Spotlight: Tangles by Kay Smith-Blum

Oppenheimer was just the beginning… When a harpooned whale offers proof the Hanford Nuclear Reservation is endangering all life in the Columbia River Basin, Luke Hinson, a brash young scientist, seizes the chance to avenge his father’s death, but a thyroid cancer diagnosis derails Luke’s research. Between treatments, he dives back in, making enemies at every turn. On an overnight trek, Luke discovers evidence that Mary, his former neighbor, embarked on the same treacherous trail, and her disappearance a decade prior may be tied to Hanford’s harmful practices mired in government-mandated secrecy.

 

A love story wrapped in a mystery, this stunning Cold War home-front tale reveals the devastating costs of the birth of the nuclear age, and celebrates the quiet courage of wronged women, the fierce determination of fatherless sons, and the limitless power of the individual.

    Tangles

    By Kay Smith-Blum

    ISBN: 9781685135065

    Publisher: Black Rose Writing        

    Genre: Historical Thriller

    286 pages

    $21.95 (paperback)

    Publication date: December 3, 2024

About the Author

An Austin, TX transplant and lifetime environmental advocate, Kay Smith-Blum has resided in Seattle for more than four decades. Since selling a family-owned high-end fashion business in 2016, history buff Smith-Blum spends her days creating stories set in the mid-20th-century. The recent upheaval over leaking waste tanks at the Hanford site in Washington state compelled her to write a Hanford story in a way that would educate and entertain readers, resulting in her debut novel, Tangles. A companion short story to Tangles is featured in the 2024 anthology, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women, which Smith-Blum co-edited. She has published a variety of other short works that can be found in multiple literary journals. Smith-Blum works out her writer’s block in her sons’ gardens and the nearest lap pool. To learn more, please visit KaySmith-Blum.com and follow the author on Instagram @discerningksb, TikTok @ksbwritesfiction and Facebook @kay.smithblum.

KaySmith-Blum.com

Instagram @discerningksb

TikTok @ksbwritesfiction 

Facebook @kay.smithblum.

Amazon

GoodReads

Book Tour and Giveaway: Family Trust by Peter Wilson

 

Book Details:

​Book Title: Family Trust by Peter Wilson
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 211 pages
Genre: thriller / family drama / strong female protaganists
Publisher:  Peter Wilson
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Content Rating: PG-13. There are F words as one character in particular has a potty mouth. Not sexually explicit swearing. There's quite a few murders in the book, but not graphic. A bit of romance, but nothing beyond PG activity.

---

A well-written, smartly plotted drama with strong, memorable characters and a good dollop of humour. Very enjoyable! - The Wishing Shelf

---

Book Description:

​Mel is having a bad day. Her would be assassin is dead on a hotel floor and she doesn’t know who to turn to. Her ex David, is the love of her life, but wouldn’t understand that the attempt on her life was just another chapter to add to her family’s dark past.

​Family Trust is a fast paced journey through the generations of a wealthy Australian family, who play by a different rule book.

Buy the Book
Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Peter Wilson is an award-winning writer based in Sydney Australia. His first novel, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal has won awards internationally, in both the USA and United Kingdom, and quickly became a favourite with young readers.

Peter recently published a thriller / family drama novel directed at adults and looks forward to pursing further novels in the future.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

---

Giveaway:

FAMILY TRUST by Peter Wilson Book Tour Giveaway

My Review:

Family Trust is yet another great novel by the talented author, Peter Wilson.  I have read his previous books and jumped at the chance to read this new release. I was not disappointed and found it to be my favorite he has written so far. It was fun to take this journey to the past and present Sidney, Australia and meeting a cast of relatable characters. This novel was full of action, drama, mystery, suspense, and adventure. It had a lot of plot twists and turns that could never had predicted, keeping me on the edge of my seat. It was quite the ride. I liked how the author's use of humor all throughout. It was entertaining to be thrown into different time lines to gather clues as to what happened and how it would be resolved in the end. I was captivated from the start and had to continue on from chapter to chapter. Overall, I thought it was a fabulous story.

Family Trust will be getting five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for fans of action packed thrillers will not want to miss it. I would be interested in reading more releases from Peter Wilson in the future. I believe this one is definitely not one to be missed and worth picking up.

I received a paperback copy of Peter Wilson's Family Trust from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Book Tour and Giveaway: What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff by Jack Wiens

Book Details:

​Book Title:  What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff by Jack Wiens
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  98 pages
Genre: Juvenile fiction/picture book/values & virtues
Publisher: Torchflame Books
Release date:  October 15, 2024
Content Rating: G. Specifically for children.

Book Description:

The boy has a lot of questions—hard ones about love, honesty, grief and loss, prejudice, forgiveness, why we are here, and more.

Bear's wise answers are always offered with compassion and enthusiasm. The friendship between these two is deep, tender, and sometimes fun. Bear's clear, common-sense philosophy of life is a welcome contrast to the complex world our children face today.

On the beautifully illustrated pages, you will also meet Jay, Raccoon, Badger, Elder Moose, and others who add to the fun and adventure.

Walk with Boy and Bear for a while in the woods and see what you might learn about life, love and other stuff.

​This uplifting book will surely become a treasured collection of simple wisdom, inspiring rich, meaningful conversations between adults and children alike. 

Buy the Book:
Amazon 
B&N ~ Bookshop.org
​add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Jack Wiens has illustrated over 40 children’s books and designed many book covers, a family magazine, curriculum materials and greeting cards. He has also exhibited his fine art in galleries and art shows in Colorado, Missouri and Oregon.

Jack earned a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and worked as a counselor for 34 years in private practice as well as in a hospital inpatient addictions program and mental health centers. He led many workshops on communication, relationships and self-care during his career as psychotherapist.

​He lives in Ashland, Oregon, where he enjoys the natural beauty of nearby mountains, lakes and rivers, the creative energy of the community and good friendships. Besides hiking, biking and tennis, a favorite activity is exploring the Oregon coast and whale watching in Depoe Bay.

connect with the author: website 

Guest Post:

"Bear, do you ever get tired of me and your other friends?

What Bear Said

Hmmm… I do like being alone sometimes, but without you, Jay, Raccoon and all my friends I would be quite lonely. It is true that friendship requires patience.

For example, dear Raccoon loves to visit late at night and tell me her stories. They are interesting, but sometimes just LONG.

And there’s Jay, who can get very excited and loud, but he always speaks the truth from a higher perspective.

Oh, and there’s Porcupine. Very kind and dear, but a bit hazardous to hug!

Bear, maybe it would be best not to hug Porcupine.

What Bear Said

Perhaps." 

This conversation between the boy and Bear was important I thought because it is an opportunity to explore some of the challenges of friendship and how it requires accepting each other’s faults and imperfections. The boy begins by wondering if Bear ever gets tired of him and Bear’s other friends. The boy needs some reassurance that he isn’t just a “bother” to Bear. Don’t we all need a little reassurance once in a while? 

Bear admits needing time alone sometimes and models honesty and appreciation in the comments offered about some beloved friends. The value of each friend outweighs their flaws.  Bear’s acknowledgement that without friends, Bear would be lonely is a simple explanation for why we all endure and tolerate our friends’ less attractive qualities.

There is a hint in the conversation, in regard to Porcupine and Badger, that we sometimes have to take care of ourselves in relation to others who might have behavior or traits that could harm us. Loving from a distance might be a necessity for our own health and wellbeing.

In my work as a counselor, and in my own personal life, it has been made very clear how important our relationships are—how much they enrich our lives and meet basic needs for love, support and survival. Also very important is learning how to keep ourselves safe and healthy while in relationships. That might require distance, time-out, saying “No,” speaking very honestly about our feelings and needs.

Enter the Giveaway:

WHAT BEAR SAID ABOUT LIFE LOVE AND OTHER STUFF Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff is a great release from new to me author, Jack Wiens. I live in a rural area and live among different wildlife, including bears. I love that the main character in the book to be a bear, conveniently named Bear. He takes his little red headed friend on a adventure teaching him some valuable life lessons. I thought their friendship was so sweet and heartwarming to see. I could not help but to tear up at times and I love the beautiful way Bear described some difficult parts of life. 

Jack Wiens not only shows his talents as an author, he, also, displays his talents as an artist in his What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff. The illustrations of the book were a perfect addition to the story. They were colorful and fun to see Bear's wisdom shine on each page.

I am going to give What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages, particularly for families that can read and discuss what they learn together along the way. I would love to read more from Jack Wiens in the future.

I received a soft cover copy of Jack Wiens' What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Crossing Day by William A Glass

 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  CROSSING DAY by William A. Glass
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  266 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: William A. Glass, Author LLC
Release date:  May 2024
Formats Available for Review: (print - softback / USA and Canada) and e-book (Gifted Kindle and PDF)
Tour dates: Nov 12 to Dec 9, 2024
Content Rating:  PG-13 for a couple of violent episodes. There is no explicit sex. The novel contains only mild profanity.

---

An early reader said Crossing Day "is like a combination of Huckleberry Finn, Moby Dick, and The Hunger Games." Another reader called it, "an action-packed thriller."

---

Book Description:

It's been one hundred and sixty years since the Confederacy won its independence at the Battle of Altamaha Crossing. Slaves of African descent still perform most of the work in the South. This seems normal to Ryan Walters and his friends who attend high school in Huntsville, Alabama. Like teens everywhere, they enjoy sharing videos, playing sports, and hanging out with friends.

Jaybird's Drive-In is a favorite gathering place for the teenagers. There, they befriend Mish, a slave girl who works as a server. When the restaurant’s owner sells Mish to a dirty old man, Ryan and his friends awaken to the injustice around them. Despite the danger, they decide to help Mish escape. Will they succeed?

BUY THE BOOK
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

William Glass is a retired business executive, now coaching soccer at a small college in rural South Carolina. He began writing to pass the time on road trips.

William is married to Bettina Linden, a retired high school German teacher. They have three grown sons who have all moved away to pursue careers. Now, several rescued dogs and cats keep them company.

connect with the author: website ~ youtube ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

My Review:

Crossing Day is yet another great novel by the talented author, William A Glass.  I have read his previous books and jumped at the chance to read this new release. I was not disappointed and found it to be my favorite he has written so far. I admire the author's use of his imagination to bring out such a thought provoking tale. I thought the plot was uniquely written that I found to be refreshing to read. It explores many aspects of the lasting affects of history in the United States and deals a lot of "what ifs" or "what could have happened". I love the theme of fighting for injustice and freedom among the group of friends. I did not find it was a long read and it was easy to continue to turn the pages and not put down until I was completely finished. A perfect way to take a break from the stresses of life for a bit.

Crossing Day will be getting five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for teen readers or older who enjoy reading a mix of clean Historical Fiction and Thrillers. As always, I look forward to reading more releases from William A Glass to see where else he will take his characters and fans in the future.

I received a paperback copy of William A Glass' Crossing Day from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season (Next Act Series: Book Three) by Chris Posti

About the Book

Book: ’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season (Next Act Series: Book Three)

Author: Chris Posti

Genre: Women’s Fiction with Elements of Faith & Later-in-Life Romance

Release date: October, 2024

Welcome to tiny Port Mariette, Pennsylvania, where three women in their late fifties reunite at Christmastime, facing tangled relationships with one another and the men in their lives.

Marla rushes from Manhattan to her daughter’s side in a quiet Port Mariette hospital,  determined to strengthen their relationship by backing her daughter’s dream project, no matter the cost. She wins support from the town’s general contractor, but fierce local opposition arises, spearheaded by her longtime friend Rachel.

Meanwhile, newlywed Suzanne, scarred by fears and heartbreaks, returns to Port Mariette from California, where the earth subsiding beneath her home threatens both her retirement savings and her marriage. Seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of friends, Suzanne finds herself boxed into a financial corner while navigating the delicate dynamics of friendship and rivalry.

Amidst the holiday cheer and twinkling lights, Rachel stands as a pillar of the community, deeply rooted in the small town she’s never left. Yet her steadfastness falters as she grapples with her own insecurities and desires. Unwittingly, she stirs a pot of conflict that strains her relationships with everyone who matters to her.

In this small town tale of love, friendship, faith, and forgiveness, these women will discover growth can emerge from the ashes of the past and that change is possible at any age.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chris Posti writes award-winning fiction about real-life women experiencing the joys and challenges of friendships, families, careers, and later-in-life romances. Before pivoting to novels, she was a self-employed career & executive coach, newspaper columnist, and nonfiction author.

 

 

 

 

More from Chris

I wrote “’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season” (third book in the “Next Act” series) for women in the second half of their lives – age 50 to 100 – who want characters they can relate to, women who are facing challenges and overcoming them – along with a mix of faith, fun, and later-in-life romance.

 

When the Lord gave me the idea for the first book in this series, I had no idea it would morph into a trilogy. That’s the way it is with our Lord. He lights our path, we keep walking. Now, He has directed me to write a pilot for a TV series, and that’s what I’m working on right now. I pray one day you will see these characters come to life on your television screen. If you have a moment, would you offer up a prayer right now for that to happen? Thank you so much.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Stories By Gina, November 27 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, November 27

Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Karen Baney Reviews, November 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

For Him and My Family, December 2

The Avid Reader, December 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 5 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, December 6 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book, and bookmarks!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54106

My Review

'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season is the third installment from Chris Posti's Next Act series. Since it is part of a series, it would be best to read the books in order to have a better reading experience. I have loved the previous books and I believe this one is my favorite. It is sweet, heartwarming, and inspiring. I was entertained from start to finish.

I am giving 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean women's fiction, particularly set during the most magical time of the year. I would be interested in reading more releases from the talented Chris Posti in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Chris Posti's 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.