Reading Corner: Dalton and Dalton Mysteries by Kathleen Marks

I got the first book in this series, a novella, in a group of eBooks purchased all at the same time. I loved it so much I tracked down the second and read it a couple weeks ago. Here are my reviews for both books. If you like those cozy mystery books or a little bit of a ghost story (I'm not really into super scary, but I like a fun ghost story), you might like this series.

To Sleep No More by Kathleen Marks

To Sleep No More (A Dalton & Dalton Preternatural Mystery Novella #1)

I was pleasantly surprised by this novella. I had no idea what I was getting into, but it was a part of a group of books I picked up at the same time so I just started reading.  Of all the books, this one grabbed my attention and stuck. I loved the characters, the mystery, and the surprising elements, like glowing cats and ghosts. It was like one of my mother’s little cozy mystery books she loves and mixed up with the adventure and magic that I love. A fast read, and so much unexpected fun!

A Fearful Thing by Kathleen Marks

A Fearful Thing: (A Dalton & Dalton Mystery) (Dalton & Dalton Paranormal Mysteries Book 2)

I couldn’t stop thinking about the first book in this series, so I tracked down the second when I realized it was out. It was even better than the first! I loved the developing relationship between Alex and Rick. Their pain is real, and their interactions compelling. I was enjoying the love story from the start, but then when all the ghosts, mystery and treasuring hunting showed up, I couldn’t put it down. It was fun, sad, suspenseful and even a little scary. A great and quick read.  My only question is where is the next book?

Cover Revel for Home Evenings for Newlyweds


Check out the cover for my newest book! It's gone to press so expect to see it in stores soon. Its just in time for wedding season, so if you are looking for a unique gift for that special couple, this might work!

With this easy-to-use book, newlyweds can establish a tradition of family night, starting with just the two of them. Centered around the life, character, and works of Jesus Christ, each of these 52 lessons contains a gospel message and an activity, as well as technology and internet resources and links. Lesson topics include the Atonement, covenants, gratitude, and prayer, as well as setting goals, developing talents, doing family history, planning meals, and many, many more.  Activities vary from stargazing, service projects, and playing basketball, to taking photos, holding a scripture chase, and writing time-capsule letters to each other. In addition, six of the lessons are specially designed to help couples focus their holiday celebrations on Christ. 

As newlyweds come to know each other and the Savior better, they can develop confidence in regularly holding family home evening. They will also find strength and lasting hope in the power of Jesus Christ and His role in their marriage.

WIP To the Press and Drafting Discovery

Yesterday, the Birthday of Doctor Seuss, also marked a couple of milestones for me in writing. I guess I was celebrating in writing style. 

First, my YA novel, Run is now available as an eBook. I'm really excited about this as I've been waiting for a while. Here is the link where you can find the eBook and also read the first three chapters for free if you're interested. 

In other news my newest non-fiction book, Home Evenings for Newlyweds went to press. I'm super excited to have this new book coming out. It was an unexpected blessing in my life and I'm glad I got the opportunity to write it. 

It seems like a couple months into the new year is the perfect time to reevaluate my goals. I feel pretty good about them. Home Evenings for Newlyweds has gone to press. We are having a giveaway for Run on Goodreads, and now we have Run in eBook form. My short story about my miscarriage was also published.

I've made some strides with my draft of my fantasy novel. For a long time I've been struggling to get my characters right and realized I was so worried about writing "wrong" that I wasn't getting those details I need to make my characters better. This morning I was planning on writing a certain scene and ended up writing a back story that may or may not even show up in the book. It can be frustrating to see all those word count numbers shooting up when you know you're going to have to cut so much! But I had fun and I feel like I'm starting to understand my characters better. 

So we are having info dump sessions and tangents. And it sometimes feels like I'm getting about as much done and we used to get done in ninth grade geometry (which is not much, at least not much math related). But I'm writing. I'm telling myself to let go and just have fun with this part. Honestly, I'm sort of wishing I was writing that right now instead of a blog. Its really nice to rediscover the fun part of drafting. Even if I won't be letting you see any of it. :)