I am thrilled to share a new release from a new-to-me author, Amber Royer!
A STUDY IN CHOCOLATE
Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5
by
AMBER ROYER
Cozy Culinary Mystery / Women Sleuths / Romance
Publisher: Golden Tip Press
Date of Publication: January 27, 2023
Number of Pages: 260 pages
Scroll down for Giveaway!
Felicity Koerber’s bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand is expanding, as it has become a gathering spot for the community, despite having been the scene of multiple murders. Artists she met while doing a chocolate sculpture are now working out of the shop. So when Felicity is invited to tea by an eccentric art collector, she’s intrigued, especially when she gets asked to pose for a portrait done with chocolate on chocolate. Only, where there is a murder the next day at the same historic house where the tea was held, one of Felicity’s artist friends becomes the main suspect.
When the killer threatens that unless Felicity unravels the murder, one of her two love interests will be the next victim, she finds herself unwittingly at the center of a puzzle with a Sherlock Holmes-obsessed murderer who wants to be the next Moriarty – and wants to cast Felicity as Sherlock.
Felicity starts finding unexpected connections between her friends and acquaintances and must deal with the idea that someone who knows her is a murderer. At the same time, she has to keep her business running, despite construction dust and unruly customers – and an unexpected order for thousands of truffles.
Satchmo the retired police-dog-turned-therapy dog returns to help her sniff out a few clues, and the kidnapping of Ruffles, the quirky artist’s cat, helps lead Felicity into the puzzle. Can Felicity solve it in time to protect the people she cares about from becoming additional victims?
Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She is also the author of Story Like a Journalist: A Workbook for Novelists, which boils down her writing knowledge into an actionable plan involving over 100 worksheets to build a comprehensive story plan for your novel. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach.
Amber and her husband live in the DFW Area, where you can often find them hiking or taking landscape/architecture/wildlife photographs. If you are very nice to Amber, she might make you cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes, of course! Amber blogs about creative writing technique and all things chocolate.
I’ve had another entertaining month of reading a wide variety of books from indie to mainstream authors. I only share reviews that garnered 4 stars and up.
This book contains two separate short stories, both in the horror genre. The first portrays two friends caught in a perilous situation. Not only are Billy and Frasier hopelessly stranded in the harsh Alaskan Wilderness, but Billy is convinced he is a vampire and must have human blood. The shocking events that take place in the story had me gasping. While parts of it are gruesome, it is a compelling story that drew me in. I had to see what happened, and the resolution, again, left me gasping!
The second story is set in the old west with dark magic, a mysterious train, evil revenge, and heart-stopping raging fires. Henderson has been labeled a coward by his peers but is the one chosen to broker a deal with the wealthy Widow Vandermeer when a wildfire threatens to destroy their small town. They need her train. What happens after that is chilling, even in the midst of an inferno. The author did a great job of writing both of these stories. She has a unique talent for telling a good horror story and sucking the reader right in. I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end of them both. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adrenaline rush.
This book is such a profound journey based on the life of a Native American known only as Grandfather. His teachings are basic, simple, and powerful. I loved all of the stories and how Grandfather approached teaching, always waiting for the student to be ready to receive. I also love how nature is also such an integral part of the teachings. Grandfather was undoubtedly a shaman of the highest order. The last section of the book is a hands-on teaching tool in which anyone can incorporate the practice of entering the Sacred Silence and beyond. But the success stories that follow the instruction phase of the book brought goosebumps to my arms. Just amazing! I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their spiritual journey with an open mind and heart. I will be forever changed because of what I learned between the pages of this book.
Jade Parsons is one of those lucky few who has a dream job she loves and a boss who is like a father to her. But now her boss has suffered a heart attack, and the boss’s estranged son, Eric, is at the helm running the company.
They clash right away. Jade knows how to run the modeling agency. Eric doesn’t. Yet, he is constantly demeaning her. Why? She’s good at what she does, and Eric’s father trusts her implicitly. As the story unfolds one delicious layer at a time, the reasons behind Eric’s behavior come to light. And to throw another layer of conflict and tension into the story, Jade’s gambling-addicted brother shows up desperately needing money and bringing danger to her door. She can’t turn her back on her family.
But when she is kidnapped, the stakes are raised. And what a shock that it is Eric who comes to her rescue. There are lots of family dynamics in this story, but the aspect I loved the most is the mortar and pestle that has been passed down to Jade from her grandmother, who is a shaman and healer. There is a scene in which Jade is smudging herself and Eric when she drops the mortar and pestle breaking it into four pieces. It’s exciting when the vessel heals itself. It’s magically restored back to pristine condition. This is a romance, but the plot and storyline outweigh the romance part and I love that. The romance is an added bonus. If you love a good story with mystical magic, you will love this book! It is a quick and easy read, and I highly recommend it.
This story is written in a unique way that I’ve never seen before, and before I start my review of the book, I’d like to commend the author for her creativity in telling this story. It is comprised of twelve vignettes – a story for each month of the year.
Laci and Del had been an item, and a year has passed since their breakup when they reconnect at a New Year’s Eve party. The same attraction and spark are there, but there is no trust. After all, their previous relationship ended suddenly with no explanation, no note, and not even a forwarding address. And now, here they are at the same party and alone outside on the balcony. What starts out as an awkward conversation quickly progresses to soft kisses and the desire to try again.
They move back into the comfortable relationship they remember, but both are carrying secrets and the misunderstandings between them loom large. I found myself rooting for them and, at the same time wanting to give them a swift kick in the pants and make them sit down and be honest about what happened. Then when it almost happens again, there doesn’t seem to be any redemption for this couple. They move through tumultuous times, happy times, laughter, tears, and everything in between as the next year of their lives unfolds. If you love a good romance with characters that will linger with you after you reach the end of the book, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is a fast read, perfectly paced, and well-written.
It is no secret that I am a died-in-the-wool fan of Colleen Hoover’s writing. She knows how to bring the reader into the story and be a participant.
With over 200,000 reviews, Verity is one of those books that I will remember years from now. There were so many things I loved about it. First of all, Lowen is an author I could relate to. She’s written a few books and makes a little money, but she’s an introvert and shies away from any public interaction with her readers. Things take a huge turn when her agent calls her about a meeting he insists she attends. And what are the odds that a man would step out in the path of a vehicle and die right in front of her on the way to the meeting? Not only die but splatter blood all over her blouse. She is beyond traumatized when a stranger steers her into a nearby restroom and gives her the shirt off his back so she can still attend her meeting. But then imagine Lowen’s surprise when the stranger is in the same meeting. The stranger’s wife is Verity Crawford, a world-renowned author who is now incapacitated due to a car wreck. They need someone to finish the series Verity was working on before the accident. Jeremy Crawford chose Lowen and insists she is the right one to finish his wife’s work. They make Lowen an offer she can’t refuse. Step in and finish the series and, in return, receive a million dollars.
While everything inside her screams, “No,” she can’t refuse an offer like that. And there is something about Jeremy she can’t say no to. What Lowen finds in Verity’s office is horrifying. Then when she begins to suspect the woman is faking her injuries, the tension mounts. And it doesn’t help that Lowen has now fallen in love with Jeremy. I wish I could express this multi-dimensional story layout in a way you could visualize. Between character interactions and Lowen reading Verity’s autobiography, it’s a gripping tale I could not put down. I couldn’t read it fast enough. The climactic ending left me stunned. I will not leave any spoilers. I’ll just say that if you love a suspense-filled story with strong sexual undertones, you will devour this book as I did!
This story opens with a prologue that portrays a disturbing scene where a four-year-old boy thinks he has witnessed the murder of his mother. Only no one believes him. From there, the story jumps to the present day.
I love the setting of this story. Who wouldn’t love living in a mock old western town? Add in daily entertainment for the tourists, and you have a fabulous place.
But things take a turn for the town’s manager, Cassidy, when she hires West, a mysterious stranger, to be the fix-it man for the town. She is attracted to the soft-spoken man with a chiseled body. He has a dark past, only she doesn’t know what it is, and he isn’t willing to share. But the doctor who gives West his work physical sees the scars the man carries. They tell the tale of the abuse West has suffered.
When dead bodies start to turn up in the town, emotions slip into high gear. This is a family-friendly amusement destination and shouldn’t be a murder scene, but it is. Everyone is a suspect. As Cass and West grow closer, and he shares his story, she falls in love with this man who has suffered a lifetime of unimaginable abuse at the hand of his influential father.
The entire story unfolds with a few complicated plot twists that keep the reader guessing. My only critique of the story is the head-hopping between characters. But this is the author’s debut novel and my guess is that she will hone her writing skills with more practice. Her background as a registered nurse helped tremendously in making certain events in this story realistic for the reader. If you like a good mystery in a fabulous setting with a sprinkling of romance, you will enjoy this story. I’d like to see a sequel.
That’s it for this month. I hope you found something you’d like to check out! Thank you for visiting!
Hello, beautiful souls! Welcome to another Monday post where I hope you’ll find something that lifts you and prepares you for the week ahead.
What an incredible quote from Albert Einstein to start us off.
Keeping with the theme of miracles, I found this wonderful meditation. Enjoy!
Some interesting cards this week.
Photo by Jan Sikes
In the what you need to know position, The Moon card from the major arcana is reminding us that under the light of the moon, all that is hidden is revealed. It is an invitation to examine your shadow self. Sometimes that is uncomfortable as there are things about ourselves we don’t want to acknowledge, much less examine. But when we can honestly face those elements of our being, we have such a huge opportunity to grow. It is possible that you may have been deceived, most likely by your own perception, and under the moon’s influence, that is revealed. What is brought to light can be either illuminated or eliminated. The moon shows you where the work can be done through dreams and developing your intuition. Listen to your intuition and reconnect with aspects of your inner self that may have been hidden. This card offers such a big opportunity for growth.
In the new perspective position, the Eight of Wands is a pure action card. It brims with the energy of hastiness and speed. This is one of the few cards in the tarot deck that doesn’t depict a person. This puts emphasis on the action taking place. These wands often carry messages in the form of letters, phone calls, emails, texts, or news heard from the lips of a passing stranger. However these messages come, they bring an element of excitement, speeding up events in your life and possibly disrupting your daily routine, often in an overwhelmingly positive way. Life is moving you quickly toward your personal goals.
In the action to take position, The Seven of Wands deals with unforeseen challenges and obstacles that arise on your path, asking you to be assertive and strategic rather than acting defensive. Being courageous in the face of adversity and listening to your intuition is the best way to handle pressure and increase your success. This card can also indicate that you may find yourself speaking on behalf of others or coming to the defense of a family member or friend. Maintain an objective stance, focus on the facts, and work toward a solution.
MY TAKEAWAY:
I love what The Moon card represents. Sure, it’s not easy facing aspects of yourself that are not pleasant, but there is such a great reward in working through those shadow pieces. Maybe just stop and take a good look at what you might perceive as a negative trait. Then, take action to shift that.
It almost seems as if the seven and eight of wands needed to be reversed, but I take them like they come out. So my thoughts about them are to be open to unexpected messages and take action while standing strong in your truth and being ready to defend yourself or others about that action. Your thoughts?
What a warm and comforting message from the Angel cards this week!
I hope you have a great week ahead. A reminder that there will be no Monday post next week as I will be traveling.
Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but this has seemed like a long week. I am still super far behind on everything I missed from being away, but dealing with the fact that I won’t catch up, so just moving forward.
Thought I’d share a few photos from our Disney adventure to start this post. The girls loved Disney lots more than they did Universal last year.
They got to do so much, including a full princess makeover in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique. I’ll start with that.
They got to meet four of the Disney princesses, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, and Aurora.
We had lunch in Cinderella’s castle on the first day and Belle’s castle on the second day. Then the third day, we spent at Animal Kingdom, where they got to pet a Rhino, go on a safari, see amazing birds, and have an Elephant encounter. I did not know that Animal Kingdom is classified as a zoo.
Pandora was absolutely amazing and I loved, loved, loved the tree of life!
And, of course, there were tons of rides. I’ll end the Disney recount with this. Go ahead and laugh. I do every time I look at it. Is that a look of sheer terror on my face? I think so. My daughter looks like she’s about to cry, and the little one looks horrified. Sydney is the only one enjoying herself. 🙂
It was a trip that made memories. One day I will be too old to go and enjoy these things with them, but for now, at 71, I can still hang in there with the best of them. Our step counters went crazy, with over 20,000 per day. 🙂 Not bad for an old lady.
Are you familiar with Alkaline water? My oldest daughter had bariatric surgery several years ago, and she was told at that time she needed to drink only Alkaline water in her recovery. Being the curious one that I am, I had to look into it. Our bodies tend to be highly acidic, depending on our diets. And illnesses like cancers thrive in an acidic environment. So, drinking alkaline water helps lower acidity, creating overall better health. But purchasing alkaline water is a bit expensive. So, I found this life hack for making your own.
For healthy adults, a popular recipe is ⅛ tablespoon (or 1/3 teaspoon) of baking soda in 8 fluid ounces of purified water. Stir or shake the mixture thoroughly so that the baking soda becomes completely dissolved and you got your alkaline water ready for drinking. Or, for every gallon of water you wish to alkalize, mix it with ½ tablespoon of baking soda.
Cheap and effective!
I have had a fun month of reading some really good books and will be posting my reviews next week. On the writing front…well (she says, with head hanging sheepishly), there has been very little progress. I’m still very much in catch-up mode but hope to get some new word count this weekend.
That’s it from me for now. There will be no Friday post next week and no Monday post on March 6th, as I will be traveling (again). Friday, I will be at the Bandera, Texas Public Library to present a program, then will be going from there to Lubbock to spend a few days with my sister as she undergoes another surgery.
Take good care, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend! I’ll leave you with this thought from Steve Jobs:
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Hello, everyone. Welcome to another segment of Wednesday Words.
We have all heard and used made-up words before, and because of my oldest granddaughter, that is what I want to talk about today.
Can you guess the longest made-up word? Here’s what I found:
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is an invented term that was coined by Everett M. Smith, the president of the National Puzzlers’ League. The Oxford English Dictionary lists pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis as “a factitious word alleged to mean a lung disease caused by inhalation of very fine silica dust usually found in volcanos. So, from that perspective, it’s both factual and fictitious. Sounds like a lot of our stories, doesn’t it?
Surprised? I seriously thought it would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, but Mr. Smith’s word has it beat.
Why am I talking about made-up words? Because my oldest granddaughter uses a made-up word in daily conversation. Her word is confuzzled. When I asked what it meant to her, she said it was when you were both confused and puzzled. 🙂
Here’s Sydney’s confuzzled look:
What about you? Do you use made-up words? What are they? I’d love to hear them!
Hello, fellow readers! I’m thrilled to tell you about a new book just released from Lisa Harris. I enjoyed reading it.
SURVIVAL
Fallout Series, Book 1
by
Lisa Harris
Dystopian / Science Fiction / Mystery / Christian
Publisher: Adrenaline-Fueled Fiction
Pages: 236 pages
Publication Date: October 19, 2021
SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY!
In today’s world, law enforcement agencies across the country rely on forensic tools, DNA testing, and crime labs. But what if that technology was suddenly no longer available? No one in the small, west Texas town of Shadow Ridge knows what took down the power grid, or when it’s going to be back up, but everyone knows exactly where they were the moment it went down. And now, with no electricity, no internet, and no modern technology, the men and women responsible for keeping the town safe are going to have to learn how to fight crime all over again.
When one of the men in charge of storing food for the town of Shadow Ridge is found murdered execution style, it’s up to Jace McQuaid to find the killer. What he discovers is a group of organized raiders who are stealing supplies and selling them on the black market—and the survival of the town depends on stopping them.
Morgan Addison’s estranged brother, Ricky, shows up at her house demanding weapons and confirming her fears that he’s a part of the outlaws. Tensions are raised further when Ricky kidnaps her son to ensure his safe passage out of town. Jace must find a way to save Noah and ensure the survival of Shadow Ridge.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
“An adrenaline rush of a read! Summed up in one word: Unputdownable!” ~Kav, Amazon reviewer
“Once again Lisa Harris has created a creative world full of intrigue, suspense, and action! This book is irresistible! I can’t wait to finish with the rest of the series!” ~Dawn, Amazon reviewer
“Excellent. Lisa Harris at her best.” ~Chipchucker, Amazon reviewer
“The book starts with a bang and does not slow down.” ~Grandaddy A, Amazon reviewer
“This is an absolute must read!!” ~Carlien, Amazon reviewer
LISA HARRIS is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has fifty plus novels and novellas in print. She and her husband currently live in Texas.
What would you miss most if the grid went down? While not as essential as toilet paper or air-conditioning during a Texas summer, I think the McQuaid heroines from this series would love a bit of self-care—and so would I. – Author Lisa Harris
I am back from my trip to Florida with my daughter and granddaughters. We had a great time, and I came home exhausted but ready to get back to work! I hope this post will provide some inspiration for the week ahead.
A joyous meditation!
When I drew cards for this week, an extra bonus card slipped out. I love it when that happens.
Photo by Jan Sikes
The Page of Cups suggests a new idea or opportunity has come to you out of the blue. Your creative energy is flowing, and now the question is how you will express it. Be open to anything – including a fish popping its head out of a cup! This card often appears when you are being called to trust your intuition and be open to the multitude of intuitive messages coming your way. Look for synchronicities and signs from nature that will guide you on your path. They may come from unexpected places, or they may not even make sense to your rational mind. In a practical sense, the Page of Cups can indicate that you will receive an unexpected and pleasant surprise. The Pages are often known as messenger cards, and with the Page of Cups, you may receive a message related to emotions, intuition, or creative endeavors.
The Star card brings a renewed sense of hope and healing, along with a deep sense that you are truly blessed by the Universe. With The Star card, anything is possible, and the magic is flowing around you. Your heart is full of hope, and your soul is being uplifted to the highest of highs as you realize that your dreams really can come true. Allow yourself to dream, to aspire, to elevate in any way possible so you can reach the stars. They are right here waiting for you. You may also want to find or rediscover a sense of meaning, inspiration, or purpose in your life. You are making some significant changes in your life, transforming yourself from the old you to the new you, and, in doing so, you are bringing about a fresh perspective: ‘Out with the old, in with the new.’ You are choosing the highest version of yourself. This is a profound spiritual journey that will bring greater meaning and purpose into your life and will renew your inner energy. Strip back any limiting beliefs, facades, or deceptions, and live in your authentic nature. Be open to new ideas and growth, and listen to the still voice within.
With the Ace of Cups, Divine love and compassion are pouring through you. You are a vessel for deep, spiritual love from the Universe, and you can’t help but let that love flow through you and into the world. Now is the perfect time for you to open your heart and experience the rich flow of emotion available to you right now. You are more receptive to creative opportunities, loving connections, and deep compassion for other living beings. The Divine is offering you the gift of love, which can arrive in many forms, including self-love. Take time for yourself and your individual spiritual practice, and new opportunities and inspiration for personal development will appear.
The Knight of Wands appeared in another reading recently, and it is an action card. Consider this card a green light to move forward with any projects you may have on the horizon. You are bold and courageous and willing to venture into unknown territories to further your mission and your dreams. You don’t really care if danger lies ahead – in fact, if it does, then it becomes all the more exciting and thrilling for you. Adventures like this light you up because you know growth and expansion are waiting on the other side. Be a pioneer and take calculated risks to reach new heights. There is a word of caution with this card in that it may indicate an ‘act first, think later’ risk. Be mindful of finding a way to focus your enthusiasm on the activities that will move you closer to your goal. When you have a new idea, rather than acting on it straight away, take a moment to check in and see if it truly aligns with your goals and whether it needs to happen right now.
MY TAKEAWAY:
Be open to synchronicities, signs, and messages that may come from unexpected places and in unexpected ways. Choose the highest version of yourself in moving forward on your spiritual journey and strip away any limiting beliefs or deceptions, then allow divine love to fill you. That includes taking some for yourself and your spiritual practice, then being ready to take action on a project with focus and enthusiasm!
I absolutely love the Angel card this week. I have a strong affinity with Archangel Michael and call on him for protection often. So, this card really touched me. I hope it brings you comfort.
As we launch into another week on our journey, I hope each reader finds something uplifting in today’s post. This quote from Jimi Hendrix blew me away. It is SO profound.
Created in Canva
This meditation is one of the most beautiful I’ve found in a while. Really sink into it and feel it!
I love the lighthearted tone of the tarot reading this week.
Photo by Jan Sikes
I want to take a moment to clarify the card positions in a three-card reading, as it is different from the typical past, present, and future layout. The card on the left represents what you need to know. The middle is giving you a new perspective and the last is action to take For these weekly readings, this makes more sense to me. Thoughts on that?
The King of Swords represents intellectual ambition and leadership. It also indicates mental clarity about a situation or life in general. You are well-positioned to judge your situation and identify any limiting behaviors that may get in your way. His sword is slightly tilted, which shows he is ready for action. You are encouraged to use your logic and intellect to navigate the path ahead. Keep your emotions in check while you draw upon your intellectual power and mental clarity to ascertain the truth. You cut straight to the point and get to the heart of the matter for maximum efficiency and impact. Often, the King of Swords can represent an advisor. If you need help with a matter, this card asks you to seek an expert who can provide what you need.
I love the Six of Cups. It can represent visiting past pleasant memories, perhaps from your childhood when you felt safe, carefree, and playful. One way to connect with your inner child is to be around children and play with them. Tapping into the joy you felt as a child will help you make the most of the present moment. This card encourages you to spend time with old friends or people who feel like family. This is a card of harmony.
I feel like the Three of Cups needs no explanation. It is a card of celebration, togetherness, and joy. Connecting with others is a great stress reliever and rejuvenates your spirit. This card also invites you to collaborate with others on a creative project and inspire one another to reach new heights. Collectively, you are working towards a common goal for the greater good of others, and by reaching out to others and banding together, you can achieve a great deal by sharing your positive energy and passion with the wider community. The Three of Cups is a very creative card, suggesting that you may pursue a creative outlet within a group environment, such as an art class or a dance class. This is a great way to connect with others and to access your creative abilities.
MY TAKEAWAY:
Approaching any situation with clarity and logic is always helpful. It lets you cut to the chase, so to speak, and tackle the heart of the matter void of emotion. Then bringing a new perspective is the card of harmony and pleasant memories, and getting in touch with the inner child may lead to a full-out celebration. On a personal level, this reading makes perfect sense to me. I will be leaving on Wednesday to go with my daughter and two granddaughters to Disneyland in Florida. So, I will have plenty of opportunities to be playful and make wonderful memories with them.
This Angel Card took my breath away! It is an author’s boon!
Writing and Music 
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