Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis: A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 8 by Tonya Kappes

Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis: A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 8

by Tonya Kappes

I just finished a book by Tonya Kappes titled Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis: A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series. This is the 8^th book in the series, based on a small town called Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is normal. This is an awesome series with quirky characters, like Mae West- no, not that Mae West. This one is a relatively new resident, having taken over a trailer park and endearing herself to the community. This can be read as a standalone, but once you read it, or any of the others, I think you will agree that they’re wonderful, lighthearted books that should all be read! I know I plan to do just that!!

In Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis, treasure hunters descend upon Normal as they prepare for the annual hunt for the lost treasure of the John Swift Silver Mine. Years ago, John Swift had hidden treasure in various spots in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Now, groups are descending upon the area in the hopes of finding the treasure. Hearing about the treasure hunt and the famous curse attached to the  John Swift Silver Mine entices Mae and a few of her closest friends to get in on the action. But trouble soon follows, in the form of a dead body. And to make matters worse, a freak rainstorm leaves the campers stranded, with a murderer on the loose! Can they figure out who killed the leader of the group?

This book is as catchy as the title suggests. The characters are whimsical and funny, the plot full of twists and turns, and the research that went into the book made it so real. I thoroughly enjoyed Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis, and I can’t wait to read the next installment!

 

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I was given a promotional copy of this book at no cost for the purpose of review.  My review is a reflection of my experience with the book. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am not associated with the author in any way.

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June, Into the Light (Between the Cracks Book 6) by P.D. Workman

June, Into the Light (Between the Cracks Book 6)

by P.D. Workman

 

June, Into the Light is the 6th book in the Between the Cracks series by P. D. Workman. It is possible to read each of the books in this series on their own, but it’s been such an intriguing series, with each book focusing on one member of a very disfunctional family and how they were impacted by abuse as children. This story focuses on June and her life after growing up in an abusive household. She has lost her connections to other members of the family and has gone down a hard road, impacted by alcohol and drug use, as well as life with gang members as her source of support. When she makes a bad choice that lands her in prison, she begins to recognize just how far south she has gone in her life, and she begins to reconciliate with some of her family. This story is written in a realistic, gritty, life on the streets fashion and the characters are so believable. Ms. Workman has a true knack for getting the details right and making me feel like I know the people in the story- very strong in authenticity.

I have read a number of her cozy mysteries and enjoyed each one immensely, but these are much darker and definitely meant for adult reading, as they deal with strong subject matter, such as rape, incest, and gang life. But there is no gratuitous sex or swearing, which I appreciate.

Find June, Into the Light at your favorite book vendor. It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited here:

June, Into the Light by P.D. Workman

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I was given a promotional copy of this book at no cost for the purpose of review.  My review is a reflection of my experience with the book. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am not associated with the author in any way.

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Summer Snoops Unleashed: 14 Furr-ocious Mysteries and Cozy Crimes featuring Radical Regatta! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery book #4 by Anna Celeste Burke

Summer Snoops Unleashed: 14 Furr-ocious Mysteries and Cozy Crimes is finally available and boy is it full of some great books. I have read many of the authors but it’s nice to get to read books by new (to me) authors as well! This book was compiled with the express intent to support  3 charities to find “FURR-EVER homes for senior pets. They successfully raised $8000 last year to two NON-KILL shelters. The year before they donated funds to return stranded animals in the hurricanes in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean. In March they gave money to Pets for Vets to help our veterans live a better life with pets to recover from PTSD. Their willingness to recognize and do something about the need for quality furr-ever homes for all dogs, and this year for the elderly pets who still have tons of love to give, makes their offerings that much better to read.

One such offering in this set is Radical Regatta! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery book #4 by Anna Celeste Burke. This is the 4th book in the Corsario Cove Set, but it’s written so that it can be read as a standalone if you have not already been reading the set. That being said, once you fall in love with Ms. Burke’s storytelling, I’d highly suggest you go and grab the first 3 books in the series.

In Radical Regatta! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery book #4, Young newlyweds Kim and Brien are happily ensconced in a little cabin close to the resort and the beach. Perfect for surfing and enjoying the beach on their time off. But Brien spots something moving off in the distance and grabs his binoculars. Seconds later, he makes a dash for the water and whatever is out there. It turns out to be a dog, out in the middle of nowhere, fast tiring and ready for rescue! Where did the dog come from? Why don’t the owners step forward to claim their pooch? This is a lighthearted foray into the lives of the rich and famous, and the poor and greedy as well. Ms. Burke has a real talent for combining death and hilarity together. Her characters are all believable and she adds just the right amount of detail to the surroundings to make me feel like I’m walking in the middle of the story!

Enjoy this story and others in the Summer Snoops Unleashed Set, available on Amazon here:

Summer Snoops Unleashed: 14 Furr-ocious Mysteries and Cozy Crimes

 

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My review is a reflection of my experience with the book. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am not associated with the author in any way.

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The Pencil Challenge

The Pencil Challenge

After reading an article about a teacher and one of the students in her class, I was motivated to do something similar- simple and inexpensive but hopefully meaningful to our young men and women. The article described how the teacher recognized that there weren’t enough pencils in her stock for everyone in class, so she asked the class to turn in any of her pencils so everyone could share them. A young boy hesitated and then asked if he could keep the pencils his mom had given him. Well, what happened next prompted me to do this.

Here’s the original article:

October 2, 2018
Today I was running low on pencils so I asked all of my kids to pull out any of my pencils that they had in their desks. I had one student ask me if he could keep his pencils that his mom gave him for school. Of course, I said yes. He then said, “well, I guess I’ll give you a few so my classmates can have them too.” I thought nothing of it and took the pencils that he handed me. When I was sharpening them, I noticed writing on a few of them. I then realized that my student’s mother took the time to write on his pencils. I asked him if he would mind showing me the rest of them. What I read melted my heart:

– You are so talented.
– This will be a great year.
– You are creative.
– You are phenomenal.
– Never give up.
– You can do this.
– You are knowledgeable.
– You are a math whiz.
– You are intelligent.
– Proud of you everyday.
– I love you.
– You have a brilliant mind.
– You are wonderful.
– You are a problem solver.
– Follow your dreams.
– You are perfect.
– I am proud of you.
– You will change the world.
– You are amazing.
– You are the best.
– You are important.

This probably took his mom a few minutes to do yet it lit up his whole day at school. He wasn’t embarrassed that his mom wrote on his pencils. Thanks to his mom, he was reminded of his self worth and wanted to share the same feeling with his classmates. THESE are the things that we should be reminding our kids (both parents AND teachers). Imagine the look on a child’s face when they are reminded that they are important, talented, loved, knowledgeable and so much more. Help them know that someone believes in them and is proud of them in everything they do. Even if you think it is cheesy or you don’t have enough time or that you will have little impact, remember that you may be the only one telling and reminding them these things and EVERY kid needs to know their value. This is why I teach. ❤

So, here’s the challenge. Many churches, schools, food banks, and other organizations are collecting supplies for school. My church, the Salvation Army, has done a supply drive each year. What a wonderful time to make a difference in the life of a child. I bought multipacks of pencils- 12 pencils in each pack for under a dollar. I also got a fine line sharpie. Then while I was watching television, I proceeded to write affirmation messages on each pencil, replacing them in the package when I was done so that they would arrive at the church in good shape. It’s my intention to send at least one pencil home with each supply bag. I remember many times of looking at my pencil in class. I’m hoping that these pencils will attract attention and the children that get them will feel the love in each message. Imagine a child having a particularly rough day- looking down and seeing “you matter” or “you can do this”.

Even if your church or organization has already done their supply drive, you can still make these pencils and then drop them off at the school of your choice. As a matter of fact, you can always take in supplies and the teachers will love you for it! Let’s make a difference in the life of a child!

 

 

 

Keeping outdoor tables clean during the Summer

 

Okay, I have to admit, I came up with this brainstorm last year but I never did post it. We love eating outside during the Summer but I hate how nasty the table gets from one day to the next. And I really don’t want to eat on a table that birds may have landed on. Call me picky!

Well, I had this idea. You know how fitted sheets have elasticized corners? A twin size fitted sheet will fit a standard rectangular table! Just a quick swipe with your washcloth and you’re good to go! Finish dinner, wipe the crumbs from around the table and then cover it again. I used what I had on hand- one of my grandson’s favorite Transformers sheets, but I’m going to go buy a lovely plain sheet to look a little less jarring when we cook outside, lol!!