Avonna

Feature Post and Book Review: From Tundra to Tiara by Cassidy Carson & J.T. Hume

Book Description

A sled dog race through the tundra brings two strangers together. Travis is a former Navy SEAL with a traumatic past. Lexie is a vet tech with a mysterious present. Adventuring through the Alaskan wilderness unites this unlikely pair as Lexie and Travis try to uncover each other’s secrets. Will a brush with death amid gunfire lead to a lasting relationship before their realities drive them apart for good?

Authors JT Hume and Cassidy Carson join forces to create a sweet romance about how life brings together two lost souls to make them feel whole. Carson and Hume share more than forty years of experience in living a real-life romance, and they truly believe that love can conquer all if you give it a chance.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74668767-from-tundra-to-tiara?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hdonS9w7vk&rank=1

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RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

FROM TUNDRA TO TIARA by Cassidy Carson & J.T. Hume is an enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance that begins with opposites in the frigid small settlement isolation of Alaska and ends up with them reversing roles in the glitz and glamour of the royal lifestyle in Europe. This is a standalone romance at this time, but the H/h’s family and friends easily could be spun off into a series.

Travis is a former Navy SEAL who has discovered he loves life as a musher in rugged Alaska. He has a close circle of friends in the small settlement and is content with his life for now. He is running the Iditarod for the first time when at a medical stop his lead dog is discovered to have a sore by the vet tech on duty.

This is no regular vet tech. Lexie is hiding a secret. The pair unite to get Travis’ dogs back home, but when Travis’s lead dog escapes, they travel into the dangerous wilderness to find her. Their trust and relationship grow, but Lexie’s secret and the realities of their everyday lives and responsibilities seem insurmountable and appear as though they will keep them apart for good, or will they?

This is a contemporary romance that reminds me of the romances I read when I first started reading and loving the genre. It is light and fun, but also has a few serious and emotional moments. The characters pull you into the story and help you easily suspend reality to believe in the H/h’s romance triumphing over everything for their HEA. There are a few surprise twists along Lexie and Travis’ road to romance which makes this a wonderful escape read that I did not want to end.

I recommend setting aside some time to enjoy this escapist contemporary romance.

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About the Authors

We’re a couple nerds who enjoy history, pop culture, reading, and travel. Now mild-mannered empty nesters and retirees from public service, we’ve long been passionate about helping others. Much of our former work dealt with education, history, government, and public health. We now draw from those experiences as we pursue our dream career as full-time writers.

Social Media Links

Website: https://carsonhume.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassidyCarson

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorcarson.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jthumebooks

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jthume.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/from-tundra-to-tiara-by-jt-hume-and-cassidy-carson

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tundra-Tiara-Cassidy-Carson-ebook/dp/B0BMZG6S2Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34HCYIRRYE7NR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FS089vefqoguL7Gx4UAdCQ.-

ARC Feature Post and Book Review: A Fashionably French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

Christian Dior with his models at his fashion house, 30 avenue Montaigne in the 50’s. “New Look” is born. Paris, FRANCE – 50’s

Book Description

American expat Tabitha Knight has found a new life in postwar Paris, along with a delightful friend in aspiring chef Julia Child. Yet there are perils in peacetime too, as a killer infiltrates one of the city’s most famous fashion houses.

If there’s one art the French have mastered as well as fine cuisine, it’s haute couture. Tabitha and Julia are already accustomed to sampling the delights of the former. Now fashion is returning to the forefront in Paris, as the somber hues of wartime are replaced by vibrant colors and ultra-feminine silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s “New Look.”

Tabitha and Julia join a friend for a private showing at an exclusive fashion atelier, Maison Lannet. The event goes well, but when Tabitha returns later that evening to search for a lost glove, she finds the lights still on—and the couturier dead, strangled by a length of lace. The shop manager suspects that a jealous rival—perhaps Dior himself—committed the crime. Tabitha dismisses that idea, but when another body is found, it’s apparent that someone is targeting employees of Maison Lannet.

Meanwhile, Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe are in the midst of their own design-related fracas, as they squabble over how to decorate their new restaurant. And there are strange break-ins at a nearby shoe store—but are the crimes related? It’s up to Tabitha to don her investigative hat and find answers before someone commits another fatal fashion faux pas.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216972014-a-fashionably-french-murder?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jndxzXr0gZ&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER (An American in Paris Mystery Book #3) by Colleen Cambridge once again returns the reader to post WWII Paris as experienced through the eyes of an inquisitive young American who continually happens upon dead bodies. Her best friend and neighbor is Julia Child who is attending classes to learn French cuisine. This addition to the series is another well-paced murder mystery which is easily read as a standalone historical mystery, but I have read this series in order of publication to follow the evolution of all the charming characters.

Tabitha Knight is helping one of Julia’s friends as a translator at an exclusive haute couture fashion house. When she realizes she lost a glove and goes back to retrieve it, she discovers the famed designer dead. On the same night, a fashion shoe store across the alley is broken into.

Inspector Merveille once again must deal with the inquisitive Tabitha who is asked to investigate the shoe store break-in. He knows she will not stop there and after a second murder at the fashion house, both are determined to bring the killer to justice.

I always enjoy Tabitha’s escapades and drool over the recipes Julia is teaching Tabatha to prepare or she is cooking for others. Tabitha is a wonderful protagonist and amateur sleuth even as she “accidently” stumbles over so many dead bodies. The relationship between her and Merveille is still up in the air and that makes it always interesting. In this book in the series, besides the food, the reader gets a glimpse into the workings of a Paris house of fashion after the war and the beginning of Dior’s reign at the top of Paris fashion scene.

Ms. Cambridge does an exceptional job of balancing all the interesting historical facts of postwar Paris life and atmosphere with the twists and red herrings of the murder mystery plot. She is able to intertwine everything together into an entertaining, intriguing, and satisfying historical mystery read.

I highly recommend this addition to the series, and I am looking forward to following Tabitha and Julia in future books.

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About the Author

Colleen Cambridge is the pen name for an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. From a young age, Colleen has loved reading mysteries and now she couldn’t be happier that she is able to write them.

Under several pseudonyms, she has written more than 36 books in a variety of genres and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.colleengleason.com/colleen-cambridge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenGleason.Author

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/colleengleason.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/colleen-gleason

Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower

Book Description

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about. She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

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Elise’s Thoughts

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower does not disappoint with the loveable and quirky characters that are colorful and fun to read.

Bailey King is on top of the world. She has recently opened Swissmen Candyworks Factory as a counterpart to Swissmen Sweets, the candy store she helps her Amish grandmother run. She’s happily engaged to county sheriff Aiden Brody. And she’s the go-to sitter for her future mother-in-law’s pet pig, Jethro.

This Christmas season, local community organizer Margot Rawlings has decided to construct a huge Candy Land game on the village square that includes Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. She asks one of Bailey’s Amish workers to put up a Candy Land piece on the roof of the factory. Unfortunately, Zeph, falls off the roof and dies. Aiden is promptly on the case and realizes that Zeph’s death was no accident, but a murder. Together, he and Bailey soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. They work together to identify the killer. They are also trying to figure out who is responsible for breaking into Amish businesses and whether it’s related to the killing. Lida, his sister, is heartbroken when her father refuses to let her continue working for Bailey, because she wants to help solve Zeph’s murder and the family wants nothing to do with him.

This is a great holiday read because it blends suspense with some Christmas cheer.

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Author Interview

Elise Cooper: Idea for the story?

Amanda Flower: I knew the book would be set at Christmas time. One of the local libraries around here does a life-size Candyland game. Children loved to play it with their moms and dads. I made it for a whole village, while the real game is inside a building. I also want to put in gingerbread even though I do not like the taste, just the smell. Plus, I wanted to tie the plot to the new candy factory opening.

EC: How do you come up with the humor, like the opening of the book with Jethro the pig’s mischievous deeds?

AF: He is a rascal, especially in this book when he gets taffy all over him. Bailey has to pig-sit all the time. I also like to come up with sayings like ‘pigs in a blanket,’ after tucking him into Bailey’s parka. I tried to put in the humor to make the plot lighter and uplifting.

EC: Do you agree these plots are not just about murder?

AF: Yes. It is about these characters’ lives and how the community all supports each other. Even the grumpy character, Ruth Yoder.

EC: How would you describe Lida?

AF: Nervous, has anxiety, indecisive, sweet, caring, kind, and dedicated.

EC: In the story the Amish get robbed, can you explain?

AF: Amish are of the belief that they trust in G-d who will protect them and their businesses. Some Amish businesses do not have electricity so they could not have security cameras. Plus, since they do not have Internet, they could not look on their phones if there is trouble.

EC: How would you describe Zeph, the victim?

AF: A troublemaker, unreliable, easily distracted, and a free spirit. He was probably going to leave the Amish. He had one foot in the Amish and English worlds. This happens to Amish young people.

EC: What do you want to say about Bailey’s parents?

AF: They created stress for her. The dad was former Amish, and he felt uncomfortable because he was not a rule follower and never embraced his Amish roots. Now in coming back, he is reminded of all the reasons he wanted to leave. The mom was very opinionated and wants the wedding plans made already. Bailey and Aiden waited so long to get engaged. Now that they are engaged and everyone wants them to get married yesterday.

EC: Next books?

AF: Lida will appear in other books. There will be book 10 of the “Amish Candy Shop Mysteries series” but I am in negotiations to continue the series after that. Book 10 will be Aiden and Bailey’s wedding.

In February it is the third and final Emily Dickinson mystery. It is titled, I Died for Beauty. It will have the great freeze in New England in 1857. Emily and Willa, her maid, are solving a murder involving a house fire.

The second Katharine Wright mystery comes out in May. It is titled, Not They Who Soared. In 1904 Katharine went to the St. Louis World’s Fair and a murder was committed there.

The next Millie Matchmaker book is titled Newlyweds Can Be Knocked Off. It is coming out in November next year. Millie and her friend Lois travel to Pinecraft Florida, going on a girl’s trip to the Amish community there. They find a dead body on the beach. Jethro is in this book.

THANK YOU!!

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BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.

Feature Post and Book Review: ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

Book Description

When a body turns up in a larger-than-life candy bowl filled with peppermints on the town square, Holly White is horrified to learn her best friend Caroline is the main suspect. Everyone in town, including Mistletoe, Maine’s sheriff, saw Caroline fighting with the victim on the night of his death. Worse, a custom kitchen knife, engraved with Caroline’s initials was found with him.

Now, just ten days before Christmas, Holly’s up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans and in desperate need of a miracle. Juggling extra shifts at her family’s Christmas tree farm and making enough gingerbread jewelry to satisfy the crowd is already more than she can handle―and now she has to find time to clear her best friend of murder. Add in her budding relationship with the sheriff, and a personal stalker dressed as Santa Claus, and Holly’s ready to fly south until springtime.

But her Sherpa-lined mittens come off when Caroline is taken into custody. Can Holly wrap up the case in time for Christmas…even after she gains the true killer’s attention?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37762870-twas-the-knife-before-christmas?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=zJH9rWxKFn&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

‘TWAS THE KNIFE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book #2) by Jacqueline Frost is the second book in this entertaining and amusing amateur sleuth cozy holiday mystery series. They are set each Christmas season in small-town Mistletoe, Maine featuring Holly White and her family and friends. This can easily be read as a standalone holiday mystery case to be solved, but Holly’s personal relationships continue to grow and evolve in each book, so I have enjoyed reading them in order.

Holly and her best friend Caroline have arrived in the town square to participate in the evening’s festivities. When the cover is pulled off a giant bowl of peppermints, everyone is shocked to discover a dead body inside. It is Caroline’s date from the night before who got too handsy. Caroline yelled at and humiliated him on-line and now he is dead with one of Caroline’s monogrammed knives in the bowl with him. Sheriff Evan Grey has no choice but to follow the evidence and arrest Caroline.

Holly knows her friend is innocent and she is willing to do anything to prove it, even as the killer has left notes threatening her against interfering. Holly is once again on the hunt for a killer. With the help of her friends and a mysterious, magical contractor, can Holly stop a killer before he eliminates her?

I thoroughly enjoy all the characters in this series. They are so much fun, and their relationships are believable. Holly is a great main character with just the right amount of inquisitiveness mixed with pluck and determination. Her group of friends is growing, and I cannot wait to be reunited with them all in future books. The cozy mystery was well paced and plotted throughout with not only Caroline as a suspect, but several others. The twists and surprises kept me guessing to the end.

I highly recommend this festive holiday cozy mystery! Both books in this series are worth reading and I am so glad I stumbled upon this series.

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About the Author

Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).

Purchase Links

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/twas-the-knife-before-christmas-by-jacqueline-frost

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Twas-Knife-Before-Christmas-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B078LZ5T7X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LB4GWDW8DNQT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lw2Ale

Book Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: Double Takedown by Kevin G. Chapman

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for DOUBLE TAKEDOWN (Mike Stoneman Book #6) by Kevin G. Chapman on this Black Tide Book Tour.

Below you will find a book description, my book review, an about the author section, and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Description

What if everything you thought you knew was wrong?

The glittering lights of Broadway are just a cover for the dark secrets hidden behind the curtains. NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are about to find out how many layers one story can have in their latest case. As they prepare to testify in a high-profile murder trial, they begin to question if they got it wrong. The Broadway director claims evidence was planted to frame him and that Mike and Jason developed tunnel vision. If they did, can they live with themselves, knowing that an innocent man might be convicted . . . and that someone else got away with the perfect crime?

With orders to stay away from the closed case, Mike and Jason are plagued by doubts and can’t let it go. When new evidence leads to even more questions, the detectives race to put the pieces together and uncover the whole truth. But their unauthorized investigation could lead to catastrophic collateral damage, could cost them their badges, and the director may still be guilty.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217285611-double-takedown?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4HxtXwtrCP&rank=1

Universal link for the book on Amazon

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

DOUBLE TAKEDOWN (Mike Stoneman Book #6) by Kevin G. Chapman is another complex, intricately plotted addition to this NYPD homicide detective crime thriller series. Det. Mike Stoneman is back with his partner, Det. Jason Dickson and a familiar cast of supporting characters. Even though this is the sixth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but all of them are worth reading.

Det. Mike Stones and his partner, Det. Jason Dickson are attending a charity ballet event at Lincoln Center with their wives when a man in the front of the theater dies. They are assigned to the investigation. It is a straightforward investigation, and the main suspect is now set to stand trial, but even after a year and a half, he is still maintaining his innocence.

As Mike and Jason begin trial prep with the D.A., the private investigator for the accused comes to Jason and tells him his client is innocent and being framed. Second thoughts and witness deaths send Mike and Jason looking back over their work and discovering false alibis, lies, drug abuse, and jealousy.

With one man who has claimed his innocence from the start, clues leading to deceit, and witnesses dying, will Mike and Jason be able to uncover the truth before a devious killer eliminates all proof leading to him?

I always enjoy returning to this group of characters. Mike, Jason and all the supporting characters are believable, and the crime plots are always intriguing as well as twisted. This story has two police investigations that may or may not be connected, and I was completely caught up in both. Mr. Chapman always gives me a page-turner that I am unable to put down.

I highly recommend this police procedural/crime thriller and the entire Mike Stoneman series!

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About the author

Winner of the 2023 CLUE Award GRAND PRIZE (best suspense/thriller for The Other Murder), also winner of the 2021 Kindle Book Award (for Lethal Voyage, Mike Stoneman Thriller #3), the 2022 CLUE AWARD (for Fatal Infraction, Mike Stoneman Thriller #4), the 2023 CLUE Award (for Dead Winner), and #1 Amazon Best-Selling author Kevin G. Chapman is, by day, a buttoned-down corporate labor & employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars, has taught legal writing to law students, and is the past chairperson of the Labor & Employment division of the global Association of Corporate Counsel. When the work day is done, however, Kevin lives a much more exciting fictional life of crime and romance as the author of the award-winning Mike Stoneman Thriller series (and other novels, short stories, and screenplays).

When not busy writing, he enjoys playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets. Kevin loves talking fiction with readers (especially book clubs), or talking law, politics, or baseball.

Social Media Links

Website: https://kevingchapman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevingchapman/profilecard/?igsh=MWdrbHJpcHRuNXM3bg%3D%3D

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/double-takedown-mike-stoneman-6-mike-stoneman-thriller-by-kevin-g-chapman

Mike Stoneman Thriller Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/703027696777079/

Feature Post and Book Review: Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses by Jennifer Faye

Book Description

Three homeless puppies, two lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm.

Candace “Candi” Goodman, an unemployed teacher, is always sharing a smile and helping those around her. This Christmas she has volunteered to drive three puppies to a shelter in Maine. However, when a road closure sends her on a detour, she gets lost in a snowstorm.

Michael Bishop, a township road supervisor, has spent the past two years mourning the loss of his young family. As he’s plowing snow late one evening, he notices something amiss. When he goes to investigate, he finds a woman and three puppies in a dire situation. The more time they spend time together, the more he finds himself falling for her mistletoe kisses. But will it be enough for him to take a chance on love again?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219755980-puppy-wishes-candy-kisses?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=qHNEcDj9oQ&rank=1

The Kringle Falls, Vermont series

Book 1 – Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses
Book 2 – Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Book 3 – Puppy Hugs & Mistletoe Kisses
Book 4 – Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

PUPPY WISHES & CANDY KISSES (Kringle Falls Book #1) by Jennifer Faye is an endearing, sweet, and heartwarming holiday romance set in the year-round Christmas themed small-town of Kringle Falls, Vermont. This is the first book in this series by a new-to-me author and I am so excited that I will have more opportunities to return to Kringle Falls.

Candace “Candi” Goodman is always helping those around her. While her teaching position in Cleveland, Ohio was eliminated in a consolidation, she is picking up work as a substitute teacher and helping at the local animal shelter which is closing. She has volunteered to take the last three remaining puppies on a road trip to a shelter in Portland, Maine. As they are on their way, a snowstorm hits and a wreck on the highway has Candi detouring. She gets lost on the side roads in the storm.

Michael Bishop, a township road supervisor, has been out plowing during the storm and is ready to head home until he notices some tracks on an out of the way small side road. When he goes to investigate, he discovers a woman and three puppies off the road and partially down an embankment. He brings them all home with him hopefully only for a short stay because he prefers his solidary existence since the loss of his young wife and son two years previous.

As Candi and Michael spend time together, their attraction grows, but is it enough to melt the ice around Michael’s heart?

This is a well written, enjoyable holiday romance read, and I will be looking for other books by this new-to-me author. It not only has the requisite HEA, but it is full of holiday hope, love, second chances, and puppies, especially a determined husky puppy named Tank. Candi is just what Michael needs to take a chance on love again and rediscover his love of the Christmas holiday. His family and friends are all hoping it works out and I am looking forward to revisiting with them again in future books in the series. I love the town of Kringle Falls with its year-round Christmas and a certain Mr. and Mrs. Kringle who always believe things will work out for the best and certainly seem like they are living in the wrong town.

I highly recommend this small-town holiday contemporary romance! I am looking forward to reading more books in the Kringle Falls series to discover the fate of the other two puppies.

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About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has been optioned for film. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jenniferfaye.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferFayeAuthor/

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferfaye.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/puppy-wishes-candy-kisses-grumpy-sunshine-christmas-romance-kringle-falls-book-1-by-jennifer-faye