From Ice To Ashes by Author Jessica Simon

Over the last week I read From Ice To Ashes by Jessica Simon. This book was unlike any mystery I had ever read before. 

This adventure mystery is set in the Yukon Territory of Canada near the Alaskan border, in February, during an endurance race called The Yukon Arctic Ultra , (which is a real race by the way!) . The Yukon Arctic Ultra race is a race through the arctic tundra, spanning up to 430 miles beginning in Whitehorse, Yukon . It is a multiday marathon with three disciplines, mountain bike, Cross Country Skies or on foot! This is the toughest Ultramarathon in the world and temperatures drop upto -50 and then there is the wind chill to consider.

 The book focuses on those putting the race on, the organizers and the volunteers, as much as the contestants.  The gripping story line of  a potential terrorist attack being carried out during the race coupled with the relationship between Auxiliary RCMP member Markus Fanger and his unlikely partner, young offender and juvenile delinquent Donjek Stoneman will have you turning the pages and not wanting to put this book down.  I was blown away by the way Jessica unfolded the mystery, the story and described in  glorious detail of the beauty, mystery and rugged terrain of the Yukon. I am in awe of the idea of a race such as this, throw in some very tough and strong characters and a mystery that feels ripped from the headlines and you have From Ice To Ashes.  I will say this author Jessica Simon tells a great story and is very careful to be respectful in the way she delivers the story, respectful to the people of the Yukon, those who are first nation aboriginal and to the Muslim community. She represents the  North extremely well!  This book had my heart  pumping, my feet freezing and me not wanting to put it down.  I feel like I learned about the Yukon, I learned about perseverance, endurance and personal strength in the face of adversity. This was a very impressive read.

When a terrorist infiltration overtakes the Yukon Arctic Ultra--the most challenging human-powered race in the world--Auxiliary RCMP Markus Fanger leads a manhunt for North America's most imminent threat. With the help of Donjek Stoneman, a young offender attempting to clean up his life by serving as a race official, Fanger traces the menace to Arctic civilization through the frozen northland of Dawson City, Yukon to Fort Greely, Alaska, where a desperate man seeks vengeance against the United States government. From Ice to Ashes is a fast-paced thriller that transports the mystery genre into an area seldom explored in North American literature.

I hope you will join us Sunday September 24th from 7-9 PM over on our Beyond The Bookmarks Page for an Adventurous Evening with Author Jessica Simon , to join us simply click this link to learn more and RSVP for this fun event. 

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and an adventurous mystery review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Witchy Wednesday, Hedge Witch Book Of Days by Mandy Mitchell

Last month when I was in Oregon, we went to Powell's City of  Books, if you have never been there and are making your way to Portland this is a must! You can spend hours going through the various floors and stand in awe at the amount of books both new and used that this store has to offer. I appreciate their many sections and I love their witchcraft section.  Since I was a young girl I have been fascinated by and very interested in witchcraft. Learning about and reading about witchcraft is a passion of mine and as a writer has been a great took in fueling my imagination as well as giving me much to think about.

I picked up Hedge Witch Book of Days by Mandy Mitchell, while I was there, it pretty much jumped off the shelf at me.  The cover is about as perfect as one could get to get my attention. This book is divided into months and gives the reader information on each month, from which food is best this month, to celebrations and spells.  There are some wonderful recipes as well included that I am excited to try. I am very happy I found and picked up this book.

Once upon a time the witch held a place of esteem in the village; her knowledge of local plants and wayside herbs were used to heal; her wisdom and empathy made her the village matchmaker and marriage counselor; and her ability to commune with nature and animals gave her a place of revelry and wisdom. She was the Hedgewitch.

Aimed at the busy witch, who is both breadmaker and breadwinner, this book revives the spirit of the Hedgewitch and teaches you how to make every day one full of wisdom, healing, and magic. For the practicing or would-be witch whose life is more jeans, chaos, and the never-ending question of what's for dinner than it is black robes, cauldrons, and incantations, Mandy Mitchell has a recipe for you!

This book is in print and if you can not make it into Powell's books to find your own copy (Mine was a new copy) you can find it on Amazon.com by clicking here. 

Thank you for joining me here for a Witchy Wednesday Book Review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

A Game of Deceit by K. A. Davis

I was asked to read and review K.A. Davis' A Game Of Deceit, which is out August 1st. I will start by saying this is really not a cozy. This is a very good mystery with some cozy undertones. More of a Noir-Cozy-Thriller, if such a thing exists this book goes in that category. A very tight web of characters and a whodunnit with some sophisticated twists. I found this to be a darker and more disturbing series of crimes then I am used to reading but was unable to put it down.  I read it in one sitting and was happy to see the character grow from start to finish. A good read to be sure, just a little out of my normal cozy comfort zone.

Through August 15, 2017, 100% of the net sales from this book will be donated to rettsyndrome.org
A father’s disappearance never solved, a mother’s secret taken to the grave, a daughter deceived…Kathryn Landry thinks her life is just about perfect. She is the owner of a successful interior designer business in Newport Beach, California, and she has an attentive, supportive husband. But her world comes crashing down when her husband, Neil Landry, vanishes without a trace… in a situation almost identical to the disappearance of her father twenty years before.With her father’s disappearance still a mystery, Kathryn is skeptical that the detective assigned to her case will be able to find her husband. Determined to uncover the truth, Kathryn is plunged into a world of politics, high-priced call girls and wealth. As she begins to search for her husband, a decades-old secret her mother took to the grave threatens to destroy all she holds dear. Caught up in a web of betrayals and deceit, and not knowing who to trust, Kathryn must find a way to survive as she discovers the past has a way of repeating itself.“In A Game of Deceit author K. A. Davis offers up a taut, edge-of-your-seat suspense novel that will make you lock the doors, close the blinds, and wonder who you can truly trust. Don’t miss this great debut from Ms. Davis.” – Paige Shelton, New York Times Bestselling author of the Farmers' Market, Country Cooking School, Dangerous Type, and Scottish Bookshop mysteries.“In A Game of Deceit, K. A. Davis has crafted an emotional suspense with a taut, satisfying ending that should delight any fan of Mary Higgins Clark.” – Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha Award-winning author of the Cookbook Nook, French Bistro Mysteries, and Cheese Shop Mysteries, and the stand-alone suspense novels, GIRL ON THE RUN and DAY OF SECRETS. “Sly, sexy and spellbinding, A Game of Deceit grabs you in the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until its breathtaking finish. Debut author K. A. Davis creates a riveting tale of betrayal, family, suspense and murder.” – Jenny Kales, author of The Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series."A Game of Deceit is a marvelous read packed with action, suspense and intrigue. I couldn't put it down!" – Catherine Bruns, USA Today Best Selling Author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries.

You can find A Game of Deceit by K. A. Davis on Amazon by clicking here 
Thank you for joining me today for a cup of tea and a mystery review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Holiday Cookies by Elisabet der Nederlanden

In case you are wondering why today, 214 days before Christmas I have decided to share a review of an upcoming Holiday Cookies Cookbook the reason is simple, I love cookies. Motivated only slightly by a bake sale I volunteered to bake for in a fundraising attempt of the honor choirs upcoming trip to Europe next year, I thought I would give one of these recipes a try from author Elisabet der Nederlanden and Ten Speed Press. This book is coming out this September 5th and is worth pre ordering. The photos are fantastic and these Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are far superior to my own recipe!

From Icebox Pinwheel Cookies to Red-and-White Meringue Kisses to Apple Cider Caramels, find new inspiration for the best of seasonal baking with Holiday Cookies. This instant holiday classic is packed with 50 recipes, each gorgeously photographed and meticulously tested, along with dozens of decorating and packaging ideas. Filled with reimagined favorites like Giant Molasses Spice Cookies and Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies; confections like Peppermint Bark, Smoked Almond and Cacao Nib Brittle, and Dark Chocolate–Hazelnut Fudge; and detailed instructions for gorgeous gingerbread houses, cookie place cards, and edible ornaments, this is a cookie book like no other. Because the recipes are easy to scale up or down, Holiday Cookies is perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, and just enjoying throughout the season. From a veteran baker and recipe developer, each cookie in this collection is guaranteed to be a stand-out, and destined to become your new Christmas classic.

Currently on sale on Amazon pre sale for $20! Click here to pre order.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy recipe book review I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

The Witches Cauldron by Laura Tempest Zakroff

The Witches Cauldron by Laura Tempest is a book from a series I love from Llewellyn Books. There is a wonderful amount of information on the use of cauldrons, and their place in witchcraft history and modern day. This is a useful and lovely resource for those who like me love learning about witchcraft history and it is a very interesting read. This is a book I can not wait to have a print copy of.

Explore the spellbinding history, tradition, and modern uses of the Witch’s cauldron. From blessing and using your cauldron in ritual and divination to practicing kitchen witchery with it, this easy-to-use book provides essential information for Witches of all ages and skill levels.

The Witch’s Cauldron shows you the ins and outs of one of the most iconic tools in Witchcraft. Learn about the cauldron’s role in lore and mythology, its development through the ages, and old-world witchery. Discover how to choose, personalize, and care for your cauldron, and find unconventional ones already in your home. This entertaining book also features advice and spells from well-known writers, helping you delve into the endless possibilities for using a cauldron in your practice

While I have this book as an e-copy I am considering purchasing this one for my own collection. 

You can find it on Amazon by clicking here

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a "magical" book review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment below or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

The Witch's Book of Shadows by Jason Mankey

Today I bring you a review of Jason Mankey's new reference guide The Witch's Book Of Shadows. This book is out February 8th from Llewellyn  and can be found on Amazon by clicking here.  I was thrilled to review this interesting read. Great resource and reference book for anyone interested in learning about what book of shadows are from a historical point of view and how they are relevant and used today.
I love this cover and series. I have previously read and reviewed The Witches Mirror by Mickie Muller  and am now anxious to read all of these guides from Llewellyn. 

Discover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the Book of Shadows. This fun and easy-to-use guide provides essential information on creating and consecrating a Book of Shadows, as well as how to make it a part of your practice. 

Learn about the various types of Books of Shadows, their roles throughout history, and how they differ from regular spellbooks. Enjoy advice and excerpts from the grimoires of well-known modern and historical Witches. Explore a wide variety of ideas for what to include in your own Book of Shadows. Like a magical chart showing where you’ve been and where you’re going, this wonderful tool is your personal guide to Witchcraft.

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a Llewellyn book review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

The Square Life Of Emily Duggan by Lorraine McNeight

It is a season of memories. As many of you know by now I am moving in a few short days and leaving an area I have called home since 1977. Though I am not moving that far, it does feel like a world away. I have the most amazing neighbors, friends and family here who have made up many of the most happy memories I have. 

 I have talented neighbors too. I came home after a long walk in the snow Sunday to find a wrapped gift at my door.  Author Lorraine McNeight is a neighbor of mine. Her new book The Square Life Of Emily Duggan is an incredibly touching book. What a gift this story was to read on this very snowy Sunday.  This is a very moving story about life in all its glory, triumphs and turbulence. Beautifully written and spanning generations, knit beautifully together in such a lovely way. The story of Emily Duggan begins at a very young age and spans all the important and poignant parts of life. This was so very easy to picture, each character, and setting. From her parents, to the farm, her brothers, sisters, friends. I loved that Lorraine touched on the important and unexpected people who come into your life at times when you need them the most, and who when they leave impressions on your heart but do so without much pomp and circumstance. Quietly and often in the most painful ways, leaving only memories to fill the void. Written with compassion and care this novel is a wonderful read.

Emily Duggan leads a simple life, filled with family and friends. All of her memories are knitted into a blanket, which comforts her in times of tragedy, and keeps her warm as needed. This story reflects an ordinary life, nevertheless lived to the full.

You can find The Square life of Emily Duggan by Lorraine McNeight on Amazon by clicking here.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Judy Hall's Crystal Mindfulness A Review

Today I am going to share a review of a non cozy book with you. Ever since I can remember, I have loved rocks, picked them up and filled my pockets and purse with them. It may seem odd to some but maybe not to others. Bottom line having a rock with me helps me feel grounded. Some call it crazy, others self-regulation, for me it is just something I have always done. I was immediately drawn to the book called Crystal Mindfulness by Judy Hall. I love Purple and lets face it the cover speaks to me! So much so that I ordered the one shown above for a friend for her birthday last month.

"Are you looking for a better way to practice mindfulness? Crystals can help in so many ways. They have been around for millions of years and in their terms the passing of decades is merely the blink of an eye, so they offer new ways of perceiving your life. Gazing into the depths of a crystal offers you instant clarity and stillness of mind. Providing a point of soft focus, crystals help you to stay attentively in the present moment without judging it or needing it to change. The unique qualities of each crystal assist in switching off your mind's chatter. Crystals can ease your anxieties, dispel your anger, show you how to forgive and let the past be, and so much more. They can help you make a decisive move (when that's appropriate). They connect you to yourself at a very deep level. The introduction covers what mindfulness is, how it works, what the benefits are for you and how crystals can help you practise it. Part 1 looks at specific topics that are relevant to your mindfulness practise, such as staying grounded, becoming centred, shutting off the chattering mind and accepting yourself.Part 2 is a comprehensive crystal mindfulness directory featuring 24 beautifully photographed crystals. Each description of the crystal and its benefits to mindfulness is accompanied by an exercise for a specific purpose, as well as other features such as keywords and a Crystal Reflection to use for instant access to inner calm. Flick through the pages until a picture catches your eye and work with the crystal as suggested, or target your crystal mindfulness practise more specifically using the book's headings. Then tune into the crystal you need and the magic will happen."

When reading this book there is so many wonderful lessons to take away and incorporate in your daily life. This book may not be for everyone but anyone picking up this book would be able to take away and incorporate its message in their own lives in their own way. The photos are stunning and if you are a rock or crystal person this is a great resource book as well as a guide to "Mindfulness" I enjoyed this book so much that I bought it from the book depository as a gift for a like minded friend. I enjoy discovering new books and reviewing them. I am always thrilled when I find a book I review and know I have to have a copy of my own even better when I find a book I just love and order it for a friend so we can share the enjoyment! Judy Hall's Crystal Mindfulness is avalible now and you can order it from The Book Depository (with free shipping) like I did by clicking here.
Thank you for  joining me for a cup of tea and a book review, I hope you have a wonderful day.
I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

A Cup of Tea and A Chat With Author Andi Cumbo-Floyd Author of Discover Your Writing Self.

Today I am very pleased to share a cup of tea and a chat with Author Andi Cumbo-Floyd. This past summer I took a writing course with her and I learned so much about myself as a writer and the process of writing. Today I have asked Andi to join us for a quick cup of tea and a chat,  Andi kindly  agreed to share a bit about herself and her writing with you my lovely readers.

Andi, has a new book  called Discover your Writing Self, this book is based on the writing course I took this summer and I am very pleased that Andi is here today to share about her book, writing and her self.

KMOT: Welcome Andi! When you are writing what sustains you? 

ACF: I love this question because for me the answer is very simple: the writing itself is what sustains me. When I write, I discover myself and the world around me with a richness that I don't get in other ways. It's just part of the way I'm made - writing is my deepest tool of exploration. 

KMOT: When and how did you come to writing? 

ACF: I've been writing most of my life in one way or another. When I was a kid, I used to make up song lyrics as my family took road trips. Then, as I got older, writing was my way of sorting through the trials of adolescence and keeping in touch with my friends in the times we were apart during school breaks.  In college, I turned to English as my major and took on my academic writing, and then, I finally came to creative writing through grad school.  The thread that weaves all that together is that I have always been an avid reader. I will read anything - shampoo bottles, golf magazines at the tire shop, every click-bait article related to books on the internet. And it's the reading that brought me to writing. . . the way words can inform and wrap us up with comfort, challenge and carry us into new places. 

KMOT: When did you publish your first book? 

ACF: I published my first book in 2012. It's called God's Whisper Manifesto, and I wrote it when I finished my first full-length book The Slaves Have Names and was in the waiting period to see if a traditional publisher would pick it up.  GWF is a short book that sets out the principles by which we want to live at our farm here in Virginia.  

KMOT: What do you know now and wish you could tell yourself if you were just starting out now? 

ACF: How long do we have here? Really, I would tell myself that I would need more perseverance, patience, flexibility, and creativity than I can imagine right now. I would remind myself that building a career on words is a long game, not something that happens over night, and that it require me to be worth artist and business woman.  Mostly, though, I would tell myself to be generous, to support other writers, to remember that this is not a competition but a journey and the more companions we have for the road the better. 

KMOT: How many books have you got currently published and how many do you have in the queue?

ACF: have four books published: God's Whisper Manifesto, The Slaves Have Names, Writing Day In and Day Out, and Steele Secrets.  My next book, Charlotte and the Twelve, is the sequel to Steele Secrets and travels with Mary Steele as she seeks to solve the mystery of how a schoolteacher and twelve of her students were murdered in a school for African American children in the 1950s. 

KMOT: What do you want people to know most about yourself, your business and your passion for writing? 

ACF:I believe whole-heartedly in the power of words to change people. I believe writing shifts us, moves us, protects us, and guides us. I believe in writers, especially new writers, and I believe we need everyone's stories to be the fullest, healthiest, most loving humanity we can be. 

To order a copy of Andi's new book from amazon please click here.

To learn more about works by Andi Cumbo-Floyd please click here to visit her website.

Thank you Andi for joining us today for a cup of tea and sharing about the writing process and your books. I am honored to have you join us today and am grateful for the opportunity to have taken your course this summer. 

Thank you readers for joining us here today. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Living In The Moment By Dani DiPirro

I was lucky enough to get a net galley advanced copy of Living in the Moment by Dani DiPirro. This inspirational book is the perfect accompaniment to quiet teatime reflections. I enjoyed reading these quotes and savoring their meanings with each sip of tea.  This book is out this September, which always feels like a fresh start to me. Fall is the perfect time to pick up a book like this or give this book to someone in your life who could benefit from the advice and who could use the inspiration!

Life transpires in the present. Yet so often we let the present slip away, wasting our precious seconds worrying about the future or ruminating about what has passed. Instead, learning to live in the moment, also known as mindfulness, can have immense power to stop us focusing so much on doing and thinking and instead focus on being. Perfect either as a gift or self-purchase, this lovely little book features 18 inspirational quotes on living in the moment, each one followed by an insightful explanation, a thought-provoking activity or question, and a memorable affirmation. This inspires readers to think about mindfulness in a fresh way as well as encouraging them to incorporate it into their everyday lives. Research has shown that mindful people tend to feel more relaxed, less distracted, more balanced and decisive, with increased energy, self-esteem and productivity, as well as having stronger relationships and an enhanced immune system. With its appealing design, uplifting content and friendly tone, this discerning little book on Living in the Moment provides beautiful, bite-sized inspiration for people around the world to live in the now, with increased awareness, allowing them to really savour each of life's precious moments.

To learn more about this book or to order it please click here.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and review today. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

The Witches Mirror by Mickie Mueller

I have had the good fortune to be given an advanced reading copy of The Witches Mirror by Mickie Mueller. The cover is outstanding and is a gateway to a very impressive resource guide and historical look at the history of mirrors and Witchcraft. Only a few chapters into this book and  I found I was already learning so much! Fascinated by what learned and it is reminiscent of a truly captivating BBC documentary. Out this June this is one I have ordered it in paper back! 

Discover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the witch's mirror. From learning a wide array of spells to making your own mirror, The Witch's Mirror presents valuable information for witches of all levels. Fun and easy to use, this guide features meditations, spells, crafts, exercises, and many other tools for enhancing your magical life. Explore a guide to the symbols and practice of scrying, uncover the uses of mirrors in legends and pop culture, harness the reflective power of mirrors with meditations, and much more. Mickie Mueller invites you to gaze through the looking glass and see your magical self, wielding the mirror as a key tool to a successful, happy, and enlightened life.

To order your own copy of The Witches Mirror from The Book Depository (with free shipping world wide) please click here.

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a book review this Friday morning! I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com