Release month for THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO

 

Happy September! How’s everyone doing? I’m very excited this month because it’s release month for THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO. Whoa-hoo!!! Launching the fifth book in the series out into the world is a combination of excitement (which you already I’m feeling) and worry. There’s so much to worry about when a book is published I’m not going to bore you with the long list of concerns. In other words, let me do all the worrying while you do all the reading. 😊 Hint. Hint. Yeah, I know, not too subtle. 

Look, this author has to hustle. Along with the long list of concerns for me to obsess over, there’s some fun things happening. Like the two giveaways going on pre-release. And the blog tour I’m going to be going. Over the summer I spent a lot of time doing all the prep work for the giveaways and the tour. So, I’m going to share with you those things plus an excerpt and all the info on the book. Let’s get started. 

Along with the long list of concerns for me to obsess over, there’s some fun things happening. Like the two giveaways going on pre-release. And the blog tour I’m going to be going. Over the summer I spent a lot of time doing all the prep work for the giveaways and the tour. So, I’m going to share with you those things plus an excerpt and all the info on the book. Let’s get started.

Giveaway number 1:

 

Pre-order THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO between nowand Sept 27th and with your receipt, you will be entered into a giveaway for a Food Blogger apron and a $10 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Two winners (shipping to US addresses only & one winner per household) will be randomly selected.

 Email your receipt to:

 Preorderthecorpseinthegazebo@gmail.com

Giveaway number 2: 

I am giving away a prize perfect for cozy reading. The prize includes:

A Vera Bradley fleece throw, perfect for chasing the chill on a brisk autumn night or for travel. The 45”x60” throw also folds into a pillow.

Signed print copies of the first four Food Blogger Mysteries.

A bookish themed mug with spoon.

A 100% canvas tote perfect for groceries, book hauls and outings. The tote measures 14.5”x20”x7”

The value of this prize package is over $100.00. Would you like a chance at receiving it?

Just add THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO to your 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 and let me know in the comments. And if you feel like it, please share.

FYI, this contest isn't affiliated or endorsed by Goodreads and the winner will be randomly selected. Contest ends Sept.14, 2021 Winner will be notified by Sept. 21, 2021.

*shipment to US addresses only.

Ready for an excerpt? Here it is. In this snippet Hope has arrived at Emily’s House for the class she’s teaching and runs into her neighbor, who is the director of the non-profit.

The next morning, Hope’s day started early with barn chores and a quick baking session before she left for Emily’s House to teach her workshop. All the while, her belly buzzed with anticipation of her sit-down with Birdie after the class. She arrived at Emily’s House and climbed the sweeping veranda’s steps, carrying a container of her favorite new indulgence—brownie chips. They were thinner and crunchier than traditional brownies. In her blog post, she called them little chocolatey bites of heaven. Hope adjusted the strap of her hefty leather tote bag on her shoulder. Inside was her laptop, the handouts for her workshop, and all of life’s necessities. Always the Girl Scout, Hope was prepared for anything from smudged mascara to small wound care to stain removal.

She crossed the expansive porch to the primary entrance, passing containers overflowing with colorful flowers. Pops of pink and yellow zinnias brought a smile to her face. At the same time, the peek of blue calibrachoas reminded her of the flats back at her farmhouse waiting to be planted. Once again, she was juggling too much and stretching herself thin. A spring breeze flitted through, jostling a musical wind chime.

The front door opened, and out came Ted Donovan, the director of the non-profit. And Birdie’s significant other.

Short in stature, he made up for it in intensity and focus that made Hope feel like he was towering over her. He ran the twenty-year-old organization like a well-oiled machine, pinching pennies expertly and fundraising like a boss to keep the doors open to help clients carve out new lives. How someone]  as kind and compassionate could be married to someone like Birdie, astonished Hope.

“Good morning.” He stopped short of bumping into her. His gaze had been fixed on his cell phone. “I’m hearing rave reviews on your workshop.”

Hope’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. Though, she wondered if he’d heard about what happened between her and Birdie. She also wondered if Birdie told him about her petition.

“The gals are great and are so excited about starting their own businesses.”

“With your guidance, they’ll be successful. And you know how I feel about Emily’s House alumni.” His thin lips slipped into an amiable smile. “They’re good for the bottom line. Always willing to give back and support our mission.”

Hope raised a brow at the comment. She had heard it a few times before from Erin, an alumnus of the center. While all the services at Emily’s House were free to those who needed them, Ted had an expectation of reciprocation from each person who benefited from those services. There were ample opportunities, such as selling raffle tickets, donating door prizes, and volunteering to mentor. Erin had assured Hope she never felt pressured and wanted to contribute as much as possible.

And Hope believed her because she knew Ted personally. He’d been nothing but respectful and considerate of his neighbors, unlike his wife.

“Well, I’m off.” Ted sidestepped Hope as he slipped his phone into his blazer’s breast pocket.

“Oh, sorry to keep you. Off to an important meeting?” Hope shifted closer to the front door.

“Ah…well. Yes, you could say that. Have a good class.” Ted jogged down the steps and disappeared around the side of the beautiful Victorian house the non-profit had taken over fifteen years ago.

 Blurb:

 Food blogging is turning Hope Early into a household name. But the dead body down the block makes her a #1 suspect...
 
It seems everyone loves Hope’s blog these days, and she’s busier than ever volunteering to help other women create their own paths to success. So she’s shocked when a neighbor petitions to run Hope right out of her small Connecticut town! Set in her ways, apparently Birdie Donovan doesn’t like the chaos Hope’s sleuthing creates, the police activity and crime scenes, and it’s happening way too often lately. Eager to make amends, Hope bakes Birdie a batch of her best muffins. The delicious treats might have smoothed things over—until Hope discovers Birdie dead in her gazebo the very next day...
 
Now instead of worrying about holding on to her beloved home, Hope is trying to stay out of jail. Because suddenly she’s the lead suspect in the case. Not even her boyfriend, Police Chief Ethan Cahill, is promising he can clear her name, much less discuss the investigation with her. It’s up to Hope to get to bake new ground on the case before the lifestyle brand she’s created—and her whole life—crumbles...

Amazon|Barnes&Noble

Aside from looking forward to the release of my novel, I'm looking forward to the change of season. I'm a fall gal at heart. I love all things pumpkin spice and cozy. What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks? Thanks for visiting with me today!

 

 

Debra Sennefelder is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series. She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie. You can keep in touch with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.