Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Killer Party by Lynn Cahoon

Book Synopsis
After a few months of living with her boyfriend Greg, Jill is still getting used to sharing such close quarters, but she’s got no hesitation about joining him for a weekend at South Cove’s most luxurious resort. While Greg and his college pals celebrate their buddy’s upcoming wedding, Jill intends to pamper herself in style. But when the groom is found floating facedown in the pool, Jill must find the killer fast, or she might not have a boyfriend to come home to any more . . .

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon is an Idaho native. If you’d visit the town where she grew up, you’d understand why her mysteries and romance novels focus around the depth and experience of small town life. Currently, she’s living in a small historic town on the banks of the Mississippi river where her imagination tends to wander. She lives with her husband and two fur babies.

Author Links
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5857424.Lynn_Cahoon
Twitter – https://twitter.com/LynnCahoon
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/LynnCahoonAuthor
Website – http://lynncahoon.com/
Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Cahoon/e/B0082PWOAO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Purchase Links
Amazon B&N

Giveaway
(2) E-Copy Killer Party by Lynn Cahoon.  Ends 7/30
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Dear Abby: Meet Elsie (A Rescued Pet Spotlight)

Dear Friends,

Something very exciting happened this past week!   I met a new friend.  My dear friend Dave (whom I have known since I was one year old) adopted a new pup.  Her name is Elsie.  Dave and Elsie live just 2 miles from me, so I will get to see her often.  We have already had two play dates.  We are just getting used to spending time together, but I am sure we will be good friends!   (And I hear she will be coming over to visit for a longer time when Dave goes out of town.) 

Dave has stopped by the blog to visit today, and to introduce Elsie.  I know you will love her too.

Elsie and Abby

Abby:  What is Elsie's background and how did she end up in rescue? 

Dave: Well, she is 4 now.  Elsie is a terrier mix, according to our vet.  She is mostly rat terrier (we think), and maybe a bit of chihuahua.    She lived with another dog, but her person decided he didn't have the time for her.  She spent her time alone, and in a crate at night.  But whatever her life was like, she was obviously cared for and well trained.  She walks like a little angel on a leash, she is house trained, and doesn't have a mean bone in her body.  She charms everyone she meets.

Her person finally decided he had to surrender her to Paws Atlanta.   She stayed there for two months before I met her.

Abby:  What were Elsie's first days like at her new home? 

Dave:  She walked (actually ran) inside, and all over the house downstairs and upstairs.  Elsie settled in immediately.  The bed is hers, the sofa is hers.  She loves to run around and chase her new toys.  She knew how to fetch from the start.  And when she's tired, she turns it off, and curls up with me.  She has a LOT of energy, but her manners are impeccable.

Elsie loves belly rubs!

Abby: What are a few of Elsie's favorite things?  

Dave: The toys she keeps eviscerating, and I keep taking away.

Abby:  Do you have any tips for people who want to adopt a rescue pet?

Dave: Take your time.  Look at different rescue organizations on line, see who has the kind of dog you're looking for with size, breed, age, whatever is important to you.  Go to the facility, and meet the dogs.  And remember, you will bond with the right dog.  You may meet ones first where you don't click with them, and they don't click with you.  But be patient, and remember you aren't seeing them at their best - they need some time and space to let their personalities come out.  Elsie seemed more quiet and sedate when we met.  We didn't realize she would be so outgoing.

Elsie and Dave

Abby: Is there a rescue group you want to send a shout out to?  

Dave:  Paws Atlanta, they are the best.  They are a no kill shelter with a reputation for taking wonderful care of the cats and dogs they foster.  Jasmin from PAWS helped with the adoption, and she was wonderful! www.pawsatlanta.org

Abby:   Thank you so much, Dave, for visiting today.  This adoption story is near and dear to my heart because I know how kind you always have been to me and to my late brother Barney ... and I know what a wonderful home you have to offer to a pup.   AND I am so happy to make a new friend -- Elsie!

Friends, if you would like to leave a message for Dave, you can do so in the comments.   

Thank you so much for visiting today!

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

Book Review - A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

Book Synopsis
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family’s German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors’ scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he’s more than his name?

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

My Review
A Name Unknown takes place in England in the days just before World War I.  Rosemary Gresham has had a hard life growing up on the streets on London after her parents died.  She was raised with a group of street urchins that she considers her brothers and sisters.  Because she is a skilled thief, she is sent on an unusual assignment:  to find out if nobleman Peter Holstein is actually sympathetic to Germany. She travels to Cornwall to work in the Holstein library and to gain his trust.  To both their surprise, a bond slowly forms between them and changes their lives.

This is such a lovely and unique historical novel.  I am interested in Edwardian England, and found this period just on the eve of World War I to be fascinating. The Cornwall setting was especially nice.

I love that books and writing and a mysterious home library figure into this novel.  There is a mystery involved, of Peter's lineage and family history, and it is really a page turner.

I did not immediately like the character of Rosemary, but I came to find her sympathetic as the novel went on.  Peter is such a remarkably kind, good character, and their friendship (blossoming slowly into a romantic interest) was beautifully written.

A Name Unknown is the first in a series, Shadows Over England, and I am eager to read the upcoming novels.  This is my first read by Roseanna M. White, but I plan to look for her other books.   

The combination of historical details, a slow building romance with a compelling mystery, and multi-dimensional characters makes A Name Unknown an engrossing read.  I recommend it highly to fans of historical fiction, Christian fiction, and anyone interested in Edwardian England.

Author Bio

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna’s fiction ranges from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia.

Connect with Roseanna

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a copy of A Name Unknown.  The giveaway is open to readers in the U.S. and Canada, and will end midnight 7/21/17.   The winner will be notified by email, and needs to respond to the email within 48 hours.  The winner's book will be sent directly from the author or her publicist.
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I received a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours.

Dear Abby - Videos Abby Likes: Dachshund and Woman Share Watermelon

Vintage children's book illustration by Roy McKie

Dear Friends,

I hope you had a happy 4th of July!   We had 5 days in a row of fireworks here, which is 5 days too many, if you ask me.

I have a fun video to share with you today.  It features a little dachshund sharing some very delicious looking watermelon with her person.


Doesn't that look like fun?  I have had a little bite of watermelon before and I liked it.  My Momma learned that it is safe in small amounts for dogs, with no seeds and with no rind.  Here is a nice article about fruits and vegetables that dogs can - and can't - eat.  It is from the AKC.    I am very fond of bananas, carrots, and green beans.  I get "no salt" green beans on top of my kibble every day.  

If you have a dog, what type of fruits or vegetables does he or she like?   I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Hoping you have a great weekend ahead!

Love,
Abby xoxoxo

Book Review - The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

Book Synopsis
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

My Review
Rosalyn Bernay is on the run in 1879 London when she stumbles upon a unique opportunity -- to work backstage at a theater performing Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore.  This job leads to new friends, possible romance, and the chance to act onstage.  However, first she will need to escape her past ... and the people who pursue her.

The Captain's Daughter is the first book in the new London Beginnings trilogy.  This book focuses on Rosalyn, one of three sisters.  It looks like the other two books will focus on her sisters.  I enjoyed this novel and look forward to the upcoming books in this series as well.

The historical details are very interesting in this book.  I love Gilbert and Sullivan, so found the theater scenes particularly fun to read.  I loved reading about backstage life.

Rosalyn is a brave, admirable character.  She keeps her faith in the midst of danger and stress, and remembers it as she begins a new life in London.  I also liked Nate, a military man who recently returned from India.  His rapport with Rosalyn was delightful, and their scenes together were particularly strong. 

The Captain's Daughter was a strong beginning for a new series, and I think other fans of historical fiction will enjoy it as much as I did.  Recommended!


I received a copy of this book from Litfuse.