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Press Reviews

Press Reviews     Read the press reviews for some recent Avalon Books releases. Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind by Heidi Ashworth The Dove by Carolyn Brown Everything But a Bride by Holly Jacobs Grave for a Dead Gunfighter by Kent Conwell Lost Youth by Robert Scott Marriage 101 by Deborah Shelley The Secret Correspondence by Annette Mahon Quiet Meg by Sherry Lynn Ferguson The Golden Thread by Amanda Harte Sierra Skullduggery by Jerry S. Drake Chocolate Secrets by Zelda Benjamin Stargazer by Amanda Harte In the Dismal Swamp by Patrick Balester Grave Justice by Glen Ebisch Death in the French Quarter by Kent Conwell To Trust by Carolyn Brown Miss Quinn’s Quandary by Carolyn Hughey Everything But a Groom by Holly Jacobs Means to an End by Michael Hachey The Swamps of Bayou Teche by Kent Conwell Evening Star by Carolyn Brown Guns Along The Brazos by Owen G. Irons Cupid’s Web by Carolyn Hughey Honeymoon Husband by Shirley Marks The Honorable Marksley by Sherry Lynn Ferguson Sweet Tilly by Carolyn Brown Encounter by Deadline by Mel Taylor Dream Weaver by Amanda Harte Tortillas and Second Chances by Sylvia Renfro Candy Kisses by Jean C. Gordon Morning Glory by Carolyn Brown The First Shall Be Last by Joyce and Jim Lavene Adieu, My Love by Lynn M. Turner Atascocita Gold by Kent Conwell Dolphin Dreams by Annette Mahon The Right Chord by Elisabeth Rose Advertising Murder by Robert Scott The Brass Ring by Amanda Harte Laugh Lines by Holly Jacobs Christmas in Carol by Sheila Robins Kubiak's Daughter by Stephen Lindley Promises by Carolyn Brown A Dark Trail Winding by Pete Peterson Grim Finale by Dorothy P. O'Neill Painted Ponies by Amanda Harte Spin Control by Holly O’Dell Love, Julie by Christine Bush Extracurricular Murder by Kent Conwell The Lovin’ Kind by Nancy J. Parra The Write Match by Margaret Carroll Shannon: The Road to Whiskey Creek by Charles E. Friend Pretty Maids All In A Row by Michelle Buckman and A.H. Jackson All Things Slip Away by Kathryn Meyer Griffith Scraps of Paper by Kathryn Meyer Griffith Superior Death by Matthew Williams Night Calls by Holly Jacobs The Secret Wish by Annette Mahon The Ying On Triad by Kent Conwell Blood Debt by S.J. Stewart ’Tis the Season by Kathryn Quick Absolution by Carolyn Brown Palo Duro Shootout by Kent Conwell Final Note by Dorothy P. O’Neill Stone Fish by Olivia Ferrell The Bettin’ Kind by Nancy J. Parra Cruising for Love by Tami Cowden Bluebonnet Spring by Amanda Harte Before the Last Lap by Joyce and Jim Lavene Lovehandles by Holly Jacobs Next of Kin by Ami Elizabeth Reeves Choices by Carolyn Brown Poppy’s Place by Sylvia Renfro Vicksburg by Kent Conwell Pickup Lines by Holly Jacobs Turn of Fortune by Vicky Hunnings Last One Down by Joyce and Jim Lavene The Marryin’ Kind by Nancy J. Parra Falling for You by Kathryn Quick Miss Dempsey’s School for Gunslingers by I.J. Parnham A Matter of Motive by Michael Hachey Love on the Air by Sierra Donovan Laughing at the Thunder by Amanda Harte Augusta by Carolyn Brown Negotiating Love by Roni Denholtz Smoke Cover by Dorothy P. O’Neill Garnet by Carolyn Brown Gypsy by Carolyn Brown Mr. Perfect by Shelagh McEachern Skeletons of The Atchafalaya by Kent Conwell Velvet by Carolyn Brown Whistling in the Dark by Amanda Harte Loving Lana by Nancy J. Parra Willow by Carolyn Brown A Catered Affair by Carolyn Matkowsky Somebody to Love by Roni Denholtz Silver Creek by A.H. Holt A Wanted Man by Nancy J. Parra A Taste of Death by Mary Ellen Hughes Maggie’s Mistake by Carolyn Brown The Mad Herringtons by Jane Myers Perrine Emma’s Folly by Carolyn Brown Until Our Last Embrace by Joyce and Jim Lavene The Marshal’s Destiny by C. H. Admirand A Deadly Change of Power by Gina Cresse A Deadly Change of Heart by Gina Cresse A Golden Trail Of Murder by John Paxson Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind by Heidi Ashworth  -- ADVANCE REVIEW AN AVALON ROMANCE ’...a lovely Regency, my favorite kind of story, as sparkling as champagne, as sweet as chocolate.” — Barbara Metzger, Romance author The Dove by Carolyn Brown AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “Katy Lynn is the town drunk's daughter, and Joshua is the preacher's son, so when his father discovers their summer romance, he packs Joshua off to an eastern college and buys Katy's promise not to pursue him. Heartbroken, Katy pours her energies into her Soiled Dove saloon and various other enterprises. When Joshua returns as Spanish Fort's new preacher, however, the sparks fly as both struggle to overcome the past. Brown's stand-alone historical romance set in small-town 1905 Texas addresses some of the ingrained business and social prejudices still rampant in American society more than 100 years later.” — Lynne Welch, Booklist, July 1, 2008 Find out more about this book. Everything But a Bride by Holly Jacobs AN AVALON ROMANCE “Noah Salo was engaged to be married to his childhood sweetheart Julianna. Nana Salo was thrilled and felt this would break the curse she inadvertently put on the family years ago. But when Julianna backs out, it's up to her younger stepsister Callie, to step in and help Noah through his heartbreak. This series about a family cursed with wedding disasters does not need to be read in order, but anyone who's gone through the trauma of planning a wedding will be able to sympathize with the goings on. Lighthearted and sweet, these books are great to share with the women in your lives.” — Barbara Vey, Publishers Weekly Online, June 27, 2008 “Jacobs brings readers back to Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Salo family. Nana is now counting on her grandson, Noah, to break the curse she visited on her family when she thought she was a jilted bride. In two weeks, Noah will marry his childhood sweetheart. At his stag party, he is dragged onto the dance floor by his intended's stepsister, Callie. She and Noah have always been buddies, and everyone thinks of her as one of the guys, but Noah's bride-to-be cuts in and tells him that the wedding is off. Suddenly, Callie and Noah are forced to see what's been there all along: they're perfect for each other. He doesn't see a problem, but Callie refuses to risk their friendship. So begins Noah's campaign to convince her to fall in love in Jacobs' sweet and tender tale of two hearts realizing they should be one. But will Noah and Callie break the curse?” — Maria Hatton, Booklist, July 1, 2008 “Summary: Nana Vancy hopes that the curse she inadvertently brought on her family will be broken when her grandson, Noah Salo, marries Julianna. But Julianna calls things off at the last minute. When Callie, Julianna's stepsister and Noah's friend, breaks up with her boyfriend, she and Noah end up taking the honeymoon trip together. While away they discover a different aspect of their relationship, one Noah wants to pursue when they return home. But Callie is afraid of what will happen if things don't work out. Noah has his work cut out for him to convince her to give this new relationship a chance. (Avalon, Aug., 192 pp., $23.95) MILD” — Susan Mobley, Romantic Times Find out more about this book. Lost Youth by Robert Scott AN AVALON MYSTERY “When Eric Howes calls his friend, private investigator Jack Elton, at three o'clock in the morning, Jack realizes immediately that he has a case that must be solved quickly. Jennifer Herties, the daughter of a wealthy Vancouver businessman, has been kidnapped. To rescue the victim, Jack and his girlfriend, Val Cummins, a police officer, must first find Jennifer's father and then gain his trust. Scott (Advertising Murder, 2007) has written an engaging second book. The intricate plot along with the evolving relationship of Jack and Val provide the appeal here.” — Barbara Bibel, Booklist, July 1, 2008 Find out more about this book. Grave for a Dead Gunfighter by Kent Conwell AN AVALON WESTERN “Conwell's 25th western (after Atascocita Gold) is a fast-paced hayburner loaded with gunplay, powder smoke and a wagonload of perforated corpses. Cleve Bollinger is a wanted man now living straight as Clint Bowles. He has his saddle pal, Speck Adams, head to New Mexico after learning that an old friend, Sam Cooper, who Clint thought was dead, is alive and in trouble. On arrival at the small pueblo town of El Jardin, Clint and Speck side with Cooper in a vicious land war with land baron John Rawlings, his small army of hired guns and his paid-for sheriff and judge. Once the baddies realize Cooper has help and Clint's true identity is discovered, the lead starts to fly, and Clint's six-guns don't have time to cool off. The bad guys soak up most of the lead in this oater, and Conwell cleverly helps Clint ride off into the sunset in a satisfying, concluding plot twist. This may be pure western formula, but it sure is fun.” — Publishers Weekly, June 16, 2008 Find out more about this book. Marriage 101 by Deborah Shelley AN AVALON ROMANCE “A macho, marriage-shy coach convinced that divorce has been coded into his family's DNA and a human relationships teacher, strong on theory but woefully lacking in practice, find their ideas and patience put to the test when Rachel Levin's high school "Marriage 101" class dares her and coach Danny Riccuci to follow her students' assignment-stay "married" to someone they didn't choose for the school year! Sparks fly, emotions sizzle, and romance blooms between the reluctant pair as their preconceived ideas give way to live in this sweet, hilarious tale that is brimming with sassy humor, snappy dialog, and intriguing family dynamics. It even provides a lively take on the high school scene. Shelley (One Starry Night) lives in Glendale, AZ.” — Library Journal, June 15, 2008 Find out more about this book. The Secret Correspondence by Annette Mahon AN AVALON ROMANCE “Concerned when her elderly neighbor breaks her leg, health-care worker Julie Wong takes matters into her own hands and secretly emails the woman's Upstate New York-based workaholic son, never dreaming that an innocent online missive would turn into something much more significant-to both of them. Totally opposite, likable protagonists who beautifully complement each other; quirky, lovable secondary characters; and vivid descriptions of island life are highlights of this sweet, funny romance. Fans of Mahon will enjoy catching up with the rest of the inhabitants of tiny Malino, HI, in this latest in the author's (Dolphin Dreams) multicultural "Secret Romance" series. Mahon lives in Paradise Valley, AZ.” — Library Journal, June 15, 2008 Find out more about this book. Quiet Meg by Sherry Lynn Ferguson  -- ADVANCE REVIEW AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “In this Regency novel from Ferguson (The Honorable Marksley), Charles Cabot's quality landscape architect work nicely complements his noble lineage. A routine visit to the estate of Sir Eustace Lawrence quickly draws Charles into Lawrence family tensions: middle daughter Margaret has an obsessive stalker in the powerful, sadistic earl of Sutcliffe. Since Sutcliffe has already killed a young male friend of Meg's and gotten away with it, she has maintained an emotional distance from all men, fearing Sutcliffe will repeat his violence. But in spite of Meg's determined coolness, both she and Charles feel stirred by romance, and Charles, dressed in his aristocratic finery and flanked by his high-born cousins, baits Sutcliffe to show his hand. There's too much dialogue, but it's sprightly, and Ferguson's lively characters carry the day.” — Publishers Weekly, June 2, 2008 Find out more about this book. The Golden Thread by Amanda Harte AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “In less than a year, New York City heiress Eleanor Menger will have control of her fortune. In the meantime, though, to avoid marrying a man chosen by her greedy uncle, Eleanor assumes a new identity and supports herself by taking a job as a textile worker in the small town of Hidden Falls. Working in the mill proves to be more difficult and dangerous than Eleanor first imagined, but there are also some unexpected rewards, including a new sense of responsibility and the strong friendships Eleanor forges with her coworkers. What Eleanor didn't expect to find in Hidden Falls was the love of her life, who turns out to be the town's annoying and exasperating new newspaper publisher Brad Harrod. Deftly blending a charmingly sweet romance with some fascinating details about the textile industry and newspaper publishing in early-twentieth-century America, Harte creates another winning addition to her Hidden Falls series.” — John Charles, Booklist, May 15, 2008 Find out more about this book. Sierra Skullduggery by Jerry S. Drake AN AVALON WESTERN “In this sequel to The Gunfighter's Apprentice (2006), former gunslinger Tom Patterson is approached by a shady fellow with an unsettling proposition: do a little job for us, or your wife will suffer the consequences. Patterson gets himself out of that predicament and hightails it home to find that his wife, Betty, has just extricated herself from her own tricky situation. Tom isn't going to tolerate anyone threatening his family, so he sets out to determine who's behind it all. Of course, he isn't expecting to walk headfirst into a conspiracy involving a railroad company and some of the nastiest people he has ever gone up against. This is a no-frills formula western (it could have been written in the pulp era). Characters' positions on the good-to-evil spectrum are clearly marked, and the story is clean and simple (but not simplistic). For those who aren't looking for ambiguity in a western, who want only a good story about a single hero squaring off against a bunch of baddies, this one fills the bill and will provide a pleasant evening's entertainment.” — David Pitt, Booklist, May 15, 2008 Find out more about this book. Chocolate Secrets by Zelda Benjamin AN AVALON ROMANCE “They’re not exactly the Hatfields and McCoys, but the Martinellis and Simones have been feuding ever since Sal Simone stole the secret chocolate recipe from Alex Martinelli’s grandfather. Her whole life, Alex has heard how Grandpa Max’s best friend, Sal, betrayed him. Despite all those years of having it drilled into her that the only good Simone is a dead one, Alex begins to fall for firefighter Mike Simone after he saves her grandfather from a cooking fire. Instead of gratitude, stubborn old Max clings to his anti-Simone ways. Mike’s fellow firefighters, on the other hand, believe that a match between Alex and Mike is just the thing both of them need, and they begin to coach Mike on fail-proof wooing techniques, including using a daily horoscope to predict Alex’s moods. Endearing characters—from the matchmaking firefighters to the young, colorful assistant candy maker—provide a nice balance to the grumpy gramps. Benjamin’s romance is sure to charm readers.” — Shelley Mosley, Booklist, April 1, 2008 Find out more about this book. Stargazer by Amanda Harte AN AVALON ROMANCE “For Julie Unger, the job could not have come at a better time, for now she can leave Calena and her bitter divorce behind to do something she loves: restore an antique carousel. When Julie arrives at Hidden Falls, almost everyone is delighted to welcome her to the small town, including handsome chief of police Dan Harrod. But Julie doesn’t think she has time for anything other than her new job until she meets Rick Swanson, the architect who helped renovate the studio where she now works. When Julie discovers that both Rick and his son, Josh, are still grieving over the loss of Rick’s wife, Julie wants nothing more than to help, and in doing so, she finds a way to deal with her own sorrow. In the latest addition to her Hidden Falls series, Harte skillfully uses the healing power of love to create a richly emotional and sweetly charming contemporary romance.” — John Charles, Booklist, April 1, 2008 Find out more about this book. In the Dismal Swamp by Patrick Balester AN AVALON MYSTERY “Greg Parnell imagined his new assignment as a field agent for the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife would be laid-back, even boring, which would be just fine by him. But when the body of an activist and wife of a local politician washes up in the Virginia swamp over which he has jurisdiction, Greg’s adrenaline starts running again. Why are all the locals so quick to dismiss her death as an accident?” “Greg senses there’s more to it than that and finds an unlikely helper in FBI agent Dan Brennan. Their investigation rubs the townsfolk the wrong way, but that’s not enough to keep the young Yankee (Greg) and the cocky fed (Dan) from digging. Even when the local officials concede that a murder took place, they jump too quickly to make an arrest, leaving Greg to solve the crime on his own, making more enemies along the way. Believable dialogue, an engaging hero in the manner of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett, and lots of Virginia backcountry ambience suggest a strong series in the offing from this talented first novelist.” — Mary Frances Wilkens, Booklist, May 1, 2008 Find out more about this book. Grave Justice by Glen Ebisch AN AVALON MYSTERY “In the second in a series, after The Crying Girl (2007), featuring Amanda Vickers and Marcie Ducasse, the inquisitive editors of Roaming New England Magazine, Ebisch’s journalist sleuths have found their way into another real-life mystery. In West Windham to cover a possible lake monster story, Amanda and her friend Nick are invited to a séance meant to contact the spirit of a prominent businessman’s murdered wife in the hope that her spirit can identify the culprit. Surprisingly enough, a clue is given, thus setting the wheels in motion for more death and the unearthing of secrets. Ebisch is fun to read even though Amanda and Marcie don’t exactly stand out as strong leading ladies. Happily, some of the secondary characters, especially Ben (the cemetery groundskeeper) and the medium, counter this and offer charming, entertaining moments. With a fan-favorite plot and satisfying comeuppances, Ebisch offers up a solid helping of American cozy fare, and readers will look forward to the next mysterious take from New England.” — Nina C. Davis, Booklist, April 1, 2008 “In Ebisch’s second mystery to feature Roaming New England Magazine reporters Amanda Vickers and Marcie Ducasse (after The Crying Girl), the two women are in West Windham, ME, investigating a sighting of the Lake Opal Monster. Then, they attend a séance arranged by a wealthy businessman wanting to find out who killed his wife, and the medium announces that the identity of the murderer lies with his widow in her coffin. Ebisch keeps both plots on track in this fine mystery that will capture most readers’ imaginations.” — Library Journal, April 1, 2008 Find out more about this book. Death in the French Quarter by Kent Conwell AN AVALON MYSTERY “Austin, Texas, private investigator Tony Boudreaux isn't at all fond of his native Louisiana. The cases that take him across Texas' eastern border are almost always dangerous and barely survivable (The Swamps of Bayou Teche, 2007). This time a childhood friend asks him to clear her brother of the murder charges that put him in prison, where he died. Why waste time and money clearing a dead man? It's only when Tony discovers a connection between his client's brother and the murder of Tony's cousin a few months earlier that he develops an enthusiasm for the case. The only clue he has is a shady Austin import business that employed both men and subsequently shut down in the dead of night. The business owners retreated--of course--into New Orleans' complex and dangerous smuggling industry. Eventually, Tony ingratiates himself with the smugglers and goes undercover with them. It's a dangerous game, but Tony is motivated by loyalty to family and friends. The eighth Boudreaux mystery is a pleasantly grisly sojourn into the Crescent City's corrupt underbelly. This is an unpretentious, no-frills, highly entertaining series.” — Wes Lukowsky, Booklist, December 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. To Trust by Carolyn Brown AN AVALON ROMANCE “Dee Hooper was so anxious to escape Buckhorn Corner, Oklahoma, that she eloped with the first man to propose, but seven miserable years later she has sworn off men for good and returned home to the big old house populated by four generations of Hooper women. Boy-next-door Jack, now working in his late grandparents' convenience store and living in a dilapidated trailer, is glad to see her but understandably cautious about trusting her with his heart again. The tone of Brown's newest contemporary romance series is more acerbic than sassy, and the characters exhibit a much more insular outlook than her usual good-natured constructs, but the down-home setting and extended family relationships do entertain.” — Lynne Welch, Booklist, December 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Miss Quinn's Quandary by Shirley Marks AN AVALON ROMANCE “One impulsive act could change Larissa Quinn's life forever. On the way to live with her aged aunt in the country, she claims to be the wife of a stranger to secure the last room at the inn. She is sure she'll never see involuntary husband Sir Randall Trent again. She doesn't know her aunt has plans for Larissa to attend the London social season, where she and Randall will be forced together when her lie resurfaces. Marks, the author of Geek to Chic (2006) and Honeymoon Husband (2007), tries out historical romance with this novel set in Regency England. Her chick-lit readers may be turned off by the premise, but Marks mingles modern sensibilities with the traditional setting. The romance that blooms between Larissa and Randall is predictable yet pleasing. A promising mystery element unfolds haphazardly but may provide some additional appeal for readers who like both romance and suspense.” — Booklist, November 14, 2007 “This charming if uneven Edwardian from Marks (Geek to Chic) opens as Miss Larissa Quinn completes her education and journeys to Westmoreland estate to become the companion to an aunt she doesn't know. She resolves, however, to have one adventure before resigning herself to her fate. On arriving at an inn, Larissa, spys a handsome gentleman, and claims that the two are newlyweds in order to secure the last remaining room. Once settled, it takes a little convincing to get the man, Sir Randall Trent, to go on with the charade. After a chaste night, the two board the coach assuming that no one will be the wiser and that they will never meet again. But Larissa's very undoddering aunt eschews dull country life for the London season, and when Larissa and Sir Randall inevitably meet, their "marriage" slips out of their control-leading to unpleasant and possibly deadly consequences. The lovers don't quite come into focus and often seem not to know whether to fight or kiss, but the inventive plot carries them along with sweet abandon.” — Publishers Weekly, October 22, 2007 Find out more about this book. Everything But a Groom by Holly Jacobs AN AVALON ROMANCE “Cursed! Yancy Bashalde didn’t mean to curse her children and grandchildren. When she cursed the man who didn't show up to marry her in Hungary, she meant to curse his children and grandchildren, so they would never enjoy a beautiful wedding. Unfortunately, she later married that same man, and suddenly, their descendants shared that curse. Holly Jacobs’ latest novel, Everything But a Groom, is a fun romance showing two people what it takes to make a marriage of love. “Yancy Salo ignored all of her grandmother’s stories, and had plans and counter plans for her beautiful wedding. What she didn’t plan on was her fiancé running off with a waitress. Suddenly Yancy is pursued by the media who smells a story about the bride who was cursed by her own grandmother. Her escape from the reporters led her straight to Matt Wilde, who has his own problems. “Wilde was quite happy building up his landscape business. He never expected to open his front door to find five-year-old twins, his brother’s sons, left on his doorstep. Yancy’s appearance in his life was a godsend since she seemed perfectly confident in handling two small boys. “Holly Jacobs has a knack for creating likable characters, from Yancy Salo and Matt Wilde to Yancy's grandmother, Nana Salo and Matt’s surprising stepmother. Fortunately for the reader, there are plans for two more books featuring Nana Salo’s descendants. Maybe there won’t be a big wedding in Nana’s future, but there’s bound to be romance. If Everything But a Groom is an example, it will be a fun, romantic story of two people who discover they need each other.” — Lesa Holstine, USA Today, December 27, 2007 “Although she doesn't believe in the wedding curse her Hungarian grandmother visited upon her family for three generations, Vancy Salo is taking every precaution to make sure her wedding goes off without a hitch. What she doesn't plan for is being stood up at the altar. Her family business is well known, and the story of the curse is too good for the media in Erie, Pennsylvania, to pass up. She's hounded by the press and in her agitated state she asks her landscaper to immediately remove all the special plantings he put in for the wedding. Matt Wilde has problems of his own. His young twin nephews, of whom he knew nothing, have been left on his doorstep, so he rushes to Vancy's with the boys in tow. She apologizes for her behavior, and they decide on a course of action: Vancy will stay at Matt's house to avoid the press and help him take care of his nephews. It seems too good to be true, and too good to pass up in Jacobs' very sweet tale of true love.” — Maria Hatton, Booklist, November 1, 2007 (starred review) Find out more about this book. Means to an End by Michael Hachey AN AVALON MYSTERY “Dexter Loomis (A Matter of Motive, 2004) is still interim police chief of Huggins Point, Wisconsin, even though he has been on the job for a year. When an investigative reporter dies in an automobile crash that was not an accident, he has a reason to reconnect with state homicide investigator Ann Summer. As they dig into the case, they find themselves skirting a federal investigation of the local Native American casino and its possible Mob ties as well as a burglary at the home of a famous artist. The artist may be tied to a murder that occurred 20 years earlier. When several people involved in the case die of poisoning, Dexter and Ann must find out why. Hachey manages to juggle several intriguing plot elements involving colorful characters while rekindling Dexter's romance with Ann. The rural setting adds charm to this agreeable mix of cozy and police procedural. Cozy fans who don't mind a little hard-boiled edge are the target audience.” — Barbara Bibel, Booklist, October 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. The Swamps of Bayou Teche by Kent Conwell AN AVALON MYSTERY “Dexter Loomis (A Matter of Motive, 2004) is still interim police chief of Huggins Point, Wisconsin, even though he has been on the job for a year. When an investigative reporter dies in an automobile crash that was not an accident, he has a reason to reconnect with state homicide investigator Ann Summer. As they dig into the case, they find themselves skirting a federal investigation of the local Native American casino and its possible Mob ties as well as a burglary at the home of a famous artist. The artist may be tied to a murder that occurred 20 years earlier. When several people involved in the case die of poisoning, Dexter and Ann must find out why. Hachey manages to juggle several intriguing plot elements involving colorful characters while rekindling Dexter's romance with Ann. The rural setting adds charm to this agreeable mix of cozy and police procedural. Cozy fans who don't mind a little hard-boiled edge are the target audience.” — Wes Lukowsky, Booklist, October 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Evening Star by Carolyn Brown AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “Tucker Anderson just can't believe his bad luck - he's broken his leg, cut his hand, and been concussed by a fall from the roof; and his aggravating cousins Clara (Morning Glory, 2007) and Tilly (Sweet Tilly, 2007) have hired a female doctor to mollycoddle and boss him for the next six weeks! Tucker has strong views - which he has loudly voiced on numerous occasions - on a woman's plce, and having to rely on Addison Carter for his every need is downright galling. Naturally, Addison is somewhat outspoken herself as befits one of Brown's heroines, and sparks fly from the moment they meet. Brown satisfyingly concludes her entertaining small-town Oklahoma Drifters and Dreamers romance trilogy with another colorful tale full of the quirky characters, verbal sparring, humorous escapades and historical detail her readers love.” — Lynne Welch, Booklist, October 1, 2007 Find out more about this book. Guns Along The Brazos by Owen G. Irons AN AVALON WESTERN “After two men gun Fred Jury down in his own home, his son, Ben, swears vengeance. As green as they come, Ben doesn't know exactly how he might go about tracking and facing the two killers, but his singleminded determination keeps him nipping at the men's heels, from a riverboat on the Mississippi to The Brazos River and the dust of Texas beyond. Along the way, Ben gets himself into all manner of unwarranted grief and soon finds his face staring back at him from a wanted poster. There are a few genuinely surprising twists and enough action to keep the story churning along, even as it morphs from a revenge tale to a quest of discovery as Ben learns the whole truth of his father's past and his long-lost mother. This will appeal to western fans who like their stories on the simpler, gentler side, or perhaps young greenhorns of the genre, but hardened cowpokes might best ride on past.” — Ian Chipman, Booklist, September 1, 2007 Find out more about this book. Cupid’s Web by Carolyn Hughey AN AVALON ROMANCE “Cassie Pirelli discovers that moving to New York City to escape her meddling, overbearing, Italian mother isn’t the answer to all of her problems. Yes, it does mean getting an apartment with her best friend, Megan O’Malley. And yes, it does mean a great new job at Merrill Finance Corporation. But family ties stretch far, and Cassie’s mother is bound and determined that her only daughter will meet a nice boy (preferably Italian), marry him, and have a bunch of grandbabies. “Cassie, who has already broken off one engagement, soon finds herself pursued by three men--her volatile boss; a guy at the office she likes as a friend; and last but not least, Sammy Scarliotti, a man hand-picked by her mother. Hughey has penned a brisk and entertaining romantic comedy, complete with a wise-cracking and endearing heroine.” — Shelley Mosley, Booklist, September 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Honeymoon Husband by Shirley Marks AN AVALON ROMANCE “En route to their contest -winning wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii, Hannah Roberts’ fiancé Earl ditches her with a note scribbled on a hamburger wrapper. Alone in paradise, not only does Hannah have to find a way to explain to the contest organizers that the groom-to-be has absconded, she also has to come to grips with losing her high school sweetheart, even if he is a jerk. The hotel’s resident astronomer may be just the distraction she needs. Soon Hannah, who’s never taken a risk in her life, has fallen headover heels for the adventurous stranger, and he, the consummate bachelor, may have finally found the one. This concise novel is snappy rather than steamy; they are no raunchy sex scenes or breathy dialogue, which will be a relief for some readers, while others may be disappointed. Marks is still finding her legs as a romance author, but she has the happy ending down pat.” — Aleksandra Kostovski, Booklist, September 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. The Honorable Marksley by Sherry Lynn Ferguson AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “Hallie Ashton thought she was kissing Richard Marksley, publisher of the literary journal The Tantalus, but it turns out that Hallie shared a kiss with his cousin Reginald, the Viscount Langford. Now that she is socially compromised, Hallie’s family insists that Reggie marry her, but Reggie has conveniently disappeared leaving Richard to deal with the tricky situation. Richard knows that the honorable thing to do is to marry Hallie himself, yet he is reluctant to commit to a woman whom he has only just met. So Richard comes up with a compromise: he and Hallie will become engaged only long enough for Reggie to return. But Hallie has a secret that could end their engagement before it even begins. “Ferguson’s sweetly romantic, expertly crafted traditional Regency romance is an absolute delight.” — John Charles, Booklist, September 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Sweet Tilly by Carolyn Brown AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “Matilda Jane Anderson was named after her grandmother’s two mules, and she’s every bit as stubborn as they were. When Sheriff Rayford Sloan tries to convince her it’s time to get out of the moonshine business, she digs in her heels and refuses to budge, leading him on a merry chase while conducting business right under his nose. But Ford is unwillingly attracted to her spirit and gumption, and although he’s sworn to uphold the law he’d rather be courting Tilly than arresting her. “Brown’s second Ozark-set Drifters & Dreamers historical romance takes place concurrently with the first (Morning Glory, 2006), exhibiting her trademark sassy dialog and colorful characters. As Brown brings an almost forgotten era to vivid life, she also explores social and legal issues prevalent at the time.” — Lynne Welch, Booklist, September 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Encounter by Deadline by Mel Taylor AN AVALON MYSTERY ““Readers are treated to more of Taylor's good writing and sense of place. Taylor also keeps his gift for dialogue...an entertaining tale of crime and detection.”” — Jack Latona, Go Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, August 2007 Find out more about this book. Dream Weaver by Amanda Harte AN AVALON ROMANCE “Hidden Falls is a dying town. The population is dwindling, the buildings are dilapidated, and even the local high school is closing. Why then is John Moreland, CEO of JBM Enterprises, considering making his next real estate renovation project an old estate in Hidden Falls? John is sure he must be losing his mind, but the stately old house he spies for the first time feels like home. Maybe it's because Fairlawn is his family's ancestral home, and the Morelands were once the heart and soul of Hidden Falls. One hundred years ago, his family made a fortune from textiles, and their mill in Hidden Falls employed almost all the town's residents. But its heyday eventually passed, and now there's nothing to draw anybody to Hidden Falls. That is why John is envisioning converting Fairlawn into an exclusive hotel and spa for the very rich. His guests can come for a quick getaway and find everything they need at the resort. There will be no need to visit the surrounding town at all. “John's plan for Fairlawn, however, hits some snags when he meets some of the folk from Hidden Falls. Most notable is Claire Connors, a teacher at the local high school. She has made it clear that she wants John to do more than turn Fairlawn into a hotel. Her dream is for Hidden Falls to be brought back to life too, but that's not John's problem. Still, Claire has managed to get under his skin. She's beautiful and intelligent, and just like Fairlawn, John cannot seem to forget about either one. He should walk away from both because the last thing John wants is to become too attached to her or Hidden Falls. He's beginning to suspect, however, that it's too late for that. “Even though John has his doubts, Claire is certain that Hidden Falls is worth restoring to its former glory. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that she'll be able convince him to alter his plans. What's more, Claire is sure that the attraction she feels for John is mutual, but he seems to be just as unwilling to take a chance on her as he is with Hidden Falls, and she's not sure which is more heartbreaking, watching something she loves die, or never experiencing something that she knows could be wonderful. “DREAM WEAVER is the third Hidden Falls Romance, and it is a departure from the first two books, both of which took place around the turn of the century when Hidden Falls was at its peak and the Morelands were one of the three families that made up the town's high society. As this story opens, the Morelands, living elsewhere, are still fabulously rich and successful, but Hidden Falls has not faired as well. Having read the two previous books, it's rather sad to revisit the town and find it in such miserable shape. However, this new twist keeps the storyline original. And although the Moreland family is familiar to some of us, and we once again meet the residents of Hidden Falls, they are all fresh, new characters that all seem to possess their own kind of charm. John, in particular, is an alluring man. Not only does he enjoy wealth and looks, but he has charisma as well. But, not surprisingly, like so many men, Claire finds he has issues when it comes to trust and commitment. Still, the author does well to make the reader care for him, when it is Claire who garners so much sympathy. She's passionate in her zeal to save what she loves, and their romance often parallels the storyline about the restoration of Fairlawn, and ultimately the fate of Hidden Falls. With both, there are ups and downs, risks to take, and a lot of soul-searching involved. “In DREAM WEAVER, it is obvious that Hidden Falls and its residents are created with great fondness, and this loving attention produces a pleasant place to visit peopled with characters who ring true to life. Readers do not have to read the previous Hidden Falls Romances in order to enjoy DREAM WEAVER. It stands on its own as a sweet and gentle romance featuring likable characters.” — Sandra Brill, Romance Reviews Today, August 2007 Find out more about this book. Tortillas and Second Chances by Sylvia Renfro AN AVALON ROMANCE “Eight years ago Ray walked away from Celeste and their love. Now he’s back and wants to start over, but a reluctant Celeste knows that this time there is more at risk than just her heart. “Young and in love, bad boy Ray and good girl Celeste thought their relationship would last forever. But then Ray left town without notice or explanation, leaving Celeste devastated - and pregnant. Believing the worst of Ray, she never told him about their child. An arranged — and disastrous — marriage gave her daughter Mia a father, but soured Celeste on men when it ended. Her daughter is now seven, and Celeste has built a good life for the two of them despite her controlling father’s disapproval. “Years ago Ray let Celeste’s father’s lies send him packing. Ray left town determined to make something of his life, and his hard work has paid off in the multi-million dollar corporation he started. When Ray’s good friend and mentor Gus has a heart attack, Ray finally returns home and agrees to stay to run Gus’s boat shop while he recuperates. It only takes seeing Celeste once to realize she is the only woman he’s ever loved. Ray vows to win her back for good, and to do it without revealing his financial success, determined that Celeste love him for who he really is. “Celeste resolves to resist Ray’s charm, but her daughter has no such reservations. The child is enthralled with Ray, and the two seem to have formed a close bond in a short time. But Celeste is no longer an easily charmed, starry-eyed girl; she’s a woman conscious of what a relationship really means, and realizes just how much is at stake this time around. As the two inevitably become closer, Celeste and Ray hope that this time they can make their love last. Yet each still clings to their big secret, secrets that could destroy their romance for good. “TORTILLAS AND SECOND CHANCES is a sweet and tender story of a second chance at first love. Ray and Celeste’s lingering feelings are clear right from the start and rekindle steadily through the story, even with the tension of their big secrets. Their emotional growth and maturity over the past decade is deftly written, and makes their understanding and forgiveness of past hurts believable. This is a classic romance in a modern setting. Heartfelt, touching and romantic, it’s the kind of story that will make readers laugh and cry and then read the book all over again.” — Leigh Orlowski, Romance Junkies, July 2007 Find out more about this book. Candy Kisses by Jean C. Gordon AN AVALON ROMANCE “In the appealing, adorable Candy Kisses by Jean C. Gordon, Candy Price is burdened with a community of brothers who all think they know what’s best for her—and she’d love to prove them wrong, but first she needs to figure out what the right choice is. Stuck in Albany for the summer with only her landlord, the very handsome and cheerful Mike Wheeler, she decides to take on a challenge: She’s going to find Mike a new girlfriend and, in the meantime, they can share pointers on the dating scene. Candy is about to find out what love is all about, but first she has to learn how to stand up to the boss who takes advantage of her all the time and learn to let other people help her. Candy Kisses is an upbeat romance about two good people who need to make that love connection.” — Barbara Samuel, BookPage, July 2, 2007 Find out more about this book. Morning Glory by Carolyn Brown AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE “Jilted a decade ago, Clara Anderson buried her broken heart and bruised pride under a cloak of rigid adherence to routine and vehement opposition to change. But oil has been discovered under the cotton fields and cow pastures of sleepy little Healdton, Oklahoma, and when lanky, soft-spoken roustabout Briar Nelson rents a room in Clara’s boardinghouse, the Morning Glory, both experience an unwilling mutual attraction. Continued proximity results in Clara’s gradual progression from adolescent denial to a more mature attitude of acceptance with a concomitant sweetening of her disposition. Brown’s new Drifters & Dreamers series, set in 1917, introduces three cousins, the moonshine industry, and a new canvas for her folksy explorations of life and love at pivotal times in America.” — Lynne Welch, Booklist, July 1, 2007 Find out more about this book. The First Shall Be Last by Joyce and Jim Lavene AN AVALON MYSTERY “Montgomery County, North Carolina, sheriff Sharyn Howard is determined to bring down Senator Jack Winter, the man she holds responsible for her father’s death as well as the corruption in her jurisdiction. She teams up with FBI agent Brewster in an elaborate scam that involves Sharyn breaking up with her beloved boyfriend, Montgomery County medical examiner Nick Thomopolis, in order to date Winter. In addition, she must find the hit-and-run driver who killed young mother Michelle Frey. Sharyn hates the subterfuge of being Winter’s girlfriend—a man despised by her family and friends—and she mourns the loss of her relationship with Nick, who doesn’t know the reason for their breakup. With interesting plotlines—will Sharyn be able to resolve the long-standing question of her father’s death?—this volume will be particularly satisfying to followers of the series. Others will find it an entertaining mix of small-town procedural and domestic drama.” — Booklist, June 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Adieu, My Love by Lynn M. Turner AN AVALON HISTORICAL ROMANCE -- STARRED & BOXED REVIEW -- “The hard-working widow Marie Jubert has survived the death of a husband, single parenthood, a siege, and life with an evil sibling, but it looks as though she might not get through her latest set of problems. The English schooner Donna Rae has been captured, and her crew imprisoned for smuggling. Unbeknownst to the good townspeople, the oh-so-respectable widow is a silent investor in the ship and relies on its smuggling operations to maintain her livelihood. Matthew Carter, one of the arrested sailors, also has a secret. However, once he's farmed out to Marie in a work-release program, he discovers that the widow also is not who she seems to be. The unusual time period, circa 1751, and venue, the French fortress of Louisburg, make for a refreshing historical romance. And tantalizing details, such as those of the cod industry in eighteenth-century Nova Scotia, add to the interest of the well-crafted story. Turner (Cutter’s Wake, 2002; Growing Attraction, 2001) has created a richly textured page-turner.” — Shelley Mosley, Booklist, May 15, 2007 Find out more about this book. Atascocita Gold by Kent Conwell AN AVALON WESTERN “Cowboy drifters Josh Carson and Tiny Hamilton shoot up nearly everything in sight in this wild hayburner from prolific western writer Conwell. These two saddle bums wander into the town of Atascocita where they immediately get into trouble with local gunsels over a poker game. Saved from tar and feathers by the sheriff and an old couple who run a wagon freight outfit, Josh and Tiny find themselves in the middle of a range war with murderous tycoon Cullen Leach. On a freight hauling job, Josh and Tiny befriend a pretty young woman, Marylee Gaston, heir to a large ranch and guardian of two younger brothers after her older brothers are murdered by Leach’s men. Rumors of hidden gold on the Gaston Ranch has every owlhoot in the territory sniffing around, willing to kill for it. As Josh and Tiny try to protect the old couple and the Gaston Ranch, ambushes and gun battles whittle down both sides, with well-ventilated corpses sprawled all over the prairie. When the last fusillade of bullets finally slams home only one cowboy is left standing (barely) with the girl and the gold. This is a smart, meaty story with likeable characters, funny gags and some nifty surprises.”