Two Polar Bears by Crystal Beach - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Two Polar Bears

by Crystal Beach

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Children's Picture Book

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BLURB:

What could possibly be better than One Polar Bear? Two Polar Bears! Join this charming polar bear couple as they try to have a peaceful soak in the tub only to be interrupted by four very dirty cubs! This delightful rhyming story chronicles a lovable polar bear family as they go through their nightly bedtime routine. Celebrating individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities, readers are introduced to early learning skills such as bedtime routines and grooming. With fun and humour, this book also helps children establish healthy sleep habits. Two Polar Bears is an entertaining story and a beautiful addition to your child's own bedtime routine.

If you can be anything, be inclusive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT ONE:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "Two Polar Bears," is an adorable, exciting, fun children's read filled with positive and inclusive themes, educational and developmental elements, and bright, colorful illustrations!!

"Two Polar Bears," follows a polar bear couple and their four silly (and quite dirty) polar bear cubs over the course of their nightly bedtime routine. This book will help inspire and encourage young readers to establish healthy sleep habits and bedtime routines.

This book, "Two Polar Bears," is the sequel to Crystal Beach's children's book, "One Polar Bear." In July 2023, I hosted, read, and reviewed, "One Polar Bear," and absolutely loved it so I was super excited to check out her latest work. As with Book One, this book, "Two Polar Bears," did not disappoint and I was happy to find the same inclusive, encouraging, positive, and inspiring themes that make these books total five star reads!!!

“Two Polar Bears,” is full of clever rhyming sequences that are sure to delight young readers while also supporting their cognitive development.  This book includes numerical values featured throughout the pages to help teach readers to count while further enhancing and boosting their literary skills.

In addition, the author displayed the phrase, “good night” in eleven different languages on the last page of the story, further promoting diversity and getting young readers started early on their language skills.  I also want to mention that I appreciate the author including which language the phrase is from. That was something I had pointed out missing in book one, so I was very happy to see it included in book two.

This book is full of fun, bright, beautiful illustrations that are sure to keep readers engaged.

I loved that this book featured characters with glasses, bandages, wheelchairs, IV's, and such, which echoes the author’s dedication page to her daughters and to all children with disabilities and complex medical conditions.  I think all young readers, especially those with disabilities will easily connect with this story and its characters.  I honestly can’t recall seeing these types of books when I was younger, and having been a child with physical disabilities, I appreciate the author making this book truly inclusive.

This book is ideal for bedtime story time and as a learning to read to book.

This book is a quick read at 32 eBook pages cover-to-cover and filled with 24 pages of text and illustrations.

This book is appropriately “G” rated as there is no swearing, no gory violence, no adult situations, and no sexual content.

Even though this book, "Two Polar Bears," seems to be the follow up to "One Polar Bear," these books do not connect as a series and therefore can be read as a standalone.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all young readers and their families will like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:

Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children's future.

Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children's literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.

She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.

For more information visit:

Website:

www.crystalbeachauthor.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/crystalbeachauthor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINK:

Amazon US eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Polar-Bears-Crystal-Beach-ebook/dp/B0CW918MN5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Crystal will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunrise Interrupted by Eden Monroe - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Sunrise Interrupted

by Eden Monroe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Mystery

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BLURB:

The motion picture, Retribution, could be the big break Alexandra Martel has been waiting for. A Canadian movie star and strong female lead, even greater success may be within reach. But she also envies her married sisters, and has been hoping to meet her own soulmate.

Dr. Beau Remington, handsome male lead is the hometown veterinarian. He’s been contracted by motion picture execs to be on set when animals are called for, so when he and Alexandra eventually cross paths there is undeniable chemistry. However, Hollywood heartthrob James Langford has already laid claim to the striking young actress and tries to stop the budding romance.

Then everything changes at sunrise one morning when Alexandra goes for a run alone in the picturesque Belleisle, New Brunswick countryside. That’s when the man who’s been stalking her for weeks finally makes his move. She must endure the terrifying ordeal of being kidnapped and drugged in this Eastern Canada romantic suspense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT THREE:

Beau rolled out of bed at his usual morning start time of four-thirty. That’s all the sleep he’d ever needed, and it meshed perfectly with his get up and go attitude. Even if he was inclined to sleep longer, his three dogs, Carley, Ajax and Ron would see to it that his feet hit the floor in time to let them out to answer the call of nature. Ron was his latest rescue, and it was amazing how much he’d improved since he’d found him by the creek a little over two months ago.

The dogs headed for the back door ahead of him, Carley as usual barking in anticipation of open-door freedom. There were squirrels waiting to be chased, although it was never a close contest. In fact he could swear the little squirrel waited for his friend, clinging to the side of the tree, chattering excitedly. It easily scampered to safety high in the branches of the venerable old oak that had seen countless generations of red squirrels.

Beau’s usual busy day awaited him at his veterinary clinic at Hatfield Point in the heart of Belleisle. He and his assistant, Hailey Cruickshank, had easily handled the small number of sick or injured animals when he’d first opened, but business had steadily increased until it had become necessary to expand his practice. That’s when he’d added Dr. Jennifer Tuttle to his payroll, in addition to a second assistant and a vet tech. That worked out great because Dr. Jen was an absolute gift, picking up the slack when he was needed on farm calls. And now with the movie Retribution being filmed in the area, and he being the veterinarian on call for that production, a larger staff would come in handy.

However, as great as Dr. Jen was turning out to be, it was becoming increasingly obvious she had more than a passing interest in him. Not that she wasn’t a wonderful woman, there was simply no interest on his part. A person couldn’t manufacture those feelings, there had to be a seed from which it could grow and it just wasn’t there. He liked her as a friend but preferred to keep the whole thing on a professional basis. Dr. Jen apparently felt otherwise and although she kept her feelings to herself, it was all right there in her eyes. He’d been trying his best to ignore it so they wouldn’t have to have that conversation, and he was hopeful she’d lose interest over time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GUEST POST:

5 Reasons You Should Read My Book:

The first reason is that you’ll be reading about an area that few people get to experience because it’s just not that well known. Therefore it carries a certain mystique. The province of New Brunswick on the East Coast of Canada has seven distinct eco regions and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It provides a beautiful setting for Sunrise Interrupted.

The second is that you can embrace the charm of a storied countryside in Sunrise Interrupted. Beau’s veterinary clinic at Hatfield Point is located not far from the old wharf on Belleisle Bay. That historic boat landing served a bygone era when majestic riverboats plied the waterways of the St. John River, the Rhine of North America. And the little whitewashed country church in which many a Hatfield Pointer was married more than a hundred years ago, still stands straight and proud in the summer sunshine.

Thirdly, this part of Queens County is where I realized the many dreams of my childhood. I spent idyllic summers not far way on the Washdemoak on my grandmother’s farm, and many of my relatives still populate the Belleisle. I have always thought of this breathtaking area as God’s country, and what a thrill it was to share it with my readers.

Next, if you love animals and are concerned about their welfare then you’ll love Beau’s interaction with them. You might even say he brings his work home with him, with six rescues living with him on his small ranch, three horses and three dogs. His abiding love for animals can’t help but resonate with you.

Lastly, but most importantly, I think you’ll find Sunrise Interrupted an interesting read. From stunningly beautiful actress, Alexandra Martel, to tall, ruggedly handsome Dr. Beau Remington, there is plenty to gush about. Add box office heartthrob, James Langford to the mix, a Hollywood bad boy with more notches on his belt than a wild west gunslinger. Langford has a string of failed marriages, but is determined to make Alexandra his sixth walk down the aisle. Enter Dr. Jennifer Tuttle who is head over heels in love with Beau, and determined to overcome his reluctance. So she shows up late one night unannounced with a bottle of wine…. And let’s not forget the stalker, intent on capturing Alexandra. He is relentless, and at sunrise one morning he makes his move. What happens next is unbelievable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:

Eden Monroe writes about real life, real issues and struggles, and triumphing against all odds. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, and a good book.

Website:

https://edenmonroeauthor.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEdenMonroe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINK:

Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Interrupted-Martel-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B0CYQGM6DT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Eden Monroe will award a $15 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Think It Might Rain by Rick Marchand - Book Tour - Book Blast - TWO Giveaways!! - Enter Daily!!

 This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rick Marchand will award a $15 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Meet Bartholomew, a curious, kind and sweet third grader. One day, Bartholomew wakes up and is convinced he sees a black cloud forming in the clear blue sky. "I think it might rain," he proclaims. But what happens when his family, friends, and classmates don't believe him? Will he be able to stand up to the bullies who call him names? Will he hold firm in his beliefs?

EXCERPT THREE:

While the clock ticked towards afternoon recess, the sunny sky grew darker and darker. Soon, a fine mist of rain had turned into a steady stream of drops. There was no thunder and no lightning, just the type of perfect warm rainstorm that all kids love to play in. As Principal Rodney’s announcement of cancelling recess boomed out of the classroom speaker, Bart, rain gear in tow, had already headed out to the schoolyard, his hands waving happily in the air.

For the next 15 minutes, as his friends peered out of the classroom windows, Bart ran, jumped, did cartwheels, and stomped his feet in the biggest puddles he could find. He had the whole schoolyard all to himself. When recess ended, Bart hung up his coat and hat, removed his wet boots, and went back to his desk.

AUTHOR BIO:

Richard Marchand and Nicole Herbut are a father/daughter, grandfather/mother, author/illustrator team creating picture books for young boys and girls. Their stories centre on a young boy named Bartholomew and his family and friends. They are designed to convey a simple yet meaningful message that can help young children learn from and grow with. Rick's stories were developed with his own daughters who at a very young age wanted him to "read a story from his mouth" and not a book. Buy the book at Amazon, Indigo Chapters, Barnes and Noble, Booktopia, or Walmart. Join Bartholomew's journey of belief and courage! Enter to win a e-copy of 'I Think It Might Rain'—a heartwarming tale of kindness overcoming doubt.

GIVEAWAY #1:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

I Think It Might Rain

by Rick Marchand

Giveaway ends May 20, 2024.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

GIVEAWAY #2:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weston's Lady by Bobbi Smith - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Weston’s Lady

by Bobbi Smith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Historical Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BLURB:

Come One! Come All!

To Weston’s Wild West Texas Stampede

There were Cowboys and Indians, trick riding, thrills and excitement for everyone. And if Liberty Jones had anything to say about it, she would be a part of the show, too. She had demonstrated her expertise with a gun by shooting a playing card out of Reed Weston’s hand at thirty paces, but the arrogant owner of the stampede wouldn’t even give her a chance.

Disguising herself as a boy, Libby wrangled herself a job with the show, and before she knew it Reed was firing at her—in front of an audience. It seemed an emotional showdown was inevitable whenever they came together, but Libby had set her sights on Reed’s heart and she vowed she would prove her love was every bit as true as her aim.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT ONE:

Reed opened the door to his private wagon and stood back to let Libby enter ahead of him. She swept past him, her manner dignified and ladylike, in spite of her masculine attire. 

“Have a seat.” He motioned to one of the chairs at the small table.

“No, thank you. I prefer to stand.”

“Have it your way,” he said sharply. “It seems you don’t listen well, Miss Jones. As I recall, I told you I wasn’t hiring for the show—and I especially wasn’t hiring any women.”

“I hired on as a boy,” she retorted.

Reed’s gaze raked over her. “So I see. How ingenuous of you.”

“You wouldn’t give me a chance! I’m good and I just proved it tonight! The performance would have been a disaster if I hadn’t stopped the runaway team in time! The audience thought it was a regular part of the act.”

“I could tell,” he answered, irritated by the whole situation.

“I can help you with the show,” Libby went on, trying not to sound desperate. If he fired her, she had no money, and nowhere else to go.

“I don’t need your help, Miss Jones.”

“But you wouldn’t want to disappoint the public, would you?”

“You know, you’re right. You are worth a lot of money to me. You wanted a job with Weston’s Wild West Texas Stampede—well, you’ve got one. You’re officially Weston’s Lady.”

“Know this, Reed Weston—I am worth a lot of money to you, and I’ll earn ever cent of it working for the Stampede, but that’s the only place I’m going to be Weston’s Lady.”

“We both know you’re not a lady, and I’m not sure you’re much of a woman.” Even as he said it, Reed knew it was a lie. She looked beautiful as she challenged him. Her hair was a glorious golden mane of curls about her shoulders and high color stained her cheeks.

Libby reacted without thought, swinging out at him.

Reed snared her wrist to stop her when she would have slapped him, and he jerked her to him.

In that instant, his awareness of everything except Libby faded. He drew her near, slowly, deliberately. He wanted this—no, he needed this. He needed to taste her passion.

Libby found herself frozen, held captive by the unfathomable look in Reed’s eyes.

Their lips met, and time seemed suspended as his mouth settled over hers in a possessive brand, claiming her sweetness for his own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR BIO & LINK:

After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore,

Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in

1982. Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and several short stories. To date, there are

more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic

Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have

appeared on numerous bestseller lists. When she's not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writers' groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.

Website:

https://bobbismithauthor.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINK:

**Weston’s Lady eBook is available for FREE on Amazon Kindle Unlimited!!!**

Amazon US eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/Westons-Lady-Bobbi-Smith-ebook/dp/B00FAY1R3U

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Bobbi will award a randomly drawn winner a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) via Rafflecopter during the tour. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's Hide from Mom: I'm Not Sleepy Yet! by Parimalasri Docktor - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Let's Hide from Mom:

I'm Not Sleepy Yet!

by Parimalasri Docktor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Children's Fiction

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BLURB:

Let's Hide From Mom is a true story of Radha having difficulty going to sleep. Every night she finds different places to hide since she does not want to go to bed. Krishna tries to go along with her game but ends up going to sleep in some corner. Mom tries her best to calm Radha down every day by giving her a treat: a small piece of cucumber. Radha learns that when lights are turned out, she must wind down and try to go to sleep. She also learnt that she must learn to fall asleep on her own and that Krishna cannot always play with her, since he goes to sleep early. Radha is still trying to find her comfort zone. She is very active and loves to play. Just like us humans, pets also have sleeping issues or sleeping disorders that we are not aware of, until we tune ourselves to their senses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT ONE:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, Let's Hide from Mom, follows the all time familiar story line of little ones not wanting to go to sleep and their adorable attempts at trying to avert bedtime at all costs.

This particular story focuses on two tortoises, Radha and Krishna, as they embark on an adventure hiding in various places around their home. Will they be able to successfully hide from mom and stay up all night?

While this book does play on fun, silly bedtime antics, there is much more scratching at the surface. I appreciated the author featuring a sleep disorder story line and in a light, unique approach. Sleep disorders not only affect adults, but also children and pets. While many children often don't want to go to sleep, for some it's can't. 

This book is sure to connect with young readers and their families - as we've all at one point or another tried to get away with staying up past bedtime. Children will also love this book's fun, bold, bright colored illustrations and learning more about these fascinating creatures and real-life character inspirations.

I also enjoyed that the author provided a photo of the real Radha and Krishna at the end of the book. In addition, the author included two fun bonus games, a scavenger hunt type game and a "Where's Waldo," type game, that can all be played on the last few pages of the book - and for more likely during those non-bedtime storytime readings.

This book is a quick read at only 34 eBook pages cover-to-cover.

This book is appropriately “G” rated as there is no swearing, no gory violence, no adult situations, and no sexual content.

This book is listed as the sequel to Parimalasri Docktor's children's book, "Tortoise Goes to the Vet: Radha." I have not read it, so I can't say for certain if it is essential to understanding Book Two, "Let's Hide from Mom." While I did not feel lost or confused while reading Book Two, without having read Book One, I imagine I would have had a stronger insight into Radha, as she is the main character in both of the these books. However, this was not my first encounter with Parimalasri Docktor. In November 2022, I hosted, read, and reviewed her first book, "Where is He? Tank, the Tortoise." Surprisingly enough Tank's cave is mentioned in "Let's Hide from Mom," as one of hiding places. So, in my opinion, I think all three books can be read (or not all read) in any order without any confusion or spoilers.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all young readers and their families will like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR BIO:

Parimalasri Docktor, the author of Where is he? Tank the Tortoise, Tortoise Goes to the Vet, and Let's Hide From Mom, was featured in CBS-3 News coverage in Philadelphia. She has had the opportunity of book-signing events in and around the Philadelphia region. She has sold her books internationally as well. This book, Let's Hide From Mom, is a sequel to her second book, Tortoise Goes to the Vet.

Being called the "tortoise whisperer," the author enjoys her interactions with her pet tortoises. Having four tortoises helps the author to be more creative and encourages her in writing and illustrating her own books. The author self-taught digital art, and this is her second book that is fully illustrated by her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONNECT WITH PARIMALASRI DOCKTOR:

Website:

https://parimalasridocktor.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Parimalasri-Docktor-Author/100084425100836

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tank_chili_russian_tortoises

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22586415.Parimalasri_Docktor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3y7XS30

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3JPG0wz

Amazon US Hardcover:

https://amzn.to/3JOYDAy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Parimalasri Docktor will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Conflict of Interest by Dean L. Hovey - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Conflict of Interest

Pine County Series

Book #11

by Dean L. Hovey

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Mystery / Police Procedural

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BLURB:

When the body of a missing cheerleader is found in a ditch, the local police turn the investigation over to the Pine County sheriff’s department, fearing that the girl’s relationship with the son of a local politician could compromise their objectivity.

Upon arriving at the scene, Sergeant CJ Jensen quickly finds herself embroiled in the politics of the girl’s murder and kidnapping. Calling in Pam Ryan to assist with the investigation, the two veteran officers dig into the girl’s obvious relationship with the politician’s son. While the boyfriend’s shaky alibi seems paper thin, their interviews with the victim’s friends have them questioning other aspects of her life.

A missing laptop computer piques their interest, making them think the murderer’s motive may be buried in her on-line activities.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT ONE:

In addition to Floyd’s SUV, two Kanabec County Sheriff’s Department vehicles and an ambulance were parked on the narrow gravel road. The road disappeared into watery ditches on both sides, the washboard gravel surface spotted with mucky frost boils. CJ parked behind Floyd and announced her location to the dispatcher. She walked ahead to join the somber group of people gathered in front of the lead vehicle.

Bathed in headlights and flashing red and blues, an obese man with a gray crew cut waved his arms and swore. CJ found it disconcerting that the person apparently in charge would curse at the others like a madman. As CJ approached, Floyd put his hand on the man’s shoulder and pointed toward her. That ended the tirade.

“CJ, this is Sheriff Tim Sanders. Tim, this is Sergeant Jensen who’ll be taking over the investigation.”

The sheriff glared at CJ, taking her full measure before speaking. “It’s about time you got here. We’ve been standing around with thumbs up our butts for about two hours waiting for you to grace us with your presence.”

CJ froze, trying to frame a response. Floyd grabbed the sheriff by the arm and turned him away from CJ, then steered him to a spot apart from the gathered group. A man who appeared to be the senior deputy on the scene nodded and walked over, offering his hand. 

“I’m Teddy and this is our newest deputy, Kayla. Please excuse the sheriff. He’s got a short fuse, especially when he’s been dragged out of bed in the middle of the night.”

Although none of Floyd’s words were audible, his demeanor reminded CJ of a terrier growling at an overweight Labrador retriever. They watched as Floyd stuck his finger in the sheriff’s face and hissed something that obviously struck a nerve. The sheriff glanced at CJ, then back to Floyd before saying something that made Floyd nod.

A male and female EMT stood between the lead cruiser and the ambulance. Nodding toward the approaching sheriff, the male EMT whispered. “Uh oh, Teddy. Prepare to have your short hairs singed.”

The sheriff’s face was impassive until he walked up to CJ and extended his hand. “I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot.”

Gripping the sheriff’s hand firmly, CJ nodded. “I appreciate your apology.”

The sheriff, whose scalp glistened with sweat despite the cold air, jammed his hands in his pockets. “Tell Teddy and Kayla what you need, and they’ll do whatever they can to assist you. Do you want the ambulance crew to stay, or do you have other plans?”

“Assuming there’s no question the victim is past resuscitation, we’ll keep the ambulance crew to help with the lifting. I called the Duluth Medical Examiner.”

The sheriff’s face started to turn red. “We pay a retainer to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s office.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR BIO & LINK:

Dean Hovey is a Minnesota-based author with three mystery series. He lives with his wife south of Duluth.

Dean’s award-winning* Pine County series follows sheriff’s deputies Floyd Swenson and Pam Ryan through this police procedural series.

Dean’s Whistling Pines books are humorous cozy mysteries centered on the residents of the Whistling Pines senior residence. The protagonist is Peter Rogers, the Whistling Pines recreation director.

In Dean’s latest series  his protagonist, a retired Minnesota policeman, is drafted into service as a National Park Service Investigator after a murder at a National Monument.

* “Family Trees: A Pine County Mystery” won the 2018 NEMBA award for best fiction.

https://bookswelove.net/hovey-dean

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/4b31UZ0

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/4a68s85

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Dean will award a $15 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.