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Murder on the Mississippi

Sally Witherspoon Mystery, #2

by

Erik S. Meyers

 

Hoping for a little R&R after the events of the previous six months, Sally Witherspoon finds herself smack in the middle of another puzzling murder.

 

Murder on the Mississippi is the second book in author Erik S. Meyers’s intriguing Sally Witherspoon Mystery series, and while Sally embarks on a luxury river cruise to relax, it turns out no one on board will be getting much rest. With a boatload of quirky potential murderers to consider and an interesting travel itinerary besides, readers will be tempted to stay up late turning pages to find out what is going to happen next to those aboard the River Queen. 

Sally Witherspoon, the bold and brash biker-bar owner, is due for a little R&R on this high-end river cruise after the events of book one, and despite her good intentions, she’s dragged into this new murder case out of self-preservation. In this modern-day locked-room mystery, one of the few passengers and crew aboard the River Queen is a murderer. 

Sally is such a fun, engaging character; I felt like I was getting reacquainted with an old friend. Still, readers new to the series will easily be able to pick up her story in this standalone second book. Almost all of Sally’s fellow passengers have interesting international origins. One is a diplomat whose elite status will have an impact on the trajectory of the story. As a group, I thought the passengers were an argumentative lot, with a nasty or sarcastic remark or gesture always on the ready. I was glad to see the last of them and hope Sally doesn’t keep up with the few that she promised she would. 

The setting on the upscale River Queen cruise is a tantalizing one, and it had me googling Mississippi River excursions as a real-life vacation possibility. This particular cruise had a historical theme that took its participants to diverse, off-the-beaten-paths locations that hold tragic places in our nation’s history: a sad but unexpected highlight of the story. 

One murder follows another, as does plot twist after plot twist, and the truth seems more elusive than ever after the arrival of an FBI agent to take charge of the investigation. The resolution came as a complete surprise as the unusual aspects of the situation were finally revealed. 

With its likable main character, intriguing cruise theme, and intricate plot, I recommend MURDER ON THE MISSISSIPPI to mystery fans.

 I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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Children Helping Children Kids tossing the boxes used for Food Paks with Thomas Russell, Volunteer Coordinator for CHF. Photo taken by Jennifer Romero.

Reporting by Katherine Nelson

“Children have a special kind of love that’s untainted and undeniable,” said Laura Hernandez, Prosper mom and president of a local children’s ministry from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was helping a group of about seventy kids from her ministry celebrate Global Youth Service Day. They gathered at the Children’s Hunger Fund warehouse in Frisco on Saturday to pack boxes of food for children in the community.

The kids formed a line on one side of a series of long tables, each holding a box about the size and shape of a shoebox. They filled the boxes, which CHF calls Food Paks, with dry food goods from the adults on the other side of the tables. The Food Paks can hold up to 8 pounds of food and include canned food like beans, pears, and tuna as well as peanut butter and wholesome prepackaged snacks like trail mix and granola. Each of the 720 Paks the kids filled on Saturday will be hand delivered to children within twenty miles of the warehouse by local churches.

An event like this one is part of CHF’s tireless efforts to address the needs of the 28% of children in North Texas experiencing poverty. They typically host food packing events at least four times a week, then deliver those Food Paks to local churches, who in turn distribute the Paks to local children and families in need. The Dallas location is part of a bigger organization that started in California in 1991 and has since grown to serve over 30 countries worldwide.

On May 2, their reach will expand further when they break ground on a new state-of-the-art facility located in Prosper, which is slated to open in 2026. The new facility will include a conference space that the community can use. It will also include “Poverty Encounter,” an educational experience intended to help kids better understand the impact of poverty on the lives of children around the world. The Prosper facility is expected to serve 5 million meals per year to children and families in need.

CHF hopes that their efforts will impact the next generation. “We are doing this for kids,” said Cameron Crane, Director of Operations. “We want kids to be a part of this. Train them young to think about other people.”

Laura Hernandez hoped for something similar. “We definitely were looking for an activity where kids could serve other children,” she said. Her favorite part of the activity was “seeing the kiddos’ faces light up as they go around. You can feel the energy here, and the love that they have, and just their willingness and goodness that they want to give to other kids.”

“If Christ were here,” she added, “he would ensure that all children would be fed. These children are doing that. They are doing what He would do Himself.”

Kate Willis, a nine-year-old from Frisco, agreed. “I feel like I’m serving Him when I’m serving others.”

Those interested in supporting CHF’s efforts can visit their website here.

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The Whisper Legacy

Pappa Legacy, #1

by

Tj O’Connor

 

Political intrigue, plot twists galore, and a PI who could certainly use a break.

 

The Whisper Legacy is the first book in author Tj O’Connor’s new political thriller Pappa Legacy series and features the aging but still canny and cunning private investigator and security consultant Marlowe S. Curran. With its non-stop action and intricate plot full of surprising twists and turns, I was compelled to keep reading page after page without stopping to find out what would happen next! No regrets! 

While resolving a computer hacking case using less than legal methods for his most lucrative client, Marlowe Curran’s landlady’s philandering husband and his current paramour are murdered during a tryst on the estate. Without a less criminal alibi to offer, Lowe becomes a suspect in their murders and must undertake clearing his own name. However, someone seems to be working against him every step of the way. 

Marlowe Curran, Lowe to his friends, is a complex character with a tough backstory, a humorous inner voice, and a soft spot for dogs. A smart, deadly operator, Lowe is best by a seemingly never-ending run of bad luck as he tries to fulfill his responsibilities to his confidential and well-heeled clients, including his landlady, Janey-Lynn Cantrell, whose cheating husband and his latest clandestine amour have just been found murdered in their love nest. 

Multiple storylines unfold through Lowe’s viewpoint and that of a political mover and shaker as the President of the United States narrows down his search for a replacement VP. While they appear unrelated, as the story fights its way to its exciting conclusion, the disparate storylines cleverly converge into one riveting whole. 

I recommend THE WHISPER LEGACY to readers of political thrillers and mysteries featuring private eyes. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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The 2025 Equest Gala Leadership Team: Honorary Co-Chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala Co-Chairs Kristin and James Hallam. Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron

The 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala was a night where cowboy boots and big-hearted bidding came together in a spirited celebration that still has Dallas buzzing. On April 25, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest, thanks to the visionary leadership of Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam and Honorary Chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor. The event drew a sold-out crowd of 570 and raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history.

From the first “yee haw” delivered by emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton, guests knew this was no ordinary gala. The program unfolded as a masterclass in inspiration, with each speaker reminding the room that every dollar raised would help Equest deliver hope and healing through its transformative equine-assisted programs.

Equest Founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her a legend in the Equest family. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client, in recognition of their tireless volunteerism and generous philanthropy.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to share Equest’s bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment. His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

The silent and live auctions were runaway successes. Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and Dallas delivered. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles effortlessly, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. He energized the room with live auction packages featuring fabulous trips around the world, including destinations such as France, Antigua, Montana, and more. But the most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Louis auction off his own sparkling jacket. Ever the showman, he obliged, and the jacket fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber who clearly knows a statement piece when he sees one.

Of course, no gala would be complete without a little razzle-dazzle from event designer Steve Kemble, who outdid himself with a blue ombré color scheme, elegant white rose tablescapes, and a “disco saddle” centerpiece that had everyone talking. As the evening drew to a close, guests tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra. The sensational fundraising evening proved once again that when Dallas comes together for Equest, it’s always a blue-ribbon affair.

Additional notable attendees included Amy Green, Chair of the Equest Board of Directors; Lili Kellogg, former CEO of Equest; and an ensemble of distinguished charity leaders including Nancy Greenbach, Sara and Robert Hallam, Lynn McBee, Tanya and Danny Rice, Therese Rourk, Kristy and Patrick Sands, Anne Seanor, and Donna Weitzman, among many others.

Special thanks go to the sponsors whose generosity made the night possible, including: Ben E. Keith Co., Benchmark Bank, Beasom Stable, Goldman Sachs Gives, Bank of Texas, Pender’s, Cavender’s Boot City, Kiewit, Steve Kemble Event Design, Hopkins, Etro, Dallas Capital Bank, Holland & Knight, Pave the Way Jewelry by Joan Hornig, Quest Events, Susan Friedman Public Relations, Spirit Tours, Modern Luxury Dallas, NexPoint, Marsh McLennan Agency, Lela Rose, My Sweet Charity, Brilliant Fulfillment, and Commerce Street Capital.

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine facilitated activities, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With 34 therapy horses, a dedicated team of professionals, and 869 volunteers contributing 20,611 hours annually, Equest transforms lives annually for more than 2,770 individuals. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. www.equest.org

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Texas Women's Foundation Haleigh Jones (Young Leader), Cristal Retana Lule (Young Leader), Cynt Marshall (Maura Award), Debbie Dennis (co-chair), Karen Hughes White (TXWF pres./CEO), Jennifer Bartkowski (Maura Award), Anne Chow (Maura Award), Carrie Freeman Parsons (TXWF board chair), Brooke Hopkins (co-chair); not pictured: Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Dr. Carine Feyten, both Maura Award honorees.

Texas Women's Foundation hosts its Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on May 8, 2025, at the Omni Dallas Hotel (555. S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75202). A highlight is the Leadership Forum, presented by Merrill, a Bank of America Company/Crockett & Associates, where the 2025 Maura and Young Leader awardees will share insight and inspiration in micro-learning sessions from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Afterwards, there will be a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and an awards celebration, presented by Oncor Electric Delivery, at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are now on sale at https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/. 

Anne Talk: “Lead Bigger”

Presented by Anne Chow, The Rewired CEO Founder  

In a “TED Talk-style” keynote, Chow will share insights from her recent book, Lead Bigger. She will also explore the transformative power of connectedness to create stronger businesses and more vibrant communities. 

Power Panel: Women, Girls & STEM, moderated by TXWF Board Director Debra Hunter Johnson, Reciprocity Consulting and featuring: 

2025 Maura Award recipients Bartkowski, Dr. DeSilva and Dr. Feyten will explore how increasing representation in STEM not only empowers women and girls, but it also drives innovation, enhances problem-solving and strengthens the entire sector.

Young Leader “5-in-5’s”

Haleigh Jones, Crawford, Wishnew & Lang Attorney 

Cristal Retana Lule, Children’s Health Vice President of Community Relations 

The 2025 Young Leader award recipients, Jones and Retana Lule will answer five “rapid-fire” questions in five minutes in interviews conducted by aspiring young journalists from Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, a school in the Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

Real Talk with Anne Chow, moderated by Deborah Ferguson, NBC Anchor 

Chow will discuss her journey to becoming AT&T’s first woman of color CEO, how she navigated that historic role, and what leadership lessons she learned.

Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White said, “The heart of the Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration is getting to know our  honorees and hear how they have learned and continued to grow in their careers and in service to their communities. I know you will be inspired, encouraged and empowered by their stories.”

Co-chairs for the event are business and community leaders Debbie Dennis, Chief Customer Officer and SVP Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Oncor Electric Delivery, and Brooke Hopkins, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal. Dia Wall, WFAA anchor/reporter, will emcee the evening awards celebration.

To learn more about this event and purchase a sponsorship, visit https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/ For those interested in sponsorship, contact Joy Busch at maura@txwf.orgor 214-525-5321.

About Texas Women’s Foundation: One of the largest women’s foundations in the country, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) knows that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls. The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

About the Maura Women Helping Women Award:

For 46 years, the Maura Women Helping Women Award has been presented to more than 230 courageous individuals who have catalyzed change for women and girls.

Brenda Jackson, a former Maura Women Helping Women Award recipient and TXWF Board Director, and Carrie Freeman Parsons, TXWF Board Chair co-chaired the 2025 Award Selection Committee that chose the following honorees:

Cynt Marshall, Marshalling Resources Founder and The Dallas Mavericks (retired CEO) 

Cynt Marshall has been a dynamic force in business over a 36-year career at AT&T.  When she was hired as the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks in March 2018, she set her sights on a culture transformation. Her vision was for the Mavericks organization to become the NBA standard for inclusion, diversity, and workplace culture, and the Dallas Mavericks have twice received the NBA’s Inclusion Leadership award. She is  founder of Marshalling Resources, a consulting firm. Her first book, You’ve Been Chosen, was released in September 2022 and was nominated for an NAACP Image award. Marshall is the recipient of several honors and awards including the 2024 Lone Star EMMYS President’s award, the 2024 Junior Achievement of Dallas Business Hall of Fame Laureate award, among others. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management and holds four honorary Doctorate degrees.

Anne Chow, The Rewired CEO Founder 

Anne Chow is a transformative business leader whose trailblazing corporate career spans over three decades. She is currently Lead Independent Director on the Board of Directors of Franklin Covey and serves on the boards of 3M and CSX. She is a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor of Executive Education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the national best-selling author of LEAD BIGGER: The Transformative Power of Inclusion. In her prior role as CEO of AT&T Business, she was the first woman of color CEO in AT&T’s 140+ year history, responsible for leading a $35B global operating unit comprised of over 35,000 people. Widely recognized for her role model leadership, Chow was named to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business twice, Forbes inaugural CEO Next List of Leaders set to revolutionize American business and was inducted into the Dallas Business Hall of Fame. 

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President 

Since 2014, Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. has served as chancellor of the Texas Woman’s University System and president of Texas Woman’s University, the nation’s largest university with a woman-focused mission. Spearheading the largest construction boom in the university’s history (nearly $500 million) and first ever comprehensive campaign, she has more than tripled the endowment, launched many major initiatives such as the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences focusing on preparing women pilots. Personally, she is deeply committed to amplifying the impact that emerges from TWU’s distinctive campus where women comprise 90% of the student body. She has made strategic investments to extend the university’s mission to whole-person development. Her leadership fosters a supportive environment that prepares graduates to succeed in today’s complex global society. These efforts were recognized by the American Council on Education with the 2023 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation.

Jennifer Bartkowski, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO 

Jennifer Bartkowski is the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX), having held multiple leadership roles over the last 15 years. She pioneered a national Girl Scout STEM initiative built on the success of the $15M STEM Center of Excellence in southwest Dallas to change the workforce pipeline for North Texas. She is now leading a transformational strategy to reimagine Girl Scouts to serve more girls in more communities in more inclusive ways. Bartkowski holds a Master of Public Administration from Texas A&M University and has worked with a variety of organizations including United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the American Lung Association of Texas. She serves as Chair of the Leadership Dallas Alumnae Association and The Dallas Summit, Board Chair of Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership, sits on the Aggie Women Network Board of Directors, and is a founding board member of Carson’s Village.

Nirupama “Rupa” DeSilva, M.D., Parkland Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center Professor 

Nirupama “Rupa” DeSilva, M.D. is a Professor of OBGYN at UT Southwestern.  A specialist in pediatric-adolescent gynecology, her clinical practice is at Children’s Medical Center. Dr. DeSilva also serves as Parkland’s Medical Director of Family Planning and Child Poverty Action Lab’s Expert in Residence. Throughout her career, Dr. DeSilva has had great interest in increasing access to effective medical care within her community, as well as educating people about their reproductive needs so that patients can decide if a contraceptive option is best for them. In her role as Medical Director of Family Planning, she is dedicated to working with her team to increase access to women’s health for marginalized women through innovation. In this vein, she has created many new projects, including a new mobile van that can make access to contraception easier for those women who desire it.  

About the Young Leader Award: 

The Young Leader Award recognizes breakthrough leadership exhibited by a trailblazer who is achieving success in a field, initiative or sector, and creating a path of opportunity for other women to follow. This year’s recipients:

Haleigh Jones, Crawford, Wishnew & Lang Attorney 

Haleigh Jones is an attorney practicing civil litigation in Dallas. She handles trials and appeals in high-stakes, commercial cases. She uses her law degree to effect positive change and advance the lives of women in Texas, most recently pursuing a school district for violations of Title IX that led to sexual abuse of a female minor student. Jones is a mentor in and servant of her local and state bar associations. She served as the president of the 2024 Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, a 2,500-member bar association with more than 30 committees whose two-fold mission is to improve the lives of young lawyers and to improve the DFW community. In 2021, the Dallas Women Lawyers Association recognized Jones as its “Rising Raggio.” The award, named after Louise Raggio, recognizes an outstanding young woman lawyer who has had significant professional accomplishment and acted as a leader in the Dallas community.

Cristal Retana Lule, Children’s Health Vice President of Community Relations 

Cristal Retana Lule is committed to advancing equitable access to opportunities and resources to enhance the overall quality of life for all. As Vice President of Community Relations at Children’s Health, she leads the organization's community outreach initiatives also focusing on local and regional advocacy. Lule is a first-generation Texas and proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. She began her public policy career as a legislative staffer in the Texas Senate and has held several influential roles at both the state and local levels. She also served as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Farmers Branch where she launched several initiatives including the city’s first night court, youth commission, senior repair program and more. Lule has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 League of Women Voters Volunteer Award, 2023 DFW Hispanic 100 Emerging Latina Leader Award and was recently appointed to serve as the 2025 state chair-elect for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas.

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Celebrating a Time-Honored Texas Tradition with Bold Flavors and Southern Flair

As the aroma of smoked meat begins to fill the Texas air, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is kicking off National Bar-B-Que Month with a savory celebration of the time-honored tradition that’s been at the heart of their menu—and their mission—for more than 50 years.

May marks the official start of barbecue season in the Lone Star State, and for North Texans, that means returning to a family favorite known for its legendary low-and-slow smoked meats and homestyle sides. From brisket to ribs, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que continues to deliver the comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors that have made them a go-to destination for generations.

“At Soulman’s, barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life,” says Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “As a family-owned business, we’ve always believed in honoring the traditions of great Texas barbecue while continuing to evolve to serve our guests better. Whether it’s feeding a family of four or catering a backyard bash for 40, our team is passionate about sharing quality smoked meat and made-from-scratch sides that bring people together.”

Soulman’s is continuing to push the boundaries of convenience and customer experience, with new innovations to match their classic flavors including the Soulman’s mobile app, which streamlines the ordering process for busy customers and makes it easier than ever to enjoy Texas barbecue on the go. Whether through in-store pickup, delivery, or custom catering, Soulman’s is committed to bringing the ‘cue to wherever hungry Texans are gathering.

“As much as we love the smoke and the sizzle, we’re just as proud of how we serve our community,” adds Randle. “From family-friendly dining in each of our North Texas locations to our unbeatable takeout and catering options, we’re doing everything we can to bring a seamless, satisfying Soulman’s experience to every guest.” The Soulman’s Bar-B-Que app is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, menus, catering options, and locations, visit soulmans.com.

Recognized as one of the Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America and frequently named Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout and Delivery, Soulman’s shows no signs of slowing down.

This May—and all summer long—barbecue lovers are invited to celebrate with Soulman’s and taste the difference that decades of dedication makes.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

 

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

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Hairless Hassles

Mobile Cat Groomer Mysteries, #3

by

Ruth J. Hartman

 

Mystery and murder return to Whitewater Valley!

 

Hairless Hassles is the third book in author Ruth J. Hartman’s great Mobile Cat Groomer Mysteries, which features intrepid cat-mom Molly Stewart, and her feline family, Jasper and Percival. When elderly and very quirky clients, next-door neighbors Florence Makes and Lottie Campbell, become the main suspects in a murder, Molly can’t sit back and watch. She’s compelled to look deeper into the case and clear her friends’ names. 

Molly Stewart, cat groomer extraordinaire and successful amateur sleuth, is once again at the right place at the right time for her cats to find the body of the latest victim of murder in the small town of Whitewater Valley, Indiana. The plot gets down to business straight away with the discovery of the victim occurring in the very first chapter. As the body is found in between the two octogenarians’ homes, the sheriff soon narrows his investigation to these two elderly ladies. While a highly doubtful conclusion from the start, the victim, Carlotta Sykes, also has a reputation for being unpleasant and was involved in a couple of nasty altercations in the days leading up to her death, so there are a few more plausible suspects to consider besides. Also, Florence and Lottie have provided some wonderfully reliable comic relief in this series from the start, and it would have been a sad day for them to have been the culprits. I went back and forth on some others, though, and it took the suspenseful confrontation between Molly and the real perpetrator to reveal the actual murderer. 

As with the previous books, there is a plethora of locals dropping in and out of the story throughout, and there is nice teamwork between Molly and her friends to investigate and cross the red herrings off their list of possible suspects. There are plenty of cats to ooh and ahh over, including the Sphynx kitties, Eleanor and Helga, which are referenced in the book’s title. Readers new to the series should have no trouble jumping in on this story as each one reads as a standalone. 

With its engaging characters, both human and feline, and interesting and quickly evolving plot, I recommend HAIRLESS HASSLES to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy cat-themed stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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Audrey Miranda, who has served Galleria Dallas as assistant director of marketing since 2021, has been promoted to director of marketing and partnerships at the Dallas shopping and lifestyle center, managed by Trademark Property Group. The promotion is effective Monday, April 28.

 

Over the past four years, Miranda has assisted in the creation and implementation of the shopping center’s revenue generation strategies and strategic marketing direction. She has handled responsibility for the coordination and execution of all on-property events including Artist Collective exhibits and Good Market, co-managed tourism efforts and developed and supported retailer relationships and marketing.

 

In her new role, Miranda will oversee direct sales and revenue generation through media assets, brand partnerships and programming throughout the shopping center. She’ll provide leasing support, be the brand manager for every touch point and communication representing Galleria Dallas and lead the Marketing and Guest Services teams as they offer meaningful experiences for the shopping center’s guests.

 

“We’re at an exciting point in Galleria Dallas history – the pace of change has really ramped up over the past six months in particular,” Miranda said. “With the opening of new retailers like UNIQLO and the upcoming debut of Netflix House, we’re on a great trajectory and I’m excited to use those changes to drive traffic and revenue.”

 

Miranda previously gained experience in event planning and management, experiential marketing and social media marketing at two DFW-based marketing agencies. She was also the owner of a small business, Snap 151 Photo Studio. A Dallas native, she attended Ursuline Academy of Dallas and Southern Methodist University.

 

“Audrey is a creative thinker and relationship builder who believes that programming and promotion are the way to reach shoppers and drive revenue in this experiential age,” said Galleria Dallas General Manager Angie Freed. “We’ve watched her grow professionally during her time at Galleria Dallas and can’t wait to see what new ideas she comes up with in her new position.”  

 

 

About Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is, managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas

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McRae's offers a comfortable and eclectic style
This Mother’s Day treat Mom to a special brunch experience at McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails near White Rock Lake. The unique menu, and eclectic nature of McRae’s offers a brunch to remember.
On Sunday, May 11 from 10:30am-4:00pm, McRae’s will host a Prix Fixe Brunch featuring inspired recipes that will delight all ages. Should you choose to dine later in the day, McRae’s regular dinner service will follow.
Mother’s Day brunch begins with your choice of starters; Pimento Stuffed Arancini, Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs, or Shrimp and Avocado Toast in addition to your choice of soup, Lobster Bisque, or Caesar Salad with black pepper pancetta.
This special brunch menu offers four flavorful entrees – Maryland Jumbo Lump Crabcakes ($45), Lemon Caper Chicken ($35), Salmon Nicoise ($35), or Tenderloin and Eggs ($45).
Mother’s Day calls for an extra sweet treat, so enjoy a luscious dessert of Espresso Chocolate Mousse Cake, Crème Brulee, or Purple Tiramisu ($10 each).
A children’s menu ($14) for those under the age of twelve features Chicken Fingers and Fries or Magic Waffles.
Whether you dine indoors in our cozy dining room, or outdoors on our comfortable patio, McRae’s offers an upscale dining experience in a relaxed, casual setting. Due to our intimate seating, reservations are highly encouraged. See our full menu and make your reservations online https://mcraesamericanbistro.com/mothers-day/
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Eric Blake, Krista Medlock, Rita Townsend, Dr. Bro Eric Blake, Krista Medlock, Rita Townsend, Dr. Brooke Jones, C'Ella Clayton (Credit Suzie Leavitt with Little Moments Photography)

On Thursday, April 24, Trinity Falls hosted members of the Women's Alliance of McKinney (WAM)  for their annual Spring Lunch & Learn  event at The Lodge at Trinity Falls where guests enjoyed a catered lunch of tea sandwiches and pastries catered by Royal Catering.  The event was themed the “Stronger Side of Wealth and Well Being” and began with a presentation from financial advisor Eric Blake, who set the stage with key statistics on women’s growing financial influence, highlighting the importance of women taking an active role in their financial futures.

Rita Townsend, Sr. Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics; then led a panel discussion with community leaders Krista Medlock, Founder of The Girl Cave Tribe and Dr. Brooke Jones, Founder and CEO of Stronger Women, where they dove into the psychology of money, unpacking the limiting beliefs many women carry about their financial potential and sharing their personal journeys to financial empowerment. This session offered valuable insights and practical steps for identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs and empowering attendees to take control of their financial journey. Attendees brought donations of feminine products for the events benefiting charity, Community Food Pantry of McKinney, that will be used to assemble individual care packages for those in need.

Photos by Suzie Leavitt with Little Moments Photography