My Thoughts - CALL ME CARMELA by Ellen Kirschman

 

CALL ME CARMELA by Ellen Kirschman November 11 - December 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

A Dot Meyerhoff Mystery   Police therapist Dot Meyerhoff helps a young woman find her birth parents and unburies dark family secrets in this psychological thriller. Police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff’s caseload is usually filled with cops—which is why she’s hesitant to help an adopted teenager locate her birth parents. But the teen’s godmother is Dot’s dear friend Fran and a police widow to boot. How could Dot possibly say no? Once Dot starts digging into the case, though, she’s drawn into a murky world of illegal adoptions and the choices a young pregnant woman might make as a last resort. Soon there’s only one thing Dot knows for sure: the painful truth of what happened all those years ago might heal one family—but it’s certain to destroy another.

Book Details: Genre: Psychological/Domestic Suspense Published by: Open Road Media Publication Date: November 26, 2024 Number of Pages: 292 ISBN: 9781504095754 (ISBN10: 1504095758) Series: A Dot Meyerhoff Mystery, #5 Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Open Road Media

Author Bio: Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D. is a police psychologist. and clinician at the First Responders Support Network. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, The American Psychological Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Public Safety Writers Association. She is the recipient of the California Psychological Association’s award for distinguished contribution to psychology as well as the American Psychological Association’s award for outstanding contribution to the practice of police and public safety psychology. Ellen brings her expertise and decades-long experience to both fiction and non-fiction. She is the author of three non-fiction books and a five-book mystery series featuring police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff. Catch Up With Ellen Kirschman: EllenKirschman.com Goodreads BookBub - @EllenKirschman Instagram - @ellen.kirschman.copdoc Facebook - @ellen.kirschman

MY THOUGHTS Call Me Carmela is written by Ellen Kirschman. This is book five in The Dot Meyerhoff  Mystery series. I have not read the other books - and I did not have any issues following along. I found myself instantly drawn into the story. I wish that I could sit down and chat with Dot, I bet that she would have some amazing stories.  Dot is a police psychologist. She stops into her favorite cafe and Fran, the former owner, who still has her hands in the business asks Dot to talk to her Goddaughter, Ava. Ava has run away and has been fighting with her parents. Ava is adopted and has been on a quest to find her birth mother. Her adoptive parents are not crazy about this. Her adoptive father, a former cop runs his household as if he was still not he job. Dot is not crazy about this, her clients are usually police. However, an end result from a former client has changed her perspective a bit. Dot starts to dig into Ava's case. What she finds out is that there has been a lot of shady dealings attached to it. Secrets that have been buried for so long threaten to rise to the surface. She comes across a lot of illegal adoptions.  This book is written in first person. I felt like Dot was in my head telling me her story. The author has written an engaging story to where you will want to know what happens next. While this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand a lone since the author does a great job in providing important information.  Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.  Tour Participants: These are the stops on the tour as of October 24th and are subject to change. Please, let me know if you have any questions. 11/12 Guatemala Paula Loves to Read CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/13 Books R Us CALL ME CARMELA Guest post 11/13 Novels Alive CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/14 Because I said so CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/14 Books, Ramblings, and Tea CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/15 Country Mamas With Kids CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/16 Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/17 tea. and. titles CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/18 Literary Gold CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/18 Silvers Reviews CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/19 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/19 Celticladys Reviews CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/20 Jodys Bookish Haven CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/25 Ink. Readsalot CALL ME CARMELA Review 11/26 Book Corner News & Reviews CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/26 The Mystery of Writing CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 11/27 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS CALL ME CARMELA Showcase 12/03 5 Minutes for Books CALL ME CARMELA Review 12/06 Catreader18 CALL ME CARMELA Review   Giveaway: This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Ellen Kirschman. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for:    2  - $25 Bookshop.org Gift Cards https://kingsumo.com/g/1x92wy1/call-me-carmela-by-ellen-kirschman

My Thoughts - Pure Joy: 90 Devotions on the Book of James

 

About the Book

Book: Pure Joy: 90 Devotions on the Book of James

Author: Anita Higman

Genre: Christian Devotional Book

Release date: February 27, 2024

Pure Joy is a profound 90-day devotional that delves into finding joy through suffering amidst life’s challenges. In the Book of James, we’re challenged to embrace our trials with “pure joy,” understanding that they lead us to a point of lacking nothing. But how can we truly embody this spirit of joy in the midst of adversity? This daily devotional takes you on a transformative journey through James’ enigmatic teachings, encouraging you to discover the profound change that occurs when we accept Christ’s power in our anguish, confusion, discontent, and hardship.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Anita Higman—an award-winning and bestselling author from Texas—has authored or coauthored fifty-plus books, and she has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. A few of Anita’s favorite things are fairytale castles, antiquing, exotic teas, gardening, and laughing with her family and friends! Her latest book, Pure Joy, is a collection of devotions inspired from the Book of James in the Bible.

 

 

 

More from Anita

Life is broken. We keep trying and trying—and trying—to make something worthwhile out of life, but no matter what we do on our own, it’s still a hopelessly shattered mess. When we allow Christ to love His way into our lives, we discover this miraculous thing called grace. He can take what is fractured by sin and refashion it into a magnificent work of art. And He gives us a new lightness of heart and a livelier step. Best of all, paradise has been regained! Yes, that is us—when we journey humbly with Him.

It has been said that some of James’ inspired writings have similarities to the Book of Proverbs. So, I am hopeful you will also enjoy—Pausing for Proverbs—the little inset devotions, which are enfolded into this work.

May these ninety devotions and your journey with James flood your life with hope, ripen your faith, and transform you into a woman who knows how to dance in God’s light and His wonderful ways of joy…

My Thoughts 

Pure Joy: 90 Devotions on the Book of James is written by Anita Higman. I love how this book came along right when our church was starting a women’s Bible Study. I always love how things intercross because I know that God wants me to know something 

I love the way that this book is organized. Each devotion starts with a verse. The author does a great job in unpacking the verse and showing how it can relate to our every day lives. 

James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It’s one that I read almost immediately after becoming a Christian. I love how it always can relate to anything that you’re going through 

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

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, November 8

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 8

Inspired by Fiction, November 9

Because I said so – adventures in parenting, November 9

Sylvan Reads, November 10

Faith, Fiction, & Fairytales, November 11

Labor Not in Vain, November 11

She Lives To Read, November 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 12

Girls in White Dresses, November 13

Its Mama Safe, November 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

Older & Smarter?, November 16

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

Mary Hake, November 17

Lights in a Dark World, November 18

Leslie’s Library Escape, November 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Lots of Helpers, November 20

Cover Lover Book Review, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anita is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and two copies 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/00adcf5490

My Thoughts - BURN THIS NIGHT by Alex Kenna

 

 BURN THIS NIGHT by Alex Kenna

 

BURN THIS NIGHT by Alex Kenna November 4 - December 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

The Kate Myles Detective Series   Told in alternating timelines, this gripping mystery about a PI and her quest for answers is full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of Allison Brennan and Gytha Lodge. Struggling private investigator Kate Myles is shattered to learn her late father isn’t her biological dad. She’s still reeling when she discovers that an unknown distant relative is the prime suspect in a decades-old murder investigation. Trying to convince her to take on the case for free, an old colleague recommends her as an investigator for a recent arson murder in the same small town. After giving up on a failed acting career, Abby Coburn is starting over as a promising social work student. With her life on the right track, she’s determined to help her brother, Jacob, whose meth addiction triggered a psychotic break and descent into crime. But when Abby dies in a fire that kills two other people and destroys part of the town, the police immediately suspect Jacob. As the Coburn family grapples with the tragedy, Kate begins unraveling the cold case but finds herself caught in the middle of an emotional minefield. Pretty soon, she discovers that this town is full of dark secrets, and as she comes closer and closer to figuring out the truth, Kate must solve both murders before she becomes the next victim.

Book Details: Genre: Mystery/Thriller - Private Detective Published by: Crooked Lane Publication Date: November 12, 2024 Number of Pages: 256  ISBN: 9781639109371 (ISBN10: 1639109374) Series: Kate Myles private detective series, 2 Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Penguin Random House Books

AUTHOR BIO: Alex Kenna is a mystery writer, prosecutor, and amateur painter. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and giant schnauzer. Alex's first novel, WHAT MEETS THE EYE, was a 2023 Shamus Award Finalist for best first P.I. novel. Her second novel, BURN THIS NIGHT, is coming November 12, 2024. Catch Up With Alex Kenna: www.AlexKenna.com Goodreads BookBub - @akenna Instagram - @alexkennabooks Twitter/X - @AlexKenna9 Facebook My Thoughts  Burn This Night is written by Alex Kenna. This is my first exposure to this author and it will not be my last. This book is told from multiple points of views through alternating story lines. The author weaves it together seamlessly.  The book opens to a fire in the mountains. Grace is taking her dog for a walk and she realizes her sister’s cabin is on fire. What she doesn’t know is her brother is the prime suspect.  Kate Myles is clawing her way back up from hitting her rock bottom. She’s a former cop turned private investigator. Her life has collapsed around her. She found out that her dad isn’t her biological dad, she’s lost custody of her daughter and is being weened off pain pills. She’s offered a job trying to sort out the true culprit of the fire.  She’s juggling the overwhelming evidence against Jacob along with a cold case that links her DNA to the killer that left a teen mummified.  This book is a page turner. The author has done a wonderful job in providing backstories, vivid descriptions of what is going on, along with providing clues along the way.  The book is well written, the storyline is engaging.  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 Alex Kenna. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for:    1 - $20 Amazon.com Gift card to a winner in the US https://kingsumo.com/g/1w94763/burn-this-night-by-alex-kenna-gift-card

GUEST POST - BURN THIS NIGHT by Alex Kenna

 

BURN THIS NIGHT by Alex Kenna November 4 - December 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

The Kate Myles Detective Series   Told in alternating timelines, this gripping mystery about a PI and her quest for answers is full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of Allison Brennan and Gytha Lodge. Struggling private investigator Kate Myles is shattered to learn her late father isn’t her biological dad. She’s still reeling when she discovers that an unknown distant relative is the prime suspect in a decades-old murder investigation. Trying to convince her to take on the case for free, an old colleague recommends her as an investigator for a recent arson murder in the same small town. After giving up on a failed acting career, Abby Coburn is starting over as a promising social work student. With her life on the right track, she’s determined to help her brother, Jacob, whose meth addiction triggered a psychotic break and descent into crime. But when Abby dies in a fire that kills two other people and destroys part of the town, the police immediately suspect Jacob. As the Coburn family grapples with the tragedy, Kate begins unraveling the cold case but finds herself caught in the middle of an emotional minefield. Pretty soon, she discovers that this town is full of dark secrets, and as she comes closer and closer to figuring out the truth, Kate must solve both murders before she becomes the next victim.

Book Details: Genre: Mystery/Thriller - Private Detective Published by: Crooked Lane Publication Date: November 12, 2024 Number of Pages: 256  ISBN: 9781639109371 (ISBN10: 1639109374) Series: Kate Myles private detective series, 2 Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Penguin Random House Books

Author Bio: Alex Kenna is a mystery writer, prosecutor, and amateur painter. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and giant schnauzer. Alex's first novel, WHAT MEETS THE EYE, was a 2023 Shamus Award Finalist for best first P.I. novel. Her second novel, BURN THIS NIGHT, is coming November 12, 2024. Catch Up With Alex Kenna: www.AlexKenna.com Goodreads BookBub - @akenna Instagram - @alexkennabooks Twitter/X - @AlexKenna9 Facebook

GUEST POST The Ladies of PI Fiction If you close your eyes and picture a hardboiled private investigator, I’m guessing it’s a dude.  Maybe a grizzled silver fox in a trench coat, Humphrey Bogart style. Or a well-coifed Colin Farrell driving around Los Angeles in a vintage Chevy Stingray. While Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Malone, and Sara Paretsky’s V.I. Warshawski have achieved cultural icon status, fictional female PIs don’t tend to get as much attention. That’s a shame. When I wrote Kate Myles, the protagonist of my novel, BURN THIS NIGHT, private investigative work felt like a natural fit for her character. Kate is a resilient (if self-loathing) single mother, who lost her police career after an accident led to a pain pill addiction.  I set out to write a smart independent woman who solves crimes and occasionally stumbles along the way. To me, characters are more interesting when they’re full of contradictions. Kate is smart, but has terrible ADHD. She’s a loving mother, but she’s made serious mistakes. She knows who she is, but life has caused her to fundamentally re-examine things more than once. A fictional PI gig fits Kate and similar characters, because they get to be competent but function outside the institutional confines you see in a police procedurals. That lack of structure brings their flaws and quirks to the surface, but also lets their strengths shine. During my writing journey, I made a point of seeking out great female PI characters. Here are some of my favorites:  Cass Raines by Tracy Clark Former cop, Cass Raines has been through the ringer. She was a dedicated Chicago police officer, until an over eager colleague startled an armed criminal, who opened fire. Cass was hit in the chest and ended up killing the young man who shot her.  When we first meet Cass in BROKEN PLACES, she has physically recovered and started working as a PI. At the same time, she is haunted by having taken a life. Cass is strong and independent, but emotionally relies on her friend, Father Heaton, a priest who mentored her when she was a girl after her mother died and her father skipped town.  So, imagine her shock when father Heaten is murdered in his church along with a teen. To make matters worse, a lazy police detective slaps on a simplistic explanation for the crime that Cass doesn’t buy.  Cass is impossible not to like, and more importantly, believe as a character. She’s tough but feels things deeply and thanklessly risks her life for those she cares about. She’s a heroine you will cheer for want to read on for her next adventure.  Billy Levine by Kimberly G. Giarratano Billy Levine is one of the most charming and effortlessly original heroines you’re going to encounter in today’s crime fiction. A young Jewish woman in her twenties, Billy’s life is upended when her mother is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Billy has to find a way to make a living that gives her the flexibility she needs to care for a mentally declining loved one. To make matters worse, Billy is burdened with the knowledge that she could develop the same debilitating condition in middle age. That knowledge gives her an understandable, if tragic, fear of commitment.  To balance her very adult responsibilities, Billy starts working as a PI under her grandfather’s license. When we first meet Billy in DEATH OF A DANCING QUEEN, a rich deadbeat offers her money to find his missing girlfriend. Billy is soon pulled into a complex mystery involving organized crime, a giant diamond, and a dead dancer. The plot further thickens when her handsome ex-boyfriend, a low-grade mobster who “oozes sex,” reenters the picture.  Despite everything she’s dealing with, Billy is a joy to read. She’s down-to-earth, believable, and always funny.  Annie McIntyre by Samantha Jayne Allen  Like Billy Levine, Annie McIntyre is young, restless, and trying to carve out a place for herself. We first meet her in PAY DIRT ROAD, which won the Tony Hillerman Prize for best first mystery set in the Southwest. After graduating from college, Annie returns to the dysfunctional Texas town where she grew up. Angsty and rudderless, Annie feels uncomfortable in her hometown – in part because a traumatic high school experience. In need of work, she takes a job waitressing and another gig doing clerical work at her grandfather’s PI firm. When another waitress from the diner goes missing and is later found dead, Annie is sucked into the case and starts to find herself and her purpose as she unravels the mystery.  Even when Annie’s feeling lost and unmoored, she has a firm sense of who she is and a solid moral compass. She will appeal to anyone who’s ever been young and felt unmoored or driven by a need to correct a serious wrong.

Giveaway: This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Alex Kenna. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for:    1 - $20 Amazon.com Gift card to a winner in the US https://kingsumo.com/g/1w94763/burn-this-night-by-alex-kenna-gift-card