Showing posts with label author blog tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author blog tour. Show all posts

The Economy Always Gets Better by Dr. Nikki Finlay: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, August 17, 2026
 
The Economy Always Gets Better by Dr. Nikki Finlay

I'm excited to announce a blog tour for a book that will resonate with you if you are anxiously watching the news, wondering whether the economy will improve and what it all even means. Join us as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Nikki Finlay's book, The Economy Always Gets Better. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy for yourself.

But first, here is more about the book:

For those of us who forgot what we learned years ago or never had the opportunity to take an economics class, terms like recession, depression, tariffs, inflation, and gross domestic product can make our heads spin.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

In The Economy Always Gets Better, award-winning economist Dr. Nikki Finlay explains the economy in its simplest terms, making it easier to understand and giving readers the tools to approach even the most distressing economic information with confidence.

Dr. Finlay combines her knowledge and years of academic experience in this practical and accessible guide for anyone wishing to better their understanding of the economy. Using personal stories, useful metaphors, visual representations, and statistical data, she makes economics accessible to everyone.

Whether you’re worried about the current economic troubles or trying to figure it all out for the first time, The Economy Always Gets Better will leave you better informed and better prepared to thrive.

Publisher: Amplify Publishing 
AISN: B0GVVTV6K7
ISBN-13: 979-8891388826
Print Length: 240 pages

Purchase a copy of The Economy Always Gets Better on Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.com. Be sure to add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Dr. Nikki Finlay


Dr. Nikki Finlay is an economics educator and author of The Economy Always Gets Better: Navigating Turbulent Times with Confidence. She helps adults who feel intimidated by economics understand how it actually works in their everyday lives—without the jargon.

With over two decades of teaching experience at institutions including Clayton State, Georgia State, and Gwinnett Technical College, Dr. Finlay has worked with students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Her approach is simple, practical, and rooted in real-life examples that make complex economic concepts easier to understand.

Through her writing, Dr. Finlay translates topics like inflation, employment, and economic cycles into clear, relatable insights that help readers build confidence—not just knowledge—about the world around them.

She lives just outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband of over 40 years and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her children and grandson.

Find her online at:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your book, The Economy Always Gets Better. Who is this book for and why?

Nikki: The Economy Always Gets Better is for those who want to understand the economy but are intimidated by economics.

I wrote this book for the students I used to have. The class textbook didn’t work for them, especially the non-traditional students. This is the book I wish I could have offered them.

WOW: I love that you wrote this for your students. What was your planning process like? What was your revision process like?

Nikki: I recently watched You’re Killing Me, where the main character, a novelist played by Brooke Shields, admitted she was a pantser. Other than using an outline from a college textbook, which I then deviated from by adding, deleting, and rearranging chapters, I really didn’t plan. Everything came from my experiences teaching and learning about the economy.

I also dove into the story of how the Great Recession affected everyone around me. But I started writing the book just before the inflationary post-pandemic period, so that also had a huge impact.

When it came to editing, I tried that, but it didn’t work. So, I had to put together a process. Here’s where AJ Harper’s book, Write a Must-Read, came in handy. I also attended one of her virtual editing classes. She really breaks down the editing process.

WOW: I'm a pantser too, so I understand the need for that technique. How much research did you do in preparation for the book?

Nikki: I was constantly looking for sources to help me illustrate the topic. I spent tons of time on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the St. Louis Federal Reserve’s FRED site collecting data.

WOW: I can only imagine. I loved your anecdotes throughout the book. It actually made for some interesting reading. How did you decide which experiences to include?

Nikki: Glad you enjoyed them! Initially, I didn’t include many anecdotes and stories, but when one editor chided me for not having people in the story, I added fictional characters. That didn’t work either, so I added stories I told in the classroom and bits and pieces from my own life. The book is part-memoir as a result.

WOW: Great combination! It truly gave it a memoir vibe. What about the economy has interested you?

Nikki: The nuts and bolts—how the pieces fit together.

For example, if you know the different components (or pieces that make up GDP, you can get a stronger feel for the whole economy.

Another example: how do we move from a demand problem to the appropriate policies?

WOW: Good point! What are you working on now that you can tell us about?

Nikki: I’m always on Substack teaching about the economic environment. Find me at Https://nikkifinlay.substack.com and please subscribe!

 I’m also in the planning stages for a book on the history of recessions in the US.

WOW: Thank you for sharing. What lasting thoughts do you want to share with our readers?

After you read The Economy Always Gets Better, please let me know what you think. I’d love a positive review on Goodreads or Amazon!

The Economy Always Gets Better by Nikki Finlay Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

August 17 @ The Muffin
Join us at WOW! Women on Writing's blog, The Muffin, as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Nikki Finlay's book, The Economy Always Gets Better. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

August 18 @ Writer Advice
Stop by Lynn's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay with tips on marketing for mobility-impaired audiences.

August 19 @ One Writer's Journey
Stop by Sue's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 20 @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
Stop by Karen's blog for a review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 21 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer
Stop by Angela's blog for a review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 23 @ Word Magic
Stop by Fiona's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay on writing for mobility-impaired audiences.

August 25 @ Ellen Blogs
Stop by Ellen's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better. 

August 28 @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
Visit Joan's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 31 @ Tracey Lampley's blog
Stop by Tracey's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay on understanding inflation.

September 1 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for an excerpt from The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 3 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog again for her interview with author, Dr. Nikki Finlay.

September 5 @ Chapter Break
Stop by Julie's blog for a review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 9 @ Create Write Now
Stop by Mari's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay on surprising lessons she learned about finances.

September 10 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 13 @ A Storybook World
Stop by Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of  The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 15 @ Bring on Lemons
Stop by Crystal's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 17 @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 19 @ Leslie's Voice
Stop by Leslie's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win The Economy Always Gets Better by Dr. Nikki Finlay. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 30th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

The Economy Always Gets Better Giveaway
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The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, April 06, 2026
The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith

We're excited to have author Tracy Smith join us for a blog tour of her book, The Purpose of Getting Lost. This book is perfect for readers navigating midlife transitions, questioning long-held identities, or longing to stop performing and finally feel at home within themselves. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

Before we get to that, here's more about The Purpose of Getting Lost:

The Purpose of Getting Lost is a reflective memoir about identity, belonging, and the courage to question the life you’ve carefully built. As Tracy Smith enters midlife—navigating the end of a long marriage, children growing up, and a growing sense of disconnection—she realizes she has spent years performing for expectations rather than listening to herself.

Through solo travel across more than thirty countries, Tracy doesn’t search for reinvention or escape, but for clarity. In unfamiliar places and quiet moments in between, she begins to notice her patterns, longings, and the stories she’s lived by—some worth keeping, others ready to be released.

Told with honesty, warmth, and insight, The Purpose of Getting Lost explores what it means to stop waiting to belong and start building a sense of home from the inside out. It’s a book for anyone who has ever felt out of place, questioned who they are becoming, or sensed that getting lost might be an essential part of finding their way.

Publisher: Compass Story Press
ISBN-13: 979-8993320717
ASIN: B0GFY8KR3J
Print length: 264 pages

Purchase a copy of The Purpose of Getting Lost on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop. Be sure to add it to your GoodReads reading list. 

About the Author, Tracy Smith


Tracy Smith, Ph.D. is a writer exploring the intersection of travel, identity, and belonging. Her work focuses on the small, often uncelebrated moments when women begin choosing themselves—sometimes quietly, sometimes far from home.

Through personal narrative and place-based storytelling, Tracy examines what happens when certainty loosens, expectations fall away, and life is allowed to remain unresolved. Her writing is less about escape and more about attention: noticing how freedom, acceptance, risk, and community take shape in everyday lives across cultures and landscapes.

She is the author of The Purpose of Getting Lost and the creator of The Geography of Connection, an ongoing project that follows these themes through travel, essays, and lived experience. Tracy’s work speaks to readers navigating reinvention, midlife change, and the courage it takes to live without a neat ending.

You can follow the author on: 


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on The Purpose of Getting Lost! How has your background in psychology shaped the way you approached writing this memoir?

Tracy: My background in psychology gave me tools for understanding cognitive patterns — how people process experience, make meaning, and behave in the world. But honestly, the more important thing it gave me was self-awareness. Writing this memoir forced me to look at my own patterns first. And once I could see them clearly in myself, I started recognizing them everywhere — in how strangers moved through a space, how people signaled connection without words. That's really what gave birth to the Geography of Connection. The good news is you don't need a doctorate to do this kind of looking. You just have to be willing to pay attention.

WOW: I love when we can recognize our own patterns in ourselves.  How did the memoir evolve from your first draft to the final version?

Tracy: When I first decided to write this book, I downloaded my Facebook feed — I had been documenting my travel experiences there for the past several years. I had close to 100,000 words and 200 single-spaced pages. I sent it to an editor and thought, great, here is a book. It wasn't until he and I talked extensively that I realized I didn't have a message. I couldn't tell anyone why they should pick up my book of travel stories over anyone else's. A lot of writers have funny travel stories.

So he gave me a homework assignment. The question that turned everything around was deceptively simple: describe the demographic characteristics of your primary audience. I sat with it and realized I wasn't describing a stranger. I was describing women in my everyday life: women who had lost themselves, who didn't feel like they belonged anywhere, who were one life event away from blowing everything up or breaking open. Once I saw her clearly, I saw her everywhere. That became the spine of the book.

WOW: What an inspiring assignment! Tell us about The Geography of Connection and how it relates to The Purpose of Getting Lost.

Tracy: Most people think belonging is something you feel. I’m interested in how it’s something you can see. 

The Geography of Connection is a project that examines what belonging looks like, not as a feeling, but as something you can observe— through behaviors, postures, and movement, and then questions how those signals of belonging are shaped by culture and environment.  

The project grew directly out of writing the memoir, where I started by looking at my own patterns.  That process forced me to look at my own patterns first, to understand where I had and hadn't felt like I belonged. Once I could see those signals in myself, I started recognizing them everywhere — in how strangers moved through a space, how people positioned themselves toward or away from each other. What struck me was how universal the signals were across cultures, even when everything else was different. 

The Geography of Connection is my attempt to build a framework around that — to make that kind of looking accessible to anyone, not just researchers. Because once you learn to see belonging, you start to understand what you've been missing and now you can feel it differently. And that's where everything changes. 

WOW: That's amazing. What advice would you offer women who feel nervous about breaking free from the traditional path, as you did?

Tracy: Somewhere along the way, most women I know stopped being a person and became a collection of roles — mother, daughter, wife, friend, colleague. Those identities aren't wrong, but they have a way of crowding out the one underneath. The woman who existed before all of them.

The first step back is smaller than you think. Maybe it's reading a chapter before washing the dishes. A walk at sunset before the nighttime routine starts. It sounds almost too simple — but what those small acts do, over time, is remind you that you exist outside of what you do for everyone else. And once you see that, once you feel it even briefly, something shifts. You start to understand that choosing yourself isn't abandonment. It's just remembering.

WOW: I love your advice on taking that first step back. What are you working on now that you can share with us?

Tracy: I am currently designing a 90-day place-based inquiry in West Africa — specifically Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. My project is not just travel and it is not academic research, though it borrows from both. It merges the rigor of structured observation with the intimacy of actually being somewhere, living inside a culture rather than passing through it.

The methodology is the Geography of Connection. I'll be observing how belonging is expressed differently across communities — what it looks like, how it moves, what culture and place do to it. But here's what I want people to understand: you don't need to be a traveler or a researcher to do this kind of work. You can practice it in your own neighborhood, your own kitchen. West Africa is just where I'm taking it next.

The 90-day residency is the first chapter. What I'm building toward is a year-long program rooted in the same methodology — but that's still taking shape. The Substack is where I'm thinking out loud, designing in public. That's the most honest way I know to do this work.

WOW: We can't wait to hear more! Thank you for joining us today. Best of luck on your tour!


The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

April 6 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.

April 9 @ Rachael's Thoughts
Join Rachael for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

April 10 @ What Is That Book About
Join Michelle for her spotlight of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

April 18 @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Visit Linda's blog for her in-depth interview with author Tracy Smith.

April 22 @ Writer Advice
Join B. Lynn Goodwin for a guest post by Tracy Smith on finding purpose in uncertainty and “in-between” seasons.

April 23 @ Words by Webb
Jodi shares her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

April 23 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

April 25 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a guest post by Tracy Smith on midlife reinvention: identity, courage, and starting again.

April 27 @ World of My Imagination
Join Nicole for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

April 30 @ Words by Webb
Jodi responds to our tour prompt of something she learned about herself later in life that surprised her.

May 1 @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdra for her spotlight of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

May 3 @ Bookwoman Joan
Stop by Joan's blog for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

May 5 @ Sarandipity's
Stop by Sara's blog for her spotlight of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

May 6 @ Bring on Lemons
Visit Crystal's blog for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

May 7 @ Balance and Joy
Visit Sheri's blog for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

May 8 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Join Karen's blog for her review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith.

May 9 @ Just Katherine
Katherine joins us for a review of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith. Katherine also responds to the tour prompt about what does “belonging” mean now and how that has changed over time.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter the Gleam form for a chance to win a copy of the memoir The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith! The giveaway ends April 19th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly choose a winner the next day. Good luck!

The Purpose of Getting Lost Giveaway
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Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, February 16, 2026
 
Harriet Hates Lemonade

We're excited to have author Kim McCollum back with us again for another blog tour. This time she's sharing her newest novel, Harriet Hates Lemonade, with our WOW! community. It's perfect for readers who have loved similar books like A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. 

Join us as we celebrate the launch of her blog tour! We'll be interviewing Kim as well as giving away a copy of her book.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

Meet Harriet. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t interested in meeting you. 

Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s association failed, that doesn’t stop her from berating “off-leash-dog-man” or reporting the neighbor who had the audacity to leave their easter decorations up an entire week past the holiday. The problem is, unbeknownst to her, Harriet’s rigid rules and judgmental opinions are not her own.

Her ordered life plunges into chaos when a twelve-year-old neighbor knocks on Harriet's door seeking help because the girl’s father is physically abusing her mother. Reluctantly, Harriet comes to her neighbor’s aid and, in the process, recognizes her own insidious abuse which has unwittingly shaped her isolated, rigid existence. To escape her crushing loneliness, she must learn to break free from the patterns of control and isolation that have defined her life and learn to connect with people she previously viewed as heathens.

Publisher:  Black Rose Writing
ASIN: B0G2YPGWHV
ISBN-10: 1685137059
ISBN-13: 978-1685137052
Print Length: 312 pages

You can purchase a copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. Make sure you also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Advanced Praise for Harriet Hates Lemonade

"McCollum delivers a touching and subtly powerful story about self-discovery and unexpected connection. When Harriet’s carefully ordered life is disrupted by a neighbor in need, she’s drawn into a journey that challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. What begins as a small act of kindness becomes a turning point, awakening Harriet to new roles, relationships, and possibilities. Here's what McCollum has done—she’s shown how even the most unlikely people can find renewal and purpose when they’re willing to break their own rules." - Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn mystery/suspense series.

"Harriet Hates Lemonade is a deeply important and captivating story that will have you questioning your own preconceived notions of unhealthy relationships. The theme of abuse is explored like never before with both overt and subtle plot lines weaving together to facilitate emotion, compassion and understanding. McCollum's voice is steady and impactful, hooking the reader into Harriet's regimented and quirky life. At first, Harriet presents with neurodivergent tendencies, her opinions and actions questionable and insensitive, but as the novel progresses, a deep understanding and compassion for her character forms, shifting your perspective. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Although exploring difficult themes, the story is refreshing, realistic, and heartwarming." - Megan Jamieson, Author of The Ties That Bind Us

"Kim McCollum tackles the difficult subject of domestic abuse with sensitivity and unflinching honesty in HARRIET HATES LEMONADE. I rooted for quirky Harriet as she summons the strength to confront the past she’s kept so carefully buried, and learns to find joy in the messiness of life. A beautiful story set in breathtaking Montana with flesh and blood characters that kept me turning the page to the very end." - Linda Avellar, Author of Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot

"In Harriet Hates Lemonade, Audrey—a modern-day version of the orphaned “Anne with an E”—meets Harriet, a cranky and opinionated Olive Kitteridge-type stuck in a self-imposed existence of isolation and rigid rules. When the two are thrown together by tragic circumstances, Harriet must re-examine all her firmly held values and beliefs of the last 30 years. Can she free herself from the past? Can she come to accept that abuse takes many forms? And can she learn to embrace the joys of “found family’? 
 
"Author McCollum serves up a flavorful brew of tension, humor, uncertainty, and high emotion. Keep a box of issues handy! You’ll need it for this engaging and ultimately heartwarming story." -Ruth F. Stevens, award-winning author of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

About the Author, Kim McCollum

Kim McCollum

Kim McCollum graduated from Barnard College with a major in Japanese and was soon navigating the hustle and bustle of Wall Street. When her first child was born, she stayed home to raise her children. Once they headed off to school, Kim finally found time to pursue her passion for writing. Her award-winning debut novel, WHAT HAPPENS IN MONTANA, was published in January 2024, and her short stories have appeared in several publications. She lived in Bozeman, Montana, with her supportive husband, Brian, and their blended menagerie of five kids and three spoiled pets.

You can find her online at:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your novel, Harriet Hates Lemonade. What inspired you to write it? 

Kim: The inspiration for this novel was my desire to explore the unseen side of domestic violence. In my own life, I realized that emotional abuse can be just as paralyzing as physical violence because of how it completely dismantled my sense of self. I wanted to show how an abuser’s voice eventually becomes the victim's own internal monologue. In the book, Harriet is often seen as a cranky or difficult woman, but I wanted the reader to discover that her rigidity is actually a byproduct of trauma. By writing Harriet, I’m hoping to show that even the most self-sufficient women can lose themselves in the cycle of narcissistic abuse, and that breaking free requires unlearning a lifetime of lies.

WOW: Such great insight! I LOVED the character Harriet and all of her flaws and foibles. Did you have someone particular in mind when you were writing for Harriet or how did she come to fruition for you?

Kim: I’m so thrilled you connected with Harriet! My goal was to strike a delicate balance between grumpy, awkward, and funny to create a character who is memorable and, eventually, lovable. Unlike my first novel, where I had specific real-life inspirations for every character, Harriet was a unique creation. I certainly had prickly literary icons like Eleanor Oliphant and Olive Kitteridge in the back of my mind, but Harriet arrived in my imagination as her own collection of awkward bits and pieces. I did draw on some snippets of behavior from real-life cranky neighbors, those little moments of neighborhood rudeness or HOA overkill energy, but Harriet herself is original. I’ve found that if I dig deep enough into a character's history, they eventually start telling the story to me. That’s exactly what happened with Harriet. She took the wheel and never looked back.

WOW: So true! Characters will often speak up to you! You created such a vivid setting. How did you manage to do that so well?

Kim: I live in Bozeman, Montana, so I just wrote about my own backyard. Harriet’s community is drawn from a neighborhood I lived in for four years after moving from Big Sky to Bozeman. On the surface, it was idyllic with matching fences, beautiful open spaces, and perfectly manicured lawns. But underneath that veneer of perfection, the social climate was surprisingly hostile. Being adjacent to a school, the neighborhood was a natural thoroughfare for kids, yet I watched neighbors get genuinely incensed over a child taking a shortcut across their grass. I included some of the more absurd real-life suggestions I heard, like the time an HOA member seriously proposed DNA testing dog waste to identify culprits. While I’ve since moved to a property with more acreage and no covenants, those years of high-tension neighborhood living provided the perfect, pressurized backdrop for Harriet’s story.

WOW: Ha, those kinds of tense situations can provide great inspiration. I LOVE your title. Can you share how you came to decide upon that title?

Kim: How I wish I could remember! The title actually predates the book by about four years. I came up with it while taking a course at Harvard called ‘The Art of the Pitch.’ At the time, I hadn't written a single word of the story; it was just a premise and this title. When I pitched it to the professor and the class, the reaction was so overwhelmingly positive that I realized I had to write it. Now, four years later, seeing the book come to fruition is incredibly rewarding. Though I’m currently searching for that same lightning in a bottle for a title for my third novel, which is proving much more elusive!

WOW: I'm sure you'll find it! This isn't your first novel of course! Was the experience writing Harriet Hates Lemonade different from your time writing What Happens in Montana?

Kim: The primary difference was a newfound sense of confidence. When I was writing my debut, What Happens in Montana, I battled significant imposter syndrome. I’d often shelve the manuscript for months, convinced that no one would ever care about the story. The positive reception of that first book gave me the permission I needed to trust myself with Harriet. I walked into this project understanding that a first draft doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be finished. I’ve learned that a draft is really just a ball of clay. You can’t begin the real work of molding and shaping the story until you have the material on the table. Embracing the fact that the "saggy middle" is just a part of the process allowed me to push through the messy first draft much faster this time around.

WOW: What great symbolism of a manuscript! What do you hope people take away from reading your book?

Kim: My primary hope is to start a meaningful conversation about the insidious nature of emotional abuse. In our society, we often wait for the bruises and broken bones before we validate someone's trauma, but the psychological architecture of abuse, the gaslighting, the devaluing, and the constant belittling, is just as devastating.

In the novel, Harriet hides behind rules and religious language to justify her isolation, not realizing that her prickly exterior is actually a survival mechanism she learned from Les. I want readers to see that emotional abuse doesn't just happen to weak people. It happens to strong, intelligent women who eventually become shells of themselves because the person who is supposed to love them the most has told them they are broken. I hope readers walk away understanding that love is never a green light to sabotage your partner’s sense of self.

WOW: Such a great lasting message. Thank you for your time today!

Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum Blog Tour

-- Blog Tour Calendar

February 16 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Kim McCollum's book Harriet Hates Lemonade. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of her book.

February 19 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Visit Karen's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 20 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Nicole features Kim McCollum on her Substack feature, Your Weekend Care Package.

February 21 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for an excerpt from Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 24 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 26 @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 27 @ Renee Roberson's blog
Join Renee for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 28 @ Chapter Break
Julie shares a guest post by Kim McCollum about how to use setting to develop your story.

March 2 @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Visit Veronica's blog for a review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 3 @ Words by Webb
Jodi interviews author Kim McCollum about her book Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 4 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Join Leslie's blog for an excerpt from Harriet Hates Lemonade. She also shares a guest post by the author about her experience working in a local abuse shelter.

March 5 @ Just Katherine
Join Katherine's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 7 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for her interview with Kim McCollum about her book, Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 10 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 11 @ CC King's blog
Join Caitrin for a guest post by Kim McCollum on creating characters based on people around you. 

March 12 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for a guest post on how to revise your manuscript while maintaining a full and busy life.

March 13 @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona's blog for a guest post on developing characters that feel real in fiction. 

March 15 @ Rachael's Thoughts
Visit Rachael's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade. 

March 16 @ BookwormBecky1969
Becky shares her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade. 

March 20 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a powerful guest post by Kim McCollum about what she learned from her abusive relationship.

March 22 @ Silver's Reviews
Join Elizabeth for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a print copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on March 1st at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Harriet Hates Lemonade Giveaway
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Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, February 09, 2026
 
Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott

We're honored to have Elle Mott with us for her blog tour of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. This book is perfect for women who love true stories about community spirit and dedication. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

But first, here's more about this nonfiction historical biography:

Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.

In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.

Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father's acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father's praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.

Publisher: Luminare Press
ISBN-13: 979-8-88679-972-9
ASIN: B0GFGTN761
Print length: 303 pages

Purchase a copy of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady on Amazon. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Advanced Praise for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady

“Wow, this book is such a delight! It tells the incredible story of Marie Conner, an amazing woman whose life had me hooked from the very start. As a businesswoman and community volunteer in Lebanon, Oregon, I felt a real connection to her journey. I recognized names that begat generations of hard working, generous people.

Marie’s blend of business savvy and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. The author does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of Marie’s day-to-day life, making you feel like you’re right there with her, experiencing all the ups and downs. This book is a beautiful reminder of how one person can make a difference, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about community spirit and dedication. Definitely worth a read!” 

Jennifer Stewart Grove 
Outreach Director of The Oaks at Lebanon Retirement Community
Entertainment Chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival
Woman of the Year, 2019, Lebanon, Oregon.

About the Author, Elle Mott


Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction. This is her third book. She is the author of “Out of Chaos: A Memoir” and “People Helping People.” Her other writing pieces have been featured in literary journals, news magazines, and anthologies. She has a background working in libraries, both at the college level and, for more than ten years, at the public library in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. While library work is her livelihood, writing is her passion. Elle grew up in Oregon and now makes her home in the suburbs of northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds. 

Find her online at:


-- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your book, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady! What inspired you to write about Marie Conner?

Elle: Inspiration for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady, came from my memoir, Out of Chaos, in which my remembrance of her gave me strength to overcome difficulties. I had been on the verge of adulthood, and she, much older, when she had imparted words of wisdom to me. With my memoir published, and she, long gone, I questioned why my strength had come from her. That answer involved research. Marie, who was once my matriarch, was next a great muse for me as I peeled back the layers of a woman, who, as I came to find out, had lived a truly remarkable life. As in awe as I was, I knew I had to share her story.

WOW: I think it's so fascinating that you called her your muse. What do you hope readers take away from reading the book?

Elle: There is much we can gain from a woman who lived in an era when women were expected to stay home and yet, she didn't. Marie was a changemaker and trailblazer. Although her story takes place in bygone days, it is relevant today, given the unsettling stories that bombard our daily news. Marie’s legacy is the inspiration for us to make a positive difference in our life and our communities. If she could do it, so can we.

Whether it be this or something else, I hope you will share what you take away from it in a review wherever you hang out, whether online or in person—even just a few words will be much appreciated.

WOW: I love that! You did such a fantastic job of making Marie and the world around her so vivid and real. What was your techniques in writing in order to convey that so well?

Elle: With a myriad of tools available for writers to use to portray the world in their stories whether it be a novel or like this one, a true story, I will share but one way, and that is to look at pictures. Not just look at but study the picture and write out what is seen. Pay attention to the details, whether it be facial expressions or windblown grass in the surrounding landscape or the condition of a building or house. If you really pay attention, you will see colors in black and white photographs. I can see Marie’s expression and even the plausible lipstick shade she used when posing for black and white pictures, many of which are now found in newspaper repositories. And in reading a 1952 issue of the Saturday Evening Post that featured an article detailing but one of Marie’s accomplishments, I studied the included photographs.

WOW: What great insight! What was your revision process like?

Elle: It (the revision process) was long, but thankfully I was not alone as I moved through draft after draft after (well, you get the picture). For completing the manuscript, I had two readers at my side from day one. This historical biography has four parts. Part Two zooms in on Marie’s civic leadership. Part One shows her youth, and even then, how she had made strides to break barriers placed on women in that era. From Part Three, which is where Marie’s focus shifts a bit, next comes the dénouement in Part Four. 

For each drafted part (and each with several chapters), once written, my two readers were on hand to give me feedback in what to keep and what not to, and what to change or not, and why or why not. I especially loved my time with one reader, Janet Martin-Rush. Like me, she is a morning person. As the sun was only beginning to rise, we’d settle in my living room with coffee and pastries to talk freely about my muse, how we can apply Marie’s message in our home and work lives today, and how best to share her story. Insider scoop for you: Janet wanted me to title the book, “In a Burst of Thunder.”

WOW: Ha, that's a clever title too! What advice do you have for any writer who wants to take on any nonfiction projects?

Elle: Passion is important for any writer for nonfiction projects. My advice is that it to be on someone or something in which you are passionate about; not necessarily a topic that you know a lot about. I thought I had known my matriarch, Marie, yet from my research, I gained ah-hah moments. Trust me, from my experience, even if you think you know your topic well when going in to it, you will, when you do your due diligence in research, find surprises. Surprises sure surfaced for me. Also, with this passion, be prepared with a box of Kleenex as you draft the story. Even the happy moments had me in tears as I peeled back, and then shared in my writing, the layers of this unforgettable woman, Marie Conner, who I can’t wait for you to meet!

WOW: That's great wisdom. Thank you so much sharing. Thank you for your time today! I hope you enjoy your blog tour.

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott Blog Tour


--- Blog Tour Calendar

February 9 @ The Muffin
Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Elle Mott's nonfiction historical biography, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. We interview the author and give you the chance to win a cherry blossom gift set, including a copy of the book.

February 10 @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Karen features Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott in a spotlight.

February 11 @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa's blog for an interview with Elle Mott.

February 12 @ World of My Imagination
Nicole reviews Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 14 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Stop by Linda's blog for an interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.

February 15 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for her feature of an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 17 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Leslie will be featuring an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 18 @ The Faerie Review
Stop by Lily's blog for a spotlight of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 19 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 21 @ Sarandipity's Blog
Join Sara for her interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.

February 23 @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 25 @ CC King's blog
Check out Catrin's blog for an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 26 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt on her experience giving back to her community.

February 27 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.

March 2 @ Just Katherine
Katherine will share an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott. She'll also share her response to our tour-themed prompt about a strong maternal figure for her when growing up.


***** BOOK & GIFT SET GIVEAWAY *****


One winner will receive a cherry blossom gift set, including a signed copy of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on February 22 at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady & Cherry Blossom Gift Set Giveaway
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What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, December 08, 2025
What Comes Next Blog Tour

I'm excited to announce that author Caitlin Forbes is joining us for a blog tour of her novel, What Comes Next. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy adult coming-of-age stories that deal with complex, emotional subjects. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes
"My life is perfectly fine."

Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.

Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.

As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.

Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
ISBN-10: 1662528116
ISBN-13: 978-1662528118
ASIN: B0DZY6Q16W
Print length: 317 pages

Purchase a copy of What Comes Next on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Caitlin Forbes

Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life. 

You can follow the author at: 


--- Blog Tour Calendar

December 8 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 9 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Join Kaecey's blog for a guest post from Caitlin Forbes about why she writes and what inspires her.

December 11 @ Knotty Needle
Judy shares her thoughts about What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

December 12 @ CC King's blog
Stop by Caitrin's blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on the struggle and process of publishing a debut novel.

December 15 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

December 18 @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy's blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her own dog rescue story.

December 19 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Stop by Nicole's Substack for a contribution from Caitlin Forbes.

December 20 @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 20 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Visit Anthony's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 21 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes about the importance of fiction, particularly book club fiction, in this crazy time.

December 23 @ What Is That Book About?
Visit Michelle's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 26 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 28 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Stop by Leslie's blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on why she included dogs in her book What Comes Next.

January 2 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Stop by Nicole's Substack for a feature of What Comes Next in her weekly newsletter.

January 3 @ Seaside Book Nook
Visit Jilleen's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

January 4 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Stop by Anthony's blog for his review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

January 8 @ Writer Advice
Visit B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

January 9 @ Writer Advice
Stop by B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for a guest post by author Caitlin Forbes about the question of inheritance - of what we inherit versus what we get to choose.

January 10 @ Just Katherine
Stop by Katherine's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. You'll also have a chance to read her response to our tour-themed prompt about whether if she had an incurable condition and if she would want to find out.

Podcast Tour Event

Written Word Podcast

Bookaholic

The Weekly Parent

High Vibes Moms Club

The Storied Human


What Comes Next giveaway

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

THREE WINNERS! Our grand prize winner (first random draw) will win a print copy of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The next two winners will win a copy of the book. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends December 14th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw the winners the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

What Comes Next & Gift Card Giveaway
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Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle by Celeste Fenton: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, November 10, 2025


Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle by Celeste Fenton

What could be better than reading and loving a book and then finding out there's more? Characters that feel like old friends are off to have more adventures! And it's happening today with a welcome back visit from author Celeste Fenton with the second book in her Mysteries of a Heart series, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle. More suspense, more romance, more mystery and a new twist...Scotland. Join us as we celebrate the launch of this book with a giveaway and an interview with the author.

But before we get to that, here's more about her book:

Two mysteries. One fight for survival. And danger closing in from both sides of the sea.

Gabby Heart travels to a remote Scottish castle with her best friend, Abe-a bestselling children's author-expecting misty views, historic charm, and quiet time to plan their next book series. But Brantmar Castle holds more than ghosts of the past. When the women are taken hostage, Gabby must rely on her instincts, her resilience, and the help of men who may not deserve her trust to survive. Meanwhile, on Dost Island, young residents are vanishing without a trace. As those left behind scramble for answers, unsettling clues emerge-leading to a dark motive no one could have predicted. From the storm-swept highlands of Scotland to the rocky shores of New England, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle blends mystery, emotional grit, and simmering romance in a story where secrets run deep... and time is running out.

Publisher: Independently Published (September 22, 2025)
AISN: B0FNLY4WXK
Print length:  384 pages

Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll also want to add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Celeste Fenton

Celeste Fenton holds an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in education and has over thirty years’ experience in higher education. Her writing is fueled by a lifelong love of mystery, a fascination with the complexities of the human heart, and just enough real-world experience to keep things interesting. A widow, mother of adult twin sons, proud grandmother, dog lover, and semi-retired professor living in Florida, she weaves imagination with insight to create stories that are both emotionally rich and laced with suspense.

When she’s not writing, reading, or plotting her next twist, she’s often off exploring small towns across America—setting out solo for month-long adventures, much to the awe (and occasional alarm) of friends and family. Her latest obsessions include escape rooms, mastering the perfect miter cut for a DIY bathroom remodel, and making the impossible decision of where to travel next.


--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Welcome back, Celeste. We can't wait to hear about your second book Captive Heart at
Brantmar Castle. 

Celeste: Jodi, first, thank you for the wonderful blog tour you arranged for Lost Heart in King Manor and now for Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle! Women on Writing (WOW) is an amazing resource and support for writers.

WOW: We do love writers, especially meeting them and getting to know how they work. So tell us, did you plan the Mysteries of a Heart series from the beginning or did it grow from Lost Heart in King Manor?

Celeste: When the idea for Lost Heart in King Manor first started chirping—demanding to be freed from my brain cage—I was only focused on one book. (It was originally titled Mystery at the Manor. Yawn!) But as I got to know Gabby, she made it clear that one-and-done wouldn’t cut it. She had opinions, adventures to survive, and a lot more to say. I just followed her lead—and suddenly, I had a series.

WOW: Some characters just can't be contained in one book. Many of the characters from Lost Heart in King Manor return in Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle. How do you keep them fresh and evolving?

Celeste: It’s easy to keep the characters fresh because—now, don’t call the help line—I do know they’re fictional… I just don’t tell them that. These characters are growing, learning, making mistakes, finding purpose, falling in and out of love, and sometimes tripping over their own emotions. In other words, they’re human.

Abe Tuff (Abigail) takes a much bigger role in Captive Heart, reluctantly dragged into another one of Gabby’s “adventures.” There are fun and touching moments with the people Gabby and Abe meet in Scotland; Rick and Jay continue their bickering but have to press pause long enough to survive a disaster; Connie’s on her deathbed, Val comes home, Gail and Lola serve up sass, Beth and Roman feed everyone, and Anna—bless her—holds them all together. Whew! There’s a lot going on in Captive Heart!

WOW: That is a lot of drama. But we also enjoy the budding romance (actually, multiple romances). Many authors say romance scenes are hard to write. Do you find them challenging?

Celeste: Oh, absolutely—I was blushing writing my first steamy scene in Lost Heart in King Manor, where Gabby and Rick are in the tunnels and Jay catches them mid-make-out. Hells bells! But Gabby and Rick are in their forties—hello, they’re not exactly innocent—and it felt honest and natural for the moment. Plus, it gave Jay a perfect comedic reaction.

My advice? Don’t write sex scenes for shock value. Make them earn their place in the story. The intimacy should move the characters forward—emotionally, narratively—and feel real, not gratuitous.

WOW: It was enjoyable to read sexy scenes that had a tinge of humor, that gave them such a real feeling. So, two books released and more to come. Did you learn anything while writing Lost Heart that made the books that followed easier to write?

Celeste: I’m a lifelong educator who believes we learn with every breath we take, and writing is no exception. My action beats are stronger now, and the characters have greater depth (they talk to me more—but I’ve learned to put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign in my head at bedtime, though Gabby, Lola, and especially Jay, love to ignore it).

I dove deeper into research—Scotland, planes, tides, COVID, even mass shootings. Every new detail enriched the Captive Heart world and, frankly, taught me a lot about resilience—both theirs and mine.

WOW: If your research is any clue, there are going to be lots of challenges in Captive Heart. You’ve been promoting the Mysteries of the Heart series for several months. Are you tired? No, seriously, what’s your best advice for book promotion?

Celeste: Marketing is the hardest part of being an author. It’s exhausting, endless, and requires strategy. Let me share a cautionary tale: I signed up for a “Feel the Heat” book conference in Tampa, Florida. Perfect, I thought—just a few miles up I-75 from home! When I arrived, I was thrilled to see my table near the entrance. No competition in sight. Then I wandered into the main area and—gasp!—whips, chains, and dungeons. Turns out “Feel the Heat” was code for erotica, not the Florida sunshine.

Moral of the story? Do your research.

Make sure every dollar and every hour you invest in promotion is aligned with your genre, your audience, and your stage of authorship. A debut indie author and a New York Times bestseller have very different needs.

WOW: Book promotion is always an adventure, but your misadventure wins the prize. Maybe Gabby will wander into a Feel the Heat conference in a future book! Do you draw from your life for your writing? Do your travels inspire your writing?

Celeste: Absolutely! I adore exploring—small towns, college towns, big cities—all of it. Travel recharges my imagination, fills my creative well, and helps me craft richer settings and characters. A 2023 trip up the eastern coast of Canada and across to Greenland inspired several key scenes in Captive Heart and the book I’m writing now, Broken Heart at Avalon Chateau, which finds the gang sailing up the eastern coast of Canada!

WOW: I'm looking forward to traveling with Gabby and the gang. But you often travel solo. What's the appeal of traveling alone?

Celeste: Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and for some, it may not be feasible. But for me, it’s freeing. I can go where I want, when I want. It’s liberating, refreshing, and yes, occasionally lonely. But in that quiet, I think deeply, soul-search, and plot without distraction. My limit is about thirty days—after that, I miss my loved ones too much, and I know it’s time to for Gemma and I to head home. 

WOW: How is it solo traveling if you travel with Gemma?

Celeste: Gemma is my little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that is almost always glued to my side. She’s up for almost every adventure and a great sounding board!

WOW: I have three black cats as my sounding board but they are definitely home bodies. If a mysterious millionaire offered to fund a trip anywhere in the world, where would you (and Gemma) go?

Celeste: Oh, what a setup for a novel! Let’s see… I’d pick Tasmania.

Two reasons: I just finished watching The Survivors on Netflix—filmed there, and the locale was absolutely stunning. Coincidentally, my fourth book, Deserted Heart at Crest Edge Villa, takes
place in Tasmania.

It would be the perfect chance for “on location” research. So, if there are any generous millionaires reading this… Hello! Call me! (My editor said not to forget her.)

WOW: And me! After all, it was my question.  So tell us what's next. We’ve had a manor, a castle...will there be more Mysteries of the Heart or something new?

Celeste: Right now, I’m laser-focused on Mysteries of a Heart.

The third book, Broken Heart at Avalon Chateau, finds Gabby and the gang in the summer of 2020, sailing on Jay’s not-so-luxurious yacht to Canada to inspect his newly inherited chateau—one that may hold a cache of stolen Nazi gold. Meanwhile, back on Dost Island, Gabby’s daughter Val investigates the murder of the town librarian with Gail, Connie, and Lincoln (Connie’s maybe love interest). Secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the group must face their own demons to survive.

The fourth book, Deserted Heart at Crest Edge Villa, takes Gabby and friends to Tasmania, where they investigate the mysterious death of Anna’s half-brother. A letter sends them on an RV trek through the wilderness—but when they become stranded, they must rely on old traditions and each other for survival while being stalked by a sinister presence.

And finally, unless Gabby and the gang have other ideas, Rescued Heart at Water’s Edge wraps the series. Shipwrecked on an uncharted island after fleeing Tasmania, Gabby and her companions must fight the elements—and each other—as strange forces push them to the brink of madness. Only by shedding old grievances and rediscovering faith in one another can they hope to make it home.

WOW: Shipwrecked! What an amazing ending (maybe) for the series. Well, we should let you get back to writing. Someone has to get Gabby off that island.

Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle Blog Tour

--Blog Tour Calendar

November 10th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the second book in Celeste Fenton's Mysteries of a Heart series: Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

November 11th @ Reading Is My Remedy
Celeste Fenton, author of Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle  believes there is Power In the Past. today she tells us how backstory can make (or break) a story. 

November 12th @ Just Katherine
Katherine has a review of Celeste's latest novel: Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle. Also, author Celeste Fenton shares thoughts about the power of friendship later in life. 

November 14th @ Books R Us
Learn about emotion wildfires with author Celeste Fenton's guest post about Writing Through the Flames of Grief, Anger and Longing.

November 17th @ Chapter Break 
Ever wonder about The Frizzy Side of Murder? Celeste Fenton, author of the Mysteries of a Heart series, shares thoughts on blending suspense with romance.

November 19th @ Words by Webb
Need a fun & adventure-filled read? Jodi reviews Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle.

November 20th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Sometimes writing is Too Hot to Handle. Author Celeste Fenton shares The Art (and Awkwardness) of Writing Intimate Scenes.

November 22nd @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Ever wonder about a day in the life of an author? Learn more in today's interview with Celeste Fenton.

November 25th @ Other People's Pets
Novelist and animal lover Celeste Fenton shares five things everyone should know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

November 28th @ Your Weekend Care Package
Author Celeste Fenton is a guest contributor with her ideas about the perfect weekend care package.

December 3rd @ Word Magic
Author Celeste Fenton writes about how Creativity Has Gone to the Dogs. Learn about the key influence her dogs have on her writing process.

Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle Giveaway

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle by Celeste Fenton! Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends November 23rd at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!

Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle Giveaway
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