the thick of it, helping his newly promoted friend, RCMP Corporal Eddie Tizzard, track down a ruthless diamond smuggler who will stop at nothing — kidnapping, even murder — to pull off his dirty business.

This is another finely spun Windflower mystery that contrasts suspense and tension with the joys of friendship, family, and gratitude.

Amazon (US): https://tinyurl.com/4ucyjwzv 

Amazon (Canada): https://tinyurl.com/z9b2n5br

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/2nzf687b

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the award-winning and best-selling author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 13 books in this light mystery series with the publication of All That Glitters.

A Tangled Web was shortlisted in 2017 for the best light mystery of the year, and Darkest Before the Dawn won the 2019 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award. Some Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are now available as audiobooks and the latest A Tangled Web was released as an audiobook in 2023. All audiobooks are available from Audible in Canada and around the world.

Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and Capital Crime Writers.

Visit Mike online at:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Look for my review of All That Glitters coming soon!

Audible Book Review: Deep Point of View by Rayne Hall

 

If you're interested in honing your skills on how to write in deep point of view, then Rayne Hall's Writing Deep Point of View is for you. 

Narrator Cat Lookabuagh brings you through twenty chapters and three sample stories all dedicated to educating the reader on various points of views, their nuances, their pros and cons, when they are used, why some are better than others for certain types of writing, and why deep point of view hooks readers from the very start. 

Though this audiobook is less than two and a half hours long, it is packed with tons of insight and helpful information. Each chapter ends with a short assignment to allow the reader to practice what they learned.  

Writing Deep Point of View might have been a freebie when I grabbed it, because I don't see it in my order history. The topic of deep point of view is of great interest to me as a writer and editor, and since the book is not all that long, I found it easy to digest. 

Keeping in mind this book came out in 2015, there are some gender stereotypes that today's reader might not appreciate. An updated version would allow for more inclusivity. Despite that challenge, I believe this will be a helpful resource to writers of various genres.

Listening Length	2 hours and 22 minutes
Author	Rayne Hall
Narrator	Cat Lookabaugh
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	August 15, 2016
Publisher	Rayne Hall
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B01K7TM9EI

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Interview with Stephanie Cowell, Author of The Boy in the Rain

Stephanie Cowell was born in New York City and has lived in the same old building on the Upper West Side for fifty years. 

As a historical novelist, she is the author of Nicholas Cooke, The Physician of London, The Players: a novel of the young Shakespeare (all from W.W. Norton), Marrying Mozart (Viking Penguin) Claude & Camille: a novel of Monet (Crown Random House) and The Boy in the Rain. She is the recipient of an American Book Award.  Her work has been translated into nine languages. 

Before writing novels, she spent fifteen years as an opera singer and balladeer and an arts administrator, creating a chamber opera company, a singing ensemble, a summer arts series in a New York City midtown park, and a few Renaissance festivals.  Her second home whenever she can get there is England. 

She has two very grown sons (one a filmmaker and the other an IT Engineer), two granddaughters and three cats. 

WEBSITE: http://www.stephaniecowell.com

TWITTER: @StephanieC90430

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/stephanie.cowell.14

INSTAGRAM: cowell.stephanie

Where did you grow up?

New York City 

When did you begin writing?

I began writing about the age of seven. I was an only child then and was alone most of the time, so I told myself stories and made-up friends. I felt the world of A Little Princess and the Pooh poems was the real world, if only I could get there.

 What is this book about? 

In the English countryside 1903, shy art student Robbie falls in love with the socialist speaker Anton who is running from memories of his failed marriage and lost child, beginning a relationship that will never let them go even as they grow and change. But the penalty for love between men is prison if caught and as they struggle to build a life together, the world about them is turning to a darker place. 

What inspired you to write it?

The beginnings were a bit haunted. Many years ago, I was in a country house, walking down steps toward a wooded area, when I saw two opaque men in Edwardian clothing, one slightly older. When I turned around, they were gone. I was quite shaken, and a story began to form in my mind. I told two friends, and they made me a wager to write it down in six weeks. I was a classical singer then. Within a year I had left singing and began to write seriously. The book kept developing, and I worked on it between my several other novels. It took 39 years from conception to publication. It kept changing and enriching as I changed. 

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride? 

It took a long time, so bumpy yes. Editors kept saying it was too difficult to market and bought other books from me instead. During the pandemic, I decided if I only had one more book I could finish in my life, this would be it. Right after finishing, I found a small indie house called Regal House who loved it. 

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book? 

I have several links to buy listed on my website including the publisher, but the easiest way is Amazon.com 

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere? 

Write what’s in your heart and never give up. 

What is up next for you? 

I wrote a successful novel on the young Claude Monet entitled Claude and Camille and I am working on another one about his relationship with his stepdaughter who gave up all her own dreams to support him when he was very old and painting his great water lily panels. 

Is there anything you would like to add? 

Thank you very much for hosting me on your site!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Bookish Promises for 2023 - UPDATED

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.    

This week's topic is supposed to be the Top Ten Most Anticipated Books Releasing During the Second Half of 2023. My brain simply isn't there right now. I do, however, like to check in with progress throughout the year. So, I pulled out the Top Ten Bookish Promises for 2023 list I put together in January and listed my progress so far. 

Top Ten Bookish Promises for 2023 - UPDATED 

One First Chapter Review a week 

UPDATE: I knew it would be hard, but it became impossible when work increased. I guess I would rather be in the top five of my company than keep this promise. 😊 I have posted six this year (though I had to unpublish one because the book contract was canceled), so that’s one a month. Not too bad. 

Read 10 books from my TBR Pile. 

UPDATE: I am so bad about not indulging in VBT books. Three of the books I’ve read this year were from my TBR Pile. 

Read 5 leadership books this year. 

UPDATE: I changed my focus early in the year to focus simply on professional development. This year I have read eight books that fall into that category, plus another book on positive thinking. That’s a win! 

Read one book in a genre I don't usually read. 

UPDATE: I’ve definitely read more books in the professional development category than I have in years. I will also be reading a children’s fantasy book soon. 

Post more regularly at my children's book blog. 

UPDATE: I am adding more children’s books to my reading schedule. Not sure if when December 31 rolls around I will have posted more at this blog or not. 

Reconsider the book lists (including freebies) I subscribe to and delete at least one. 

UPDATE: I didn’t delete any, but I don’t check the emails regularly anymore. I could go weeks without adding any new books to  my TBR Pile. 

Take a writing MasterClass.

UPDATE: I haven’t started any of these but in addition to Nick Gaiman’s class on the art of storytelling, I’ve added Judy Blume Teaches Writing and Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television to my library. 

Re-organize my works in progress.

UPDATE: I am thinking about what I should do. I’m supposed to have a book coming out this year, so I will need to market that. I’ve got one completed book being reviewed by an illustrator, which might need some revisions. I’m still plugging away at my middle grade novel when I have time. Other than that, I really haven’t considered this task. 

Increase the number of paid editing jobs.

UPDATE: This year has been a good one so far, but my regular work schedule may impede further progress. 

Submit one or two short stories.

UPDATE: There is one I am focusing on, just not sure if it will fit.

Did you make a list of bookish goals or promises this year? How is it going?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - June 26

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.   

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.       

Welcome to the last Monday of June. In many ways, the month flew by. I'm sure the craziness of work helped with that. It's hard to believe we leave Friday for the Outer Banks. Here are the books coming with me on vacation:

If I want to read anything for Kindle, I will need to use my Kindle app because my Kindle Fire is totally dead. I am guessing it needs a new battery. I'm not sure if I will trade it in and get a new device or just use the Kindle app on my phone and laptop.

This weekend included the Lil' Diva's dance recital. She is also one of the dance teachers. It's been great watching her dance life evolve. Here are a couple photos.

In my reading world, I finished this book. You can find my review here.

Last Monday, my review of this book was posted here.

I read this book for an August virtual book tour. My review is posted on Goodreads, but it will appear at The Children's and Teen's Book Connection on August 29. 

My review for this one is scheduled for June 29, but it might be late. 

Upcoming virtual book tours:

• All That Glitters by Mike Martin - June 29 (review)
• Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani - July 11
• Single Parents Rock! by Jaret Martino - July 19 (review TC&TBC)
• The Unempty Spaces Between by Louis Efron - July 20 (review)
• An Atomic Love Story: The Extraordinary Women in Robert Oppenheimer's Life by Shirley Streshinsky & Patricia Klaus - July 24 
• Come to Me by Amy W. Vogel - July 25 (review)
• The Five Watches: An Accident of Time by John York - August 4 
• Exits by Stephen C. Pollock - August 7 (review)
• Blood & Water by Linda Armstrong-Miller - August 9
• Sammy the Sailing Sea Turtle by Gwendol - August 16 (review TC&TBC)
• Ravage & Son by Jerome Charyn - August 21 (review)
• Victoria James: And The Mysterious Case of the Chilly Willies by Elizabeth Burns (review TC&TBC)

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

This devotional arrived in the mail. 

I also grabbed these two Kindle freebies. 

That's it for me this week. I have appointments in the morning, so I will catch up with all of you later today. Thanks for spending time with me. 

Audible Book Review: What Editors Do by Peter Ginna

 

When I first downloaded this book, I thought, how can a book on editing be over 12 hours long? Having made it to the end, I totally understand. Peter Ginna's What Editors Do: The Art, Craft, and Business of Book Editing provides an in-depth look into the world of editing and a review of the publishing world as a whole. From acquisitions to the editing process, from bringing the book to the reader to genre studies, and from pursuing a publishing career to the discussion on the past and future of editing, What Editor's Do will leave you feeling more knowledgeable about editing and publishing.

Charles Constant's and Susan Hanfield 's performances as narrators for this audio version of What Editors Do were flawless. They made it easy to keep reading/listening along. I look forward to discovering more books narrated by them.

If you are considering a job in the editing and publishing world or if you simply want to know more about the different types of editors, what they do, and how a book is brought to market, What Editors Do would be a perfect choice.

Listening Length	12 hours and 8 minutes
Author	Peter Ginna
Narrator	Charles Constant, Susan Hanfield
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	June 30, 2018
Publisher	Tantor Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B07DQNYQ39

I purchased this book with an Audible credit. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Audible Book Review: Atomic Habits by James Clear

 

Like the header says, "Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results," is what you'll find in Atomic Habits by James Clear. 

From the opening pages, Clear shares strategies that bring about amazing results from tiny changes. Instead of focusing on the setting of goals and rewards for accomplishments, the author discusses the "process" of changing your habits and the science behind a system where one step at a time you work toward the changes you seek.

Whether you love science or are indifferent to it (like me), the value in Clear's system is there. Instead of waiting for that one defining moment, why not focus on the small daily improvements that bring about change? Why can't we, as Clear says, strive to be "1% better every day?' In a thoughtfully formatted book, Clear outlines a series of laws and advanced tactics to help you build good habits and break bad ones. 

I own Atomic Habits on Audible and in print. Like most books in the personal and professional development genre, I find it helpful to refer to a printed book I can mark up. One of the most helpful tables in the book breaks down "How to Create A Good Habit" and "How to Break A Bad Habit" by breaking each law down into multiple steps. I consider it a cheat sheet of sorts. Of course, Clear offers many online resources as well.

After hearing so many people rave about Atomic Habits, I am glad I finally read it. Though I am still working on my "1% better every day," the results I have seen lately bring me a sense of accomplishment and joy that had been lacking. I look forward to exploring more of Clear's resources.

Highly recommended!

Listening Length	5 hours and 35 minutes
Author	James Clear
Narrator	James Clear
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	October 16, 2018
Publisher	Penguin Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B07RFSSYBH

I purchased a printed copy of this book in 2021, and I downloaded an Audible book with a free credit. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: A Final Farewell by Marilyn Meredith

 

Join retired deputy, Tempe Crabtree, as she works to solve another Bear Creek mystery in A Final Farewell by Marilyn Meredith. 

When Jerod Garfield finds a body in his pond, the buzz quickly spreads throughout Bear Creek. Though Tempe is retired from the police force, she is curious who it is and why they ended up there. That curiosity, however, might just get her killed. 

In the final book of Meredith's Tempe Crabtree series, Tempe finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Despite her husband's protests, she can't help but find out all she can about the victim's past and who might have wanted them dead, especially if it's possible one of the two handsome suitors wooing her friend, Miqui Sherwood, might be involved. 

Tempe has always depended upon her good friend, Nick Two John, to guide her as she solves mysteries, but as his health deteriorates, she wonders how long she will be graced with his friendship and counsel. 

I've been a fan of Meredith's Tempe Crabtree series since I read Judgment Fire back in 2007. With this final installment, Meredith continues to bring readers a mystery filled with twists and turns and a list of plausible suspects, while ramping up suspense along the way. The more Tempe investigates, the more determined a killer is to stop her. Meredith has made it her trademark to blend her character's personal lives and relationships into the unfolding mystery. In A Final Farewell, Tempe and her husband Hutch, along with their friends Miqui, Claudia, and Nick Two John, all face some sort of change in their lives. 

While always keeping the series fresh with new ideas and some new characters, family, faith, and mysticism has run through this series in every book I've read. I am sad to see the Tempe Crabtree series end, but I feel Meredith left her beloved characters in the right place. 

If you enjoy engaging, well-written mysteries set in a small community, then A Final Farewell and the other books in the Tempe Crabtree series are for you. 

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C1J7KR7K
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (April 8, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 227 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8390638750

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books on My Summer 2023 To-Read List

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.    

Welcome back to Tuesday! I hope you're having a wonderful week so far. This week, Top Ten Tuesday is all about sharing the books on your summer reading list. My reading list is often dictated by review books, but I have a few empty slots I can fill with books I would love to read simply for pleasure or professional development.

What do you think of this list? Have you read any of these? What is one book that is on your list to read this summer?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - June 19

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.   

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.       

Happy Monday! I hope those who celebrate had a nice Father's Day. Thinking of and praying for those who have lost their dads as well.

We took my husband to Tables at the Farm in Palmer. This is a great farm to table restaurant, or as their motto says, "Farm to Fork." This weekend, I also caught up with my sisters, one of my nieces, and the maid of honor from our wedding. I also got a chance to meet the youngest baby in the family. Though my nephew and his wife have a baby on the way in October. 

IHOP with the family on Saturday

Italian Scramble from Tables at the Farm

Check out their goats

I'm preparing for two closings this week, plus one next week. Another closing looks like it might be delayed into July. It would be great to have most things wrapped up before we head to the Outer Banks. Maybe I will take a somewhat peaceful vacation this year; though I have a listing coming on and more potentials on the way. Plus I have five buyers regularly on the hunt for new homes. 

As far as reading go, I posted a First Chapter Review of this historical novel on Friday. You can read it here.

I read this one for a review that will appear at The Children's and Teen's Book Connection on July 19. You can check out my review on GoodReads if you don't want to wait.

I am about half way done with this book. Now, I understand why it is 12 hours. This is a great in-depth look into the world of editing. It talks about different editors, what their roles are, challenges they might face, etc. 

My review of the last Tempe Crabtree novel is up on Goodreads if you want to read it early, but my review will be posted at this blog tomorrow. 

I started this book over the weekend. 

I also read these two poetry collections over the weekend. 

I plan to sneak this one in, probably on the road to North Carolina, between my books slotted for review. As you will notice by my ever-growing upcoming VBT list, I did not heed my own advice about not signing up for a bunch of tours this year. LOL!   

Upcoming virtual book tours:

• A Final Farwell by Marilyn Meredith - June 20 (review)
• All That Glitters by Mike Martin - June 29 (review)
• Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani - July 11
• Single Parents Rock! by Jaret Martino - July 19 (review TC&TBC)
• The Unempty Spaces Between by Louis Efron - July 20 (review)
• An Atomic Love Story: The Extraordinary Women in Robert Oppenheimer's Life by Shirley Streshinsky & Patricia Klaus - July 24 
• Come to Me by Amy W. Vogel - July 25 (review)
• The Five Watches: An Accident of Time by John York - August 4 
• Exits by Stephen C. Pollock - August 7 (review)
• Blood & Water by Linda Armstrong-Miller - August 9
• Sammy the Sailing Sea Turtle by Gwendol - August 16 (review TC&TBC)
• Ravage & Son by Jerome Charyn - August 21 (review)
• Victoria James: And The Mysterious Case of the Chilly Willies by Elizabeth Burns (review TC&TBC)

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Amazingly, both my physical and digital mailboxes remained empty this week, but I have books on the way. 

Hope you have a blessed day today. I look forward to visiting your blogs.