May 23, 2023 · 12:01 am

Teen Tuesday: Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockington

Teenage or adult readers who like Young Adult novels might enjoy this week’s spotlight:

Title: Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockington
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 408 pages

Summary:

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.

I’m safe here.

That’s how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend’s arms. School is out, and even though she’s been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadie’s whole world is upended in an instant.

I’m not safe anywhere.

That’s how Sadie feels every day after—vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadie’s therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panic—agoraphobia—she starts on a path of acceptance and healing. Meanwhile, Sadie’s best friend, Evan, updates her on the protests taking place in their city. Sadie wants to be a part of it, to use her voice and affect change. But how do you show up for your community when you can’t even leave your house?

I can build a safe place inside myself.

That’s what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her best friend, an online platform for activists, and a magnetic crush she develops for the new boy next door.

From Stonewall Honor–winning author Mariama J. Lockington comes Forever is Now, a powerful young adult novel-in-verse about mental health, love, family, Black joy, and finding your voice and power in an unforgiving world.

Goodreads

Purchase Link: Amazon * B&N

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May 22, 2023 · 12:02 am

Mystery Monday: The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong

If you love a good time travel mystery then you should check out this week’s spotlight!

Title: The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong
Rip Through Time Book Two
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Time Travel, Mystery
Length: 346 pages

Summary:

A modern-day homicide detective is working as an undertaker’s assistant in Victorian Scotland when a serial poisoner attacks the men of Edinburgh and leaves their widows under suspicion.

Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell—even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body—and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.

Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead.

New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong is known for her exquisite world building, and this latest series is no exception. The Poisoner’s Ring brings the intricacies of Victorian Scotland alive as Mallory again searches for a 19th-century killer as well as a way home.

Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N

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· 12:01 am

Book Talk: What have you been reading lately?

Welcome to this week’s Book Talk!

My reading week got off to a slow start, but I still managed to read three books

Unladylike Lessons in Love by Amita Murray: 4.5 stars. Read my review HERE.

Sins of the Tribe by Mark A. Salter: 4.5 stars. While I am not a college football fan, I was drawn in by the novel’s summary. Two brothers go off to college to play for the Bastille University Tribe football team. Wally is super smart but not exactly a star player. However, his brother Henry is an incredibly gifted field goal kicker who will only kick if Wally holds the ball for him. So they are sort of a package deal. At first, playing for the team is literally a dream come true. The nightmare begins when the players are seen as a commodity rather than people and crowd mentality (aka triblism) takes over. An absolutely heartbreaking novel that is eye-opening and ultimately hopeful.

The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda: 4.5 stars. Cutter’s Pass is a mountain town with access to the Appalachian trail. The town is also known for unexplained disappearances that began with four fraternity brothers who vanished twenty-five years earlier. Two women have also gone missing over the years and recently, so has journalist Landon West. His brother, Trey, has arrived in town to see if he can figure out what happened to Landon. He stays at the same hotel where manager Abby Lovell has worked the last ten years. Trey’s arrival becomes the catalyst for Abby to try to find out the truth about the people who have gone missing. But is she prepared for the answers she is going to find? I highly recommend this OUTSTANDING mystery that left me guessing whodunit and why right up until the twist-filled conclusion!

Now it’s your turn. What have you been reading lately? Join the discussion by commenting below!

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May 21, 2023 · 12:01 am

The Week Ahead May 22-27

Here’s a look at what’s happening this week at Book Talk & More with Kathy:

Monday’s Book Talk: What have you been reading lately?

Spotlights

Mystery Monday
Teen Tuesday
Thrifty Thursday
Friday Feature

Winning Wednesday (5/24) eBooks up for grabs:

Always Her Cowboy by Addison Fox
The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major
Under Cover by Amy Lane

Click here for more info on entering the eBook contests.

This week’s Saturday Series Spotlight is K.C. Wells’ Second Sight and contest for one of the books in the series (winner’s choice).

Have a great week!!

***All the eBooks in this week’s Winning Wednesday & Saturday Series Spotlight giveaways have been purchased by Book Talk & More with Kathy.***

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May 20, 2023 · 12:01 am

Saturday Series Spotlight & Giveaway: Melissa McClone’s Silver Falls

Here are the eBooks in this week’s Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

Title: The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone
Silver Falls Book One
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages

Summary:

A matchmaking aunt wants her nephew to find love under the mistletoe…

All doggy daycare owner Callie Andrews wants for Christmas is to win first prize this year. The annual window display competition is a huge event in Silver Falls, and she’s determined to showcase her success when her family visits her small town. It’s time for her parents and three older brothers to realize the “baby” of the family is thriving on her own.

The last thing Brandt Winslow wants to do is rehash the past, but returning home to Silver Falls means confronting the reason he left. His vacation, however, takes an unexpected turn when his well-meaning aunt meddles in his love life, and he finds himself caught up in her misguided efforts at matchmaking.

Despite their reluctance at being paired up, Callie and Brandt discover the holidays are full of surprises…and romance. But is the magic of Christmas strong enough to keep the couple together through the new year?

Title: A Slice of Summer by Melissa McClone
Silver Falls Book Two
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 282 pages

Summary:

First, he ghosted her. Now, he has a proposition…

Taryn Lawson needs more customers in her bakery to prove she’s capable of taking over the family business. The summer fair is the perfect opportunity to jump-start her vision with a specialized booth showcasing her creative desserts. Despite her fierce work ethic, she needs help to build her booth in time. Unfortunately, the only person available is the handsome attorney who played with her heart last Christmas.

Trial attorney Garrett Andrews regrets not contacting the pretty baker he dated during his last holiday vacation. But he had his reasons and is finally ready to make amends. When he returns to town for his sister’s wedding, Garrett gets his second chance when Taryn needs help building her booth.

Working together reignites the spark, but Taryn is aware the clock is ticking. Will they realize what they have is special before it’s too late, or will their second chance at love once again slip through their fingers?

Title: A Cup of Autumn by Melissa McClone
Silver Falls Book Three
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 241 pages

Summary:

He thought he had the perfect plan…

When elite university professor Keaton Andrews walks into a meeting with the dean, he expects to hear that his tenure application is on track. Instead, his beloved department is cut. Regrouping in Silver Falls with family seems like his best option. One morning, he takes a risk and orders a pumpkin spice latte from the beautiful barista at the local coffee shop. Too bad she doesn’t seem to find him nearly as intriguing as he finds her…

Raine Hanover is no longer swayed by a charming smile, especially by a nerdy—and distractingly handsome—academic. She’s taking a break from romance and focusing on running her increasingly busy coffee shop. But when Raine is involuntarily put in charge of organizing the town’s Halloween bash, Keaton jumps in to help, and it’s not long before sparks, and kisses, fly.

As the leaves begin to fall, Raine wonders if she should risk taking another chance on happily ever after, especially with a man who has dreams and goals so far away from Silver Falls and her.

Title: Sprinkle of Spring by Melissa McClone
Silver Falls Book Four
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 209 pages

Summary:

She’s finally put down solid roots, but his are far away…

L.A.-based surgeon Flynn Andrews may be arrogant and overprotective, but he’ll do anything for his family. When his pregnant sister asks him to be her baby’s godfather, Flynn’s touched. Though he’s unhappy that the godmother will be his sister’s best friend and employee, Anna Kent. Flynn doesn’t trust her. Anna’s sunshine attitude and easy smiles must be an act.

Dog groomer Anna Kent dreams of falling in love and living happily ever after. She cherishes the life she’s built in the small town of Silver Falls, a world away from her painful childhood, but she’s missing a life partner. Her overly hyper dog, three spoiled cats, and two rescue fosters don’t count. Anna can’t wait to be a godparent, but she’s not thrilled to share the honor with grumpy Flynn.

He doesn’t like her. She’s not impressed with him. Somehow, they’ll have to find a way to plan a baby shower together. But as unexpected feelings spark and tensions escalate, the party might be the least of their problems.

Giveaway

I am giving away one eBook from the Silver Falls series-WINNER’S CHOICE. Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (below). One email daily with the day’s posts.

Enter your Email:


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2. Be or become a fan of Book Talk & More with Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BooktalkMore)

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

4. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Talk & More with Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don't forget to:

5. Fill out the form below by 4 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

Contest Over

* I am the only person who will have access to info that is submitted to me UNLESS a publisher or author has donated an eBook for the giveaway. For a prize donated by an author or publisher, I will forward your e-mail and format selection to the person responsible for distributing the eBook. Please refer to the privacy page HERE if you have questions about how your information is used. In the event the contest form is not working, please leave your book selection in the comments below.*

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be posted HERE on Tuesday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Talk & More with Kathy.***

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May 19, 2023 · 12:01 am

Friday Feature: Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson

Do you love a good romance? Then you might like today’s Friday Feature!

Title: Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Wholesome Romance
Length: 320 pages

Summary:

She’s Insta-famous. He uses a flip phone.

When her business partner is accused of serious financial crimes, superstar influencer Cat Cranwell—an engineered marvel of beauty, energy, and fun—falls from her penthouse perch. Des­perate to get away from the online trolls and paparazzi docu­menting her disgrace, Cat accepts her uncle’s offer to work with him in Kannery National Park, Montana. About as far as possible from life as she’s known it.

Cat’s world shifts from the swirling haze of likes and comments to lit­eral blizzards of frostbite temperatures and waist-deep snow. In place of negotiating brand deals, she finds herself negotiating at the ledge of a frozen lake with her die-hard Polar Bear Plunge coworkers. Instead of padding through the marble kitchen of her Manhattan loft, she’s sharing a tent-sized cabin with a roommate eager to bond like characters in sitcoms. But something curious is also happening in this overwhelming breath of fresh air as she reacquaints with the most honest parts of her­self and begins to ask the hard questions. Can Cat love herself with, and without, the world watching?

Then there’s that other tiny problem—she’s falling for Zaiah, the ruggedly handsome park ranger—and he hates anything remotely connected to social media, quite possibly her included.

Written with bestselling author Melissa Ferguson’s signature wit and charm, this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy of opposites attract is full of hilarious romp and a romance that will melt readers’ hearts.

* Sweet romantic comedy
* Stand-alone novel
* Book length: 80,000 words
* Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N

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