The Bone Box by Bob Hostetler

Reeling from his wife’s death, and nineteen years of being an absentee father, Randall Bullock goes to Israel to try to save his unraveling life. Archaeology seems to have lost the thrill it once held. Until Randall’s daughter shows up just as he’s uncovered the remains of “Joseph, son of Caiaphas” and a scroll depicting the ancient high priest’s involvement in the crucifixion of Christ.

The problem is, no one seems as interested in this find as Randall. Except for those he thinks needs this proof of Christ’s existence the least. In Randall’s eyes, Christ is no longer a name between the pages of a book. He lived, he died, he rose…and why can’t others see the evidence he’s uncovered?
Merging the time of Christ’s death with modern-day archaeology, The Bone Box is full of historical facts, redeeming grace, and proof of what Christ did for mankind.

Fudge-Laced Felonies Review

Title: FUDGE-LACED FELONIES
Author: Cynthia Hickey
Publisher: Heartsong Presents Mysteries
2008
ISBN: 978-1-69269- 181-9
Genre: Inspirational/ cozy mystery

Summer Meadows is angry when she gets home from vacation and finds out that her prize rosebush is dead. She’d asked Ethan Banning to water her roses for her, and he obviously fell down on the job. Wanting to make it right, Ethan takes Summer and they buy another rosebush. When Ethan digs up the dead plant, he discovers that someone had buried a bag full of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove.

Thrown into a mystery by the act of the criminal, Summer sets out to discover what the meaning of it all, but then discovers that someone is targeting her. People are turning up dead, and Summer is beginning to fear she’ll be next.

Ethan begs Summer to let the police do their job, but that doesn’t stop her from throwing herself into harms way. Still, he can’t back off, he’s there for Summer and she can’t help but falling in love. But will this crime spree push Summer away from him for good?

FUDGE-LACED FELONIES is the first book in Ms. Hickey’s A Summer Meadows Mysteries series, and it’s a winner. Summer is a slightly klutzy, totally loveable heroine who stumbles into messy situations she can’t get out of easily. The reader can’t help but cheer for Summer and hope that things will work out for her.

The faith message is expertly woven in and isn’t preachy, and the setting is well-woven into the story. The opening lines of the book are really excellent. Readers are going to see a lot more of Ms. Hickey and her books – and, as Ms. Hickey’s critique partner, I know that the second two books in this trilogy are every bit as wonderful as the first. Don’t miss FUDGE-LACED FELONIES. $6.97. 244 pages.
Laura V. Hilton

Another Review of Fudge-Laced Felonies

Check out my review at www.idealinhope.com. Click on fiction under book reviews.

ACFW Conference

I received notice today that I am on the list, along with 106 other authors, to participate in ACFW's biggest booksigning event to date. This will take place at the Mall of America, September 23, 2008. In the rotunda will be a revolving screen depicting bookcovers and photos of the participating authors.

I was getting a little depressed about the upcoming conference because I'm unsure of what I'll be pitching. Receiving the email with that news raised my excitement level back to the roof! And to put the icing on the cake, Heartsong Present/Mystery subscribers are receiving their copy of Fudge-Laced Felonies. I can't wait to hear the readers' responses.

Where the Truth Lies by Elizabeth Ludwig & Janelle Mowery

When Casey Alexander receives notice that her Aunty Liddy has died and left a suicide note, Casey refuses to believe her death was anything but murder. She leaves her web-design business and heads to her Aunt's home. It instantly becomes clear that someone wants Casey out of the picture or she'll join her aunt in the hereafter. Stalked by a shadowy figure, and finding bones buried in the yard, Casey is even more determined to find her aunt's killer.
Full of twists and quirky characters, Where the Truth Lies is an enjoyable, page-turning reading experience. Just when you think you've figured out "who-dunnit", Ludwig and Mowery throw you another curve. Well done, Ladies!

Mainly Mystery

I will be teaming with Nancy Mehl on hosting a mystery blog. We will focus on the art of writing mystery, interviewing authors, and reviewing books. Primarily our focus is mystery, but we'll be tossing in some suspense to keep everyone on their toes. Click on the link on the right to visit the Mainly Mystery blog.

Fudge-Laced Felonies First Review

I've got my first review!

Review of Fudge-Laced Felonies
by Cynthia Hickey
http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/

Reviewed by Barbara J. Robinson
Award-winning Author
http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/

From the lead, “I marched into church on Sunday – not to search for God, but to find a killer,” spunky heroine Summer Meadows captures your heart with humor even in the darkest situations, as you journey with her to solve a diamond mystery. A light, easy read, this page turner takes you into the Ozark foothills. Set in a small town, Summer owns a candy store and is up to her wrists in chocolate, when she’s not knee deep in trouble playing detective.

Hooked from the lead, I was riveted in the mystery and completed the novel in several readings. When interrupted, I couldn’t wait to return to Summer’s world of chocolate, diamonds, and mystery.

Rich with fresh similes and metaphors, readers savor a taste of Southern grit as two handsome men compete for Summer’s attention, but only one of them truly loves her. She must decide between Man of God, Ethan, with rough, working hands, or smooth-talking Nate with hands softer than her own. Nate says all the right things while Ethan teases like a childhood friend, leading Summer to believe that he thinks of her as a sister. Then there’s beautiful Terri Lee who once dated Ethan and attempts to pick up where she left off. Summer knows her natural beauty can’t complete with her store-bought façade.

Summer is down-to-earth, but feisty. Used to being in control, she has to learn to let God guide her steps and relinquish control to the One who can make an eternal difference in her life. She’s a Christian who attends church every Sunday, but grows in her faith through her struggles and learns to depend on God to see her through.

Have you ever treasured your flower garden and thought it worth gold? Summer’s rose garden is worth a small fortune in cash and diamonds, and she must solve the mystery of who killed her prized rose bush before she ends up a dead summer flower.

Candy-Coated Secrets is the second book in the Fudge-Laced Felonies series – Heartsong Presents. If you love humor and mystery entwined, snag the book for great summer read. See http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/ for more information. ISBN-978-1-60260-181-9, $6.95 paperback, 244 pages, 22 chapters of love and mystery.

Writing is Easy

My soon to be eleven year old was getting ready to spend the night with a friend. My sixteen year old is out of the state for a couple of days. To me, this means uninterrupted writing time. My younger son, said, "Why can't you write anytime? It's easy. All you do is sit down and write the words." Wow. Out of the mouth of babes. If only it WAS that easy.

Sure, we do have to 'just sit down and write the words', but there is so much more involved. I lost my son's attention when I started explaining about plot lines, and the story making sense, then there's marketing, and selling to publishers, etc. It's way more than just sitting down and putting words on paper.

The words have to be right. They have to tell a story that a reader is interested in getting into. Your characters need to be real and interesting. Your setting must draw the reader in. Oh, how I wish it were as simple as a child thinks it is. Then, there's the mechanics of writing. Oh, boy!

Greer, Arizona

We just spent two and half days in what has to be one of the most beautiful places in Arizona. All but one portion of our family was able to attend and we rented a glorious log cabin. The temperature never got over 80 degrees during the day. Although the clouds built every afternoon, rain eluded us, as did the bears. I would've loved to have seen one. Through my telephoto camera lens, of course. Racoons stayed away too, but we saw plenty of deer, elk, squirrel, and chipmunks. My sweet husband paid for us women to go horseback riding while he babysat. What a fun day! The men caught their quota of fish every day. We've decided that a trip to Greer will be an annual vacation.

ANOTHER STAB AT LIFE by Anita Higman

Bailey Walker lost everything. Her job, her apartment, her no-good boyfriend. Everything except a dilapidated Victorian, gothic, nightmare of a house. Complete with a macabre house-warming gift. Someone left her a dead cat. Can life get any better? Especially when you suspect every neighbor of wanting to drive you out of your new home? The walls of the house contain a secret that Bailey shares with handsome neighbor, Maxwell Sumner. The race is on as Bailey gets Another Stab at Life.

Anita Higman's cozy mystery is a delightful, page-turning story full of love and new choices. I've lost count of how many of Barbour's new mystery line books I've read, and I've been delighted with everyone. Anita's is no exception.

Gunfight at Grace Gulch by Darlene Franklin

Every girl likes to play dress-up and CiCi Wilde is no exception. In fact, she owns a vintage clothing store and runs around town in her merchandise. The annual reenactment of the Oklahoma landrun and gunfight between the Graces and Gaynors is one of her largest business days. But when one of the actors is actually killed, the script seems rewritten. With CiCi's friends and families as the main suspects. So, donning a new costume, she sets out to find the culprit before she is history.

Darlene Franklin's cozy mystery is fun, entertaining, and educational. Join in with the Wilde sister's as they concoct a daring plan to catch the murderer.

Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White

Natalie Tubberville wants to be a detective. Matt Hogan owns his own struggling detective agency. When Natalie's father buys half of the company and leaves a twenty-five percent share to Natalie, Matt wants to hit the roof! Share partnership with a Barbie doll? Never! The two set out on there first assignment together--finding a missing Pakistani bride who doesn't want to be found. Natalie and Matt fall into one hilarious escapade after another.

Elizabeth White has crafted a wonderfully funny, entertaining mystery romance. You'll laugh as you turn each page.

Employee of the Semester

I'm a little late in posting this, but I made employee of the semester at the school where I run the Detention. Countryside Elementary. It's a great feeling to know when someone's hard work pays off. Oftentimes, this side of heaven, we don't see the result of our, often backbreaking, efforts. But, occassionally, God gives a gift. The opportunity to see how much we are appreciated.

The funny thing about my receiving this honor, was with the end of the school year quickly approaching, everyone forgot to tell me until the day I was being presented!

A Suspicion of Strawberries by Lynette Sowell

All Andi Clarks wants is for one of her business ventures to pan out. And to decide where her heart lies in regards to handsome Ben Hartley. When Charla Rae Thacker, belle of the town, plans a spa-like day at Andi's soap store, Andi thinks success is in the bag. Then Charla has an allergic reaction and dies. Andi must clear her store of all suspicion, and keep herself from becoming a victim.

Lynette Sowell has brought us a delightfully enjoyable cozy mystery with all the elements we love. Suspense, romance, humor, and a mystery to solve. Fun read.

Murder on the Ol' Bunions by S. Dionne Moore

Absolutely hilarious! LaTisha Barnhart undertakes killer pantyhose and painful bunions when she suspects foul play in the death of her former employer. Nothing will keep her from the truth. LaTisha hobbles from one clue to the next, her uproarious personality often clouding her judgement.

S. Dionne Moore has crafted a master of a cozy. You'll laugh your way through the pages.

http://www.heartsongmysteries.com/

In the Dead of Winter by Nancy Mehl

When Samantha "Ivy" Towers returns to Winter Break to put her aunt's affairs in order, it quickly becomes clear something foul is in the air. With the help of her friend, Amos Parker, Samantha sets out to find her aunt's murderer.

The town of Winter Break is a blip on a map, yet full of characters so rich you won't easily forget them. I can't wait to read the next book in the Winter Break series.

www.heartsongmysteries.com

Mom, we will miss you!

We think it fitting to celebrate Mom’s life with Proverbs 31 verses 29-31:
Her children arise and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Verse 10: says, and we paraphrase, “A woman of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

Agnes Mary Galaudet Hickey was born September 7, 1927. She lived through the Great Depression, the birth of Laughlin and Las Vegas, a World War, color television, 1% income tax, a steak sandwich for $1.15, a career as an LPN, and the raising of five children. She has seen the invention of slot machines, VCR’s, DVD players, and man walking on the moon. Agnes has loved a husband, five children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Her life was full, rich, and overflowing with love. Her legacy lives on in many hearts.

Through the ups and downs of World History, Mom kept her optimistic view of the future, keeping her eye on heaven. Above all, she cherished family often saying she had the best family in the world. In a world where love seems to be based on what can you do for me, Mom was the epitome of unconditional love. She had an inner strength that others struggle to possess, and few will attain.

Being the feisty, Irish woman Mom was, there were moments of disagreement, but even during her out-spokenness, her love for the person never dimmed, always shining brightly from her eyes. Mom never forgot a birthday or bypassed an occasion to send a Thank You note. Mom, today is our chance to thank you. For your love, your understanding, your undying support in all our endeavors.

Mom recently celebrated her 80th birthday, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She spent Mother’s Day in Laughlin, on her “last Hoorah” as she called it. She ecstatically told us about winning $11 and wrote us a letter of every step of hers and Mary’s trip.

The memories are endless.
Fond memories of vacations in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
The vacation to Colorado where the pass over the Rocky Mountains was closed due to snow. Joe said he saw a bear and Mom turned the car around and drove all night until they reached home.
The times she’d turn down her hearing aid, then grumble at Dad because she couldn’t hear him.
The Christmas Tom dropped his pants and stood filming his sister Betsy until she noticed him standing in his boxers. Mom wanted to know why he’d do something so bad and to stop teasing his sister. They were both adults by this time.
The time she dropped the “F” bomb and tried to drag the water house to the top of Tom and Cindy’s house because Tom told her that a fire cracker started a fire. She didn’t think that joke was funny until months later.
The time Cindy went with her to Vegas after Mom’s heart surgery and she tried sneaking out of the hotel room at 3:30 in the morning for “one more pull”.
The many times she’d talk of her brothers and sisters. Her love for them was strong.
The gifts she received that was always “too much”. The creative gifts she gave that left no doubt that were given with love.

Although Mom’s passing leaves a hole that can’t be filled, we know that this is not goodbye, but rather we’ll see you later. For now, rest happy in God’s loving arms until we meet again. We love you.

Mysterious Incidents at Lone Rock by Rajendra Pillai

Written in true Agatha Christie style, Mysterious Incidents leads the reader on a page-turning sequence of events with a surprising twist. Several actually.

Professor Rich Harrison and his colleague, the brilliant, algebra equation loving, Chinni Roy , detective in India, head to a friends estate for what they hope will be a relaxing weekend. They couldn't be farther from the truth when a gun shot blasts the night. Not only must they solve the crime, but Professor Rich must face matters of the heart.

www.heartsongmysteries.com

Deadly Exposure by Cara Putnam

How could a murder happen in a crowded theater and right next to news reporter, Danie Richards? And now that it has, she can't leave things alone. Despite numerous warnings from the killer. To complicate things, a former love insists on protecting Dani. Something she balks against.

DEADLY EXPOSURE is a page-turning romantic suspense. Full of surprises with the right amount of romance. A great read!

Homicide at Blue Heron Lake

Heading back to her childhood home to get the lakeside cottage ready to sell turns out more difficult than Emily Grant anticipated. Finding a dead body with her long-ago crush, Nate Holman, then discovering another body twenty years dead, it seems like Emily's vacation is anything but. Disaster and mystery threaten the awakening of love.

http://www.heartsongmysteries.com/