Media Kit

Book Title: The Traitor Beside Her

Series: The Justine Byrne Historical Mysteries

Author:  Mary Anna Evans

Publication Date:  June 6, 2023

Publisher:  Sourcebooks

Page Length:  346

Genre: Historical Mystery

Twitter Handles: @maryannaevans @cathiedunn

Instagram Handles: @maryannaevans @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalMystery #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/06/blog-tour-traitor-beside-her.html

Book Title and Author Name:

The Traitor Beside Her

Mary Anna Evans

Audiobook narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell

Blurb:

“Evans’s characters are vividly drawn, elevating this story and its revelations about women’s little-celebrated contributions to the war effort.”— Washington Post

“An exciting read with historical tidbits, a hint of danger, and a touch of romance.”— Kirkus Reviews

The Traitor Beside Her is an intricately plotted WWII espionage novel weaving together mystery, action, friendship, and a hint of romance perfect for fans of The Rose Code and Code Name Helene.

Justine Byrne can’t trust the people working beside her. Arlington Hall, a former women’s college in Virginia has been taken over by the United States Army where hundreds of men and women work to decode countless pieces of communication coming from the Axis powers.

Justine works among them, handling the most sensitive secrets of World War II—but she isn’t there to decipher German codes—she’s there to find a traitor.

Justine keeps her guard up and her ears open, confiding only in her best friend, Georgette, a fluent speaker of Choctaw who is training to work as a code talker. Justine tries to befriend each suspect, believing that the key to finding the spy lies not in cryptography but in understanding how code breakers tick. When young women begin to go missing at Arlington Hall, her deadline for unraveling the web of secrets becomes urgent and one thing remains clear: a single secret in enemy hands could end thousands of lives.

“A fascinating and intelligent WWII home front story.” —Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author for The Physicists’ Daughter

Excerpt:

When Angels Fly 

Justine’s Guardian Angel in The Traitor Beside Her

by Mary Anna Evans

When writing for a blog with the name When Angels Fly, I thought the ideal topic would be my protagonist Justine Byrne’s guardian angel, her godmother Gloria Mazur.

Justine was introduced in The Physicists’ Daughter, a book that had the perfect name because Justine’s entire life course was set because she was the daughter of two physicists, but there were actually more physicists in her life. Her parents were friends with the most famous scientists of the 1930s, including Albert Einstein, but their best friend was Gloria Mazur, who had earned her doctorate in physics alongside Justine’s mother Isabel. When Justine’s father Gerard accepted a job as a professor in New Orrleans, Gloria moved there, too, taking a job teaching at a nearby women’s college. She built a house down the street from Justine’s family and she was there for all of her goddaughter’s growing-up years.

Gloria had her struggles, as she had emigrated alone to America from Poland when she was only fifteen, supporting herself as a seamstress as she learned English and went to night school. When Justine was a child, she watched her mother comfort Gloria through periods of deep depression, when she missed her faraway family and wondered what the approaching war in Europe would mean for them. Losing Isabel and Gerard was yet another blow to her emotional health, and it cost her Justine, too. Justine was only eighteen, and she couldn’t face Gloria’s pain and her own, too, so she ran. For three years, she avoided Gloria, but as The Physicists’ Daughter began, she went to her godmother and made peace.

By the time of The Traitor Beside Her, Gloria finally has a job where her skills are appreciated. Instead of teaching part-time, only allowed to take the classes the men didn’t want, she has her own lab where she trains American spies to recognize and defend themselves against the enemy’s dangerous new weapons, and she has a hand in developing a few new weapons of her own. Horrified that her goddaughter has been put into a dangerous job with almost no training and little ability to defend herself, Gloria fills the role of a spy’s fairy godmother, putting cutting-edge weapons in Justine’s hands and telling her how to use them.

In the more traditional role of a godmother, she also gives Justine advice about her on-again-off-again romance. In short, she tells her that it is very difficult to love a spy. Would you ever be sure who would be waking up beside you?

Gloria is brilliant, loving, protective, and shrewd. Everybody should have a guardian angel like her!

Buy Links:

Universal Link:  https://books2read.com/u/4XwxG1

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traitor-Beside-Her-Novel/dp/1464215588

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGYPLMTH

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Traitor-Beside-Her-Novel/dp/1464215588

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Traitor-Beside-Her-Novel-ebook/dp/B0BGYPLMTH

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-traitor-beside-her-mary-anna-evans/1143344440

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-traitor-beside-her/mary-anna-evans/9781464215582

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-traitor-beside-her

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-traitor-beside-her-mary-anna-evans/18743820

Audio Buy Links:

Audiobooks.com: https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/672506/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Traitor-Beside-Her-Audiobook/B0BVDLCL7J

Author Bio:

Mary Anna Evans is an award-winning author, a writing professor, and she holds degrees in physics and engineering, a background that, as it turns out, is ideal for writing her Justine Byrne series, which began with The Physicists’ Daughter and continues with her new book, The Traitor Beside Her. She describes Justine as “a little bit Rosie-the-Riveter and a little bit Bletchley Park codebreaker.”

Mary Anna’s crime fiction has earned recognition that includes two Oklahoma Book Awards, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards Gold Medal, and the Benjamin Franklin Award, and she co-edited the Edgar-nominated Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.maryannaevans.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryannaevans

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-anna-evans-a7642810/

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-anna-evans

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-Anna-Evans/author/B001JP9ZY2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12395.Mary_Anna_Evans

Book Link

From Amazon:

Ages 4-9 ◆ An empowering adventure ◆ Amazing illustrations

Join Olivia as she sets an example for young dreamers, reminding them that their imagination knows no bounds and their artistic endeavors hold endless possibilities.

This book empowers young minds to embrace their inner strength and embark on a colorful expedition of self-discovery. It nurtures the spirit of bravery, inspiring children to fearlessly explore the world around them and harness their unique talents and skills. Through Olivia’s captivating journey, kids will learn that by unleashing their creativity, they can unlock the door to their own joy, find their rightful place, and pave their own path to success.

Join Olivia on a colorful adventure as she discovers the power of art in a new land. With her brush and imagination, she finds a voice that helps her overcome challenges and make new friends. A heartwarming tale that celebrates creativity, friendship, and the joy of self-expression.

As Olivia’s journey unfolds, young readers will be captivated by the power of her imagination and the magic that comes to life on each page. Through her art, she not only conquers her fears but also learns the value of friendship and the strength that comes from embracing one’s unique talents.

This book not only sparks the imagination but also serves as a guiding light for children facing the challenges of relocation and adapting to new environments. Through Olivia’s experiences, young readers will find comfort and inspiration in navigating the hurdles of language barriers, making new friends, and understanding different cultures.

With its beautiful full-color illustrations that breathe life into every page, this book creates a visual feast that will enchant both children and parents alike. And that’s not all! Filled with clever read-aloud rhyme, each line dances and sings, capturing hearts with its playful and rhythmic flings.

My Review:

I found this illustrated children’s book to be a pure delight. We start with a girl who loves to paint. She painted delightfully. And she had friends until…the day her family moved to a foreign land and a language she didn’t know. Without friends, she was full of despair until she remembered her art. She started painting again, the things and colors she saw. Low and behold kids flocked to see her art… but that wasn’t enough. They wanted to learn how to paint, thus she became the kids teacher of art and she gained many new friends.

Book Link:

From Amazon:

Join Julianna as her Papi tucks her into bed and tells her bedtime stories. Her favorites are always about her Papi’s grandparents. He tells her of his camping trip as a child. Of all the wondrous sights to see. Trees that you cannot see the top of and the mountains they sit on that make them look so tiny. Large flowing waterfalls that catch the light during the day and shine for all to see. Large meadows to walk through and see all the animals running around. And the most beautiful clear river you have ever seen. Join Julianna as she learns of how much love and happiness those camping trips meant to her Papi. And drift off with her as she dreams of everything she learned. These stories are actually bedtime stories of the author’s grandparents. Sharing his memories as they would have been told to his daughter who was lost during pregnancy. Join him as he honors his passed loved ones by making sure their stories are never lost.

My Review:

Join Julianna as her Papi tucks her into bed and tells her bedtime stories. Her favorites are always about her Papi’s grandparents. He tells her of his camping trip as a child. Of all the wondrous sights to see. Trees that you cannot see the top of and the mountains they sit on that make them look so tiny. Large flowing waterfalls that catch the light during the day and shine for all to see. Large meadows to walk through and see all the animals running around. And the most beautiful clear river you have ever seen. Join Julianna as she learns of how much love and happiness those camping trips meant to her Papi. And drift off with her as she dreams of everything she learned. These stories are actually bedtime stories of the author’s grandparents. Sharing his memories as they would have been told to his daughter who was lost during pregnancy. Join him as he honors his passed loved ones by making sure their stories are never lost.

Book Link

From Amazon:

For Position Only, the sequel to Camera Ready, is an evocative tale of one man’s sin and redemption—woven into the fabric of the advertising business, where lies run rampant and the truth is manipulated.
Craig Keller is LA’s preeminent ad man: wealthy, powerful, and a notorious playboy. At least, that is what he’d like everyone to think. In reality Craig’s business is plummeting at the hands of blonde bombshell and spurned ex-girlfriend Hayden Towne. He is also haunted by the gruesome death of his brother, which occurred under suspicious circumstances. Craig’s only chance to salvage his career is to propose a partnership with longtime rival Warren Mitchell, his former mentor, whose business Craig cavalierly took down in the past. Although Craig’s advertising prowess can catapult Warren’s business to the top of the market, Craig’s womanizing reputation comes with a price. Craig is specifically warned to avoid Jane Mercer, Craig’s ex-lover, and Warren’s agency partner. Craig has privately carried a torch for Jane for years—despite her visceral hatred of him. Her presence is a painful reminder that he lost the one woman he always wanted because he treated her so badly. As the barriers between them slowly break down, Craig is now faced with the ultimate dilemma: if he dives into a relationship with Jane, his livelihood is in jeopardy. If he rejects her, he will miss out on his one true love.

My Review:

I must first write, that Adele Royce nailed what most simply can’t do. I can write, as well as many other writers, do and write from the viewpoint of a man here and there in a novel. But Royce nailed this entire book from a man’s point of view, and not only that, but this man had many issues in his personal life that most men don’t have. He has survivor’s guilt over the death of his older brother. While he slept, his brother was tossed off a yacht and chopped into pieces. That does sound graphic and morbid, but our MC was only 17 at the time. As for the rest of that part of the story, you, the reader, will have to find out for yourself. With traumatic loss comes mental health issues. Trust me, I know of what I just wrote, but this novel isn’t about me. Sure, there are numerous high points in this novel as well as really bad low points in Skid Row. Our MC is a successful millionaire, so how did he end up in Skid Row? Driving a Bentley no less? I leave all of those details and a lot more for the readers. Five shiny gold stars for a book that should have ten of them.

I just finished reading The Dream Avenger by Bruce Medcalf. This is a cute picture book for young children. The Dream Avenger helps kids be safe and have nice dreams without monsters. A small girl, Brittany, woke up and told her dad about The Dream Avenger saving a pony from a falling apple tree. Her dad reminded her that she needed to get ready for their swimming adventure. In the back seat of the car, Brittany fell asleep and dreamed of The Dream Avenger. After swimming, Brittany fell asleep under an apple tree, and, you guessed it! The Dream Avenger arrived as she dreamt. The dam at the lake was cracking as some monsters were being bad. Her mom and dad were in danger! The Dream Avenger made the monsters disappear and used an apple tree to plug the hole in the dam. That apple tree turned the water into apple juice.

Book Link

From Amazon:

Jessica’s two daughters, Janiece and Janelle, never met their grandmother. She had passed away when their mother and Aunt Jenny were just teenagers. Could Jessica’s old toys from the past take Janiece and Janelle back in time to meet their grandmother?

My Review:

I found this book to have a sweet storyline for children. The drawings are nice, ‘and the two girls were able to meet their Grandmom for the first time. It took playing with their mom’s old toys and bumping their heads together to make time travel happen. I wasn’t in favor of how much their heads hurt and wished their heads hurt much less, yet still carry the story. Regardless, the girls played and asked a lot about Grandmom. Hugs were freely given, and although the girls were with Grandmom for two days and one night, they were tasked to bang their heads together and arrive back home before dinner on the same day they traveled back in time. Five shiny gold stars.

Book Link

From Amazon:

Peppsie the Pizza is losing all hope of ever finding a friend. He goes out and searches, but can’t find anyone to be his friend. Will Peppsie the Pizza ever figure out how to make a friend?

My Review:

What a delightful book for children. Peppsie is a slice of pizza. He tried to make friends with the sun and some flowers, but he was told NO! Peppsie sat on a bench and cried. Rolly, an orange, invited him to meet the food group friends, so he did. Important examples of how to make friends are taught in the group, and Peppsie finally had friends who were true friends. Five shiny gold stars!

Book Title: A Meadow Murder

Series:  A Jan Christopher Mystery – Episode 4

Author: Helen Hollick

Publication Date: 28^th July 2023

Publisher: Taw River Press

Page Length: 153 pages

Genre: Cosy Mystery

Twitter Handle: @HelenHollick @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

Mastodon Social Handle: @cathiedunn

BlueSky Handle: @cathiedunn.bsky.social

Hashtags: #CosyMystery #CozyMystery #Devon #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Blog Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/08/blog-tour-a-meadow-murder-by-helen-hollick.html

A Meadow Murder

A Jan Christopher Mystery, Episode #4

Helen Hollick

Blurb:

“As delicious as a Devon Cream Tea!” ~ author Elizabeth St John

“Every sentence pulls you back into the early 1970s… The Darling Buds of May, only not Kent, but Devon. The countryside itself is a character and Hollick imbues it with plenty of emotion” ~ author Alison Morton

***

Make hay while the sun shines? But what happens when a murder is discovered, and country life is disrupted?

Summer 1972. Young library assistant Jan Christopher and her fiancé, DS Lawrence Walker, are on holiday in North Devon. There are country walks and a day at the races to enjoy, along with Sunday lunch at the village pub, and the hay to help bring in for the neighbouring farmer.

But when a body is found the holiday plans are to change into an investigation of murder, hampered by a resting actor, a woman convinced she’s met a leprechaun and a scarecrow on walkabout…

Buy Links:

This series is available to read on #KindleUnlimited

Universal Link: https://mybook.to/AMeadowMurder

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CCZVJRRR/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/MEADOW-MURDER-Christopher-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CCZVJRRR

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/MEADOW-MURDER-Christopher-Mystery-Episode/dp/1739272064/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CCZVJRRR/

Author Bio:

First accepted for traditional publication in 1993, Helen became a USA Today Bestseller with her historical novel, THE FOREVER QUEEN (titled A HOLLOW CROWN in the UK) with the sequel, HAROLD THE KING (US: I AM THE CHOSEN KING) being novels that explore the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Her PENDRAGON’S BANNER TRILOGY is a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, and she writes a nautical adventure/fantasy series, THE SEA WITCH VOYAGES.

She has also branched out into the quick read novella, ‘Cosy Mystery’ genre with her JAN CHRISTOPHER MURDER MYSTERIES, set in the 1970s, with the first in the series, A MIRROR MURDER incorporating her, often hilarious, memories of working as a library assistant. The front cover of episode #4 A MEADOW MURDER is Helen’s actual hay meadow on her Devon farm.

Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Talesand Life of A Smuggler. She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon and occasionally gets time to write…

Social Media Links:

Website: https://helenhollick.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenHollick 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.hollick

Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/helenhollick

Blog: https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/  (promoting good authors & suggestions for books to read)

Subscribe to Helen’s Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/HelenHollick

Book Link

From Amazon:

It is 1980 and Jojo Evans is living the dream. Perfect job, perfect man, perfect life – but is it all an illusion? Jojo doesn’t think so – she cannot believe her good fortune, working as magician’s assistant to her charismatic boyfriend, The Incredible Nico, and sharing his luxurious flat is a far cry from her life in a squat working as a street performer. Best friend, Annie Daley, isn’t so sure. Jojo seems bewitched by this new boyfriend, and Annie doesn’t trust him. When Jojo receives an anonymous note warning her to keep away from Nico, the friends suspect it’s from a jealous fan. But the threats that follow cannot be so easily dismissed, and Jojo fears for her life. Annie volunteers to investigate, and enters the world of the Golden Globe Theatre, where nothing is as it seems. As tensions mount to a career-making show finale, things spiral out of control. Will Jojo and Annie see through the smoke and mirrors in time to save their lives, or is this to be their last act?

My Review:

Talk about suspense and a lot more drama in the theaters having real performances. First, there is an old and historic theater from the Victorian Era. We have Nico and his girlfriend, Jojo, and she is his assistant with a magic show. Nico is a rather jealous type of person and quite controlling. Actually, there is magic going with many from within and outside the theater. I felt like I was Jojo as she sailed, in a manner of speaking. Not giving that part away. Best friends are strained by Nico and his controlling manner, yet it’s within those with the show that more treachery ensues to a climax of where is she, will they live, both ladies have not escaped the fire yet, who is to blame???? All the intricacies I leave for future readers. Five shiny gold stars!