Tag: Tammy Karasek

Review of THE LIAR’S TREASURE by Connie Mann and Q and A with the Author

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781496487445

Publisher:Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date:03/10/2026

Series:A Speranza Team Novel , #2

Pages:368

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries—old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe—trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.

My Thoughts

This intriguing and captivating story took me on a delightfully wild ride as the Speranza Society is seeking a long-lost treasure, fighting off the bad guys repeatedly and trying to protect endangered family members, too. They do all this as they travel from one exotic location to another, use their Speranza sources and call on their computer guru Picasso each time the need arises. This is like a mixture of Indiana Jones meets a group of female James Bond-types, but without the steamy scenes or the cocktails. With a firm foundation of faith and a fast pace that kept me on the edge of my seat, this novel was an amazingly original story. It even included a little romance along with the sword fights, rappelling, rescuing and figuring out clues. My favorite character was Gran, a feisty Speranza Society member who is ready for the challenge of taking care of her granddaughter Cass while her daughter Camille goes to seek the treasure. There is even a swashbuckling hero who also wants the treasure, but he may want Camille in his life even more than the riches. As I said, there’s romance brewing along with the danger and plenty of engaging dialogue between the characters as they risk their lives for an unidentified treasure. The story is mesmerizing, the characters are relatable and dynamic and the entire novel was a pleasure to read. If I could give it more than five stars, I would since I don’t remember the last time I raced so quickly through a book just to find out how it would end. Where this book is concerned, sleep is highly overrated!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG for Intense Suspense

About the Author

Connie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women who fight for what they believe – and for those they love. She is the author of the Speranza Team novels, the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, and several stand-alone titles. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is as much fun as it sounds. Visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.

Questions and Answers with the Author

What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting thing you discovered in your research? Have you traveled to the exotic locales in your Speranza series? 

The Liar’s Treasure is, at its heart, a treasure hunt and I had a blast researching what items people consider “treasure” and some of the clever, creative and often downright scary devices, traps and gimmicks they’ve used to hide and protect their valuables from those who want to get their hands on them. It was great fun!

I’m delighted that I’ve been able to visit most, if not all, of the locations I used in the Speranza team series. Choosing just the right settings for my stories is important to me and being able to bring them to life for my readers is one of my favorite parts of the writing process.

When did you know that you wanted to be an author? 

I’ve always been an avid reader and penned my first story in 3rdgrade, an epic tale about my hamster. After college, I wrote non-fiction; lots of marketing materials and parenting articles before I mustered up the courage to try my hand at fiction. It took years of writing and dozens of rejection letters before my first novel was published in 2009. The Liar’s Treasure is my 10thpublished novel, something I’m very excited about.

What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing? 

Every writer’s process is different, but I am a plot-first writer. The action elements of the story are what I imagine first, like a movie playing in my head. The characters become 3-dimensional and get fleshed out as I write and get to know them. I always know WHAT the ending will be, even if I don’t quite know HOW; otherwise, I can’t start writing, any more than I can get in my car without knowing where I’m going. The ending is my guide.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book? 

Besides writing, I’m also a USCG-licensed boat captain and get to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is great fun. Hubby and I love to travel and explore new places, especially in our RV and even more so if our travels include a visit with our two adorable grandsons.

If you could travel to any place in the world and cost was not a problem, where would you go and why?

I want to see all of it! If cost was not an issue, I would book an around-the-world trip so I could see as much as I could, experience different cultures, architecture and terrain, taste the cuisine, meet the people.

Thanks so much for the chance to be your guest and visit with your readers. I enjoyed it very much.

Purchase Links (Preorder TODAY! Releases tomorrow)

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LJtWBa

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3WKcMFS

Christian Book: https://bit.ly/4nQe7Xb

Books-a-Million

Bookshop

Kobo

Audible

With deep appreciation to Tyndale House Publishing and Netgalley as well as to Connie Mann who provided the advanced reader copy for me to read and review. Connie also graciously answered my questions for the Q and A. And a shout out to the Launch Team Geek, Tammy Karasek, a friend who makes being part of a launch team friendly and fun!

Review and Interview: Launch That Book by Tammy Karasek

On By vickleaIn Author Q and A, Book Promo, Book Review, Scripture4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9798993446813

Publisher:Tammy Karasek, LLC

Publication date:12/09/2025

Edition description:2nd ed.

Pages:164

Launch that Book will take you from stress to success in getting your book into the hands of those who need it. Tammy Karasek walks authors through a pragmatic management approach as she educates, equips, and encourages in getting the most mileage out of the book launch process.

Learn step-by-step

∙ how to gather a team

∙ exactly what to do with your team

∙ when and how to say farewell

Plus, so much more. (From Amazon)

My Thoughts

This book gives new meaning to the phrase “step by step guide” since the author does a thorough and tremendous job of including all of the steps any author will need to successfully launch a book. With details that are relayed in bullet points and examples, the book is an excellent resource for authors who want to form a launch team, manage that launch team and make inroads into the marketing world by following the author’s expert and sage advice. The tips are practical, tested and proven to work so that any author, debut or published for years, can follow the advice, launch a book and not be stressed about all of the minutiae of doing so since it is all laid out so clearly here. Every author needs a copy of this book and every friend of an author should make sure that they have a copy of this invaluable resource.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author


Tammy uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, is the driving force of her passion to always encourage and inspire others and give them The Reasonto smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a Tickled Pink life as she believes there is always a giggle wanting to come out! And desires that for others as well. For more information about Tammy, visit her website: https://tammykarasek.com/about-tammy/

Questions and Answers with Tammy

  1. Where did you get the idea to write a book about launching books? This is an easy question – I can’t be everywhere to teach authors and I can’t do everyone’s launch management for them. But I so want to teach authors how they can rid themselves of the stress of what to do with some tried and proven results of having a good book launch.
  1. What is the number one takeaway that you want authors to know after reading your book?

  YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

  1. Of all of the advice and practical tips you give in your book, which one is the absolute best one, in your opinion?

Hmmm, one? ALL! HaHa! I went with a “one word answer!” But if I had to select only one tip, I think it would have to be to have the courage to do a  launch team. With having Launch that Book on your reference shelf, you have the template of how to do your first launch team. As you write the next  book, you’ll use it again, but tweak it for your liking, but you’ll have the steps of when and why to get you started.

  1. If you could tell a debut author one thing about launching a book, what would you advise them and why?

Don’t assume your publisher is going to help you with a launch or your marketing. This will be on you whether you traditionally publish or  self-publish. So don’t ignore the opportunity to have a team help you spread the word of your book’s release.

  1. What is the most difficult part about launching a book? How does your book make that process less burdensome?

When and where to start. I give you a timeline breakdown of what to do, when to do and how to do all the things!

  1. Why do you think that authors need a launch team? 

As an author, we can only tell so many people within our circle. But when we recruit a team to spread the news, we now reach into circles we  would never have been able to reach. 

  1. How many books have you helped to successfully launch as the “launch geek”? Since 2012, I have participated in over 400 launch teams. As The Launch Team Geek, I have helped or managed over 50.
  1. Is your book best suited for only new authors?  No. It is written for any author wanting to have a launch team for the release of their book. 
  2. Is there anything else you want your readers to know about your book or your experience with launching books?  From the years of experience I’ve had on teams or managing teams, the more you educate your launch team members as to why you are doing certain tasks (like reviews), teach them how to do those tasks, and encourage them by letting them know you are seeing their actions, the better your launch will run. My book was written from my heart to help any author overcome the stress and fear of doing a launch team. My goal was to educate, equip and encourage the author on how to manage a launch team so they can turn around and educate, equip and encourage their team to help them have a successful launch of their book. And the next, and next, and next!!

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

With much appreciation to Tammy Karasek and with a big recommendation to get this book if you are even considering writing and publishing one yourself!

Review of LAUNCH THAT BOOK by Tammy Karasek

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

You’re getting a first peek at a marvelous resource for all authors and aspiring authors!

My Thoughts

This is an essential resource for authors to have and use as they get ready to publish a book and launch their book baby into the world. Tammy Karesek has provided a valuable and educational tool that will help debut authors as well as seasoned authors to get their books into the hands of more readers by using social media and volunteer launch team members. According to the author, the purpose of the book is to educate, equip and encourage and this little gem does all of that and more. With step by step instructions about using spreadsheets, creating forms and setting a timetable, this book accomplishes the goal the author sets out to accomplish and does so in an entertaining and practical way that will appeal to all authors looking for common sense guidance on launching their books in a way that is cost effective as well as fun for the members of the launch team.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Non-Fiction, How to Book. Rated G and N (for necessary!!)

About the Author

Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and show them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out! 

She’s a writer of Romantic Suspense—with a splash of sass. Her debut book, Launch That Book, released in 2023. She’s published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inaryMoments. Also, she’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, Blue Ridge Conference Blog, The Write Editing and more.

Known as The Launch Team Geek, she helps authors launch their books. You’ll also find her as a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors, the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.

Questions and Answers with the Author

1. How did you decide to write a non-fiction book instead of fiction?

Oddly, I first thought I’d be a non fiction writer. Then a friend told me to write a few chapters of the book I was working on as a fiction story. Then it became fun and I realized my mind worked very well in a fictional state! Long ago, my daughter had bought me a t-shirt, I’m talking like 1998 or so, and it said “I make stuff up.” I was always making up stories and goofing off with her and we’d make up stories as we drove around for errands and traveling on trips.

2. What publishing tips do you have for non-fiction writers?

Always have your work professionally edited—fiction or non fiction, traditional or non traditional published. You want your work to be it’s best so your readers will want your next book, and the next…

My other tip would be to do your research well for the topic you are writing about. When someone reads your book, they want to trust you know what you’re talking about.

3. What was the most fun about writing this book?

Knowing that I’m helping any author who would like to create and manage their own launch team session. I can’t do them all and I can’t reach everyone at the conferences I teach the launch team class. This allows them to gain knowledge and go for it!

4. What was the most difficult part of writing your book?

Two things: 1) forgetting a step I’m so used to doing, that I forgot to write it down and 2) the people who kept telling me I was crazy for giving away my entire process for such a low price instead of a high priced online course.

5. What is the most surprising thing you learned while writing this book?

I’m my own worst enemy! I’m a perfectionist and sometimes couldn’t move to the next chapter until I went over the current chapter step by step worrying I left out one important detail!

6. When did you know that you wanted to write this book?

When it bothered me to say no to some folks that wanted to hire me to manage their launch team but I didn’t have enough room in my scheduled.

7. What are your goals for your career as an author?

I have several fiction stories in the works. And I do have two or three more non fiction books taunting me to “just do it” and get them written!

8. What is next for you in the writing world?

Currently I am waiting on a response to a submission requested from Love Inspired Suspense. And I’m working on another Romantic Suspense. Once finished, I have a contract from an agent waiting for me!

9. What was your process like as you wrote “Launch That Book”? Did you do an outline or research to create your book?

Because I taught a two plus hour class and two large conferences this year, I realized that my notes I’d created to have on hand and in order for the process would make a great table of contents! the only research I had to do was looking up exact sizes for graphics, some other information on apps I use so I could share those details. But most was from my eight week process for the launch.

10. How did you decide what you would include in the book?

I gave my entire process which builds on itself as the launch session works towards the launch day. I left nothing out, no secret hints or tips—I shared it all!

11. After writing this book, would you rather review a book or write another book? Why?

Well – my answer is actually both! Since 2012, I’ve participated in launch teams of close to 290 now. Some were readers, others I was an author’s helper, and another chunk I was the team manager. With every book I launch for an author, I also read and review them. If I were to close up the launch team geek, I’d still be reading and reviewing as I know how important those reviews are for an author. But I plan on writing and reviewing as long as I can.

12. What is the best advice you can give to someone who is considering writing and publishing a book?

If you’re going to traditionally publish a book, plan on going to a decent sized conference where agents, acquisition editors and publishers will be. Most publishers won’t accept cold query letters. Agents and acquisition editors prefer to meet you in person to know if you would be a good fit, as in, would you be easy to work with and for. If you are going to Independently publish, do your homework to know if you want to list only on Amazon or would like to list other places. How you register with Amazon could lock you in to just their publishing arm.

13. How many hours per day did you spend writing? Did you have a daily schedule that you liked to stick with?

Never enough! I’m working toward a minimum of one hour per day. But because I own my own Virtual Assistant and Launch Team Manager company, some of my days are spent working for my clients (who I love, by the way!)

14. Who or what encouraged you to write your book?

My biggest cheerleader – my hubby, Larry! He knows I love to teach and share and kept listening to me whine that I can’t do all the launches and can’t teach enough of the folks at conferences. One day last February I said, “I should just write it all in a book and then they could get it.” He looked at me and grinned. I looked back and asked, “what are you smiling about?” He said, “Sounds like you fixed your own dilemma – now get in there and write it.” I stared at him for a few minutes and said, “Well, sure. Okay.”

15. What is the last book that you read? And what are you reading now? Do you have a favorite genre to read?

Countdown by Lynette Eason was my last one. Right now I have three launch books queued up on my iPad coming out soon!

I’m drawn to Romantic Suspense, but won’t turn down Romance books, especially because I write Romantic Suspense with a splash of Sass!

Because of a small glitch, this wonderful resource is not yet available to order, but once it is posted online, I will send you the link by updating this blog. Stay tuned! This is a resource that you aspiring authors will want to have!