Sunday, January 16, 2022

Who is Tina Kashian? from @TinaKashian1 #Giveaway #SpotlightSunday

 Hello! TINA KASHIAN here. I’m excited to be the first MLK author for our Spotlight Sunday. What is Spotlight Sunday? It’s a chance for each of us to talk a bit about ourselves, our writing journey, and our books. Since I’m relatively new to MLK, many may not know much about me. I’ll have an upcoming February release, MURDER IN THE MOUNTIAINS, that I’ll talk about below and offer a giveaway. 


Pre-Order for only $0.99 here: https://bit.ly/3naP5W0

 

I write the Kebab Kitchen mysteries set at a Mediterranean restaurant at the Jersey Shore. The first book in the series is “Hummus and Homicide.” Lucy Berberian is a recovering Philadelphia lawyer who returns home to her family’s restaurant and promptly encounters the new health inspector, a former high school rival and bully. After the health inspector serves up a list of bogus heath violations, she eats at Kebab Kitchen’s famous hummus bar, then drops dead in the parking lot. Lucy, who served the woman her last meal, is a prime suspect.

 

This is a series from my own heart. I’m a first generation American and my Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years in south Jersey. I grew up in the business. My mother carried me around as a baby to greet customers. I worked as a tween rolling silverware in napkins, then as a teenager hostessing and waitressing. The tips paid for my prom gown. I have memories of local customers, chatty waitstaff and temperamental cooks in a hot kitchen. My mother was a talented cook and spoke five languages. Yes, five! I’d often come home from school to the delicious aromas of simmering grape leaves, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, and shish kebab. Lunch at school was hummus and pita instead of peanut butter and jelly at a time when hummus wasn’t as popular as it is now. It wasn’t always fun as a teenager to have an eccentric, ethnic family. But I’ve grown to value my own roots and my own colorful cast of family members. In contrast, my husband can almost trace his roots back to the Mayflower. We have two daughters who have the best of both worlds, and yes, they know how to make hummus and like it.

 

I shared my hummus recipe on the MLK blog HERE:

 

As for my writing journey, it started when I discovered my love of reading. I began late, 8th grade. English was my second language and I struggled with reading as a kid. But boy did I catch up fast and started devouring books. I began to write my own stories. I wrote my first book when I was sixteen. I was thrilled to finish, but that book is under my bed and will never see the light of day.

 

I was also a very shy teenager. I had scoliosis and had to wear a brace. The doctor told me I had to wear it 23 hours a day, only a one-hour break to shower. The only exception was if I was in a swimming pool. There’s no gravity in the water and it’s much easier on the spine. I immediately joined the swim team as a thirteen-year-old. I loved the freedom of the water—the escape from that awful brace! I’ve never stopped swimming, and I’m an avid lap swimmer. 

 

Thereafter, I graduated college with a mechanical engineering degree, then a law degree. During my commutes to a Philadelphia law firm, I plotted books in my head. I started writing a historical romance. I loved Jane Austen, especially “Pride and Prejudice'', and rooted for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The Regency period fascinated me–the gowns, the carriages, and the manners. I published thirteen books for Kensington and Entangled Publishing under the pen name Tina Gabrielle. I still practice part-time law, but to have more time with my children, I’ve pivoted to working as a middle school librarian, my most challenging and rewarding position so far (other than as a mother.)

 

Meanwhile, I started reading mysteries. I discovered cozies. I began including more and more mystery in my romances. My most popular historical novel published by Kensington Books is “In the Barrister’s Chambers” which featured an English barrister and a lady who seeks his help to clear her beau’s name of murder. Publisher’s Weekly called it, “a Regency series with legal backbone…the tale is bolstered by enthusiastically detailed portrayals of England's Regency-era legal system, and witty comradely repartee.”

 

Learn more: http://www.tinagabrielle.com/inthebarristerschambers.html

 

So, what’s new from me now?

This past fall, my short story was published in an anthology, “MIDNIGHT HOUR” with Crime Writers of Color from Crooked Lane Books. My Story is "CAPE MAY MURDER." The anthology received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, as well as wonderful reviews from Kirkus, and the NY Journal of Books.

 

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3I6FBCJ

 

UPCOMING RELEASE! I’m excited for my upcoming February 1, 2022 release, “MURDER IN THE MOUNTAINS.” Nine authors are participating in this anthology, including our own MLK author, Leslie Budewitz. My story is “A KILLER POCONO HIKE,” and it features my Kebab Kitchen amateur sleuth, Lucy and her BFF Katie. To escape the stress of wedding planning, Lucy goes on a week-long getaway with Katie, her maid of honor, to the Pocono Mountains. The two friends look forward to leaf peeping, hiking, dining in the resort’s five-star restaurant, and receiving relaxing massages. But murder foils their plans…

 

This story is based on a real-life Pocono getaway. My husband’s entire family is from the Poconos, and we visit often. During Covid and quarantine last fall, we went a bit stir crazy stuck in the house with the kids and with John working from home. But what could we do safely? A group of families with tweens and teens the same age as our girls decided to go on a fall Pocono hike. The trees were ablaze with color and the fresh mountain air was a lovely escape. We came upon a karst cave, as deep and deadly as a sinkhole. No fence surrounded the sinkhole and one of the mother’s yelled at her son to stay back from the ledge. My writer’s mind immediately came up with a killer plot.

You can pre-order “Murder in the Mountains” for a special price of only $0.99!

 

 Pre-Order for $0.99 here: https://bit.ly/3naP5W0

  

GIVEAWAY!  Winner’s choice. You can pick from an ebook of “Murder in the Mountains” when it releases on 2/1/22 or a signed, print copy of “On the Lamb,” my Easter cozy mystery in my Kebab Kitchen series. (U.S. Only for print). My books are set at the Jersey Shore and now at the Poconos. So, what is your favorite getaway? A winner will be selected from one of the comments. Please leave an email address. 

 

Learn more here:https://amzn.to/2PP9nEd

 

Last, please visit my website at www.tinakashian.com to join my newsletter, receive delicious recipes, enter contests, and more.

You can also connect with me at:
Website: www.tinakashian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaKashianAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaKashian1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tinakashian/

 

Thank you for reading our first Spotlight Sunday. I love my MLK family!

Tina (sharing a pic of my puppy Joy)
xoxo




 

 

 

65 comments:

  1. My favorite *dream* getaway would be Paris, since I've never been there, and it would be cool to eat macarons and crepes, and see the beautiful architecture and the masterpieces in the museums!

    jsmith[delete brackets]3may[delete brackets]2011

    [at symbol]

    yahoo[dot]com

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    1. John, Paris is the perfect dream getaway! We've been there twice and loved every minute!

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    2. Hi John, I'd love to visit Paris! We went many years ago and I still remember the beautiful view from the Eiffel Tower. I hope to take my girls someday.

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  2. I loved learning more about you Tina--you're so accomplished! Who would have predicted you would start with mechanical engineering and end up writing mysteries??

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    1. Well, there is quite a bit of "engineering" that goes into plotting a good mystery!

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    2. Thank you, Lucy! I love your series.

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  3. I love this peek into your history, Tina! And I've preordered the new anthology - can't wait.

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    1. Thank you, Edith. I'm honored to be part of the MLK group

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  4. Really enjoyed learning more about the author of these wonderful books. What an interesting and diverse background!

    Our favorite getaway use to be the Ozark Mountains of AR. However, we loved it so much that 5 years ago we moved there and get to enjoy it full time. So now, being retired and when health and Covid allow, we love traveling to destinations on our bucket list to see and photograph the landscapes and critters as well as exploring the towns and foods of the different areas. We love going to the national parks and have been to several before Covid. Our plans for 2020 had to all be cancelled and 2021 were limited to shorter close to home trips. WE have big hopes for 2022.

    Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a print copy of “On the Lamb". Shared and hoping to be the very fortunate one selected.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Hi Kay, Visiting the National Parks would be wonderful. I want to take the family to Yellowstone. I'm not a great photographer, but the iPhone now makes it easier to take pictures. Thanks for sharing your favorite getaway.

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  5. My only "getaway" was an exchange trip to Germany in high school. I got to see so much in many different cities, had some amazing food, and met great people. I'd love to make it back again someday. Plus a whole list of other places I'd like to travel to!
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Alicia, what a great high school trip! I'd jump at the chance to go when I was in high school. My daughter is scheduled for a trip to Disney with her class, but we are not sure if the trip will be canceled because of Covid. It's sad for them, but we have our fingers crossed.

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  6. So great to get to know more about you. Awesome spotlight! LOVE the pics of Joy, too.

    Valerie

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    1. Hi Valerie, So glad you are joining MLK! Joy sits under my desk when I write and makes sure I take breaks to walk her. She's a great dog. I love seeing pictures of your poodles!

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  7. I would love a copy of On The Lamb if I am lucky enough to win. I am also a Jersey girl, and going down the shore has always been my favorite getaway. Your puppy Joy is beautiful. I love hummus. Thank you for sharing the recipe, and thank you for this chance! areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Robyn, Thanks for commenting. We still go to Ocean City and Wildwood Crest at the Jersey shore every summer. It's not far from where we live and a beach vacation is my favorite. I prefer warm weather over cold. And it is cold in NJ today!

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  8. Our favorite getaway would be the smokey mountains in Tennessee. We haven't been in over 3 years. Here's hoping we make it later this year. Enjoyed reading your spotlight! Thank is for the chance!

    jarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I've never been to the smokey mountains, and I'm sure they are beautiful. We do visit the Poconos to see John's family a lot and the mountains are lovely all the seasons

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  9. Welcome today. Thanks for the give a way. One of my favorite get a ways is into nature. I love to go to Botanical Gardens. We have a big wonderful one near by. I also love to go to our zoo. Brookfield Zoo is large and full of wonder and lots of animals.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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    1. Hi Lori, my oldest daughter loves the zoo and she says she wants to study biology and plants. I would like to tour Botanical Gardens. We have one by us, but it is mostly outdoors and lovely in the spring and summer.

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  10. What a delightful introduction to you and our new Spotlight feature, Tina! So nice to more about you.

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    1. Thanks, Molly. Looking forward to your spotlight!

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  11. Nice learning more about you, Tina! We have seen many beautiful sights around the country, but our favorite getaway is probably visiting different islands in the Caribbean. Also have a mile-long bucket list of other countries to visit. That's such a cute photo of you and your bundle of "Joy"! I'd probably choose the print copy of On the Lamb for the giveaway. Thanks. lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

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    1. Ah, the Caribbean. I'd love to be there now. It's cold out today!

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  12. Great to know you better.
    My husband worked with Andree Abramoff in NYC. She left publishing to open a restaurant, Andre's Mediterranean Cuisine and, later, Café Crocodile in Manhattan. She went on to great renown in the restaurant world. Sadly, Covid took her and her delightful husband last year.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. That's so sad, Libby. It's also a great story of how she left publishing to open a Mediterranean restaurant. She followed her dream.

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  13. At this point, I'd be happy to get away to the other side of the county, let alone the other side of the country! Delightful to learn more about you and your books.

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    1. Too funny, Leslie. Looking forward to your Spotlight post in the future!

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  14. I love going Up North in Minnesota! That’s my favorite place.
    bmedrano34 at yahoo.com

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  15. Wow--I had not idea about so much of your life, girl, including your alter-ego as Tina Gabrielle. Love it! (And love that pen name, too.)

    And now you've made me hungry for hummus, even though it's only 8am here in Hawai'i.

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    1. Hi Leslie! I have trouble keeping the two names apart sometimes. At least they both start with my name Tina and I will turn around if you call me either. :)

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  16. It’s fun to learn more about you. I love visiting the Oregon coast as a getaway.
    awanstrom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi April, the Oregon coast sounds lovely right now.

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  17. I worked in a Greek restaurant for years when I was young and loved it. The job was fun and the food was delicious. My goal is to someday go to Scotland and Ireland, hopefully soon. Honestly I would enjoy either one of these books but I guess I would pick On the Lamb.
    clugston.kathy@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Kathy, I'd love to go to both Scotland and Ireland and both are on my bucket list. My husband is partly Irish and we'd bring the whole family.

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  18. I love going on a cruise trip when we can afford to go because of all the delicious food and getting to see multiple places. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Cherie, we cruised Alaska in the psst and it was one of my most memorable vacations. Now I'm a bit nervous because of Covid to go on a cruise and will wait a while. Hope this all ends soon

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  19. Congratulations on your new series. Love Greek food and really enjoy your Kebab series.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Thanks so much for telling us about yourself on this first Spotlight Sunday. It's great how you've taken on new challenges and adapted the work you do at various stages of your life. In summers my parents often took us to the Poconos to escape the heat of Queens when I was growing up. They eventually bought a house there. As a P&P lover, I look forward to reading In the Barrister's Chambers. My favorite place to visit is Italy for the history, the food, and the wine. ~Maya

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  21. Hi MaryAnn, it's nice you grew up with a Pocono house. I like to visit there best in the spring and summer. I'm not a good skier. I'd love to visit Italy! The food, art and history call to me.

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  22. Hi, Tina -- What a fantastic first Spotlight Sunday for MLK, and what an exciting life journey you've been on from your family's restaurant to law to librarian and author. Cheers for opening up to us with this beauitful essay. Your photos are adorable, too. And happy congrats on the upcoming publication of MURDER IN THE MOUNTAINS. Loved hearing about the inspiration for your story "A Killer Pocono Hike" (gave me chills!) and I can't wait to read it. ~ Cleo

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  23. I have read and enjoyed the first four books in your Kebab series. I think a getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a nice one.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  24. I recently discovered your Kebab Kitchen series and I love it so far! Visiting Ireland is on my bucket list. kapw(at)iquest(dot)net

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    1. Thank you! I'm happy to hear you like the series. My husband is part Irish and visiting Ireland is on our bucket list, too.

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  25. I like to take trips to San Diego. There is so much to do there and it is close.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Linda. I've visited San Diego and it is truly beautiful and the weather is always pleasant. Good choice!

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  26. Well, I live in the Pocono Mountain region and my favorite vacation is at the Jersey shore with my family! I would love to read your books, starting with "On the Lamb"!
    Lisacobblestone(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Hi Lisa, you have a lot in common with me. We enjoy both the Poconos and the Jersey shore.

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  27. My favorite getaway is Cape May New Jersey.
    Thanks for the chance!
    Jess
    maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Ah, Cape May...lovely in the summer with the Victorian Homes and nice beach.

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  28. I would love to go to Venice, Italy and then the Greek Isles as my dream vacation. Thank you so much for this chance at your giveaway. pgenest57 at aol dot com

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    1. The Greek Isles would be a dream vacation for sure!

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  29. I would love to head to the French Alps for food, wine and mountains.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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    1. My daughter wants to visit Paris and then I'd take her to the French Alps. One day in the future, I hope.

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  30. I love to go to Lake Tahoe. Right now there's lots of snow, but its beautiful in the summer too. Thanks for a chance at your giveaway
    babemomara@att.net

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    1. Hi Babe, I think Lake Tahoe in the summer is a good choice, too!

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  31. Mackinaw Island is my favorite place in Michigan. tWarner419@aol.com

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  32. Loved reading your history and background. Both settings are interesting. I'm also from the Mid-Atlantic area. Either book sounds fantastic.

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  33. There are so many places I would love to visit! When we have a chance for a getaway, we usually head to the Outer Banks in NC.

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  34. On the Lamb is the only book in the series that I need. I haven't traveled in years. I went to Williamsburg, Virginia once. I've also visited Toronto twice and took a bus tour to Niagara Falls.

    Catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. I usually do staycations, but have enjoyed a trip to Hawaii.
    wskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com

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