Friday, April 3, 2026

Driftless Spirits (Secrets in Casten’s Horn) by Karen Ringe

Driftless Spirits (Secrets in Casten’s Horn) by Karen Ringel

Driftless Spirits (Secrets in Casten’s Horn)
by Karen Ringel

Driftless Spirits is a memorable and heartfelt story that invites reflection. Character-driven and cozy, it delivers a compelling mystery with touches of gentle paranormal intrigue. It’s a Perfect Escape.
~Escape with Dollycas into a Good Book

About Driftless Spirits

Driftless Spirits (Secrets in Casten’s Horn)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting: The Driftless area of Wisconsin, in a fictional town called Casten’s Horn
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Casten House Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 30, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8231084883
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G11YHMBK
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FXN5T913

Charlotte Burke can’t shake her recurring dream.
Over and over again she dreams of finding a mysterious journal on a candlelit desk while wandering through a strange house in the middle of the night. Every dream has shown her a framed picture of an old woman sitting at the same desk, except the latest version. Last night, the woman stood and offered Charlotte a keyring. In the morning, Charlotte woke up with her car keys in her hand.
Her best friend is worried but skeptical when Charlotte insists the house is real. The dream is metaphorical, Ivy says, reflecting Charlotte’s restless state. Ivy gifts her a journal and urges her to take the trip her subconscious is demanding before she wakes up behind the wheel. A roadtrip of self-discovery will help Charlotte figure out what she really wants.
Charlotte agrees to the roadtrip but not for Ivy’s reasons. To her, the house, the journal and the woman in her dream are all too real. She sets off to do the impossible. If she can find the house and uncover its secrets in time, she might save far more than her driftless life.

About Karen Ringel

In 2020, Karen Ringel retired from an engineering career to settle in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin with her husband. After taking some time to adapt to the rural lifestyle, she started creating the fictional Casten’s Horn, imagining how a small town might have been founded in the secluded valley she lives in. Always a researcher at heart, her books include references to real bits of history and traditions in an effort to enhance her stories. She writes what she likes to read: small-town mysteries with a cozy feel.

Author Links:

Author website, where I blog about my writing and the Driftless area of Wisconsin: https://castenhousebooks.com/

Goodreads author page, where “Ask the Author” is enabled, and I’m happy to answer questions: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61067885.Karen_Ringel

Purchase links:
Universal Link Amazon Kindle Amazon Print Apple B&N (ebook and print) Kobo

MY THOUGHTS

Driftless Spirits is book one in the Secrets in Casten’s Horn series that is written by Karen Ringel. I was surprised to know that this is her first book - for it was written well. I absolutely loved this book, and I am ready for book two. This book is perfect for those who love small town settings, paranormal elements and most importently a good cozy mystery.

Charlotte has been having a reoccuring dream. In this dream, she sees the same journal, and same framed portrait of an old woman. It's very detailed that she remembers it when she wakes up. Her friend, Ivy - advises her it is just a dream, but Charlotte knows that it feels real. Ivy finds a journal that mirrors the one that Charlotte has described - and they go on a road trip together. I really liked the blend of the cozy mystery, paranormal, and the journey of self reflection - as we read along and follow Charlotte's adventure we can see her chasing her dreams, literally.

This book is well written, the storyline is engaging. I hope to read more from this author in the future. Thank you to the author, publisher and Great Escapes Virtual Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 23 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

March 23 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 24 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 25 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 26 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 27 – Hall Ways Blog – SPOTLIGHT

March 28 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

March 29 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 31 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

April 2 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

April 3 – Because I said so – adventures in parenting. – REVIEW

April 4 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

April 5 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

Thursday, April 2, 2026

My Thoughts Special Target Author: Jerusha Agen

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Special Target by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Special Target
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: ‎ SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: March 26, 2026
Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.

The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.

A gripping and gritty standalone Christian suspense thriller from the bestselling author of the Guardians Unleashed Series.

Also Available

About the Author

Jerusha Agen is a Christy Award finalist who imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Special Target is written by Jerusalem Agen. I used to think that her series Guardian Unleashed was my favorite, but then I got my hands on this book. This definitely moved to the number one spot of my favorite books by this author. She always has such a way of crafting stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat, along with some well written characters and some great conflict.

In this story, we are introduced to Ashley. She is a Chicago social worker and she has no problem with putting her own life on the line to rescue/save children from unfortunate situations. She has tasked with finding Matthew a suitable foster home. While she is searching for one, she becomes the caretaker for Matthew. This is not a situation that she thought she would be in. Matthew is different. He has down syndrome and he is an orphan. However, it becomes clear that this is just not a normal situation. Soon becomes very clear that Matthew is a target.

This book moves at a fast but comfortable pace. You are drawn in within the first few pages. In traditional Jerusha fashion there is a lot of accident suspense, and I could hear my heart pounding as I read. This author is one that I will always try to pick up her new releases to read, and she has an automatic move to top of my to be read pile.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Special Target, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card and a Special Target mug, notebook, and magnet!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 30, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 6, 2026. Winners 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

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

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

My Thoughts Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries) by Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek

Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries)
by Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek

This was such an intriguing mystery that I had a hard time putting it down. Thankfully we were on spring break so I was able to read during the day.
~Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books

Rating –
Even though this was my first read in the series, it left me wanting more. I’m definitely interested in going back to the earlier books now, because if they’re anything like this one, I know I’ll enjoy them.
~bibliophile_foodie

Bottom Line: The more time I spend in Redemption, Wisconsin, the more I find it equal parts charming and unsettling, and Arson, Old Lace, and Murder by Michele Pariza Wacek confirmed each of those feelings once again!
~Reading is my Superpower

The unique cast of characters, atmospheric setting, creep factor, and well-plotted mystery make Arson, Old Lace and Murder a great addition to the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! I highly recommend it!
~Christy’s Cozy Corners

About Arson, Old Lace and Murder

Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – Redemption, Wisconsin, in the 1990s
Publisher: Love-Based Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2026
Number of Pages 200
Paperback
ISBN: 9798893510393
ASIN : B0GNZPYN1L
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FHQHXNGR

Charlie Kingsley is not a private investigator. She makes and sells custom teas out of her home. Which is why she initially refused to look into a recent case of a bar that had burned down.
Yes, it was tragic that the owner’s body was found inside. But this is an arson case, and what does she possibly know about arson?
Except…one of the waitresses is missing.
Who’s pregnant.
Who everyone thought was having an affair with the owner of the bar.
How can Charlie say no to the owner’s widow? And when Charlie accidentally finds the pregnant waitress, things start to take a strange turn. And suddenly, Charlie finds herself thrust into a decades-old mystery that haunts Redemption to this day.
A mystery that could very well cost Charlie her life.
Meet Charlie. Also known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She’s back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.

About Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

While each book is a standalone, you may find it more enjoyable to read the books in order, which is:

The Murder Before Christmas
Ice Cold Murder
Murder Next Door
Murder Among Friends
The Murder of Sleepy Hollow
Red Hot Murder
A Cornucopia of Murder
Arson, Old Lace and Murder
Masquerading as Murder (coming 2026)

Other books in the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series include:
A Grave Error (prequel)
Loch Ness Murder
A Wedding to Murder For
Three French Hens and a Murder
A Room For Murder
Margaritas and Murder
Secret Santa Murder (coming 2026)

Author Links – Website Facebook Instagram

Purchase Link – Amazon

My Thoughts

Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries) is written by Michele (PW) Pariza Wacek. This is a new to me author, and this will not be the last book that I read by her. I really love a good quick cozy mystery that will draw me in within the first few pages.

Charlie is not a private investigator. I love that she sells custom teas out of her home. Just because I have been on such a tea cake lately. Anyways, she looks into a case where a bar had burned down. Turns out that this is not an open and shut case.

A murdered bar owner, a pregnant, missing waitress, a widow and a mystery that has stayed hidden for decades. I love when there’s a good old historical mystery thrown into the story. I love learning about the towns history and just trying to pick up the breadcrumbs that the author was dropping.

I am definitely a Charlie fan. I will need to go back and try to get the other books while this is part of the series. I did not have any problems following along. The characters are well written it is a perfect blend of cozy mystery, historical, and romance.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book all thoughts on my own.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 23 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

March 23 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

March 24 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

March 25 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

March 26 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 29 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 30 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW