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 Cards

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Friendly Fill-ins - 7/3/2026

                                                       

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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.

 

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 PROXY Book 1 Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

HUNTED BY PROXY Book 2 Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

ALIVE BY PROXY Book 3 Amazon | 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.

Manning's legal thriller series features Austin attorney Merit Bridges, including Dollar Signs, Music Notes, Green Fees, Chinese Wall, and Killer Weed.

Manning's new Proxy Legal Thriller Series features Houston attorney Quinton Bell and includes: Dead By Proxy, Hunted By Proxy, and Alive By Proxy.

Manning is co-author of Killer Set: Drop the Mic, and twelve additional Bullet Book Speed Reads.

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 Card

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

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.

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.

Spotlight of Somebody Worth Killing Jessica Payne

 

PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA

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SOMEBODY WORTH KILLING

JESSICA PAYNE

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF CHELSEA PASCOE | BERKLEY | SENIOR PUBLICIST AND SOME INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE AND THE AUTHOR’S GOODREADS WEBSITE.

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Killing Eve meets Finlay Donovan Is Killing It in this razor‑sharp, darkly funny thriller about a suburban mom‑slash‑assassin who’s forced to choose between her family and the deadly career she secretly loves. 

 

Nadia Davis appears to have it all—a loving husband, two adorable daughters, and a career she’s great at—except her “job” is being a professional assassin, and nobody in her family knows. When her agency sidelines her with “mom‑safe” assignments, she demands a high‑stakes mark…only to discover the target is her own husband, a man who may not be the sweet, dad‑joke‑telling partner she thought she married. 

 

What follows is a wildly entertaining, propulsive blend of domestic suspense, edgy humor, and moral ambiguity as Nadia is forced to confront the double life she’s built. Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Elle Cosimano, this summer-ready thriller serves up sun, sass, and a body count.

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June 16, 2026

Berkley Trade Paperback Original

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Suspense

Domestic Thriller

Women’s Fiction

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PRAISE FOR SOMEBODY WORTH KILLING:

“Jessica Payne is one of the boldest new voices in crime fiction today! Her novels are addictive, brilliant, and always bingeworthy! Payne never misses!”—May Cobb, bestselling author of The Hunting Wives

“Payne has managed a smart and fun thriller with a protagonist who makes psychopathy likeable. Readers will be curious about what comes next for Nadia.”—Booklist

“SOMEBODY WORTH KILLING is something worth reading—a fantastic and welcome addition to the assassin genre, with a boatload of clever twists and turns, all sustained by a killer narrative voice. I would read ten more books featuring Nadia Davis.” —Rob Hart, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Assassins Anonymous series

“Jessica Payne delivers her best book yet with SOMEBODY WORTH KILLING, a sharp cat-and-mouse suspense that twists and turns with expert precision. You’ll race through this wildly entertaining read in a day and be cheering for more.” —Darby Kane, international bestselling author of Pretty Little Wife and Such a Clever Girl

“Wicked-smart and endlessly entertaining, Somebody Worth Killing takes a magnifying glass to the double-life motherhood often splits women into—and then takes it a thrilling, action-packed leap further. Suburban life never looked so dangerous.” — Ande Pliego, USA Today bestselling author of You Are Fatally Invited

“Somebody Worth Killing is wild, full of heart, and outrageously fun. I couldn’t get enough of this twisted juggling act of mom duty and contract killings—it’s Jessica Payne’s best work yet!”—Marisa Walz, author of Good Intentions

“One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year… Fans of Mr. and Mrs. Smith will adore the cat and mouse game between the sociopathic wife and her unsuspecting husband. All I ask is to be first in line to read the next one!”—Jenna Satterthwaite, author of The New Year’s Party

“This is a unique, fun novel. It starts off fast and never lets up. A perfect summer beach read. Here’s hoping for more adventures with Nadia Davis.”—Red Carpet Crash

“The perfect escape read that packs a serious punch, just like its heroine assassin, Nadia Davis. Wickedly clever, fun, and fast paced, SOMEBODY WORTH KILLING is poised to be unstoppable. I couldn’t put it down!”—Tara Goedjen, author of PLEASE ENJOY YOUR STAY

**PRAISE TAKEN FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE**

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ABOUT SOMEBODY WORTH KILLING:

The story: Nadia Davis is living the dream as a successful working mom with a career she loves, two adorable little girls, and a devoted husband who has no idea that she’s secretly a hired assassin and psychopath who kills certified bad guys. So when Nadia finds out she’s been “mommy tracked” by her assassin’s agency and is no longer getting the bigger, more exciting jobs, she demands an important mark…somebody worth killing.

But it turns out that big kill is the last person she expects—her husband. How is the sweet, kind, teller-of-dad jokes she’s promised her life to an evil villain who needs exterminating? Has their whole life together been a lie? Now Nadia must choose between the two things she loves most in life, the career that keeps her sane or the family she thought she knew.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessica Payne lives in Washington State with her daughter and husband and an internet search history that would raise eyebrows.

A firm believer in strong coffee and stronger women, she writes about mothers who know how to handle a sniper rifle and a carpool schedule with equal precision.

When she's not writing, you'll find her trail running through the forests of the Pacific Northwest as she plots her next fictional murder.

She is the creator of the Substack community One Tired Mother.

**AUTHOR PHOTO TAKEN FROM

THE AUTHOR’S GOODREADS PAGE**

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FIND THE AUTHOR AT THE LINKS BELOW:

Instagram

Website

Goodreads

Mailbox Monday - 6/29/2026

  

BOOKMAIL THAT ARRIVED THIS WEEK.

WHAT ARRIVED FOR YOU?

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. 

Mailbox Monday is now hosted by Vicki!!

LOVE the covers this week!!

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On Tuesday, June 23, I received:

1.  WHEN PARIS WHISPERS by Marianne C. Bohr, courtesy of Emily Keough of Mindbuck Media and NetGalley.

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On Wednesday, June 24 I received:

1.  UNTAMED COAST by Kevin C. Morris, courtesy of Alex Peterson Ballantine, Bantam Dell, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley.

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