The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster

Marlow couldn't stay in a town with her pushy, wealthy in-laws and the town where her husband cheated on her and then died in a car crash.

She had to leave right after the funeral - she couldn't play the grieving widow.

Where would she go?

She found the perfect cottage and the perfect landlord.  He was a hunk, and the cottage was gorgeous.

How will all of this work?

And who was knocking on the door?

Find out in this sweet read with great characters. 

This isn’t my normal genre, but I was drawn in because of the setting and the positive vibes. 

If you need an uplifting read,THE GUEST COTTAGE is one to add to your reading list.

You won't want to leave the characters.   I hope there is sequel. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Showcase of Muzzle The Black Dog and Giveaway of a $20 Amazon Gift Card

MUZZLE THE BLACK DOG

by Mike Cobb

May 12 - June 6, 2025 

Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

After a mysterious stranger appears at his isolated cabin door, Jack’s life is forever changed. The stranger’s cryptic message sets off a chain of events that lead Jack on a harrowing journey to uncover the true meaning of his own existence.

As a series of unexplained fires threaten to consume everything he holds dear, Jack is forced to confront his deepest fears and question everything he thought he knew about himself.

Set in the aftermath of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, Jack’s search for the truth takes him to the edge of sanity and puts him on a collision course with a dark and powerful force that has been lurking in the shadows.

Join Jack on a gripping and thought-provoking quest for answers in this thrilling and suspenseful tale of self-discovery and redemption.

Praise for MUZZLE THE BLACK DOG:

"Muzzle the Black Dog takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and family secrets. The slow reveal is creepy many times but you still want to read page after page. I loved the combination of thriller, drama, history and mystery."
~ Erik S. Meyers, author of The Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series

"A mystery whose plot will transfix you and whose finish will stun you, Muzzle the Black Dog is simply superb. A stranger enters narrator Jack Pate's life and proceeds to upend it through his bizarrely intimate knowledge of Jack's past. In determining the identity of the visitor, Jack solves a deeper mystery within himself, but doing so provokes demons in his soul, demons he'd been holding at since childhood. Author Mike Cobb provides that rare combination of masterly prose, passion, and insight, in an atmosphere dark and chilling as a Georgia winter."
~ Charles Philipp Martin, author of the Inspector Lok novels Rented Grave and Neon Panic

"The pages just fly by in this quick-moving, compelling and stunningly unique psychological thriller about a man searching for answers to a deadly crime who uncovers long-buried secrets about himself and his own troubled past. Muzzle the Black Dog takes the reader on a wonderfully wild roller coaster of a ride filled with plenty of twists, thrills and tension. Mike Cobb has written a terrific book – read it!"
~ R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson mystery series

"Mike Cobb's Muzzle The Black Dog, is a fast-paced, unputdownable thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end."
~ Westley Smith, author of Some Kind of Truth and In The Pale Light

"Intriguing doesn’t begin to describe the appeal of this book’s premise: a mysterious stranger on the doorstep of recluse Jack Pate, offering friendship and help. Despite Jack’s surprise (he has no need of aid) and suspicion of the disheveled man—who looks more like a vagrant than any friend he would choose—Jack is fascinated. Who is this man, and how did he find Jack’s secluded cabin? And why does he seem to know things about Jack’s uneasy past?
Just as suddenly as the stranger appears, he vanishes, leading Jack on an odyssey, beginning as a physical search but quickly morphing into self-preservation as reports of heinous local crimes trickle in. Arson and murders begin to stain the remote countryside, and the suspects are few and far-between.
Sneaky clues, well-drawn characters, and swift plotting propel the story forward as the author deftly explores the many ways the past affects the present—and how it might endanger the future. I highly recommend this one."
~ Jennifer Sadera, author of I Know She Was There

"A slow burn of a story revealing the power of deeply held secrets. Secrets so earthshaking that Jack Pate questions everything he believed when a mysterious stranger knows everything about him. Moody and atmospheric."
~ James L’Etoile, award-winning author of River of Lies and the Detective Nathan Parker series

Book Details:

Genre: Crime, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Published by: Waterside Productions
Publication Date: April 15, 2025
Number of Pages: 184
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

 

Author Bio:

Mike’s body of literary work includes both fiction and nonfiction, short-form and long-form, as well as articles and blogs.

He is the author of three published novels, Dead Beckoning, The Devil You Knew, its sequel You Will Know Me by My Deeds, and Muzzle the Black Dog, a novella. He is also working on Kathleen, a fictionalized account of a cold case murder from 1970.

While he is comfortable playing across a broad range of topics, much of his focus is on true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction. Rigorous research is foundational to his writing. He gets that honestly, having spent much of his professional career as a scientist.

A native of Atlanta, Mike splits his time between Midtown Atlanta and Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Catch Up With Mike Cobb:

MikeCobbWriter.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @cobbmg1
Instagram - @cobbmg
X - @mgcobb
Facebook - @MGCobbWriter
YouTube - @mikecobbwriter
Waterside Productions

Tour Participants:

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Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

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Void where prohibited.

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Whispers of Dead Girls by Marlee Bush

The minute you begin reading you wonder who Ren is talking to because no one is there.

You then realize she is talking to her dead sister Margo - well Margo is talking to her telling her what to do.

Margo was murdered ten years ago in the very high school she and Ren graduated from and the same high school that Ren is now teaching in.

We follow Ren as she suspects one of the teachers who she thinks is behind her sister's killing and a few other girls.  She tries to do her own investigating - a good idea??

Things happen to her that would scare me away, and I definitely wouldn't want a dead sister talking to me.

Is she the goody two shoes she claims to be?  

What secrets does Ren carry?

WHISPERS OF DEAD GIRLS is suspenseful and a bit creepy.

Thriller fans will enjoy this one.  4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book.   All opinions are my own.

Book Blogger Hop - 5/30 - 6/5

                                                      

Question of the Week:

Have you ever wondered why a passionate book blogger might suddenly stop posting or delete their blog without notice? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

My Answer:

I have wondered that and worry that something bad happened like an accident or medical issue.

Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey

After Charlotte’s husband is arrested for securities fraud, she and her daughter are locked out of their house and have no access to their bank accounts.

Charlotte only has enough money to last for a few days.  She quit her finance job when her daughter was born and hasn’t worked for years.

What is she going to do?  

And did her husband really do this?  He is so honest.

As Charlotte is contemplating what to do she is befriended by Alice - a woman who owns a bed and breakfast turned into a mommune where women live together and help each other.

Can she do this?  She wants to go back to her own home.  Once she stays there, though, it seems like it will be ok.

How does it all turn out for Charlotte and all the women?

We find out in this somewhat confusing read that will have you laughing at the Instagram gossip column of this small town. 

I was skeptical about the mommune and wasn’t that engaged with the book.

It just seemed to just drag on and had too many characters to keep track of, but the surprise ending raised the rating up a notch.  4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.

The BusyBody Book Club by Freya Sampson

Nova Davies started a book club so she could impress her fellow workers at the community center.

The book club turned out to not be very impressive, though.   Nova held her breath every month wondering if anybody would show up.

The people that do show up are a young boy who reads romance and is trying to hide it. 

A man who reads to his wife who is losing her sight.

A woman who is a fan of Agatha Christie along with her smelly dog and uses the skills she learned from reading the books to help solve murder cases and in this case missing money as well.

And a man named Michael who rarely says anything, and who ran out before the book club was over.

No one thought anything of his running out until they heard there was a dead body found in his house, and it wasn’t his body.

Another sweet, heartwarming read by Freya Sampson with an odd, but lovable cast of characters who try to solve the mystery of the missing money and who the murderer was. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.   All opinions are my own.

Spotlight of The Martha's Vineyard Beach Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA

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THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH BOOK CLUB

MARTHA HALL KELLY

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS TAKEN FROM PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE'S WEBPAGE AND THE AUTHOR'S GOODREADS PAGE.

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Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events, from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

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May 27

Ballantine Group

Ballantine Books

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PRAISE FOR THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH BOOK CLUB:

“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, author of The Stolen Queen

“Martha Hall Kelly’s tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood

“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Martha Hall Kelly turns her pen stateside to Martha’s Vineyard during World War II, where the Smith sisters realize the war will leave their world forever changed . . . A delight.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club

“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal

“The glorious Martha Hall Kelly’s most personal novel yet . . . with a surprising turn that will inspire readers everywhere.”—Adriana Trigiani, author of The View from Lake Como

“Irresistible . . . The Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood

“An ode to the human heart and the power of books to connect us—no one writes about the sustaining cords of female friendships quite like Martha Hall Kelly.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret Fuller

“I adore Martha Hall Kelly’s books. Her characters are so beautifully crafted—I can feel them in the room, ready to discuss their loves, family secrets, intrigues, adventures, and more.”—Genevieve Graham, nationally bestselling author of The Secret Keeper

“Full of thoughtful and detailed prose, endearing characters, swoony romance, and thriller-worthy intrigue . . . a gift to fans of stories rooted in fascinating history and the bravery of the human heart.”—Natalie Jenner, #1 nationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society

“A heartwarming novel of audacious women inspiring hope with a dash of heartbreak.”—Sarah McCoy, New York Times bestselling author of The Baker’s Daughter

PRAISE TAKEN FROM PRH'S WEBPAGE

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ABOUT THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH BOOK CLUB:

2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving after her mother’s death as she travels to the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She’s come all the way from California with nothing but a name on a piece of paper: Elizabeth Devereaux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux’s stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class with her, Mrs. Devereaux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.

1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island’s shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club, which grows both in members and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence’s dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst. Who in their tight-knit island community can they trust? Could this little book club change the course of the war . . . before it’s too late?

TAKEN FROM PRH'S WEBPAGE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

PHOTO TAKEN FROM

THE AUTHOR'S GOODREADS PAGE

Martha Hall Kelly is the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and The Golden Doves. 

Born and raised in Massachusetts, she was inspired to write this novel by her mother’s family, the Smiths, who settled on Martha’s Vineyard in 1891. 

She received journalism degrees from both Syracuse and Northwestern universities and worked as an advertising copywriter for many years before becoming a novelist. 

With more than two million copies of her books sold and translated in fifty countries, Martha Hall Kelly lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Hobe Sound, Florida.

AUTHOR BIO TAKEN FROM PRH'S WEBPAGE

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FOLLOW THE AUTHOR:

Instagram

Goodreads

Website

Spotlight of Safari by Jaclyn Goldis

PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA

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SAFARI

JACLYN GOLDIS

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF AND TAKEN FROM SIMON & SCHUSTER / ATRIA MARKETING'S E-MAIL AND WEBSITE AND THE AUTHOR'S GOODREADS PAGE.

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Murder, Secrets, and SAFARI—Will You Survive the Journey?

Uncover the secrets at Leopard Sands.

Perfect for fans of twisty, edge-of-your-seat mysteries.

Transport yourself to the stunning sub-Sharan wilderness from the comfort of your chair.

From the acclaimed author of The Main Character and The  Chateau.

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May 20, 2025

Atria/Emily Bestler Books

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PRAISE FOR SAFARI:

“Like a luxury safari, Jaclyn Goldis’ unputdownable new novel takes readers on a thrilling ride through terrain as brutal as it is beautiful.” – Luke Dumas, USA Today Bestselling Author

“The Safari will have you up all night hungrily hunting the pages for stealthily laid clues. A must read!” —Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author

"[T]he perfect literary treat for readers who like matching wits with an author while doing a bit of armchair traveling… Goldis once again deftly tips her literary cap to the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, in another cleverly constructed puzzler that brings all the delights of classic Golden Age mysteries into the 21st century."– Library Journal (starred review)

When a wealthy family goes on a South African safari, a series of shocking murders rocks their exclusive compound in this unputdownable thriller from the acclaimed author of the “rollicking good fun” (The Wall Street Journal) The Main Character.

TAKEN FROM THE S&S WEBPAGE AND 

THEIR PROMOTIONAL E-MAIL

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ABOUT SAFARI:

Odelia Babel, CEO of a sustainable fashion empire, is about to marry for the second time—to a man twenty-five years her junior. Asher Bach is the thirty-something designer of Odelia’s luxury clothing line, the darling of every high-fashion journalist, and madly in love with Odelia.

Eager to celebrate her nuptials with her nearest and dearest, Odelia invites her adult children, her daughter-in-law, her grandchild, and her best friend/assistant to an all-expenses-paid luxury safari at Leopard Sands in South Africa, the Babel family’s favorite vacation spot. In its soil, they have deep roots—and even deeper secrets.

It seems like the perfect trip, but not everyone is thrilled for the happy couple. Amid game drives in the bush and bonfires beneath the desert stars, tensions among the family threaten to boil over. And then, the morning after a big fight with her son Sam—and hours before the wedding—Odelia is found murdered. Sam is immediately the prime suspect, but he claims he has an ironclad alibi—he was with his twin sister, Bailey. Only Bailey is nowhere to be found…

As the heat roils, desperate poachers and ferocious animals lurk, and dark motives fester, it becomes clear that whoever killed Odelia isn’t quite finished yet, and the rest of the Babel family is their prey.

TAKEN FROM GOODREADS

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

PHOTO TAKEN FROM

AUTHOR'S GOODREADS PAGE

Jaclyn Goldis’ new thriller, SAFARI, is a masterful blend of Agatha Christie-style suspense and gripping modern storytelling. 

Join the Babel family as they gather for a lavish wedding set against the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa—only to face untamed wildlife, seething family tensions, and an elusive killer who won’t stop at just one victim.

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FOLLOW THE AUTHOR:

Instagram

Goodreads

Website