Thursday, December 29, 2011

Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop!


YAY! Another giveaway, what could be better right around New Years? Check out all of the details below.

Big thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Babs Book Bistro for hosting this giveaway hop!

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter, complete the form below.  Please only enter ONCE, multiple entries will not be accepted.  The information provided will be used only for this book drawing, and nothing more.  All information will be deleted at the conclusion of the giveaway hop.  The winners will be announced on January 4th and will be contacted via email.  My giveaway is open to US residents ONLY and you must be a follower of my blog to win!

Here are the books I am offering (you can enter for one):

Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz


Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life.

The Last Waltz: A Novel of Love and War by G.G. Vandagriff


In December 1913, the city of Vienna glitters with promises of the future for sought- after debutante Amalia Faulhaber. But life takes a dramatic turn when simmering political unrest escalates into the most deadly war the world has ever known. Amalia is devastated when her fiance, Baron Eberhard von Waldburg, breaks off their engagement to return to his native Germany and obligatory military service. But she soon discovers that her passion for democracy in an increasingly fascist world has put everything she loves in danger. Her family torn apart and impoverished by the war, Amalia must now choose between an idealistic young Polish doctor, who shares her political views, and the wealthy Baron von Schoenenburg, an Austrian Cabinet minister who promises to provide safety and security in a violent, tumultuous time. Reminiscent of Gone with the Wind, this epic novel explores the nature of human character and the elusive search for love and peace.


Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans: Review

Oh...my...what a story! I truly loved this book and although it is my first experience with Richard Paul Evans writing, I am not a lifelong fan and am on the hunt for the rest of his work!

About the Book:

From the author of the beloved classic, The Christmas Box, comes another inspiring story of the power of love and the wonder of Christmas.

"There are stories, Christmas stories that are stored away like boxes of garlands and frosted glass ornaments, to be brought out and cherished each year. I've come to believe that my story is a Christmas story. For it has forever changed the way I see Christmas."

The Christmas season is supposed to be full of joy, but not for Mark Smart. Life had dealt him one blow after another until one snowy November night, when he finds a beautiful young woman who will change his life forever. Macy Wood has little memory of her birth parents, and memories she'd rather forget of her adopted home. A Christmas ornament inscribed with the word "Noel" is the only clue to the little sister she only vaguely remembers, a clue that will send her and Mark on a journey to reclaim her past, and her family. 

About the Author:

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

My Thoughts:

Like I mentioned before, I really loved this novel.  I picked it up on a whim at the public library as a quick Christmas read and I am so glad that this book fell into my hands.

This story is touching...and encompasses the idea that love and family come in all shapes and forms, and sometimes we need to look beyond our own losses and hardships to find true happiness and love.  The main character, Mark, really is a unique perspective to write a novel from - a man who is down and meets the woman he knows is the love of his life but must give her up so that she can deal with her own demons. 

Macy, Joette, and all of the other supporting characters add so much to the novel, even the Hummels!  And perhaps one of the best parts of this book is the relationship between Mark and Stu because that storyline is central to Mark's experiences.  I loved how the author weaved all of the stories together to create a real work of art. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the excerpts that the author introduces each chapter with from Mark's journal.  These became stepping stones for me as a reader and I marked pages down so that I could go back and write them down later...little snippets of wisdom from a regular guy, but so profound that they make a reader pause and ponder them. 

Kudos to Richard Paul Evans...I had already heard he was a fantastic author but finding out or myself was a real pleasure!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon: Review

Wow, if you're into young adult literature I can't think of a better book for you to add to your TBR stack. This is an amazing book, covering some sensitive topics in a graceful yet tough way. The author really does this subject matter justice with this read.

Book Summary:

For thirteen-year-old Sam it’s not easy being the son of known civil rights activist Roland Childs. Especially when his older brother (and best friend), Stick, begins to drift away from him for no apparent reason. And then it happens: Sam finds something that changes everything forever.

Sam has always had faith in his father, but when he finds literature about the Black Panthers under Stick’s bed, he’s not sure who to believe: his father or his best friend. Suddenly, nothing feels certain anymore.

Sam wants to believe that his father is right: You can effect change without using violence. But as time goes on, Sam grows weary of standing by and watching as his friends and family suffer at the hands of racism in their own community. Sam begins to explore the Panthers with Stick, but soon he’s involved in something far more serious — and more dangerous — than he could have ever predicted. Sam is faced with a difficult decision. Will he follow his father or his brother? His mind or his heart? The rock or the river?

About the Author:


Most people start their biographies at the beginning - when they were born. But Kekla likes to think outside the box. She lives in New York City, an exciting, wonderful and inspiring place, where she is surrounded by fascinating people of many different backgrounds. "What's a kekla?" people sometimes ask when they meet her.

Kekla loves reading and writing (are you surprised?) and she likes to play with words. Her favorite game is Boggle, and she almost always wins. (If you have never played Boggle, you should!)

Even for a word lover, it takes a lot of practice to become a good writer. Kekla went to graduate school at Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she got to practice a lot. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in Writing degree, and made lots of good friends who are children's writers, just like she is. It is a very special gift to have people in your life who understand even the strangest and most unique things about you (for instance, why you are willing to spend all day every day at your computer typing up stories about imaginary people.)

Kekla moved to New York City in 2001 after finishing college. At the time, she didn't know what she wanted to do with her life (she hadn't yet decided to be a writer), but she knew that whatever she decided to do, New York City would probably be a place she could do it. It seemed like a city where anything is possible!

As a college student at Northwestern University, Kekla studied History, which has always been one of her favorite subjects to read and write about. Many amazing, talented, brave and creative people have gone before us. Hearing their stories helps Kekla understand how the world got to be the way it is today.

Kekla wrote her first novel when she was in high school. She should have known then that she was destined to be a writer! But she just thought it was a fun thing to do in her spare time. That story was never published, and probably never will be published, but it was very much fun to write.

Kekla always liked telling stories, even when she was in elementary school. Her dad took her out to breakfast every Saturday, just so that she could tell him stories about her week. Her mom read lots of books to her and took her to the library so she could read and read and read. Kekla grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her family moved there when she was five, and her parents still live there, so she gets to go home and visit her old childhood hot spots.

Kekla is biracial - her mom is white and her dad is black. Her mom grew up in the U.S., but her ancestors came from Holland, Scotland and maybe elsewhere in Europe. Her dad grew up in Cameroon, a country in western Africa.

When Kekla was very young, she lived with her parents in Cameroon for several years. Getting to have experiences like that makes it great to be biracial!

Kekla was born in Michigan, in the summer of 1980. She was born early in the morning, so her parents named her after the sunrise. "Kekla" means "morning star" in a west African language called Bassa, which her dad speaks.

So, now you know what a Kekla is! 

My Thoughts:

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, wow this is an amazing read!  I picked it up as it was on the list of the Readers' Choice Books for Middle School 2011.  Our student book club uses this list as its reads each year so this one was on it.  Being a lover of historical fiction I was definitely interested in this book right from the start.

I think the author deserves accolades for taking on a topic not often covered in young adult literature.  The Black Panther Party is little understood by our young people and it is nice that there is a book out there that gives it some attention in an educational (not political) way.  Through the eyes of Sam, the main character, we get a clear picture at what life was like in the 1960s for young black men in urban areas.  He really does give a face to the movement and showcases the grassroots efforts during this time.

The author writes beautifully, really endearing readers to Sam and Stick and it is really a unique experience to see two characters so very different but so very much alike at the same time.  There was a truly dynamic relationship between Sam, Stick and their father and it absolutely made this novel.

I would also be remiss if I didn't comment on the actual historical information at the end of the novel - so many times people skip over this as it isn't part of the main storyline but I encouraged my students to make sure they read it because it gives a lot of background and important information about the era in which this novel takes place and the events that made it such an important time.

Midwinter's Eve Hop GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and entered my giveaway as part of the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop - it was great to be a part of it!

Here are my winners:

Imaginalis - JESSE!


Rocky Road - KAY S!

Big thanks to everyone who participated...stop back by soon, another giveaway is coming up :)

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas - What a Blessing!


I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all of my readers...what a blessing it is to be able to run this blog and be so immersed in the reading world. I am thankful for many things today, one of them being each and every person that stops by to check out my little corner of the "virtual world." 

Merry Christmas and may God bless all of us with a healthy and happy 2012!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Author Spotlight & Interview: Desiree Holt

I am delighted to share this author with you today, she is my final post on this tour and I have really been lucky to "get to know" so many great authors through it! This tour is set-up by Marissa over at Sizzling PR and I send many thanks to her!

About the Author:

Desiree Holt has lived a life of excitement that brings the color to her writing. She was a summer fishing guide, a summer field hand where she was one of only three women working, a member of a beginning ski team that skied in competition (and no, no broken bones!). She spent several years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio, and is published by four different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.”

Author Interview:

1.    What’s on your nightstand now?

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Head over Heels by Jill Shalvis
Dead BY Nightfall by Beverly Barton

2.    What was your favorite book when you were a child?

The Bobbsey Twins series and the Honey Bunch books (These go waaaaay back; bet you
thought I was a sexy blonde in her twenties!)
And in high school Seventeenth Summer, my first romance book


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Midwinter's Eve Hop - GIVEAWAY TIME!

YAY! Another giveaway, what could be better right around Christmas? Check out all of the details below.

Big thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Oasis for YA for hosting this giveaway hop!

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter, complete the form below.  Please only enter ONCE, multiple entries will not be accepted.  The information provided will be used only for this book drawing, and nothing more.  All information will be deleted at the conclusion of the giveaway hop.  The winners will be announced on December 28th and will be contacted via email.  My giveaway is open to US residents ONLY and you must be a follower of my blog to win!

Here are the books I am offering (you can enter for one):


Imaginalis by J.M. DeMatteis

What if your dearest friends were trapped in a world that was dying?

Mehera Beatrice Crosby has one great love—and it's not following the latest health fads (like her school friend Celeste), and it's definitely not Andrew Suarez (even if he does have a ridiculous crush on her). It's Imaginalis, her favorite book series.

When she learns that the long-awaited last book in the series has been canceled, Mehera is devastated—until strange events begin unfolding, and she realizes that her Imaginalian friends are counting on her to rescue them from their fading existence. Soon Mehera finds herself traveling between her world and the kingdom of Imaginalis. But what will happen when she accidentally brings the villain of the series, Pralaya, back to Earth, along with Prince Imagos and his Companions? Has Mehera doomed both worlds beyond repair, or is there a way to save Mehera's world—and Imaginalis, too?

Expert storyteller J. M. DeMatteis's richly imagined fantasy is a fast-paced adventure and a testament to the power of loyal friendship, creativity, and imagination.
Rocky Road by Rose Kent

Ice cream warms the heart, no matter what the weather.

That's the Dobson family motto. Whenever things get tough, they break out the special heart-shaped bowls and make sundaes. The road has been especially rocky lately for Tess and her deaf little brother, Jordan. Their plucky Texan mother talks big, but her get-rich-quick business schemes have only landed them in serious financial hot water.

Ma's newest idea is drastic. She abruptly moves the family to snowy Schenectady, New York, where she will use the last of their savings to open her dream business: an ice cream shop. (Too bad the only place she could find an apartment is in a senior citizens' complex.) Tess wants to be excited about this plan, but life in Schenectady is full of new worries. Who will buy ice cream in their shop's run-down neighborhood? What will happen when their money runs out? Worst of all is Ma herself-she's famous for her boundless energy and grandiose ideas, but only Tess and Jordan know about the dark days when she crashes and can't get out of bed. And Tess can't seem to find the right words to talk to Ma about it.

This moving story of family, community, and ice cream proves that with a little help from the people around us, life really can be sweet-and a little nutty-just like Rocky Road.

All you have to do is fill out the form below to enter...so easy!  Good luck, thanks so much for stopping by my blog and MERRY CHRISTMAS!


Author Spotlight & Interview: Lizzy Ford

I am really excited to share with you this author...I think you will find her work amazing and she will easily climb to the top as one of your favorite authors! Big thanks to Marissa over at Sizzling PR for allowing me to participate in this blog tour!



 
About the Author:

Lizzy Ford is the hyper-prolific author of the paranormal romance Rhyn Trilogy and War of God series, both launched in 2011, as well as multiple single title young adult fantasy and paranormal romances. Lizzy’s books have reached the bestseller lists on both Amazon US and Amazon UK in multiple categories. In December 2011, Lizzy will launch her first YA Fantasy trilogy, The Foretold Trilogy.

Lizzy is considered by most to be the ultimate writing freak of nature. She writes and publishes a novel every 30-45 days. She is also an active member of a small guild of nine passionate, talented writers, the Eclective.

Lizzy Ford’s team consists of: Matt, IT and search engine optimization expert; Christine LePorte, freelance book editor; Dafeenah, graphics artist.

To reach Lizzy, contact her here through Goodreads or by any method below.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com

About the Books:

Lizzy’s books are available from Amazon, BN, Smashwords, iBooks/iTunes, and all other eReader libraries. They include:

Rhyn Trilogy:
- "Katie’s Hellion" (Book One, May 2011)
- "Katie’s Hope" (Book Two, September 2011)
- "Rhyn’s Redemption" (March 2012)
- Short story: "Rhyn Trilogy: Origins" (October 2011)

War of Gods (Damian) Series:
- "Damian’s Oracle" (Book I, October 2011)
- "Damian’s Assassin" (Book II, November 2011)
- "Damian’s Immortal" (Book III, December 2011)
- "The Grey God" (Book IV, May 2012)

The Foretold Trilogy
- "Elle's Journey" (Book I, December 2011)

Single Titles
"The Warlord’s Secret" (April 2011)
"Maddy’s Oasis" (novella, July 2011)
"Kiera’s Moon" (August 2011)
"A Demon’s Desire" (October 2011)
"Rebel Heart" (January 2012)

Author Interview:

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, writing is now officially my full-time job, and I couldn’t be happier.

Author Interview: Stacey Kennedy of All She Wants For Christmas Is Her Dom

I am delighted to share with you another Christmas romance as part of Sizzling PR's Madame Eve's 1Night Stand Holiday Anthology Tour. This author is one I have been interested in following and I am glad to be able to feature her here today!

About the Author:
 
 Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

Check out Stacey Kennedy on the WEB HERE

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Author Interview: Rebecca Royce of I'll Be Mated for Christmas


I am ecstatic to have an author back on my blog for a second time to feature more of her work! She is great and you will love her Christmas romance I'll Be Mated for Christmas.  Big thanks to Marissa over at Sizzling PR for allowing this stop on her blog tour!

About the Book:

Bethany Johnson grew up one of the only humans in a pack of werewolves. She didn’t have an easy time and her self-confidence was almost non-existent. Finally, after some serious psychotherapy and the help of weight-loss surgery, she is feeling like the Bethany she has always wanted to be. But now she has to say goodbye to the werewolves in her life. Out with the old and in with the new this year…

Luke Denarius is the new Alpha of the Delta pack. He’s never met Bethany but the second he scents her he knows she is his. No way is she going off to Italy for adventure and hot sex with other men.

With the help of Madame Eve these two will find that a mating is in the works for Christmas.

About the Author:

As a teenager, I would hide in my room to read my favorite romance novels when I was supposed to be doing my homework. I hope, these days, that my parents think it was worth it.

I am the mother of three adorable boys and I am fortunate to be married to my best friend. We live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

I am in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and try to use all of these elements in my writing. I've been told I'm a little bloodthirsty so I hope that when you read my work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. I love to write series because I love to see characters develop over time and it always makes me happy to see my favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In my world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers!! 


Author Interview:

1.    Why do you write for children instead of adults or vice versa?

Well, I wouldn’t know how to go about writing children’s books. I’m in awe of children’s books authors. But, my mind is a dirty, dark place. I have to stay completely adult about it.  Having said that, I do have a Young Adult series and while it has no heat, it does have dark content.

Author Interview: Nina Croft of Mid-Winter Magic

I am thrilled to be able to share Nina Croft with you today, she is an amazing author of a great holiday romance that you will have to check out!  Many thanks go out to Marissa over at Sizzling PR for allowing me to help out promoting this author and book.

About the Book:

Dina, a witch and former assassin loves living an ‘ordinary’ life--not killing anyone. Now the past has finally caught up with her. Fifty years ago, she was scared to let herself love vampire, Tynan Steele, now she’s willing to take the risk. But Ty isn’t interested in love--he’s after revenge.

About the Author:

I grew up in the north of England, and after training as an accountant, I spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left me with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. I then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but have now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds.

I share the farm with my husband, three dogs, four cats, a horse, two goats and a handful of chickens. It’s a perfect place to indulge my two great passions, reading and writing.

I write lots of different things, but mainly paranormal and science-fiction, usually with a strong element of romance.

Nina Croft on the WEB
Nina Croft on FACEBOOK
Nina Croft on TWITTER

Author Interview:

1. What books have most influenced your life most?

Probably The Lord of the Rings. I remember reading it when I was about ten and being totally mesmerized with the idea that you could make up whole new worlds.

2. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

A single author doesn’t come to mind. I guess it would change at regular intervals depending on what I needed at that particular point. It would probably be an established author, who has been around for a while, and who could give me advice on long term goals. And maybe someone who writes in different genres like Nora Roberts and JD Robb.

3. What book are you reading now?

I’m reading, A Clash of Kings, by George R R Martin. I still love big, fat fantasy books.

4. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Right now—I have to say no. Not because there aren’t loads of great new authors out there, but because I’ve sort of been taken over by my own writing, so when I do find the time to read, I tend to go for things I know I’ll love.

I used to read all the time. Now I write all the time. I’m hoping that somewhere, sometime, I’ll find a balance.

5. What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on book three of my Blood Hunter series. It’s science fiction romance with a paranormal twist. I wrote the first draft during Nanowrimo—now I have to start the hard work of editing.

I’m also working on a contemporary romance for Entangled publishing’s new Indulgence line, and a fantasy romance—the third novella in my Laws of Segregation series.

6. Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My great crit group, Passionate Critters. We’re a group of romance writers at various stages of publication. We crit each others’ work, share industry information, and give out lots of hugs when needed.

7. Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. I’m not a very organized person though, and I think I need to take some time out and think about long term career goals.

8. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I’m writing a contemporary at the moment – in hindsight I’d definitely change it and add a vampire, unfortunately that wouldn’t fit in with the line.

9. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always been an avid reader, but I actually started writing while I worked as a volunteer in Africa. We were based in a small village on the banks of Lake Kariba. We had no TV, no internet, and very few books (this was before ebooks existed!) but I did have a (rather large) laptop, and I started writing as a means to entertain myself.

10. Describe what it’s like to be an author in three words.

Absolutely brilliant job!

12. What is your favorite genre of literature?

That’s a really hard one, but I’ll go with ‘speculative’ as that covers a lot of my favorites.

13. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Probably again in Africa when I started really writing seriously – it’s addictive!

14. What would you consider to be the best book you have ever read?

The very best? Just one?  That’s hard. Okay – one book that I go back to again and again is Dune by Frank Herbert. It’s got everything, adventure, romance, mystery, magic and great big worms.
 


Monday, December 19, 2011

Jealous and Freakin' by Eve Langlais: Book Spotlight



I am stoked to share this book with you today...it is part of a giveaway blitz that Sizzling PR is sponsoring.  Big thanks for allowing me to be a part of it all!

About the Book:

Francine's loved Mitchell, a wolf like herself, since she first set eyes on him back when they were just kids. However, Mitchell's never seen her as more than another annoying sister. Determined to make him realize she's all grown up, she enlists the aide of Alejandro, a gorgeous cat shifter. She never counted on wanting them both.

Alejandro knows Francine is special from the first moment he meets the fiery plump wolf, which is why he suggests she use him to make Mitchell jealous. A great plan, especially if it means he gets to kiss those luscious lips. One taste, though, and he's addicted, but how does he make her see past the man she loves to realize she's also meant to be his mate?

For a long time now, Mitchell's been avoiding Francine, his bratty sister's friend. However, the little girl he remembers is all grown up, and when he sees her in the arms of another, a need to claim her overrides all his common sense. But, he's waited too long and fate has decided that he's going to have to share. Can he bend enough to accept Francine with her other man, or will his freakn' jealousy send him running?

About the Author:

I'm writing romance the way I like it--hot with a touch of paranormal fun. I enjoy reading and writing stories that push the envelope of what we consider normal, and I love to push boundaries--and in some cases totally smash them. I tend to have a lot of sexual tension in my tales as I think all torrid love affairs start with a tingle in our tummies. My heroes are very male, you could even say border line chest thumping at times. So if you want a truly sensitive man, I am not for you. But that said, my men will do almost anything for the one they love. Even babysit.

My Thoughts:

This is an interesting twist on a love story and very much outside the norm of what I read.  I think the author does a great job peaking your interest, especially when it comes to who the main character will end up with.  I am not usually a big fan of books with a lot of erotica but this one wasn't bad - the author handles the adult scenes very tastefully.

It is entertaining, and a very light quick read.  Having not read the first novel in this series I was worried I would be missing some contextual information but I wasn't, it is a stand-alone novel. 

The characters are likeable, the storyline interesting and the overall novel a good one - worth adding to your TBR list.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The 58th Keeper by R.G. Bullet: Book Spotlight & Review

I am excited to share this book with you today, it is one that I really enjoyed and because I liked it so much I wanted to share it with everyone! Big thanks to Pump Up Your Book for allowing me to share in this tour!

About the Book:

The 58th Keeper is the story of a boy called Archy Bass, who stumbles upon a mysterious and powerful relic. The moment he touches it, two warring forces race to find his whereabouts. One side thinks he’s simply too young and too inexperienced to keep it, and the other just want him dead. The 58th Keeper is a roaring trip that takes the reader on the most wonderful and hair-raising scenes imaginable. R. G. Bullet pulls out all stops in his Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00041] debut novel to deliver an incredible journey with unforgettable characters. This book will resonate with you for ages past the last line.

Read an Excerpt HERE

About the Author:

R. G. Bullet was born in Berkshire, UK. After living in nine different countries he has finally settled in Miami Beach, USA. He is addicted to tea, reading, writing, motorbikes and shamefully, Call of Duty. His middle grade debut novel: The 58th Keeper has just been released.

To learn more go to: http://www.rgbullet.com/
Follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RGBullet58 
and join the fan page for the latest updates and fun competitions
https://www.facebook.com/rgbullet#!/profile.php?id=100002401835900

Read the Reviews:

    “Tension and suspense. Magic and mayhem. Mystical and wonderfully creative. Impressive and inventive. This is a  series kids will be adding to their list of must reads!“



My Thoughts:

I am a big cover person and I LOVED THIS COVER!  I think it is great and will really attract readers to it.

What a huge adventure, that is how I would describe this book!  Full of twists and turns, this is a book that I can see kids really getting into and a series that they would really follow.

I loved how the main character, Archy Bass, developed throughout the novel.  He is a great character and has a lot of the qualities that I look for when I read a book.  I can see kids really identifying with him and enjoying his situation and adventures.

I really did enjoy the setting too, which is something that really is key for me in a book.  Ending up in Turkey on an archaeological dig is quite unusual for kids but the author does a fantastic job tying it all in!

I handed this novel to a student of mine and am anxiously awaiting his reviews - which I will post to the blog when I have it.


Friday, December 16, 2011

Eve Langlais Giveaway Blitz: Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY!

I am stoked to share this giveaway blitz with you today...thanks for stopping by and checking it out!  Big thanks to Marissa at Sizzling PR for including my blog in this tour :)

To enter the giveaway, fill out the form below.


About the Book:

Francine's loved Mitchell, a wolf like herself, since she first set eyes on him back when they were just kids. However, Mitchell's never seen her as more than another annoying sister. Determined to make him realize she's all grown up, she enlists the aide of Alejandro, a gorgeous cat shifter. She never counted on wanting them both.

Alejandro knows Francine is special from the first moment he meets the fiery plump wolf, which is why he suggests she use him to make Mitchell jealous. A great plan, especially if it means he gets to kiss those luscious lips. One taste, though, and he's addicted, but how does he make her see past the man she loves to realize she's also meant to be his mate?

For a long time now, Mitchell's been avoiding Francine, his bratty sister's friend. However, the little girl he remembers is all grown up, and when he sees her in the arms of another, a need to claim her overrides all his common sense. But, he's waited too long and fate has decided that he's going to have to share. Can he bend enough to accept Francine with her other man, or will his freakn' jealousy send him running? 

About the Author:

I'm writing romance the way I like it--hot with a touch of paranormal fun. I enjoy reading and writing stories that push the envelope of what we consider normal, and I love to push boundaries--and in some cases totally smash them. I tend to have alot of sexual tension in my tales as I think all torrid love affairs start with a tingle in our tummies. My heroes are very male, you could even say border line chest thumping at times. So if you want a truly sensitive man, I am not for you. But that said, my men will do almost anything for the one they love. Even babysit. 



Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart: Blog Tour

I am thrilled to share this book with you today - it is a favorite of mine as a mother of two young children and a lover of the beach, ocean and animals. Big thanks to Pump Up Your Book for allowing me to help out with this one!

About the Book:

Bella and Britt think living by the beach is the coolest thing ever.  When they discover a Loggerhead Sea Turtle laying her eggs in broad daylight, the girls go into action to help.

No one, though, seems to care about the nest.  The beach is a busy place and is getting busier by the minute on such a beautiful summer day.  What can they do?  Who will help, and what do they learn about themselves?

As a bonus, Sea Turtle Summer contains kid appealing facts about sea turtles.

About the Author:

After having been both an elementary school teacher, a university professor of education and a consultant for New Options, Inc. in New York City, Nancy Stewart writes children’s books full time.   She, her husband and three sons, lived in London for eight years, where she was a consultant to several universities, including Cambridge.

 Her travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. Nancy is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education.

Nancy is the author of the Bella and Britt picture book series, One Pelican at a Time, Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award.

She was featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) series, Gulfwatch.  It concerned the writing of One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill.

She and her family live in St. Louis and Tampa.

Nancy’s web and blog sites are:

http://www.nancystewartbooks.com

http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Book Excerpt:

Next morning, the girls looked carefully at the nest, making sure not to touch it.        

“Our stick’s still here, and everything seems okay,” observed Britt.

Bella sighed.  “But there’s no sign of the ranger.”

“And here comes the sand cleaner!” cried Britt.  “We have to do something fast.”  

“Quick!  Hold hands across the nest.  Maybe he’ll stop in time!” Bella yelled.

The sand cleaning machine came to a squealing stop right in front of the girls. “What do you two think you’re doing?” bellowed the startled driver.   “You could have been hurt!”

“We’re saving sea turtles!” they both shouted over the noisy vehicle.

“Sorry, girls, but volleyball nets are going up right here in a few minutes,” said the driver.   “There’s an all city play-off this morning.”

“Oh, no,” Bella sighed.  “What about the nest?”


My Thoughts:

I really did enjoy this book - it is one that I have read before, and shared with my kids who also loved it.  The premise is simple, take care of the earth and her creatures and I can't think of a better lesson for kids to learn.  Sea turtles also happens to be a great animal to teach this lesson with since they are endangered.

I like the simplicity of the story, the basic writing that reaches even the youngest child.  I would be remiss if I didn't also mention the illustrations, which are beautiful and accompany the story in a phenomenal way.  The author and illustrator do jointly tell the story in two different ways, and kids appreciate that.

I would strongly recommend this book as an addition to any classroom or library, especially at the elementary level.  I look forward to checking out more of Nancy's work in the future!

 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Beachwalk Press Authors: Spicy Authors Guest Blog + GIVEAWAY

This kind of post is a first for me but I am very excited to share it with you. Beachwalk Press Authors are touring with Sizzling PR and they have agreed to share guest blogs with my readers today.  I think you will find these entertaining to say the least!

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
Beachwalk Press will be sponsoring giveaways at the end of this blog tour. Everyone who comments on a post will have their name placed in a drawing (be sure to include an email address so we have a way to contact you). On Monday, December 19th we will randomly choose four people who will win a Beachwalk Press eBook of their choice from any of the authors who participated on the tour. The more blogs you comment on, the more times you are entered to win! For a list of all the blogs we will be visiting on this tour, click here: http://beachwalkpress.com/2011/11/beachwalk-press-holiday-blog-tour/

BEACHWALK PRESS HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT:
During the month of December, Beachwalk Press will be hosting a Holiday Scavenger Hunt. There will be multiple winners, and the prizes will include gift certificates, Godiva chocolates, and a Kindle Fire! Visit our website for more information. http://beachwalkpress.com/


We hope you have a nice and naughty holiday season. Stop by and check us out. We LOVE company…

Spicin’ It Up: http://spicyauthors.blogspot.com/


Naughty or Nice?

Happy Holidays! We’re the authors of Beachwalk Press and we run a little blog together called Spicin’ It Up. We dish about upcoming releases, what inspires us to write, and any other “Spicy” topic that happens to pop into our heads. We hope you’ll come join us at http://spicyauthors.blogspot.com/

***
Theresa Stillwagon

BACK WHEN I WAS YOUNG

Christmas was always a big deal to my family. It was the one time we all got together around the table.

Well, actually it was two tables.
I come from a big family.
A big, Catholic family.

My parents would put two tables end-to-end in our long, narrow living room, and that’s where we’d eat our Christmas dinner. Usually a traditional one. Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, corn, rolls, finished off with pumpkin and apple pies.

Some of us went to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and the rest of us went in the morning. We usually ate around two.

The tree sat in the corner near the sliding front door, brightly decorated and lit up. If I’m remembering right, it sat there until after the new year.

It was a real tree. My dad and brothers went out into the woods near us and chopped it down. (This was when I was real young.) When I got older, we would go and buy one at a Christmas tree lot.

We never had a fake one.

I haven’t cooked a traditional Christmas meal, decorated a tree (real or fake) in many years. And, sadly, I haven’t been inside a church.

Life was so much simpler back then.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and joyful Christmas.


Light Under the House by Aaron L.: Review & Book Tour

I am delighted to share this book with you today as it tours with Pump Up Your Book Virtual Publicity Tour. It is an intriguing read and one that you won't want to miss!

About the Book:

Light Under the House is the saga of an American family—the Levis, a family of secrets. None greater than the secret of what lies under their house, a secret that could destroy them. A secret that an ancient evil will stop at nothing to uncover. The novel follows the Levi family line for a generation, creating a story that explores lives lived in the aftermath of the cultural rebellion of the late 1960’s. It is a historical fiction novel that shows the power of consequence and the hope of redemption. Most of all, it is a story about fathers and their children. 

About the Author:

Aaron L might be a newcomer to the creation of Christian fiction but is not one when it comes to the arts and all things creative. He spent a lot of his time drawing as a kid, growing up in many places, from Seattle to South Africa. Aaron always knew that his future lay in this field. In 2010, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in graphic design. Although the usual application of this degree is in the creation of print art, Aaron chose instead to focus his creative skills on the task of storytelling. With his first novel, “Light Under the House”, Aaron seeks to display his creativity in this promising new arena.

Author on Goodreads

My Thoughts:

This tale was full of mystery and intrigue and it certainly is a page-turner.  From the jump you want to know what happens with this family and where their story goes. 

There are so many subplots within this book it really does keep your interest as a reader.  The reading is heavy, but it is worthwhile.  I was very interested in how the author connected the events of the present with the events of the very far back past and he does it effectively.

There are a lot of graphic scenes in this novel and some of which will make even the toughest reader cringe.  It is not for the faint of heart but the author does a great job incorporating those scenes into the overall story.  I think that this is they type of reading you do to get out of your comfort zone and into something that requires a reader to think, analyze, and predict.

The characters are well-portrayed and well-developed.  I think you have to be extremely creative and intelligent to take a novel in this direction for sure.

Add it to your TBR list, but know ahead of time that this isn't a light and airy read...but sometimes we need that, right?