Stones River Brings a Unique Storyline to Your Reading List. This novel seamlessly blends historical fiction, paranormal romance, and fantasy in a way that, surprisingly, makes it feel both believable and thought-provoking. While Jessie is a little immature, and the instant-romance factor is introduced quickly into the story, the overall narrative is much deeper and historically rooted in its setting, offering readers much more than a ghostly love story. 

The Characters Connect Very Well. Initially, I found myself rolling my eyes at Jessie's character and the jump into the "falling in love with a ghost" dynamic of the story. However, as the storyline developed and the author began connecting her characters, telling Lem's story, and creating the emotional pull of the romantic elements, it was easy to become deeply invested in their relationship and in the story's resolution.

Would I Recommend Stones River by M.F. Jones? This book is written in a way that lets historical romance fans enjoy the novel, while also giving a lot for paranormal romance lovers to enjoy as well. The historical fiction side was very well-crafted and seamlessly blended with the modern-day paranormal ghost story. While I didn't initially love Jessie's character, the relationship and storyline that grew (both because of her personality and despite it) made the novel one that was very worth the spot on my reading list. 

Before beginning to write full-time in 2008, M. F. (Mimi) Jones was an editor at Viking Press, where she discovered Judith Guest's bestseller ORDINARY PEOPLE in the slush pile and became its editor. She went on to senior editorial positions at Redbook, Family Circle, and Reader’s Digest magazines. In addition to writing, she’s a devotee of reading, knitting (while listening to audiobooks), choral singing, and hiking with her rescue dog, Ruby. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, composer Douglas Hedwig. 

Connect with the author:   Website  ~ goodreads

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I love finding educational, fun children's books! Today, I have Not That Orange by Bailey Adams in our featured book spotlight. Learn about the book and author--and buy the book on Amazon! 

Carrot is on a mission—he’s searching for his orange! But there’s just one problem… he’s green! With the help of a friendly orange from a nearby tree, Carrot embarks on a journey across the farm, asking the other crops for help. But as confusion grows, Carrot soon discovers something surprising—carrots can be all sorts of colors, not just orange! 

Through fun, playful storytelling and charming illustrations, Not That Orange teaches young readers (ages 3-5) an important lesson: being different is not just okay—it’s something to celebrate! In a world that often focuses on fitting in, this book encourages little ones to embrace who they are and appreciate the beautiful diversity around them. 

Perfect for preschool and kindergarten-aged children, Not That Orange is a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library, inspiring kids to be confident in themselves while learning about colors, friendship, and the joy of being uniquely you!

About the Author

Bailey’s journey as a writer began in the fourth grade when she discovered the magic of crafting stories—and she hasn’t stopped since. She embraces an organic writing process, letting ideas flow naturally from inspiration sparked by books, shows, or random bursts of creativity. Instead of following structured outlines, she prefers to sit down and let the words lead the way, trusting that storytelling from the heart produces the most genuine and meaningful work. 

Despite being a perfectionist in many areas, Bailey believes that writing should be an intuitive and soulful process, with revision and refinement coming later. She is passionate about inspiring young minds through engaging, heartfelt stories and hopes to make a lasting impact in both the classroom and the literary world.

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This morning, I have a musical fiction novel to share in our release blitz spotlight! Take a few minutes ans learn about Scenes from a Song and author Susan Sloate--then enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  

Music Fiction

Date Published: 09-30-2025

Publisher: Covfefe Press

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 For anyone who's ever said, "They're playing my song!"

About the Author

 

 SUSAN SLOATE is the author or co-author of more than 25 published books. This includes 3 editions of Forward to Camelot, a time-travel thriller about the JFK assassination that became a #6 Amazon bestseller, was honored in 3 literary competitions and was optioned by a Hollywood company for film production. She also wrote the autobiographical Broadway novel Stealing Fire, which became a #2 Amazon bestseller and Hot New Release, and Realizing You (with Ron Doades), for which she invented a new genre: the self-help novel.

Susan has also written young-adult fiction and non-fiction, including the children’s biography Ray Charles: Find Another Way, which won the silver medal in the 2007 Children’s Moonbeam Awards. Mysteries Unwrapped: The Secrets of Alcatraz led to her 2009 appearance on the TV series MysteryQuest for The History Channel. She has also been a sportswriter and a screenwriter, edited the popular Kyle & Corey young-adult book series, managed two political campaigns and founded an author’s festival to promote student literacy in her hometown outside Charleston, SC. She has appeared in multiple volumes of WHO’S WHO IN AMERICA, WHO’S WHO IN ENTERTAINMENT and WHO’S WHO AMONG AMERICAN WOMEN.

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Twitter: @Susan_Sloate

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I love finding children's books to share with our readers! This morning, I am featuring The Adventures of Hairy Spinner by Heidi Scarano! Learn about the book and author and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  

Children's Book

Date Published: 11-23-2024

Publisher: Bright Communications

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About the Author

 Author Heidi Scarano resides in Berks County, PA. She is a avid lover of nature, science, and photography. She enjoys outings with her family and seeking new adventures via traveling, when she likes to experience local customs, cultures and foods.

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