#SaturdaySpotlight Welcomes Virginia Vaughan with her book, Dangerous Christmas Investigation!

 

Good Morning & Welcome Virginia!

Tell us a little about the story behind Dangerous Christmas Investigation...

Some of my favorite books growing up were gothic romance novels where often the heroine shows up and is the spitting image of someone who has died. It was those kinds of stories that sparked my love of reading. So when it was time to start a new book, I knew I wanted to utilize the “twin swap” or switched identify where one twin pretends to be the other. I had a blast writing my hero, Detective Jake Harris, stepping into the undercover identity of his identical twin when his brother dies accidentally. It opened up all sorts of fun scenarios including when Jake’s undercover identity is blown and he has to prove he’s a twin just to stay alive.

If you love edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, I hope you’ll give Dangerous ChristmasInvestigation a read. 

Sounds like an amazing read! Give us more...

An undercover mission…
turns into a fight for survival.

Agreeing to take his late twin brother’s place in an undercover DEA operation reunites detective Jake Harris with a familiar face—and throws him into the line of fire. After he and his ex-girlfriend, Deputy Sabrina Reagan, survive a drive-by shooting, they’ll have to work together to capture a merciless drug trafficker. But when a price is placed on her head, Jake discovers Sabrina has a secret—his four-year-old son. With armed criminals out for blood, can Jake dismantle this drug operation to protect the family he didn’t know he had?

EXCERPT: Jake didn’t breathe until he turned on her street. As he neared her house, he scoured the street for something or someone out of place. He found it. A car several houses down with four men inside. They were watching the house on the corner. The house’s Christmas lights were lit up and the tree in the window shone. Sabrina was standing in the driveway next to her car getting Robby out of his car seat.

Jake pulled to the curb behind another parked vehicle and cut the engine. He saw activity in the car and knew they were getting ready to strike. If he had to burn his cover, he would do so, but he hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He slipped a baseball cap over his head then got out and darted across the neighbor’s lawn in the dark of night toward her house. As he reached her driveway, he heard the car down the street rev its engine.

They were coming.

Sabrina spotted him as she pulled Robby from the car and into her arms. “Jake, what on earth?”

“Get inside the house now.” He pressed them and she ran without question toward the front door. She quickly unlocked it and hurried inside. He shut the door.

“What’s happening?”

“Men with guns.” He reached for his own weapon, then peeked out the front window and saw the car speed up to the front of the house then squeal to a stop. Two men with guns leaned out and started firing.

“Get down!” he shouted as the clatter of gunfire hit the house and burst through the walls and windows. 

OH Wow! Excellent excerpt. Where can we find Dangerous Christmas Investigation?

Amazon; B&N; ChristianBooks(dot)com; Harlequin; Apple Books; KOBO; GoogleBooks

Wonderful! Now how about giving us your bio and where you can be found...

Virginia Vaughan is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling author of inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love of writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

If you love fast-paced, exciting romantic suspense stories, subscribe to Virginia’s monthly newsletter at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl to keep up to date on current and upcoming releases, promos and her perfectly normal obsession with all things books.

 

Connect with Virginia:

Email Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl 

Website:  www.virginiavaughanonline.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginvaughanbooks

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gin_vaughan 

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/virginiavaughan 

Bookbub: Virginia Vaughan Books - BookBub

Instagram: www.instagram.com/virginiavaughanauthor

THANK YOU SO much Virginia for sharing Dangerous Christmas Investigation with us today! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with all of your books!

Hope you enjoyed Virginia's post friends and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Wendy Kendall & Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For

It's been a while since she's visited our blog or been in the spotlight so please offer a warm Welcome to Wendy Kendall!

Tell us about your book....

What an exciting book to write –

My In Purse-Suit mystery series is such a fun one to write because it’s not just about my cozy mystery amateur sleuth, Katherine Watson. This series is about the community of Bayside, Washington. My imagination is alive with stories about the different people living in Bayside. I love introducing readers to different characters entanglements and adventures in this Seattle suburb right on Puget Sound, with its own ferry dock.

The allure of the holidays drew me into a romantic tale, but I wasn’t willing to give up the mystery and so with great enthusiasm I delved into the romantic suspense genre.

So much about the holidays is for the children. Readers enjoy meeting the delightful first graders at Bayside Elementary during their last few days before holiday break, along with their personable teacher and staff.

Often the holidays are a romantic time discovering true love, sometimes there are proposals. Oh how romantic watching Desiree and Leo together, and their Saturday night date is pure and dreamy love. A delight to write!

The mystery surrounding the holidays is exciting. People are looking everywhere for clues to gifts and to events. Here's a mystery you can solve, if you follow the clues. Desiree has several suspects to consider, including romantic Leo.

The holidays are delicious, and so is this mystery because it includes the original recipe for the fabulous Snow Kiss Cookies. One of my sons is a gourmet chef and he created this incredible recipe. We had such a fun time together taste-testing versions until we hit on this perfectly delectable taste. In this story, Desiree reveals the Legend of the Snow Kiss Cookies, as told by her grandmother, straight from the heart.

SOUNDS Delicious (pun intended LOL!) Give us more...

Blurb: This holiday season Desiree, teacher at Bayside's elementary school began a fun Secret Santa game for her first grade class. Danger hits when each day when a Secret Someone leaves creepy gifts addressed to Desiree in her classroom. The gift giver threatens to reveal who they are soon. Time is ticking before school is out for the holidays, and Desiree's threatening stalker may strike with deadly force. Among several suspects, is her romantic new love, Leo who is on the school's maintenance staff. While the children learn the wonderful lesson of kindness in giving, Desiree is on the edge of her seat. Who is threatening her? Is romantic Leo The One, or The Stalker?

Excerpt: Leo parked across the street from her building and kissed her good night. Desiree got her keys out and reached for her holly heart wreath. She brushed against his arm.

            “Thank you for a wonderful evening. Don’t bother getting out. I’m just going to run across the street and right into my apartment. I can’t wait to see you again.” She gave him a kiss and got out.

He stood next to his car. She blew him another kiss as she crossed. She was conscious of him watching her. She looked back, and Leo had started after her. The sound of an engine, then a car picked up speed. She looked to her right and saw a black sedan with its headlights off coming at her. She ran to the curb and onto the grass. She turned back to see Leo running out of the way. He dove over the curb and rolled onto the grass too. The car screeched tires as it skidded around the corner and out of sight.

            Leo got up and took her hand. “Are you okay?”

            “I think so. I didn’t even see him until... Are you okay?”

            He brushed off his tux. “I just hope there’s no rips or grass stains on the rental.” He looked up at her and grinned. “I’ll walk you to your place.” He stooped to pick up the heart wreath she’d dropped and handed it to her. “Crazy nut. Wish I’d got his license plate. Probably drinking.”

            Dez wasn’t sure. Had it been intentional? Was someone after her? There was one person she knew had a black sedan.

            On the drive to work Monday morning, Dez noticed all black sedans. There’d been no threatening texts since Friday. The only others had been the most romantic treasures from Leo. She’d relished and responded to those. She drove into the parking lot and focused on her morning ahead. Her students would be excited before the break, plus the tantalizing secret Santa fun would need to be managed.

            She walked down the hallway conscious of the click of her pumps on the linoleum and the swish of her tan khaki pants. Her colorful winter sweater offset the bland slacks. Dez hoped to run into Leo first thing, to say good morning. It was just as well she hadn’t since she was late. She opened her class door and got right to work setting up for the day. The shared door with Madeline’s room stood ajar. On the wall, there was an extra stocking. It had glitter all over it, sparkling stars, and her name Dez. She took it off the hook. There was something inside. John swung the adjoining door wide open and walked in carrying a box. Madeline followed.

            “Oh wait, here’s one more.” She slipped a smaller box on top of what he was carrying. She looked at Desiree. “Good morning. John, let me know if I can help with anything else. Glad I was in early for you.”

            John said good morning to Dez. “I’m getting ready for the reading group lesson for Thursday.” He thanked Madeline and walked over to his desk.

            Voices and laughter echoed as students came in from the hallway. Peter and Jack rushed up to Dez and said together, “Cool stocking.”

            She put the stocking back on its hook. “Good morning. Please put your secret Santa cards on my desk, and then take your seats.”

            Madeline said, “An admirer? Is that really appropriate at school?” She walked through to her room, closing the door behind her.

            Dez reminded herself to get with Principal Milner today about how she’d caught Madeline. She considered what Madeline had said. An admirer? Maybe the stocking was from Leo. It was a very busy morning. Dez was happy that John’s mood had improved, and he was trying to engage with the kids. She’d still have to ask him about his actions on the schoolyard Friday. She shuddered remembering that stare he’d given her across the parking lot. He took the class out for recess.

            Dez made a beeline for her stocking. Her excitement matched her students’ as she took down her stocking and reached inside. She pulled out the cardboard, and her heartbeat sped up. One look and her heartbeat pounded.

            The card was a picture of Santa in his sleigh with reindeer. Her smile faded seeing a cut out photo of her face pasted on the drawn figure next to Santa. Where did that picture come from? The caption read: Secret Santa may sleigh you if you’re not a good girl No signature.

            A secret and creepy Santa. Would Leo give her this? There was a bump in the toe of the stocking. She shook it upside down over the counter and a sprig of holly with berries fell out. From Saturday night’s heart wreath? Dez looked around, including out the windows. Was anyone watching? The idea of someone putting up a stocking with her name was odd enough, but with this inside?

            She rushed across the room and stuffed it all in her desk drawer. She texted Katherine to please set up time for her to talk with Jason after school. A cop's perspective might help. She put down her phone and prepared the children’s cards for the stockings. She was absorbed in her work when her phone vibrated. Relieved to hear back from Katherine so soon, she looked. It was from the anonymous sender.

            Her hand shook as she clicked on it and read. How did you like your card? 

OH my goodness, Wendy what an exciting Excerpt! Where can we find Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For?

Amazon, B&N, GoodReads and BookBub

PERFECT! Now tells a little more about you and how we can get in touch...

The result of my passion for purses, mystery and romance is the intriguing In Purse-Suit Mysteries published by The Wild Rose Press. Kat Out of theBag introduces Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth, also published by Harlequin.  As Katherine moves from designer bags to body bags, she's uncovering clues to a murder. The prequel, Purse-StachioMakes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case.

Finalist for Best Romantic Suspense at Killer Nashville, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For creates a tangle of mystery and love, raising suspicions about a teacher's romantic new sweetheart. A summer romance read that will keep you on the edge of your beach towel, Cherry Shakes In The Park blends danger, divas, and frothy delights. And ribbons of love run through the holiday season romance, Heartof Christmas Cookies and Dreams.

I enjoy investigating the Pacific Northwest life, and leave a trail of my own clues as a blogger, YouTube podcaster, speaker, and syndicated columnist.

Find and Follow me at the Social Media Links below:

Website – WendyWritesBooks.com

Facebook – WendyKendallMysteries

Twitter - @wendywrites1

Instagram – wendyekendall

Wonderful, Wendy! Certainly wishing you the best of luck and God's blessings with ALL of your books!

Thanks for dropping by friends, I hope you'll do so again and see each of our All Christmas thru Christmas features and then stay tuned for more Saturday Spotlights in 2025!

Until next time, happy reading.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Tena Stetler & Meringue Snowflake Magic!

 

Good Morning and Welcome to our 2nd edition of "All Christmas thru Christmas 2024!"

Today we're featuring Meringue Snowflake Magic by Tena Stetler. Take it away Tena...

Blurb:

After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist. 

Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and finds himself in over his head. He senses she’s more than she seems but so is he. 

When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest. What is Christmas without a little magic?

Excerpt:

The wind had changed direction, and the pretty ice crystals were like tiny needles buffeting her face. She looked up and down Main Street and saw only one stoplight. Finally, she turned around and walked backward for a few yards. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see her street. She started to turn around, her foot slipped on the curb and arms flailing, down she went with a thud. Clutching her precious box of goodies in front of her, they were safe. However, the mug of hot chocolate popped the lid and sent hot chocolate in all directions, including all over her brand new bright-colored parka and the sidewalk. When she tried to get up, each foot went in a different direction, then down she went again. Getting to her knees, she crawled to the sidewalk, carefully got to her feet, and tried to brush the wet snow off. The damp material stuck to her. She began to shiver as the wind whipped around her.

“Hey lady, you all right?” A man stopped his SUV in the middle of the road and jumped out. “That was quite a spill you took.” He smiled wide, picking up her mug and lid. “But I see your goodies from Candi’s place are still intact. Let me give you a ride. You’re going to freeze as wet as your clothes are.” He held out his hand. “Braydon Nightwing, but everyone calls me Blaze. I own the pizza place a few blocks down the way.” 

When she reached for his hand, her arm shook. Her teeth chattered as she tried to say her name. “Wynterrr.”

“It’s warm in my SUV. Please tell me where you’re going. I’ll get you there.” He pried her fingers from the box, helped her over to the vehicle, and opened the passenger door. Warm air rushed out of the SUV, caressing her face.

Please don’t let him be a serial killer. Slowly, she reached behind her and patted her waistband. Shit. Why didn’t I bring my weapon? Getting in a car with a stranger wasn’t smart. But the warmth emanating from the vehicle was inviting. Death by serial killer or freeze. She crawled into the SUV and huddled in front of the heater vents.

*** 

Oh Wow! Sounds like a thrilling read. How did you come up with the idea?

I wanted to write a fun, exciting Christmas Cookie book for the holidays. As I thought about it, a unique small town came to mine with quirky characters. The town of Raven's Hollow was born. Yet, when I finished the book and submitted it, I knew I wasn't done with Raven's Hollow or its people. With Spring headed our way, my imagination took off along with the characters and Raven's Hollow Spring Magic was born. An ancient Jelly Bean machine is involved along with a missing witch and time travel. What could be more fun? If you have a chance check it out too.

***

Wonderful! Where can Meringue Snowflake Magic be found?

Amazon; B&N; Kobo; Ibooks; and other online retailers found HERE.

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget.  Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors. 

Find/Follow Tena at the following Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.tenastetler.com

Authors’ Secret’s Blog - https://www.tenastetler.com/category/authors-secrets-blog/

My Say What Blog - http://www.tenastetler.com/category/my-say-what-blog/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author

Twitter Page: https://www.twitter.com/TenaStetler

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14187532.Tena_Stetler

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tenastetler

Newsletter: https://www.tenastetler.com/newsletter-signup/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/tenastetler

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tena-stetler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenastetler/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tena-stetler-10057978/

Hope you enjoyed Tena's post and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight and All Christmas thru Christmas 2024.

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT