A day in the life of Savannah Webb by Cheryl Hollon

Hi there, I’m Savannah Webb, owner of Webb’s Glass Shop on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. I’m so exited about our new etching class that begins on Monday. I’ll be teaching six students including the enthusiastic, troublesome, and absolutely adorable Rosenberg twins, Rachel and Faith. I know they’re at least over eighty, but they’re very cagy about their exact birth year.

This class is personally special for me as we will have a guest lecture by a world-class glass artist, Dennis Lansing. He is scheduled for a one-man show at the Dali Museum downtown. He has promised me and my class a private tour of his extraordinary etched glassworks.

It means a lot to me since Dennis was my very first boyfriend when I was in high school. I want to make a good impression, so I’ve been scrambling to get the etching equipment set up in my new Webb’s Studio. The warehouse is located a few blocks South on 22nd Street. It has enough space for teaching as well as private studio cubicles for more advanced artists.

I’m a little nervous to meet Dennis after such a long time. I’m going to the opening reception tonight. I wonder how I’ll feel. You never forget your first boyfriend.

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You can read more about Savannah in Etched in Tears, the fourth book in the “Webb’s Glass Shop” Mysteries, published by Kensington Books. Available at your favorite book vendor on November 28, 2017.

When a famous glass artist is murdered at his own exhibit, deadly secrets are put on display, and it’s up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb to see through a killer’s cover.

Celebrated glass artist Dennis Lansing is returning to St. Petersburg, Florida, for an exhibit at the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum. His unique style of embedding document images in his art is at the vanguard of contemporary glasswork. But as Savannah’s first boyfriend and a former apprentice to her father, Dennis’s return home has her reflecting on the past—a trip down memory lane that takes a dark turn when Dennis is found murdered at the museum with an old reference letter from her father in his pocket. A search through her father’s records sheds new light on Dennis’s history, but it seems his present life wasn’t so transparent either. Now, with a gallery of suspects to consider, it’s up to Savannah to figure out who fits the mold of a murderer.

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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for the chance to win a signed copy of Etched in Tears along with a recycled beer bottle turned into a cheese tray created by Cheryl and her husband George. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends November 28, 2017. Good luck everyone!

Buy Link

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About the author
Cheryl Hollon writes full time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind the house, Cheryl and her husband George design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass and painted glass artworks.

Sign up for her monthly newsletter when you visit her website at cherylhollon.com. You can also visit Cheryl and her books on Twitter and on Facebook.

All comments are welcomed.

Cover Reveal ~ Etched in Tears by Cheryl Hollon

It is my pleasure to reveal the cover for the fourth book in the “Webb’s Glass Shop” mystery series, coming November 28, 2017.

Title: Etched in Tears
Series: Webb’s Glass Shop #4
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Kensington
Website: Cheryl Hollon

When a famous glass artist is murdered at his own exhibit, deadly secrets are put on display, and it’s up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb to see through a killer’s cover.

Celebrated glass artist Dennis Lansing is returning to St. Petersburg, Florida, for an exhibit at the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum. His unique style of embedding document images in his art is at the vanguard of contemporary glasswork. But as Savannah’s first boyfriend and a former apprentice to her father, Dennis’s return home has her reflecting on the past—a trip down memory lane that takes a dark turn when Dennis is found murdered at the museum with an old reference letter from her father in his pocket. A search through her father’s records sheds new light on Dennis’s history, but it seems his present life wasn’t so transparent either. Now, with a gallery of suspects to consider, it’s up to Savannah to figure out who fits the mold of a murderer.

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About the author
Cheryl Hollon writes full-time after an engineering career designing and installing military flight simulators in England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Living her dream, she combines a love of writing with a passion for creating art in the small glass studio behind her house in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Book is available for pre-order at retail and online booksellers.

My Musing ~ Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon

Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon is the third book in the “Webb’s Glass Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, July 2016

When a treasure hunt leads to deadly plunder, it’s up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb and her trusty investigative posse to map out the true motives of a killer . . .

It’s the dog days of summer in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Webb’s Glass Shop proprietor Savannah Webb has an eco-friendly plan to help locals escape the heat–a recyclable bottle-crafting workshop taught by reticent store manager Amanda Blake. Turns out, the class is a bigger smash than expected, thanks in part to a pair of staggeringly old bottles brought in by snorkeler Martin Lane . . .

Linked to a storied pirate shipwreck, the relics definitely pique Savannah’s interest. But intrigue turns to shock when Martin’s lifeless body washes ashore the next morning, another glass artifact tucked in his dive bag. With cell phone records connecting Amanda to the drowning, Savannah must voyage through unchartered territory to exonerate her colleague and capture the twisted criminal behind Martin’s death . . .

This was a fun book to read where bottle making and pirates played a role in the telling of this tale. It all begins with Amanda somehow becoming the prime suspect and it’s up to the team to wade through the suspects to bring a killer to justice. I like the pacing and the comfortable tone that makes for an easier read. The author did a very great job in creating an enticingly well-crafted mystery where every direction the story went, bought about some surprising twists and turns to keep this drama moving along. This is a very likable story where a quirky cast of characters, an intriguing mystery and the craft of bottle making all meld together to deliver an engaging read.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) book from the author.

Savannah Webb’s New Class by Cheryl Hollon

Hi there, I’m Savannah Webb, owner of Webb’s Glass Shop on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. I’m so exited about our new class that begins at the start of summer – typically a very slow season here in the Grand Central District. It’s slow because most of our students return up north until the snow begins to fly. The new twist for this class is that my good friend and intrepid store manager, Amanda Blake, will be trying her hand at teaching. I know she’s capable, but the first time is always a nerve-wracking experience. She’ll be fine – absolutely fine.

The class roster filled up quickly and it appears that we will enjoy the lively company of the Rosenberg twins, Rachel and Faith. They are a fixture for Webb’s Glass Shop classes. I can’t remember exactly when they started to attend classes, but it’s been a long, long time. They must be nearing eighty-years-old by now. You certainly can’t tell – they are sharp as tacks and have been staunch supporters of the small businesses in our local community.

The exciting news in the media is that some real evidence has been found confirming that a treasure site has been uncovered in the Intercoastal Waterway near the beach community of Treasure Island. That would be an exciting find. It could confirm the myth that Gaspar the Pirate had indeed used the inland waterways for burying his plunder taken from ships making their way through the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. I’ve heard that both coins and bottles have been found.

I must go now and help Amanda get ready for the new class. We need to create a teaching plan for each day of the workshop and put that information in a notebook. We also need to gather some examples of the projects that will be created and make sure that all the materials are copied and compiled into handouts ready for the students. A lot to do, but we hope the students will enjoy taking bottles that would end up in the trash and creating beautiful cheese trays, garden decorations and hand crafted gifts.

You need to sign up for a class, too. Check your local business listings or search the Internet for a glass shop near you.

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Cracked to Death is the third book in the Webb’s Glass Shop mystery series, published by Kensington, June 28, 2016.

When a treasure hunt leads to deadly plunder, it’s up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb and her trusty investigative posse to map out the true motives of a killer . . .

It’s the dog days of summer in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Webb’s Glass Shop proprietor Savannah Webb has an eco-friendly plan to help locals escape the heat–a recyclable bottle-crafting workshop taught by reticent store manager Amanda Blake. Turns out, the class is a bigger smash than expected, thanks in part to a pair of staggeringly old bottles brought in by snorkeler Martin Lane . . .

Linked to a storied pirate shipwreck, the relics definitely pique Savannah’s interest. But intrigue turns to shock when Martin’s lifeless body washes ashore the next morning, another glass artifact tucked in his dive bag. With cell phone records connecting Amanda to the drowning, Savannah must voyage through uncharted territory to exonerate her colleague and capture the twisted criminal behind Martin’s death . . .

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About the author
Cheryl Hollon writes full time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind the house, Cheryl and her husband George design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass and painted glass artworks.

Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Cracked to Death along with a recycled beer bottle turned into a cheese tray created by Cheryl and her husband George. US entries only, please. The giveaway will end June 29, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!

All comments are welcomed.

A Day in the Life of Savannah Webb by Cheryl Hollon

I’m nervous. Yep, I never imagined that I would be judging the glass category at the annual Spinnaker Art Festival. It’s a world famous highly-competitive art venue that has been going on for decades right on the waterfront in St. Petersburg, FL. I think the committee wants everyone to think they chose me in tribute to my dad, John Webb. He was one of the original organizers of the festival and enjoyed bringing new talent into the area. Secretly, I believe they want to rub Frank Lattimer’s nose in his own political shenanigans and are using my appointment as a perfect opportunity to snub him again.

Another explanation for my uneasiness is that my former mentor, Keith Irving, will be in town and it will be strange to see him as a colleague. We’re going to meet at 3 Daughters Brewing tonight to share some craft beer and catch up on news from Seattle. I still miss glass blowing in an itchy scratchy sort of way, but introducing students to stained glass in my family’s shop has been immensely rewarding.

My main reason for meeting Keith is to get some pointers on judging the high quality glass exhibits in the festival. What does he look for? How does he approach narrowing down the selection to a manageable few? How does he choose a winner? In any case, I’m sure he’ll give me the same kind of patient, straightforward logical advice I didn’t follow when I was his student. The difference this time – I’m going to listen.

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Shards of Murder is the second book in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series, published by Kensington Books, February 2016.

When a glass-making competition turns deadly, glass shop owner Savannah Webb must search for a window into a criminal’s mind. . .

As the new proprietor of Webb’s Glass Shop, Savannah has been appointed to fill her late father’s shoes as a judge for the Spinnaker Arts Festival, held in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. With her innovative glass works, the clear winner is Megan Loyola, a student of Savannah’s former mentor.

But when Megan doesn’t show up to accept her $25,000 award, rumors start flying. And when Savannah discovers the woman’s dead body on festival grounds, the police immediately suspect her of murder. To keep from appearing before a judge herself, Savannah sorts through the broken pieces of glass scattered around the victim for clues as to who took this killer competition too far. . .

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All comments are welcomed.

About the author
Cheryl Hollon writes full time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind the house, Cheryl and her husband George design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass and painted glass artworks.

You can visit Cheryl and her books at www.cherylhollon.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.

Giveaway: Leave comment below for your chance to win a signed copy of Shards of Murder along with a pair of handcrafted glass earrings created by Cheryl and her husband George. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway will end March 2, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!

My Musing ~ Shards of Murder by Cheryl Hollon

Shards of Murder by Cheryl Hollon is the second book in the “Webb’s Glass Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, February 2016

When a glass-making competition turns deadly, glass shop owner Savannah Webb must search for a window into a criminal’s mind. . .

As the new proprietor of Webb’s Glass Shop, Savannah has been appointed to fill her late father’s shoes as a judge for the Spinnaker Arts Festival, held in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. With her innovative glass works, the clear winner is Megan Loyola, a student of Savannah’s former mentor.

But when Megan doesn’t show up to accept her $25,000 award, rumors start flying. And when Savannah discovers the woman’s dead body on festival grounds, the police immediately suspect her of murder. To keep from appearing before a judge herself, Savannah sorts through the broken pieces of glass scattered around the victim for clues as to who took this killer competition too far. . .

I enjoyed the latest book in the Webb Glass Shop series which fused all elements of a mystery that was both engaging and appealing. Once again, Savannah has to play amateur sleuth when as a result of her actions, lands her in the top person of interest spot. What I like best about this story is that the author chose to have Savannah lead of team of her co-workers and friend who help in gathering clues that the author dispenses throughout this beguiling light drama. The pace of this tale goes hand in hand with how finely tune this story was developed giving us a group of likely suspects which was fun to watch as they were systematically eliminated until the final person left was identified as the killer. I really like this book and the interactions among the characters are friendly with lively dialogue and a nice sociable setting.

A Day in the Life of Savannah Webb by Cheryl Hollon

I didn’t expect to be back home in St. Petersburg trying to sell my dad’s glass shop. I am very happy in Seattle – thank you very much – where I am studying the art of glass blowing with the finest instructors in North America. I love creating a work of beauty using a few lumps of molten glass and some basic tools. I made each of these tools myself to fit my larger than ordinary hands and my taller than ordinary height. I miss the strenuous work in front of the hot furnaces already.

Dad died of a heart attack and I’ve made the funeral arrangements just as he would have liked. A simple service at our family church followed by a graveside ceremony. The tricky part is the cold funeral supper afterwards at my childhood home. I’m no cook, but I can assemble good food especially when it comes on a platter from the local Publix.

I’ve picked up my little black dress from the dry cleaners and have picked out one of my glass jewelry creations to wear. It’s the one I made here in Webb’s Glass Shop the last time I was home over the holidays. Dad especially liked it.

On Monday, I’ll be opening Webb’s Glass Store as the official new owner. Not for long, though. My dad’s long-time assistant, Hugh Trevor, has agreed to purchase the shop and teach the workshops until the paperwork is all signed. I’ll come back later to get the family Craftsman bungalow up for sale. This is the perfect solution and I’m sure to be back to Seattle in a few days. Right?

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You can read more about Savannah in Pane and Suffering, the first book in the NEW “Webb’s Glass Shop” mystery series, published by Kensington Books.

About Pane and Suffering

To solve her father’s murder and save the family-owned glass shop, Savannah Webb must shatter a killer’s carefully constructed façade. . .

After Savannah’s father dies unexpectedly of a heart attack, she drops everything to return home to St. Petersburg, Florida, to settle his affairs–including the fate of the beloved, family-owned glass shop. Savannah intends to hand over ownership to her father’s trusted assistant and fellow glass expert, Hugh Trevor, but soon discovers the master craftsman also dead of an apparent heart attack.

As if the coincidence of the two deaths wasn’t suspicious enough, Savannah discovers a note her father left for her in his shop, warning her that she is in danger. With the local police unconvinced, it’s up to Savannah to piece together the encoded clues left behind by her father. And when her father’s apprentice is accused of the murders, Savannah is more desperate than ever to crack the case before the killer seizes a window of opportunity to cut her out of the picture. . .

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GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on Tuesday, October 6 for the chance to win a signed copy of Pain and Suffering along with a pair of handcrafted glass pendant created by Cheryl and her husband George. (US entries only, please.) Good luck everyone!

Meet the author
Cheryl Hollon writes full time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind the house, Cheryl and her husband George design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass and painted glass artworks.

You can visit Cheryl and her books at www.cherylhollon.com, on Facebook and on Twitter

My Musing ~ Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon

Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon is the first book in the NEW “Webb’s Glass Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, September 2015

To solve her father’s murder and save the family-owned glass shop, Savannah Webb must shatter a killer’s carefully constructed façade. . .

After Savannah’s father dies unexpectedly of a heart attack, she drops everything to return home to St. Petersburg, Florida, to settle his affairs–including the fate of the beloved, family-owned glass shop. Savannah intends to hand over ownership to her father’s trusted assistant and fellow glass expert, Hugh Trevor, but soon discovers the master craftsman also dead of an apparent heart attack.

As if the coincidence of the two deaths wasn’t suspicious enough, Savannah discovers a note her father left for her in his shop, warning her that she is in danger. With the local police unconvinced, it’s up to Savannah to piece together the encoded clues left behind by her father. And when her father’s apprentice is accused of the murders, Savannah is more desperate than ever to crack the case before the killer seizes a window of opportunity to cut her out of the picture.

I like it. With a cryptic message found after the death of her father and that of her “uncle,” Savannah begins an investigation using the skills she learned at her father’s hand to unspackle a killer who cunningly hides in plain sight. From the moment Savannah finds the message, this light drama takes off and the author takes us on an exciting ride as the crime and motives are explored by the clues planted and the potential suspects exposed as I watched it all played out. With a few surprising twists, the direction that pointed to the killer caught me a bit unaware until all the pieces of the puzzle stood out. The set-up of the mystery was good as it kept me reading on and I especially love the internal dialogue that Savannah has that adds to the telling of this enjoyable story. With a likable, a diversely quirky cast of characters and engaging conversations, this is a welcome addition to the cozy genre and I look forward to reading about Savannah and friends’ next adventures in “Shards of Murder.”

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog