2023 Pelican Book Group Christmas Holiday Extravaganza Titles by Various Authors

This year, I wanted to feature several of Pelican Book Group's 2023 Christmas Holiday Extravaganza releases. The titles will be released through Amazon and pelicanbookgroup.com on November 1st. 
 
Romantic Suspense:

Carole of the Bells by Clare Revell

Purchase link: https://a.co/d/7A0056L

Blurb:

Carole Quelch's secret must remain hidden at all costs. The price so far has been her home and her career. Terrified it' ll cost her even more, she hasn' t left town or been home in years.
Idris Owen teaches at the same school as Carole. When he finds her in the music room playing the hand bells after school, he nicknames her Carole of the bells and convinces his reclusive co-worker to help teach his class a piece for the school Christmas concert.

There is something about Carole that Idris finds intriguing, but she is hiding something. While he feels an undeniable attraction, he isn't willing to allow love to enter the equation when she obviously doesn't trust him enough to share her past.

But, secrets never stay hidden for long. When this one comes to light, everything will change.

Author bio:

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and some of her now grownup children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make. Or being annoyed by the cat and dog.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American, the books contain British language and terminology.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.

She can be found at:

http://clarerevell.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell
http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

My review:

I enjoyed this romantic suspense story about two teachers. My husband and I watch several shows on BritBox, so as I read along, I pictured British actors saying the dialogue. British author Clare Revell did a good job of equally balancing suspense with romance in this story involving two teachers—Carole Quelch and Idris Owen. I liked that the characters were imperfect and relatable. Revell fans will appreciate the Easter eggs (from her Ellery and York series) that she includes in this story.

I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.

 
Underneath the Christmas Tree by Clare Revell

Purchase link: https://a.co/d/2uIU1C0

Blurb:

When Violet Noble begins her new job as council events planner in Winkfield Green, she' s horrified to learn she has twenty days to organize the, as yet unplanned, Christmas Fayre— and it won't be easy. All the files regarding previous events have disappeared, along with most of the decorations. She needs a miracle, but what she gets instead the council' s maintenance man, carpenter and all-around fix-it guy— Derek Xenon.

When Violet turns to Derek for help with the Christmas Fayre, his first instinct is to say no. His regular job is demanding enough without adding the resident damsel in distress to his workload. However, he' s never one to turn down a challenge— even one from Christmas obsessed out-of-towner, and especially when someone seems to want Violet's plans to fail.
Will Violet' s vision of Christmas ever come to fruition, or will she throw in the stocking?

My review: 

This is a cute and humorous romantic suspense tale involving Violet Noble, an events planner, and Derek Xenon, carpenter and maintenance man. Poor Violet is new in town, and bad things mysteriously keep happening to her as she tries to plan a Christmas fayre. Are the incidences coincidence or something more? Once again, Revell fans will appreciate the Easter eggs (from her Ellery and York series) that she includes in this story.

I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.

12 Days by Heidi Glick

Purchase link: https://a.co/d/4Hy0tAw

Blurb:

Scott Newton retires from the sheriff' s office after a fellow officer is killed. Wracked by sorrow and the need for justice, Scott grows distant from his girlfriend, aspiring crime writer, Lindsay Billings. But, when Lindsay goes missing, and Scott discovers her research on the missing person cases thought to be the work of a serial murderer known as the Christmas Killer, Scott vows to find her at all costs. Police have never found the bodies of the people who went missing many Christmases ago, and Lindsay won't become just another statistic.

Then, someone kills again in Blanchardville. Police locate a corpse atop one of seven inflatable swans on a pond, and another body in a pear tree. Scott receives odd texts from Lindsay's phone and deduces they're from the killer.

In order to save Lindsay, Scott agrees to meet the madman and play his game. As time runs out, Scott must learn to trust in God again, no matter what.

 
Romance:

Cactus for Christmas by Karen Malley

Purchase link: https://a.co/d/amhbmYx

Blurb:

Lucy loves her familiar Christmas traditions. But this year, they' re all thrown out the window when she drops everything to drive across the country to care for her sister in Phoenix, Arizona. So much for a white Christmas!

Between her anxious dog, her sister' s thieving kitten, and a way too attractive ice cream truck driver, will she learn that trying something new might just be what God has planned?

Author bio:

Karen is an author of Christian fiction. She lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. She works full time as a scientist, but enjoys writing in her spare time. When not writing (with her left hand), she enjoys camping, hiking, playing board games, and especially reading! She loves reading faith-based stories, because we can all use a happy ending.

Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website:

 www.KarenMalley.com.

My review:

I liked that this delightful, faith-filled, Christmas-themed romance contained lead characters who were older, proving that romance isn’t just for young people. Lucy is a widow who lives in Pennsylvania. Eventually, she ends up in Arizona for the holidays, where she meets Noah, an ice cream truck driver.

I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.

Christmas in Vermont by Regina Andrews

Purchase link: https://a.co/d/fbJazi2

Blurb:

Returning home to Holly Berry Village and beginning her career as an Estate gemologist, puts Christal Birchwood completely in her comfort zone. But when she meets the new town physician, Cole Townsend, the barriers she has created around herself quickly begin to shatter and fall.

Will she trust her faith enough to carry her into a sparkling, new beginning? And will Cole be able to trust his heart to love again?

Author Bio:

Award-winning author Regina Andrews, a resident of Providence, RI, grew up in the nearby seaside village of Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her master's Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. The author of numerous works, Regina is currently working on the Sterling Lakes Series. In November 2010, Destiny's Designs won the AKW Books 2010 eBook of the Year award for Fiction. Her hobbies include travel, museums, theater, reading, music singing and gardening.

Regina is involved in numerous community organizations, and is a radio host for In-Sight, an association for the visually impaired. She and her husband share their home with a semi-feral cat named Queen Tiana, whom they rescued from a shelter.

My review: 

I really liked the original characters in this sweet, Christmas-themed romance set in Holly Berry Village, Vermont. The female main character, Christal Birchwood, is a gemologist who studied in Switzerland, and doesn’t like to step outside her comfort zone. The male main character, Cole Townsend, is a doctor who was formerly a pastor and missionary, who is trying to get over personal heartbreak.

I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.

Christmas in Garland by LoRee Peery

Purchase link: https://a.co/d/ibxNAtg

Blurb:

Pepper Rainwater is thriving in newfound faith, blooming love, and her own Christmas house. But the appearance of her mother brings back all the ugliness of growing up in a storage unit. Can she face family issues from a new perspective and forgive her parents for the past?

The discovery of Foxx Haven' s true beginnings shatter his sense of security. For the first time, he questions his father' s love and deals with getting to know his birth mother. Did God really plan this mess for his life? He' s such a wreck inside, how can he be the man of faith Pepper deserves?
Their mothers bring challenges and time constraints on Pepper and Foxx. He longs to show his love, she yearns to bask in his attention. How will they help their widowed mothers, make life easier for one another, heal appropriately, and look toward a brighter future?

About the author:

I am thankful my mother read to me, enabling me to read at age four. Life is as hard as it is pleasurable and I love to read stories about true-to-life characters. The desire to write should never be ignored, I am so glad I kept returning to the blank page. I am blessed to live under God's redeeming grace, and to experience Nebraska's sense of place.

My review:

I liked how the characters (Pepper Rainwater and Foxx Haven) in this sweet, Christmas-themed romance were imperfect, and yet, they still followed God. This is a cute holiday romance with a strong faith message about forgiveness and reconciliation.

I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.

The Hope of Christmas by Carol James 

Purchase link:

https://a.co/d/gZnpFlx

Blurb:

Cameron Blake has everything a man could want. Or so it appears. But in the dark of night, the contents of an old manila envelope remind him that the one thing he truly wants is beyond his reach.
Kristin Hansen returns home after a messy break-up. While her parents think she' s returned to recuperate after surgery on a broken arm, she' s actually escaping from an abusive relationship.
When the pastor of a local church recruits Kristin and Cameron to supervise the building of the church' s float for the upcoming Christmas parade, their hidden secrets are exposed. Cam sees in Kristin what he truly desires... but knows he can never have.

As Christmas nears, can Kristin help him find the thing that' s eluded him all these years? The one thing his heart truly desires? Hope.

Author bio:

Streams in the Wasteland, Redemptive Romance by Carol James:
Carol is an author of inspirational fiction. She lives in Lilburn, Georgia, a small town outside of Atlanta, with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell "Terrorist," Zoe.

Having always loved intriguing stories with happy endings, she was moved to begin writing to encourage others as she'd been encouraged by the works of other authors of inspirational fiction.
Retired from her "real" job, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, traveling with friends, volunteering at a nearby school, and serving in the production department at her church.

She is also a soccer fan extraordinaire and keeps her DVR busy recording Atlanta United and English Premier League games.

And, most days in the late hours of the night or the wee hours of the morning, she can be found bringing her newest novel to life.

Follow her on social media: 

www.carol-james.com
Facebook.com/CarolJamesAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/caroljamesauthor
https://twitter.com/CarolJamesAuth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19149238.Carol_James
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol-james
Visit her website at: www.carol-james.com Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free short story.

My review:

I liked the premise of this hope-filled romance set in Texas—the notion of someone receiving the same gift for ten years in a row. I also enjoyed the meet cute between Kristin Hansen and Cameron Blake. Romance fans who are looking for a holiday-themed read should enjoy this story!

I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.

 
To view all of the covers for the Christmas titles, visit my Pinterest board: 
https://www.pinterest.com/sheglick/christmas-extravaganza-2023/
 

Twenty-five Christmas Reads! (Giveaway Extended)

Every year, Pelican Book Group releases new Christmas Extravaganza titles.

This year, I thought it would be fun to list twenty-five Pelican Book Group Christmas titles (past and present) from various genres: mystery, romantic suspense, suspense, Gothic romance, etc. 

1. Dark Streets Shineth by Clare Revell

2. Christmas Hideaway by Wendy Davy

3. All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead by Lillian Duncan

4. Blue Christmas by Clare Revell

5. A Christmas Stolen by Lillian Duncan

6. Christmas Passed by Anita Klumpers

7.  A Texas Christmas Mystery by Anne Greene

8. Amid the Cold of Winter by Clare Revell

9. Holly in December by Clare Revell

10. Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early

11. The Christmas Stalking by Lillian Duncan

12. No Home for the Holidays by Lillian Duncan

13. A Blessed Blue Christmas by LoRee Peery

14. Candle for a Corpse by Marilynn Leach

15. Murder on Birchardville Hill by Ruth Buchanan

16. All's Fair in Love and Arson by Sharon McGregor

17. Plundered Christmas by Susan Lyttek

18. Chasing Christmas by Steven Hunt

19. Christmas in Coyote County by Mary L. Briggs

20. Down in Yon Forest by Clare Revell

21. Once Upon a Christmas by Clare Revell

22. Season for Miracles by Clare Revell

23. Clear as Ice by Penelope Marzec

24. Undercover Santa by Wendy Davy

25. The Volk Advent by Joy Wilks

I’m giving away two copies of a CD containing thirteen Pelican Book Group stories, including my suspense novel, Dog Tags, and three Christmas stories (two mentioned in this post). The CD contains three electronic formats of each story so you can enjoy the books on almost any device. *The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

*Update - Giveaway extended*

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this blog post by December 1, 2022 and include your email address. You may spell it out: yournameatgmaildotcom. On December 2, 2022, I will choose a winner randomly and then announce the winner.

The CD includes the following stories:

·         A Texas Christmas Mystery—Anne Greene

·         After the Fire—Clare Revell

·         Christmas Ivy—Judy Ducharme

·         Clear as Ice—Penelope Marzec

·         Dog Tags—Heidi Glick

·         From Scratch—C.E. Hilbert

·         Girls of Summer—C.E. Hilbert

·         Island Charm—Audrey Wick

·         Just One Kiss—Wendy Davy

·         Rose in the Desert—K.M. Daughters

·         Rose of the Adriatic—K.M. Daughters

·         Someone to Trust—Lesa Henderson

·         The Inheritance—Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Interview with Lillian Duncan and E-Book Giveaway

TELL US ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS STALKING.

The Christmas Stalking is a romantic suspense novella that features Destiny-a very famous country music star. She has everything she dreamed of and more. Fame. Wealth. Beauty. Adoring fans. Oh, yeah and a stalker.

As the stalker escalates, she decides it’s time for Destiny to disappear and let Holly Stone take over her own life again until the stalker can be apprehended. She goes back to the Adirondacks where she spent time as a young girl. She reconnects with an old friend and...that’s where the fun begins.

The cover for THE CHRISTMAS STALKING is so awesome, you should take a look at it at : www.lillianduncan.net

WHAT’S THE SETTING FOR THE CHRISTMAS STALKING?

It’s in a fictional hamlet called The Village Of Serenity & Peace in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. The citizens refer to it as Serenity. And, of course, there is no such thing as serenity or peace when my main character, Destiny, shows up.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THAT TITLE?

It’s a great title for a Christmas-themed book, don’t you think. I actually was almost finished writing it. My working title was simply STALKED—nothing Christmassy about that. All of a sudden, it came to me in a flash-THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. I thought it was the perfect title.

IS THE CHRISTMAS STALKING THE FIRST BOOK YOU PUBLISHED?

No, I’ve published several others, including DECEPTION and PURSUED also published by Pelican Book Group. This is. however. my first novella and it’s only available as an e-book. So, it’s a little different from my other books.

WHY DID YOU WRITE THE CHRISTMAS STALKING?

I could give a deep profound answer, but the truth is I wrote it to entertain my readers. My publisher (Pelican Book Group) announced they wanted Christmas-themed novellas. I’d never written a novella before so thought I’d give it a try, the real challenge was to incorporate the Christmas theme into a suspense novel?

I took up the challenge to do just that and I enjoyed every minute of it!

WHAT DO YOU WANT READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE CHRISTMAS STALKING?

We have become a celebrity-obsessed society. Many people think they can only be happy if they are rich and famous. I wanted to show a character who “had it all” but still wasn’t happy. True happiness and joy comes from a relationship with God not how many people know your name.

WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS? DO YOU OUTLINE YOUR STORIES IN ADVANCE?

I am not an outliner. I wish I were—it seems easier to me. But my mind doesn’t work that way. I never know what is going to happen in my story on any given writing day. It’s as if my mind is a movie screen and I watch that day’s events and then I write it.

When I start a new story I usually have a clear picture of the main character in mind and what obstacle he/she will face, but anything goes after that. If I’m writing and start to feel bored—then I kill someone or blow something up. And that way it’s a surprise to me and to my readers.

DO YOU KNOW WHO THE BAD GUY IS WHEN YOU BEGIN YOUR STORY?

Not usually. Most of the time I have several characters who it might be and as the story comes to a conclusion, I am surprised right along with my readers. This story was no exception, there are several characters who could be the stalker. And I wasn’t sure who it was until the very end.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T THINK OF MURDER MYSTERIES AND SUSPENSE NOVELS AS CHRISTIAN FICTION, WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THEM?

I can certainly understand their point of view. And for some readers my stories might be a bit too graphic or edgy and that’s ok, I understand that. I would say my readers are those who like traditional suspense and mystery novels but are tired of all the explicit language and sex scenes that aren’t necessary to a good story.

THEN WHAT MAKES YOUR STORIES CHRISTIAN FICTION?

I don’t promote or glorify violence in my stories in any way. My characters experience the natural consequences of their bad choices and bad actions.

My stories always have an element of faith in them. How that plays out depends on the individual plots of each specific story. My main characters are always on a spiritual journey, though some may be further along than others.

One more word about Christian Fiction, it has changed dramatically over the past ten years. Other than erotica, readers can find their favorite genre as Christian Fiction as well as mainstream fiction. There are Christian Fiction books out there for every book lover—historical; romance; regency; science fiction; even horror novels.

IF THE CHRISTMAS STALKING BECOMES A MOVIE, WHO WILL PLAY THE MAIN CHARACTER?

Either Carrie Underwood or Kelly Picker would be great as Destiny. As for the male characters, I’m not going to say since it could give away the ending!

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?         

My editor and I are busy on the final edits for a book to be released next year. It’s the second in my SISTERS BY CHOICE series and is currently titled BETRAYED. The first book in the series was DECEPTION.

DECEPTION is the story of a school counselor who’s get the shock of her life one morning when a niece she doesn’t know exists calls her and asks, “where’s my mommy?” Her journey to find her sister leads her on a winding path of deception. BETRAYED picks up the story of DECEPTION, but focuses on Maria who was the wife of the terrorist from the first story.

I also have a devotional blog (www.PowerUpWithGod.com) that I love to work on. Lately, I’ve been working on a series of devotions called FACING ADVERSITY GOD’S WAY. I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors this year and so I’m using my experiences to help others who are facing a crisis.

HOW CAN READERS FIND YOU ON THE INTERNET?

My website is www.lillianduncan.net and I have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com I’m also on Twitter as @LillianDuncan and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lillian.k.duncan

As an early Christmas gift to your readers, anyone who purchases a copy of THE CHRISTMAS STALKING can receive a FREE e-copy of either DARK ALLEYS or GEESE MATE FOR LIFE. Once you purchase it, simply go to my website (www.lillianduncan.net) and send me the order number. I will email you a copy of the book of your choice. Merry Christmas to all!!

Lillian is also hosting a giveaway of an e-book copy of The Christmas Stalking.

To enter the giveaway:

1) Leave a comment.

2) Be a current or new follower of Sleuths and Suspects.

3) Leave your email address.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced on December 15th. Reasonable attempts will be made to try to contact the winner. If the winner does not respond within one week (December 22^nd), another winner will be chosen.