It’s the spooky season in Pinewood, Arizona, and when Genevieve Winterland isn’t creating killer new recipes for Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, she’s helping BFF Brandon Summers prepare for the party of the year. Brandon’s parents own Hidden Treasures Bookstore, where famed horror writer Jack Kelley is launching his latest novel on Halloween night.
Brandon’s dad isn’t thrilled that the arrogant Kelley, who was once sweet on Mrs. Summers, has chosen their store for his big event. Still, there’s no denying the author draws a huge crowd. Which makes it hard to narrow down a suspect list when Kelley drops dead onstage—the victim of a shocking murder straight out of his own book.
Fresh off Pinewood’s last cold case, Genevieve is happy to let the police handle this one. But when frosty Detective Christie zeroes in on Brandon’s dad as her prime suspect, Genevieve decides to take matters into her own hands. Can she get the scoop and solve the mystery haunting her hometown?
Review
Just like the first book in the series I enjoyed reading this installment. I like how persistent Genevieve is when is comes to wanting to solve the case. In the second book a local horror author drops dead at his own book signing. Genevieve is determined to understand why and who may have done it. It was surprising to know who the real person was behind the murder. I still like when the book is set in the ice cream shop and whenever the puppy Butterscotch is talked about. It’s a fast paced cozy mystery that I love being back into. I would recommend this book to people who like or who just starting out reading cozy mysteries like myself.
Rating 4 ⭐️
I’ll like to think the author and women on writing for allowing me to read and share my honest review.
Review: Murder by Milkshake is a fast-paced, cozy mystery that follows high schooler Genevieve while she is in charge of her familys ice cream shop. A lot of werid things are going on in her small town, such as her teachers showed up missing and dead. So Genevieve takes it upon herself to know what happened and why.
This was my first time reading a cozy mystery. I always wanted to start reading them. I’m glad it was Murder by Milkshake. I do like that the ice shop was incorporated into the story a lot. I could actually see the setting and characters there having their conversations discussing who could have done it.
I also like the dog Butterscotch. Not only is it a cute name, Butterscotch is a cute dog in the story.
I now want to continue on in this series because it’s fun, fast-paced, and fits right into the fall time.
I want to thank the author and women on writing for allowing me to read and give an honest review.
Rating 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
Life is sweet for high school senior and ice cream slinger Genevieve Winterland. Her father owns Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, the cutest confectionery shop in their little town of Pinewood, Arizona. Genevieve loves her job, but when her father hires a broody newcomer with a dark past to provide extra security on her closing shifts, Genevieve bristles. Is this a part of his plan to send her away to college, when all she wants is to stay in Pinewood and run the family business?
Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite new teacher at Pinewood High, Miss Love, is receiving death threats, and then she goes missing. Genevieve suspects the crabby substitute, Ms. Pierce, who seems murderous about being passed over for the position. Or is the culprit Mr. Garcia, the longtime instructor who Miss Love replaced after he was fired for assaulting a student? Just when Genevieve thinks she knows the answer, she stumbles across the dead body of another missing faculty member.
Can Genevieve find the killer terrorizing the teachers in her beloved hometown—before someone else gets iced?
Book Summary Jinx Curry is a single mom who spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance. When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back. But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s granddaughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last? Publisher: Tralam Publishing Company (July 26, 2024) Print length: 276 pages
About the Author When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia. You can follow the author at: Website: https://traceylampley.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.lampley.12 X/Twitter: @bookmistress1 Instagram: tralam4156
Excerpt
The Private Detective
Jinx Curry is a private investigator and single mom who spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance.
When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.
But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s granddaughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?
The Players
Deebo: He’s the scintillating rapper who may be secretly married to the missing teen. A marriage revelation infringes on the rapper’s rising-star status. Did Deebo off his wife to preserve record sales?
Bam: He’s Jinx’s childhood friend who loaned the sleuth a boatload of money. With Jinx unable to repay the loan, has Bam decided to make an example out of Jinx for lack of repayment?
Elena: She’s the missing person. Perhaps Elena doesn’t want to be found. Will she kill Jinx to prevent the sleuth from exposing her location?
Young Calloway: He’s the Georgetown Law School dropout and only grandson of Congressman Calloway. After Jinx discovers the rivalry between Elena and Young Calloway, Jinx also uncovers Young Calloway’s dark past. Has Young Calloway decided to eliminate Jinx to cover up his crimes?
Congressman Calloway: Up for re-election, the congressman cannot afford a family scandal. Did he hire Jinx to find Elena to coverup the young teen’s possible murder? If so, has he decided to eliminate Jinx to clean up the family mess?
I attended a business awards event a few years back. The question asked of all the nominees on stage was: What advice would you give your younger self?
There were some funny responses (“Dump that guy!”), and some serious responses (“Study harder. It makes a difference.”). All of the answers were interesting and sparked good discussion at our table
That got me thinking. What advice would I give my 20-year-old self?
Today, as I look back at the young girl I was, I hold her gently and kiss her cheek, and say, “We have to dare to be ourselves, no matter how frightening or deep it may be. You’re standing at the cusp of adulthood, brimming with dreams and ambitions. The path ahead will be challenging and rewarding in ways you can’t yet imagine. Here are a few pieces of advice that I hope will guide you through the twists and turns of life:
1. Embrace Uncertainty: It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Life is unpredictable, and that’s part of its beauty. Embrace the uncertainty and allow yourself the freedom to explore different paths. Trust that each step, even the ones that seem like detours, is leading you to where you’re meant to be.
2. Follow Your Passion: Your heart knows what it wants, even if your mind is filled with doubts. Pursue what sets your soul on fire, whether it’s writing, law, or something else entirely. Passion will sustain you through the toughest times and make your achievements all the more fulfilling.
3. Learn to Say No: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone, but remember that your time and energy are valuable. Saying no is not a sign of weakness; it’s an affirmation of your priorities. Focus on what truly matters to you.
4. Take Care of Yourself: Burnout is real, and it can creep up on you when you least expect it. Prioritize self-care, whether that means taking breaks, setting boundaries, or seeking help when you need it. Your well-being is crucial for your long-term success and happiness.
5. Cherish Relationships: The people in your life are your greatest assets. Nurture your relationships with family, friends, and mentors. They will provide support, guidance, and love through every high and low.
6. Be Kind to Yourself: You are your harshest critic. Learn to treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you offer others. Celebrate your achievements, forgive your mistakes, and recognize your worth.
7. Stay Curious: Never stop learning. Whether through formal education, reading, or new experiences, keep your mind open and eager. Curiosity will keep you young at heart and continuously evolving.
8. Trust the Journey: There will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and heartache, but trust that everything happens for a reason. Each experience, whether good or bad, is a lesson that shapes who you are. Trust the journey and have faith in yourself.
Remember, 20-year-old me, you are stronger and more capable than you realize. The future is bright, and I can’t wait for you to see all the wonderful things that await you.”
More About the Book
Lena Sharma is a successful San Francisco restaurateur. An immigrant, she’s cultivated an image of conservatism and tradition in her close-knit Indian community. But when Lena’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble, her ties to her daughter, Maya, and son, Sameer—raised in thoroughly modern California—slip further away.
Maya, divorced once, becomes engaged to a man twelve years her junior: Veer Kapoor, the son of Lena’s longtime friend. Immediately, Maya feels her mother’s disgrace and the judgment of an insular society she was born into but never chose, while Lena’s cherished friendship frays. Meanwhile, Maya’s younger brother, Sameer, struggles with an addiction that reaches a devastating and very public turning point, upending his already tenuous future.
As the mother, daughter, and son are compromised by tragedy, secrets, and misconceptions, they each must determine what it will take to rebuild their bonds and salvage what’s left of their family.
Author Anoop Judge
Born and raised in New Delhi, Anoop is the author of four novels, The Rummy Club which won the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, The Awakening of Meena Rawat, an excerpt of which was nominated for the 2019 Pushcart Prize, No Ordinary Thursday, and Mercy and Grace.
Her essays and short stories have appeared in Green Hills Literary Lantern, Rigorous Journal, Lumiere Review, DoubleBack Review, and the Ornament anthology, among others.
Anoop calls herself a “recovering litigator”—she worked in state and federal courts for many years before she replaced legal briefs with fictional tales. She holds an MFA from St. Mary’s College of California and was the recipient of the 2021 Advisory Board Award and the 2023 Alumni Scholarship.
She lives in Pleasanton, California, with her husband, and is the mother of two admirable young adults.
The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships) is based upon Eternal Principles from all world scriptures, including Zen. These tried and true Eternal Principles, the Pillars of Love, show how to build foundations for relationships where happiness and well-being are inevitable. And where pain and conflict can dissolve on the spot.
A radically different approach to love and psychology, the book offers a completely new perspective on fulfillment and what is truly needed to thrive. For example, one of the Pillars of Love upon which the book is based is:
To Be Happy, You Do Not Have To Be Loved, You Have to Learn What It Means to Be Loving.
The book explores the difference between Real and Counterfeit Love. We discover how all suffering in relationships is due to being caught in the trap of Counterfeit Love. And how easy it is to break free from bondage and leave that trap behind.
This is a book of practice, filled with Turning Points, Pillars of Love, Interventions, and many enjoyable exercises so the reader can practice these principles in all their relationships and in their everyday lives.
Written by a psychologist, Interfaith Counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner, the book combines the practices and principles of both East and West, helping us to discover and celebrate the best in ourselves and others.
Review/ my thoughts
The unshakeable Road to Love is the type of self help book I found to be very interesting. It talks about relationships and learning and understanding how to have good relationships in your life. But also I understanding that you will come across negative relationships. I have experienced both positive and negative relationships, and I have learned a lot by having both in my life. This book teaches what to look for in people and what are potential red flags. I feel when people want a positive relationship so badly it’s hard to see pass the negative flags that this person may bring. So a lot of people end up settling. I think the teaching in the book can work for both significant others and friends and maybe even family relationships. Because at the end of the day all these relationships are very different so therefore each relationship you go into with a different Response. Each relationship we have in life should be meaningful. I know life will put people in our lives that shouldnt be there, I look at it as a lesson and to continue to look for red flags that maybe triggers for me stay away from. Having good relationships is not good for you and your peace of mind but also I feel keeps a person well grounded.
I enjoyed reading this and I think anyone who wants to take learning more about how they should go about handling relationships this will be great for them.
Rating 4⭐
Excerpt
EXCERPT ONE We are all treasure hunters, looking for the secret to fulfilling relationships. Usually, we believe the secret lies in finding the right person, acquiring the best relationship skills and learning to communicate our needs more clearly. Our relationships are usually dedicated to finding happiness, getting our needs met, being powerful or in charge. Basically, we are using our relationships to feel good about ourselves. However, despite all our efforts, relationships often become a source of pain and suffering. And when a partner stops meeting our needs, love often turns into rejection. Conflict, anger and loneliness arise endlessly. When our thoughts are primarily absorbed with what we are needing and receiving, or how to build up our self esteem, we live in a prison without bars. It becomes impossible to truly see the person we are with, or what is really happening. The harder we try to make things right, the more complicated they can become. How can we ever find fulfillment in this manner?
A Completely New Perspective It is time to offer a completely new perspective on psychological and spiritual suffering and the road to unfailing happiness. As we turn to the world’s Eternal Scriptures we see that suffering has been dealt with throughout the centuries. Profound relationship insights along with powerful forms of healing have been offered again and again. However, this fundamental, eternal wisdom has not been recognized or invited into our relationships. That is why we suffer so.
A Radical Alternative These eternal truths present a radical alternative to the ways we function in relationships and what we expect of them. They also present a radical view into what it means to truly love. Like the laws of gravity, these principles are infallible, cannot fail. An Unshakable Road To Love (Value-Centered Relationships) is based upon these eternal truths found in all world scriptures. They are the perfect medicine for what is truly ailing us. Not only are these principles fundamental to our happiness, they are also simple, easy to understand and enjoyable to perform. And when we apply these principles to our relationships, pain and conflict often disappear on the spot. This book and program are dedicated to sharing a new form of psychology based upon these Eternal Principles. This is a Book of Practice, simple, direct and filled with specific insights, exercises and interventions, which carefully guide us in ways of applying these truths with whomever we meet, including ourselves.
About the Author
Brenda Shoshanna is an award-winning author, psychologist, Interfaith counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner and speaker. Her work is dedicated to integrating the teachings of East and West and making them real in our everyday lives. Brenda has offered over five hundred talks and workshops on all aspects of personal and spiritual development, relationships, and living an authentic, meaningful life.
It is easier than ever to publish a book, but many authors find out too late about the actual work-the book marketing-that needs to be done to achieve sizable book sales. Instead of embracing the opportunities to promote their books, authors are intimidated and shut down. Those days are over. This is the book authors MUST HAVE to give their books the best chance to be seen and sold. In this essential, easy-to-understand guide, authors will work through the graphs, examples and exercises to learn:
The fundamentals of book marketing: Message, Audience, and Hook The breadth of book marketing options and how they work, with examples How to create a list of media contacts and develop a pitch that will reach them How to develop a doable book marketing plan How to develop media kit items for their book publicity efforts: Press Release, Author Bio, Sell Sheet, etc. The types of book reviews and how to get them The best social media channels for promoting books The best places to spend book promotion dollars Why book distribution IS a crucial part of book marketing . . . and so much more!
Authors CAN get their books seen and sold!
Review/ My thoughts
I found this self help book on marketing and how to publish your first book to be insightful. As a new writer myself I try to take in as much new information about publishing and marketing as I can.
In this book the author shares the two ways to publish traditionally or self published. The author goes over all details of both including pros and cons. Actually not really cons it’s more so about what bests fits you on a personal level. Both paths to publishing are great in my opinion and I’ve been weighing my options on both. I think I have finally chosen the path I want to take with my first book. But reading this gave me more information on the step by step and looking into the work (on both paths of publishing) it takes to get your work out there to other readers.
Reading this also gave me more thoughts on if I just want to publish for people who are close and dear to me or if I want to publish for every reader who is interested in my work and genre.
I learned a lot from this self help book, it’s definitely a book to keep by and take notes on while I’m getting my work started with publishing.
I recommend this to all writers who are thinking about publishing and don’t know where to start and what to know about the work it takes in both traditionally and self published paths.
Rating 5 ⭐
About the author
Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette are experienced in sharing their knowledge of the publishing industry to give books the BEST chance to be sold. Julie is the long-time owner of Satya House Publications, which published and marketed the award-winning I See the Sun series of books, among others. Claudine Wolk is a published author, journalist, podcast host and book marketing consultant. You can find her writing in her weekly newsletter on Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold. Her book, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, (Harper Collins) is translated into three languages and was released as an audiobook (Nov. 2022).
September 18th @ The Muffin
Join us on The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette’s book Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also enter to win a copy for yourself!
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
September 19th @ Karen Brown Tyson’s blog
Join Karen as she reviews Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also win a copy for yourself!
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/
September 20th @ My Beauty, My Books
Join Nikki for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://mybeautymybooks.com/
September 22nd @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona’s blog for a guest post by Claudine about creating a list of media contacts and how to use them.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com
September 23rd @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for a guest post by Claudine about how to pick and choose where to focus your book marketing.
https://chapterbreak.net/
September 25th @ My Heart is Booked
Don’t miss Danielle’s book review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also win a copy for yourself!
https://www.myheartisbooked.com/
September 28th @ Deborah Zenha-Adams’ blog
Deborah shares an excerpt from Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You also have a chance to win a copy of the book, too!
http://www.deborah-adams.com/blog/
October 10th @ What is That Book About
Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com
October 13th @ CK Sorens
Visit Carrie’s page for her insights into Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also win a copy for yourself too.
https://www.instagram.com/ck_sorens/
October 15th @ Madeline Sharples’ blog
Join Madeline for a guest post by Claudine about how you can’t do everything. Don’t miss it!
https://www.madelinesharples.com/
October 15th @ The Mommies Review
Visit Glenda’s blog for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
http://www.themommiesreviews.com/
October 17th @ One Writer’s Journey
Join Sue for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://suebe.wordpress.com/
October 17th @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine’s blog for a guest post by Claudine Wolk about how writing and book marketing are related.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/
October 18th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog for a spotlight of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/
October 19th @ Book Reviews from an Avid Reader
Visit Joan’s blog for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/
October 20th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Join Beverley for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
October 21st @ Free to be Me
Join Leslie for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://lesliesvoice.com/
October 21st @ Editor 911
Visit Margo’s blog for a review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://www.editor-911.com
October 22nd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Visit Beverley’s blog again for a guest post by Claudine Wolk about the top ten insider tips for self-publishing and book promotion.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
October 22nd @ Jill Sheets’ blog
Visit Jill’s blog for her interview with author Claudine Wolk about her book Get Your Book Seen and Sold.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
