Blog Tour: A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flower (Interview, Spotlight and Bookgiveaway!)

Synopsis of A Plain Death

An unlikely friendship between a high-tech woman and a runaway Amish girl leads to murder. Her first day in Appleseed Creek, Ohio, Chloe Humphrey, befriends Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home. While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish bishop in the process. The case moves from accident to murder when police reveal a cut brake line. Now, Chloe and Becky’s handsome brother, Timothy, must discover who the real intended victim is before the murderer makes a second attempt.


Appleseed Creek Mystery #1

B&H Publishing

Published/Released: July 2012

ISBN 13: 978-1433676970

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Synopsis of A Plain Scandal


The Amish in the quiet Appleseed Creek community are under attack. An unknown assailant is cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men. Computer specialist, Chloe Humphrey, is alarmed over the crimes against the Amish and worries over how the events will impact the Troyer family, especially her housemate Becky and Becky’s older brother Timothy. Her anxiety increases when she discovers the body of an Amish businessman, who had been stabbed in the back and his beard cut off. Now, Chloe and her friends must find the culprit behind the hair-cutting before someone else pays the ultimate price.



Appleseed Creek Mystery #2
B&H Publishing

Published/Released: February 2013
ISBN 13: 978-1433676987

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Author Interview

I would like to welcome author Amanda Flower to Socrates’ Book Review Blog and Socrates’ Cozy Café Blog.  Amanda is the author of the Appleseed Creek Mystery series.  We are thrilled to have her join us. 

Welcome to our little part of the world, Amanda!

1)         How did the Appleseed Creek series come about?

The series began as a conversation with my agent. We were kicking around concepts for a new series. After several ho-hum ideas, I mentioned I used to live in Amish Country when I was in my twenties. She latched onto that and told me write about it. As soon as I revealed my Amish connection, I thought, “Uh-oh” but not because I disliked Amish fiction. I had read some wonderful Amish fiction and enjoyed it. My worry was most Amish novels weren’t my style of quirky, humorous writing. Immediately, I began negotiating and asked if it could be a mystery, if the main character could be English (non-Amish), and if I could write in first person. My agent told me to go for it, and the rest is history.

2)         Do you have any idea how many books will be in the series or where you are going with the characters?  Is there an outline?

I’m contracted for seven books, six novels narrated by my computer geek, Chloe Humphrey, and one Christmas novella narrated by former Amish teenager Becky Troyer. I’m so grateful that B&H signed on for that many books. That’s a huge commitment for a publisher to make.

I don’t really outline when I write, but I do know where my protagonist, Chloe Humphrey, and most of the recurring characters will end up at the end of the series. A Plain Scandal is the second novel in the series, but I have written through number four. I know I only have two “Chloe” books left. I’m steeling myself for finishing her last book because I’m going to miss her. Happily, the series will go on with Becky for one novella and maybe more. It’s too early to tell about Becky’s journey yet.

3)         What else have you written?

In addition to the Appleseed Creek Mystery series, I’ve written the India Hayes Mystery series (Maid of Murder & Murder in a Basket), the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series written as Isabella Alan (debuting September 2013), and the Andi Boggs Series (mysteries for kids debuting in March 2014.

4)         What made you decide to be an author?

I’ve always love to tell stories. My father used to call me “storyteller” when I was a child because I would come home from preschool with wild tales involving the other kids in my class. Usually those events really happened. I just made them more exciting. Then when I was older, I read a story to my sixth grade class about being stuck at the top of the Ferris wheel. Again, I embellished the tale a bit. They class laughed at my story, and that was the ah-ha moment for me when I realized I could write stories that would make someone laugh.

5)         Who is your greatest influence in your writing life?

There are two things: my faith and my other occupation. My faith first because even though I write humorous mysteries for both the Christian and mainstream market, I hope what I believe comes through.

My job as a college librarian is second. On the job, I’m dealing with interesting bits of information while I help students. Sometimes what I learn ends up in a book in unexpected ways. I was helping a student with a project on polio and thought, “Huh, did the Amish suffer from the Polio epidemic?” From there I researched further, and ultimately, it is how Grandfather Zook had polio as a child. Being a librarian is the best job for someone who loves to learn.

6)         How did it feel when you first found out you were going to be published?

Shocked. Completely and utterly shocked. Then elated, worried, happy, weepy, and overjoyed. It was quite an emotional ride.

7)         Who are your favorite authors and what are your favorite books?

Mysteries will always be my favorite, but I find myself reading more and more fantasy too. There are so many great mystery authors, but if I had to pick, my favorite is Nevada Barr.

8)         Have you had a chance to go to book signings?  How does it feel when you meet your readers in person?

I’ve had many book signings over the years, and I love them. It’s a great way to connect with readers and answer their questions about my books or just about me as a person. Also, I like to hear their stories about how a particular book, not necessarily mine, impacted their lives.

9)         Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Don’t give up. It took me nine years to publish my first mystery. Just keep trying. It may take time, but if this is what you really want, you will break through.

10)       Can you give us a sneak peek at your next release?

The first week of September 2013 will be a double whammy for me. I have two books releasing the third Appleseed Creek Mystery and the first Amish Quilt Shop Mystery, which I write as Isabella Alan.

Coming September 2013:

A PLAIN DISAPPEARANCE, Appleseed Creek Mystery #3

It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey settles into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately on her first official date with Timothy, the couple discovers the body of an Amish teenager Katie Lambright. Near the body, there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the murder. The police reveal Billy is an escaped convict who has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy bring him to justice or prove his innocence.

MURDER, PLAIN AND SIMPLE, An Amish Quilt Shop Mystery by Isabella Alan

Welcome to Rolling Brook, Ohio where life is not as tranquil as it seems. When thirty-four year old Angela Braddock moves back to Ohio to recover from a broken heart and inherit her Amish aunt’s quilt shop, she discovers there is more to the Ohio’s Amish than beautiful quilts and hearty food. With the help of her quilting circle, Angela stumbles into the unlikely role of amateur sleuth.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Thank you for having me! Readers can learn more about me on my website, www.amandaflower.com, or through social media. I love connecting with readers through Facebook and Twitter.

Social Media Links: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Pinterest

BOOK GIVEAWAY (INTERNATIONAL)!!!!

How would you like to win a copy of this for your very own? Thanks to author Amanda Flower and publicist Michelle from Shelton Interactive, I can offer a copy of A Plain Scandal to one lucky winner.  This is open to all, including international!!!


Just a few simple rules...

1) You must fill out the form below (including a valid email address).

2) For an extra entry: Follow this blog

3) For an extra entry: Follow me on Twitter

4) For an extra entry: Follow me on Goodreads

5) For an extra 2 entries: Post this giveaway on your blog.

6) For an extra 2 entries: Tweet about this giveaway.

The giveaway begins on February 22nd (midnight est) and ends on March 10th (midnight est).

The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

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The Friday 56

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join on the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.

I'm reading...

From page 56...

All I'd wanted was one night of peace and quiet from the Granny and Fiona Show. I winced as she swerved to miss a mailbox, jumped the curb, and nicked the light post out front before she came to a jarring stop. She shut off her car, leaving the keys in the ignition as usual, then grabbed her cookies and marched toward the front door in all her finery - rain cap, apron, and all.

Blog Tour: Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders (Review, Interview, and Giveaway!!!)

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Amazon Digital Services

Release Date:
November 2012




Socialite Belinda Kittridge makes her big return to Portside, Rhode Island for a huge class reunion. Instead she meets up with former classmates filled with resentments, jealousy and accusations. There’s also an eighteen year old local kid stalking her.

Fortunately, Belinda still has close friends and a twin brother living in Portside. So, it’s not completely a horrible experience. When one of her classmates suddenly turns up dead, Belinda teams up with security expert, Bennett Tate. Toss in a classmate’s accidental death from several years ago and Belinda has her hands full in trying to solve these cases.

As Belinda continues her investigation with Bennett, she finds her own life is in danger. To top it all off, her brother is accused of murder, Amidst all the mystery, she can’t help find herself quite attracted to Bennett. In fact, the sparks fly between them.

At first I had a hard time keeping the cast of characters straight, but it wasn’t long before I wanted to read more about the whacky citizens of Portside. This is the first book in the Belinda and Bennett Mystery series and it’s off to a fun start. The characters are entertaining and the story is written at a fast-pace. I definitely want to re-visit Belinda and Bennett.




FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.


For reading challenges:

2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 E-Book Reading Challenge
2013 Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge? (Rhode Island)

INTERVIEW

I would like to welcome author Amy Saunders to Socrates’ Book Review Blog.  Amy is the author of the Belinda & Bennett Mystery series.   

Thank you for joining us Amy!

1)         Let’s start with a little synopsis of your mystery series.  What can you tell us about it?

Well, Belinda Kittridge, the heroine of the series, returns home with two priorities: taking charge of her family home renovation while her parents trek through Europe, and starting a cupcake boutique. But she finds a little more than demolished tile. The murder of a former friend forces Belinda to revisit the events surrounding a tragic sailing accident. But it also brings her together with even security firm owner Bennett Tate, who she and I affectionately call the gray-eyed eagle. So that's where it starts, but Belinda, Bennett, and their friends, are destined for a lot of trouble!

2)         Where is it set?

Portside, Rhode Island, which is a fictional place.

3)         How did you come up with the location?

I love the water and being on the water, and I adore coastal towns. When I started developing the idea for this series, I knew it belonged on the New England coast, and I knew exactly which town.

4)         Is the location based on a real place?

Yes! Portside is based on the towns of Newport and Middletown, Rhode Island.

5)         Have you ever visited the place or anyplace similar?

I've spent quite a lot of time in that area, and the coast of Rhode Island in general. I live in Massachusetts so it's in easy reach, and it's always been a family favorite. I love spending time there in the summer especially. My sister and I spent a while last summer just driving around, basically location scouting for my books!

6)         Why is this the perfect setting for your stories?

It's lively and bustling like Belinda. They have a lot of events throughout the year, which opens up all kinds of opportunities for exciting and dangerous things to happen. It also makes it a terrific location for Bennett to run his event security firm!

Plus, the homes and shopping areas are charming, and the coastline itself – including the beaches – is rather rough and lovely at the same time. I intend to work all of that in as time goes on. Newport has such a fascinating history, and is still thriving after all these centuries. It's an interesting blend of posh and relaxed that only coastal areas seem to achieve. My characters just made sense there.

7)         How many books will be in this series and will they stay in the same setting?

I don't have a set number right now, though I am a fan of ending things when they're still good and not bleeding them dry. However many I write, they will all be set in Portside!

8)         Can you give us a sneak peek at your next release?

Absolutely! In book two, Auf'd, we find Belinda co-organizing a fundraiser fashion show. But haute couture Portside-style lands her in a hot mess of runway intrigue, man drama - and murder. People may not be what they claim to be  - or even who they claim to be.

The excerpt below is with Belinda and Bennett right at the beginning before the show and all the drama ensues.

Bennett rolled his eyes. "Tell me about it. The chaos back there is mind boggling. I thought I'd get mowed over by a rack of bedazzled shirts on my way to find you."

"Bedazzled?" she said incredulously, focusing on the more important issue at hand. "Designers do not 'bedazzle' their clothing, okay."

"Whatever you prefer to call it, they were items you will only find in a setting like this or on a celebrity caught shopping at their local grocery store."

Belinda laughed. "For someone so against fashion, you sure do dress well." Belinda admired his sweater/shirt/tie combination and imagined his newsboy cap would work well with that ensemble.

"I'm not against fashion. I'm against useless pieces of clothing that no one can or wants to wear."

"Well, you may have a point there." Belinda moved closer, tracing the edge of his collar with her fingertips. "But I still like seeing those useless items floating down the runway and dreaming of scenarios where I could actually wear them."

Bennett watched her hand. "It's been too long since we saw each other."

"I agree." She settled her arms around his neck. "Fortunately, this job is almost done and we can return to our regularly scheduled program."

Bennett's mouth curled up. "We could return to it right now." He leaned in for the kill when Finnegan cleared his throat.

Belinda pulled away quickly, straightening her dress. Finnegan tried to suppress his grin. "Uh...sorry to interrupt, but Brooke is asking for you." He nodded at Belinda. "There seems to be some sort of mix-up backstage." He shrugged to indicate that was as specific as it was going to get.

"Right," she said. Belinda turned to Bennett, disappointment clouding her eyes. "Later," she mouthed and gave him a shy wave good-bye, fluttering past Finnegan.

Bennett scowled at him once Belinda was gone.

"Now I know why she really recommended you for this job," Finnegan said.

"Shut up."

"Yes, sir."

Auf'd comes out spring 2013!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

BOOK GIVEAWAY (INTERNATIONAL)!!!!

How would you like to win a copy of this for your very own? Thanks to author Amy Saunders, I can offer a copy of this book to one lucky winner.  The winner gets to choose either a paperback copy of the book or an e-book.  Your choice!  This is open to all, including international!!!


Just a few simple rules...

1) You must fill out the form below (including a valid email address).

2) For an extra entry: Follow this blog

3) For an extra entry: Follow me on Twitter

4) For an extra entry: Follow me on Goodreads

5) For an extra 2 entries: Post this giveaway on your blog.

6) For an extra 2 entries: Tweet about this giveaway.

The giveaway begins on February 21st (midnight est) and ends on February 28th (midnight est).

The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

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Cat Thursday - February 21st

Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! This fun meme is hosted by The True Book Addict. Go over to her site to join in the fun.

Trudy found a peaceful sun spot...

Blog Tour: Past Tense: 365 Daily Tools for Putting Stress Behind You For Good by Shawn Gilgarin (Spotlight and Giveaway!!!)

ABOUT SHAWN KILGARLIN

Shawn V. Kilgarlin is a writer, speaker, and Chief Operating Officer of Louisiana-based American Screening Corporation (ASC), a nationwide leader in drug testing products since 2004. In 2011, she was named a Cambridge Who’s Who Professional of the Year in Health Care Support. Ms. Kilgarlin’s husband (and co-author), Ron Kilgarlin is ASC’s CEO and an internationally recognized sales expert. Their company has helped over a million people deal with the plague of substance abuse. While unusually active in her industry and community, Ms. Kilgarlin’s true passions are writing and helping those in need. She is the author of the book God’s Love Letters: Overcoming Adversity. Past Tense is her second book.



Visit her website at http://www.americanscreeningcorp.com/Past-Tense-Shawn-Kilgarlin-P2955C216.aspx

Find Shawn!

About Ron Kilgarlin

Ron Kilgarlin is founder and Chief Executive Officer of American Screening Corporation. He no stranger to adversity, under extreme conditions, and with his father’s sound advice, he sold off an underperforming company. On January 2004, Ron started American Screening Corporation, in his parent’s sunroom.



Under his direction, 9 years later & with the help of his wife Shawn Kilgarlin, COO, ASC is now the #1 Rapid Drug Testing Company in the United States. In 2009 his company was awarded by GSA, a contract, to sell to federal government agencies. ASC is ISO 13485 Certified, specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of Rapid Drug & Point of Care Tests, serving US & International Clients, including Medical, Corrections, Retail, Direct Consumer, Commercial, & Government Markets. ASC has Free Sale Certificates in 27 foreign countries, Health Canada, Saudi FDA, & Iran OFAC license.



Ron is a drug testing expert helping over 1 million clients fight the plague of drug & alcohol addictions. Ron is an internationally recognized sales & internet marketing expert. He led the creations of www.americanscreeningcorp.com, which is the premiere website to purchase drug & health tests, with over 4000 products and growing.



Ron has recently accepted a position on the board, for the Louisiana Economic Development Council, as Ambassador, for executive’s considering expansion or relocation.



His love for writing started years ago as he kept a journal for self- improvement. His goal is to reach out, inspire, and connect with the world, sharing his personal stories of hardship, and researched studies on techniques for self-improvement.



While not working Ron enjoys spending time with his beloved family, traveling the open road, smoking fine cigars, reading, & writing.

Find Ron!

BUY ONLINE

ABOUT PAST TENSE

Stress Relief is right here, in your hands.



Are you tense and need a break? You will love this book! Open it to any page on any day. You'll find guidance and useful tips that are positive, fun, light-hearted and profound so you can get the peace of mind you really need - right now. Whenever you feel bothered and annoyed, fearful, insecure, angry or frustrated, it is probably from on of these:



•Daily Hassles - traffic jams, lost keys, bills to pay, unruly children

•Workplace - office politics, lack of respect, unemployment, helplessness

•Environmental - noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds

•Life Changes - college, marriage, divorce, aging, emergencies, grieving

•General Anxiety - holidays, peer pressure, addictions, feeling inadequate



Don't worry, we have you covered. Designed for easy reading and fast relief, Past Tense gives you 365 engaging "page-a-day" stories to put your stress to rest. Each one brings you a healthy does of feeling better every day of the year. Sprinkled with inspiring quotes, thoughtful sayings and profound wisdom from the world's great philosophers, modern thinkers, and major religions, Past Tense give soothing, down-to-earth advice for people of all ages. Use it to get "past tense" right away - and stay that way for life!



Work Stress. Management Stress. Money Stress. Life Stress!

They’re All Part of Everyday Life, BUT…



There are practical solutions and secrets that you can start using right away:



Fundamental understanding and management of stress is within your grasp.



With its 365 engaging, “page-a-day” stories, Past Tense offers a healthy dose of stress relief for every day of the year. The book covers every stress-generating scenario imaginable while teaching: the full impact of stress on your life; how to react to any crisis with composure; ways to read the warning signs of stress burnout; and tips on becoming a master of new behavioral patterns that help you live a highly stress-reduced life.



Past Tense is guaranteed to provide guidelines for creative problem solving while giving you positive-habit-forming techniques for tackling difficult situations. In its alternately fun, light-hearted, yet profound pages, you’ll discover ways to reduce harmful stress and increase productivity across the spectrum in areas including:



• Daily challenges (traffic, lost keys, workplace woes)

• Workplace pressures (office politics, lack of control, job loss)

• Environmental stressors (noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds)

• Life changes (college, marriage, divorce, aging, grieving)

• Stresses related to family, holidays, peer pressure, addiction, and much more



Sprinkled with quotes, sayings, and profound wisdom from ancient philosophers, modern thinkers, and the world’s major religions, Past Tense offers down-to-earth, common sense advice that speaks powerfully to readers of all ages and cultures. Use this lively stress-handling encyclopedia to get “past tense” and stay that way – for life!

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~ ~ ~ NEW KINDLE FIRE HD GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and Ron and Shawn Kilgarlin are teaming up to give you a chance to win a new Kindle Fire HD!

Here's how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. If your blog isn't set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.



This promotion will run from February 4 - April 26. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on April 27, 2013.



Each blogger who participates in the Past Tense virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.



Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.



If you would like to participate, email Tracee at tgleichner(at)gmail.com. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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WATCH THE TRAILER!

Past Tense Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Tuesday, February 5

Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Wednesday, February 6

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Thursday, February 7

Book trailer reveal at Bookingly Yours

Monday, February 11

Interviewed at Review >From Here

Wednesday, February 13

Guest blogging at Parenting from a Child's Point of View

Thursday, February 14

Interviewed at Digital Journal

Monday, February 18

Guest blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Tuesday, February 19

Interviewed at Yahoo News

Wednesday, February 20

Book spotlight at Socrates Book Reviews

Thursday, February 21

Book trailer reveal at Pump Up Your Book

Friday, February 22

Book reviewed at Reviews from the Heart

Monday, February 25

Book reviewed at Teena in Toronto

Tuesday, February 26

Interviewed at Examiner

Wednesday, February 27

Book reviewed at Review >From Here

Thursday, February 28

Book spotlight at Crazy Book Fairy

Shawn Kilgarlin's PAST TENSE VIRTUAL BOOK PUBLICITY TOUR will officially begin on February 4 and ends on April 26, 2013. Please contact Tracee Gleichner at tgleichner(at)gmail.com if you are interested in hosting and/or reviewing her book. Thank you!