My Thoughts - THE BELL TOLLS AT TRAEGER HALL by Jaime Jo Wright

 

THE BELL TOLLS AT TRAEGER HALL by Jaime Jo Wright October 20 - November 14, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . . A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . . In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended. In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself. Book Details: Genre: Dual Timeline Gothic Suspense Published by: Bethany House Publishers Publication Date: October 21, 2025 Number of Pages: 336 ISBN: 9780764243806, paperback Author Bio: Jaime Jo Wright is the author of thirteen novels, including Christy Award-winner and ECPA bestseller The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill, and Carol Award-winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. Jaime has also written two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. She lives in Wisconsin with her family and fabulous felines. Catch Up With Jaime Jo Wright: JaimeWrightBooks.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads - @JaimeJoWright BookBub - @JaimeJoWright Instagram - @JaimeJoWright Threads - @JaimeJoWright YouTube - MadLit Musings Spotify - MadLit Musings   Guest Post Let’s be honest, my cat makes a cameo in The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall. When you read the story and catch glimpses of Foo in its pages, he really exists. He’s waited seven years to be included in one of my books, and now he will be immortalized. The rescued, runt kitten we paid $5 for, who we found at a hardware store. The feisty little fellow, who could barely eat soft cat food he was so tiny. The tiny kitten we thought was a girl until he obviously wasn’t. Foo, the cat who was supposed to be a feral farm cat and instead was a beautiful Flamepoint Siamese (who knew!) destined to be my muse. Foo is the proverbial taskmaster. He’s quite unforgiving when I am not writing. He believes that it is his place to lie on the bed while I work and give continual oversight to the project. If I choose to pen the story elsewhere, I am met with sullen disrespect and gnashing of teeth. What a playtime of attack-Mommy’s-hand doesn’t solve, a dose of catnip does. Once I’ve paid penance, Foo returns to his supervisory position in a white floof ball on the quilt, and I return to my chair to continue to write stories Foo can put his paw of approval on. Yes. Foo has entered this story with a subtle but distinct bit of fervor. He is my boy-boy. My Foosy (when he’s nice) and my Foocifer (when he’s naughty). I hope you enjoy getting your Foo Fix in this book, because I get mine everyday and thought it was time that I share.  MY THOUGHTS  “The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall” by Jaime Jo Wright is a dual-timeline gothic suspense novel that intertwines a chilling mystery from 1890 with a modern-day investigation into a haunted legacy. Jaime has such a way of weaving together two time periods seamlessly.  Waverly Pembrooke is left orphaned after the mysterious deaths of her uncle and aunt. Bound by her uncle’s eccentric will, she must remain at Traeger Hall, a place steeped in paranoia and shadowed by madness.However, she will have to seal it up after the funeral and she's left with so many unanswered questions.  Present day Jennie Phillips inherits Traeger Hall after her parents’ deaths. Her father had a habit of buying up properties and this was one that she just wanted to unload. However when she arrives she finds a long buried secret, remains of a missing woman.  Wright has a gift. She is a master of her craft and every book that I read becomes my favorite. I love the switching of time lines, and how she weaves them together. I love the gothic setting, the mystery, the romance, and the description of scenes. There were many times that I closed my eyes just to see the scene unfold in front of me.  This is one author I will always read her new releases. I can count on being drawn in within the first few pages. Bravo - and since I follow the author on social media - I also loved Foo and smiled at his presence.  Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.  Giveaway: This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Jaime Jo Wright. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for:    a paperback copy of The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright and a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card to a winner in the US  https://www.promoamp.com/c/the-bell-tolls-at-traeger-hall-by-jaime-jo-wright

My Thoughts - Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks

 Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Escaping the Wilderness
Author: Carrie Stuart Parks
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

On the run through the mountains—
with only each other to trust.

Amanda Cotton’s privileged life takes a harrowing turn when her grandfather’s dying wish places a target firmly on her back and she’s attacked by unknown assailants. Rescue comes in the form of widowed outdoorsman Boone McGregor, but the threat is just beginning. Unable to trust local law enforcement, they flee across the rugged Montana mountains. As they evade deadly enemies and navigate harsh terrain, they must put aside their differences to survive. But when a family secret is exposed, danger is closer than they imagined and more than just their lives is at stake…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Carrie Stuart Parks is an internationally known forensic artist and law enforcement instructor, working on major criminal cases nationwide. She trains law enforcement professionals such as the FBI, Secret Service, NCIS, Federal Marshals, RCMP, Texas Rangers, and local and regional officers. She was nominated for Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year offered by the Federal Law Enforcement Academy at Glynco, Georgia. Her career highlights also include winning Woman of the Year for the Spirit of the American Woman and the first Educator of the Year by the Lewis Clark Alumni.Her bestselling mystery/suspense novels have won numerous awards including two Christys and four Carols. She was mentored by her friend Frank Peretti for eight years before launching her fiction writing career. Before that, she wrote and illustrated best-selling art books for North Light Publishers. As a professional fine artist, her paintings hang in many corporate and private collections.

Connect with Carrie by visiting stuartparks.com/carrie-stuart-parks-home-page to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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My Thoughts

Escaping the Wilderness is written by Carrie Stuart Park. This is a Love Inspired Suspense book. The book starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. 

Amanda is in a remote area. She had a mission given to her by her grandfather to write her mother’s story. However he did not elaborate more on that since he died suddenly. So she travels to remote Montana and is hiding out. She was raised with money. Her step father told her over and over not to trust anyone.  For they would only be after money. 

One day she’s picking up a package she ordered from Amazon.  Where she’s suddenly attacked. Boone  who happens to be in town sees it and helps her. The two quickly realize that someone is out to get Amanda. 

Boone is the type of person if I was in trouble I’d want to help. He is strong with his faith, despite having to walk a lot of dark valleys. Amanda isn’t sure she believes having losing faith when her mother was murdered while she was growing up. 

The pair along with Boone’s dog Cookie are thrust into the wilderness. Amanda is inexperienced and Boone is trying to stay two steps ahead of the threats. 

Well written, very engaging this is a wonderful story. The faith element is woven in seamlessly. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own. 

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a small, original watercolor by author & professional fine artist Carrie Stuart Parks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

MY THOUGHTS - THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER by Eleanor Kuhns

 

end LinkyTools script --> THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER by Eleanor Kuhns September 29 - October 24, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

A Will Rees Mystery     When the body of a visitor is found in the woods by the local Shaker community, suspicion immediately falls on them. Rees is reluctant to believe anyone in this peaceful community committed murder. And Hans Bergin arrived with his wife, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They had their own reasons to want Bergin dead.But as Rees investigates, he discovers everyone, including a recent Shaker convert, have secrets of their own, some stretching all the way back to the Revolutionary War.Who, among the many suspects, decided to take matters in their own hands? Bergin's wife and other family? The new Shaker? Or someone else entirely? Book Details: Genre:  Historical Murder Mystery Published by:  Indie Publication Date: May 15, 2025 Number of Pages: 292 ISBN:  979-8312662825 Series: Will Rees/Shaker Series, #12 Author Bio: Eleanor Kuhns is the 2011 winner of the Minotaur/Mystery Writers of America first novel prize for A Simple Murder. The Long Shadow of Murder is the twelfth in that series. She also has written a Bronze Age Crete series. A lifelong librarian, she transitioned to full time writing at the start of the pandemic. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and her dog. Catch Up With Eleanor Kuhns: www.Eleanor-Kuhns.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub - @eleanorkuhns Instagram - @edl0829 Facebook - @writerkuhns   MY THOUGHTS THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER is written by Eleanor Kuhns. This is part of the Will Rees series. I have not read the whole series, and I am afraid I have been missing out. I enjoyed getting to know Rees and his wife.  This book is set near a Shaker Community in Maine in 1802. Rees is out walking with Constable Rouge looking for a missing man. The man is an outsider, Hans Bergin. He was hoping to get a look at the Shakers thinking they were scantily dressed. Many want to blame the Shaker community, but Rees does not think they could be.  I loved how Lydia, always seems to notice things that others miss, while Will is really good at tracking footprints and telling the story. The investigation becomes complicated when more bodies are found. I really liked following the clues and trying to figure it out.  This story does deal with some heavy things such as infidelity, religion, sexual assault and some mental issues. However, they are not dark in nature at all. The story is well written. The characters are engaging. They are well developed.  Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.  Giveaway: This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Eleanor Kuhns. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for:    5 Winners will each receive 1 print copy of MURDER, SWEET MURDER and a $10 Amazon.com gift card https://www.promoamp.com/c/the-long-shadow-of-murder-by-eleanor-kuhns

My Thoughts - A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

 

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Reflective/Devotional/ Guided/Prompt-Based

Release Date: October 29, 2023

As a busy mom you want to grow closer to Jesus, but it’s so hard to make the time. And when you do, it’s hard to know where to start. Let this guided journal help you to set aside seven minutes daily to reflect powerfully on the goodness of Jesus.

With 50 days of prompts designed specifically for moms just like you, this journal will lead you into fellowship with Jesus, our Perfect Parent, helping you to lean on Him to be encouraged and grow in godly wisdom.

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal is divided into five sections, each exploring one aspect of moms’ hearts for their children, so you can journal straight through or skip to a section that speaks to your heart’s need that day.

This journal contains:

• Daily inspirational verse to meditate and journal on.
• Daily prompts to connect these biblical truths to your life as a women and as a mom, many of which include “thought starters” to help get you started journaling.
• Space to document your daily “mom win” to provide positivity and help encourage you.
• Guided prayers to be used as a starting point for your personal prayer.
• Ample space for writing what you are thankful for daily.

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal will help you glimpse the awe-inspiring love Jesus has for you, both as a person and specifically as a mom, in only seven minutes a day.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Christa Joy Spaeth is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate follower of Jesus who understands the beautiful chaos of raising a family while trying to stay anchored in faith. With a deep love for prayer and the Word of God, she created this journal to help busy moms connect with the Lord in meaningful, manageable ways—no matter how full the day gets.

Through her podcast Praying Daily and her devotional writing, she encourages women to pursue God’s presence with confidence, joy, and authenticity. Her mission is to help moms cultivate a thriving prayer life, experience daily renewal, and walk in the peace and power of God’s promises.

Christa is greatly enjoying going back to her roots of teaching! As a dietitian and foodie, she loves to share her passion for simple cooking and wholesome living.

More from Christa

I’m a mom of two young men, a registered dietitian with a love for fresh milled bread, and gardening, and someone who believes that food, faith, and family are deeply connected. Most days you’ll find me in the kitchen with flour on my shirt, sharing laughs and recipes with my family. My kitchen is usually a little messy!

As a dietitian, I’m passionate about real food and simple meals that bring people together but as a mom, I know how hard it can be to slow down and spend time with the Lord. That’s why I created A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 minutes to Connect with Jesus. It’s not just a devotional; it’s a mom win. It’s your permission to breathe, connect with Jesus in the middle of the sometimes-messy chaos, and remember that your prayers don’t have to be perfect or long.

You’ll find quick prayers for hectic mornings, space to scribble your thoughts while the kids nap (or don’t!), and even a few “praise break” prompts for when the laundry is endless.

If you’ve ever whispered a prayer while reheating dinner or felt like you’re doing a million things but still falling short, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I wrote this book with you in mind. Let’s walk this journey together — one prayer, one meal, one grace-filled moment at a time.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Simple Harvest Reads, September 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academ, September 12

Artistic Nobody, September 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 15

Guild Master, September 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 16

Lots of Helpers, September 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 18

Fiction Book Lover, September 19 (Author Interview)

BarbHowe.org, September 19

Because I said so – adventures in parenting, September 20

Cover Lover Book Review, September 21

The Sacred Line, September 22

My Thoughts

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus is written by Christa Joy Spaeth. One of the things that I think all moms and women struggle with in making sure you get your time in with God. I have been able to develop a routine. When I get up in the morning, I do the Verse of day with explanation in the Bible App, at night, I am reading through Psalms and praying. I was excited to add this into the rotation. I would do this during my lunch break, and get what I like to refer to is a "bite size" portion of God. 

The author has organized everything very nicely. It's easy to navigate. I like that it fits a whole to into the seven minutes. I found myself going back to the subject at hand throughout the day and really digging deep. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to be a part of this tour, all thoughts are my own. 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54295