Winner of J. J. Cook contest

And the winner of a signed copy of THAT OLD FLAME OF MINE and a bookmark from J. J. Cook is...SandyG265!
Congratulations Sandy!

And to all those of you who left a comment, thank you and please check back. There are more interviews and contests to come!

J. J. Cook Interview

Today I'm excited to announce a new interview and give away! Author J. J. Cook AKA the husband and wife writing team Jim and Joyce Lavene have been kind enough to answer a few questions and offer for give away a signed copy of their latest cozy mystery THAT OLD FLAME OF MINE. #1 in the awesome new Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade series! (Please see my review in a previous blog.)

All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment about this interview, the authors and/or That Old Flame Of Mine. A winner will be picked by random drawing on Monday, July 29th. (Please don't forget your contact information so I can email the winner!) Good Luck!

NOTE: To clear things up, you email is the only contact info I need for you to leave here. I just need to be able to contact you.


On to the fun!

Jim & Joyce Lavene

 

 

LKBR:  How did you come up with the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade series?

 

J&J:  We wanted to write something a little more serious with a compelling, determined heroine - and a ghost! Because of our shared family backgrounds with relatives in the fire department, we choose that as a beginning. We were in Tennessee on vacation when we saw a small volunteer fire station and it hit us what we needed. Enter Fire chief Stella Griffin and former chief, the ghost of Eric Gamlyn. Berkley loved the idea and we sold it right away.

 

 

 

 

LKBR:  You have a ghost in your story. Do you believe in ghosts or had any experiences?

 

J&J:  We have both had experiences with ghosts and know several people who are amateur ghost hunters. We also love any books or movies with ghosts. Eric Gamlyn is a fun ghost - he cooks and helps Stella as well as spending time with Hero, the fire brigade's adopted Dalmatian.





 

 

LKBR:  Do you follow the same writing process for all of your books or does each book come into being in different ways?

 

J&J:  The actual writing process - when we sit down at the computers - is always the same. We tell the story to each other, out loud, writing down the words as we go. The lead up, inspiration for each story, is different. The characters usually appear first, even if they aren't completely formed. It usually takes us about a year to get everything ready, but only a couple of months to get the words down.

 

 

LKBR:  Where do you find inspiration for the settings of your stories?

 

J&J:  Setting is so important, isn't it? The characters and plot need exactly the right place. In the fire brigade's case, we knew it had to be in the Smoky Mountains where we came up with the idea. We actually use the cabin we stayed at as Stella's in the books. We like to take pictures we can use as we work.

 

 

LKBR:  Who are some of your favorite authors?
 
J&J:  Barbara Hambly. Anne McGaffrey. Tanith Lee. Sabrina Luna. Lynn Willis. Jim Butcher. Charlaine Harris. We read cross genre, but truly prefer paranormal.

 



 

 

LKBR:  What are 3 things you would like your fans to know about you?

J&J:  Hmm. We prefer e-books to print now. After downsizing, we don't have room for all the books we read and it's sad to give them up. With e-books, we don't have to. We both play musical instruments. Our best ideas come from driving around on old back roads.

 

#2 in Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade series (can't wait!)

 

LKBR:  Is there anything else you'd like to add?

J&J:  We write under more than one name. We know it's confusing, but it's necessary if you write a lot. We write Peggy Lee Garden Mysteries, Missing Pieces Mysteries, Renaissance Faire Mysteries and Sheriff Sharyn Howard Mysteries under Joyce and Jim Lavene. We are writing Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mysteries and Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mysteries under J.J. Cook. Under  Ellie Grant, we are writing Pie in the Sky Mysteries. 

New books from September to December this year include Plum Deadly (pie shop, September), A Finder's Fee (Missing Pieces, October), Murderous Matrimony (Ren Faire, November) and an e-book novella, Hero's Journey (Sweet Pepper, December)


                                               

                            

 

 

 

 

Want to keep up with Joyce & Jim? Check out these great links!

 

 

www.joyceandjimlavene.com 

www.facebook.com/joyceandjimlavene

https://www.facebook.com/authorsj.j.cook?ref=hl

Twitter: @authorjlavene

www.romanceofmystery.blogspot.com 

 

 

I want to thank Joyce & Jim Lavene for an awesome interview and for the chance to win a copy of THAT OLD FLAME OF MINE.

 

Don't forget to leave a comment and your contact information for your chance to win!

 

 

Note from Lisa: Anyone else excited about Joyce & Jims's new Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mysteries? The first in the series, MURDER ON EAT STREET, is due out April, 2014. How are we suppose to wait that long!?!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

The Thin Place

Til now I have only reviewed cozy mysteries and that is the genre I plan to stick to for the forseeable future. But after reading the following book, I just had to share my opinion with you. I hope you'll love it as much as I did.

 

 

And now the review...

 

 

THE THIN PLACE by Lori Herter

 

California native Glenna Molloy, a travel writer, flies to Ireland to explore sacred places cherished by Finn Maguire, her great lost love, in hopes of finding new meaning in her life.  But Coyle Foxworth, her intrusive and cagey co-author, can’t work without her.  He follows her to County Fermanagh, disturbing her spiritual journey.  They visit tiny Caldragh Graveyard with its ancient pagan stone and fairy tree.  The graveyard is reputed to be a “Thin Place,” where the veil between our world and the Celtic Otherworld is so fragile it can disappear.  There they meet a mysterious femme fatale, Maeve, who says she is half-fey.  Magical things begin to happen, and suddenly Finn reappears in Glenna’s life…   - This blurb is used with permission from the author's description.

 

 

I love this book. I was hooked from page one. It's very clear that Ms. Herter did her research for this story. Her knowledge and insight of Ireland are apparent in every chapter. I feel as though I walked with Glenna. Saw and felt all that she did. Every description and emotion came to life with crystal clarity.

 

The characters in THE THIN PLACE are as rich as Ireland itself.

Glenna Molloy is a very real, believable protagonist . She has flaws and weaknesses, yet her strength shines through. Her love for Finn and the places so dear to him propel her into a journey that many of us may not have the courage to take.

 

Finn Maguire had my heart in his first scene in this story. A man of convictions, he gave up his one true love to honor a commitment that many men would have walked away from. Our world could benefit from a few more Finns.

 

Glenna's co-author, Coyle Foxworth is the night to Finn's day. I personally found him obnoxious and clueless. But I will say one thing about Coyle--he is a man who knows what he wants. His character further deepens the telling of this story.

 

Maeve, is she really half-fey? Each reader has to make up their own mind to that. As for me? I believe! Maeve is an independent woman with an amazing insight into people. She has a wisdom that, dare I say is other worldly.

 

You also get to meet Eily O'Grady, the owner of the B&B that Glenna calls home while in Ireland. Eily is a good sounding board for Glenna as so many things happen. She's a sweet woman who won me over right away.

 

There are a couple other characters that round the story out, but they are for the reader to meet.

 

THE THIN PLACE is a story I'll remember for a long time to come and one I am sure to revisit. It was fresh and different from anything I've read in years. Afterward, I found it hard to keep it from my thoughts. The journey of reading this book was one I enjoyed very much. I do however have one request to make of the author, Ms. Herter. Please write a prequel!

And the winners are......

Thank you everyone who read my interview with Laura Bradford and for all of your great comments! Two names have been choosen at random to win one of Laura's Amish Mystery books.

Congratulations to...

Eileen-A-W and Peggy Rancilio

One lucky lady has won a copy of HEARSE AND BUGGY and the other lucky lady has won a copy of ASSAULTED PRETZEL!

Please email your home addresses to tiggedy2@aol.com so we can get your books shipped!

Thank you again to Laura Bradford for a wonderful first interview and contest! And congratulations again to the lucky winners!

Don't forget to check back. A new interview and contest are on the way!

Laura Bradford Interview

Today I'm pleased to post my first interview and contest!

Author Laura Bradford was kind enough to answer a few questions for me. She is also offering 2 books from her Amish Mystery series. One lucky winner will win a copy of HEARSE AND BUGGY and another will win a copy of ASSAULTED PRETZEL!

All you need to do to for a chance to win is post a comment about this interview. Two lucky winners will be picked at random on Monday, July 15. So, post those comments and good luck!

Now, onto the interview!

Author Laura Bradford

 

 

 

LKBR: How did you come up with the idea for the Amish Mysteries?

 

 

LB: I grew up reading and watching the Little House on the Prairie books/television program. As a result, I had a bit of a fascination with the simplicity of 1800's life. The Amish, in my opinion, are the closest modern day version of that time period--in dress, life, etc. Writing this series allows me to live in that simplistic world every time I sit down to write the next installment in the series.

 

 

 

 

LKBR: When writing, do you create an outline first, or are you a "pantser", writing from the seat of your pants?

 

 

LB: I know how the story will begin and end. I know who the victim is and who the murderer is, as well. But it's the "flavor" part of the story--what the characters say/do--that I create as I write...because I'm visiting with them, interacting with them in my head.

 

 

 

 

LKBR: Do you need a quite place to write or can you write wherever you are?

 

 

LB: It depends, I think. Sometimes, I like to hole up in my room or at the dining room table and write. Sometime, I actually need to write elsewhere (usually in the café at my local Barnes & Noble) as a jumpstart. I've found being around books helps stoke the motivation.

 

 







 

LKBR: Would you like to mention other series you have written?

 

 

LB: Sure. In addition to the Amish Mysteries, I also write the Jenkins & Burns Mysteries under my own name, Laura Bradford. Originally released with a small independent publisher and then Harlequin's World Wide Mystery, I've recently brought the Jenkins & Burns books out in e-format. Although the books, themselves don't reflect my writing ability today, they've certainly built themselves a nice following which is why I'm currently working on a 4th in that series. Fans of this series can expect to see the new book in August.

 

Then, under my pen name, Elizabeth Lynn Casey, I write the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries. The eighth book in that series--REMNANTS OF MURDER--will release August 6th.

 

Information about all of my books--including romances I have written--can be found on my website: www.laurabradford.com .

 

 



 

 

LKBR: Any plans or ideas for a new series?

 

 

LB: I always have ideas for new books--including a thriller and a women's fiction that's woken me from a deep sleep many nights.

 

As for a new series...I don't know, I think I have to give that some thought. :-)

 

 

 



 

What to learn more about Laura Bradford and her books? Check out these great links!
 

http://www.laurabradford.com/
 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Bradford/316744455035472
 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Lynn-Casey/286853572181
 

https://twitter.com/Elizabethlcasey
 

http://elizabethlynncasey.com/blog/
 

Laura's Amazon page. Please stop by and LIKE Laura. Also, sign up for e-mails for new release
updates!
 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Bradford/e/B00BFW06DI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1372962471&sr=8-1
 

 

 

I'd like to thank Laura for giving me my first interview.
 

 

Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win one of her great Amish Mystery titles!

 

 

 

That Old Flame Of Mine by J. J. Cook #1 in A Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery 



 

When Chicago fire fighter Stella Griffin catches her boyfriend cheating on her, she decks him. Between that and recovering from a shoulder injury, Stella needed a change of scenery. Jumping on her Harley she heads to help the town of Sweet Pepper, Tennessee get it's fire brigade back up and running as their temporary fire chief. The brigades first official call is to the home of Stella's friend Tory Lambert, who tragically is found dead in her burning house. Things don't look right to Stella. Did Tory die of foul play in an arson fire?

 

Sweet Pepper's old fire chief is helping Stella with her investigation, but there's one catch - Chief Eric Gamblyn is a ghost! Stella has to stay focused, but it can be hard with ghost Eric and police officer John Trump, who has more of an interest in her than just being one of her volunteer fire fighters, vying for her attention. But Stella has to find a killer before she's the next to die.

 

Author J. J. Cook - AKA husband and wife team Jim & Joyce Lavene, have a real winner on their hands.This is a fantastic book!.I wasn't sure at first that I would like a ghost with my cozy (though I love ghost stories and watch true ghost shows), but it worked and I really enjoyed it.

Stella is a strong protagonist and not only because she's a fire fighter. She's intelligent and insightful, as well as kind and caring. I love that she has the respect of her volunteer fire fighters. Many stories would have at least one or two men disrespecting her authority what with it being a small town. I also like the way she excepts ghost Eric Gamblyn. If all ghosts were like him, I'd want one too! Eric is a good sounding board for Stella. The two play well off each other. Policeman/fire fighter John Trump's feelings for Stella are at war with his feelings for her family, but he seems a good pairing for her. And with a supporting cast of fire fighters Ricky, Petey, Banyin, and Bert, local war hero Tagger, Police Chief Rodgers, who is not a supporter of Stella, and a host of Sweet Pepper locals, THAT OLD FLAME OF MINE is a must read and has left me burning for more!

 

ATTN: Recipe lovers - Look for the great pepper recipes at the back of the book!



 



Thanks to help from Julie Hyzy (Thank you Julie), I can now add photos to my blog. So here are the covers of the first four books I reviewed.

A DEADLY GRIND by Victoria Hamilton

 

KNEADING TO DIE by Liz Mugavero

 

HEARSE AND BUGGY by Laura Bradford

 

ASSAULTED PRETZEL by Laura Bradford

 

 

 

Two reviews in one...

 

HEARSE AND BUGGY and ASSAULTED PRETZEL by Laura Bradford. Books #1 & #2 in An Amish Mystery series.

 HEARSE AND BUGGY

Fleeing a high-stress lifestyle, Claire Weatherly goes to Heavenly, Pennsylvania in the heart of Amish country for a slower pace of life. She had only planned a short visit, but found herself opening Heavenly Treasures, an Amish specialty gift shop. Claire is settling in to her new life and making friends with the locals. Among them, a young Amish woman Esther, who assists in Claire's store. But Claire soon finds herself involved in helping with a murder investigation when the former owner of her store, Walter Snow is found dead behind the shop and Eli, the young Amish man Esther is sweet on, becomes the prime suspect.

 Detective Jakob Fisher has come home to Heavenly years after leaving his Amish family behind. But investigating Snow's murder will be difficult when no one from the Amish community will speak to him. So Claire offers to be his go between.

 Will everything Claire has come to cherish be at risk when she learns more than she should about her neighbors?

 

ASSAULTED PRETZEL

 Living in Heavenly, Pennsylvania and running her Amish specialty gift store Heavenly Treasures, Claire Weatherly has found the simple life she always wanted. But life in Amish country is disrupted when murder comes to town.

 Excitement over the guests staying at Sleep Heavenly, the Inn owned by Claire's Aunt Diane, has the town talking. Rob Karble has come to town to meet with the Amish community about crafting new toys for his company. Karble ends up dead after it's revealed he isn't planning to employ the Amish, but will build the new line of toys that they designed in his own factory.

 Suspicion falls on the Amish community. Claire and Detective Jakob Fisher begin to investigate. Will they find the killer among the quiet people?

 

I loved both of these books. Ms. Bradford makes Heavenly, PA a place anyone would want to live. Well, with the exception of a couple of murders that is. A wonderful job was done blending of the Amish and "English" communities. And I learned more about the Amish in these two books then in my decades of living near my local Amish community. Her characters are multi-layered, yet come across as very believable.

Claire is both strong and kind. She is a modern woman, yet embraces the plain and simple lives of the Amish. The way she investigates the murders is just right for a non-professional. Much more realistic than other characters in some books I have read.

Jakob Fisher, who comes back to be among the people who have shunned him, is tormented by the choice he made when he left. yet hope filled that he can find a connection with his family.

Aunt Diane is a good solid presence for Claire to have in her life. She is both wise and calming.

Esther is sweet and enjoyable. An interesting friend for Claire.

You will also enjoy learning about Esther's mother. Eli Miller, the young man Esther's love interest and his sister Ruth and older brother, widower Benjamin, who plays a large role in both books.

I've only been reading cozy mysteries for just over six months, but this series it at the top of my favorites list. I can't wait for the book number 3!

KNEADING TO DIE by Liz Mugavero #1 in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery

Kristan "Stan" Connor lost her high stress public relations job. It turned out to be a good thing. Now she can spend her time baking healthy, organic pet treats in her new Victorian home in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, the quiet little town she just moved to with her Maine Coon cat, Nutty.

Stan's new neighbors, there's a lot of pet lovers in Frog Ledge, are excited with the organic treat option that Stan bakes. Though not as thrilled as their pets are. But not everyone is into Stan and her organic ways.

Town vet Carole Morganwick is from the old fashioned school of pet care. She insist Stan brings Nutty in for a checkup. Not wanting to rattle any cages, Stan does. But she didn't expect to find Carol's dead kibble covered body in one of the exam rooms. As the prime suspect in the murder, Stan wants to find the real killer and clear her name.

From the entertaining animals, to some of Frog Ledge's more colorful residents, this was a good story. Stan is a enjoyable protagonist. I liked her from page one. We also get to meet Char and Ray Mackey who own the B&B and Alpaca farm "down the way", Isabella "Izzy" Sweet owner of the local coffee and sweet shop, and Jake, the owner of McSwiggs Irish Pub. I fell in love with Jake's big, energetic dog Duncan. And for cat lovers, Stan's Maine Coon Nutty rings true to the kitty world in his I'll-love-you-when-I-choose-to ways.

I was kept guessing as to who the murderer was as suspicions grew from on person to the next. It seems a lot of people had a reason to want Carol dead. I guessed wrong, never seeing the ending that was coming.

As is popular with so many cozies, Ms. Mugavero includes some of her organic pet food recipes, which I was very happy about.

All in all, a good introduction to a promising new series. I look forward to the next.

My first review.....


A DEADLY GRIND by Victoria Hamilton #1 in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series.

Jaymie Leighton lives in Queensville, Michigan in a nineteenth-century yellow brick house she shares with her sister Rebecca. Jaymie collects vintage cookware and cookbooks. At a local estate auction, ignoring the protests of her sister, Jaymie bids on and wins a 1920s Hoosier-brand kitchen cabinet.

Leaving the Hoosier on her summer porch until she can make room for it in her already over crowded kitchen, the last thing Jaymie expects is to be awaken in the middle of the night only to find a strange man lying dead on the porch floor apparently struck on the head with the steel meat grinder that was a part of the cabinet.

As the police try to find out the identity of the corpse Jaymie can't resist doing a little sleuthing of her own. Who was the dead man? Why was he on her back porch? Who killed him and why? The search for answers turns deadly as Jaymie uncovers hidden secrets of the Hoosier.

In this debut book in the series, Victoria Hamilton weaves mystery and history that will entertain readers from begging to end. Jaymie is a delightful heroine, keeping the reader in her corner. You get a real feel for her life in her little Michigan town in the house she shares with her sister Rebecca, Hoopalong her three-legged Yorkie-Poo and her green eyed tabby, Denver.

There are also great characters in the local towns people. Jaymie's sister Rebecca who buys and sells expensive china. Anna and Clive, owners of the b&b next door, Daniel Collins, the owner of Stowe House, Joel, Jaymie's ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend Heidi, DeeDee Stubbs, who sells 50s - 70s kitsch and TV tie-in merchandise online and many more.

Though there were times in this book that I felt the story was moving a bit slow, overall I enjoyed it. I was surprised by the killer, which is fun. And I learned much about a variety of subjects. I will read second book in this series.
                     _________________________________________________________
 So, that was my first review. I hope it was helpful.