Amazing Books to Read Written by Amazing Authors

 

Following are great thrillers, mysteries, and all those in-between stories for your reading pleasure. To check them out, just click on the title. Have a happy reading.

 

Queen of Curacao by Solsiré E. Felida - A woman with no memory wakes up in the hospital from an explosion on a yacht. Still, she becomes suspicious when she receives disturbing information.

 

The Daughter Between Them by Alretha Thomas - A journalist at a major newspaper is given an assignment focusing on a homeless single mother but is detoured when danger may be directed at the reporter’s two daughters.

 

Double Mocha Blues (Joss Miller Mysteries Book 1) by Tyora Moody - A barista who works during the day at a popular coffee café is the host of a nightly podcast that covers victims of crime but her goal is to uncover the murder of her grandfather that was never solved.

 

Last Liar Standing by Danielle M. Wong - A woman can’t recall the past 10 years after being struck by a car.

 

Her Pretty Lies by Angela Henry - A graduate student is hired to do a criminal act, but when she decides to accept the offer, against her better judgment, she will face her worst nightmare. 

 

Her Perfect Murder by AJ Faris - A woman who is keeping her past hidden is approached by a new, unrelenting neighbor who recognizes her as a possible murderer.

 

Finding Angel: A Christian Detective Mystery (The Three Sisters Detective Agency Book) l by Eric M. Hill - Three sisters run a detective agency, where their investigative tactics could put their agency and lives at risk.

 

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose - A successful criminal defense attorney thinks she has the ideal marriage until she is faced with a shocking revelation.

 

Tangled Lies by Karen E. Osborne - A mother is determined to find the person who brutally murdered her son but that will all change when an accident derails her undertaking.

 

The Fifth Victim (Book 1) by D.D. Black - An FBI agent, who is about to retire is asked to take over a case involving the killing of three people, which may be connected to the past.

News for Travelers

 

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Is a Professional Matchmaker Right for You? By Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All

Instead of a dating app, many men and women choose to use a professional matchmaking coach, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 per hour depending on the individual’s needs.

Before using a professional matchmaking coach, it’s important to ask several key questions to ensure you choose the right service for your needs. Following are some questions to consider:

About the Matchmaking Service

1. What is your success rate?
2. Can you provide testimonials or references from past clients?
3. How many clients do you currently have?
4. What are your matchmaking credentials and experience?
5. How long have you been in the matchmaking business?

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About the Process

1. What is your matchmaking process?
2. How do you screen and select potential matches?
3. How many matches can I expect to receive within a certain time frame?
4. What happens if I’m not satisfied with the matches?

About the Costs

1. What are the costs involved in your services?
2. Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
3. What is your refund policy if I’m not satisfied with the service?

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About Privacy and Confidentiality

1. How do you ensure the privacy and confidentiality of your clients?
2. Do you share my information with third parties?
3. How do you handle sensitive information?

About the Matchmaking Coach

1. Will I be working with a single matchmaker or a team?
2. How often will we be in contact?
3. What is your availability for meetings or calls? 

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Expectations and Goals

1. What can I realistically expect from your service?
2. How do you define a successful match?
3. What should I do if I have concerns or issues during the matchmaking process?

Photo by Greta Hoffman 

Compatibility and Personal Preferences

1. How do you take my preferences and deal breakers into account?
2. How do you handle differences in religious, cultural, or lifestyle preferences?
3. Can I specify preferences regarding age, profession, or other criteria?

Support and Additional Services

1. Do you offer coaching or support during the dating process?
2. What kind of feedback or follow-up do you provide after a match?
3. Do you offer any additional services, such as image consulting or relationship coaching?

While there are no guarantees when selecting a matchmaking coach you’ll find someone to date, asking these questions can help you understand the service better and make an informed decision about whether the matchmaking coach is the right fit for you.

How to Stay Connected in Your Relationship! | Practical Tips!

Romance author and relationship coach, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku shares tips on how to remain connected as a couple.

Please leave your comments and subscribe to her channel.

How Safe is Your Personal Data on Dating Apps

Have you ever wondered what information you provide on a dating app is actually private from prying eyes? Well, wonder no more. Some dating apps may not protect vital information, exposing you to privacy issues that can be at risk. According to research, 80% of dating platforms may sell your information to sites that may have nothing to do with dating.

Photo by cottonbro studio 

The privacy of personal data on dating apps can vary significantly depending on the app’s policies, how it handles data, and the user’s own privacy settings. Here are some key factors to consider when using dating apps:

Dating apps typically collect a range of personal information, including your name, age, gender, location, photos, and interests, messages sent and received, matches made and interactions, IP address, device type, and operating system, and information from linked social media accounts or other integrated services.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki

The company may share information with advertisers, analytics providers, or other third parties. Some apps might share data with other dating services under the same ownership.

Look for apps that use encryption (HTTPS) to protect data in transit and at rest. Dating apps, like any online service, can be vulnerable to data breaches. High-profile breaches have occurred in the past, exposing users’ data. Users can often control who sees their profile and can block or report abusive users. Some apps allow users to download their data or request deletion of their account and associated data.

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Apps operating in certain regions must comply with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR (Europe), or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA (California), which provides users with rights regarding their data.

Photo by Mati Mango

Only provide necessary information and avoid sharing sensitive data. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Periodically review privacy settings and the app’s privacy policy for updates. Back in 2015, hackers targeted and hacked a popular matchmaking site for married and single people seeking affairs, stealing millions of accounts, and highlighting the risks of exposing sensitive data.

While dating apps can offer a convenient way to meet new people, it’s crucial to stay informed about how your data is being handled and take steps to protect your privacy. ♥

Virtual Book Tour - Meet Amy Craig, Author of The Starlight Motel

 

THE STARLIGHT MOTEL

By

Amy Craig 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE - Contemporary Romance 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Experienced muralist Kada took charge of her family's Palm Springs motel to give her mother time to grieve. As a grant deadline approaches, Kada must convince her mother to manage the motel so she can return to her art. Late in December, Kada encounters a horseman approaching the property. Dane, the reserved son of a local farming family, is a loyal workaholic with limited spare time or experience outside the valley. When lightning startles his horse, he lingers at the motel and stirs up Kada's emotions about leaving the desert oasis. Wary of mixing business with pleasure, she struggles with her attraction. As New Year's Eve approaches, will the cowboy convince her to chart a new course? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’m Dane Palmer,” the man on the chestnut horse said. “My family owns the land next door.”

 

“Oh, thank goodness.” She shaded her gaze. “I’ve heard about you.”

 

For as long as her family owned the motel, the Palmer family owned the surrounding farmland. Once or twice, the Palmer patriarch offered to buy the Starlight Motel, but Pops resisted and counted the family as friends. They produced the area’s top vegetable crops, cultivated table grapes, and managed fields of fruit trees. Every once in a while, Dane’s mother, Mariah, came by the motel to visit and give her business advice, but Dane and his younger brother remained enigmas. She exhaled. “I’ve met your mother.”

 

“I’m sure,” Dane said. “She gets around.”

 

The second man laughed like a rusted pail swinging in the wind.

 

Dane glanced at the seated cowboy. “This is Walter. He’s the farm’s crew manager.”

 

Tipping his hat, Walter nodded.

 

She tented her gaze. “Could you two get down? Between the horses and the low sun, I can’t see you to save my life.”

 

Hanging his hat on the saddle horn, Dane handed his horse’s reins to Walter. He threw his leg over the horse’s saddle and slid down its side with an easy, athletic grace.

 

Amy Craig, Romance Author

Amy Craig lives in Louisiana with her family and a small menagerie of pets. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring intelligent heroines. In her spare time, she plays tennis and expands her husband’s honey-do list. Before writing, she worked as an oilfield engineer, project manager, and incompetent waitress. For more information and giveaways, visit www.amy-craig.com or follow her on social media channels.

Butterflies, Muralists, and Happily Ever After by Amy Craig 

I live in Louisiana, but I’m a California girl at heart. I read Bay Area online news sites for restaurant trends, wildfire updates, and changes to the cities where I lived. Maybe I’ll go back one day for more than a visit!

A few years ago, a news story about a San Francisco mural caught my eye. The 455 Hyde Street murals, collectively known as Le Papillon, tell the story of San Francisco’s urban beauties. Monarchs fly toward the California Poppy, and the artistic process behind creating the mural captured my attention.

As I learned more about the work, Kada, the main character in THE STARLIGHT MOTEL, also came into focus. When crowd-funding fails to lead her toward her next installation, she helps her family run a Palm Springs motel. The question is, why does she love it?

Fictional muralists often undergo significant personal growth ("The Murals" by William Bayer, "The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver, or "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older). As they create their murals, they confront personal challenges, heal from past traumas, or discover new facets of themselves. Unfortunately, this process is too long for contemporary romances. Baby, we’re falling in love in a week!

However, muralists are also more than artists. They are storytellers, activists, and community builders. They bring color and complexity to narratives, just like they bring art to public spaces. Those butterflies on the San Francisco building? One of the most beautiful is the Xerces blue butterfly. It might be the first butterfly species in the United States to go extinct due to human development and habitat loss.

Sometimes, I wonder if Palm Spring might go extinct, too. It’s an agricultural resource, but it’s a man-made wonder. So is art. So, whether you value butterflies, winter lettuce, or vibrant paintings, support the things in your community that make sense.

Me? Every summer, I feed caterpillars to atone for the one I accidently squished! THE STARLIGHT MOTEL has nothing on "A Sound of Thunder," by Ray Bradbury, but it’s a light-hearted romp between a talented artist and a stubborn cowboy. I hope you love it!

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a Rafflecopter Giveaway

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Is It Important to be Best Friends with Your Partner before Saying, I Do?

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When couples are asked about the secret to having a long and successful marriage, many say, “We were best friends first before we got married.” I firmly believe in that statement.

 

While it's not strictly necessary to be best friends before getting married, many experts and couples believe that having a strong friendship as the foundation of a romantic relationship can be very beneficial. Here are a few reasons why being a best friend with your partner before marriage can be significant:

Photo by Ricky Esquivel

Best friends typically communicate openly and honestly with each other. This level of communication is crucial in a marriage for resolving conflicts, discussing important issues, and understanding each other's needs and desires.

 

A deep friendship often involves a high degree of trust and mutual respect. These qualities are essential for a healthy and lasting marriage.

 

Friends usually enjoy spending time together and have common interests. Sharing hobbies and activities can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

Photo by Tristan Le

Best friends provide emotional support during tough times. Having this kind of support system within your marriage can help both partners navigate life's challenges more effectively.

 

Being best friends often means you understand each other's quirks, flaws, and strengths. This understanding can lead to greater patience and compassion in a marriage.

 

Marriage should also be about having fun and enjoying life together. A foundation of friendship can ensure that you continue to have fun and cherish each other's company, even when the initial romantic excitement grows into a deeper connection.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

It is also important to recognize that romantic relationships and friendships can have different dynamics. While a strong friendship can greatly enhance a marriage, it's also crucial to maintain the romantic and intimate aspects of the relationship. Balancing friendship with romance is important to a fulfilling and enduring marriage.

 

In the end, whether you need to be best friends before getting married depends on the individuals involved and what works best for their relationship. What matters most is that both partners feel connected, supported, and committed to each other. 💗

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Are Dating Apps Becoming Obsolete? By Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All

I have been watching a couple of talk shows covering dating trends. Some dating experts and dating coaches feel that dating apps are not always meeting an individual needs in seeking a date. I decided to do more research and discovered that dating apps are not becoming obsolete. They are growing.

 

Popularity and Usage: Dating apps remain popular, with millions of users worldwide. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge continue to see significant usage and growth.

 

Changes in User Behavior: User expectations and behaviors are changing. There's a growing desire for meaningful connections over casual encounters. Some users are tired of swiping and want different ways to meet people. One example is the use of speed dating or shuffle dating.

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Emergence of Niche Apps: New apps are targeting specific demographics or interests, such as religious groups, hobbies, or professional backgrounds. These niche apps cater to users looking for more tailored dating experiences.

 

Integration of Social Media: Social media platforms are incorporating dating features (e.g., Facebook Dating). The lines between social networking and dating are blurring.

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Concerns Regarding Safety and Privacy: Issues related to safety, privacy, and data security remain important. Apps are introducing more vigorous verification and security measures to address these concerns.

 

Cultural and Regional Differences: The adoption and usage of dating apps vary across cultures and regions. In some areas, traditional matchmaking methods still hold strong.

 

Technological Advancements: New technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning are being integrated to improve matchmaking algorithms. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being explored for more immersive dating experiences.

Photo by Tara Winstead

While dating apps are not becoming obsolete, they are adapting to changes in technology, user preferences, and societal norms. The future of dating apps will probably involve a combination of traditional features and innovative technologies to meet the growing needs of users. ♥ 

Virtual Dating - A Trend Worth Trying

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Virtual dating is engaging in romantic interactions digitally rather than in person. This concept has gained popularity because of technological advancements and the increased use of the internet and smartphones. Video tools such as Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow people to go on dates virtually. This can include having dinner together, watching a movie simultaneously, or simply talking face-to-face via video.

 

Virtual Reality (VR) Dating is a form of virtual dating. Individuals use VR headsets to interact in a simulated environment. VR dating apps and platforms provide a more engaging and realistic experience, allowing users to meet in virtual spaces that mimic real-life scenarios. 

Interactive Experience is a tool that includes interactive activities like playing online games together, attending virtual concerts or events, or participating in collaborative online experiences like escape rooms.

 

Virtual dating offers a level of safety and convenience, especially for those who are busy, live in different geographical locations, or prefer to get to know someone before meeting in person. It became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing measures were in place.

 

Despite its advantages, virtual dating also has challenges, such as the potential for misrepresentation, lack of physical chemistry, and the difficulty of gauging non-verbal cues.

 

Virtual dating is a modern approach to building romantic relationships, leveraging digital tools to connect people globally and providing innovative ways to interact and bond. ♥ 

For more tips on virtual dating, watch 10 Unique and Fun Virtual Date Ideas that Spark a Connection.