Simple Sunday

 

This lovely scripture illustration came from my friend Carol at Comfort Spring.  Click here to visit her blog. 

Have a Blessed Day

Fatal Facade by Wendy Tyson-Book Review-Character Interview with Giveaway

A Giveaway follows

About the book

Allison Campbell accepted a dream assignment: a visit to the Italian Dolomites to help Hollywood socialite Elle Rose reinvent herself. A guest cottage on the grounds of Elle’s historic castle promises to be a much-needed respite from Allison’s harried life on the Philadelphia Main Line, and the picturesque region, with its sharp peaks, rolling pastures, and medieval churches, is the perfect spot from which to plan her upcoming wedding.

Only this idyllic retreat is anything but peaceful. There are the other visitors—an entourage of back-biting expats and Hollywood VIPs. There’s Elle’s famous rock star father, now a shadowy recluse hovering behind the castle’s closed doors. And then there’s Elle’s erratic behavior. Nothing is as it seems. After a guest plummets to her death from a cliff on the castle grounds, Allison’s trip of a lifetime turns nightmarish—but before she can journey home, Allison must catch a killer.

And I thought

Only a few chapters in I was wishing I read the 3 preceding books.

Not because it was necessary.  But because I was so enthralled with all the characters that I wanted to.  

But the good news is I got the opportunity to chat with 'Vaughn'

Allison's business manager and her gave me a little background info.  and even told me which book in the series is his favorite!

Fatal Facade was a fun fast paced suspenseful thriller.  That will keep the reader on the edge of the seat.  

The story begins with a flashback when Damian the heir/owner of the fabulous castle falls off a cliff to his death which is classified as an accident.  But was it really?

Allison and fiance Jason and niece Grace arrive to join a large group of visitors.  Each with their own baggage and motives. 

And then another 'accident' happens.  And everyone becomes 

a suspect.  

The reader is swept into a twisty turvey fast paced ride along with 

Allison as she rushes to find out what is going on and why.  

All the while trying to keeping her loved ones safe.   

And when one suspect disappears and then is found buried on the grounds the tension rises and it's a race to find out who dun it.

Fatal Facade was a great suspenseful thriller.  I am looking forward to backtracking and reading the beginning of the series. 

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes.

This review will appear on retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Net Galley and Good Reads. 
This review will appear on My Journey Back

Available...

Amazon  B&N  kobo

Coffee with a character 

Hello and welcome to the blog.  I am excited to talk about Fatal Façade and maybe a little bit about your other adventures with Allison.

So before we get into our chat.  Should I call you Christopher or just 'Vaughn'?  Is 'Vaughn' reserved for close friends?   How did 'just Vaughn' come about?

Hi. Thanks for having me here today, Sherry. Please, call me Vaughn.

As a kid, I got in trouble a lot. I always knew I was in for it when my father would say “Mr. Vaughn” with a growl in his voice. My brother—he’s actually my twin—thought that was pretty funny, me being in trouble and all, so he started just calling me Vaughn. It stuck. Only my mother still called me Christopher, and now one of Jamie’s nurses does as well, a woman who has been a mother figure to us both since we lost our mom.

Let’s just jump right in.  How did you first meet/ become acquainted with Allison?  

I first met Allison through First Impressions. She’d recently purchased the business from the woman who was her mother-in-law at the time, Mia Campbell. Mia had been Allison’s mentor in the image consulting world, throwing Allison a life line when she was desperate for something to root her.

Anyway, Allison needed some odd jobs done, mostly investigative work on behalf of clients—checking into cheating spouses and the like. I’d some similar work for Mia, so Allison used me. We hit it off, she saw how hard I worked when it came to my clients’ interests, and she offered me a full-time job at the office. My role grew as the business blossomed and as our friendship developed.

Friend and business manager huh? What are your duties?

Anything pertaining to the business, really. I manage the financial end of things, handle appointments, negotiate contracts, deal with clients and the press.  Allison and I work as a team. The only thing I don’t do is consult with clients.

I’m curious—do you think mystery and suspense just kind of follow Allison Around?

Interesting question. No, I don’t. But Allison has a unique perspective. She viewed herself as an outsider for a long time. I think she still does. Despite working and living on the upscale Main Line of Philadelphia, despite all of her wealthy clients and fancy functions, she’s still the young girl who grew up poor under the rule of an abusive father. She’s never been able to outrun her past. I think that perspective, that ability to be on the outside looking in, allows her to see things others miss. Like true motives, and the goodness in people, and BS. Plus, she has a soft heart. She can’t pass up a chance to help out someone in trouble, so she often finds herself in the midst of it.

In Fatal Façade you spent a little time in Italy.   Have you traveled abroad in any of your earlier adventures?  

Previous adventures have taken us to Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Finger Lakes in New York, but this was my first trip abroad as part of First Impressions.

Besides your twin brother Jamie is there anyone else in the cast that you’re close to?  

Mia. Or I was close to Mia, anyway. That’s a story for another day. And Jason, Allison’s fiancé (and former husband)—we’ve been friends for years.

I jumped into the series with Fatal Façade. And now I am looking for my next
adventure.   If you had to choose/suggest which of your adventures is your favorite?

I’d like to say I enjoyed them all, but the truth is DEADLY ASSETS was pretty harrowing because two clients were missing and my freedom was on the line. DYING BRAND was scary, too, because of the impact on Allison. I don’t think she realizes just how close she came to being a victim.

Of course, it all began with KILLER IMAGE. You don’t have to start at the beginning of our story—each adventure stands on its own—but sometimes it helps if you want the background. KILLER IMAGE was perhaps our darkest hour.

Thanks for the suggestion and thank you for the chat.

This was great. I appreciate your time.

Visit the tour

Click here to read more reviews and interviews.

Giveaway

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Thankful Thursday

Joining Michelle to celebrate our thankfulness.  Today I am most thankful . . . 

For 7 years The Cowboy has been working 5-9 pm most days.  

He is a drivers education instructor.  A couple of years ago our state gave the drivers ed. schools the option to be licensed  to test.  His prior employer registered the school and so Cowboy became a 'tester' in addition to instructor.

This was a huge blessing to us.  I had already started cleaning houses and with this new/additional income 

we were able to move into the house where we now live. 

Last Oct. a week before we were to move The Cowboy 

got fired.  It was a trying, emotional and scary time. 

But we felt that God would provide and so we went ahead and moved.  

God did provide over the next few months. Sometimes we were depending on my daily income to get to the gas station. 

The Cowboy did get a job within just a few days but it took 3 weeks to get scheduled.  And he was working very few hours. 

It has been a long process.  But he is finally getting enough hours and they are daytime hours.  

No more 9:30 p.m. dinners.  

I am Thankful.  We are blessed for The Cowboys new 

job.  The school he works for now is very different.  

We know that God was behind his getting a new job. 

He never would have quit.  

We realize that in getting fired it opened the door for something much better.  

I am thankful.

Wordless Outdoor Wednesday

Add a caption _________________

 Many, many years ago I had a yearning a desire to be a part of the Woman's Ministry at our church. That was a difficult time for me because I really, really had a longing to be 'apart' as a leader.  

Alone I was studying about being a mentor and I was praying that God would open a door to use me. When it didn't happen I was frustrated and probably a little hurt. 
  

Now all these years later I really don't remember the emotions that I felt at that time. But I think I do have an idea why God didn't answer my prayer. Because you see at that time my children were at home. They were both in elementary school. All these years later I wonder if Gods better plan was for me to devote my time to my family at that time in my life.

In some ways I did devote myself to them but it is always easy for me to get absorbed in other things. It was during that time that I begin quilting. I spent many hours playing with fabric while the kids hung out playing nintendo (yes it was a long time ago) or watched t.v. Don't get me wrong we spent a lot of time together. Our horses at the time were at a rented pasture and so everyday after school we sent straight there and spent the afternoon riding, feeding, cleaning and bedding them down for the night. It was a really pleasant and enjoyable time. It was a time that I wouldn't change for all the money in the world. I firmly believe that the horses played a huge role in keeping my kids 'out of trouble'. By the time we got home every evening it was dinner time and then homework time and bedtime. This went on all through their growing up years. 
 
As I think back I think about the time I spent with God. And, if truth be known if I were to logg those hours it would probably fit into a really small spreadsheet. 

As I think back it makes me wonder if unintentionally I was putting my kids and my desires above God. Was unintentionally making idols out of the things in my life? 
 

Is there a possibility that things like my quilting habit, my children's activities and even my church activities were things that got in the way of my relationship with my father? Sadly I probably could answer yes. 

I thought of these words . . . Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself."Luke 10: 27. 

Dear sister are you going through a time in your life when your responsibilities are draining you? Are you like me are you eagerly accepting your role as wife and mommy seriously? Are you spending time with your children and securing their future by allowing into your lives things like sports and activities that 'keep them out of trouble'? Like we did with the horses 

If you are I commend you. But are you like me are you putting all these things before your relationship with your Father? 

Today I urge you to join me in taking some time to sit still and be with the Father. Take some time and just rest and relax and offer Him your heart. 

Take some time and . . . 

 ...rest

I 'wanna be' a Titus 2 woman. I wanna share my faith and my stories and what I have learned to help you get there before me. 

At this 'time' in my life I have the time to share myself with you. I have the time to share my faith Journey. And as the older, more mature and maybe a little wiser (at least I hope) I have the time to share with you what I have learned and am learning on my Journey. 

Let's Journey together . . . 


Thank you for joining me on My Journey.

Linking with some fav's

Visit my parties page.

Happy Homemaker Monday/Night

The weather

75 to upper 90's all week.  Clouds but no rain predicted. 

Sometimes we get a good spring here in Texas but summer creeps in.

Something fun to share

I reviewed this book today.  The author and Great Escape tours is giving away 1 e-copy.  Leave a comment saying 'I want book' to enter for a free copy sent to you from Great Escape tours.

On my reading pile

Written Off by E.J.Copperman (requested to review from author)

Detecting Duchess (Great Escapes Tours)

The Captains Daughter (Litfuse Tour) 

I haven't looked at my calender I think these are all for latter in July and August.  By then hopefully all my reviews except Litfuse will be over at My Reading Journeys

Favorite Blog post

I am starting a new feature. I'll be sharing my favorite post from 

the Fabulous Party at Our Holiday Journeys.  My favorite from last weeks party was . . . 

Carol at Comfort Spring shared a post about Senior Living

Click here to read this Fabulous post. 

Favorite Recipe to try

 Linda at The Best of Long Island/Florida shared this yummy recipe.  Click here to read the post. 

One of my simple pleasures

When the Cowboy doesn't work 5-9.   He called me a few minutes before 5 (he was already at work)  I was not expecting his call and thought something was wrong.  Something was Right!  He told me he will be starting to work 9-5.  Praise The Lord.  Better and longer hours. 

On the menu

Monday

Steak, potatoes, tomato and zucchini (from the garden) salad

Tuesday

Spaghetti (for me), Alfredo (for Cowboy), salad, bread

Wednesday

Oven Baked Pork, Stuffing, green beans

Thursday

Kid/Adult friendly-Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potato's, Corn

Friday

Roast/fixins

Looking forward to this week

The Cowboys new work schedule

From the camera

My first medium size tomato.  I am covered up with grape tomatoes but they are a yellow variety!

Verse/Devo.

                                Source

Linking with Sandra at 

Happy Homemaker Monday 

and a few favorites from my parties list.

  

Killer Music by Tammy L. Grace-Book Review-and Giveaway

You can win a copy to read on your phone, kindle or computer.
Just leave a comment 'I want book' on any post.  
The more comments the more points!
The contest will end this Saturday 17. 

About the book (provided by Great Escape Tours)

When private detective Cooper “Coop” Harrington meets record label mogul Grayson Taylor at a swank gathering of country music artists and politicians he never imagines he’ll be investigating his brutal murder less than twenty-four hours later.

The suspects are plentiful. More than a handful of people could have wanted him dead. Retained by Taylor’s widow, Coop works alongside his best friend and Chief of Detectives, Ben Mason. The investigation leads Coop and Ben to visit the luxurious mansions of recording industry magnates, navigate the murky undercurrents of the political world, and probe complicated family matters. Scandalous indiscretions, secrets, and hints of corruption swirl in the midst of their pursuit of the killer.

Coop’s faithful friend and assistant, Annabelle and his loyal golden retriever, Gus, both lend a hand during the investigation. Even his Aunt Camille mines the local gossip mill to unearth potential killers with motive. Yet the case seems hopeless until a crucial piece of evidence emerges that sends Coop and Ben on a race to catch the killer before someone else dies.

And I thought

A great beginning to a new series.  I really enjoyed Killer Music.

The only thing I didn't like was that Grant was killed off.  He seemed like such a great character a real 'good guy' even though 

he'd made mistakes.  He was able to make up for them.  

The story/plot revolves around Coop and friends investigating Grant's death.  When Grant is killed at a political fund rasiser 

there is no shortage of suspects.

I enjoyed all the characters.  There's Coop who the author describes as someone you'd want to meet.  Even though he wears goofy t-shirts on most occasions.  There's his wonderful aunt who cooks and brings food to Coop and the cops when they are 
working long hours on investigations.  
Coop hires a new 'yard guy' who is just a sweet kid. I'm suspecting him becoming a part of 'the team' in the future. 
And of course there's Coops girl Friday Annabelle.  I have it on good authority that there won't be a romantic interest between the two but I can't help but wonder if eventually Coop will take the plunge.  
And then lastly of course there's Gus.  Coop's dog he isn't bashful about his affection for Annabelle.
Killer Music was a fun great summer read.  If your cozy mystery 
love you will want to start this series.  

I am looking forward to reading the series.  

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
This review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads, NetGalley and 
My Reading Journeys.

Available

Amazon

Interview with the author 
Click here to read my interview with Tammy L. Grace

Giveaway

Book Spotlight-Killer Music- Author Interview-Tammy L. Grace

Author Interview

You can win a copy to read on your phone, kindle or computer.
Just leave a comment 'I want book' on any post.  
The more comments the more points!
The contest will end this Saturday 17. 

Hello Tammy it is a delight to have you visit the blog today and talk about Killer Music and maybe a couple other things.  Thanks for having me, Sherry.  I’m always up for chatting about books.

Chocolate.  Let’s talk.  I read your bio and I think we’re kindred spirits.  This should be fun!   So about the Chocolate.  Nuts or no nuts? I love chocolate without nuts and am happy to eat it with nuts, except peanuts.  That’s the only chocolate combo I won’t eat.  I like brownies best with walnuts.  My favorite over-the-counter chocolate is Dove and Hershey.

When you go to a fancy restaurant (or any restaurant HeHe) do you look at the dessert menu first before choosing an entree?  I do just wondering if I can add you to my dessert lovers club! Of course!  Need to know if there is something there I need and if there is, I’ll order soup and dessert J  I’ve also been known to make a meal out of rocky road ice cream.

I don’t have to ask about pets do I?  But I have to ask is Zoe actually featured on your book covers?  Zoe is not the dog on the covers, but she could have been.  Most people who know me think she is the model.  She likes thinking she’s a celebrity, so I let her.

I am sure she is a constant companion.  Does she also give you ideas for your 4 legged characters and their antics?  Yes, she is the inspiration behind all the canine companions in my novels.  She also came up with a great idea for my reader group.  If readers subscribe to my exclusive group on my website, I’ll send them a free gift, which is a fun interview I did with all the dogs from my novels.  I had fun putting it together and Zoe was instrumental in its creation.

I am looking forward to reading Killer Music.  Can you give us a little sneak peek that wasn’t in the cover description?  I don’t want to give away any of the plot, but I’ll tell you a few things about Coop.  He collects snarky t-shirts and wears one each day.  He’s addicted to coffee and peanut M&M’s.  He’s an insomniac and doesn’t get any sleep until he’s exhausted.  He’s also a guy who would be fun to have as a friend or invite to dinner.

What was your inspiration for the location for “Coop”? I went on a trip with a friend to Nashville a few years ago. She had a class and I got to play tourist for the week and drove around checking out all the tourist spots.  It’s a great place to visit with lots to see.  While I was roaming around Belle Meade, I visited an old mansion.  I went upstairs and looked over the balcony and thought it looked like a great spot for a murder.  That’s how it started and then when I was leaving I drove through several wealthy neighborhoods, in awe of the homes.  As I drove, the idea of a quirky bachelor detective who lives with his wealthy aunt was hatched.

Did you have to do any special research?  Maybe a road trip? I did some research while I was in Nashville, did a lot of online research for locations and the surrounding areas, and even called some connections I had from my prior career to get some details about the downtown area.

How did you come up with the idea of a male lead instead of a female sleuth?  I get tired of the airhead girl who stumbles over corpses and solves murders, so I wanted to be different.  I like the idea of a professional detective, but not a hard-boiled one.  I wanted mature (40-ish) main character and my dad has been in law enforcement his whole career, so I wanted to blend some realistic facts into the stories. It’s a mixture of ideas and not your typical cozy mystery amateur sleuth.  Sort of like Robert B. Parker’s Spenser character without the violence and romance.

I am so looking forward to getting into to the book.  The sub-characters sound like fun

addition’s to the story (s).  On occasion there is a sub-character or two that I just would love to meet for coffee   May I reserve the right to visit with my favorite over coffee? Oh, yes.  You would love Annabelle.  Everyone calls her AB and she’s smart and capable. She provides Coop the supervision he often needs and keeps the office running like a well-oiled machine.  She’s also involved in solving the cases and a lawyer in her own right.  Aunt Camille is also a wonderful lady who would love to chat with you, probably all afternoon. She’d make you some of her famous pecan chocolate chunk cookies to go with your coffee.

Speaking of the other characters there is one last question I have to ask. 

Does “Coop” have a romantic interest or is he a confirmed bachelor?  Coop is destined to be a bachelor.  Many readers have expressed an interest in Coop and AB getting together, but that’s not going to happen.  They’re actually perfect for each other, but neither one of them seems to recognize it.  For me, it’s like the show Castle on television.  Those two had great chemistry and I think it ruined it when they got together, so I’m set on keeping Coop as a bachelor.  He’s got too much to do on this cases for silly romance.

Thanks so much for chatting today.  I had a wonderful time.  I am off now to

download a book!   Killer Music sounds like a great weekend read.  Thanks for having me and the fun questions.  I hope you enjoy it and the second one, Deadly Connection.  I’m beginning work on the third book this summer.

Best wishes on the tour!

It was a delight to have the opportunity to chat with Tammy about 

Killer Music.  I know you'll love the book.  Click here to read my review. 

Many thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Tours  for her help in facilitating this interview.    

Click here to visit the tour to read more reviews,

interviews and guest posts