Review: Shore Excursion by: Marie Moore

Title: Shore Excursion
Author: Marie Moore
Publisher: Camel Press
Pages: 219
Format: Paperback
Source: Tribute Books Book Tour
Author Website: http://www.mariemooremysteries.com/

Shore Excursion Book Summary

Travel agents are a vanishing breed, but Sidney Marsh, a New York transplant from Mississippi, is holding her ground–at least on land. She is the tour leader on a cruise through Scandinavia for a group of eccentric senior citizens who call themselves the High Steppers. Sidney expects her days to be filled with long meals, shopping expeditions and visits to museums, churches and fjords. But this cruise is anything but routine. There is a killer on board, targeting the High Steppers and quite possibly herself.

After the first suspicious death, the captain and his crew are grimly determined to carry on as usual. Disgusted with their inaction, Sidney decides to take matters into her own hands and launch her own investigation. She enlists the halfhearted help of her friend and business partner, the flamboyant and fun-loving Jay Wilson. Suspects abound. What about those two handsome young men who stay mysteriously aloof? One of them has his eye on Sidney. So does another passenger, far too charming and again too young to fit the “High Stepper” mold. Then there’s Captain Vargos, the arrogant ladies’ man whose plans to thwart Sidney’s investigation might include seduction.

Who is that crew member shadowing Sidney? Is the theater really haunted? Even the High Steppers themselves are not as predictable or harmless as they seem. The closer Sydney gets to the truth, the less she understands. Shore Excursion is the first book in a new mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Sidney Marsh.

Marie Moore Bio:

Shore Excursion is Marie Moore’s first novel, but not her first writing experience, and like Sidney Marsh, she is a native Mississippian. She graduated from Ole Miss, married a lawyer in her hometown, taught junior high science, raised a family, and worked for a small weekly newspaper, first as a writer and later as Managing Editor. She wrote hard news, features and a weekly column, sold ads, did interviews, took photos, and won a couple of MS Press Association awards for some of her stories.

In 1985, Marie left the newspaper to open a retail travel agency. She completed agency and computer training with Airlines Reporting Corporation, Delta Airlines and TWA, earned her CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) designation, and joined the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). For the next 15 years, she managed her agency, sold travel, escorted group tours, sailed on 19 cruises, and visited over 60 countries. Much of the background of Shore Excursioncomes from that experience.

Marie also did location scouting and worked as the local contact for several feature films, including Heart of Dixie, The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag, and Robert Altman’s Cookie’s Fortune.

In mid-1999, because of her husband’s work, Marie sold the travel agency and moved to Jackson, MS, then New York City, Anna Maria Island, FL, and Arlington, VA. She and her husband now live in Memphis, TN and Holly Springs, MS.

Marie is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Paperback

Price: $13.95

ISBN: 9781603818742

Pages: 230

Release: April 1, 2012

Amazon pre-order buy link 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/160381874X?tag=tributebooks-20

Barnes&Noble.com pre-order buy link

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fshore-excursion-marie-moore%252F1037418549%253Fean%253D9781603818742%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Dshore%252Bexcursion%252Bmarie%252Bmoore

My Thoughts:

This book rocks, it’s full of mystery when High Steppers begin to die mysteriously and the ships Captain keeps trying to cover it up.  It’s up Sidney to find out what is going on.  It involves a mysterious red bag, people who aren’t who they claim to be and High Steppers getting in the way.  This book was fabulous I loved how every time Sidney tried to figure it out another clue was thrown out there.  Like the mysterious homeless man in NY who winds up on one of the Shore Excursions. How the Doctor on the ship knows one family way to well.  And then there is Sidney getting threatened to back off.  Sidney is not one to take a back seat to funny business going on and she cares too much for the High Steppers to sit back and do nothing!

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Lifting The Wheel of Karma by: Paul H. Magid Review

Title: Lifting The Wheel of Karma

Author: Paul H. Magid

Publisher: Point Dume Press

Pages: 192

Source: Book Tour

Description:

Joseph Connell is a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape. 

He believes the answer to what threatens to crush him can be found in the knowledge possessed by a mystical old wise man, who lives deep within the remote Himalayas of India. 

If Joseph is ever to find the peace he so desperately seeks, he must get this wise old man to reveal what he truly knows, but that will not be easy…for this sage knows far more than he admits

My Review:

Oh my gosh what a great book.  It’s the story of Joseph Connell who has a terrible car accident and by the wheel of fate ends up encountering Lahiri and old Hindu man who has met Joesph before in a different lifetime.  Joseph become greatly injured seeks out the Old wise man to work mind over matter to walk again.

Joesph learns along the way to love and forgive those even when they have wronged you, and to appreciate all you have in life, as it can be cut short.

The writing style and description really made you feel like you were there in Montana and again in India.  Made me want to watch Gandhi again.  I just loved the relationship between Lahiri and Joesph, and Joesph with his brother Billy.

Definitely an author I will be on the look to work with again and to read his wonderful words again.

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Blackout

Link for more Information

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Guest Post: Paul H. Magid

Author:           Paul H. Magid

Novel:            LIFTING THE WHEEL OF KARMA

Topic:              How you came to write a book about karma and spirituality       

My novel, LIFTING THE WHEEL OF KARMA, is a profound spiritual journey of extraordinary healing and redemption in a modern tale that harkens back to the myths of antiquity.

The creative drive to craft this novel, that is a distinctive mix of enlightening spiritual journey with the intensity and power of the ancient mythological archetype, came directly from the life I have lived of unrelenting hardship and penetrating adversity, that severely tested my inner strength, resolve, and belief system.

I have endured more in one life than some people might face in ten lifetimes. I have been paralyzed from the neck down in a severe spinal compression accident, though fortunately I made a full recovery. I was beset in the decades that followed with multiple joint reconstruction surgeries, Hashimoto’s Disease (thyroid), Gilbert’s Disease (liver), Crohn’s Disease (intestinal), and Addison’s Disease (adrenal). I still must take more medications each day than most people take in vitamins in a week’s time.

Life itself is, of course, a spiritual journey, often a painful one, yet persevering through that pain can lead to powerful wisdom and healing insights. For me, the most engaging spiritual stories are the ones that tap into the mythical dimension that resonates deep within the collective unconscious of us all.

While I always knew I wanted to share with the world a deeply meaningful tale, I also knew I wanted to deliver one that recognizes that our lives are permeated and guided by forces beyond our control, forces more powerful than us, and very often with designs not of our choosing that will challenge us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

It was with all of this in mind that I wrote LIFTING THE WHEEL OF KARMA, a story that brings to life Joseph Connell, a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape.

He believes the answer to what threatens to crush him can be found in the knowledge possessed by a mystical old wise man, who lives deep within the remote Himalayas of India.

If Joseph is ever to find the peace he so desperately seeks, he must get this wise old man to reveal what he truly knows, but that will not be easy...for this sage knows far more than he truly admits.

I started writing LIFTING THE WHEEL OF KARMA twenty-five years ago while still in high school. I tried repeatedly to abandon it, because the work was so difficult, but the work refused to be forsaken. Eventually I realized that sharing this story with the world was, in fact, my Dharma –my duty in life.

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Dreamland Audio Giveaway

For anyone who hasen't hopped to my new blog there is a new giveaway of Dreamland by Alyson Noel pop on over and check it out 


http://bookloverstop.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/dreamland-by-alyson-noel/

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We've Moved

We've moved so if your looking for us please go here


Book Lover Stop


We look forward to working with you in 2012

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To All My Follows *News Information

I know this site has gotten quiet lately, I'm in the process of moving over to wordpress if people want to continue to follow me I suggest heading over there, too many changes are happening on blogger and I would like to jump ship prior to my site being hit as a target.  You can still follow me through goodreads, twitter etc.

Book Blog Link 

I am slowly taking my time moving over posts and other ads and things.  So please have some patience.  Thank you to all my loyal followers over the past two years I hope to make this one a better year.

To the book tours I am doing I'm hoping to be able to do the tours here and post my reviews in both places.

Happy 2012

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Happy Holidays

I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone Happy Holidays hope you enjoy the beautiful time of the year!  These pictures are from Deviant Art!  Enjoy I know I did!

 I can't wait to bring you more reviews in 2012, great books and great authors and some great book tours scheduled.  Should be a blast!

And maybe just maybe some great giveaways as well so enjoy the holiday and can't wait to get back to books after the New Year!

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Eternal Beginnings by: Christine Cunningham

Title: Eternal Beginning
Author: Christine Cunningham
Eternal Beginning Publishing LLC
Pages: 56
Source: Author sent for Review ebook


Description:
Imagine a world that draws out your true potential.
Can you hear your guide calling you?
Heed the call and open yourself to the life that you desire.

My Review:

What a unique book that really can set you back on track if you loose your way.  Definitely a great uplifting book for those of us always on the go and forgetting the simple things, how to begin again.  I enjoyed the story and being reminded to listen to my guide, and allowing myself to open up to other things.

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It's Monday what are you reading? #25

It's Monday What are you Reading? Is a weekly bookish meme where we get together to share what books we've read in the past week, what books we're currently reading and what new books we're planning on reading in the coming week along with any reviews or interesting posts. It's hosted by Sheila @One Person's Journey through a World of Books

Finished Reading:

Come Back To Me by: Melissa Foster

Description:

Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.

Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

The Devil's Dime by: Bailey Bristol 

Description:

The Samaritan Files Trilogy Book One The Devil's Dime Investigative reporter Jess Pepper made it his life's mission to use his column to expose those who lived on the devil's dime. With his words he could defend the innocent and bring down corruption, one evildoer at a time. But when his column forces an innocent Samaritan into the public eye, and puts a target on his back, Jess must discover not only who wants this good man dead, but how to save the man's daughter, who has captured his heart. Violinist Adelaide Magee came to New York City with little more than a violin tucked beneath her chin and enough determination to launch her dream. Her women's orchestra, the Avalon Strings, was fast becoming the city's hot new item, until reporter Jess Pepper put the one man she loved in deadly peril. Can Addie trust Jess to save this good man? Or will she have to do it herself? Corruption and greed set the scene for this vividly drawn tale of danger, heartbreak, unexpected love and family found in 1890's New York.

Finger Lickin' Dead by: Riley Adams

Description:

When an anonymous food critic blasts several local restaurants- including Aunt Pat's-Lulu Taylor and her customers are biting mad, especially when they learn that Eppie Currian is the pen name of their friend Evelyn's cheating boyfriend. When "Eppie" gets his own fatal review, the list of suspects is longer than the list of specials at the best BBQ place in Memphis.

The 58^th Keeper by: R.G. Bullet

Description:

The 58^th Keeper is the story of a boy called Archy Bass, who stumbles upon a mysterious and powerful relic. The moment he touches it, two warring forces race to find his whereabouts. One side thinks he’s simply too young and too inexperienced to keep it, and the other just want him dead. Hold on to your seats! The 58th Keeper is a roaring trip that takes the reader on the most wonderful and hair-raising scenes imaginable. R. G. Bullet pulls out all stops in his debut novel to deliver an incredible journey with unforgettable characters. This book will resonate with you for ages past the last line.

Currently Reading: 

Hickory Smoked Homicide by: Riley Adams

Description: 

BBQ-joint owner Lulu Taylor knows pretty much everyone in Memphis who lives ribs. But one person she'd rather not know is Tristan Pembroke, a snooty pageant couch with a mean streak. When she finds Tristan's dead body stuffed in a closet at a party, the police are suspicious- especially since Lulu's developed a taste for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in a situation stickier than molasses, Lulu must clear her name, or risk getting fried...

The Mers by: Ami Blackwelder

Description:

A Mermaid Dystopian 

What lies beneath the surface? One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life. Who are the Mers? Who is Mira? Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren across the border that divides Ellis Island and New Jersey, a border that divides two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one. But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of Aristocrats who hate the Mers, Pirates who want to sell them, and Magi who want to use them...finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death.

Angel Evolution by: David Estes

Description:

Angel Evolution- the first book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution.

Up Next to read:

I am working my way through all sorts of Indie Books I have one or acquired through the last few weeks so there will be lots of Indie reviews.  If you are looking for an Indie review check out my Authors and Publishers Page.

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My Next Challenge

Hey everyone,

I'm wrapping up a couple of books I have planned to read then I will venturing for a bit, other than blog tours, to read some great Indie books.  My goal is to spend time reading the self published books and spotlight them so others can check out the great books.

If you are interested in having me read your book please feel free to contact me, I would be more than happy to check out your newest creation!

Most of these are Nook format or Kindle format.  I look forward to sharing great books with everyone!

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Pump Up Your Promotions Book Party

Pump Up Your Promotions is having a facebook part today be there or be square!  I will definitely be checking this out.  You can also learn more here

• The party will be held at our Facebook Party Page on December 16 from 4 p.m. noon to 10 p.m. (eastern time).  To find out what time that is in your part of the country, you can go by this:

* 4 p.m. eastern * 3 p.m. Central * 2 p.m. Mountain * 1 p.m. Pacific *

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The 58th Keeper by: R.G. Bullet Review

Title: The 58^th Keeper

Author: R. G. Bullet

Publisher: SilverHouse Books, Inc.

Pages: 402

Source: Pump Up Your Books Promotion

Description:

The 58^th Keeper is the story of a boy called Archy Bass, who stumbles upon a mysterious and powerful relic. The moment he touches it, two warring forces race to find his whereabouts. One side thinks he’s simply too young and too inexperienced to keep it, and the other just want him dead. Hold on to your seats! The 58th Keeper is a roaring trip that takes the reader on the most wonderful and hair-raising scenes imaginable. R. G. Bullet pulls out all stops in his debut novel to deliver an incredible journey with unforgettable characters. This book will resonate with you for ages past the last line.

My Review:


What a intriguing book, it follows the story of Archy Bass who has been in different foster homes, and his latest one puts him in a private school where he meets Vincent the two form a great friendship.  During the summer Archy is invited with Vincent's family to go to Turkey for a archeological dig.  Where he encounters the 57^th keeper who sells him a cheap looking rug.  


From there we learn so much about what the rug it's origins and what he is part of.  Definitely full of adventure, hidden secrets and much more.  Great book for anyone looking for magic and kids. 

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Finger Lickin' Dead by: Riley Adams

Title: Finger Lickin' Dead
Author: Riley Adams
Pages: 272
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Memphis Barbeque #2

Description:

When an anonymous food critic blasts several local restaurants- including Aunt Pat's-Lulu Taylor and her customers are biting mad, especially when they learn that Eppie Currian is the pen name of their friend Evelyn's cheating boyfriend. When "Eppie" gets his own fatal review, the list of suspects is longer than the list of specials at the best BBQ place in Memphis.

My Review:

I love this series, this one follows Lulu and her gang of friends who are up to their eyes in murder. When a local food critique is found dead by little Ella Beth it is up to Lulu to figure out what is going on. There is a long list of suspects including his current wife, his ex-wife, an ex food critique, the Aunt Pat's chef Lulu's son Ben. But all fingers point nowhere in particular. Even with a big list of suspects it takes down to the last minute to solve this crime. I loved reading about the south and what the gals are all up too.

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Paying Back to Authors and Publishers

So I was sitting here looking through some other blogs and decided I was going to pay it back to the publishers and authors that support us with giveaways, free books to review, etc.  I am offering til I get tired of doing it which could be never who knows, free ad space on the right side.  I thought this would be a great way to showcase indie and self published books that we get the pleasure of reading.  My way of saving them a few bucks on advertising which after you write a book, get it out there for the public to review can get time consuming etc.  So enjoy my special while it lasts!  Feel free to pass it on to fellow authors and publishers.

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The Devil's Dime by: Bailey Bristol

Title:  The Devil’s Dime

Author: Bailey Bristol

Publisher: Prairie Muse

Pages: 374

Series: The Samaritan Files #1

Source: Author Request for Review

Description:

The Samaritan Files Trilogy Book One The Devil's Dime Investigative reporter Jess Pepper made it his life's mission to use his column to expose those who lived on the devil's dime. With his words he could defend the innocent and bring down corruption, one evildoer at a time. But when his column forces an innocent Samaritan into the public eye, and puts a target on his back, Jess must discover not only who wants this good man dead, but how to save the man's daughter, who has captured his heart. Violinist Adelaide Magee came to New York City with little more than a violin tucked beneath her chin and enough determination to launch her dream. Her women's orchestra, the Avalon Strings, was fast becoming the city's hot new item, until reporter Jess Pepper put the one man she loved in deadly peril. Can Addie trust Jess to save this good man? Or will she have to do it herself? Corruption and greed set the scene for this vividly drawn tale of danger, heartbreak, unexpected love and family found in 1890's New York.

My Review: 

First off I love the cover it's so beautiful to say the least.  Oh my gosh what a great book.  The main character is Jess Pepper who writes under From the Salty Mines.  He encounters the beautiful Adelaide Magee when he goes to dinner and she is performing with the Avalon Strings.  He is very smitten with her.  He is also investigating murders that occurred twenty years ago.  Addie connects very slowly with her father Ford Magee who abandoned her  when she was a tot.  He writes a letter to explain his absence and watching her from afar as she grew up.  Within his wife's diary it is discovered that Ford disappeared the same time as the murders were happening leading his wife to wonder if he was stepping out on her.


Jess and Addie put their sleuthing skills to work trying to figure out if he was the murderer or someone stopping the murders.  This book dealt a lot with people related to Addie, and very corrupt police officer, bank owner, and a long lost relative.


I enjoyed taking my time with this book, prior to going into it too much I looked up period clothing and typewriters and cycles, to have a good understanding of what was going on.  It was a great book and I loved the romantic angle.  Can't wait until Bailey Bristol brings us the continuation of this series.

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Come Back to Me by: Melissa Foster Review and Book Tour

Title: Come Back To Me

Author: Melissa Foster

Publisher: Greenforge Books

Pages: 307

Description:

Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.

Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

My Review:



I was given this book by Melissa for a blog tour.  What a great book, we meet Tess and Beau Johnson.  Beau is off to Iraq to take pictures when his plane is shot down, Tess learns of his "death" and for reasons to herself can't seem to accept that he's died.  Her friends and his family try to help her but find it hard when she is so adamant that he isn't dead.  Add to the equation that Tess is pregnant which messes up Beau's 5 year plan.


This book was so full of emotions anger, sadness, betrayal, confusion, I felt every emotion Melissa was trying to convey in it.  I also had an appreciation for residents of Iraq mothers trying to protect their children.  Was such a moving story, I was definitely surprised by it.  Melissa's writing does something not everyone can do it stirs emotions in you while you are reading it.  The sad parts are all the more sadder cause you feel them with her.


I can't wait to see what she writes next!

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Come Back to Me Blog Tour Q and A

Book Tour Come Back to Me Q and A

with Melissa Foster

How did you come up with the idea of making a military themed book?

My husband served 25 years in the Army as a physician. The idea for the book came to me the summer before he was to tour in Iraq, when all sorts of crazy "what-ifs" were running around my head. It seemed the perfect setting for the plight of Suha, Samira, and her children. 

Tess is very believable in her thoughts of Beau being alive, what strengths did you draw on for her certainty?

Love. I am a firm believer in intuition and I would like to think that when you truly love someone, you might (not everyone, not all the time, but just maybe) have an overall intuitive feel of that type of loss. Love is a very powerful emotion, and on the other side of the spectrum, I think love alone might enable a spouse to hold on--even if their loved one had been lost.

Was it hard writing the ending of the book or did you know how would end before you began?

The ending took me by surprise, and was not at all what I had envisioned. In fact, as I wrote it, it was very difficult for me. I felt the loss of a friend, and went back and forth with myself over the outcome--but in the end, I had to be true to the story and my characters, and my characters led me to the end that is written.

Where did you come up with the title?

I knew the title from the moment the idea sprang into my head. It was what the book was about--on both Beau and Tess's side.

Was it hard including the pregnancy into the situation?

The pregnancy was important. Tess was not pregnant, nor was she going to be pregnant when I first began writing the story, but it quickly became part of Tess's tale and it was very natural to include it.

Are you currently writing anything more?

Oh my goodness yes. My next book is a psychological thriller, with a working title of Thirty-six Hours. It's about a deranged and obsessive twin who believes he's found his long-lost sister. Consumed with being together forever, he carries out a plan to kill them both in thirty-six hours, at the exact moment of their birth. This book is different than anything my readers have seen from me, and I'm very excited. I'm hoping they'll like it.

Thank you so much, Paula. I love your questions!

Melissa Foster

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