Book Review and Giveaway - Time After Tyme Author: Kay DiBianca On tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Time After Tyme

Author: Kay DiBianca

Genre: Cozy mystery

Release date: November 29, 2021

Time After Tyme is a fun and thought-provoking mystery about secret codes, university intrigue, and two young girls who fancy themselves 21st-century Nancy Drews.

 

When strange, coded messages turn up in the chapel prayer box at Bellevue University, the minister suspects a recent campus death may have been murder, so he enlists the help of amateur sleuths Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman to decipher the codes and solve the mystery. But when a couple of young girls get wind of it, they decide to find the killer on their own. Almost everyone on campus has something to hide, and the story fluctuates between the rational search for the truth by the adults, and the occasionally misguided, but surprisingly perceptive, insight of the children.

 

Set on the campus of a modern university, Time After Tyme is both a joyful romp through a cozy mystery and a serious look at the search for truth. The book reminds us of the seasons of our lives, from the irrepressible curiosity of youth to the treasured experience of maturity.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kay DiBianca is an award-winning author who loves to create literary puzzles in the mystery genre for her readers to solve. Her characters come to life as they struggle to solve murders and create relationships amidst the ongoing themes of faith and family. Her first novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, won an Illumination Award for General Fiction and an Eric Hoffer Award for Mystery. The second book in the Watch series, Dead Man’s Watch, was a Silver Falchion Award finalist.

Kay is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Collierville Christian Writers Group. An avid runner, she can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home. Her background in software development fuels her fascination with puzzles and mysteries, and her dedication to running helps supply the endurance and energy she needs to write about them.

Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee. You can connect with Kay through her website at https://kaydibianca.com.

 

More from Kay

When ten-year-old Reen Penterson overhears the words “foul play” in a conversation not meant for her, she jumps to the conclusion that a murder has been committed and says, “Foul play? Murder! My heart pounded and my future life unfolded in front of me like a YouTube video. I could solve the mystery and expose the killer! I’d be famous. I’d be rich. I’d be one of those people who gets a college degree without having to go to school.”

To aid in her “investigation,” Reen enlists the help of her nine-year-old cousin, Joanie Finelson. And the chaos begins.

Writing Time After Tyme was great fun for me. This is the third book in the Watch series of cozy mysteries, and I wanted to add another dimension to the stories. Since I intended to dedicate the book to my best friend from childhood, my cousin Joan, I thought the misadventures of two young girls would be the perfect addition. Although Reen and Joanie are secondary characters in the book, they steal the show from the adults with their misguided attempts to find a killer.

Set on the campus of fictional Bellevue University, the story revolves around the recent death of the university librarian, Mr. Tyme. When strange, coded messages are found in the university chapel prayer box, main characters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman are asked to decipher them. While Kathryn and Cece work to solve the mystery behind the codes, Reen and Joanie are turning things upside down in the search for a killer.

There were several things I particularly enjoyed about writing this book. I loved creating the coded messages, each of which relates to a Biblical proverb. I also liked exploring the secrets many of the adults in the book harbored to avoid being associated with Mr. Tyme’s death.

But more than anything else, I enjoyed the all-out approach to solving the mystery by the two young girls. At times, their unfiltered approach to their quest made me laugh out loud and reminded me of the wonder of that special time of life.

My Thoughts

Time after Thyme is written by Kay Dibianca. This is book three in the watch series books. I have read all three but they can be read as stand one books. This one has been my favorite one of the series. 

Kathryn is back again and trying to unravel a new mystery with her friend CeCe. This time it’s a code that has been left behind in prayer boxes. Mr Tyme, who was a deacon at the church noticed it when he and the Reverend would pray over the slips of paper that were left in the prayer box. Mr. Tyme is killed in a fire and his death is ruled an accident. Reverend Whitefield sees another slip of paper with a code that he can’t understands. So he asks Kathryn  to look into it. 

Kathryn can crack codes. She has a habit of getting herself mixed up into these deep mysteries. Her boyfriend, Phil isn’t too pleased she’s roped into another one. When Kathryn starts digging more suspects enter your radar. I was guessing until the very end. 

Factor in two little girls. Reen who wants to be a reporter and her cousin Joanie. They get caught up in the mystery too. 

Can they figure out what is going on before the killer strikes again? 

Well written characters. Unique intriguing story line. This book will have you guessing until the very end. I love the authors style of writing and hope to read more of her books in the future. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 20

lakesidelivingsite, April 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 22

Texas Book-aholic, April 23

Inklings and notions, April 24

Blogging With Carol, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 25

Book Looks by Lisa, April 25

deb’s Book Review, April 26

Vicarious Living, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Mary Hake, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 28

Bigreadersite, April 28

Older & Smarter?, April 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 30

Paula’s Persuasion, April 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

Pause for Tales, May 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 3 (Author Interview)

I luv the books, May 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d0ae/time-after-tyme-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith. Hosted by Write Now Literary

 Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-month book tour and visa gift card for The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith. The book tour will run March 1 -April 29, 2022.

Genre: Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller

ISBN-13‏: ‎978-0989474757

K.N. Smith, winner of the "Best of" in the category of "Outstanding Young Adult Novel" at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. Her lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist and grind through action-adventure and urban fantasy in edge-of-your-seat narratives. K.N. has over twenty-five years' experience in communications and creative design as an award-winning consultant. She inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. 

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory superpowers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.

Prologue: And in the absence of even a hint of an exchange, Joaquin spun around and lunged at Ross. He grabbed him by the throat, knocking him down.  

With brittle leaves and debris thrust upward, the two were enveloped in a dark, hazy hell as they engaged in a violent struggle for what seemed like an eternity.  

Ross flared up. “Get the hell off of me!”  

Joaquin persisted. “What are you going to do, Ross? Where are you going to go?” 
Ross scrambled to his feet, fighting back with a blow to Joaquin’s head, followed by several body punches. Joaquin stumbled and fell, giving Ross those precious few seconds required for his escape.  

Fueled by a rush of pulsating adrenaline, Ross ran frantically, stretching his quivering legs. His rich brown skin tightened as he pounded through the forest. He tried to ignore his thunderous heartbeat while scanning the pathways, searching for possible escape routes.  

With his baseball cap lost to the wind, his short, curly hair had exposed to the open air. Ross grasped the moment, one littered with deep panic and a singular appreciation for survival.  

This turn of events stemmed from countless episodes in which Joaquin, only nineteen yet extremely demanding, had tried to control those around him.

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Barnes & Noble    Goodreads  Google Play   Amazon    

Google Books   Apple IBooks  Smashwords Kobo IndieBound

MY THOUGHTS

Discovery of the Five Senses Book one in the Urban Boys Series is a young adult book that is written by KN Smith. This book has a targeted age range of 13-17. My 10 year old son, who can read at almost a high school level and I read this book together. My son loves books that fall within the fantasy genre - so this one was well liked by him.

The book will open with a flashback. Then goes back to present day where our five friends have heightened senses. They also discover that they can fight like a well trained Ninja. They then find out that they have to save the world.... not bad for 5 male teens right? They now have a lot to balance. School, football, home life, saving the world and friendships. 

The five boys have a great bond. They are football players - and have known each other. The development that the author has put into her characters is solid. You really feel like you get to know them. The book drew us in instantly and you will want to keep reading. 

I received a copy of this book through the author/publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own. 

Five (5) $25 VISA eGift cards.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/77b5716f23/?

Book Review and Giveaway - Book: Death Valley Hideout Author: Dana Mentink On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Death Valley Hideout

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: April 26, 2022

Running from a murderer

with only the desert as refuge…

Placed in WITSEC while his brother testifies against a terrifying criminal, Tony Ortega must guard his young niece and nephew from the hit man hunting for them. Death Valley local Willow Duke’s hideout might just be the difference between the little family’s life or death. When bullets start flying, can they thwart a killer long enough to survive and become a family for real?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

Wooty woo! We’re back in Death Valley again! So excited about this fourth book in the series because Papa Bear and I have actually returned to this amazing place. (Our previous return trip was stalled for a while due to the virus that shall not be named!) People have asked me, “Why do you love Death Valley so much?” I can only respond that you just have to go there to understand. Is it the vastness of the place? The enormous topographical variety? Maybe it’s the profound quietness that permeates the national park and environs. Then again, it might be the panorama of nighttime stars. (Death Valley National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park due to its limited light pollution.) Could it be the tenacity of people who live there and survive the one hundred twenty plus degree temperatures in the summer? And how about those animals? The Death Valley pupfish is a teeny little endangered fish that lives in precisely one spot on the globe (Death Valley) and only two places within that range, Salt Creek and Cottonball Marsh. Imagine that! So why set a six book series in Death Valley? Because there’s no more hostile and incredible place I can think of. I hope you will enjoy taking a fictional trip with me there too. Enjoy the adventure, reader friends!

My Thoughts 

Death Valley Hideout is part of the Desert Justice series that is written by Dana Mentink. This is book 4 in the series. I have been fortunate enough to read the whole series, but they can be read as stand alones. While previous characters will make appearances the author gives a quick recap when they enter the story. Willow Duke has befriended Tony Ortega and his two cute little kids. Only to find out that he is not who he says he is. The cute kids, Carter and Bee are actually his brother's children that he is keeping safe in the witness protection program. His brother, who is a mess, has made some people mad. He is trying to blackmail a dark web giant - and thinks that is better then testifying against the man. Now he has put everyone at risk. Willow and Tony are not sure who they can trust in the small town. The book starts off with action and does not let up for you to catch your breath. I am a huge fan of this author and she always writes such creative stories. Willow's brothers are great protectors and will do anything to help keep their sister safe. There are two more books in the series, and I cannot wait to read them. The characters are well developed, and the story line packed full of action. Thank you the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Remembrancy, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 21

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 22

Bigreadersite, April 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Life, Love, Writing, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 24

Betti Mace, April 25

Inklings and notions, April 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 26

EmpowerMoms, April 26

deb’s Book Review, April 27

Blogging With Carol, April 27

For the Love of Literature, April 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 29

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30

Vicarious Living, April 30

Bizwings Blog, May 1

Blossoms and Blessings, May 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 2

Paula’s Persuasion, May 2

Labor Not in Vain, May 3

Through the Fire Blogs, May 3

Pause for Tales, May 4

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 4

To Everything There Is A Season, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of the first four books in the series-Framed in Death Valley, Missing in the Desert, Death Valley Doublecross and Death Valley Hideout (Paperback for U.S. Only) and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d0af/death-valley-hideout-celebration-tour-giveaway