A Halloween Book Launch & Giveaway!

Summertime in Michigan is to be treasured. We wait all year for this fine weather to arrive so that we can finally shed our winter gear and hit the beaches. Summer is pure bliss here, and I sincerely hope that wherever you are as you read this, you're embracing summertime bliss as well.

A beautiful Michigan beach

I really hate to disrupt all that with talk of fall, Halloween, and all things pumpkin spice... unless you're in one of those hot zones right now, where the temperatures are soaring past 100. Maybe thoughts of cooler weather are tempting for you? Whatever the case, I'm sorry to interrupt your summer with pumpkin spice baking videos, but I have to. I must. That's because my Halloween book comes out today--July 25th--smack-dab in the middle of the dog-days of summer, and I'm freaking out with excitement. Not because I'm trying to ruin your summer, (no, I would never do that!), but because I finally get to share my latest Beacon Bakeshop mystery, Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant, with you!

It's out today! To order your copy, click on the picture!

What I'm reading now! What We Could Have Been

I realize that it's a little early to set aside that heart wrenching yet utterly uplifting beach read you've been toting around in exchange for a haunted Halloween mystery. (My current beach read, from my good friend, Jess Sinclair. It's not out yet, but It's WONDERFUL! You need to read this book! Click on the picture for the link!)

The scrumptious Pumpkin Pie Martini. Click on the picture for the recipe!

It's also way too early to start thinking about fall baking as well, or Halloween costumes, fall decor, Halloween candy, spooky stories, haunted Michigan lighthouses, or hosting a Halloween party for friends complete with Pumpkin Pie Martinis.

But let me tell you, time moves swiftly, especially when we're on vacation, or doing something we love. Before you know it, the leaves will start turning, there'll be a chill in the air, and the seasonal section of your store will be bursting with pumpkins, spooky costumes, and pumpkin spice everything. You'll be thinking to yourself, "Mmm, I'd love to read an atmospheric, spooky mystery peppered with humor that will keep me on the edge of my seat without pushing me over the edge. Also, I'd love a good pumpkin scone recipe." Then you'll remember my latest Beacon Bakeshop mystery, and the timing will be perfect!

As for me, I'm revelling in summer, but I'm also embracing the release of my latest mystery, Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant. When I was asked to write a Halloween book for this series, I was actually bursting with excitement. I never thought I'd get the chance, but here it was, a perfect holiday pairing for a bakery in a lighthouse that's haunted. The moment I thought about it, the story just fell into place. I had the time of my life writing this book, and I sincerely hope you enjoy it too!

If you'd like to join me in celebrating this book, here are some places and dates. I'd love to see you too!

I know that many of you live in far away places, but if you are able to come to a book signing event, I'd love to see you!

My pumpkin spice raffle basket! To enter to win, come to one of my book signings!

Official Book Launch at 2 Dandelions Books,

July 25th @ 6:30 pm!

For the link to this event, click on the picture!

If you'd like a signed copy of Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant click here:

Pumpkin Bake-Off and Costume Contest @ Gathering Volumes Bookstore in Perrysburg, OH on July, 29th @ 2:30 pm!

Oh, I can't wait!

Mark your calendars! Click on the graphic for the link to this event!

For the link to this event Click Here!

There are more dates to come in September and October, including a book signing event at the Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfort, Michigan on Saturday, October 28th starting at 6 pm! The Point Betsie Lighthouse was the inspiration for the lighthouse in my series. October 28th is also the last day of their ghost tours, so it's not only a bit meta for me and this Halloween book (haunted lighthouse ghost tour!), but also very special as well. Pictured are Dan and Matt, two of my sons (they can be heard weekly on the Motherboy Podcast) with girlfriend, Calista, in front of the Point Betsie Lighthouse. Because if you're coming on vacation with me a visit to a local lighthouse is a must! Yes, they had a blast! If you're in the area, it's worth a visit.

Feel like baking some pumpkin spice scones?

To download a copy of the Beacon Bakeshop pumpkin scone recipe (it's delicious!) Click Here!

Please be sure to like my Facebook Page to keep up with events and giveaways!

And now to my giveaway!

I'm giving away 2 copies of Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant to two lucky readers! Each comes with a bar of Good Juju soap, made specially for this book launch by my good friend and soapmaker extraordinaire, Tanya.

To enter to win, please tell me what your favorite fall treat is in the comments below!

(US only please!)

Thank you so much for helping me celebrate the launch of Beacon Bakeshop Mystery #4 Murder at the Pumpin Pageant! Wishing you all a glorious summer and an autumn filled with pumpkin spice delights!

As always, happy reading & happy baking!

xo Darci