Inn the Dead of Winter by Rhonda Blackhurst Excerpt & Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rhonda Blackhurst will be awarding a free e-book of Inn the Dead of Winter or book one, Inn the Spirit of Murder to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to Spirit Lake in the dead of a Minnesota winter, where the brutally cold temp isn't the only thing to fear.

Andie Rose Kaczmarek, a six-year sober life coach and owner of the haunted Spirit Lake Inn, has learned the hard way that the living are far more dangerous than anything in the spirit world.

When a controversial guest fails to return to her room on the same night a body is discovered in a fish house on Big Spirit Lake, Andie Rose teams up with her sponsor and sidekick, Sister Alice, and her emotional support red retriever, Aspen, to solve the case.

After Andie Rose discovers illegal activity on the inn’s property that ties to the murder, the investigation shifts into high gear. As she uncovers shocking secrets of those she thought she knew, someone is intent on keeping her quiet at any cost.

Can the inn’s resident ghost save her from impending harm when it seems the ones closest to her pose the greatest threat?

Read an Excerpt

“Hey, Sister Alice. Good timing.” I wandered to the parlor and stood in front of the fireplace.

“Can’t say that there’s such a thing as good timing when I tell you why I’m calling.” I groaned inwardly. It was going to be one of these days, was it? When I didn’t 1 say anything, she continued. “They found a body in Big Spirit Lake.”

“Holy wicked whiskey!” My mind spun furiously. “Who’s they?”

“Police.”

“Hm. Well, on the positive side of things—and I know this won’t sound good—but at least it wasn’t here at the inn this time. And that someone found it before Aspen and I stumbled upon it when I took him there this afternoon.” I’d found a body at the inn last fall, bringing in the Halloween season in an unexpected fashion.

“Keep in mind when you go this afternoon that the police don’t need your help. Stay out of their way.”

“I’m insulted.”

“Stop pouting. You know it’s true. We’re to keep our own side of the street clean. Not stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

“I want to fire you as my sponsor.”

She snorted with amusement. “Have at it. You’re assuming you could find another one.”

Abut the Author: Rhonda is an avid reader, writer, coffee and dark chocolate connoisseur, and certified life coach. She has 10 independently published novels: The Inheritance, a contemporary fiction novel; seven books in the Melanie Hogan Mysteries; and Finding Abby and Abby's Redemption in the Whispering Pines Romantic Suspense duology. She was awarded the 2022 Master of Literary Arts Award from the Brighton Chamber.

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The Treasure of Loon Lake by Rachelle Paige Campbell

 

Wholesome Romance

Publication Date: 02/11/2025

Publisher: Harbor Lane Books, LLC

 

 In a few hours, MOLLY MAGUIRE’s life implodes. After her apartment burns down, a lawyer shows up at her office informing her that a distant relative left her a home in Loon Lake, Wisconsin. Then she’s fired. With nothing holding her back, and nowhere else to go, she heads to the small town.

Young retiree, GRANT REEM sold his tech start-up and was contacted by the owner of his family’s favorite vacation spot with an interesting next act: buy a tour boat company in Loon Lake. With nothing stopping him, and always putting his trust in the universe, Grant buys the business and moves across the country. When he bumps into the one who got away, his college girlfriend Molly, he’s thrilled, but she’s not the same go-getter who dumped him.

Molly’s new home floods the first night, and she escapes to the Inn with a few dry belongings. She bumps into Grant and learns of the local legend about her family’s curse. When she uncovers a treasure map, she decides to take a chance with Grant’s encouragement. As they search for the treasure, however, they met unexpected opposition, learn about local superstitions, and have to decide if fate—or some other force—wants them to win or lose.

About the Author

Rachelle Paige Campbell writes bestselling contemporary romances filled with heart and hope. She believes love and laughter can change lives. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).

 

Contact Links

Website

Instagram

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

Bindle Punk Bruja by Desideria Mesa Review

 BINDLE PUNK JEFE finds protagonist Luna’s fight—laid out in Bindle Punk Bruja—continuing against murderous mobsters and corrupt politicians. And with new enemies questioning her origins and old ones creeping up from dark realms, Luna’s secret life—the one where she must hide her bruja heritage—is at a breaking point. The pressure could force Luna to do questionable things for the greater good, distancing herself from her loved ones and who she wants to be. But what price is too high to finally live free? Inspired by Mexican folktales, Desi expertly juxtaposes a historical setting with progressive themes making the narrative timely and relatable. Think of this sexy and action-packed historical fantasy world as “Boardwalk Empire” meets Alix Harrow's Once and Future Witches or Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights. Shake up a sidecar cocktail, put on a jazz record, and brush up on your 1920's slang as you immerse yourself in  magical, glittery, atmospheric world of BINDLE PUNK JEFE!

My Review:

I liked the different aspect of this story. Rose, aka Luna, had to find her way in a world that is against her. Not only is she a woman during the 20's, but she is also a minority. She has to keep her true self hidden from those around her that want to do her harm. She is also a witch. These traits are not safe for her. She is in a marriage of convenience and her fellow witches are not really supportive. The magic and spells were fun to read. There was a lot of world building going on, and at times I felt weary. However, I enjoyed the read and can not wait to read more from this author. I am giving this book a 3/5. I was given a copy, all opinions are my own. 

Greeting Cards For Exes by Rebekah L. Purdy Review

Piper Mishner has spent the last year trying to get over her ex, which is hard to do after he decides to move into the apartment next to hers with his new fiancé. As if she needs the reminder of how painful the breakup was. Not to mention, her job as a greeting card writer is now at risk due to her cynicism about love.

“I’m bored with you and need a change.” The infamous words of Kerrie Holloway’s ex-husband, who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of being an “ex” since he wants her to pretend for their kids and family that they’re still together. While dating others and living in the same house. She gets a job in sales at a greeting card company, and is finally on the way to saving for her own place.

Maude Gilchrist has spent over fifty years married to the same man. A man who, one day, just leaves. No goodbye. No explanation. He was just gone. Bitter and alone, she decides to postpone retirement from the greeting card company. Although writing sappy cards about love is the last thing she wants to do.

Through lunch hour talks, weekend getaways, and drunken brawls, the ladies of All For You Greeting Cards Company help heal one another’s wounds and learn there are more important things in life than having a man. There may be a generational gap, but they all have the “ex-factor” in common. Everyone needs a friend by their side. Someone to talk to, laugh with, complain to, watch your back…and to go to jail with you.

Fans of Ashley Poston, Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, Mia Sheridan, and Kristin Hannah will enjoy "Greeting Cards For Exes" by Rebekah L. Purdy.

My Review:

This is a story about friendship and love. Three women that are coworkers must find a way to deal with their current love lives. I thought that the idea of working at a greeting card company was smart. When I think of greeting cards, I think of inspiration and jokes. These women lean on each other and forge a path to their futures. It is a bumpy ride. Is it all worth it? I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy, all opinions are my own.   
 

Ambition to Savor by B.B.E. Gwyn Excerpt & Giveaway

Ambition to Savor
B.B.E. Gwyn
(The Lone Thorn Series)
Publication date: February 7th 2025
Genres: Adult, Adventure, Fantasy

When a quest for magical ingredients takes you from kitchen to adventure, you’d better save your appetite.

Dedicated and cautious restaurant owner Jonathan Tessier dreams of crafting legendary recipes—the fame and fortune that might follow is a pretty nice bonus. But it’s all he can do to keep his restaurant afloat. Stolen ingredients, a surprise visit from a food critic, and a damaged reputation put his business at risk.

Jonathan knows he needs to make a change. A big one. Before he loses it all.

He and his eager head chef, Elenora Kerras, soon set off to find the bizarre ingredients that might save his restaurant. This hunt takes them through towns and wilderness, where they encounter dangerous beasts and sly individuals. They face challenges more thrilling than even their busiest dinner shifts.

Each success brings Jonathan ever closer to his lofty goal—until he stumbles upon his most startling discovery yet.

Will his dreams be worth all their luster, or will the revelation shatter his culinary world?

A standalone fantasy adventure in the Lone Thorn series, Ambition to Savor is a fun and whimsical tale that explores a question you never thought you needed to ask—What if a restaurant owner had magical powers and a dream to find flavors from deep within a world of hidden quirks?

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Corruption. Mutiny. Absolute villainy was occurring within the walls of his beloved establishment.

Jonathan Tessier had little reason to complain of late. Profit margins were rising, his customer base was expanding, and the recent annual health inspection had wrapped up swimmingly with no findings. After years of fatiguing work and plowing through stress, things were supposed to be looking up for his pride and joy, the Taverne Tessier.

However, walking down the street on this early autumn morning, he was feeling neither proud nor joyous. He could see his restaurant across from him as he stood waiting at the intersection, its pristine exterior of royal blue and beige surrounded by trees of warm hues. When he first renovated the place, he had aimed for a clean and regal appearance inside and out, so even if he could not boast of its size, the feeling of elegance, class, and beauty would still be conveyed.

And now it was filthy. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Author Bio:

B.B.E. Gwyn is an author who enjoys diving into realms of low fantasy adventure. She draws inspiration from tabletop role-playing games, yokai folklore, and all kinds of media featuring characters with fun, bizarre powers. Her novels focus on intricate plots and rich character development without any romance or spicy elements, using the full breadth of her pages to offer thrilling adventures in a mysterious world.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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