BLOG TOUR: Murder at the Moonshine Inn by Maggie King + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining a promotion already in progress courtesy of Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.  If you haven't jumped on board their merry band of reviewers or featured titles and you're a Cozy Mystery fan, you don't know what you're missing...but you can by participating and then be jealous of what you've missed, but only just so that you revel in all the joys yet to come.  Sound good?  Good!  ^-^  Now, on with today's show...

Though I'm not a religious reader of Cozy Mysteries, but I have been known to dabble from time to time and in the case of this particular read, I'm very glad I did.  Going in, you'll note that it's the second in a series; please try not to fret.  It reads perfectly well as a standalone, proved by my own reading experience, but it may just have you curious to backtrack to that first adventure for our unlikely heroine, Hazel Rose (and friends!).  Without further ado, today's book of choice is...

Murder at the Moonshine Inn

A Hazel Rose Book Group Mystery, Book 2

by

Maggie King
9781633932814
Koehler Books


About the book...

When high-powered executive Roxanne Howard dies in a pool of blood outside the Moonshine Inn, Richmond, Virginia’s premiere redneck bar, the victim’s sister enlists Hazel Rose to ferret out the killer. At first Hazel balks—she’s a romance writer, not a detective. But Brad Jones, Rox’s husband, is the prime suspect. He’s also Hazel’s cousin, and Hazel believes in doing anything to help family. Never mind that Brad won’t give her the time of day—he’s still family.

Hazel recruits her book group members to help with the investigation. It’s not long before they discover any number of people who feel that a world without Rox Howard is just fine with them: Brad’s son believes that Rox and Brad were behind his mother’s death; Rox’s former young lover holds Rox responsible for a tragedy in his family; and one of Rox’s employees filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against her. The killer could be an angry regular from the Moonshine Inn—or just about anyone who ever crossed paths with the willful and manipulative Rox. When a second murder ups the ante Hazel must find out who is behind the killings. And fast. Or she may be victim #3.

Amazon    B&N






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It's not often I find myself immersed in a cozy mystery, yet alone the ebook version of it, but once I started this one, I couldn't put it down. 


Hazel Grace and her motley crew of book lover's and friends have a little more life experience than your usual suspects, I mean cast of characters, in most other books of this nature, but that makes it that much more endearing.  You care about Hazel as you would an aunt or parent.  You find yourself laughing at their outbursts (did someone order a coffee in the face?  I distinctly remember someone ordering a coffee facial...HA!) because not only are they laughable (the getups for their Moonshine Inn "date"...HA!), but more often than not, ENTIRELY SPOT ON!  The antics they get into, aka mischief they stir up (taunting murder suspects, and disgruntled relatives you only just found on your family tree), are enough to make anyone's head spin, but when you add in the unexpected flavor of danger, you've got a recipe for success...and succeed is one thing for certain this story did!


In the end, I must say, Hazel Grace is one smart cookie.  Is she perfect?  By no means, especially when we consider the random ill decision now and then which very well might have the curtains close on her life story sooner than intended, but for now at least, from the start of the book, we've got her full attention, piqued her curiosity, and sent her creative mind into overdrive...just the way we like it!  As the pieces start to fall into place, you'll find yourself trying to solve the murders (yes, that would be plural as in more than one....eek!) along with these spritely ladies, but managing to guess the culprit before the big reveal is gonna be a task and a half.  The author does a great job playing keep away without getting off track, and the injected humor feels natural (and provides oh-so-much fun!). 


Recommended read for Cozy Mystery fans as well as those readers who just like a good story where the big action happens off the page but you still get to revel in the results of those unseen events.








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About the author...

Maggie King is the author of the Hazel Rose Book Group mysteries, including the recently-released Murder at the Moonshine Inn. She contributed the stories “A Not So Genteel Murder” and “Reunion at Shockoe Slip” to the Virginia is for Mysteries anthologies.

Maggie is a member of Sisters in Crime, James River Writers, and the American Association of University Women. She has worked as a software developer, retail sales manager, and customer service supervisor. Maggie graduated from Elizabeth Seton College and earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She has called New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California home. These days she lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, Glen, and cats, Morris and Olive.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK








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Special thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you as well as the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Koehler Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.







BEFORE YOU GO...
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS VERY TITLE!  JUST CLICK HERE AND FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM AND YOU'RE IN IT TO WIN IT!




Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Guarded by Angela Correll

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, I'm coming to you not from a borrowed laptop (though I was DEEPLY grateful for its use) but from my brand spanking new Dell Laptop with Touchscreen!  (Thanks Mom...I mean, Santa!)  Obviously, I'm over the moon and still figuring out all the new stuff (but I gotta say Windows 10 thus far is a DREAM compared to 8 and Contara is pretty cool) but that's not going to stop my from blogging up a storm.  A STORM I TELL YOU!  Hence, the beginning of the storm...

The featured title of the day comes to us from an author featured here once before.  Several moons ago, you may recall a post highlighting the work of Angela Correll, or more specifically the book Grounded.  It was rather memorable is not for the story but the characters.  You really form a bond with both Annie and Beulah that lasts beyond the page.  If you haven't checked it out, I highly suggest you do.  That being said, today we're shining the spotlight on the follow up to that work that just released this month and is more than ready for your reading pleasure.  Ladies and gents, let's get to it!  Today's book of choice is....

Guarded

by

Angela Correll

9781633931367

Koehler Books

About the book...

Former New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is adjusting to farm life when her grandmother threatens to tear down the old stone house, unable to finance a restoration after the summer fire. Annie s boyfriend Jake has severed his corporate life in Cincinnati and is jumping headlong into sustainable farming on the land next door. Their new relationship is wonderful--but can it last? As they take steps forward, a paralyzing fear of abandonment threatens to destroy her trust in Jake. As Annie works to save the old stone house she finds letters written during World War II that reveal a family mystery and an Italian connection. Her grandmother is hesitant to uncover the secret, afraid of what it might mean to her family s name if the truth is laid bare. Comments from a nosy neighbor solidify Annie s fears about herself and when Beulah agrees for Annie to travel to Italy to search out the family mystery, Annie is happy for the time away to sort out all her feelings. In the meantime, Beulah is left with an unexpected Italian-Catholic houseguest who wreaks havoc with Beulah s Baptist ways and country routine. As the family mystery in Italy unfolds, Annie is forced to face her own past. She is ultimately faced with a choice: will she let history sabotage the future?"

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A beautiful visit with old friends that reveals a past formerly unknown, and a future never imagined.

First things first, that title!
I'm thinking of starting a new trend in my reviews where we discuss the potential meaning of the given title/image, perhaps before AND after the read. Sound good? Well let's give it a try now. This particular one had a young woman holding a set of letters. They appear to be international in origin given the envelope detail and handwritten for certain.  In referencing the title, she could be guarding the letters themselves, the content, or keeping herself guarded from what's within them. Is it good news she's anticipating but unsure of? Is it bad news that she'd rather not reveal? Are they memories kept at bay so long as in the envelope they remain? Add it turns out, most of the above is true...

The story itself isn't set at a fast pace. It develops slowly over time and draws the reader in with each revelation. As Annie strives to find a way to keep her grandmother from demolishing the old stone house, we feel the loss she's anticipating. As her bond with Jake seems to become more and more tenuous, we feel that potential heartbreak. As Beulah discovers the past hidden from her and a future she never saw coming, our hearts to go out to with open arms. Even when she's dealing with an interesting house guest, we share in the misadventures that come her way. We ride the highs and lows with them because that's what the author has bid us to do upon entering this world not so far from our own doorsteps...and once we do, we are anything but disappointed.

My favorite character this time around though wasn't who I thought I would be.  I mean Annie is sweet and tries so very hard, often times to her own detriment.  Beulah is just as strong as always, even when faced with her own past potentially crumbling around her.  Jake is present, but not completely thus essentially removing him from my "faves" list; sorry old chum, but I was on the same boat as Annie in the worrying department thanks to your lack of communication there.  Nosey neighbors (no matter how well meaning) have never done a thing for me and the slow blooming love affair of the heart in someone else's cards must be given space.  That left but one soul in my book and what a soul it was...Ms. Givens.  She was the sweetest of hearts, the most congenial of hostesses, the most memorable of the many to be remembered and yet she played more of a behind the scenes role than most.  Funny how that happens sometimes, isn't it?

Overall, a book to be read not in a moment but a few pages at a time as the mood strikes you. You have to let the story marinate, the lessons it has to share reveal themselves as they see fit, and be reminded that no matter how high the pedastool we place someone, no one is perfect. It's how we love them, just as they are, that really matters. Recommended for Fiction fans of all ages that like a taste of the old country with a Southern twist. 

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About the author....

Angela Correll lives on a farm with her husband and an assortment of grass-fed cattle, horses, goats and chickens. She is owner of a retail shop and co-owner of a farm-to-table restaurant. Her debut novel Grounded was an Amazon bestseller and was adapted into a play by Chelsea Marcantel and premiered in July 2015 to record-breaking crowds at the Pioneer Playhouse.

SITE   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Jordan and the author herself for the copy for review. (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or her other works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its book birthday the 1st of December via Koehler Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf of virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Grounded by Angela Correll

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you need a break from your busy day.  It's pretty safe to assume, we've got you covered.  ^_^

So, when I started this one, I had several deja vu moments all at once.  No, seriously!  First off, page one was read the day before my birthday, which coincided with the lead character's day before HER birthday.  *blink*  Then, the milestone birthday she was celebrating...was MY birthday too!  *blink blink*  Her crisis of job, life, and love...okay, well admittedly my propects are FAR smaller in that area...but all hit very close to home making the story even more personal and affecting.  Don't worry readers, I didn't let it color my final opinion on the read.  I gave it a fair chance and in the end...found it...well, you'll soon see.  Today's book of choice, also known as the-review-that-hid-from-me-until-this-late-date, is...

Grounded

by

Angela Correll

9781938467561

About the book....

New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is grounded, putting a halt to weekends in Rome and her jet-setting lifestyle. Soon her noncommittal boyfriend’s true nature is revealed, and to top it all off, she loses her apartment. With nowhere else to go, Annie leaves the city for the family farm in Kentucky, a place she’s avoided for years. She finds a shotgun wielding grandmother, a farm in disrepair, and a suspicious stranger renting the old stone house.
The country quiet haunts Annie with reminders of a past that can’t be changed. She tries persuading her grandmother to sell the farm, but is met with stubborn refusal? Yet in the midst of her crashing life, Annie sees a glimmer of hope for a second chance. Jake Wilder is contemplating jumping off the corporate ladder to follow his passion for sustainable farming. He’s almost ready to propose to Camille, a girl who wants more, not less. Annie believes Jake is about to make a terrible mistake, but does she have the right to tell him?
As the summer heats up, so do Annie’s unexpected feelings for Jake and her interest in the land. When a sudden phone call comes from New York, Annie is forced to choose between coming to terms with her past or leaving it all behind.

Though a myriad of characters to which you can relate, my closest relationships developed with three in particular.  First up and in most detail....Annie.

Annie, I saw so much of myself in you it wasn't even funny.  Okay, well at times it was, but more often were the moments that kept me smiling, that invited me in for a cup of hot tea (sorry, I don't do iced) and a friendly conversation.  Even if you didn't know just what to say or do, it didn't make you imperfect, it made you human...and considering you're technically a 2-D character, you came off very 3-D.  I love how oyu came to find yourself in your own time, allowing others to share their wisdom indirectly and learning from the mistakes you've made.  I feel like we've become good friends over the course of your story and I would love to pay a visit to your family's farm one day because despite the impressions you give, I knkow you'll keep it.  It's a part of you and became more so as you spent time as your adult self with Grandma Beulah.  Speaking of the grand dame...

Beulah is my second gem of a character to note, though my illumination of her will remain brief.  How come?  Good question, but I can only say this...you grow to love her in the details.  She's not perfect, tries oh-so-hard, is stubborn sometimes to a fault but gives of her whole self to everyone and anyone in need.  I'm pleased to have made your acquaintance and Annie was lucky to have someone like you in her corner, even though you grated on each other like opposite pulls in a magnetic stream.  Another giving soul, for the most part, would have to be childhood friend and new hang about, Jake.  Let's just say there are definitely some unresolved issues (*ahem*  feelings  *ahem*) there.

Author Angela Correll

In conclusion, I'd like to give a hearty bookmarks up to the author on a job well done, or a book well written.  This may be her first novel but it reads like a good friend's welcomed company.  I certainly hope to read more from this author in the future and will keep an open spot on my wish list just for her.

Review copy received courtesy of Amy with McAllister PR and Koehler Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on what Amy's up to next, be sure to follow her feed on Twitter.  To find out more about the author behind this work, be sure to stop by her official site.

Until next time...happy reading!