Blog - Page 4 of 38 - Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels

Oliver the Wise Owl from Howls and Hoots Cozy Mystery

Hi there cozy mystery fans! Today, we have a special treat for you!

I’ve managed to snag a chat with Oliver, the wise owl from my Howls and Hoots cozy mystery. Grab your favorite cup of tea and snuggle up while we talk about Willow Grove and Oliver’s amateur sleuth friends, Luna the cat, and the ever-adorable Moose the chihuahua.

Q: Welcome, Oliver! We’re thrilled to have you here. Can you tell us a little about your life in Willow Grove?
Oliver: Hoot! Thank you for having me. Willow Grove is a vibrant little town that’s a nest of intrigue, especially when the moon is full and shadows grow long. My perch in the old oak tree near the town’s bell tower gives me the perfect vantage point to observe the unfolding stories and the delightful shenanigans of my friends. It’s a cozy place filled with friendly faces and the occasional mystery just waiting to be solved.

Q: Speaking of mysteries, how do you contribute to the sleuthing adventures with Luna and Moose?
Oliver: Luna, Moose and I are quite the dynamic detective team. I provide them with wisdom and insights that often go unnoticed. Each night, as the town settles in, I hoot out clues that help them piece together the puzzles they encounter. And sometimes, my wide perspective allows me to spot things from above that could lead them closer to the truth.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of a case you’ve worked on?
Oliver: Oh, there are so many. One that stands out is the Great Willow Grove Baseball Cap Mystery. It turned out that the missing hats were being stolen by a family of raccoons. We tracked them down, and it became a delightful chase across the town’s rooftops. Moose was so determined to prove his bravery that he launched himself into the air, and Luna’s clever thinking saved the day when she used her agility to outsmart the raccoons. We returned the hats to their rightful owners, but not without a night full of laughter.

Q: As a wise owl, you must have many life lessons. Can you share one with our readers?
Oliver: Ah, yes! One lesson I hold dear is to always keep your eyes and ears open. The world is filled with clues and stories waiting to be discovered. Often, the answers we seek are right in front of us, if only we take the time to observe and listen. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Every case is an adventure, and every friend is a gift.

Q: Last question, Oliver: What would you say makes Willow Grove special?
Oliver: Willow Grove is unique because of its tight-knit community. Everyone knows one another, and there’s a sense of camaraderie that makes even the most puzzling predicaments feel manageable. Plus, with the beautiful bell tower, lush gardens, and friendly animals roaming about. It’s truly a picturesque setting for intrigue and friendship. The town itself feels alive, as if it has a heartbeat that echoes in the wind.

Thank you, Oliver, for sharing your insights with us today. Be sure to keep an eye (and an ear) out for more cozy mysteries from Willow Grove, where every day offers a new adventure waiting to be uncovered!

Are you ready to get to know Oliver, Moose and Luna better?
You can start your fun cozy mystery reading here:

Animal cozy mysteries from author Sharon Michaels on Amazon

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

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10 Fun Ways to Support Your Favorite Indie Author

I’m an independent author. Supporting independent authors is a great way to discover your next favorite author.

Here’s a list of 10 simple and fun ways to show your support for your favorite indie author:

1. Buy Their Books: The most direct way to support your favorite indie author is by purchasing their books. Visit Amazon and other sale platforms, their website or local bookstores to purchase your copy.

2. Leave a Review: After enjoying a book, take a moment to leave a review on sites like Goodreads, BookBub and Amazon. A few thoughtful words can make a huge difference and encourage others to pick up their work.

3. Spread the Word: Word of mouth is powerful. Share your favorite quotes, snippets, or your overall impression on social media to spark interest among your friends and followers.

4. Engage on Social Media: Follow your favorite author on social media platforms. Like, share, and comment on their posts to show your support. Authors appreciate interacting with their readers and it helps build their audience.

5. Attend Book Signings and Readings: Check if your favorite indie author is doing any local events. Attending book signings and readings is a perfect opportunity to connect with the author and support their work.

6. Join Their Newsletter: Signing up for your favorite author’s newsletter is a great way to stay updated on their new releases, writing process, and exclusive offers. Plus, it shows them you’re interested in their journey.

7.Create Fan Art or Fan Fiction: If you’re creative, try your hand at fan art or fan fiction inspired by their work. Share it and tag them. They’ll likely appreciate the love and creativity you brought to their worlds.

8. Participate in Read-Alongs or Book Clubs: Invite others to read and discuss your favorite author’s book in a book club or arrange a read-along. It creates buzz and lets the author reach new audiences through your community.

9. Buy Author Merch: Some authors sell merchandise like bookmarks, mugs, or art related to their books. Purchasing these items not only supports them financially but also promotes their work.

10. Encourage Local Libraries to Stock Their Books: Talk to your local library about stocking your favorite indie authors. Many libraries will consider books based on community requests, so your recommendation could help them reach a wider audience.

Every little bit of support counts and can make a significant impact on an indie author’s journey. So, go out there and show some love for your favorite indie authors.

Happy reading!

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her books are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

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Mystery in the Kennel: A Canine Cozy Mystery

Here’s the latest book in A Canine Cozy Mystery series – Mystery in the Kennel – Book 14
In this keep you guessing dog sleuths cozy mystery, amateur sleuth Ethan Thompson, veterinarian Skye Wilder and our three wise canine detectives, are drawn into a puzzling case that shakes the small town of Sunridge Junction to its core.

You can grab your Kindle – Kindle Unlimited – Paperback – Audio copies of Mystery in the Kennel here:

Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.
Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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5 Differences Between Book Reports and Book Reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over what exactly separates book reports from book reviews, you’re not alone. While both involve reflecting on a book, they serve different purposes and have their own unique flair.

Purpose:

A book report primarily summarizes the plot and key elements of a book, while a book review provides an analysis and personal evaluation, often incorporating the reviewer’s opinions and insights.

Depth of Analysis:

Book reports focus on the basic facts such as characters, setting, and storyline. In contrast, book reviews delve deeper, exploring themes, character development, and the author’s writing style.

Audience Engagement:

Book reports are typically written for an academic audience, emphasizing objective summaries. Book reviews, however, are crafted for a wider audience, aiming to engage readers and encourage them to consider or read the book.

Length and Format:

Book reports are usually longer and structured in a specific format, often adhering to school guidelines. Book reviews, on the other hand, can vary in length and style, allowing for more creative freedom and personal expression.

Opinion vs. Summary:

While a book report is largely factual and neutral, a book review is inherently more personal. In a review, the author shares their thoughts, feelings, and recommendations, making it a personal interpretation of the reading experience.

So next time you dive into a book, remember: whether you’re reporting or reviewing, it’s all about enjoying the journey and sharing the love of reading!

Happy reading and reviewing!

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

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A Sparkling 4th – Short Story

A Sparkling 4th
As the fireworks lit up the night sky, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I heard the Pops concert band rendition of “Stars and Stripes” drowned out a blood-curdling scream.

A woman in a red sundress stood at the edge of the crowd, her hands clutched to her chest. The joyful melody and brilliant bursts of color drew attention away from her, but I was frozen in place, trying to comprehend the scene unfolding before me at Riverdale Park’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The scream had come from her, but now a bewildered expression replaced the initial shock. I nudged my best friend, Max, who was busy devouring a funnel cake. “Did you hear that?” I asked, pointing to the woman.

“Probably just someone caught up in the fireworks,” he shrugged, but my instincts told me otherwise. I edged closer, weaving through clusters of families and revelers. As I approached, the band faded into a soft murmur, and the music became secondary to the wide-eyed fear etched on her face.

“Are you okay?” I asked, just as the last trumpet notes sounded. People around us were still clapping, blissfully unaware.

The woman blinked, her eyes darting toward something behind me. “I saw… there was a little boy. He…he was right there.” She pointed to where the vibrant blooms of the fireworks lit up the dark, but her voice trembled in disbelief. “He was in the stands, and he fell!”

My heart sank. I turned, scanning the area. A small set of bleachers stood nearby, filled with people cheering. Then I spotted a flicker of movement—a child, no older than six or seven, clambering up the side of the bleachers, dazzlingly illuminated by the shifting lights of the explosions.

“Stop! Come down!” the woman shouted, and the child hesitated, tiny hands gripping the edge of the bleacher.

Suddenly, I bolted forward, calling out to the boy, “Hey! It’s not safe up there. Come down now.” The band launched into a rousing finale, but the urgency in my voice cut through the sound.

The child’s little face turned towards me, confusion wrinkled his brow, but thankfully he hesitated, slowly inching back from the precarious edge. Encouraged, I took another step forward, maintaining my gaze locked on him. “It’s okay. Just step back down. We’re all watching you.”

After what felt like an eternity, the boy finally relented. He lowered himself, sliding back down to solid ground. The relief washed over the woman, whose eyes brimmed with tears as she crouched to scoop him up in her arms.

The crowd erupted into applause as the boy clung to her tightly, and as joy radiated from those witnessing the reunion, the band transitioned seamlessly into a soaring patriotic melody, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, feeling the warmth of the fireworks above reflect the elation below. The woman looked at me, gratitude pouring from every inch of her expression. “Thank you. I thought…” She trailed off, choking back the emotion.

“Just doing what anyone would do,” I replied, feeling a rush of adrenaline subside into something more like pride. What could have been an unbelievable tragedy had turned into a minor hiccup, but the intensity of the moment remained engrained in my memory.

As the final fireworks began, showering twinkling shards across the sky, I caught Max’s eye from a distance; he was waving, oblivious to the emotions we had just navigated. I made my way back to him, heart swelling, not only from the half-processed adrenaline but from the sense of community inspired by the celebration and the reminder that in moments of chaos, there can still be profound connections forged.

During the popping colors and the swell of music, I realized something: it’s about the moments of light we share with those around us, the strangers who quickly become allies, at the crossroads of fear and joy. As the crowd cheered, I immersed myself back into the jubilant ambiance, satisfied that even the loudest of celebrations could unfold in quiet heroism.