Thursday, October 28, 2021

Pretty Broken Dolls Virtual Book Tour Highlights

It's so sad to see our authors go, but in tribute we do a recap of the highlights of their blog tour with us at Pump Up Your Book. Today we're highlighting Jennifer Chase and her Pretty Broken Dolls Virtual Book Publicity Tour. A very big THANK YOU to all the amazing bloggers who helped make Jennifer's tour a success!

Meet the Author

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today BestSelling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.

You can visit her website at www.authorjenniferchase.com or connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook.

Inside the Book

Title: PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS: DETECTIVE KATIE SCOTT SERIES #6
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 302
Genre: Crime Thriller

In the thin light of the moon, the woman’s limp body hangs from the iron fence amongst the redwoods. Looped over the railings is the little gold locket her mother gave her when she turned sixteen. The picture of the girl inside smiles out at a future she’ll never see…

As day breaks over the fairground, Detective Katie Scott forces herself to take in another disturbing scene in front of her. A woman, the same age as her, found slumped in the carriage of the Ferris wheel, red lipstick dragged across her lips, her throat cut.

Katie doesn’t want to believe that the serial killer picking off women across the state has found their way to the small town of Pine Valley, California, but when her team finds a gold engagement ring hanging nearby, it’s a terrifying, but undeniable fact.

With a twisted killer on her doorstep, Katie knows if she doesn’t act fast, she’ll find more women left out in the cold like broken dolls. Her team hit dead end after dead end, but only she can see the vital link between the victims: a connection with Katie herself.

Katie has spent years pushing traumatic memories of her years in the military far out of reach, but she must confront them now or more innocent women will die. But as the killer circles closer and closer to Katie, what if the only answer is to give him what he wants? There must be another way…

Warning – This absolutely unputdownable thriller will keep you up all night! Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh better hold on tight for a nail-biting rollercoaster ride!

Amazon

Highlights

Literarily Speaking (Guest Post)

, "You've probably figured out by now reading any of the books in the Detective Katie Series is that I love dogs. Actually, I'm an animal lover and have been even before I could walk. But dogs have always been my go-to buddy. What I truly enjoy is dog training. They are amazing. I prefer active working type of dogs, like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, which help keep me on my toes. I have trained in obedience, agility, scent and trailing, and dock diving. One of my dogs is trained in German commands just like K9 Cisco in the book.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the Pages Turn (Character Profile Sheet)

The worse part of my life is: I feel alone and suffer from PTSD.

I want to teach my children that: No matter what happens there are always good things and good people in your life.

A good time for me is: Late in the evening when everyone is sleeping, I sit outside on the porch swing, so I can recharge in the quiet time.

The worse advice my father gave me is: He never gave me any bad advice. He was a great father and I miss in dearly.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't Judge, Read (Review)

"I loved the plot, I liked the characters and I loved the mystery. The opening really pulls you into what’s going to come in this book. And it jumps from that opening into another mystery in progress, which shows you the life that our main characters are living."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All the Ups and Downs (Guest Post)

"Pine Valley, California is a fictitious town in the Sierra Mountains. This book as well as the series takes advantage of the great outdoors, mountains, lakes, and the abundance of Pine Trees. I love being outside so I incorporated it into my stories - and a few crime scenes."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hooked From the Page One (First Page Highlight)

"The front door stood ajar. It bumped gently against the jamb in rhythm with the evening breeze. The screen remained wide open and was bent precariously around the aluminum frame. Pieces of broken glass from a shattered light bulb above had scattered across the porch, leaving behind a shadowy darkness draped across the front of the small house."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sefina Hawke's Books (Review)

"PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS: DETECTIVE KATIE SCOTT SERIES #6 is a well written crime thriller that grabbed my interest right from the start. A serial killer needing to be caught and a detective need to confront her own memories in order to stop the killings was a plot that was irresistible from the start. So much so that I finished the whole book in one weekend.."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Totally Addicted to Reading Review

"The story had me on the edge of my seat from its intense prologue to the end when the case was tied up. Danger and suspense permeated the pages of this riveting read. I was on pins and needles, knowing that Katie would likely be in the killer’s crosshairs because of her K9 connection. Katie can handle herself, but it didn’t stop me from fearing for her safety."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Literary Nook (Character Interview)

You come face to face with your worse enemy. How do you react?

Being a police detective and former military K9 handler, I've come face to face with too many enemies in my short lifetime. I'm ready for anything—no matter what.

You keep a photo album of memories from your lifetime. If you could only keep one photo, which one would that be?

It would be a photo of me and my parents when I was twelve years old. It was happy times before they were brutally taken from me in an auto accident.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rajiv's Reviews (Review)

"Even though I have not read the previous five books, I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Katie is good in the lead as she and her partner McGaven try to find a possible serial killer whose victims appear like broken dolls. The author writes crime fiction nicely, and it was interesting to see how Katie started to connect the clues. The author adds potential suspects and suspicious people like Agent Campbell, who just gave me the creeps."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Books for Books (Review)

"I really enjoyed reading PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS: DETECTIVE KATIE SCOTT SERIES #6. The book had a nice pace to it that let me take in the different hints and clues while still following Katie on her hunt for the truth. I enjoyed following Katie and trying to figure out the mystery alongside her."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

amandainpa (Review)

"The story was full of suspense and action, along with several twists and turns. It moved super fast and was difficult to put down. I highly recommend this one! I’m looking forward to going back in the series and reading more from this author."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the Page Turns (Interview)

What kind of advice would you give other crime fiction authors?

"There's so much advice out there, but I believe in the basics. Write. Write. And Write. Write what you love and don't let anyone tell you what they think you should write. Happy writing."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jazzy Book Reviews (Guest Post)

"Pretty Broken Dolls revolves around Detective Katie Scott who heads up the cold case unit in Pine Valley, California. I'm fascinated with cold cases as well as the people who investigate them. Even though it's sad that these cases have remained unsolved for a couple of years and sometimes decades, I find that the men and women who persevere with the dedication to solve them to give closure to the families are true heroes."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blogging Authors (Guest Post)

"I don’t know how many times I’ve read a novel where the author doesn’t understand the difference between a revolver and semi-automatic gun. If you’re going to use a gun as the character’s weapon of choice, know everything about it—size, make, model, type of grip, how many bullets it holds, how to hold, and how the safety works."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Booking with Janelle (Review)

"Chase does it again with another suspenseful Detective Kate book! I love that the characters Chase creates are flawed and relatable, but also that almost all have some hidden depth to them."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Faerie Review (Review)

"I was so happy to see Katie and McGavin back for another thrilling mystery. The rapport between them is natural, and only enhances the story. This one gave me chills the moment I started reading, as the prologue unfolded like a horror movie. There was never a dull moment, and I was reluctant to take any breaks from reading. You’ll be trying to figure out who the killer is, what his next move is, and just what is going on with Special Agent Campbell? Perfect for mystery and thriller lovers."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just Another Reader (Review)

"This is the second Chase book that I'm reading, and I was eagerly looking forward to reading this episode of Detective Katie's chronicles as she and Sean fervently try stopping a serial killer on the loose, with the lives of potential innocent victims at stake. The book holds up pretty well as an edge-of-the-seat, stand-alone tale. The narrative is brilliant, and had me guessing and wondering on the identity of the criminal until the revelation. As in the previous one, I loved Katie's characterization with all its vulnerabilities, as she struggles through PTSD and insecurities. A lovely read which I was glad to not miss."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit Jennifer Chase's Pretty Broken Dolls tour page at 📚 Pump Up Your Book Presents PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS Virtual Book Publicity Tour #CrimeThriller | Pump Up Your Book! :: Virtual Book Publicity Tours to visit all the bloggers who hosted her!

Sunday, October 24, 2021

⭐Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour Kick Off⭐The Bronze Scroll by Paul Donsbach and Alia Sina #Adventure #Romance

The Bronze Scroll, An Adventure-Romance Novel Based On A True Story Solving The Greatest Mystery of the Ancient World…

By Paul Donsbach & Alia Sina

KNIGHTS OF THE LOST TEMPLE: THE BRONZE SCROLL, Adventure/Romance, 300 pp.

The authors of The Bronze Scroll are excited to announce the publication of their first book in the Knights of the Lost Temple adventure-romance series. This groundbreaking novel, co-authored by Paul Donsbach and Alia Sina, tells the story of Sam Romero, an investigative attorney who has uncovered and solved hundreds of high-profile corporate crimes and scandals. But nothing has prepared Sam for the mysteries of his latest investigation—an ancient treasure map stolen by corporate thieves, an Israeli land-permitting official murdered, and a local reporter kidnapped and held hostage by a rogue executive, Roy Griffin III. Racing against the clock to rescue the beautiful reporter, Rebecca Schreiber, Sam has only hours to prove that he can solve the mysteries of an ancient bronze scroll and find the Temple treasures hidden during a time of war.

“We want to surprise our readers with stories of making the ‘impossible’ become real,” said co-author Mr. Donsbach. “The world is truly ours to remake with a vision of unity, diversity, and inclusion. Through our fictional characters, we will work to show that “ordinary” people can accomplish seemingly miraculous feats through friendship, inspiration, and love. In fact, history teaches that this is the only way that positive change happens. “

Remarked co-author Alia Sina on creating their book: “While on our own separate journeys, we found ourselves working on a story that flowed with ease given each of our strengths that complimented one another in the world of fiction. We each were working on our own novel and, at the suggestion of our moderator for our writers’ workshop, we began working with each other. What was intended to simply be an “experiment/project/let’s see what happens” turned into a commitment we both developed to the characters and their story. As a fan of supernatural suspense novels, and now as an author, it never ceases to amaze me how real the characters could become. Having written my first novel with Paul, I feel the characters waiting to continue their story.”

A New-Age Journey of Discovery: For their first novel in the Knights of the Lost Temple series, co-authors Paul and Alia chose the so-called Copper Scroll (which is actually made of bronze) as a central element in the characters’ story. One of the Dead Sea Scrolls found in a desert cave in the 1950s, this artifact is a treasure map listing tons of gold and silver hidden at vaguely described locations that scholars had given up on deciphering. As a supposedly “unsolvable” mystery, the Copper Scroll would serve a symbol of the discontents of modern life, in which the great, achievable dreams seem to have already been accomplished.

There was just one problem. The Copper Scroll wasn’t unsolvable after all. As Sam and his friends work to decipher this ancient treasure map, its mysteries unravel one by one. By searching for the listed treasure descriptions in the e-book version of the ancient historian Flavius Josephus’ writings, Sam and his friends discover that most of the treasure sites involve metaphors or legends important to the leaders of the Judean provisional government at the outbreak of the Great Revolt in 66 CE. They realize that this treasure map must have been made for a peace speech before the Bronze Gate to the Jerusalem Temple in May of that year, in which one of the leaders (probably the chief high priest) urged negotiations with the Romans to end the revolt.

The high priest’s speech would have begun with treasure site 1—seventeen talents (about 900 pounds) of gold and silver hidden in the Valley of Achor. This matches the seventeen talents of gold and silver that Josephus recorded as being stolen from the Temple by the Roman governor, triggering the revolt. As the high priest would explain to his audience, the Valley of Achor was a biblical location where a thief was executed for stealing gold and silver from the Temple. Having condemned the Roman governor in this manner at the beginning of his speech, the high priest would move on to the other metaphors in the treasure sites listed on the Copper Scroll, including the 900 talents (sites 3, 56 and 58) that Josephus identified as the annual taxes paid to Rome by Judea and the other Jewish client states, and the 300 talents of gold (site 47) that Josephus described as being allocated by King David for his son Solomon’s use in building and furnishing the inner sanctuary of the Temple.

A Sacred Relic of the Exodus from Egypt: As they decipher this ancient treasure map, Sam and his friends realize that the 300 talents of gold that site 47 says were hidden underground on the west side of the Pool of Siloam match another legend of hidden Temple treasures being recorded on a bronze scroll. They learn of a legendary account in the so-called Treatise of the Vessels of a bronze scroll being made during a time of crisis, as a permanent record of King Hezekiah, or one of the other listed leaders, hiding the Ark and the gold from Solomon’s Temple in an underground cistern near the Gihon Spring (the water source adjoining the Pool of Siloam), to be revealed at the time of the Messiah, son of David.

But, the characters wonder, is this what treasure site 60 means when it says that the Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) is the “deciphering scroll” explaining each of the hidden treasures? After all, its famously enigmatic epilogue (chapter 12) cryptically refers to the Exodus story (almond blossoms and locusts), the Tabernacle (a silver cord and a golden pitcher), a spring and a cistern, and “every hidden thing,” to be revealed at the time of judgment. Could this be a secret biblical code recording that the lost Ark and the gold from Solomon’s Temple were hidden in a underground cistern by the Pool of Siloam near the Gihon Spring?

A Time for Peace: As the adventurous Bronze Scroll novel moves toward its surprise ending, the characters decipher more of the Copper Scroll’s metaphorical treasure descriptions (including the cursed son of King David at site 48, the Samaritans’ version of the lost Ark legend at site 57, and the bronze sacrificial altar at site 59). Using mysterious spiritual powers that he has long resisted, and the protection of a secret knighthood that he discovers, Sam must learn the scroll’s remaining mysteries before Roy makes good on his threats. He must learn the explosive truth needed to save Rebecca and, in the process, uncover the true spiritual meaning of this ancient bronze scroll.

But what could that be? Is it Kohelet’s message about a “time for peace”? Or does an ancient scroll found soon after modern Israel’s independence tell us something about the time of judgment? As the Knights of the Lost Temple series begins with this first novel, Sam and his friends start an exciting journey of discovery in search of this hidden truth.

The authors of this new adventure-romance series invite you to join them on this voyage. Currently working on the second book in the series, the authors believe that the world’s diverse spiritual traditions hold answers for our troubled times. Paul, who identifies as “spiritual but not religious,” and Alia, a “new-age Muslim” from an Afghan American family (writing under her pen name), believe that greater understanding among the world’s different faiths and beliefs is essential to solving the world’s current problems. Recognizing that even the smallest miracles—like an ancient treasure map found in a desert cave—can make a big difference, the authors welcome you to share this journey together.

For More Information:

Publication date: August 11, 2021, 291 pages; an independent publication of Knights of the Lost Temple, LLC.

E-book: $9.99; 978-1-7373978-0-9

Paperback: $19.99; 978-1-7373978-1-6

Hardback: $29.99; 978-1-7373978-2-3

Book website: https://www.knightsofthelosttemple.com/

Rebecca’s blog (under pen name): https://veilsofdesire.com/

Amazon Selling Page: https://amzn.to/3BcelQr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knights-of-the-Lost-Temple-105963305136800

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

Note from author: One of our favorite excerpts comes from page 9. The protagonist, Sam Romero, has just explained the “unsolvable” Copper Scroll to the old man sitting next to him on the flight to Rome. He told the old stranger that the scroll is an ancient treasure map that has been written off as undecipherable. Then Sam explains that he thinks he can solve it:

"Now, here's what I think," Sam said, leaning toward Solomon. "It's a story. It always is."

"What do you mean?" asked the old man.

"It's like you said in your poem," Sam said, patting the old man's shoulder. "Gold and silver aren't really treasures. It's in the eye of the beholder. A treasure is something you'd die for. An idea, a person, a moment. The scent of a lover," he went on, noticing Elena walking back up the aisle toward the galley. "Gold and silver are like chasing the wind. Or whatever your poem said. Nice to have, but you can't take them with you. I just have to figure out the story. This scroll - copper, bronze, or whatever - has a story to tell. I just need to know how to decipher it.

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3BcelQr

Co-author Paul Donsbach is a Texas native and a lawyer. Raised in an era when those working for social progress were rooted in religious faith, he believes that many of today’s problems likewise require a renewed commitment to spiritual ideals.

Co-author Alia Sina was born and educated in the greater San Francisco Bay area. She was raised in a first-generation, close-knit Afghan American family. Some of her formative experiences involved her interactions with people who embrace cultural diversity, as well as those who are hostile to families from a different background.

For More Information:

Book website: https://www.knightsofthelosttemple.com/

Rebecca’s blog (under pen name): https://veilsofdesire.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knights-of-the-Lost-Temple-105963305136800

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

⭐Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour Kick Off⭐Knights of the Lost Temple: The Bronze Scroll by Paul Donsbach and Alia Sina #TheBronzeScroll #Adventure #Romance

The Bronze Scroll, An Adventure-Romance Novel Based On A True Story Solving The Greatest Mystery of the Ancient World...

By Paul Donsbach & Alia Sina

Knights of the Lost Temple: The Bronze Scroll, Adventure/Romance, Knights of the Lost Temple, 300 pp.

For More Information:

Publication date: August 11, 2021, 291 pages; an independent publication of Knights of the Lost Temple, LLC.

E-book: $9.99; 978-1-7373978-0-9

Paperback: $19.99; 978-1-7373978-1-6

Hardback: $29.99; 978-1-7373978-2-3

Book website: https://www.knightsofthelosttemple.com/

Rebecca’s blog (under pen name): https://veilsofdesire.com/

Amazon Selling Page: https://amzn.to/3BcelQr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knights-of-the-Lost-Temple-105963305136800

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

(Here is the first Note From Author: One of our favorite excerpts comes from page 9. The protagonist, Sam Romero, has just explained the "unsolvable" Copper Scroll to the old man sitting next to him on the flight to Rome. He told the old stranger that the scroll is an ancient treasure map that has been written off as undecipherable. Then Sam explains that he thinks he can solve it:)

"Now, here's what I think," Sam said, leaning toward Solomon. "It's a story. It always is."

"What do you mean?" asked the old man.

"It's like you said in your poem," Sam said, patting the old man's shoulder. "Gold and silver aren't really treasures. It's the eye of the beholder. A treasure is something you'd die for. An idea, a person, a moment. The scent of a lover," he went on, noticing Elena walking back up the aisle toward the galley. "Gold and silver are like chasing the wind. Or whatever your poem said. Nice to have, but you can't take them with you. I just have to figure out the story. This scroll - copper, bronze, or whatever - has a story to tell. I just need to know how to decipher it."