This morning, we are featuring Elmer Kelton’s The Blessing by John Bradshaw in our book spotlight! Learn about the book and author and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Date Published: 12-03-2025

Publisher: Devil's Claw Press

About the Book

Trouble is, it was bought from his old adversary, Fat Gervin, who is still as crooked as ever. Gervin finds a seeming loophole in the contract and tries to pull another fast one on Hewey, who is fed up with Gervin’s endless treachery. Tensions rise, and when Gervin is shot, it’s Hewey who’s on the hook for the crime. But things are never as they seem, and it’s up to an eclectic cast of characters to sort it out, and for Hewey to learn what’s really important in life. 

Written by longtime journalist turned novelist John Bradshaw, who was selected by The Elmer Kelton Estate to continue the Hewey Calloway tradition. 

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed. 

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines. 

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s. 

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares. 

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions. 

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle. 

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday. 

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This morning, in our book teaser spotlight, I have a western-themed historical mystery to share! Learn about Elmer Kelton's The Blessing and author John Bradshaw, read an excerpt from the book & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Date Published: 12-03-2025

Publisher: Devil's Claw Press

Trouble is, it was bought from his old adversary, Fat Gervin, who is still as crooked as ever. Gervin finds a seeming loophole in the contract and tries to pull another fast one on Hewey, who is fed up with Gervin’s endless treachery. Tensions rise, and when Gervin is shot, it’s Hewey who’s on the hook for the crime. But things are never as they seem, and it’s up to an eclectic cast of characters to sort it out, and for Hewey to learn what’s really important in life. 

Written by longtime journalist turned novelist John Bradshaw, who was selected by The Elmer Kelton Estate to continue the Hewey Calloway tradition.

Read an Excerpt

The morning sun was warm on Hewey’s face as he neared the Circle W’s eastern fence and the road beyond. When he crossed a small hill just west of the road, he saw an automobile parked outside the fence and a man struggling to open the wire gate that led into the ranch. Hewey rode nearer and saw the man was a stranger. He was older than Hewey by a decade or so, soft in the middle and wearing a dark suit and a snap-brim driving cap. 

Although Morgan Jenkins occasionally visited the ranch in his automobile, Pincushion had certainly never been this close to one of the machines. He snorted and sidestepped, threatening to do something untoward. Unconcerned with the horse’s feelings, Hewey swatted the dun on the hip with the heavy tail of a rein. Pincushion decided Hewey was more of an immediate threat than the vehicle, and he moved forward cautiously. 

The gate was made of five strands of barbwire with a cedar stay tied in the middle and another at each end. The gate fastened with two loops of barbwire, one at the top and another at the bottom. The gate had to be pulled tighter, by hand, to release the wire loops that held it closed. The man in the suit was having trouble with the task. He looked up as Hewey approached. 

“Mornin’,” Hewey said cautiously. He and Pincushion both eyed the stranger with some wariness. 

“This is the Circle W Ranch, is it not?” asked the man abruptly. “I am looking for a man by the name of Hewey Calloway. Do you know where I might find him?” 

Hewey thought that one over for a moment. The man did not strike him as a lawman. In any case, he had been on the straight and narrow, for the most part at least, since Spring had expressed her dislike of public drunkenness and the misfortunes that so often befell Hewey during those occasions. 

“Yes, sir,” he said finally. “This is the Circle W, and I’m Hewey Calloway.” 

“That is excellent news,” said the man. “My name is Howard Stephens. I am an attorney in Alpine, for the time being at least. I have some information for you, and some paperwork. Would it be possible for us to go someplace where we might sit and talk? Somewhere out of this sun? It’s getting dreadfully hot already.” 

Everything Hewey knew of lawyers taught him to be wary. “What do we need to talk about? Am I in some sort of trouble? I been behaving myself pretty well for a couple years now.” 

“No, Mister Calloway. I assure you this is all good news. I guarantee it, to be precise, but it is a bit lengthy to get into out here.” 

Hewey was still uncertain, but his curiosity got the best of him. “We can go up to headquarters. It’s just a few miles thataway.” He nodded his head west. 

“Perfect,” said Stephens. “Now, would you mind helping me with this gate? It seems to be broken.”

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed. 

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines. 

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s. 

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares. 

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions. 

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle. 

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday.

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Today, I have a historical thriller in our book release blitz spotlight! Learn about A Deceptive Game Ensues and the House of Croft series by Sophie Barnes! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

House of Croft, Book 4

Date Published: 06-17-2025

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Acquitted of the crime he was accused of, Adrian Croft begins an investigation that could link a duke to his sister's death. But with a fresh series of murders leading straight to Saint George's Hospital, Adrian is torn between his quest for revenge and the need to catch an active killer. For though he may have sworn to yield his power in order to gain a pardon, all bets are off when villains threaten his city.

Having proven her unfailing loyalty to her husband, Samantha Croft settles into married life - an idyl that quickly crumbles when she and Adrian get caught up in a new series of murders. As they follow a trail that leads them through subterranean tunnels and to a secret organization, they face another threat too: a ghost from Adrian's past who's about to bring war to their doorstep.

 USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

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Today, I have a historical mystery to share in our book blitz spotlight! Check out The Victorian Locket and learn about author Elefair King!

A Galveston Historical Mystery

Cozy Mystery

Sarah Anne Law, affectionately known to family and friends as Sam, was playing the stalking game with her cat when she inadvertently discovered a secret compartment in her haunted Victorian home. Not only did Sam find a hidden treasure, but she also realized that their playful game aroused a long-dormant spirit. Perhaps the newly awakened spirit and one of the more disturbing hauntings in her beautiful home were connected. Did a murder occur? As Sam followed clues to unravel the 125-year-old mysteries, she unveiled the true horrors of Galveston’s deadly and gruesome past.

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About the Author

Elefair King, a native Texan, grew up in Houston. Retired, she now lives in The Woodlands, Texas. Married for 40 years, she has one son who lives nearby. Driven by her compassion to serve others, she founded several non-profit organizations as well as served on committees and boards of many local and regional charities. Elefair loves history, especially about her beloved Texas. She frequently stops along its country roads to read historical markers when seeking new adventures.

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Today, I have a historical mystery thriller in our book spotlight!  Check out In the Shadow of the Kingmakers and learn about author Vahid Imani!

Historical Mystery / Thriller

In this historical thriller inspired by true events, a British espionage plot spirals out of control—with devastating consequences.

It’s the aftermath of WWI and imperialist powers jostle for influence in Tehran, capital of Persia and heart of the Middle East. James Malcolm is a ruthless British spy set on undermining his American and Russian rivals, but when an act of sabotage escalates into an international incident, the kingmaker becomes the pawn.

Rose Pearce works in the English Consulate with her friend Ali, a sweet boy of fourteen. Their simple existence is shattered the day Ali shares the details of a troubling conversation he’s overheard. Rose encourages him to stick to what he knows best: serving tea and trimming roses in the consulate gardens, but Ali is filled with a sense of duty and takes matters into his own hands, changing their lives forever.

Caught in the shifting sands of shadowy espionage, international agendas, and a lust for Western dominance at all costs, James, Rose, and Ali must fight for what they believe in—if they manage to survive at all.

In the Shadow of the Kingmakers is a vivid, heart-stopping exploration of a moment in history that shaped the world we know today.

about the author

Vahid Imani was born in Tehran, Iran, and made the United States his home in 1979. He earned his master’s degree in 1980 from Gonzaga University’s School of Business in Spokane, Washington. At the turn of the century, he transitioned to the world of fine arts after a career in high-tech as a business executive. His opinions and insights about the arts, history, and international politics have been shared in articles, public lectures, and mass media.

In 2014, he debuted as an author with his award-winning middle-grade novel "Naji and the Mystery of the Dig". In February 2019 he released his historical thriller, "In the Shadow of the Kingmakers". In May 2020 he released his Memoir, "Like the Wind I Go, A memoir of Iran, America, my struggle to freedom" Imani is the father of three children, grandfather of three, and lives with his wife in California.

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