Dolly Parton was a voracious reader and knew the importance of getting books in children’s hands early in their lifetimes. She created her IMAGINATION LIBRARY to do just that.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world.

“The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”

“If you can read, you can find books on anything you want. You can self‑educate even if you can’t afford to go to school.” 

It has been reported that in 2020, she had read at least 50 books even with everything going on in her life. Reading was a priority for her.

In March 2026 she shared her favorite books of all time in addition to the bible.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

An atmospheric tale of life and love in a Depression-era traveling circus.

Jacob Janowski’s luck had run out—orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was the Great Depression and for Jacob the circus was both his salvation and a living hell. There he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but brutal animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this group of misfits was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This sweeping literary masterpiece by Alexandre Dumas centers on the wrongfully imprisoned Edmond Dantès. Behind bars in the eerie Château d’If, Edmond refuses to let injustice define his fate. As he uncovers a secret hidden fortune located on the Isle of Monte Cristo, he begins plotting his escape and revenge. This classic tale delivers a captivating blend of adventure, suspense and intrigue.

Oral History by Lee Smith

“The best novel so far by a writer whose growth has been steady and sure . . . . [Oral History] tells the story of the Cantrell family and the odd curse that its members believe to have hung over them. It is a tale that begins in the late 19th century with Granny Younger, the midwife, and continues well into the 20th century through several generations of Cantrells; it is also a tale deeply rooted in the folk culture of the Appalachians, a tale that in the best tradition of folklore contains ‘story upon story.'” — The Washington Post Book World

“A novel as dark, winding, complicated as the hill country itself. . . You could make comparisons to Faulkner and Carson McCullers, to The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, and Wuthering Heights. You could employ all those familiar ringing terms of praise: ‘rare,’ ‘brilliant,’ ‘unforgettable.’ But Lee Smith and Oral History make you wish all those phrases were fresh and new, that all those comparisons had never before been made. For this is a novel deserving of unique praise.” — The Village Voice

Black Mountain Breakdown’ by Lee Smith

Crystal Spangler lives in rural Appalachia. She’s the apple of her mother’s eye — not yet beautiful, but she will be. She’s the most popular girl at Black Rock High. She makes cheerleader, gets good grades, and is elected beauty queen. Crystal discovers God, goes to college, and falls in love. When she comes home, she’s disheveled and confused. Crystal becomes a wealthy politician’s wife. But there’s something calling her, drawing her back to where it all began, in the shadow of Black Mountain . . .

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Joad family, dispossessed of their Oklahoma farm by the Dust Bowl and economic hardship, embark on a treacherous journey to California in search of a promised land. Along the way, they confront systemic inequality, exploitation, and the harsh realities of life for migrant workers. Steinbeck’s prose paints a vivid picture of the social and economic upheavals of the 1930s, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with economic injustice.

At the heart of the novel is Tom Joad, a character who transforms from a man seeking personal redemption to a symbol of collective resistance. As the Joads face adversity with unyielding courage, “Grapes of Wrath” becomes a powerful exploration of the human condition and a scathing critique of societal inequities.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

It’s 1978, and Ave Maria Mulligan is the thirty-five-year-old self-proclaimed spinster of Big Stone Gap, a sleepy hamlet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She’s also the local pharmacist, the co-captain of the Rescue Squad, and the director of The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, the town’s long-running Outdoor Drama. Ave Maria is content with her life—until, one fateful day, her past opens wide with the revelation of a long-buried secret that will alter the course of her life. Before she knows it, Ave Maria is fielding marriage proposals, trying to claim her rightful inheritance, and planning the trip of a lifetime to Italy—one that will change her view of the world and her own place in it forever.

Millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with the small town of Big Stone Gap, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and its self-proclaimed spinster. Full of wit and wonder

I am so happy that Dolly has her own day for us to celebrate her life. She was an icon with a huge heart that touched so many people. Her legacy of music, movies, and good works will live on. It has been reported that she has made sure of that.

Such a lady! Such a treasure! We are all blessed that she was placed on this earth. She fought through her struggles with grace. She leaned on her faith. She shared it all with everyone. She is missed.

Open up your hearts today! Be like Dolly! 

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

The post Happy Dolly Parton Day! appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

About A Killer for Christmas

A Killer for Christmas: A Novel
Cozy Mystery
Stand-Alone Novel
Setting – Maine
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 22, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892425025
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GC485289
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892425032
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GC47JK57
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892425049
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GBZN538M

Wrapped in red has a bloody new meaning in this contemporary holiday romance with a murderous twist, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.

Christmasville, Maine, is the only place where Kelsey Hendricks has ever felt happy. When she loses both her job and her boyfriend, the move is a no-brainer, especially when she sees a listing for a position as Christmasville’s social media manager. Surrounded by twinkling lights and candy canes and with the perfect job, this tinsel town is working its magic on Kelsey. With two heartthrobs vying for her attention, her life is now just like a Christmas movie.

Except for the murders.

The first one is dismissed as an accident. But after the second, and definitely the third, it becomes abundantly clear that Santa is leaving coal in someone’s stocking this year.

Determined to bring back the holly jolly spirit to the town before tourists begin canceling their reservations, Kelsey must sleuth her way out of a chilling murder mystery and back to a holiday rom-com.

This charming and clever mystery-romance where a cozy winter wonderland warms the heart while suspense chills the bones is the perfect read for the holiday season.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Kelsey Hendricks has so many wonderful memories of spending time with her family in Christmasville, Maine. When she sees an ad for a social media manager in the happy little town right after losing her job and her boyfriend, it feels like kismet. She is soon checked in at the Christmas Creek Inn in a town where every day feels like Christmas, ready to start her perfect job. The people are friendly, the town is all decked out for Christmas, and there are not one but two men who give her those tingly feelings.

Then a man in her hotel is found dead. Accident? Then a woman is found dead on a walking path along the water. Another accident? When another body is discovered at the holiday tree lighting, Kelsey has to tell the mayor she can only spin the news so far. This death was definitely murder, and Kelsey believes the others were too. And then another body literally dropped.

The mayor has tasked Kelsey with saving the holiday season for the town. Hype the upcoming events, show everyone having fun, and keep the tourists from cancelling their reservations.  Maybe while she is at it, she can catch the culprit wreaking havoc on the merry spirit of Christmasville.

Christmasville, Maine celebrates Christmas year-round, but November and December are extra special. The mayor decided they needed a professional to handle their social media accounts. Enter Kelsey Hendricks, ready to restart her life in her happy place in a job she was probably overqualified for but that would bring her so much joy. Two swoon-worthy men were interested in her too. It has all the makings of a Hallmark romantic comedy. Kelsey was a wonderful protagonist. Genuine, caring, outgoing, and relatable. It was so easy to get invested in her life. Ms. Harrington surrounded her with the same type of people, each with their own challenges and triumphs. They had depth and interesting backstories. She also included a creepy landlord, a curmudgeon, and an ex not ready to let go. Many of the residents had Christmasy names too: Mary, Carol, Jack, Kris, Nick, and Rudy.

The mystery entangled in this rom-com was compelling.  The body count continued to rise, and each death was different. Someone was making strange comments on the town’s social media posts. Different warnings were found around town. There was a killer among them. Who gained from these people being murdered? Kelsey juggled everything thrown at her. She had great ideas for the town and theories about the killer, while having romantic feelings she wasn’t sure she was ready for. She was also not ready for the killer to come after her as the clues started to fall into place. Survival was now Kelsey’s focus. I was gobsmacked when the killer was revealed.

The juxtaposition of the jolly Christmas town, complete with the decorated shops, the snow-covered streets, and all the festivities, with the serial murderer on the loose really works. A Killer for Christmas was so well plotted and written. Ms. Harrington had the idea for a story that could combine “a Christmas romance” in a “cozy small town that had a serial killer problem”. Well, she succeeded in spades. She has penned A Perfect Holiday Escape. I can’t believe this is her debut adult mystery. She is an author to watch.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Kim Harrington

Kim Harrington is the author of A Killer for Christmas, her debut adult mystery, as well as Clarity, Perception, The Dead and Buried, and Forget Me for teens and Revenge of the Red Club, the Sleuth or Dare series, and Gamer Squad series for younger readers. Her books have been sold to ten countries and optioned for television. She lives in Massachusetts with her family, where she’s hard at work on her next mystery novel.

Author Links
Website     Instagram      Facebook     Bluesky     Goodreads 

Purchase Links

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
September 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
September 22 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW ~ No Post yet; blogger asked for extra day
September 23 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT 
September 23 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW
September 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
September 25 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 26 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 27 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
September 28 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
September 29 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
September 30 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
September 30 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT
October 1 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea  – SPOTLIGHT
October 1 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 2 – Baseball, Books, and Banter: A Podcast – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 2 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT
October 3 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW
October 4 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT 
October 5 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
October 5 – That Library Girl – SPOTLIGHT

The post A Killer for Christmas: A Novel by Kim Harrington #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @kimharringtonauthor @crookedlanebooks appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!

Today, I am happy to share my thoughts about The Pumpkin Vice Cafe: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander!

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe: A Bakeshop Mystery
Cozy Mystery
23rd in Series
Setting – Oregon
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 29, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250465931
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250465931
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250461898
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250461896
Kindle
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250410054
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G75CNKBC

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!

As autumn settles over the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, ushering in cool, crisp breezes and a stunning show of color, everyone at Torte is keeping warm by whipping up a bevy of fall treats and spicy lattes. Jules is nearing her due date, and the whole town is abuzz—placing bets on when the twins will make their grand debut. Helen and the team are working on a secret surprise baby shower, complete with cupcakes, cookies, and a feast fit for royalty, or maybe just a mother-to-be.

Meanwhile, Lance and Arlo are busy planning their nuptials in what is sure to be as close to a royal wedding as Ashland has ever seen. But when the high-end wedding planner they hired is found dead in the frigid waters of Ashland Creek, what looks like a tragic accident, a slip on an icy bridge, quickly reveals itself as something much more sinister. Jules knows at once—this was no mishap. A killer is loose in Ashland, and they may be ready to strike again.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s a beautiful time to visit Ashland, Oregon. Outside, the temperatures are dropping, and the fall colors are popping out all over. Inside, the crew at Torte is serving a variety of soups, sandwiches, tarts, cakes, and coffees. Jules and Carlos are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their twins, while Helen and the staff of Torte are planning a surprise baby shower.

In addition to keeping herself busy baking, Jules is doing her best to rein Lance in on his over-the-top wedding plans. The first wedding planner flaked, but he was excited to learn a high-end planner was delighted to plan the wedding of Lance and Arlo’s dreams. That was until Jules found her dead body in the frosty waters of Ashland Creek. An awful accident? Or is there another murderer on the loose in the lovely hamlet of Ashland?

I am always thrilled to return to Ashland and Torte. Ms. Alexander’s characters continue to evolve in realistic ways. Some of the staff have moved on, and others have been hired and fit right in. Jules and Helen have always thought of their employees like family, which makes a comfortable workplace that encourages everyone to succeed. It also makes it easier for Jules to take time off when the twins arrive. She knows she can trust them to take care of each other and their customers.

Arlo has given Lance carte blanche when it comes to the wedding planning, but he has asked Jules to supervise so he doesn’t take things too far. Some of his ideas are hilarious, but an idea from the wedding planner gave Jules pause: hanging “a massive 10-tier cake upside down from the ceiling dripping with jewel tones like a confectionery chandelier”. She wasn’t sure how she could pull that off without revisiting her high school physics class. All I know is when the monumental event takes place, I want details.

Ms. Alexander has given her readers a mystery they can sink their teeth into. The wedding planner’s life had gotten very complicated, opening up motive for several individuals. Jules was very mindful of her condition, but kept her eyes and ears open. She does some of her best thinking while baking. She had so many questions and theories running through her head, she could have filled all the pastry cases by herself. Lance thought he had figured out who the killer was; he didn’t like their “vibe”, but Jules’s gut told her “they were missing something critical”. Before they could figure it out, Jules found herself in a dangerous position. I blame pregnancy brain for her making a horrendous mistake. The mama-to-be had to think on her feet.

While I love a complex mystery, my mind was on those babies. I loved how the author included the depth of what a pregnant woman goes through in the final days when we can’t wait to meet the little “nugget/s” we are carrying. I was so happy when Jules and Carlos’s babies arrived, and a little peek at how their lives immediately changed. Helen and the Professor came to the rescue. I am sure their other friends did too. It was time to cherish each moment.

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe was a heartwarming story featuring a precisely planned mystery and a joyous time in the characters’ lives. I enjoyed absolutely every minute of it.

Jules is taking some time off, but she and all her friends and family will be back in For Butter or for Worse in April 2027. Looking at the cover, it looks like Jules may have figured out Lance’s elaborate, crazy wedding cake. I am excited to see what Ms. Alexander has planned for her extraordinary cast of characters next.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About the Author

The post Cozy Wednesday featuring The Pumpkin Vice Cafe: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander #Review #Giveaway @StMartinsPress @BakeshopMystery appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

Social media queen-turned-small-town baker Maddy Montgomery, her feisty friends, and her faithful English mastiff know you have to break a few eggs to solve a murder. . .

As Maddy’s wedding day approaches, friends and family descend on the little town of New Bison, Michigan, to celebrate—so much so that Maddy wonders if there might be another happily-ever-after in store for her widowed father and innkeeper Mrs. Law. Unfortunately, she also has to deal with an unhappy couple: feuding cousins Hannah and Dorothy, who haven’t spoken in decades. Maddy can only hope the spectacular wedding cake crafted by her head baker doesn’t wind up as ammunition in a food fight.

But she doesn’t have to wait long for a wedding disaster to strike. When the imperious Dorothy crashes the rehearsal dinner—with several uninvited guests in tow—and starts battering everyone with constant complaints, the drama reaches reality-show levels. And the next day, Dorothy is dead . . . with Hannah standing over the body, bloody rolling pin in hand.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Love is in the air in New Bison, Michigan. Maddy Montgomery and Michael Portman’s wedding day is right around the corner, and guests have started to arrive at the Carson Law Inn. One guest stirred up quite a ruckus. Dorothy Evangeline Wilson, Miss Hannah’s estranged cousin. They haven’t spoken in years, and she had the nerve to show up for the wedding festivities with a nurse, her husband, and his personal assistant, without even taking the time to RSVP. Her arrival at the rehearsal dinner caused tons of drama as she complained about everything from the venue and her table location to the French food and a special event arranged by the Admiral.

The next day, when Maddy and Baby, her English Mastiff, arrive at the bakery early the next morning, she finds Dorothy dead and Miss Hannah in the doorway, holding a bloody rolling pin.

Who killed Dorothy? It couldn’t have been Miss Hannah, could it?

This is the 5th book in the Baker Street Mystery Series, and I am thrilled to be back in New Bison just in time for Maddy and Michael’s wedding. Add a murder to the mix, and it’s all hands on deck. Maddy and Michael need everyone’s help to clear Miss Hannah fast, especially when Detective Ethan Vincent takes over the investigation because Maddy’s BFF Sheriff April Johnson is too close to the people involved. So it’s time for the Baker Street Irregulars to get busy with two new additions, the Admiral and Carson. It has been so easy to get invested in these characters’ lives. They always come together to help each other, no matter what. I enjoyed how Leroy took Ms. Hannah under his wing and let her bake up a storm with him while the rest of the crew investigated.

Dorothy Wilson was not a nice person and had ticked off a lot of people over the years. When one of the suspects was killed, it was time to focus on the true motive for the murders. Determined not to let anyone or anything ruin her wedding, Maddy got her “gray cells working to find a killer”. I had a great time following along for each clue and twist. The takedown was absolutely epic. No spoilers here.

Murder at First Slice is a fast-paced, heartwarming story with a marvelous cast of characters. A suspenseful whodunit mixed with bits of romance and humor that comes together in a perfect recipe to serve up a happily ever after ending. #murderatfirstslice #happilyeverafter #aperfectescape

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

Valerie (V. M.) Burns is an Agatha and Edgar Award-nominated author. She is the author of the Mystery Bookshop, Dog Club, RJ Franklin, and Baker Street Mystery series. As Kallie E. Benjamin, Valerie writes the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series. She is an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction Program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, and a mentor in the Pocket MFA program. Born and raised in northwestern Indiana, Valerie now lives in Northern Georgia with her two poodles. Connect with Valerie at vmburns.com.

Author Links
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Amazon – Apple  – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop. Org – Google Play – Hudson Booksellers – KOBO – Target –

Find All of Valerie’s Books HERE. 

Thanks to the publisher, I have 1 copy to give away!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.

The post Murder at First Slice (A Baker Street Mystery) by Valerie Burns #Review #Giveaway @vmburns @KensingtonBooks appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

Welcome to My Reading Itinerary Monday!

Where are your books taking you
this week?

I will be traveling to England, New England, and Indiana!

Here’s what I read and what I have planned for this week.

Escapes Completed

Murder at First Slice (A Baker Street Mystery)
by Valerie Burns
Release Date – July 28, 2026
Setting – Michigan
My Review will be up tomorrow!

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe: A Bakeshop Mystery
by Ellie Alexander
Release Date – September 29, 2026
Setting – Oregon
I will feature this book this week on Cozy Wednesday!

A Killer for Christmas: A Novel
by Kim Harrington
Release Date – September 22, 2026
Setting – Maine
The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here on Thursday!

Scheduled Escapes

Holmes Away From Home (An Althea Adler Mystery)
Release Date – September 16, 2026
Setting – London, 1911
The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here next Tuesday!

One of Our Darcies is Dead (Hawthorne Cove Mystery Series)
by Grace Caldwell
Release Date – September 1, 2026
Setting – Hawthorne Cove, a seaside town in New England
The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here next week
for Cozy Wednesday!

Murder on Mulberry Lane (Mildred Wiggins Cozy Mystery)
by Lori Soard
Release Date – July 6, 2026
Setting – Indiana
The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here next Thursday!

Possible Future Escapes

September 20 – 26, 2026

Happy Reading!!

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

Remember – This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.

The post My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #39 – 2026 appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an
informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers.
It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature.
You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
~ It’s a chance to share news~
A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE!

Last Saturday, Thomas had football in the morning, and Remi had a game at noon. Nana was feeling a little under the weather, so Papa, Korbyn, and his mom went without me, but kept me well informed. Thomas’s day started with practice followed by the game. His team was playing well when Papa, Auntie, and Korby left to make it to Remi’s game. Soon, after they left, Thomas scored 2 touchdowns and intercepted a ball at the goal line.

Thursday, Natalie had a home volleyball meet, about 30 minutes away. She’s now a freshman, so she plays in the big gym, a place we spent many hours watching her aunts and uncle play. We met Daughter #1 and Remi there, along with Natalie’s family, including her other set of grandparents. The first set was close; it finished with her team losing 25-27, but they won the following 2 sets.

While we were watching Natalie, Daughter #2 and Korbyn went to Thomas’s soccer game. Her only report was “they won”. LOL

Thomas’s football game was rained out yesterday. Remi went to watch his teammates play. He said it was “not good”.

Weekly Rewind – September 14 – 19, 2026

Monday – My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #38 – 2026

Tuesday – Book Blast! A Field Guide to Death and Deceit: A Harry & Emma Mystery – A Novel by Michelle L. Cullen

Plus – Cast Off the Curse (Clear Creek Mysteries) by Rebecca McKinnon #Review @rebeccamckinnon_author

Wednesday – Cozy Wednesday featuring Crime and Croissants (Cooking Club Murder Mystery) by Emmie Lyn #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @emmielynauthor

Thursday –Murder at the Agency: A Cassidy Blayne Mystery by Kylie Forsythe #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @kylieforsythewrites

Friday – Flimflam Fairy: Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1 by Elizabeth Pantley #Spotlight #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @elizabethpantley

Saturday – Saturday Giveaway featuring The Secret of the Lady’s Maid (A Useful Woman Mystery) by Darcie Wilde #Spotlight #Giveaway

The Kindle Version of The Mother Daughter Book Club was on sale for $2.99 when I created this post.
The Kindle Version of Them Bones was on sale for $1.99 too.

Tell Me About Your Week!

The post Sunday Salon / Sunday Post – A Week in the Life of Dollycas – Weekly Rewind – New Arrivals appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

Welcome to Saturday Giveaway!

The Secret of the Lady’s Maid (A Useful Woman Mystery)
Historical Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – England
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 26, 2023
Print length ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496738039
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496738035
Kindle
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496738042
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C15XYDL4

The resourceful and intrepid Rosalind Thorne, a heroine after Jane Austen’s heart, has a scandalous mystery to solve within Regency-era high society, in the latest novel in this nationally bestselling historical series. Ideal for fans of Andrea Penrose, Lauren Willig, and Deanna Raybourn.

Rosalind Thorne’s quick wits and discretion have proved invaluable to London’s haut ton. Success has at last brought her financial stability and a new home, which she shares with her best friend, Alice Littlefield. But now trouble has infiltrated Rosalind’s sanctuary, and the reputations in danger include her own.

Alice has formed a tender attachment to Amelia, the maid in their employ, and her affection is returned. But before meeting Alice, Amelia was involved with Cate Levitton, daughter of a well-respected family. The scandalous liaison caused the Levittons to banish Cate to the house of her widowed cousin. Amelia has no expectation of seeing Cate again—until she stumbles upon her in the marketplace, looking deathly ill.

The women bring Cate to their home with the help of Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, who deduces that Cate’s sickness may in fact be arsenic poisoning. But who had motive, or means? As Rosalind and Adam work side by side, their suspicions grow—as does the bond between them. Rosalind knows that both her blossoming relationship with Adam and her increasing independence would be frowned upon by society. Poison, politics, jealousy and jewel thieves combine in Rosalind’s most complex case yet. But to solve this dangerous puzzle, Rosalind must also decide where her heart and her future lie . . .

About the Author

The post Saturday Giveaway featuring The Secret of the Lady’s Maid (A Useful Woman Mystery) by Darcie Wilde #Spotlight #Giveaway appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

A Field Guide to Death and Deceit: A Harry & Emma Mystery – A Novel
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Ohio
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 15, 2026
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892426787
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G7CL8PFV
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892426794
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G7CBDY54
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892426800
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G75WTNB9

Widower and anthropologist Harry Lancaster and his Gen Z colleague Emma are back for more murder and mayhem when they stumble upon a dead farmer.

When an odd request leads Harry Lancaster to agree to meet his former sweetheart Willow at a farm on the outskirts of town, Emma’s suspicions run high, and she insists on joining him. Instead of Willow greeting them when they arrive, they discover the farm’s owner dead, with a corn rake embedded in his back.

After being interrogated by the police, Harry and Emma return to his home to find a bereft Willow, who admits she lost her life savings in a real estate scam involving the farm. Worried Willow will become the main murder suspect, Harry decides to help her, despite Emma’s concerns.

To bring the swindlers—and murderer—to justice, Harry recruits his potentially shady, financial-whiz brother and a neighborhood teenage hacker. Then Willow’s realtor is declared missing, and Harry’s brother is caught up in the fray.

As Harry, Emma, and team unearth clues, they increasingly dodge the police, stalkers, and danger in their race to save Willow and Harry’s brother before anyone else turns up dead.

Author Links
Website    Newsletters     Facebook     Instagram    Goodreads

Purchase Links:
Amazon – PenguinRandomHouse – Barnes & Noble  – Books A Million – Bookshop.org – Hudson Booksellers – Target – Walmart 

Book 1 in this Series
Click on the covers for more information or to order from Amazon.

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I am delighted to shine the spotlight on
Flimflam Fairy: Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1

About Flimflam Fairy

Flimflam Fairy: Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in New Series
Setting – Whisperglow Village
Publication date ‏ : ‎August 27, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 275 pages
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H795L8DL

A fun cozy mystery adventure with an enchanted bookstore and a clever talking cat!

Best friends Willa and Lucy buy an enchanted bookstore full of charmed books. One wisp of magic later, they’re whisked inside a story, transformed into amateur sleuths, and joined by Banjo, a charming talking cat. There is no way out until the mystery is solved.

This adventure drops them in Whisperglow Village, a world of color, wonder, and fairies, where one of the most beloved residents in town has just been murdered, found clutching a cryptic note from a con man.
Villagers don’t lock their doors here. They never imagined this could happen, and they certainly never could have imagined whodunit.

Can Willa, Lucy, and Banjo unmask the killer, solve the case, and make it back to their own cozy bookstore before the story closes its final page?

~ ~ ~

If you like the idea of an enchanted bookstore with charmed books, check out the companion series – The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club: 11 book series available in eBook, paperback, audiobook, and Kindle Unlimited.

I was completely enchanted by Flimflam Fairy, the first book in the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore series by Elizabeth Pantley, so much! This is a companion series to The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club, but you can absolutely read this book without having read those books.
~Christy’s Cozy Corner

I am hookedI I can’t wait to read more of this series. Anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a touch of magic will adore “Flimflam Fairy” too!
~Storybook Lady

About Elizabeth Pantley

Elizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes this new series and two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.

Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different, yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.

Author Links
Website  Facebook     Instagram    Goodreads     BookBub

Purchase Link:

TOUR PARTICIPANTS – Please visit all the stops.
September 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
September 15 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW
September 16 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
September 17 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
September 18 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT
September 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
September 19 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 19 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
September 20 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
September 21 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
September 22 – Caboodle of Cozies – REVIEW 
September 23 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
September 24 – @review_thick_and_thin – REVIEW
September 25 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW 
September 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 27 – Ruff Drafts -REVIEW
September 28 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

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The post Flimflam Fairy: Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1 by Elizabeth Pantley #Spotlight #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @elizabethpantley appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .

About Murder at the Agency

Murder at the Agency: A Cassidy Blayne Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting: Fictional town of Brighton Lake, Wisconsin
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rowan Prose Publishing, LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 11, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1961967944
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1961967946
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8230848561
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FMPGF53J

“ An irresistible start to what’s sure to be a binge-worthy series.”
-USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox

Who knew the marketing world could be so dangerous?

Just when it seems like everything in twenty-eight year old Cassidy Blayne’s life is falling apart, a thrilling coffee shop encounter leads to the opportunity of a lifetime. Landing her dream job as Creative Director with an elite advertising firm in a nearby lakeside town fills her with renewed purpose. She’s no longer going to allow herself to settle, and resolves to rebuild her life on her own terms.

But from the moment she steps foot out of the elevator, she senses things may not be as they seem at Turner & Nash Advertising. Despite her wariness, Cassie puts all her energy into landing her first big account. Arriving early on the day of the presentation, she’s shocked to find one of the owners dead and herself a suspect.

She embarks on a desperate search for answers, unknowingly putting her and the people she cares about in danger. As she pieces things together with some help from her spunky new roommate, twin childhood best friends, an uptight detective, and a gorgeous up-and-coming rock star, warnings and threats escalate. It’s clear the killer will stop at nothing to keep her quiet.

Cassie must risk everything to unravel the murder before someone takes her off the market for good.

Fans of “Olive You To Death” by Lynn Cahoon or “A Limited Edition Murder” by Lauren Elliott will enjoy “Murder At The Agency” by Kylie Forsythe.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

At 28 years of age, Cassidy (Cassie) Blayne’s life has given her “a big ol’ kick in the rear end”. A romantic breakup, a job loss, and a looming eviction all in one week were a lot to cope with. Her best friend Hope tries to convince her that change is good and opens the door for new opportunities. Who knew a new opportunity would be presented so quickly? Overhearing her plight, James Turner of Turner and Nash Advertising asks her to submit her resume for an open position at his agency. She does just that, is interviewed, hired, and starts working on her first campaign. But when she arrives early on the day of her presentation, she discovers the man who hired her dead, and her name topping the list of suspects.

Cassie starts to review things she witnessed in her short time at the agency. In the effort to clear her name, she learns people close to her are being targeted. She wants everyone to be safe, but her forever friends, Hope and her brother Mark, are soon joined by her new roommate and workmate, Lexi, a McDreamy upcoming lead singer of a rock band, Seth, and his friend Justin, who happens to be a detective; all jump on board to help her. With the threats continuing, they know they must move fast to uncover the killer, or Cassie will be the one to pay the ultimate price.

Cassidy Blayne was an easy protagonist to get behind. She started with a triple whammy of problems. Her boyfriend, now ex, was a real jerk; she got fired for finally speaking up for herself, and the bank now owned her apartment building because the landlord stopped paying the mortgage. Her BFF Hope has always been there for her and put her in the right place at the right time to be offered her dream job. Hope’s twin brother, Mark, was a blast from the past that Cassie needed. Lexi works at Turner and Nash, and she and Cassie become fast friends and then roommates. Lexi gets Cassie to go out and celebrate her new job, and that brings Seth McDreamy Justice into her orbit. The lead singer of the rock group Blacklist, they are drawn to each other immediately. As a lifelong resident of the Midwest, I can tell you Ms. Forsythe captures the heart of Wisconsin folks so well. Even James Turner, who died too soon, exhibited true state coffeeshop behavior, eavesdropping on conversations and approaching someone he didn’t know to offer advice and, in this case, a job. We always want to help and will butt in to do so.

The mystery was complex. Cassie didn’t know her colleagues well, but she had witnessed some sketchy behaviors and meetings. Things changed in the office after the murder too. There was a huge pressure to bring in new clients, questionable contracts signed, and a lack of follow-through. Cassie was awesome at her job and loved it, but she always had to be on her toes, not ask too many questions, and go with the flow. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t checking things out, seeing clues, and following them. The author plotted this story so well that it was very hard to put down. Twists, turns, and misdirections were impeccably placed. The reveal even had a twist. The takedown was exciting too. I had a grand time following along the entire way.

What a wonderful start for this series! Murder at the Agency is filled with characters I can’t wait to visit again. The small-town Wisconsin vibes ring true, and the entire story was very entertaining. I am enthusiastic about the continuation of this series; bring on book two!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

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About Kylie Forsythe 

Kylie Forsythe writes cozy mysteries with smart amateur sleuths, close-knit groups of friends, and a touch of romance. Kylie is also a fourth-grade teacher and resides in Illinois with her husband, two daughters, and a rambunctious Weimaraner. When she’s not teaching, you can find her spending time with the wonderful family and friends she’s been blessed with, cooking, enjoying a good book or Hallmark Mystery movie, or crafting her next story.

Author Links
Facebook       Instagram      Website      BookBub     Newsletter      Goodreads 

Purchase Links:

TOUR PARTICIPANTS – Please Visit All The Stops.
September 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
September 7 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
September 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 8 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT
September 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
September 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
September 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT
September 11 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
September 12 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST
September 15 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
September 17 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
September 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
September 17 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
September 18 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 19 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
September 20 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.

The post Murder at the Agency: A Cassidy Blayne Mystery by Kylie Forsythe #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @kylieforsythewrites appeared first on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Great Escapes Book Tours .