Everyone in Athena, Mississippi, knows Charlie Harris, the librarian with a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel. He’s returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books, but when a feud erupts between the town’s richest ladies, the writing on the wall spells murder.
The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year’s library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone—even his housekeeper Azalea—has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.
But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera’s dead body, it’s up to him—with a little help from Diesel—to clear Azalea’s name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
(Taken from the "Bio" at the author's website HERE)
Miranda James is the pseudonym of Dean James, a seventh-generation Mississippian long transplanted to Texas. A mystery fan since the age of ten, he wrote his first novel at the ripe old age of twelve. The only copy of The Mystery of the Willow Key vanished years ago, but since it was highly derivative of the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mystery series, that’s probably a good thing.
Currently a librarian in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Dean has published articles on topics in library science, the history of science/medicine, and mystery fiction. His first book, which he co-wrote with fellow librarian Jean Swanson, was By a Woman’s Hand (Berkley; 1994). Jean and Dean won an Agatha Award for Best Mystery Non-Fiction and were nominated by the Mystery Writers of America for the Edgar for Best Critical-Biographical work for this popular reference book. A second edition followed two years later, and Dean and Jean collaborated on two further projects, Killer Books (Berkley; 1998) and The Dick Francis Companion (Berkley; 2003). In all he has co-authored or co-edited six works of mystery reference and one short story anthology.
His first novel, Cruel as the Grave (Silver Dagger Mysteries) was published in 2000. Since then he has published seventeen more novels, writing under his own name and the pseudonyms Jimmie Ruth Evans and Honor Hartman. In August 2010 he launched a new series writing as Miranda James. The first book under this name, Murder Past Due (Berkley Prime Crime; $7.99) spent four weeks on the extended New York Times bestseller list for mass market paperbacks. The second book in the series, Classified as Murder (Berkley Prime Crime; $7.99), published in May 2011, also hit the NYT list. The third book, File M for Murder (Berkley Prime Crime; $7.99) is out now. The fourth book in the series will be out in January 2013.
Dean lives with one elderly cat, thousands of books, and thinks frequently about killing people – but only in the pages of fiction.
SOME OTHER BOOKS BY MIRANDA JAMES:
GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO KAYLEIGH AND THE GOOD FOLKS
AT BERKLEY PRIME CRIME AND PENGUIN BOOKS,
I HAVE ONE COPY OF OUT OF CIRCULATION
TO GIVE AWAY TO A LUCKY READER
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY --NO P. O. BOXES ---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN CASE YOU WIN! --ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE! HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY:COMMENT ON WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT OUT OF CIRCULATION THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK, AND DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
+1 MORE ENTRY:BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK
+1 MORE ENTRY:COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTINGAT MIRANDA JAMES' WEBSITE HERE
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+1 MORE ENTRY:COMMENT ON A CURRENT GIVEAWAY THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED ON MY BLOG. IF YOU ENTEREDMORE THAN ONE, YOU MAY COMMENT SEPARATELY FOR EACH TO RECEIVE MORE ENTRIES
Matt Beaulieu was two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three when they wed. Now in their late thirties, the deeply devoted couple has everything—except the baby they've always wanted. When a tragic accident leaves Elle brain-dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear losing her, he knows his wife, a thoughtful and adventurous scientist, feared only one thing—a slow death. Just before Matt agrees to remove Elle from life support, the doctors discover that she is pregnant. Now what was once a clear-cut decision becomes an impossible choice. Matt knows how much this child would have meant to Elle. While there is no certainty her body can sustain the pregnancy, he is sure Elle would want the baby to have a chance. Linney, Matt's mother, believes her son is blind with denial. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive by artificial means, no matter what the situation. Divided by the love they share, driven by principle, Matt and Linney fight for what each believes is right, and the result is a disagreement that escalates into a controversial legal battle, ultimately going beyond one family and one single life. Told with sensitivity and compassion, The Promise of Stardust is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking tale that raises profound questions about life and death, faith and medicine—and illuminates, with beauty and grace, the power of love to wound . . . and to heal.
PRAISE FOR THE PROMISE OF STARDUST:
“I read this first novel two times. The first time, I was intrigued. The second time, I felt privileged to share in such an amazing story.”~Jacquelyn Mitchard, author, The Deep End of the Ocean
“Brave…. Priscille Sibley explores with compassion and insight how political and personal needs align and shift as a husband, a mother, and a father navigate the needs of a family member in crisis.”~Randy Susan Meyers, author, The Murderer’s Daughters
“There’s nothing like devastating moral quandary to spark reading, and this trade paperback original would be a great book club choice…”~Library Journal
“In The Promise of Stardust Sibley explores an ethical dilemma in a way that might lead you to question your own beliefs. Woven with elegance through a twenty-year love story, the novel takes numerous twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages.”~Catherine McKenzie, Internationally bestselling author of Spin, Arranged and Forgotten
“Sibley does a wonderful job of exploring a complex and controversial moral issue, skillfully giving both sides of the story…. This is a gripping, thoughtful, heart-wrenching, and well-written debut that would be a great discussion vehicle for certain book groups.”~Booklist
“Sibley wrestles with the most complex medical ethics in our time and gives us characters who will stay with us long after the last page. She is a skilled story teller.”~Jacqueline Sheehan, New York Times bestselling author of Lost & Found
“I loved this book. Priscille Sibley manages a delicate and brave balance with this gripping novel.”~Katrina Kittle, author of The Kindness of Strangers and The Blessings of the Animals
“The Promise of Stardust is a story about love and sacrifice, conflict and hope. I couldn’t put it down and when I open it next time, I’ll read it more slowly. Highly recommended. A winner!”~Patricia Harman CNM, author of The Midwife of Hope River
“A literate and incandescent Nicholas Sparks-like love story complicated by intense moral and ethical questions.”~Kirkus Reviews
“The Promise of Stardust is a riveting story of a family ripped apart by an impossible choice. You will live these characters’ lives like they are your own, and race through the pages of this engrossing, deeply moving novel.”~Kristina Riggle, author of Keepsake
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Priscille Sibley is a neonatal intensive care nurse who lives in New Jersey with her husband and three teenage sons. Her short fiction has appeared in MiPoesias and her poetry in The Shine Journal. She is a member of Backspace Writers Forum and Liberty State Fiction Writers. The Promise of Stardust is her first novel.
To read more about this very talented author, see her "Bio" on her website HERE.
MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW:
THE PROMISE OF STARDUST is Priscille Sibley’s first novel and I loved it so much that I truly could not put it down. When I finished it at 3 AM, I was sad that it ended and realize it will stay with me for a very long time. Sibley tells a memorable, poignant love story that will keep you turning pages as the twists and turns in the novel move it quickly along. The love between Matt Beaulieu, a neurosurgeon, and Elle McClure, a gifted astronaut, began as children. As next door neighbors, their families’ lives seemed connected. Elle was a young teenager when she went through the prolonged, painful death of her mother, while doing much of the care giving on her own. She cared also for her younger brother as her father drank his way out of the situation he couldn‘t handle. This effected Elle in so many ways and all those around her. It was also at this time that she and Matt realized that they weren’t just childhood pals but that their friendship had grown into something much more.
After Elle’s mother’s death, their lives went on to include the years of their education, and being together as well as apart. Finally, Matt and Elle realize there is nobody else in their world but each other. They are married and they begin what they perceive to be a long and happy lifetime. However, when Elle has an accident and winds up on life support, Matt is devastated especially since as a neurosurgeon, he realizes how helpless he is to bring her back and that she is virtually already gone. But when Matt finds out Elle is pregnant, everything changes once more.
Knowing how Elle would feel about a lingering death like her mother faced, Matt has an agonizing decision to make. Having lost 4 children already with miscarriages and a stillbirth, Matt knows how much this baby would mean to Elle, and to him. His decision to keep her alive to hopefully deliver the baby they always wanted battles against his conscience in knowing she wouldn’t want to be living this way. As he weighs this heartbreaking decision, he finds he must also deal with all the others who feel they have a say in the situation because they also love Elle. As news of Matt’s fight for Elle and their baby reaches the public and the courts, Matt must battle even against family members in order to save his unborn child.
As the narrative weaves an intricate tale, readers will feel they know these two characters so well thanks to the skillful writing of author Priscille Sibley. Flashbacks are woven into the current story to add to the depth and understanding of the characters and their situation. Elle’s journals give readers great insight as well. We really know these people thanks to Sibley using these techniques. Just when you think you know how things will go, Sibley throws in a curve and takes you off on another path. The action and romance combine with the moral ethics involved to make for an amazing story begging to be shared and discussed with others. I highly recommend this poignantly moving book to everyone who loves a well written, riveting, and important story for our times.
GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO TRACY AND THE GOOD FOLKS AT
WILLIAM MORROW/HARPER COLLINS BOOKS,
I HAVE ONE COPY OF THE PROMISE OF STARDUST
TO GIVE AWAY TO A VERY LUCKY READER
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY --NO P. O. BOXES ---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN CASE YOU WIN! --ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE! HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY:COMMENT ON WHAT WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT THE PROMISE OF STARDUST THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK, AND DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
+1 MORE ENTRY:BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK
+1 MORE ENTRY:COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING AT PRISCILLE SIBLEY'S WEBSITE HERE
+1 MORE ENTRY:COMMENT ON ONE WAY YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. IF YOU FOLLOW MORE THAN ONE WAY, YOU CAN COMMENT SEPARATELY AND EACH WILL COUNT AS AN ENTRY
+1 MORE ENTRY:COMMENT ON A CURRENT GIVEAWAY THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED ON MY BLOG. IF YOU ENTERED MORE THAN ONE, YOU MAY COMMENT SEPARATELY FOR EACH TO RECEIVE MORE ENTRIES
Celebrate Valentine's Day with Avon Books and an enchanting free e-book sampler, It Happened One Valentine's Day. With excerpts from fourteen new, upcoming, and fan favorite Avon and Avon Impulse novels and novellas, including an introduction from Eloisa James. It Happened One Valentine's Day: An Avon Romance Valentine's Day Sampler includes excerpts from: The Trouble with Valentine's Day by Rachel Gibson Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle "V is for Vampwoman" (from Vampires Gone Wild) by Kerrelyn Sparks "A Forever Love" (from Vampires Gone Wild) by Pamela Palmer True Love at Silver Creek Ranch by Emma Cane "Love Me Tender" (from Kiss Me: An Avon Books Valentine Day Anthology) by Cheryl Harper Saved by the Rancher by Jennifer Ryan The Earl in My Bed by Sophie Jordan What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins The Maclean Groom by Kathleen Harrington
When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with nearly 80 million copies in print worldwide, in over 45 languages, including over 50 million copies in the United States alone, and his popularity continues to soar. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and children. You can visit the author's web site HERE to find out more about his life and work.
MY THOUGHTS/ REVIEW:
For readers seeking more excitement who may have shied away from Nicholas Sparks‘ work before, being known for his enduring love stories, SAFE HAVEN may be the book that will gather more fans with this slight change of pace novel. SAFE HAVEN is a love story but also is edgier, suspenseful, and not all hearts and flowers. It still possesses the author’s trademark setting in North Carolina and the power of love and all that entails, but it also includes a gripping tale of a darker side to relationships and love.
Centered around Katie, a woman of mystery to the townsfolk where she has come to live, readers will find an attractive, unassumingly quiet young woman who seems to just want to live her own life without any connections or attention. Taking on a job as a waitress, nobody realizes how happy she is to have a job around food after going without for several days. This pretty, short haired brunette does draw attention, however, as she is new, easy on the eyes, and has an air of mystery about her as she keeps to herself. Katie slowly slips into life in Southport and fixes up a rental on the outskirts of town that she feels somewhat secure in located at the end of the somewhat isolated rocky road. Katie isn’t alone for long as a neighbor returns to a nearby bungalow nearby. Jo comes by to introduce herself and although Katie can’t afford to trust anyone she finds herself becoming friends with this woman. It feels good to have someone to feel close to. Later on, Katie will discover how important this friendship will be to her.
As with all Nichols Sparks books, there is the love interest and this comes in the form of Alex, who owns the local shop where Katie shops. Alex is a widower of a year now, having lost his beloved Carly, and has no interest in romantic ties as he runs his shop and raises his two young children. Nonetheless, Alex is intrigued by this quiet, new stranger to town and he likes that when she is in the store his daughter gravitates to Katie. When a dangerous incident occurs that could have been quite serious, Katie is there and involved and it brings the two together. Katie find herself weakening as her attraction to Alex builds and her barriers slowly give way a little as she begins to trust a man again. But what keeps this Nicholas Sparks book from being like his others is wrapped up in the reason for Katie’s secrecy and reluctance to open up. What horrible thing has happened to her in the past and, we find out, is it still a threat to her?
Little by little, Sparks reveals the horror of what Katie had endured and why she has disguised herself and tried to run away to a SAFE HAVEN. Katie’s terrifying, abusive past is never out of her mind or far behind her, especially as Kevin enters the picture. Reminiscent of the thrilling Julia Roberts movie, “Sleeping with the Enemy”, the chilling tension mounts and Sparks successfully brings suspense and sheer terror to SAFE HAVEN. The story builds nicely from the start as the sense of foreboding builds, and is a real page-turner once readers discover the secret past that Katie is hiding from. The twist at the end will surprise readers somewhat and I think for Sparks’ first foray into this genre, he does a fine job and will certainly please his many followers and add several new fans as well.
SOME OTHER NICHOLAS SPARKS BOOKS...HOW MANY HAVE YOU READ?
GIVEAWAY
I AM EXCITED TO HAVE ONE
COPY OF NICHOLAS SPARKS' BOOK
OUT IN THEATERS THIS MONTH,
SAFE HAVEN, TO GIVE AWAY TO ONE
LUCKY FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG --U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY --NO P. O. BOXES ---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN CASE YOU WIN! --ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE! HOW TO ENTER
+1 ENTRY:READ ABOVE AND LISTEN TO THE VIDEO. THEN COMMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS BOOK
+1 MORE ENTRY:BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK
+1 MORE ENTRY:GO TO NICHOLAS SPARKS WEBSITE HERE AND LOOK AT THE DIFFERENT BOOKS HE HAS WRITTEN. NAME ONE YOU HAVE READ, OR PERHAPS WOULD LIKE TO READ, BESIDE SAFE HAVEN
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GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 6 PM, EST, FEBRUARY 28! GOOD LUCK!