MYSTERY AT FLAMINGO BAY, The Tin Can Series by Award-Winning Author, Deborah Erdmann

 

Do you like stories full of humor and adventure?  Are you up to solving a mystery that has a slice of danger? A fun read? 

I was, and I'm so glad I read Deborah's book. It is 109 pages of entertainment. If you venture onto the pages of Mystery at Flamingo Bay—the first offering from The Tin Can Series—you will undoubtedly be kept guessing. Springing from the Mystery at Point Beach series, situated at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, this mystery occurs at a fictional Flamingo Bay Retirement Home in Florida. Both are fascinating locations and share bits of true history—worth spending time in summer, spring, fall, or winter.

Flamingo Bay offers an interesting change of scenery. Windsong's mother, Leah, is willing to involve herself in a dangerous situation that may help Dominic, Forest, and Sailor investigate a unique and unusual case.

The camping and retirement home scenes added to the tension and difficulties these teens face in this story. Deborah's humorous and snarky voice drew me into this story, and the secrets and mystery woven into the pages made me glad that I stopped in at the  MYSTERY AT FLAMINGO BAY. 
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I'm keeping my watchful eye aware, as I impatiently wait for Deborah Erdmann's next offering! This novel is a youth fiction that also appeals to adults. 


QUESTIONS FOR DEBORAH:

Will you use the next story in The Tin Can Series as an excuse to travel to a new actual location so that you can keep writing fresh, inviting stories?

Actually, I just returned from a trip to Maine. I mentioned to family and friends that I wanted to go there since my next book will take place there, and everyone wanted to come, so we had a group of 10 women. Such fun! I visited a few places that I plan on using in my next book - Mystery at Stone Cove. My upcoming adventures for the last two books in the series will take me to the Muir Redwood Forest in California and Mount St. Helens in Washington.
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Can young and old alike stop in to see you on social media? Where can your readers find you?  
 
You can visit me at:
 
https://www.facebook.com/TheTinCanSeries
https://www.facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach

INTENTIONAL FIRES, Book Two of Sunrise Crik Series by Rebecca McLafferty

 Rebecca gently pulled me into her tale but then snatched my concern with a memorable scene from the past that offers a firm base for the story that unfolds. Toni Stevens is a single mom who runs her tree farm and financially provides for her children, mother, and tree farm workers during a difficult time. Fires and tree theft are wreaking havoc on her land, and Toni must find the courage to discover who is sabotaging her family's future. 

U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan, Toni's fiancé, has a dangerous job. Not only is he trying to connect with one of his fiancé's sons, who isn't interested in accepting him, but he is actively investigating possible arson, where someone perished in the fire. As he moves deeper into the forest, he faces other dangers. Drug runners are busy protecting their products from anyone who would get in their way. 

The main characters are strong and grow stronger as they meet each new disaster and challenge Rebecca brings to life with pen and paper. The character's struggles make them feel like personal friends. The thread of family history, unity, joy, and pain makes this novel a rich read for me.  I encourage you to check it out, too. 

Characters from INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Book One of the Sunrise Crik Series, were an added adventure and delight. INTENTIONAL FIRES was well-written. The tension kept me turning pages, and the hidden reason behind everything that happened in this story took me by surprise at the very end. What a satisfying and well-researched novel. The theme of INTENTIONAL FIRES is about overcoming your past. Certainly, it is a read worth visiting and revisiting.
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Who do you trust? Who is worth trusting? Those questions circled my thoughts as I read INTENTIONAL FIRES, Book Two of the Sunrise Crik Series. I love a novel that inspires my soul and one that I can relate to. I couldn't wait to share my review of this novel with you.

Here is my review link for INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Book One of the Sunrise Crik series:
You will want to really check out the author interview following my book review of INTENTIONAL HEIRS! 

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/06-2020

You may find out more about Rebecca McLafferty and be advised of her next novel offerings at:

https://mclaffertyenterprises.com/books/
https://www.facebook.com/author.rebecca.mclafferty

P.S. Such a perfect cover by Roseanna White Designs 

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The Book of Luke From the Founder's BIBLE & The Founder's BIBLE, Signature Historian DAVID BARTON

 I'm caught up in the mundane this month! Those summer projects like painting walls and going through closets and stuff to decide what to keep and what to not . . . and I had the pleasure of listening to the book of LUKE from my NKJV Audio Bible. Personally, I love to hold the books I read and flip through the pages while reading my Bible. But this time, I mostly listened as I painted our small bathroom and drank in the wonder of Jesus' earthly ministry. I do love to read a parable or chapter of the Bible. That is really good, but it gave me a whole new perspective to listen intently to the entire book of LUKE. No distractions or mind wandering—just hearing the Word.

Sometimes, when I'm reading the Bible, I notice a theme that touches me personally. Does that happen to you, too? This time, the noticeable theme was having faith in Him. 
When Jesus said, "Oh you of little faith . . ." or when He taught about some aspect of faith, my heart burned within me. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the petty, unimportant details and worry. That nasty five-letter word! I bet that you can relate to this. When we notice the whine, we need to run. Run and open the Bible and allow our spirit to settle, our minds to expand, and our worship to flow freely. 

I also benefit greatly from my other hand-held Bibles. The Founders' BIBLE shown above is one of my favorites. It's my most beautiful Bible, though the message is as pure and holy as my other versions. Included are references to great men from America's Revolutionary period--those who loved the Lord and the Bible and sacrificed much to form our government and make a nation where people can thrive and find Him. 

I hope that you will be inspired to take a l o n g read or listen to a book of the Bible. And then another and another. You will be blessed beyond your highest expectations! And you will also be a blessing to others. Doing the l o n g listen brought peace and joy to the forefront of my thoughts and heart. Somehow, I believe it will do the same for you!

I wish you happy reading or l o n g listening <3

THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Best Selling and Award-Winning Author, Laura Frantz

How to begin to share such a rich story inspired by actual historical events . . .

Who could do the Acadian's justice but Laura? When you take a thriving and hardworking people whose nature is to seek peace and be left out of conflict, but toss in power-hungry people with harsh methods for obeying their commands, THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE is birthed in the mind of an accomplished, award-winning author. 

I absolutely love the short historical notation (one paragraph long) before the story. A reader may skip past it, but my natural curiosity will not allow me to ignore such a nugget applicable for a richer reading experience. That dear reader, is totally your choice. Read or pass. Also, there is an excellent prologue that I refuse to pass by and that kick-starts the story with a gripping scene! I'm ever so glad that I devour anything offered for the story set-up! Even the glossary is fun to skim over, though my excitement to delve into THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE tugs at my attention. Laura does have some French references, but she is expert at not overloading or weighing down the dialogue. She sprinkles French words like seasoning, which makes the offering perfect and alluring. Now, onto the story . . .

1754 Tensions increase between the French and English in present-day Nova Scotia, Canada

1755 The Great Upheaval

Seamstress Sylvie Galant lives with her family located between two rival forts. Neutral Arcadians are not trusted by the English. No matter their actions and obviously peaceful, diligent lives. William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger, has been extremely useful to the English in causing chaos with the French, Arcadians, and the Indian tribe, Mi'kmaq, among others. But Blackburn's heart isn't in this greedy power-grab by the English. Before he leaves, he warns Silvie. What happens next tosses the reader into a heartbreaking tale, and yes, I'll use the cliché, gripping. There is much to overcome for both Silvie and William Blackburn, and so many linked to their lives. I will not give spoilers, but this is a tale that you will not wish to pass up.

The characters' inner struggles are realistic and compelling, and I yearned for their ability to overcome despite their huge losses and difficulties. Even my beloved Colonial Williamsburg is included in this polished story of struggle, cultural differences, and the discovery of what is truly important in the face of tragic events that would utterly destroy persons without the willingness to fight and believe.

Laura, I'm thankful you discovered this facet of history that may have gotten lost in the sands of time. Your novel gives the reader much to contemplate, historically, culturally, and personally. Thank you, dear one, for continuing to write and for sharing your heart on the pages so that others can benefit from it and expand their horizons. 

I preordered not one, but three THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE novels. Every year I look for the next Laura Frantz novel! To learn more about Laura and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at . . .

https://laurafrantz.net/

 

A race from danger. . . straight into the arms of love.

New York and New Mexico 1935

DiAnn’s story starts off with a startling tragedy. Socialite Eva Fortier sees her grandfather murdered, and the killer acts like it is an everyday occurrence. This young woman runs for her life to the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. (Actually, a real place!) Imagine leaving wealth and position behind to save your life. This story gripped me immediately. I love the location, especially knowing that it is a real place, and the character in the book, Charlotte Arnold, was created after the real-life Caroline Bishop Stanley, who actually bought her own ranch and called it Ghost Ranch.

DiAnn writes her characters with such depth and uniqueness to each personality that I feel like I’ve got boots on the ground and can see the story unfold before my eyes! I really liked Eva, the main character. There is just something about struggles and fighting to overcome that is encouraging!

This is a short review of this story that I love. Life is busy, yet I still wanted to give a shout-out to DiAnn Mills for her latest release. Please take the time to enjoy UNDER THE DESERT SKY also!

 

 

I have been enjoying this Sue Thomas F.B. Eye series, and I’m probably in the second season right now. Each episode has had different topics of genuine concern in our society. This faith-based television series is about the true-life hearing-impaired woman, Sue Thomas, and the difficulties and advantages of her handicap when she accepts a job at the F.B.I. This show is based on the true-life Sue Thomas. I love the dog she picks out in the first episode and why she picks him! No spoiler here, you must watch it for yourself! :)

I love stories like this that show how a handicap can become a real strength. I was not aware of this series when it was first released, but for now, I’m enjoying each installment of Sue Thomas F.B. Eye! I hope you will check out this humorous, serious, and clever television series! I would like to see more of this type of program! Do you agree? 

The fifth and last season was awarded the DOVE “FAMILY-APPROVED” Seal for all ages.  Here is the star lineup for those in the Sue Thomas F.B.Eye series: Deanne Bray plays Sue Thomas; Rick Peters is Bobby Manning; Yannick Bisson is Jack Hudson; Marc Gomes is Dimitrius Gans; Ted Atherton is Myles Leland III; and Tara Samuel is Tara Williams.

HAUNTED HEMLOCK, BOOK SIX, MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH SERIES BY Award Winning Authors, Kate Jungwirth & Deborah Erdmann

MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH is a series that I've followed because of the humor and characters that keep me enjoying every conversation and challenge. Problems and puzzling, mysterious happenings kept me guessing and rewarded me with surprise. There were fun historical nuggets about the Christmas Tree Ship that had sunk many years before. Spooky happenings happened at the majestic white lighthouse where Dominic, Forest, Sailor, the Bucklyes, GB, and Windsong stayed and at other locations. Those cool and interesting historical happenings made the present-day haunting situations hold a rather fun, scary reading experience for me. I laughed at the shenanigans Dominic, Forest, and Sailor did to accomplish their amateur sleuthing.

 

HAUNTED HEMLOCK kept me guessing and worried about the characters. Unexplainable situations happened in multiple locations, making the story lively while always holding my interest. Just like classic children's books I enjoy reading, this youth book and this series equal the enjoyment and take-away those reads have provided me. Now, if I need to be critical of these books, I'm at a loss except to say that I wish there were more. Like 20 or so!  

I was given HAUNTED HEMLOCK for an honest book review, and I'm happy to report that this book--from a favorite series of mine--was funny, enjoyable, and exceeded my expectations!

You may find information on Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Ann Erdmann's books at:
https://www.facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach

This series may be purchased through the authors or at:
The Washington House Museum  https://www.tworivers-history.org/
Schroeder's Department Store  https://www.schroederstore.com/
The Paper Crane Bookstore  https://www.papercranebookstore.com/
AmazonBooks.com