Looks like a good week to mark your calendars to stop by.
Hope to see you.
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Spotlight of The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club by Bill Cusano & Four Exclusive Gift Boxes With a Gift Card From Amazon or Bookshop.org
THE OLD CRANBERRY LADIES GARDEN CLUB
by Bill Cusano
June 1 - July 10, 2026
Virtual Book Tour
THE GHOST AND THE KEY
With a pitchfork through the man's groin and another through his chest, it is clear that someone had murdered Chester H. Cranberry. It's not something that could have happened accidentally. But that was 192 years ago. As Mildred Cranberry, the current family matriarch, puts it, "We have two women, two keys, two pitchforks, and one dead two-timing man." Who in their right mind would want to dig up that cold case and try to solve it? It's not like the murderer could be prosecuted in 2024, right? But what if a key piece of evidence can be dug up (literally)? And what if a descendant of Chester's illegitimate child can get her hands on it? Mildred will need more than the Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club members to solve this bizarre case. The spiritual support she needs may not be what she expects when the ghost of Elcira Cranberry, the widow murderess herself, arrives to do what? Tell the truth or protect her reputation?
The Ladies Garden Club of Old Cranberry, Connecticut, has a 200-year history that has remained shrouded in secrecy for so long, it has been lost to history, until now. Elcira Cranberry and freedwoman Deborah Townsend knew the men of the town would have no interest in a garden club, so it was the perfect cover for their secret organization. Now, nearly two centuries later, the current members have no idea what those ladies were up to in the early 1800s, right here in Connecticut. But the secret will soon be out.
THE WIDOW MURDERESS
Connecticut, 1833. A year after Chester Cranberry's unsolved murder, the town that he founded continues to suspect that his wife, Elcira, ended his life. With insufficient evidence to bring her to trial, and little effort to find another suspect, the town gossip labels her "The Widow Murderess." But Elcira has seven children to feed, ranging in age from three to nine, and her nanny, Deborah, a freed slave, is pregnant with her husband's illegitimate child.
All eyes are on these two women, expecting them to fail to keep the farm and the family together. When the general store cuts off Elcira's credit and refuses to sell anything her farm produces, the alliance between Elcira and Deborah grows stronger, and the women set out to do something unthinkable, something that can cause one to be whipped and the other thrown in jail. They opened their home to runaway slaves seeking freedom along a secret route north. Behind the facade of a ladies' garden club, the women run a clandestine school, teaching the formerly enslaved and runaways to read and write-a dangerous act that could destroy everything she's built.
When a mysterious murder during a violent storm brings old secrets to light, the truth about Chester's death threatens to surface. With the town's suspicions mounting and powerful enemies closing in, Elcira must decide how much she's willing to risk to protect those she loves and maintain the underground railroad that runs through her land.
A gripping historical novel about courage, family, and the price of freedom in pre-Civil War New England, The Widow Murderess explores how one woman's determination to survive becomes a beacon of hope for those seeking liberty.
THE SPARROW AND THE CROW
The last time the crows circled the old farmhouse, her husband Chester was found dead and the town named her a murderess. Thirty years later, the truth she buried with him is stirring again, the country is splitting in two, and the family she fought so hard to hold together is being pulled apart by a war that hasn't yet been declared.
Her grandson Auggie wants to fight for the Union. His mother, born to a Virginia plantation family, will do anything to drag him south instead. Millie — the rector's daughter with golden hair and a satchel full of letters — waits at home for a boy who may never come back. And in the chapel behind the lilacs, Elcira and the women of her garden club continue the work no one is supposed to know about: sheltering freedom seekers as slave catchers tighten their grip on the Connecticut coast.
Then a telegram arrives. And another. And the war everyone said would never come has come for the Cranberry's all at once.
Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, Paulette Jiles, and Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain — a story about what families inherit, what they hide, and what they're willing to risk when the country they believed in begins to come apart.
Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery
Published by: 4610 Publishing
Series: The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club
Author Bio:
Bill Cusano is an author, a retired deacon in the Episcopal Church and a believer that it is the process rather than the outcomes that matter most in our lives. Retired from the corporate world and an eight-year stint running a non-profit feeding program, Bill attacks every project as a ministry, giving it his full commitment. Needing to readjust to life after losing the love of his life to leukemia in April of 2024, Bill returned to writing full-time, resulting in The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club series, the motivation and inspiration for which came from his wife’s voracious appetite for reading historical fiction. While this is Bill’s debut novel, he has always been a writer, publishing short stories and poems early on, and then beginning a daily spiritual blog in 2008. You can follow Bill’s Reflections From The Garden Bench along with other writings on his Substack account.
Catch Up With Bill Cusano:
BillCusano.com
Bill's Substack
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @billcusano
Instagram - @billcusano
X - @CusanoBill
Facebook - @bill.cusano
Tour Participants:
Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!Click here to view the Tour Schedule
When Crows Circle… It’s Time to Enter to Win
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Bill Cusano. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club by Bill Cusano | Surprise Gift Box w/ Gift CardCan't see the giveaway? Click Here!
Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours
Friday, July 3, 2026
Showcase of The Ledger and a Giveaway of TWO US-ONLY $25 Amazon.com Gift Cards
THE LEDGER
by Steven Manchester
June 8 - July 3, 2026
Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:
Set in a medium-security penitentiary in the mid-1990s, The Ledger is a faith-based story that pulls back the curtain on prison life, allowing the reader a safe peek behind the wall.
Although told from three alternating perspectives—officer, inmate, and sergeant—many of the same questions are asked: Can light be found in the deepest darkness? What about forgiveness, redemption, and grace? And if the code is clear, “loyalty above all things except honor,” when should an officer cross the blue line to police one of his own?
The Ledger is the long-awaited companion novel to The Menu.
Praise for The Ledger:
"The Ledger illuminates the dark world of Corrections, making it safe for all of us to steal a peek."
~ Barry McKee, Professor Emeritus, Criminal Justice
"I found myself holding my breath. It felt like I was right back inside the wall."
~ Nelson Julius, Deputy Superintendent, DOC (ret.)
"Intensely powerful and deeply moving, pick up a copy to balance your own ledger."
~ Debby Guyette, Book Blogger, Single Titles
"The Ledger is a spiritual read, drawing the reader inward."
~ Reverend Andy Stinson, First Congregational Church of Fall River
Book Details:
Genre: Christian, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction
Published by: Luna Bella Press
Publication Date: May 26, 2026
Number of Pages: 280
ISBN: 979-8999472021
Series: Companion novel to The Menu.
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Goodreads | BookBub
Author Bio:
New England's Storyteller Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the '80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade; Yearbooks & Yo-Yos. His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club (NYIFA & LAFA winner). He is the co-author of You Will Be Peter, as well as Officer Erik & the Very Special Dad (written with TV icon, Erik Estrada). His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show and CBS's The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright and winner of several book festivals, Including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, and New England (from 2017-2025). When not spending time with his family, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.
Catch Up With Steven Manchester:
www.StevenManchester.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @stevenhmanchester
Instagram - @authorstevemanchester
YouTube - @authorstevenmanchester3970
X - @authorSteveM
Facebook
Tour Participants:
Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!Click here to view the Tour Schedule
Clear Your Schedule, Open THE LEDGER
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Steven Manchester. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
THE LEDGER by Steven Manchester | Gift CardsCan't see the giveaway? Click Here!
Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours
Friendly Fill-ins - 7/3/2026
***********
FRIENDLY FILL-INS:
1. I tend to forget _________.
2. I celebrate the 4th of July by _______.
3. I was a fan of _____ before it became popular.
4. I see ______ in my future.
MY ANSWERS:
1. I tend to forget what I went in the next room to do. LOL!!
2. I celebrate the 4th of July by relaxing with a book.
3. I was a fan of reading before it became popular - LOL!!
4. I see more books in my future.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Showcase of Proxy Legal Thriller Series by Manning Wolfe and Giveaway of ONE (1) $25 Amazon.com Gift Card
PROXY LEGAL THRILLER SERIES
by Manning Wolfe
June 8 - July 17, 2026
Virtual Book Tour
DEAD BY PROXY
In this lawyer on the run action suspense, attorney Quinton Bell loses the trial of his career, and possibly his life.
Dead By Proxy takes you on a heart-pounding journey through the life of a criminal defense attorney, whose world is wiped out. When Quinton loses a career-defining case, he finds himself being hunted by the very client he tried to save.
As Quinton navigates the treacherous path of survival, he is running from a powerful and relentless adversary who will stop at nothing to see him silenced. Finally landing in Houston, he hides in plain sight while re-inventing his new life as a trial lawyer.
When he’s forced to take on a high-profile murder case, he exposes himself and those he loves to danger. With each passing moment, the noose tightens, and he must draw on every ounce of wit to outsmart those who still want him dead.
Will Quinton Bell find a way out, or will he forever be a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse?
Praise for Dead By Proxy:
"A riveting read that expertly teams courtroom drama and legal maneuvering with imminent danger, spine-tingling suspense, a touch of romance, and non-stop action. Talk about an adrenaline rush!"
~ Reedsy
"Manning Wolfe just put herself on my list of must-read authors!"
~ John Ellsworth
Book Details:
Genre: Thriller
Published by: Starpath Books, LLC
Publication Date: September 2023
Number of Pages: 275
Series: The Proxy Legal Thriller Series, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub
Proxy Legal Thriller Series
DEAD BY PROXYBook 1Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub |
 HUNTED BY PROXYBook 2Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub |
 ALIVE BY PROXYBook 3Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub |
Read an excerpt:
Byron was not jaded or trapped into being an attorney as many he knew were and he was not in it for the money, although that part was nice. And, he was not naive, as he was aware of severe injustices in the criminal justice system and felt improvement was needed. Byron continued to be on the playing field because he was one of the last true believers. The system was the best available right now and he actually trusted the outcome, most of the time.
Having deceased parents, one semi-estranged sibling in California, and no current plans to marry, Byron embraced the law as his mistress and his life. He simply loved it all. As most careers went, loving it meant he was devoted to it and good at it. He never glossed over a precedent or twisted a legal argument beyond its parameters. He was thrilled every time he set foot in a courtroom to do battle for his client, guilty or innocent.
Across the aisle, the prosecutor, Sebastian Roberts, relished this chance to incarcerate another criminal. Roberts moved his short spark-plug-of-a-body, decorated with a vest and bright paisley bow tie, around the courtroom as he laid out the federal government’s view of the case. He looked at Byron and his client, then back to the twelve chosen members of the jury.
Byron organized his thoughts, felt excitement tingle through his fingers and toes, and stood up at the defense table. In defending Killian Tyrone, Byron’s opening argument went something like this: “Your Honor and members of the jury. Today, I’d like to introduce you to my client, Killian Tyrone, the accused in this case. Now, I know what the prosecutor said about what he did, and that is probably swirling around in your brain right now, but I’d like for you to take a step back and listen to both sides of the story before you make a decision about my client’s behavior, guilt, or innocence. You also heard his inference about defense attorneys, that would be me.” He smiled and the jury laughed. “I’ll leave it to you to decide, but I have no intention of tricking you or trying to hide the ball.”
Byron pointed at his co-counsel, Michael, a shorter, younger version of himself, but with brown eyes. “My colleague, Michael Everett, and I will present Mr. Tyrone’s side of the case and, when we’re finished, I’m certain that you will find him not guilty.”
Byron smiled at the jury and took pride in the fact that when he won, he won fair and square, and he instilled these principles in his protégé, Michael. Byron encouraged Michael not to be blinded by the legal system, nor be immune to the tricks of the trade. Byron used the tools expertly, but he wanted to win with an equal playing field, or not at all, and the law allowed for plenty of ways to win. To Byron, what was the point if cheating was involved? That only proved he was the best cheater, not the best lawyer.
***
Excerpt from Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe. Copyright 2023 by Manning Wolfe. Reproduced with permission from Manning Wolfe. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
MANNING WOLFE, an award-winning author and attorney residing in Austin, Texas, writes cinematic-style, smart, fast-paced thrillers and crime fiction. Manning was recently featured on Oxygen TV’s: Accident, Suicide, or Murder.
As a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Manning’s experience has given her a voyeur’s peek into some shady characters’ lives and a front-row seat to watch the good people who stand against them.
Catch Up With Manning Wolfe:
ManningWolfe.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @manningwolfe
BookBub - @ManningWolfe
Instagram - @manningwolfe
X - @ManningWolfe
Facebook - @manning.wolfe
YouTube - @starpathbooksllc1763
Pinterest - @manningwolfe
BlueSky - @manningwolfe.bsky.social
TikTok - @manningwolfe
Tour Participants:
Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!Click here to view the Tour Schedule
Reasonable Doubt You’ll Want To Miss This? None.
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Manning Wolfe.
See the widget for entry terms and conditions.
Void where prohibited.
Proxy Legal Thriller Series by Manning Wolfe | Gift CardCan't see the giveaway? Click Here!
Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Housewife by Natalie Barelli
What a wild ride!!
Why would Jodie want to marry her sister’s husband - she doesn’t love him.
Well…she knows he had something to do with her sister’s supposed suicide, and she is going to find out for sure.
Jodie has to sneak around to find clues, and she has to dodge Marie the housekeeper who loved her sister Deborah and wouldn’t give Jodie any information about Roy or the marriage.
As Jodie looks for clues, she made me so nervous that she would get caught searching in Roy’s office.
THE HOUSEWIFE has a sinister undertone from page one, and you will wonder why Jodie put herself into this situation.
You will definitely find out.
It gets worse as Jodie questions Roy - she knows he isn’t the wonderful person he shows to the outside world.
Is the housekeeper in on what happened and still covering what went on in the house?
The Housewife is for readers who enjoy a quirky, risk-taking, lying character who will have you saying what?
Tension at its best.
This was my first book by this author..do yourself a favor and read this one. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Neighbors Are Watching by Aggie Blum Thompson
Just what are the neighbors watching when all of them have something to hide.
An exclusive neighborhood outside of DC seems to be the place that everyone wants to live, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes.
Not too long ago, a nanny was murdered, and now another incident that happened after a party got the neighbors talking and making sure secrets are kept.
But how could a blackout and a fall that caused Caren to have no recollection of that night and the murder of the nanny be connected?
Caren is told she fell after coming out of a party, and never made it home until the next morning, but someone had ordered food from her phone, had drunk an entire bottle of her favorite wine, and she denies it all because she didn't do any of that.
No one believes her, and her husband was of no help. He keeps trying to convince her that she did all these things
Meanwhile, another neighbor is trying to find out who killed the nanny.
Lots of secrets being hidden and who does it all point to?
Find out in this read with quite a few twists and fingers pointing at more than one person. Will you guess who the killer is?
A good mystery with many characters which made the book a bit confusing, but the ending is great. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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