Book Tour ~ Murder, Local Style - An Orchid Isle Mystery by Leslie Karst

 

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

by Leslie Karst

April 13 - May 8, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

An Orchid Isle Mystery

 

Retired caterer Valerie Corbin investigates a suspicious poisoning in this Orchid Isle culinary mystery, featuring a feisty queer couple who swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions in tropical Hilo, Hawai‘i.

A dinner to die for!

It’s been an eventful transition, but retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen are finally settling into life on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Val’s even joined the neighborhood orchid society to make some new friends. So when she’s asked to step in to cater their latest social event, as the newbie of the group she can’t exactly say no.

But what should have been a straightforward gig is soon a dining disaster when the food from the event poisons and kills the society president. As Val herself becomes a suspect in the murder investigation, she’s determined to uncover the truth. Who would want to kill the mild-mannered president of the orchid society?

Turns out the list is longer than a celebrity chef's tasting menu. Apparently some of the residents did not "love thy neighbor." Can she reveal the killer’s identity before they strike again?

This mouthwatering cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Ellen Byron, Jennifer J Chow, Lucy Burdette, and Raquel V Reyes, and includes a selection of delicious Hawaiian recipes to cook at home.

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional Mystery, Snarky Cozy Mystery, Soft-Boiled Mystery
Published by: Severn House
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
Number of Pages: 240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781448316588 (ISBN10: 1448316588)
Series: An Orchid Isle Mystery, Book 3 || Amazon, Goodreads, & Severn House
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Severn House

Read an excerpt from MURDER, LOCAL STYLE:

From beginning of Chapter One...

Paradise isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

Sure, Valerie Corbin knew she and her wife Kristen were supremely fortunate to now reside in the quaint, still-stuck-in-the-1970s town of Hilo on the magnificent Big Island of Hawai‘i—home to lush jungles, fiery volcanoes, black sand beaches, and coral reefs teeming with eye-popping tropical fish.

But at this moment, all she could focus on was the bull terrier-spaniel mix next door barking so loudly that it almost—though not quite—drowned out the whine of the pneumatic tools its owner was using on a jacked-up truck, the parts of which were currently scattered all across his driveway.

Letting loose a few choice words regarding both dog and man, Valerie slammed shut the window above the kitchen sink, then returned to the stove to poke at her potatoes simmering in a pot of water. At the sound of the back door opening, she looked up to see Kristen and her nephew, Sean, come inside from the lānai, Valerie and Kristen’s little white dog, Pua, trotting after them.

“We couldn’t take the racket anymore,” said Kristen, tossing her Outside magazine onto the counter. “Does he ever stop?”

“Who—Akoni or Larry?”

Kristen laughed. “Both, I guess. And yeah, I know the answer: rarely. Especially Akoni, with his constant yowling. Though I gotta say, it seems like Larry’s been working on his vehicles a hell of a lot more of late. And I don’t believe I’ve ever even seen that particular truck before. You think he’s started repairing other people’s vehicles, too?”

“Oh, God, I hope not. Though that would explain the increased frequency of the noise.” Valerie switched off the heat under her potatoes, then turned to Kristen. “I wonder if it’s legal to have a car repair business in this neighborhood. Maybe I should ask at tonight’s meeting if anyone knows.”

“Or maybe you could just talk to your neighbor about it,” put in Sean, who’d taken a seat at the kitchen table and was busy typing something into his phone.

Valerie and Kristen exchanged glances, after which Valerie replied, “Maybe later. But first we should figure out where we stand on the issue.”

Sean set down his phone with a shrug. “So what’s this thing you’re going to tonight, anyway?”

“It’s the monthly meeting for the neighborhood orchid society,” said Valerie, carrying the pot to the sink and dumping the steaming potatoes into a colander. “Shirley invited me—you know, the woman who lives at that house down the street with all those beautiful orchids in her tree ferns? I was admiring them the other day, and after we got talking, she invited me to come along tonight to see if I might be interested in joining. You wanna join me?”

Sean let loose his man bun, held in place by a wooden hair stick, and shook out his dirty-blond locks. “No can do; I’m working tonight at the hospital. It’s my first time in the ER, which should be interesting.”

Sean had come from Arkansas to do a three-month stint as a visiting nurse at the Hilo hospital and was now on his second week at the job—and at Valerie and Kristen’s house, where he’d be staying for the duration of his time on-island. “I didn’t know you were into orchids,” he said in a lazy drawl, pulling his hair back from his face and retying the bun.

“I wasn’t, not till we first got to Hilo. But they’re so amazing and, I dunno . . . other-worldly.”

Star Trek flowers, I call them,” said Kristen, and Valerie nodded.

“And they’re so easy to grow here, so I’m thinking it might be fun to try it myself. Plus, it’d be a great way to get to know some of the folks in the neighborhood a little better.”

“Like Larry?” asked Sean with a grin.

“Ha. I’m not so sure he’s really the orchid type . . .”

***

Excerpt from MURDER, LOCAL STYLE by Leslie Karst. Copyright 2026 by Leslie Karst. Reproduced with permission from Leslie Karst. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Leslie Karst is the Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity Award-nominated author of the Orchid Isle Mysteries, the Sally Solari culinary mysteries; and the IBPA Benjamin Franklin and IPPY award silver medal-winning memoir Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. After years waiting tables and singing in a new wave rock band, she decided she was ready for a “real” job and ended up at Stanford Law School. It was during her career as an attorney that Leslie rediscovered her youthful passion for food and cooking and once more returned to school—this time to earn a degree in culinary arts. Now retired from the law, in addition to writing, Leslie spends her time cooking, cycling, gardening, and observing cocktail hour promptly at five o’clock. She and her wife and their Jack Russell mix split their time between Hilo, Hawai‘i and Santa Cruz, California.

Catch Up With Leslie Karst:

LeslieKarstAuthor.com
Chicks on the Case
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @ljkarst
Instagram - @lesliekarst
Threads - @lesliekarst
Facebook - @lesliekarstauthor

 

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

 

 

Orchids, Alibis, and Awesome Prizes

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Leslie Karst. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE by Leslie Karst | Gift Cards

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Book Tour ~ Death for Sale - A Sally Witherspoon Mystery by Erik S. Meyers

 

DEATH FOR SALE

by Erik S. Meyers

April 13 - May 8, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A Sally Witherspoon Mystery

 

It's holiday time in Berry Springs, where many come together to enjoy good food, drink, and the company of friends. Unfortunately, death is among the mix as people get mysteriously ill at the town's Thanksgiving dinner. Deaths follow, and Sally must race to discover the truth before more people die off.

Coupled with worry for her aging parents, she is overwhelmed with the pressure and emotions, but she'll push through to solve the crimes and restore peace to the town.

Praise for Death For Sale:

"It’s always a delight to accompany amateur sleuth Sally Witherspoon as she takes time from her bar-owner job to bring murderers to justice. You’ve got to love a spunky middle-aged single woman who runs a biker bar and does a side hustle helping the local law enforcement solve serious crimes. The holiday setting of this third book in the series brings a touch of charm and festivity to the sadness the small town of Berry Springs experiences as some of their older citizens succumb to what appears to be intentional poisoning. Leave it to Sally to get answers in this difficult-to-solve murder case.
If you’re looking for a fun, holiday-themed cozy mystery, Death for Sale fits the bill perfectly. You’ll love spending time with lovable Sally Witherspoon as she restores peace and calm to her beloved town of Berry Springs. "
~ Ivanka Fear, author of the Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery with Grit
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Number of Pages: 244
ISBN: 979-8898201258
Series: Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series, Book 3 || Amazon, Goodreads, Level Best Books
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Mystery Series

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt from DEATH FOR SALE:

 

 

Author Bio:

Originally from Connecticut, I am an American abroad who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, currently living in Vienna.

The author of the Sally Witherspoon murder mystery series, an award-winning adult LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction novel "Caged Time," a short story anthology "Connections," and a business book "The Accidental Change Agent." I also have written several short stories and a thriller/horror script.

I am represented by Cindy Bullard at Birch Literary.

Oh and I survive on coffee and hiking.

Catch Up With Erik S Meyers:

www.ErikMey.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @erikmey
BookBub
Instagram - @erikmeyauthor
Facebook - @ErikSMeyersAuthor

 

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

 

 

Order Up: Danger, Secrets, and DEATH FOR SALE

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Erik S. Meyers. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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Book Tour ~ Among Her Bones by Kate Serine

 

Are you looking for a gothic romantic horror that's perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno‑Garcia, Simone St. James, Darcy Coates, and Riley Sager? Come check out an excerpt of Among Her Bones by Kate SeRine, then grab your copy.

Among Her Bones

Amazon

In a house built on the sins of its past, where the walls conceal dark secrets and silence every scream, love may be her only salvation.

When single mother Zellie Dupont loses her last source of stability and is left with nothing but grief, debt, and a sick child she’s terrified of failing, desperation drives her to accept a stranger’s offer of refuge in a crumbling Savannah mansion.

But Dawes House is no ordinary home.

Once a grand estate, now faded grandeur shrouded in moss and mystery, the mansion is cold in ways it shouldn’t be, disquieting in ways Zellie can’t ignore. Yet her new neighbors welcome her like kin, offering the warmth and belonging she’s always yearned for. And her enigmatic benefactor possesses a quiet, wounded tenderness that draws her nearer with every stolen moment, kindling a desire she feels down to her bones—intense and undeniable.

But with every passing day in the house, the shadows creep closer. Footsteps echo in empty rooms. Ghostly whispers brush her ear. Visions of women cry out with silent mouths—women who loved, who suffered, and who failed to escape the house that claimed them.

As the mansion’s past unravels, Zellie is pulled into a dark history of misery, longing, and ghostly vengeance…and toward a truth that could devour her exactly like it did the women before her.

Because in Dawes House, nothing stays buried.

Not love.
Not betrayal.
And not the dead.

Perfect for readers of Southern Gothic fiction, atmospheric ghost stories, paranormal suspense, Gothic romance, and slow‑burn supernatural thrillers.

Available in KindleUnlimited and paperback.

Read an Excerpt

From Chapter One:

 

I peered at Henry as he slept, his fever lower now that he’d had two days of antibiotics. Missing two shifts to stay home with him meant my paycheck would be a joke. But I’d had no choice. Ms. Reba next door couldn’t risk catching anything at her age.

I kissed Henry’s forehead and brushed his hair back from his face, then took a seat at the little kitchen table a few feet away. Whit Proffitt would be calling soon for my answer. Too bad I still didn’t know what I was going to tell him. There was really only one option I hadn’t already explored, and just the thought of it made me queasy as painful memories bombarded me. But I needed to be sure I’d looked into every possibility before accepting an offer from a complete stranger.

The devil you know…

I held my phone in both hands, staring at the number on the screen for several minutes, indecision making my heart pound. Finally, I exhaled hard and hit the call button.

“Screw it.”

The phone rang. Once. Twice. No answer. I wasn’t surprised—and was actually a little relieved.

I was about to hang up when a voice like sandpaper on concrete said, “Hello?”

My stomach dropped.

The last time I’d heard my mother’s voice, she’d called me a whore and told me to get the fuck out. Hearing it again cracked open an old, festering wound that I’d told myself had scarred over when I’d cut her out of my life.

I swallowed hard. “Hi, Vivian. It’s Zellie.”

A long, heavy pause. “Well, you’ve got some nerve calling after all these years.”

“You didn’t want to talk to me,” I reminded her, bristling. “You told me I was a sinner, that I was going to burn in hell. I didn’t think you’d really welcome a call.”

“And what makes you think I want to talk to you now?” A hacking cough erupted from her, choking the last word to little more than a gasp.

“You sound like shit,” I said. “Are you still smoking?”

Another grating cough that ended on a rattle. “What the hell do you care?”

I repressed a sigh. I didn’t. At least, I didn’t want to.

“I didn’t call to fight, Vivian,” I said, trying to keep a lifetime of anger and bitterness out of my voice. “I just…”

“What?” she asked, her laugh a raspy, eerie cackle. “You in trouble again? Crawling back with your tail tucked ’tween your legs, begging for help?”

I should’ve known calling was pointless. For a moment, I’d wondered if maybe Vivian Dupont had changed, if perhaps she regretted how she’d driven me away and had missed out on her grandson, if maybe she’d take us in, just until I found something else. But I should’ve known how it would go. The woman who considered herself a “good Christian” because she went to church every Sunday didn’t do kindness. Vivian Dupont only did scripture, punishment, and shame.

“I’m not begging,” I told her, no longer the little girl pleading for scraps of affection. “And I’m sure as hell not asking you for anything ever again.”

“Well, that’s a switch.” I could hear my mother flicking her Bic, lighting up another cigarette, and easily pictured her sucking in her first drag, her already sunken cheeks hollowing further, her eyes narrowed in habitual contempt.

“You know, all I ever wanted was for you to be my mother,” I said, the words bitter on my tongue. “Apparently, that was just too much to ask.”

Her derisive snort was loud in my ear. “I never wanted to be a mother. But God had other plans for me. ‘I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.’ That’s Romans 8:18. You’d know that if you’d ever listened to a damned word I said.”

“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, a familiar anger clawing at my gut. I made my decision. “Save your sanctimonious bullshit, Vivian. I’m just letting you know I’m leaving. Henry and I are moving to Savannah.”

“Well, guess you’d better get to packing,” she said flatly.

“Guess so.” I laughed in a short, humorless burst. “And don’t worry. You won’t be hearing from me again.”

Vivian started to say something, but whatever hateful comment she’d planned was cut off by another harsh cough.

I hung up.

Frowning, I replayed the conversation in my head, the familiar sting of rejection warring with resigned indifference.

I turned slowly, taking inventory of the contents of the tiny house. Not much to pack—Henry’s toys, some clothes, a few boxes of books, the thrift-store art on the wall…

Just as well. The sooner I got the hell out of there, the better.

Still, the idea of starting over—leaving behind everything I’d managed to build, the meager support I’d gathered, the few friends I’d made—sent a wave of anxiety crashing over me.

I rushed to the kitchen sink and leaned against it, squeezing my eyes shut to fight the sudden urge to throw up. I didn’t normally feel stress in my stomach. But it wasn’t like anything was normal at the moment, so why should my body’s reaction to my world falling apart be any different?

When the nausea subsided, I took a few deep breaths and opened my eyes. Through the tiny window, night settled over my little world like a shroud, the darkness pressing close, heavy with silence. The kind of silence that felt…ominous.

My mouth suddenly dry, I exhaled a shaky breath and grabbed a glass from the cabinet.

When I turned back toward the window, the glass slipped from my hand and shattered in the sink, shards skittering like tiny bones across the porcelain.

For a heartbeat, I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. I could only stare as two glowing silver eyes glared back at me through the reflection: a woman’s face, pale and blurred at the edges, like an old photo negative. And those eyes locked on mine. Furious. Vengeful.

Her mouth opened in a silent scream, jaw unhinging wider than it should, and she rushed toward me, her fingers curled into claws.

Instinct snapped me free of my paralysis. I spun, bracing for her to be just inches behind me, to grab me, tear into me.

But the kitchen was empty.

No movement. No sound except for the hammering of my heart.

The window air conditioner clicked on, wheezing from its efforts to combat the spring heat, the suddenness of it shattering the silence and spurring me into action.

I lurched to the window, yanking the blinds down with shaking hands, the slats clattering into place, then stumbled across the room, checking other windows, locks, anything that could keep something out—even though I knew nothing truly could.

I flipped every light switch within reach. Warm light banished the darkness but still didn’t seem bright enough when I pressed into a corner so I could see every inch of the room. Shaking, I slid to the floor and pulled my knees to my chest, arms wrapped tight, watching.

When nothing else appeared after several minutes, I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed my forehead to my knees.

The intruders.

They’d found me again.

They’d haunted me since childhood, no matter where my mother had dragged me. I called them intruders because they forced themselves into my awareness, but I didn’t know if they were ghosts, portends, or something else entirely. Vivian had called them demons and punished me whenever I mentioned them, convinced that it was my wickedness that drew them.

So many hungry nights, my grumbling stomach keeping me awake because Vivian believed fasting would “starve out” the demons. So many ice baths that left me gasping and crying because she insisted that making my little body inhospitable would send the demons away. So many prayer circles and “healings” from religious charlatans that were supposed to cleanse my soul…

So, I had closed myself to the intruders, forced them away, ignored the whispers, the messages, the shadows in the corner of my eye—until they no longer came.

Until now.

God. Damn. It.

A soft voice broke through my panic.

“Mama?”

Henry stood near the couch, eyes wide and scared, curls mussed from sleep.

“It’s okay, baby,” I assured him. “I just thought I saw something scary. That’s all.”

I leaned my head back against the wall, closing my eyes once more and taking a deep, calming breath. And then another.

His bare feet padded closer. Even though I expected him, I still flinched when he touched my arm.

“You’ll be okay,” he said, as if our roles had reversed. “Don’t be scared, Mama.”

I forced a smile and smoothed his curls from his eyes.

He sat down beside me, taking my hand in his. “I’ll hold your hand,” he whispered. “That will make it better.”

My laugh came out trembly, edged with tears. “Thanks, baby.” I pulled him into my lap. “That does make it better. How about if we snuggle for a little while until you go back to sleep?”

He nodded and curled against me, warm and solid, pushing the fear back into the familiar little box where I kept it buried.

When his breathing went soft and deep, I carried him to his bed and kissed his forehead.

As I exited his room, the kitchen light flickered—just once—and my stomach tightened. But nothing else stirred.

I found my phone where it had fallen earlier and dialed a number. It rang only once before a deep voice answered.

“Ms. Dupont?”

I swallowed hard, scanning the room, searching for anything that shouldn’t be there.

“I accept your offer, Mr. Proffitt.” My voice came out hollow, flat as I fought to keep it even. “How quickly can we move in?”

 

About Kate SeRine

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it’s no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after. She’s the author of the award-winning TRANSPLANTED TALES paranormal romance series as well as two romantic suspense series: PROTECT AND SERVE and DARK ALLIANCE.

Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project — probably while consuming way too much coffee.

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Book Blitz ~ Fueled by Pain by Patrick Simiglai

 

Nonfiction / Self-Esteem / Memoir

Date Published: January 15, 2026

Publisher: MindStir Media

What if your pain wasn’t holding you back… but pushing you forward?

From abuse and neglect to crime, addiction, prison, and crushing debt—Patrick Simiglai’s story is not just about survival. It’s about transformation.

In Fueled By Pain, ultra-endurance athlete and mental performance coach Patrick Simiglai shares how he rebuilt his life from the ground up using discipline, resilience, and 23 powerful mental techniques designed to help you do the same.

This is not a motivational quick fix.

This is a blueprint for real, lasting change.

Inspired by elite forces like the Danish Frogman Corps, Patrick pushed himself through extreme physical challenges—ultramarathons, rope climbs, and marathon swims—discovering that the real battle isn’t in the body… it’s in the mind.

Inside this powerful book, you’ll discover how to:

• Master your inner dialogue and stop self-sabotage

• Build discipline that lasts beyond motivation

• Develop unshakable mental resilience under pressure

• Break free from addiction, fear, and limiting beliefs

• Turn pain, discomfort, and resistance into your greatest advantage

• Create long-term success through integrity and self-trust

Patrick’s journey—from chaos to clarity—proves that no matter where you start, you can rebuild your life. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and mentor helping others unlock their potential and take control of their lives.

His message is simple—but powerful:

You don’t need a new life. You need a new relationship with yourself.

Pain, resistance, and discomfort are not signs that you’re on the wrong path. Often, they are proof that you’re walking in the direction of growth. You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to show up honestly and keep your word to yourself—especially on the days when no one is watching.

 

About the Author

Patrick Simiglai is a Danish ultra-endurance athlete, mental performance coach, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals transform their lives through discipline, resilience, and powerful inner dialogue. As the author of Fueled By Pain, Patrick shares a raw and deeply personal journey of overcoming adversity and building mental strength from the inside out.

Competing in some of the world’s most grueling ultra-endurance races—including 200- and 300-mile events across deserts, mountains, and extreme terrain—Patrick has developed a unique approach to mental toughness rooted in real-world experience. His work bridges the gap between extreme physical performance and everyday personal growth, offering practical tools for leaders, athletes, and teams to perform under pressure with integrity and consistency.

Patrick’s path to success was anything but conventional. Growing up in a childhood marked by abuse and later struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, he understands firsthand the challenges of feeling trapped by your own thoughts. His transformation—from chaos and self-destruction to purpose-driven achievement—forms the foundation of his coaching, speaking, and writing.

Through his work, Patrick emphasizes that true growth begins with mastering your inner dialogue. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: you don’t need a new life—you need a new relationship with yourself. By embracing discomfort, taking responsibility, and committing to disciplined action, he teaches others how to unlock their full potential and create lasting change.

Originally written in Danish and later rewritten in English as a personal challenge, Fueled By Pain reflects Patrick’s belief that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and committing to the process, even when it’s difficult. Drawing from years of journaling, coaching, and extreme endurance experiences, the book delivers 23 mental techniques designed to help readers build resilience, overcome self-doubt, and achieve long-term success.

Today, Patrick Simiglai works with individuals and organizations worldwide, inspiring others to confront their limits, strengthen their mindset, and turn pain into purpose.

"Challenges fuel growth. Courage creates opportunities."

Book a talk or coaching: https://calendly.com/patricksimiglai/30-min-gratis-afklaringssamtale

Contact Links

Website

Instagram: @patricksimiglai

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Purchase Link

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Book Tour ~ Home is Where Our Story Begins by Dr. Omomaro Okekaro, PhD

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  HOME IS WHERE OUR STORY BEGINS by Dr. Omomaro Okekaro, PhD
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 436 pages
Genre:  Romance Fiction
Publisher:  WILLIAMS AND KING PUBLISHERS
Release date:   Nov 2025
Tour dates: Apr 20 to May 8, 2026
Content Rating:  PG + M. NO LANGUAGE, NO SEX SCENES.  BUT THEME IS MATURE INVOLVING SECRET FAMILY AND ROMANTIC AFFAIR 

Book Description:

When Eliza Thornton returns to the quiet English countryside after her mother’s death, she finds the Old Manor—her childhood home—standing as both a relic of her past and a mirror to her own fractured heart. What begins as a simple visit to settle her mother’s affairs turns into a haunting journey of rediscovery, as buried letters and unspoken truths draw her into the labyrinth of her family’s untold story.

Through the voices of memory and regret, Home Is Where Our Story Begins explores the delicate threads that bind mothers and daughters, love and loss, silence and forgiveness.
As Eliza unravels the secrets her mother kept, she comes face-to-face with the echoes of generations—each one yearning to be understood, to be seen, to be free.

In the end, the Old Manor becomes more than a house; it becomes a place of reckoning, healing, and rebirth—a reminder that home isn’t just where we come from, but where we finally make peace with who we are.

Buy the Book
Amazon
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Omomaro Okekaro, PhD, is a distinguished writer, scholar, and storyteller exploring the depths of human nature, justice, and hidden truths. With a background in mental health counseling and spirituality, he crafts narratives that blend mystery, suspense, and introspection, offering readers a profound journey through the human experience.

Born in Igbuku, Midwestern Nigeria, Dr. Okekaro’s love for literature began early, nurtured by a family that valued education. Beyond writing, he is a mental health therapist and spiritual counselor dedicated to faith, resilience, and self-discovery themes.

His works include A Spirituality of Awareness, Lord, I Am in Trouble, The Last Journey, The Shadows in My Rain, Monroe’s Dark Business, The Story of Me, Home Is Where Our Story Begins, and several unpublished manuscripts. When not writing, he enjoys family time and online Scrabble.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

HOME IS WHERE OUR STORY BEGIN Book Tour Giveaway

Week Blast ~ Ivy Leigh Ever After by Gael Lynch

 

Middle Grade Fiction

Date Published: Feb 24, 2026

Publisher: Small Circles Press

Ivy Leigh’s a feisty eleven, almost twelve-year-old who could never imagine using a fist to solve a problem. But that was before. Before Momma died. Before her BFFs, Lizzie and Ruthie, started pressuring her to change. Before they told her that Michael, the cutest boy in school, has a crush on her. And, before two jealous bullies—Rachel and Winona teamed up to badger her on the bus and at school. Rachel calls her ‘Poison Ivy.’ Winona shoves her into a crowd at school. Hurt and humiliated, Ivy Leigh, on impulse, fights back. It’s a mistake she instantly regrets.

Ruthie and Lashonna know these bullies. They know their backstories and where they’ve come from. But they’re not the only ones. A cast of quirky characters like Mr. Winters, the wannabe cowboy next door who speaks his advice in the language of old-world slogans. There’s Miss Aurelia, an old hippy, whose eyes don’t work so well anymore, but who has a special kind of wisdom she shares with Ivy Leigh. And there’s Momma’s best friend, Miss Neola, who takes Ivy under her wing, and helps her understand that bullies have struggles too.

In the end, Ivy stands up for herself, not with a fist, but with a heart, walking in the shoes of Rachel and Winona, Lizzie and Ruthie, and even Grandma and her sister, Viv, who all struggle with loss and loneliness and sometimes misunderstanding too. Ivy soon learns that through all of this, she has never been alone, that Momma is still living in her midst, under that strawberry moon they both loved so much.

Excerpt

Chapter One: The Package

“She’s coming for you, Peachy.”

He leaped off the bed and scrambled toward me. Together, we stood at the window, watching. I’d heard the roar of that muffler. The sound of the crash. It all spelled trouble. Up until now, Peachy was unknown to her. But I knew it would never stay that way. Dad was at work. She always knew the perfect time to strike.

“That was Mom’s gnome!” Nat’s shriek pierced the air, and I knew this was going to be bad. I took the stairs two at a time, in boxers and a tank top, with Peachy trailing behind. It was early on a Saturday, Viv was still in bed, and I hadn’t even brushed my teeth. But that never mattered to Grandma. This was a surprise attack; we were in her sights, and she had a total takeover in mind. I tucked Peachy away in his crate and latched him in tight before heading out to the front porch to see what was going on.

And there she was. Bulb shaped and full of bluster, Grandma stood with Nat at her side, staring down at the smashed garden gnome. He was pink-faced with a green hat and a little red jacket. Mom named him ‘Happy.’ He made her laugh just to look at him in the midst of her treatments and trips to and from the hospital. But now Happy was here all smashed up in the garden, and Mom had been gone for almost a whole awful year.

“That is the tackiest thing! People will question the sort of people who live in a house with a thing like that out front!”

Things went quiet for a moment, I don’t think Nat even knew what to say to that.

But I knew this wasn’t going to be about the garden gnome. She’d come about Peachy who we’d hidden from her for a whole two weeks. But I’d had a funny feeling about that lately, Grandma had eyes and ears everywhere.

A minute later, I heard the squeak of metal behind me. And then, to my shock and surprise, the screen door flew open. Within seconds, Peachy bolted out, lunged at Grandma and nearly knocked her off her feet. How on earth did he get out of there, I thought.

“This! she bellowed. “This is exactly why I’m here!” Her face was wrinkled, powdered and puffed, with a coat of bright red lipstick smeared across her lips. Cruella had nothing on her. A true animal hater, she shrieked again at the sight of him.

I came running down the sidewalk then and scooped Peachy up in my arms. “It’s okay, boy,” I said, rubbing his peach-colored fur and holding him close.

“It is not okay! That dog has accosted the neighbors and now he’s attacked me! Always on the loose, with no training and no hope of it at all. Why was I not told about him?”

About the Author

 

 Gael Lynch is a writer and storyteller, a teacher whose love of kids and furry creatures has followed her throughout her life. She now lives in coastal Carolina, a place of sunny beaches and warm breezes with her husband Tom and her rambunctious golden retriever, Wrigley. However, Newtown, Connecticut, with its pastoral beauty and kind-hearted people will always be a place she calls home.

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Cover Reveal ~ No Straight Lines to the Stars

 

An Unlikely Journey from Lifeguard Tower to Launchpad

 

Narrative Nonfiction/Inspirational

Date Published: August 4th, 2026

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

No Straight Lines to the Stars is the inspiring true story of a young lifeguard who dared to believe his life could reach far beyond the horizon.

On the beaches of Southern California, Ken Kisco learned that preparation saves lives. From rip-current rescues to split-second emergencies, he discovered that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. Those early lessons in resilience and composure pushed Ken to believe he could accomplish anything . . . including his lifelong dream of reaching the stars.

Through relentless perseverance and unwavering faith, Ken rose into the heart of America’s most advanced space and defense programs, contributing to human spaceflight initiatives and supporting groundbreaking technologies. His unusual start as a lifeguard helped advance his career, distinguishing him from his Air Force and Navy peers. Yet, his toughest challenges were personal—he faced deep disappointment when a space mission was canceled and learned lessons about trust and integrity from a romance-turned-ruse.

Ken’s journey reveals that success is rarely linear. Setbacks became launchpads, adversity became refinement, and purpose became a compass. Part memoir, part inspiration, and part behind-the-scenes look at America’s quest for the stars, this is the unforgettable story of a man who proves that bold dreams, combined with grit and heart, can launch an ordinary life into an extraordinary one.

 

About the Author

At ten years old, Ken Kisco dreamed of becoming a rocket scientist, a goal that shaped his life. He earned multiple degrees, including master's degrees from the University of Southern California in systems management and from San Jose State University in industrial psychology.

As an aerospace systems engineer for NASA, Rockwell International, and Boeing, he developed new technologies and earned recognition as an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow.

Ken now shares his passion by mentoring USC engineering students, inspiring them to dream boldly. When not traveling, he and his wife enjoy San Diego's beaches, where they live.

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Teaser ~ The Secret of the Smiling Rock Man by Joe Capello

Short Story Collection / Fiction

Date Published: 05-15-2026

Publisher: RMK Publications

In his first collection of short stories Joe Cappello presents an array of characters whom he describes as having “rocks in their heads.” Instead of accepting the hand life has dealt them, they pursue more outlandish solutions to its problems. The reader witnesses firsthand the zany antics these characters employ to cope with the situations they encounter in each story: Mortality…daring to know death’s secret and determined to face it without fear and dread; Workplace… seeking an environment that is based on teamwork and respect, rather than fear and intimidation; Family…taking extraordinary steps to unite an estranged family and to bring another closer together; Language…re-establishing the sacred role of words in our lives as a unifier of people and a conveyor of truth. All told with a healthy dose of humor and a belief that life can be joyful, hopeful and a down-right hoot.

Excerpt

Lucy wasn’t smiling like she used to when she folded her letter, slipped it into the envelope, sealed it with a kiss, and applied the three-cent stamp. Even the spring in her step lacked the zeal she typically exhibited during her walk to the post office. The words on the paper were true to her commitment. They spoke of the news from the home front, stories that helped Stan’s morale, and made sure her underlying message was being proud, supportive, and encouraging. The words wandering around in Lucy’s thoughts, however, were in stark contrast to this messaging.

Ever since Stan was assigned to the navy radar training school, Lucy had become more and more unsure in her belief that things would be okay. His work as an Aviation Machinists Mate stateside meant he was safe. And Minneapolis was relatively close to home. Being trained as a radarman for shipboard duties meant it was more likely he would be sent overseas into a combat zone. This caused a higher level of worry. Like everything else this war has put in short supply, her ration of optimism was slowly being depleted, and the resources for replenishing that reservoir were becoming scarce.

Her quandary was not letting Stan know about this foreboding, even though he was normally her most trusted sounding board. She tried to talk about this with her sister Millie. But Millie’s approach to these heartfelt struggles was to fix them, make them go away, or advise Lucy, “Try not to think about it.” This was not the type of support Lucy needed.

During her alone time, sitting staring out the window, the overwhelming emotion that prevailed over all others was that she really missed her husband. She now knew what being heartbroken felt like.

 

About the Author

Joe Cappello’s creative life began when he accepted a minor speaking role in a play, walked on stage for the first time, and came to the terrifying realization that, “Oh, no, they sold tickets!”

Fortunately, he overcame his initial stage fright and began accepting roles in community theatre, the parts of Oscar Madison in “The Odd Couple” and Ivan Lomov in “The Proposal” among his favorites. He studied acting in New York City and performed in a couple of Off-Off Broadway productions including Sam Shepherd’s “Buried Child,” where he played the crotchety, whiney patriarch, Dodge (a part for which his wife felt he was uniquely suited).

He wrote and produced plays for children, awarding roles to his sons and other kids in his neighborhood (earning the gratitude of their parents who considered rehearsals free babysitting). He started writing adult plays and received a number of accolades including an honorable mention in the 2020 Bridge Award contest sponsored by Arts in the Armed Forces (AIAF) for his full-length play, “The Stars of Orion” and selection as the winner of the 2022 Susan Hansell Drama Award for his one act play, “Monarch.”

But the logistics of staging plays proved too time consuming. In his early 30's he started writing short stories and flash fiction pieces and submitting them for publication. Many of the stories presented in this collection have been published in online magazines and anthologies, and some have achieved recognition, most notably, “The Secret of the Smiling Rock Man,” First Place, National Federation of Press Women’s Communications Contest (2022); “They Only Showed Elvis from the Waist Up,” First Place, Southwest Writers Writing Contest (2023); and “Running Errands,” Finalist, Hemingway Shorts Competition, sponsored by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park (2023).

Joe invites you to read more of his work and follow his anything-but-straight-line career at joecappelloauthor.com.

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Teaser ~ Taken by the Alien by Megan Slayer

 

(Taken, Book 13)

A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel

Date Published: May 8, 2026

Publisher: Changeling Press

She’s got magic she’s never tapped into. He’s from another galaxy. Together, they’re just right.

Lindsey Knepper-Lare just wants to belong. As far back as she can remember, she’s felt different. She’s convinced she’ll always been damaged goods. Then she’s abducted by an alien and spirited to a planet with a name she can’t even pronounce. Then Ronan walks into her life. He’s everything she wants, but has never had the courage to go after. Too bad he’ll never pay her any mind.

Ronan Miir wasn’t planning on visiting the diner on ERAEMA, but the second he spots Lindsey, he knows he has to save her. The metallic aliens on the planet want nothing good for to her. Not Ronan. He wants to kiss, touch, and protect her. Good thing he knows a thing or two about aliens, rescue, and getting back to Eerie. He’s ready to make their pairing into a forever romance… if she’ll give him a chance.

 

Excerpt

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2026 Megan Slayer

She blinked back tears and her stomach lurched again. She’d been taken from her home against her will, was being used for something she never wanted to take part in, and had been dumped in a place she didn’t even know to work for a being who claimed to own her. And she had no idea how to get home.

Lovely.

“Oh, and if you try to rip the comm off your body, it will alert P482 and he’ll destroy you.” T181 threw a rag in her direction. “Get to cleaning. These tables won’t sanitize themselves.”

She held onto the rag, then wondered what she was supposed to clean with the rag. Instead of asking questions, she moved to the first table and wiped it down. Tears blurred her vision, but she refused to cry. If she’d been able to be strong so far, she could keep doing it. She had no choice.

She wasn’t about to let anyone see her crack. She’d dissociate from herself and pretend she wasn’t here. Again. She wasn’t anyone’s slave. She didn’t have to act like she was happy in her surroundings.

“A few rules. Don’t talk to the clients. You’re here to clean, not flirt. They won’t take you out of here, so don’t ask. Understood?” T181 asked. “If they want food, they’ll let you know, but you simply deliver. You clean, you keep your mouth shut, and you give in to P482 if you want freedom from here.”

A man walked into the diner and said something she couldn’t quite hear to T181. Lindsey moved to the second table and watched the man. So far, she’d only seen beings that resembled satellites, like T181 and P482. This was the first being she’d encountered, even at a glance, who sort of resembled a human.

She watched him and her heart ached. Not only because she missed her home, but because she missed being held. Missed being touched. Missed other humans. Hell, she wasn’t even sure anyone would want to look for her. No one probably missed her.

Still, that didn’t mean she couldn’t drool over this being. She swept her gaze over him. Dark hair, a bit wavy and just long enough to need a little product. Icy blue eyes that seemed to pierce through her the longer she looked at him. He had a slight dimple when he smiled and dazzling white teeth. He even had nice hands. The suit fit tight to his body, like it was tailored precisely for him. He oozed sex. No, not just sex, but power and confidence as well.

Not that this man would ever look her way. Good gracious. She was like Cinderella, but on a whole different planet. Even back on Earth men like him didn’t pay her any mind. She faded into the background -- just like she would here.

T181 moved between her and the man. “He’s mine. He’s got money, he’s free to move about the planet, and won’t bed you.”

She almost asked, “Bed him?” She hadn’t even thought of that. “Sure.”

She glanced over at him while she cleaned the third table. He had nice lips. Just full enough for a good kiss. She’d bet he was skilled at kissing, too. Not that she’d ever know. She was stuck.

She’d been taken to breed and given a bullshit answer for how to get home. A lie. Her heart hurt. This was so silly. Impossible, really. This man, no matter how sexy he was, probably had obscene amounts of money or credits or whatever. She wasn’t even sure how he’d been able to come to the planet. Was he a prisoner, too?

 

About the Author

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on various e-tailer sites.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

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Book Blitz ~ Navigate Cancer - Coaching for Resilience by Teresa Ferreiro-Vilarino

 

Coaching for Resilience

 

Leadership / Self-Help / Health / Business

Date Published: April 29. 2026

Publisher: Serapis Bey Publishing, Arizona, USA

 

This empowering book launches the new Cancer Compass; an essential self-leadership resource for people facing cancer. It extends its reach to caregivers, healthcare professionals, and organisations committed to offering meaningful support to anyone in their workforce dealing with cancer. It encourages us to see cancer not solely as a medical challenge, but as a profound moment to honour the resilience of our human spirit, embrace growth, and reclaim control of our lives for a brighter future.

Teresa Ferreiro-Vilariño challenges her readers to shift their perspective, prioritising personal empowerment, connection and purposeful living. Her insights about resilience coaching and each person’s human potential are uplifting. Her book is deeply rooted in practical application, including thoughtful exercises and tools that prompt us to access our inner resources, engage in self-discovery and cultivate our secure bases. These unique gifts guide us to align our decisions with our values and goals, helping us chart a path forward with choice, clarity and confidence.

 

About the Author

Teresa Ferreiro-Vilariño is the Founder and CEO of Kimberlite (https://www.kimberlite.es), an innovative organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to people navigating cancer—particularly within corporate settings—through professional coaching. A Master Certified Coach (MCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Teresa brings more than 20 years of experience working with leaders and organisations worldwide.

At the age of 36, a breast cancer diagnosis marked a turning point in her life, redirecting her focus toward empowering people living with cancer. In the years that followed, she authored her first book, I Have Breast Cancer–What Now?, recognised for its inspirational and practical guidance, embraced motherhood, and founded a charitable initiative supporting young women navigating motherhood after cancer. She later earned a PhD focused on applying professional coaching methodologies to the specific needs of people facing serious health challenges. In recognition of her commitment to patient advocacy, she was honoured with the European Patient Champion Award by EyeforPharma in 2019.

Teresa is also an executive coach and coaches across multiple programs at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, including the flagship High-Performance Leadership (HPL) Program, supporting leaders in developing resilience, clarity, and sustainable performance.

 

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