Sleeping in the Sun by Joanne A. Howard Book Spotlight!

Award-winning poet Joanne A. Howard is debuting her first historical fiction novel inspired by her family’s history as missionaries in India. A commentary on colonialism that has impacted Indian society for generations, packed into an engrossing read for fans of The Poisonwood Bible and The Inheritance of Loss.

Sleeping in the Sun (She Writes Press, Oct 22, 2024) follows young George Hinton and his Indian servant, Arthur, in British-ruled India, as scandalous truths unfold around a mysterious family friend who comes to live with the Hintons. 

Told from two different perspectives, Joanne interweaves the experiences of someone with privilege and someone without, while displaying rich descriptions of the Indian landscape. 

Sleeping in the Sun will transport you to another time where British influence in India only benefited one group of people.

Praise for Sleeping in the Sun:

“Sleeping in the Sun is a stunning novel that grabs your emotions and doesn’t let go.” — Ginny Kubitz Moyer, author of A Golden Life

“Set against the backdrop of India in the 1930s, Sleeping in the Sun tells the story of the Hintons, a family of American missionaries sent to bring Christianity to the city of Midnapore. Told from the point of view of Gene, the Hintons’ youngest son, and Arthur, their Indian servant, this sweeping historical novel flawlessly transports readers to another time and place. Political, racial, and interpersonal conflicts ensure you won’t be able to put it down. I know I couldn’t.” — Susen Edwards, author of What a Trip and Lookin’ for Love

“Exquisitely rendered and highly nuanced ... Sumptuously written and detailed, this novel is destined to become a classic. A triumph!” — Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite

About the book

 In the last years of the British Raj, an American missionary family stayed in Midnapore, India. Though the Hintons enjoy white privileges, they have never been accepted by British society and instead run a boarding house on the outskirts of town where wayward native Indians come to find relief. 

Young Gene Hinton, it’s a chance to make friends with Arthur, his family’s Indian servant. When Uncle Ellis, a high-ranking British judge, suddenly arrives and announces he’ll be staying indefinitely in their humble house, life as Gene knows it is interrupted. Also skeptical is Arthur. 

Then an Indian woman appears on their doorstep—and, after growing close to her, Arthur learns the sinister truth about the judge. He must now decide where his loyalties lie—and the Hintons must decide if they can still call India home.

You can find out more in the press release here:

 https://booksforward.com/joannehoward_sleepinginthesun/

About the Author

Joanne Howard is an Asian-American writer from California. She holds an MFA in writing from Pacific University. Her poetry received an honorable mention from Stanford University’s 2019 Paul Kalanithi Writing Award. 

Her fiction has been published in The Catalyst by UC Santa Barbara, The Metaworker Literary Magazine, and the Marin Independent Journal, and her non fiction has been published in Another New Calligraphy and The Santa Barbara Independent. 

She lives in Santa Rosa, CA.

Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens Release Tour! @IndiePenPr @authorgiastevens #authorgiastevens #makemyheartmalt #newrelease

 

Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother. So, when a wedding invitation with his name embossed on the front comes in the mail, it feels like a fastball to the heart. 

But when I discover my unrequited crush isn’t the blushing bride, all bets are off because I’m ready to take my shot and this time, I’m playing for keeps. Readers who enjoy hate-to-lovers and unrequited romances will consume Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens, a standalone sports romance.

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  A sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…

Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first.

Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother. So, when I receive a wedding invitation with his name embossed on the front, it feels like a fastball to the heart. 

But it turns out, my unrequited crush isn’t the blushing bride after all. Now’s my only chance to make amends for my past mistakes and give her the kiss I’ve desperately been holding onto. 

Unfortunately, she thwarts my efforts with each drink she throws at me. When we find ourselves locked in a storage room, we’re forced to hash out the real reason I left town—and it wasn’t for baseball. 

Turns out, there’s a fine line between anger and passion and it doesn’t take long for her to scream my name. Even after hitting third base, she still hates me.

However, I’m determined to prove I’m not the man who ghosted her all those years ago. This time I’m not walking away. My last game ended in a devastating miss—costing us the world championship, but this is one game I refuse to lose.

Because when it comes to Dessa… I’m playing for keeps.

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Excerpt 

Copyright 2024, Gia Stevens

He lifts the glass to eye level, inspecting the drink. “So, what’s this one called?” He takes a sip.

My tongue peeks out, wetting my lips. “Sex on the Couch.”

He chokes on the drink. A small giggle escapes me as I pass him a napkin.

“There’s a little hint of sweetness that caught me off guard.” He holds his thumb and index finger in front of him centimeters apart.

“It’s the agave nectar.” I busy myself with making another drink before he can finish the last one. I roll the rim of the glass in pink sugar. Once it’s finished, I slide it across the counter.

“What’s this one?”

“This one is called Asshole.”

He squints at the pink liquid. “I don’t get it.”

I bite my lips together to hide my laughter. “You slide your tongue around the rim and then toss it back.”

His gaze jerks to mine. A slow smile plays on his lips. “Got it.”

A hint of desire dances in his irises. Either that, or the alcohol is causing me to hallucinate. His tongue peeks out as he swipes it around the edge of the glass. With hooded eyes he wraps his lips around the rim, watching me the entire time before tipping back the shot glass. His Adam’s apple bobs up and down as he swallows. Why’s it so hot? I tug at the collar of my sweatshirt. When did it get so tight? I should hate him, not want to jump over the counter and ride his face like a jockey at the Kentucky Derby. I pour the rest from the shaker in a glass and swallow the last gulp. It’s a desperate attempt to bring my body temperature back to normal, which I’m almost positive is caused by the dirty thoughts playing through my head. Either way, I need a distraction from Garrett. Or myself.

Vodka. Vodka is a good distraction. With the bottle in hand, I pour two shots into a shaker to make a new drink. Garrett's eyes are on me the entire time from the other side of the counter. My heart races as he tracks my every move. When it’s finished, I slide it over to him. He studies the glass, then lifts his gaze to mine.

“Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“You’re a lot more manageable when you’re passed out.”

He barks out a laugh, then swallows the pink liquid, and I do the same.

After he’s finished, his tongue runs over his bottom lip, and I can’t help shifting my weight, rubbing my thighs together.

“What’s that one called?” he asks.

“Get Me Naked,” I whisper softly.

His normally green irises darken to a hunter green, almost black, and his nostrils flare. I can only imagine he’s having the same thoughts as I am. It looks like he wants to jump over the counter and maul me like a ravenous grizzly bear.

“Say the words, Dessa. Don’t mask them behind drink names.”

Is he reading my thoughts? The glass slips out of my hand and shatters on the linoleum floor. Shards of glass scatter across the floor.

“Shit.” I bend down and grab the large pieces, placing them in my palm.

The stool scrapes across the wood floor as Garrett races around the end of the island to help. He holds out his hand for me to put what I’ve collected in his palm. While he throws the pieces into the trash, I get the broom from the tall storage pantry and sweep the rest. When I’m finished, I return the broom to the closet and close the door. I whirl around and immediately collide with Garrett’s very strong and muscular chest. 

“I’m sorry.” My words are barely a whisper as my fingers brush over the cotton fabric covering his pecs. Without saying anything, his fingers rest on my waist as he leans around me to throw a piece of glass into the garbage. When he returns to his full height, he doesn’t move. His gaze wanders from my eyes to my mouth. I part my lips, wetting the bottom one with my tongue. He inches closer, his grip on me growing tighter. My breathing grows shallow. There’s so much electricity flowing between us it could power the entire state. His fingers flex on my waist.

“Garrett,” his name is a cross between a whisper and a plea.

His hand reaches up and cups my cheek as my chest heaves with every passing second. Then his mouth crashes onto mine in a fervent, desperate kiss. With a hand on my hip, he spins me around and without breaking the seal of his lips on mine, he lifts me onto the counter with no effort. My knees instinctively spread to allow room for his body to nestle in between.

He pulls away and runs the tip of his nose over mine. “Tell me you want this.”

 

Gia Stevens resides in Northern Minnesota with her husband and cat. She lives for the warm, sunny days of summer and dreads the bitter cold of winter.

A romantic comedy junkie at heart, she knew she wanted her own stories to encompass those same warm and fuzzy feelings. 

When she’s not busy writing your next book boyfriend, Gia can be found binge watching TV shows that aired five years ago, taking pictures of her cat, or curled up with a steamy romance novel.

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Ashes on the Wind ,The Love Story Behind the Crime of the Century by Brandy Purdy Book Tour! @SilverDaggerBookTours @SilverDaggerBookTours

The love story behind the Crime of the Century

Ashes on the Wind

The Love Story Behind the Crime of the Century

by Brandy Purdy

Genre

 Dark Historical LGBTQ Romantic Suspense, True Crime

#CrimeOfTheCentury #LeopoldAndLoeb #AshesOnTheWind #BrandyPurdy

Nathan "Babe" Leopold was a socially awkward genius who used arrogance as a shield. He cultivated a philosophy of absolute selfishness cherry-picked from his reading of Nietzsche and indulged himself with vivid sexual fantasies about kings and slaves.

Richard "Dickie" Loeb was the brightest of the bright young things, a social butterfly as fragile as glass inside, hiding his insecurities behind a dazzling smile and a mouthful of lies. He found escape in thrilling tales and fantasies of crime.

They were two brilliant and privileged boys, each harboring secrets it would have been social suicide to reveal in their 1920s world.

When Babe met Dickie, it was like his favorite fantasy had stepped out of his dreams into real life.

When Dickie met Babe, he thought he had found the accomplice who would help make his criminal dreams come true.

Dickie was willing to give Babe what he wanted, if Babe would give him what he wanted. Quid pro quo. Until Dickie wanted something more, leaving Babe desperate and willing to do anything to hold onto his dream. Even if it led down a dark path to the Crime of the Century and infamy as the thrill killers Leopold and Loeb.

I have read all but one of Brandy Purdy’s novels, since 2010 and I have enjoyed them all including Ashes on the Wind. Brandy spends extensive time doing research and has the knack for telling a great story.

~CelticLady Reviews

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My Review

Who were Leopold and Loeb? At first, they were casual acquaintances, and in 1921 a sexual relationship blossomed. They were two entitled young men, going to the University of Chicago who thought it would be fun to commit crimes and see if they could get away with it. They did some small robberies and fires but nothing substantial most of the time driving a distance to their target.  They liked stealing cars and smashing storefront windows until they started talking about committing the perfect crime. This crime took place in 1924 with the 100th anniversary that was on May 31st.

"Dickie Loeb, 18 wanted to commit the perfect crime so the entire community of Chicago would notice. 

"Babe" Leopold, 19, was of course leery to participate in this crime. Maybe kidnapping a child? Maybe they could ask for ransom and they could get away with it. 

They discussed it and decided on how to do this kidnapping. Logistics of the ransom was hashed out and they were ready.  rented a car under an assumed name It took them 8 months to get it right, the hows, whens, and finally who? They were ready

It was May 21st, 1924 So they started looking for their 'victim' As they were driving around Chicago Loeb spotted his cousin Bobby Franks, 14 years old. They offered Bobby a ride and he refused, Loeb persuaded him saying that he wanted to talk to Bobby about a tennis racket he eventually got in and that was his undoing. 

Bobby was seated in the front passenger seat and Loeb in the back made it easy to bludgeon him with the chisel that they had decided to use along with a length of rope. He was dragged to the backseat and gagged. 

About 25 miles south of Chicago, along the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks,  they undressed Bobby, tossed him in a culvert, and used acid hoping to disguise Bobby's features. With getting rid of Bobby's clothes they never thought that they would be caught Babe didn't know it but his glasses fell out of his jacket pocket. Where they dumped Bobby was also a place where Babe would do his bird-watching. This was kind of dumb on their part but they mailed the ransom note, burned their bloody clothes, and cleaned and returned the car.

By this time an alarm went out that Bobby was missing and on May 29th both men were brought in for questioning. The eyeglasses that were found had a special hinge where there were only a few people having this hinge on their glasses, Babe was one of them. They both had an alibi, but Dickie caved first and confessed, pining it all on Dickie. Dickie then confessed.

A hearing ensued with the families hiring the famed lawyer, Clarence Darrow. On September 10th they were both found guilty and sentenced to life in prison with no parole and the judge added 99 years each at Joliet prison for the kidnapping, there was no way they would ever see the light of day.

I am going to stop here, no secrets but even though they were both in prison for life, they did have a life in prison. The author wrote a lot of intimate details about both of their lives, their intimate relationship, and their relationship with others. Dickie did meet and fall in love with another young man. 

This case inspired other authors to write their versions, of newspaper articles, movies, and plays. There is a lot of information out there on the internet. Even now in 2024, there is a myriad of information on just this crime alone.

I have read all but one of Brandy Purdy's novels, since 2010 and I have enjoyed them, all including Ashes on the Wind. All the novels were loosely based on real people be they royalty, or people like Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, Piers Gaveston, and now Leopold and Loeb. Brandy spends extensive time doing research and has the knack to tell a great story. I could have given some spoilers but you need to read that for yourselves.  

Excerpt

Part of Chapter 1 of Ashes on the Wind

I hated parties, I'd rather have a tooth pulled than attend one. Even though I was always the most interesting and intelligent person in the rook, I always felt out of my element, like a tropical parrot stranded in the Arctic tundra. 

I never knew quite what to do with my hands until I took up smoking, which everyone agreed was the most elegant solution. If I looked at someone, my gray eyes tended to linger too long and unnerve them, schoolboys always said  I had a bug-eyed stare. The unfortunate combination of heavy dark brows that met in the middle of my prominent nose and thick, droopy lids made me appear sinister and haughty. 

And my smile was always more of a condescending smirk. My attempts at small talk veered between the most asinine inanities and the pompous and the pedagogical. I always felt like I should either be sitting in a corner wearing a dunce cap or standing behind a lecturn. Mother and Aunt Birdie always tried to reassure me, but I already knew people often felt cowed in the presence of genius.

Author Note

This is a work of fiction inspired by the lives of Leopold and Loeb. Creative liberties have been taken. For a factual account, I recommend Hal Higdon's Leopold and Loeb The Crime of the Century and Erik Rebain's excellent website 

I purchased a copy of the book for review purposes only

Brandy Purdy is the author of several historical novels including The Ripper's Wife, The Secrets of Lizzie Borden, The Boleyn Wife, and The Tudor Throne.

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Bowling Bodies at Spare Lanes Alley by @laurabhern Book Blitz!⁣ #BowlingBodies #LauraHern #LaineyMaynard ⁣⁣ #XpressoTours @XpressoTours⁣

 

Bowling Bodies at Spare Lanes Alley

by Laura Hern

(The Lainey Maynard Mystery Series, #5)

Publication date

 August 20th 2023

Genres

 Adult, Cozy Mystery

                         

“What a fun and exciting read! Humor and suspense kept me engaged, and it was hard to put down! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!” Bobbi

When planning a murder, practice makes perfect…or does it?

Super sleuth Lainey Maynard and the Whoopee group are preparing for the bowling tournament fundraiser to save Spare Lanes Bowling Alley. Until an envelope arrived during their practice game that caused more excitement than a scored card filled with strikes. Why hadn’t Gerry Hayward been more concerned?

Spare Lanes Alley had been the hot spot where local celebrity bowlers and newbies gathered. Even framed and signed photos of professional bowlers lined the trophy wall. Now, threats of foreclosure loomed over Gerald and Phoebe Hayward, the owners, and the entire bowling community. More than bowling balls are crossing the foul line.

Gerald and Phoebe Hayward purchased the alley to start fresh after the Professional Bowling Association banned him. Past suspicions of murder, accusations of impending revenge, and enormous gambling debts don’t exactly stop the gossip mongers’ embarrassing rumors.

Lainey and the Whoopee Pin-Slayers will need more than gutter bumpers, shoe covers, and shammy rags to solve the unfolding mysteries.

A fun and intriguing cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. You’ll love the delightful characters, and the twists will keep you turning the pages!

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EXCERPT

“What crazy weather! I’ve been running all over town in this icy rain!” Della shivered as she hurried through the door of Babe’s House of Caffeine and toward the Whoopee’s regular table.

“Mother Nature must think it’s March, not October.” Francy grinned and pulled out the chair between her and Lainey. “Sit down and dry out. Mom’s running a bit late, too.”

“Are you still trying to figure out a costume for the bowling fundraiser?” Lainey asked. “I think I’ve decided on mine!”

“Didn’t Francy tell you? We’re going as the Blues Brothers!” I’m Jake and she’s Elwood.” She leaned closer to Lainey and, looking at Francy, pretended to whisper. “She’s jealous of my dancing abilities!”

“Absolutely not!” Francy smirked. “I have dance moves that make Elwood look like a beginner!” She stood up, pushed her chair from the table, and began stomping her feet, shaking, and wiggling her body, waving her hands in the air while shouting ‘Hallelujah’!

Everyone in the cafe laughed. Some clapped and chanted, “Go Francy. Go Francy. Go Francy.” “Okay, okay! You can dance, but I’m still the lead singer,” Della chuckled.

Francy stopped, turned to the cafe patrons, and took a bow while they applauded. She pretended to blow kisses to thank them, then turned to sit down at the table again.

“Whew! That’s hard work. I should have done more of Mom’s ‘Sweating to the Oldies’ workout videos!” she said breathlessly. “I’m going to need a large Caramel Macchiato.”

Laura Hern is an author who writes Cozy Mysteries and Romance novels.

She loves cats, charred brussel sprouts with bacon, and romantic murder mysteries!

Laura grew up in Texas and lives in Minnesota. She loves to ride motorcycles, and is an avid domino and card player. Music and traveling are her passions.

⁣

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Obsidian Dreams By A. Riebold Book Tour! @SilverDaggerBookTours #ObsidianDreams @ariebold.author #ARiebold

What is your deepest desire?

Obsidian Dreams

by A. Riebold

Genre

 Dark Romance 

Zara Whitaker is a 34-year-old graphic designer who seems to have everything going for her-on paper. But in reality, Zara is bored. She's tired of enduring the same dates with different men, men who leave her feeling unsatisfied both in and out of the bedroom. The endless cycle of self-centered partners and unfulfilled desires has left her in a state of perpetual sexual frustration.

Desperate for change, Zara confides in her best friend, Lena, who recently married and is basking in newlywed bliss. Lena hands her a simple business card with the name Obsidian Dreams on it, promising Zara that it's the answer to all her problems. Zara can't help but be skeptical-it sounds too good to be true.

But when she reaches out to Blade, the enigmatic and mysterious owner of Obsidian Dreams, Zara discovers someone who not only understands her but is eager to help her explore her deepest desires. That is, if she can figure out what those desires truly are...

Blade, on the other hand, is bored with the routine requests from his clients at Obsidian Dreams. He's been longing for someone who can push his boundaries, someone who can reignite the passion he's been missing. When he's contacted by 'Red'-Zara's chosen alias-he's convinced he's finally found the right person. With the help of his best friends, Raven and Shadow, the three of them set out to create an experience for Zara that she will never forget.

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A.Riebold is a 30-something year old stay at home mom of boys turned Indie Romance Author.

A lover of romance, she has a unique writing style for over the age of 18 books. 

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I glance over at Raven, who has that usual mischievous grin plastered across his face. “What?” I ask, already knowing he’s up to something.

He shrugs, his grin widening. “How about a little game to decide who gets the first crack at her? Rock, paper, scissors?”

I roll my eyes, exchanging a look with Blade. This is exactly the kind of thing Raven would suggest—always trying to make a game out of everything. It’s ridiculous, childish even, but I can see the excitement in his eyes, the way he’s practically bouncing on his toes with anticipation. Blade looks just as unimpressed, but there’s a slight nod of agreement from him.

“Fine,” I mutter, more to get it over with than anything else. I hold out my hand, Raven and Blade doing the same, and we quickly play the round. It’s over in seconds, and to my surprise, I win.

A grin spreads across my face as the realization sets in. A two-minute head start. The thrill of the hunt, and I’m the first to find her, to corner her, to feel the rush of power as she realizes she can’t escape me. My stance shifts immediately, my earlier annoyance replaced with the exhilaration of what’s to come.

Without wasting a second, the three of us remove our jackets, followed by our shirts. We toss them aside, the cool night air hitting our bare chests as we prepare for the chase. The formal attire was for the party; now, it’s time to get serious. Each of us pulls on a pair of black tennis shoes, discarding the dress shoes that would only slow us down in the underbrush. The transition from the elegance of the party to the raw, primal chase in the woods is stark, but it’s exactly what we’ve been waiting for.

“Two minutes,” Blade says, his voice carrying a hint of grudging respect. He knows how much this means, how much control the first one to find her holds. “Use it wisely.”

Raven smirks, crossing his arms as he leans against a tree. “Don’t waste it, Shadow. She’s already got a good lead.”

I don’t need any more encouragement. With a nod, I pull my mask back over my face and turn to slip into the darkness; the forest swallowing me up as I begin the hunt. My senses are on high alert, every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig drawing my attention. I know she’s out there, not far, her fear and excitement mingling in the air like a heady perfume.

The two minutes feel like a lifetime, but I know they’ll be over in the blink of an eye. I move quickly, silently, my eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of her. The thrill of it—the knowledge that I’m the one who’ll find her first—is intoxicating. The chase is on, and she’s about to realize that hiding in the dark won’t save her from the shadows.

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