Kristin and Ben, Authors

08/24/2026

We’re still completely SOLD OUT of paperback and hardcover copies of Death at the Paper Palace... which is a pretty wonderful problem to have. 🥹📚

But! If you’re hoping to snag a copy, we know just the place: Caramel Crisp in Oshkosh! 🍂☕️

We loved visiting this charming little shop. They have delicious ice cream, darling gifts, a wonderful selection of books, and the coziest little sitting area! It would be the perfect spot to meet a friend for a cup of coffee... or gather your book club to discuss a cozy mystery. 🔎📖☕️

If you haven’t been to Caramel Crisp, do yourself a favor and stop in. Grab an ice cream, browse the books and gifts, settle into a cozy chair…and maybe take a certain small-town Wisconsin mystery home with you. 😉

Thank you, Caramel Crisp, for giving Death at the Paper Palace such a lovely home on your shelves! ❤️

BookClubReads CozyMysteryBooks

08/17/2026

🔎THE CASE OF THE MISSING MYSTERY 🔎

Kristin and Ben stopped by the Neenah Public Library this morning to check on one of its newest additions… Death at the Paper Palace! 📚

There was just one little problem.

It was nowhere to be found. 😳

The catalog insisted it was there. Kristin and Ben searched the New Mystery display. They searched the shelves. Then not one, but TWO librarians joined the investigation.

Still no Death at the Paper Palace.

So here they are with the picture they meant to take… with only imaginary books where the real one should be. 😭😂

Was it checked out so recently the system hadn’t caught up? Mis-shelved? Ben thinks it might have been secretly whisked away—The Thomas Crown Affair-style—by a mystery-loving culprit.

What do you think—does Ben have a case? 🕵️‍♀️📚🐾

08/14/2026

Every detail matters, even the whiskers and whisks! 🐾🥄

We’re still working behind the scenes to make the additional pages in Death at the Paper Palace just right. One of those pages features a recipe from the story, which called for a special little culinary twist on our Tales & Tails Publishing logo!

Our bookish kitty, Minnie, has traded “Publishing” for a chef’s hat and whisk, and we think she’s absolutely adorable. 👩‍🍳🐈‍⬛

We can’t wait for you to see the finished pages!

08/13/2026

Yesterday we dropped off Mary Treasured at Richeson Gallery for the CREATE! Art Competition, where Ben’s piece was accepted into the Professional category. Seeing Mary lined up alongside the other entries felt especially meaningful when we thought about where she began.

Swipe ➡️ to see a Nativity Ben drew as a child—and then the finished Mary Treasured all these years later.

From a little boy drawing the Christmas story to an artist still telling that same story through his work. Some subjects stay with you. ❤️

“And Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
—Luke 2:19

We’re so grateful to see Mary Treasured included in this year’s art show and can’t wait to see the gallery once everything is hung!

07/25/2026

Ben and Kristin took a little field trip today! 😊 We visited Art in the Park to scout out the event, admire the work of fellow artists, and gather a little inspiration. Ben loved browsing the artwork, and Kristin couldn't pass up the chance to play an instrument made from recycled propane tank covers. We came home with lots of ideas—and a renewed appreciation for the creativity around us.

07/24/2026

The best way to choose a gelato flavor? Don’t choose—sample them all! 🍨😄 Every tiny spoonful is another chance to discover a new favorite. Even better when you’re exploring with a travel buddy! ❤️ It was between grapefruit sorbet and salted caramel mocha. We both ended up going with the mocha! What's your favorite flavor of gelato?

07/21/2026

✨ Meet Alex Gerhartz ✨

If you’ve read Death at the Paper Palace, you’ve already met Alex—one of Becca Gables’ closest friends, Bible teacher at Grace Lutheran Church, and the artist behind Gerhartz Gallery & Studio.

Alex has a gift for seeing beauty where others see ordinary things. He loves painting, Christmas (all year long!), grilled cheese made with good old-fashioned plastic cheese, and spending time with his little green budgie, Remy. 🦜🎨

In Fall from Grace, however, Alex discovers that sometimes reputation and evidence are at odds, especially in a little town like Crystal Run.

❤️ Fun fact: The painting featured here is a real oil painting by Balexander (Ben) titled Visit to Grandma’s. It also makes a special appearance in Fall from Grace!

📖 Have you met Alex yet? What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned about him so far?

MeetTheCharacter AlexGerhartz ChristianFiction Bookstagram WisconsinAuthors

07/20/2026

One more milestone! 📚

Fall from Grace is officially in our copy editor’s hands.

Every book is the result of countless prayers, revisions, late nights, and God’s faithfulness. We’re excited to be one step closer to sharing this story with you.

Thank you for cheering us on every step of the way. ❤️

07/17/2026

We had a blast at the Local Author Fair! Can't wait until next year!

Thank you to all the readers that came to the 2026 Local Author Fair at the Appleton Farm Market!

This year we had 25 author participate and over 85 unique book titles on display. We'll see you next summer but until then, give your new favorite author a follow:

>Romance
Leah Dobrinska, Author
Laurie Winter, author

>Sci-fi/Fantasy
Rebecca M. Zornow, Author
Richard Sweitzer
Kira Moericke
Nathan Ray Dantoin
Bj Vanderhoof
Ryan Johnson
Shirley Heinz

>Horror
Sarah Read
Artemis Quinn Burnett

>Historical Fiction
Tammy Tomtschik Borden
Ryan Surprise - Author
Kimberly Anne Conway - Author

>Thrillers & Mystery
Amy Frances
Roger Skrypczak
Kristin and Ben, Authors

>Children's
Jacqueline Paske Gill
Erin Giles
Jenn Barnard

>Poetry & Literary Fiction
Emma David
Josh Rank