Marriage ~ Made easier through faith by Mary Ellis

You’ve been married HOW long? That’s a question I often hear when thrown into a new group of women. My answer usually brings a knowing nod from married ladies my own age, along with a wide-eyed look of awe among young wives and never-married women. Often their next question is “where did you two meet?” When they hear that we met in college, I’m often asked: “Did you live together first? Were you engaged a long time? Did you two know each other well before walking down the aisle? When they hear: No, No, and No, their usual response is, “You two are very lucky.”

My husband and I married six days after graduation; we did not live together, and we didn’t know each that well because we both worked during college. Yet luck had nothing to with our marriage lasting forty-nine years. It has been by the Grace of God. Marriage is hard work, and it’s not easy at any age. Young couples often struggle financially after buying their first house and starting a family. Middle-aged couples often juggle careers along with the demands of teenagers and aging parents. And long-married folks could struggle with the hardship of poor health or the temptation to stray from their vows. But Christian couples have a silent partner in marriage—God. He has already heard every sorrow and every painful disappointment many times before, but He always intercedes on behalf of His children. When we send up our problems in prayer, we find the necessary strength and courage. No, I didn’t read that in a book...I’m speaking from experience. In the past, I sometimes turned to the Lord as a last resort, after struggling unsuccessfully to fix things on my own. It’s hard for me to give up control of my life. But only when we surrender control do we find the solutions we seek. Experience has been a good teacher. And after forty-nine years, my husband and I have plenty of experience.

Marriage is not for the faint-of-heart. But God lightens our load when we include Him in each decision we make. I trusted God to bring me a suitable spouse, which He did. And although our married life hasn’t always been a bowl-of-cherries, God has never left our side and He never will.

Mary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest series is the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. Book two, One Hundred Proof Murder released August 3, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing available on Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

 

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters! New books, new releases, and new insight into the lives of some of your favorite authors.

Tomorrow, Mary Ellis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

Find out your next favorite read!

On Wednesday, Mary will be back to share her review of 

A Fatal Grace

Welcome to winter in Three Pines, a picturesque village in Quebec, where the villagers are preparing for a traditional country Christmas, and someone is preparing for murder. No one liked CC de Poitiers. Not her quiet husband, not her spineless lover, not her pathetic daughter - and certainly none of the residents of Three Pines. CC de Poitiers managed to alienate everyone, right up until the moment of her death. 

Check out this new intrigue! 

And on Friday, A.D. Lawrence will be reviewing Cast the First Stone by David James Warren. 

One case haunts him. One chance to fix the past. One mistake could cost him everything.

Ex-Minneapolis Police Detective Rembrandt Stone walked away from a career he loved—just the price of being sure he can come home to the wife and daughter he cherishes. But he can’t shake the deep regret over a case left behind.

When his mentor, the former Chief of Homicide dies and leaves Rembrandt with a box of cold cases and a mysterious watch, he finds himself thrust into a world he recognizes—a world from twenty years ago—the same world he’s woken from in a cold sweat a hundred times. But is it a dream, or some kind of twisted reality?

If he solves the case that plagues him, and justice is finally served, will it destroy the life he loves?

Strap in for a mind-bending, time travel thrill ride in Book One of this riveting new series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

She'll be giving away a kindle copy of Cast the First Stone to someone who leaves a comment, so be sure to leave your email address ( as in name at whatever)!

We Love Books!

A Brand New Year ~ by Mary Ellis

A brand new year…a frightening reminder of our mortality and what lies ahead. Or maybe it'll be another chance to get it right this year. For each of us, getting it right will have a different connotation. For some, it could be to lose those last twenty pounds or to find a better paying job or maybe to forge a better relationship with loved ones. For me, a Christian who’s tried all of those with varying levels of success, my goal for the coming year is to forge a closer relationship with God. Finally, at my ripe old age, I've realized I can do nothing without His help. I’ve tried using my wit, intellect, and abundant charm to achieve my dreams. But each one of those failed me. Only if I start each day in communication with God, then listen to what He says will I succeed.  We’re all so busy and maybe that’s how life is supposed to be. But when I go to sleep each night I should give thanks I’m not on a path to oblivion. I am His child and He has a plan for me. But I sure wish I’d learned this as a younger woman. Happy New Year and God bless you in 2022.  Mary Ellis, Suspense Sisters  

Librarians Can Be an Author's Friend ~ Win a Copy of One for the Road by Mary Ellis

Authors are often eager to learn which marketing and publicity ideas work for other writers and which do not. I, too, am curious about the very same thing. We blog and post interviews on various websites. We email newsletters to established fans and mail postcards to announce upcoming books. We Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Pinterest and wonder if it does any good. Speaking engagements at local libraries were something I tried after my first release of Amish fiction. I often spoke on taking steps to simplify life or ways my life changed after getting to know those God-fearing Christians. For the first time I felt connected to readers, up-close and personal. I listened to feedback and answered questions about upcoming books in a series. Wait a minute, you might be thinking. Authors want to interact with people who go out and buy books. I’m here to say libraries buy books too—plenty of them. Many readers who find your books in the stacks—or even on the twenty-five-cent clearance table—will buy in the future if they like your style. Readers need to watch their finances, just like everyone else. But I have made fans-for-life from those who originally found me at the library, then purchased my next book as a keeper. Plus librarians are some of the nicest people on earth. They love to read and love authors who spend time talking to readers. They will usually allow you to sell and sign books afterward. Over the years, I’ve discovered libraries aren’t just great places to read, research, and hide from the world. The librarians inside can become a writer’s best friend.

Mary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her latest series is the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. Book two, One Hundred Proof Murder released in August.

Here’s a bit about the story: Travel writer Jill Curtis is in Louisville, Kentucky, on the next stop of her bourbon tour assignment, and is keen to explore the major distilleries with her videographer, Michael Erickson – especially since her new beau, Lieutenant Nick Harris, lives in the city. But the night before Jill’s first tour at Parker’s Distillery, she is shocked to learn that the master distiller, William Scott, has died suddenly. The local coroner says he suffered a heart attack, but William's daughter, Alexis suspects foul play. Is there more to William’s death than meets the eye? Jill is soon drawn into a deadly blend of rivalry, jealously, and cold-blooded murder as she attempts to uncover the truth behind William's unexpected demise.

Ask for One Hundred Proof Murder at your local library and tell us what you love about your library. You will be entered in a drawing to win a print copy of One for the Road, book one of the series. You must leave your email address and U.S. readers only.

Creative Minds and the Need for Sleep by Mary Ellis

Read any author interview or listen to any conversation between writers and you will hear one universal theme: There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Between day-jobs, families, houses that need to be cleaned, and meals to get on the table, how does a writer find time to write? Once published, authors must find time for editing, publicity, research, and coming up with ideas for a saleable proposal. But wait…what about email and social media, that lurking Goliath ready to devour every minute? Writers become ingenious at squeezing more into their day, but sleep often gets short-changed. 

Instead of slipping under the covers at a decent hour, writers network into the wee hours and face the next day sleep deprived. Besides bags under our eyes and crabby dispositions, there’s another downside to consider. Sleep-time is also dreamtime, and there is no better way to recharge your creative batteries than dreaming. During REM sleep, dreams are often vivid enough to jump into and direct the outcome. The more writers dream, the more they revitalize the right side of their brains. I’m no dream therapist, nor do I play one on TV, but for years I’ve noticed my writing is better after a good night’s sleep. Creativity thrives on rest, not extra caffeine. So authors, the next time you find your story stuck with characters having nothing to say, don’t reach for another cup of coffee. Instead brew a cup of chamomile tea, turn off your phone and catch some zzzz’s. Your writing will thank me in the morning. 

Mary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. First of her current series, One for the Road, is available in Kindle for $10.99. Also available in hardcover and CD’s. Book two, One Hundred Proof Murder just released in hardcover. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author

Amazon.com: One for the Road (A Bourbon Tour mystery Book 1) eBook: Ellis, Mary: Kindle Store

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery this week? Our very own Mary Ellis has a new release! 100 Proof Murder.

Pour yourself a strong shot of rivalry, romance, and murder.

Travel writer Jill Curtis is in Louisville, Kentucky, on the next stop of her bourbon tour assignment, and is keen to explore the local distilleries with her videographer, Michael Erickson – especially since her new beau, Lieutenant Nick Harris, lives in the city.

But the night before Jill’s first tour at Parker’s Distillery, she is shocked to learn that the master distiller, William Scott, has died suddenly of a heart attack – and even more shocked when she discovers William’s daughter, Alexis, suspects foul play. Is there more to William’s death than meets the eye? Jill is soon drawn into a deadly blend of rivalry, jealously, and cold-blooded murder as she attempts to uncover the truth behind William's unexpected demise.



You can find buy links here

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Win a free copy of One for the Road on CDs

Happy Spring, Readers! Mary Ellis here. Ever wonder what could go wrong while researching/writing a book? Covid, that's what!

Readers familiar with my writing know I do a lot of research before, during and after the book is finished. My first visit to an area is to envision the basic storyline and flesh out the characters. I accomplish this by asking questions of everyone I meet connected to a certain vocation, B&B or sect of people. My second and third visits are during the writing to pull together subplots or flesh out secondary characters. My final visit is to answer the multitude of questions that come up during the writing. For One for the Road, book one of the Bourbon Tour Mysteries, I chose Kentucky, the bluegrass state, for my setting. Although I'm not a bourbon drinker, I heard from several friends that bourbon tours have grown very popular. Hordes of tourists arrive weekly to tour the distilleries. Some tours offer overnight stays with paring dinners. There’s even a train you can take with bourbon tasting along the way. Sounded like a fun getaway weekend with friends. And a distillery sounds like a great place for murder…speaking as a mystery writer, of course.

I planned two trips to Kentucky to research the small (craft) distilleries and interview the master distillers. Then I made plans for an extended visit to the Louisville area to tour eight major production plants. My friends and I planned to take tours, ride the train, go to paring dinners and of course, at least taste the bourbon. Reservations had been made and tickets purchased, then the Covid pandemic hit and everything was cancelled. No more tours. Luckily, most of my book, One for the Road, takes place in a small craft distillery and I had finished that research and was thus able to write the story. But things better open back up before I put the finishing touches on One Hundred Proof Murder, book two of the series, or this writer will be creating a lot more fiction than usual.

Please leave me comment about how the pandemic changed your life for a chance to One for the Road on audio (CD's) Winner drawn in one week. You must leave your email address. Sorry, US readers only.

Links: www.maryellis.net or
www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author

Buy link: Amazon.com: One for the Road (A Bourbon Tour mystery Book 1) eBook: Ellis, Mary: Kindle Store

What's Hot in Inspirational Suspense by Patricia Bradley

 

Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery?

Today our own Mary Ellis has a book recently released!  

Travel writer Jill Curtis is drawn into a deadly blend of rivalry, resentment and romance gone wrong when she stumbles into a bourbon war between two Kentucky families in this first in an intoxicating new cozy mystery series.

Travel writer Jill Curtis loves her job, but she desperately needs a break if she’s to achieve her dream of becoming an investigative reporter. Sent to Kentucky by her boss to find out why thousands of tourists flock to Bourbon Country every year, Jill’s dream seems to be slipping further away. After all, nothing interesting ever happens in rural America . . . does it?

Staying at an estranged relative’s B&B, Jill’s plan to uncover what makes the state’s bourbon tours so popular goes awry when she discovers a body at one of the distilleries and quickly becomes a suspect in a brutal murder. Can she navigate high-stakes bourbon rivalries, centuries-old family feuds and ill-fated romance to catch a killer?


You can purchase One for the Road here.

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

 

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

 

On Tuesday Mary Ellis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 



Wednesday we'll feature Mary Alford's November 1st LIS book,  Covert Amish Christmas.  Mary will give away a copy of the book. Print copy to those in the US. Ebook to those outside.   

Fleeing to Amish country

might be the only way to survive Christmas…

Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless—and dangerously powerful—enemies after them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.

Buy it here!


On Friday we will review Delia Owen's bestselling novel, Where the Crawdads Sing.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON
More than 6 million copies sold
A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick
A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade

"I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!"--Reese Witherspoon

"Painfully beautiful."--The New York Times Book Review

For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens.

Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.



Buy it here.

The Suspense Sisters

We love books! 2 ​ 3

 

4 ​ 5 ​ Post settings Labels No matching suggestions Published on 10/19/20 4:44 PM Permalink Location Options Loaded more posts.

THIS WEEK ON SUSPENSE SISTERS

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

On Tuesday MaryEllis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

On Wednesday Nanch Mehl will talk about how exciting being a Published Author must be, right? She'll be giving away a Kindle copy of Dead End, Book 3 in her Kaley Quinn Profiler series.

When a body is discovered in a field in Iowa, the police uncover fourteen additional corpses ranging from 20 years old to recent. The remains point to a serial killer with an MO the authorities have seen before--Ed Oliphant, a man who has been in prison for over 20 years . . . and is Special Agent Kaely Quinn's father. After several failed interview attempts to discover if Ed has been training someone to be a copycat killer, the police turn to Kaely in St. Louis.
Kaely promised herself she would never step foot in her hometown or set eyes on her father again. She's always refused to confront her past, but if she wants to prevent any more deaths, she must come face-to-face with the man she's hated for years.
As more bodies are discovered, Kaely races against time and her own personal turmoil to uncover the killer. Will this most personal case yet cost Kaely her identity and perhaps even her life?

BUY IT HERE!

On Friday, Patricia Bradley will follow up with more on the writing life! She will give away a copy of her latest book, Standoff, Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers, Book 1

The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately it's being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers.

John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her. Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling--hard--for the daughter of the man he failed to save?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley introduces you to a new series set in the sultry South that will have you wiping your brow and looking over your shoulder.

BUY IT HERE

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We Love Books!

Ten Common Mistakes Made by New Writers by Mary Ellis

Happy Wednesday, suspense lovers,

Since we have many fledgling writers in our readership, today I offer helpful hints so you don't make the same mistakes I did when I first got started. Please leave me a comment or one of your own helpful hints and you will be entered in a drawing for a hardcover copy of Sweet Taste of Revenge. Book two of my Marked for Retribution Mysteries by Severn House.

Ten Common Mistakes Made by New Writers

1. Not setting aside time most days to write. If you wait too long between writing sessions you’ll lose your train of thought.

2. Not having any idea where your story will go after your brilliant beginning. Even if you’re not a plotter, at least have a general idea of the middle and end of the story so you don’t get stuck.

3. Starting too many creative projects at the same time. Don’t be too quick to abandon the idea you thought was brilliant weeks before. See this story through to the end to prove you can.

4. Not reading sufficiently in the genre you wish to write. Readers have certain expectations with their favorite genre. Publishers would be reluctant to buy a manuscript that goes too far afield.

5. Thinking that once you finish your manuscript your work is done.

6. Thinking that your mom, dad, sister, brother or best friend would make a great editor for your book. I thought my first book was ready for submission because my mom liked it. Those who love you won’t point out too much description or a major gap in your story.

7. Thinking that since you read the manuscript over twice your book doesn’t need any editing. Authors often see words that are supposed to be there, not what’s actually there.

8. Submitting your manuscript to the wrong agent or publisher such as sending your book to publishers who accept books only from agents, or submitting your book to publishers who produce only non-fiction. Do your homework.

9. Not following a publisher’s guidelines regarding word count, format, language and sensual content of the story.

10.    Giving up too soon. Just because you receive one, two or dozens of rejection letters doesn’t mean you have no future as an author. Read books on crafting the novel, take writing classes, attend conferences, and join critique groups. Every published author has experienced rejection. The only difference is they didn’t give up.

Please leave me a comment for a chance to win Sweet Taste of Revenge. US only. You must leave your email address in order to win. Drawing in one week. 

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

On Tuesday Mary Ellis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

Wednesday Patricia Bradley will tell us what she's been doing this past month.

And you'll hear from her again on Friday when Nancy Mehl interviews her about her latest release, Standoff, Natchez Trace Park Rangers, Book 1. She'll be giving away a print copy of the book! (digital for the outside US)

The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately it's being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers.

John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her. Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling--hard--for the daughter of the man he failed to save?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley introduces you to a new series set in the sultry South that will have you wiping your brow and looking over your shoulder.

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

On Tuesday Mary Ellis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

Wednesday Mary Alford will be interviewing D. L. Wood on her new release, Secrets She Knew. She'll be giving away an e-book copy!

Boston police detective Dani Lake dreads returning to her small hometown of Skye, Alabama, for her ten-year high school reunion--and not just for the normal reasons.

At only fifteen, Dani tragically discovered the body of her murdered classmate, setting in motion the process that led to the unjust conviction of her dear friend and an unshakable burden of guilt she carries to this day. So when new evidence surfaces during her trip home which suggests the truth Dani’s always suspected, she embarks on a mission to expose the real killer, aided by Skye detective Chris Newton--who happens to be the man Dani’s best friend is dying to set her up with, and also the only person who believes her.

But when Dani pushes too hard, someone pushes back, endangering Dani and those closest to her as she unearths secrets deeper and darker than she ever expected to learn—secrets that may bring the truth to light, if they don’t get her killed first.

On Friday, you don't want to miss Mary Ellis and a visit from Kelly Irvin on her newest release, Closer Than She Thinks. And since Kelly hasn't received this latest book, she will be giving away a copy of Over the Line.


Teagan O’Rourke has always loved murder mysteries. In her job as a court reporter, she has written official records for dozens of real-life murders. She’s slapped evidence stickers on crime scene photos. She’s listened to hours of chilling testimony. But she’s never known the smell of death. And she never thought she might be a victim.

Until now.

A young police officer is murdered just inches away from her, and then a man calling himself a serial killer starts leaving Teagan notes, signing each with the name of a different murderer from her favorite mystery novels.

Panicked, Teagan turns to her friend Max Kennedy. Max longs for more than friendship with Teagan, but he fears she’ll never trust someone with a past like his. He wonders how much of God’s “tough love” he can take before he gives up on love completely. And he wonders if he’ll be able to keep Teagan alive long enough to find out.

As Teagan, Max, and Teagan’s police officer father race to track down the elusive killer, they each know they could be the next victim. Desperate to save those she loves, Teagan battles fears that once haunted her in childhood. Nothing seems to stop this obsessed murderer. No matter what she does, he seems to be getting closer.

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

On Tuesday Mary Ellis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

Wednesday we’ll hear more from Suspense Sister Mary Ellis about what we can learn from the Amish. 

On Friday, Nancy Mehl will interview author Angela Ruth Strong about A Latte Difficulty, her book releasing this week. Angela Ruth Strong will be giving away a copy of the book!

Can two baristas track down a gunman after the espresso shot heard ‘round the world?

When Marissa witnesses an attempted murder during the 4th of July parade, it starts a battle for her independence. She is forced to hide out in a safehouse, leaving her co-owner, Tandy, to run their coffee shop, track down the criminal, and, worse, plan Marissa’s wedding. Thankfully Tandy has help, but can she really trust the P.I. in a bow tie, her new deaf barista who acts more like a bartender, or a wedding planner who’s keeping secrets?

The threat on Marissa’s future goes from bad to worse when her bridal gown is covered in blood. Though her fiancé, Connor, agrees to give up his identity to join her in the Witness Protection Program, Marissa refuses to wave the white flag. Instead, she enlists Tandy to help her fight for truth, justice, and the Americano way.

You can get it here!

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

What I Won't Do for Research ~ Win a copy of Island of Last Resorts by Mary Ellis

Happy Wednesday, readers!  I got a big surprise last week....my next installment of Marked for Redemption Mysteries, Island of Last Resorts, (which I thought was coming in late October) released in early September. Island of Last Resorts is set on the fictional island of Elysian, but is loosely based on two real-life islands, namely Sapelo and Cumberland. Both of those islands are partially privately-owned and partially publicly-owned by the US Park Service. Don't you think a remote island off the coast of Georgia would make a great setting for a murder mystery? I thought so too. Many of my characters from Secrets of the South Mysteries return for a company retreat that could have fatal consequences. 

Join me for a background research...Sapelo Island contains the community of Hog Hammock, which is the last known Gullah community in America. Many of the full-time inhabitants (estimated at 47) of the Hog Hammock Community are African Americans known as Gullah-Geechees, descendants of enslaved West African people brought to the island in the 1700s and 1800s to work on island plantations. Hog Hammock contains homes, a general store, bar, public library, and a few small businesses including vacation rentals, along with two active churches: St. Luke Baptist Church, founded in 1885, and First African Baptist Church, established in 1866. The residents must bring all supplies from the mainland or purchase them at the one small store. The children of Hog Hammock take the ferry to the mainland and then a bus to school, since the island school closed in 1978. Hog Hammock is also home to the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society, Inc. (SICARS), a non-profit organization to increase awareness of Sapelo’s two-hundred-year-old African community. I was lucky during my trip to Sapelo Island to have Yvonne Grovner as my tour guide, whose husband is a direct descendant of the Gullah-Geechees.

Here's a bit about the story: Kate Weller’s boss, Nate Price, has some exciting news: Julian Frazier, a friend of one of his PI agency’s wealthy clients, has invited the Nate Price Investigations team and their partners on a trip of a lifetime to his home on Elysian Island, an exclusive retreat off the Georgian coast. But there’s a catch. Frazier has written his own murder mystery script, and the PIs must work out whodunnit. As they’re about to discover, though, the murder Frazier wants them to solve is a real cold case, and there's a killer twist that isn't in the script . . . Unable to reach the island and her coworkers, Kate is sure that someone wants her to stay away. Can she reach Elysian Island and stop a savage killer before a deadly game reaches its conclusion?

Island of Last Resorts is available in Kindle or Hardback editions. Get it here!

Please leave me a comment about the most bizarre place you ever visited for an e-book copy of Island of Last Resorts. 

Have a great  week, readers!   Mary Ellis 

It's a Different World When It Comes to Plants….

As most of my readers know, I love traveling around the country for my fictional books. Whether my research takes me to big cities like Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans or Memphis, small towns like Natchez, Mississippi or Jesup, Georgia, or forgotten mountain hideaways like Balsam, North Carolina, I’m enchanted by the South. I love the slower pace, the slower speech patterns and the wonderful food. This past year I learned to love cheesy shrimp and grits, steamed oysters, and she-crab soup.

But since I’m a country girl who loves getting her hands dirty in my garden, I’m always intrigued by the plants which grow where the winters don’t get as cold and snowy as (northern) Ohio’s. Here are eight of my favorite plants that don’t grow where I live, plus the magnificent magnolia tree, which does grow here, but is far less common up north. (My photo is from one of my neighbor’s two magnolias in her front yard. Some people have all the luck!) All photos except the magnolia were taken on the coast of Georgia. (1-4 on left, 5-8 on right)

l) camellias – they were blooming everywhere in February! What a treat!!

2) saw palmetto – used often in landscape borders. According to one landscaper, it’s the berries that are being used in prostate research. Fan-shaped plant must have the “saw” teeth in order to have those berries.

3) palmetto palms – close to the ground, grows abundantly in all coastal natural areas

4) loblolly pine – aka, southern yellow pine. I saw huge forests of them in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South and North Carolina. For timber industry, it’s the most commercially important tree in Southeastern US.

5) yaupon holly – waxy leaves, red berries, grows wild in maritime forest, but the bush is a nice addition to yards too
(top right)

6) palm trees – I just learned some get coconuts, some don’t. Majestic trees, but don’t stand up well to hurricane force                                         winds.

7) live oaks – the tree which most of us Yankees associate      with the deep South. Cute little acorns. Keeps its leaves year-round, which means it’s always losing some year-round, so you’re never down raking or blowing leaves. And you

almost never see one without the ubiquitous Spanish moss.

8) bamboo – found tall, thick stands of this used as privacy fences everywhere. Much cheaper than chain-link!!

9) magnolia – quintessential “Southern” flower (but it does grow up north too.)  (on very bottom of post)

I know there are plenty of other southern plants that I didn’t include, but I saw these everywhere I went on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, Georgia. 

Tell me what plant or flower you love to see on vacation that doesn't grow where you live for a chance to win a copy of The Amish Sweet Shop. Please leave an email address. US and Canada only.

Happy Spring, Mary Ellis