Book Link

From Amazon:

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

Recently widowed, Emma Banefield looks forward to a getaway birthday weekend with her free-wheeling sister, Nicole Earp, sipping chocolate martinis at the peaceful, historic, small town Dulce Inn. When a rude stranger, a nasty food critic, and a madhouse of temperamental artists greet them, all hope for a tranquil weekend evaporates faster than dew on a hot desert morning.

Overlooking the riotous atmosphere is doubly hard after Em discovers the body of a hotel guest, and a second murder affects Nic personally. Now, entrenched in a caper that pits them against a surly detective, they cozy up to a hotel staff hiding dangerous secrets to uncover clues to the killer.

Using their smarts and love of all-things mystery, will the Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime ahead of the obstinate Chief Detective or find themselves trapped in the middle of a third
murder?

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5 out of 5 stars

Great mystery

Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026

Format: Kindle

Verified Purchase

I found this book a great read. I liked how the sisters kept up a tradition for their weekend birthdays. Dulce sounds incredible. Love is about and you can catch that in places. Murder hits not once but twice, and attempted murder does the same. Add in an art show and an amorous woman who owns the Dulce and has a thing for all nice looking men and the story was born!

Only THREE days left to hit goal!

Book number 64 hit number ONE! To celebrate, I have a challenge for you. I need to sell as many paperback copies as possible between June 8th – 13th. If you buy a paperback, take a screenshot and you will be entered into a drawing that includes a new Chrome book and gift cards ranging from $10 to $100!!! I’m working towards becoming a USA Today Best Selling Author! Drop a picture in Messenger or DM me on X (Twitter).

Universal link for paperback is https://mybook.to/ELH26Paperback

Thank you so very much! $16.99 Mary L Schmidt’s Earth’s Last Hope pushes civilization toward extinction while government scientists search for a method capable of preserving life on Earth. The world-building is amazing, and every technological system connects directly to survival beneath the surface, with underground fisheries and thermal siphons that later transform volcanic magma into granite. The author makes life inside the Denver bunker system feel fully operational. The writing is sharp and immersive, with a flair for the cinematic, from the ruined Denver airport after volcanic ash mixes with blizzard conditions, to fires burning beside shattered storefronts as blackened snow drifts through abandoned concourses. Readers who enjoy large-scale apocalyptic sci-fi will love this novel, especially those readers who appreciate smart speculative fiction. Very highly recommended. The world-building is amazing, and every technological system connects directly to survival beneath the surface, with underground fisheries and thermal siphons that later transform volcanic magma into granite.

Are you prepared? “Earth’s Last Hope” by Mary L. Schmidt is a really fascinating sci-fi disaster book that takes a total left turn halfway through the plot. It starts off feeling like a traditional prepper story, but quickly escalates into a deep-state military thriller. I appreciated the grounded, everyday tone the author uses to show what life would actually be like inside an underground bunker. I especially loved the focus on training the teens to take over complex operations because it adds a smart, long-term layer to the survival strategy, showing that the community is actively planning for the future instead of just waiting around. The casual, easy-flowing dialogue makes it feel like you are overhearing genuine families navigating a global disaster. By blending the harsh truths of an environmental collapse with uplifting, relatable moments, the book actually transforms into an unexpectedly touching story of survival. It’s an engaging read that avoids a ton of tech jargon while keeping the stakes high. I recommend it to fans of military sci-fi, intense environmental doomsday stories, or anyone who loves a good government conspiracy twist.

Yellowstone #Colorado #Denver #DenverFederalCenter #DEN #NORAD #military #scifi #newrelease #bookblogger #bookstoread #mustread #BooksWorthReading #romance #bookgiveaway #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #booktok #amreading #bookworm #thriller #PsychologicalThriller #Suspense #booktok @Irishgirl692 @inspiredbylaban @loveGoldenHeart #bookboost #BookTok #IARTG @davepperlmutter @ninsthewriter @Ivyloganauthor @ShenaeChase @Kalimaxos1 @SempaiGreg @jgmacleodauthor @Merriman1792 @ITSPOSSIBLE_Rod @EveKoguce @YouAreTheExpert @SkyWatcher_HL @AikinNorb @STrueshan @SWilkingHoran @impoliticpolit @NiciStefanie @Kellyrei007 @A_DiAngelo @Albay3037 @ANelsonLMPotter @Thief_Of_Harts @Adele_Royce @JayeTroop

Book Title:  RISE OF THE PALE MOON

Series:  N/A

Author Name: Patricia Brandon

Publication Date: October 15^th, 2024

Publisher:  Palmetto Publishers

Pages: 262

Genre: Historical Fiction

Twitter / X Handles:  @pgaddisbrandon @cathiedunn @maryanneyarde @marylschmidt

Instagram Handles:  @pbrandonauthor @thecoffeepotbookclub @yardereviews

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #SCHistoricalFiction #USRevolution #ReaderReach #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub #YardeBookPromotions

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-tour-rise-of-the-pale-moon-by-patricia-brandon.html

Book Title and Author Name:

Rise of the Pale Moon

By Patricia Brandon

Blurb: 

Forced to navigate complex relationships with each other and the master’s family in colonial South Carolina, three young women (an indentured servant, a chattel slave, and a Catawba Indian) must choose between remaining in servitude or risk a dangerous escape that could change their lives – and the course of the Revolution.

Unlikely Allies: Three Diverse Women Navigate Tumultuous Times, Risking All Amidst Revolutionary Woes. A Tale of Hope, Love, and Triumph Over Adversity.

In the heart of coastal South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War era, a profound narrative unfolds in Rise of the Pale Moon. This captivating tale is set on a plantation, where three young women of strikingly different backgrounds are held captive – a humble indentured servant from London, a resilient chattel slave, and a resourceful Catawba Indian. Their lives are intertwined, bound by the chains of their circumstances, and deeply impacted by the Master and his family.

These women, each bearing a unique perspective, must learn to navigate their relationships with each other and their captors. As they grapple with their brutal reality, their courage is put to the ultimate test. Will they risk a daring escape, knowing full well that it could result in their demise? Or will they remain, hoping to influence their fate and possibly alter the course of the war in the American South?

Rise of the Pale Moon explores the intricacies of loyalty, sacrifice, and love amidst harsh adversity. The characters’ relentless pursuit of hope is a testament to their determination and resilience, offering an inspiring portrayal of human spirit. As the birth of a new nation unfolds around them, their journey reveals the transformative power of unity and friendship.

This riveting narrative is more than just a historical fiction; it is a timeless exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of shared struggles, shared dreams, and the shared determination to survive. The characters’ journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Rise of the Pale Moon is a captivating read, that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you with a renewed perspective on life, love, and the power of resilience. The story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the courage to fight for freedom. A must-read for anyone who appreciates a compelling historical narrative laced with poignant life lessons.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3197yD

Author Bio:

Patricia Brandon is a winner of a Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award (South Carolina Writers’ Association).

Her first novel, THE CENTER OF GRAVITY, earned a Coffee Pot Book Club (UK) “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award. It recently was awarded a bronze medal (fiction-mystery-historical category) in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest.

Her second novel, A RULE OF LIFE, was selected as a gold medal (YA, Historical Fiction category) 2021 Book of the Year by The Coffee Pot Book Club. It also was recently selected as a bronze medal (YA Mystery category) winner in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest.

RISE OF THE PALE MOON was selected as a finalist for the American Writing Awards 2025.

All novels have gleaned several excellent editorial reviews.

Check out Patricia’s interview at Meet The Author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7wk0myvCk0

Author Links:

Website:  https://patriciabrandon.com/

Twitter / X:  https://x.com/pgaddisbrandon

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patriciabrandonauthor/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pbrandonauthor/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patricia-Brandon/author/B07DLGBJV4 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/17558288.Patricia_Brandon

Countdown Starts Today!! Thank you! Book number 64 hit number ONE! To celebrate, I have a challenge for you. I need to sell as many paperback copies as possible between June 7th – 13th. If you buy a paperback, take a screenshot and you will be entered into a drawing that includes a new Chrome book and gift cards ranging from $10 to $100!!! I’m working towards becoming a USA Today Best Selling Author! Email me the screenshot at this link: https://whenangelsfly.net/contact-us/

Universal link for paperback is https://mybook.to/ELH26Paperback Thank you so very much! $16.99 Are you prepared? “Earth’s Last Hope” by Mary L. Schmidt is a really fascinating sci-fi disaster book that takes a total left turn halfway through the plot. It starts off feeling like a traditional prepper story, but quickly escalates into a deep-state military thriller. I appreciated the grounded, everyday tone the author uses to show what life would actually be like inside an underground bunker. I especially loved the focus on training the teens to take over complex operations because it adds a smart, long-term layer to the survival strategy, showing that the community is actively planning for the future instead of just waiting around. The casual, easy-flowing dialogue makes it feel like you are overhearing genuine families navigating a global disaster. By blending the harsh truths of an environmental collapse with uplifting, relatable moments, the book actually transforms into an unexpectedly touching story of survival. It’s an engaging read that avoids a ton of tech jargon while keeping the stakes high. I recommend it to fans of military sci-fi, intense environmental doomsday stories, or anyone who loves a good government conspiracy twist. #Yellowstone#Colorado#Denver#DenverFederalCenter#DEN#NORAD#military#scifi#newrelease#bookblogger#bookstoread#mustread#BooksWorthReading#romance#bookgiveaway#bookrecommendations#bookstagram#booktok#amreading#bookworm#thriller#PsychologicalThriller#Suspense#booktok

Countdown is Two More Days!! Thank you! Book number 64 hit number ONE! To celebrate, I have a challenge for you. I need to sell as many paperback copies as possible between June 8th – 13th. If you buy a paperback, take a screenshot and you will be entered into a drawing that includes a new Chrome book and gift cards ranging from $10 to $100!!! I’m working towards becoming a USA Today Best Selling Author! Universal link for paperback is https://mybook.to/ELH26Paperback Thank you so very much! $16.99 Are you prepared? “Earth’s Last Hope” by Mary L. Schmidt is a really fascinating sci-fi disaster book that takes a total left turn halfway through the plot. It starts off feeling like a traditional prepper story, but quickly escalates into a deep-state military thriller. I appreciated the grounded, everyday tone the author uses to show what life would actually be like inside an underground bunker. I especially loved the focus on training the teens to take over complex operations because it adds a smart, long-term layer to the survival strategy, showing that the community is actively planning for the future instead of just waiting around. The casual, easy-flowing dialogue makes it feel like you are overhearing genuine families navigating a global disaster. By blending the harsh truths of an environmental collapse with uplifting, relatable moments, the book actually transforms into an unexpectedly touching story of survival. It’s an engaging read that avoids a ton of tech jargon while keeping the stakes high. I recommend it to fans of military sci-fi, intense environmental doomsday stories, or anyone who loves a good government conspiracy twist. #Yellowstone#Colorado#Denver#DenverFederalCenter#DEN#NORAD#military#scifi#newrelease#bookblogger#bookstoread#mustread#BooksWorthReading#romance#bookgiveaway#bookrecommendations#bookstagram#booktok#amreading#bookworm#thriller#PsychologicalThriller#Suspense#booktok

Countdown is Three More Days!! Thank you! Book number 64 hit number ONE! To celebrate, I have a challenge for you. I need to sell as many paperback copies as possible between June 8th – 13th. If you buy a paperback, take a screenshot and you will be entered into a drawing that includes a new Chrome book and gift cards ranging from $10 to $100!!! I’m working towards becoming a USA Today Best Selling Author! Universal link for paperback is https://mybook.to/ELH26Paperback Thank you so very much! $16.99 Are you prepared? “Earth’s Last Hope” by Mary L. Schmidt is a really fascinating sci-fi disaster book that takes a total left turn halfway through the plot. It starts off feeling like a traditional prepper story, but quickly escalates into a deep-state military thriller. I appreciated the grounded, everyday tone the author uses to show what life would actually be like inside an underground bunker. I especially loved the focus on training the teens to take over complex operations because it adds a smart, long-term layer to the survival strategy, showing that the community is actively planning for the future instead of just waiting around. The casual, easy-flowing dialogue makes it feel like you are overhearing genuine families navigating a global disaster. By blending the harsh truths of an environmental collapse with uplifting, relatable moments, the book actually transforms into an unexpectedly touching story of survival. It’s an engaging read that avoids a ton of tech jargon while keeping the stakes high. I recommend it to fans of military sci-fi, intense environmental doomsday stories, or anyone who loves a good government conspiracy twist. #Yellowstone#Colorado#Denver#DenverFederalCenter#DEN#NORAD#military#scifi#newrelease#bookblogger#bookstoread#mustread#BooksWorthReading#romance#bookgiveaway#bookrecommendations#bookstagram#booktok#amreading#bookworm#thriller#PsychologicalThriller#Suspense#booktok

Name: Julia Ibbotson

Book Title: Daughter of Mercia

Series: Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries, book #1

Publication Date:  June 6^th, 2025

Publisher:  Archbury Books

Pages:  301 pages

Genre:  medieval dual-time mystery romance

Any Triggers: n/a

Twitter Handles: @JuliaIbbotson @cathiedunn @maryanneyarde @marylschmidt

Instagram Handles: @julia.ibbotson @thecoffeepotbookclub @yardereviews

Hashtags: #DaughterOfMercia #BookBirthday #medieval #dualtime #timeslip #BlogTour #ReaderReach

Tour Schedule Page:  https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2026/04/blog-tour-daughter-of-mercia-by-julia-ibbotson.html

Book Title and Author Name:

Daughter of Mercia

by Julia Ibbotson

Blurb:

Echoes of the past resonate across the centuries as Dr Anna Petersen, a medievalist and runologist, is struggling with past trauma and allowing herself to trust again. When archaeologist (and Anna’s old adversary) Professor Matt Beacham unearths a 6^th century seax with a mysterious runic inscription, and reluctantly approaches Anna for help, a chain of events brings the past firmly back into her present. And why does the burial site also contain two sets of bones, one 6^th century and the other modern?

As the past and present intermingle alarmingly, Anna and Matt need to work together to solve the mystery of the seax runes and the seemingly impossible burial, and to discover the truth about the past. Tensions rise and sparks fly between Anna and Matt. But how is 6^th century Lady Mildryth of Mercia connected to Anna? Can they both be the Daughter of Mercia?

For fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Christina Courtenay.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://myBook.to/DOMercia

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Author Bio:

Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries.

Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language / literature / history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s.

She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air, an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone. Her latest novel is the first of a new series of Anglo-Saxon dual-time mysteries, Daughter of Mercia, where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries.

Her books will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’, ‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’.

Author Links:

Website: https://juliaibbotsonauthor.com

Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/@juliaibbotson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaIbbotsonauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.ibbotson

Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/juliaibbotson.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/juliai1

Amazon Author Page: https://Author.to/JuliaIbbotsonauthor

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/juliaibbotson