Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
Suddenly let go from her news anchor position, Aria Roberts heads north to stay at her late Great-Aunt Clara’s house. She has many good memories there and wishes to give Clara’s Christmas Shoppe, which is located on the first floor of the Victorian mansion, one final holiday season. When Aria arrives, she finds the special gift Clara left for her—an antique nutcracker with a poem hidden under the back lever. Aria reads the poem out loud. At sundown that night, those words magically bring the nutcracker to life.
Kort Zellner awakes inside the familiar surroundings of Clara’s house but learns she has passed away and now her great-niece resides there. The curse placed on him three hundred years ago traps him in the form of a nutcracker but allows him to return every December 1st through midnight on Christmas Day—only between sundown and sunrise.
After some convincing, Aria believes Kort’s strange story. She helps him experience life as he is gifted so few hours alive and in doing so, falls in love. He knows his curse makes it impossible to give her the constant relationship she deserves. His plan to leave her forever on Christmas Day collides with Aria’s desire to build a future together, even if for only twenty-five nights a year.
Aria Roberts is staying at her Aunt Clara’s house and wants to give her Christmas Shoppe a go for one more year. When she finds a gift from her aunt, an antique nutcracker, she finds a poem inside. In reading the poem, the nutcracker suddenly comes to life. Imagine Aria’s shock to find the nutcracker is a real person and comes to life each year on December 1st thru December 25th. Aria learns this curse was placed on Kort 300 years ago and works tirelessly to find a way to break the curse.
Thus is a very different Christmas story than most I have read. I found it fun and entertaining as Aria and Kort try to find a way to be together more than the 25 days a year Kort has. A Nutcracker Christmas by Laurie Winter is a sweet Christmas story that is nice reading in the weeks before Christmas. I love Nutcracker’s and will never look at one the same after reading this book. If you enjoy a good Christmas read, this is on you want to try. Check it out for hours of entertainment and enjoyment.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
About the Author
Multi-award winning author Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running with her dog, Shadow. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she’s likely fueling up on wine, cheese curds, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
One winner will receive a print copy of A NUTCRACKER CHRISTMAS or ONCE UPON A PRINCE by Laurie Winter, $25 Amazon gift card, and a nutcracker Christmas ornament (US only)
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. C. Lee McKenzie will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Courage put Libby Brown into the final selection for the Olympics, but betrayal crushed her spine and her chance at the Gold. Now she has two choices, use her courage to put her life back together, or remain shattered forever.
Read an Excerpt
I knew hearts didn’t stop beating until you died, yet I was certain mine had just stuttered to a halt. I couldn’t breathe. My lungs refused to expand. My throat went dry. I’d planned most of my life for this one year. I’d worked out, built my strength, gone to ski camps, kept at it until I’d made it through the selection process—until I’d almost made the US Olympic slalom team. I had my passport. I’d packed my bags weeks ago. Now, my mother was telling me I couldn’t do what I’d lived for all these years?
My heart kicked in and air filled my chest. “Shut up! Shut up!” In my mind, I screamed, but that’s not the way I heard my voice. Shut up sounded like a whimper.
“Libby, stop.” Dad was back, his hand on my shoulder, his face filled with pain. “Please, stop.”
His calm presence and the terrible sound of his plea brought me up short.
I gulped back the ragged clutch that filled my throat. “Why? Why can’t I ski with my team?” Then I glanced down. Mom was lying across the foot of the bed. She was lying across my legs, and I didn’t feel the weight of my mother’s body.
About the Author:
I’m someone in love with the English language…well, any language for that matter. How did we decided to use words, intonation, structures to communicate? Does our language come from our culture or does our culture come from our language? I love to drive people nuts with questions like this.
I have a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days my greatest passion is writing for young readers. My young adult novels are Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, Sudden Secrets, and now Shattered, A Story of Betrayal and Courage. Sometimes I write Middle Grade Fantasy and have four of those stories published.
When I’m not writing I’m hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot questions about things I still don’t understand–like what is language anyway?
Join Us for this Tour: November 22nd to December 3rd
Book Details:
Book Title: Fabyan Place: Two WWII GIs Fight to Survive and Overcome Racial Strife as POWS by Peter Angus
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 350 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Dottenfritz Press
Release date:August 2021
Content Rating: PG13 + M:
Some use of the “F” word, some swearing, bigoted pejorative vernacular
common in the 1940s, treatment attributed to Nazi captors in both a POW
and Death Camp and one antagonist suicide.
“Fabyan Place is a book that stays with you. A callow young man goes to war and confronts his prejudice, forming an unlikely friendship in a POW camp with another soldier. They each know a secret about the other that could be a death sentence. Deeply researched with fascinating details and unforgettable characters, moving and thought-provoking, the story rises to a ferocious finish that will take your breath away.” — Kay Williams, co-author, The Matryoshka Murders and Butcher of Dreams
“Enthusiasts of this genre will be impressed by the book’s authenticity. The author has a deep knowledge of the Second World War and offers many historical insights and details that I was not aware of.” — David Aretha, editor, World War II Chronicle and The Holocaust Chronicle
Book Description:
Should racism prevent you fighting for your country?
Does bigotry still live even after a war has ended?
Must standing at the gates of hell in a POW camp forever change a man?
Memories of his internment as a prisoner echo as a young war veteran returns to his family and an enigmatic visitor arrives unannounced on Christmas morning.
The guest brings memories of the war, the horrors of the camps and the life-altering changes in his own psyche as his family prepares for their annual feast.
Fabyan Place is an engrossing suspenseful historical fiction novel about two mixed race young men from urban New Jersey and rural Georgia whose experiences clash in a Nazi concentration camp.
Get your FREE copy of FABYAN PLACE for Christmas
on these FREE Days:
(click on the date to follow the link to get your free book)
A Nazi concentration camp was the scene of Sonny and John getting to know one another in the Nazi camp. Fabyan Place by Peter Angus is an historical read that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Angus does an exceptionally good job describing scenes that make you feel you are there looking on experiencing the war with these two characters. Of course there is no way you can know how deeply people were hurt and the horrific things they went through. Each scene told of a devastating fact that I didn’t know. There is so much that I don’t know about this was and this book brought a lot of the happenings to light for me.
This book would be great for anyone who loves historical fiction and especially those loving WWII stories. This one is Five Stars for me. Go check it out and you will be in for a great read.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Meet the Author:
Pete Angus spent his early years in New
York City and environs. From there it was working and living in Vienna,
Belgrade, Warsaw, Moscow, and Paris before settling in his current
base, London. Fabyan Place, his first novel, is drawn from his own
recollections and his extensive study of WWII military history. Pete has
caught the writing bug and is currently working on a new mystery series
featuring a military CID officer investigating unusual crimes in the
Join Us for this Tour: November 22nd to December 10th
Book Details:
Book Title: Gallant: The Call of the Trail by Claire Eckard
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17), 300 pages
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Mill City Press
Release Date: September 2021
Content Rating: PG-13 : It’s a saga about love, relationships, personal growth and adventure, set against a backdrop of endurance racing. A strong middle grader/ppre-teen could read it.
Book Description:
A gripping journey of a young girl and a foal who are raised together in The Valley of Hearts Delight. Gallant and Gracie have a special bond, rarely seen between a human and a horse. Separated by a bad accident when Gallant is five, each gets a second chance of happiness pursuing the long-distance sport of endurance riding, neither knowing they are leading parallel lives. Will Fate bring them together again? Gallant’s arch nemesis, The Almighty Flash, threatens to destroy all that Gallant has worked for. His misguided ambition and greed, developed at the hands of an abusive owner, has created a darkness in his soul that turns to blind fury when his endurance career is threatened.
Gallant: The Call of the Trail by Claire Eckard is such a sweet story. Kinda sad at first though because Gracie and her horse Gallant were separated by a bad accident. The horse and girl had a special relationship that’s different from most. But this story does have a fabulous ending because Gracie and Gallant are given a second chance.
What a special story to read. With characters that will steal your heart quickly. I was so happy for these two and the way their story ends. I find this story fun and enjoyable to read. I have always heard about close relationships between horses and their owners and this book gives readers a sweet story that’s brings this to life. Claire Eckard does an amazing job writing this sweet book and I look forward to read more books by this author in the future. This is a middle grade read but good for adults as well. Why not pick up a copy for yourself for a few hours of wonderful entertainment.
A special thanks to the iread book tours and the author for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine only.
Meet the Author:
Award winning Author Claire Eckard combines her love of writing with her passion for animals to create memorable children’s books that are fun to read, but also include valuable life’s lessons. Claire grew up in England and moved to Hawaii in her early twenties where she married her husband of thirty-four years. Together they raised two sons, Mitchell and Matthew. Claire is inspired by her two Granddaughters Mila and Ella, as well as the
beautiful backdrop of the Arizona mountains where she lives. Claire has a farm full of animals, and has spent many years as a board member and volunteer of her local animal shelter.
Join Us for This Tour from November 26 to December 26
Book Details:
Book Title: The Christmas Blanket by Ed Damiano
Category: Children’s Book (ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: December 2018
Content Rating: G suitable for all readers
Mom’s Choice Award Winner!
Book Description:
What is the meaning of Christmas? That’s what eight-year-old EJ wants to know. The other kids say it’s about getting toys‚ but is it, really?
One evening, EJ’s mother takes him to the Rockefeller Center to see the lighting of the most magical tree in the world, and EJ meets someone who teaches him what Christmas is truly all about.
The Christmas Blanket by Ed Damiano is a story about Christmas with Jack and his mom. This is a beautifully written Christmas story, and a truth that many people are selfish at Christmas, wanting everything for themselves. EJ and Tommy found this valuable lesson in the story. I like that the author shows the greedy side of people and a change of heart after hearing that Christmas is more about giving than receiving. This is a book that needs to be read to children everywhere. And the one thing I want to point out is, the Real meaning of Christmas is the Christ child who is born. I give this one Four Stars. I encourage you to check out this book.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Meet the Author:
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Damiano has a passion for creativity, and his stories always contain a positive message. He also wrote The Christmas Blanket, which earned him a Mom’s Choice Award. In The Christmas Blanket, his character EJ realizes the true meaning of Christmas, which is not about getting presents, but about giving back to others.
Keeping Christmas Magic by Anna and Gunnar Counselman is the real story behind Santa Clause. It tells the story from the beginning in a simple childlike way. I love that the illustrations really bring this story to life on each page with beautiful water color pictures.
However, I wouldn’t let smaller children read this book, or I wouldn’t read this to small children because of its message. I think the book advice is 8 years old and up. But I encourage you to read the book first to see if the age is appropriate for your child.
Keeping Christmas Magic is a beautiful book, even though the cover is a quite plain. The hardcover book is high quality and well put together. This is a great book for older children. A book that I am keeping in my library. I encourage you to check out this book, especially if you enjoy Christmas stories.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Anna and Gunnar Counselman – Interview with the author!
Interview #1
What happened exactly with your son that inspired you to write Keeping Christmas Magic?
Our then 6-year-old son came home from school and told us that all the kids in his kindergarten were saying that Santa wasn’t real. He didn’t seem distressed by it exactly, just confused. And he said, “And when we watched Elf the other night, it seemed like everyone kind of knew something that wasn’t being said.” Anna and I looked at each other to try to do that parent mind meld thing, where you communicate with your eyes and decide upon a course of action. Luckily, his baby sister cried and distracted us, and we were able to get him to bed without addressing the question.
Immediately after bedtime, we agreed that we wanted to get at least another year of magical Christmas for him. But we started Googling around to see if there’s a good book or story for when the jig is up and it’s time to come clean.
We were surprised not to find anything. We’ve both been entrepreneurs for a decade and have found that truly novel ideas are pretty rare. But after a day of searching and checking with friends without result, we decided to put pen to paper and see what we could come up with.
It was pretty cool. The story just flowed.
It is loosely based on the story that my (Gunnar’s) mom told me when I was six, so we just had to get the rhyme and meter right. But when we posted it to Facebook, we had a bunch of friends who just loved it and told us we needed to publish it.
What was the writing and illustrating process like?
To be honest, neither of us are particularly experienced writers, and Gunnar had never written poetry before outside of school. But the story was there in its broad contours from Gunnar’s mom, and somehow when we sat down to write the first draft, it just kind of flowed out. The current story is 90% recognizable from the very first draft.
We didn’t actually think about publishing it to start. We just wanted to write something for our kids. But we posted it to Facebook and a bunch of friends were really touched by it. So, Anna did some editing and Gunnar found a bunch of example pictures that Anna could use as inspiration for the art. Our families chimed in, and next thing you know, we had a book.
It was a great experience to get to work as a husband-and-wife team on this.
What do you hope children/parents get out of this book?
Listen, telling your kids the truth about Santa can be tough. We hope that the book takes an otherwise difficult conversation and makes it a beautiful moment instead. Even more, we hope that when kids sign their names in the book and become “Christmas Magic Keepers” that they’ll be less likely to tell younger kids. There’s just nothing like the feeling that Santa is coming and if we can help that last for one more year for ¼ of kids…that’s a lot of happiness. So yeah…small ambition 🙂
What is your big ambition for the book?
We love Christmas. We love the winter and the snow, decorating for Christmas, and having people over for sing-alongs. We’d love to contribute to the Christmas tradition in our small way.
If people love the book, and it does the job that we intend for it to do – “to help make an otherwise difficult conversation a beautiful moment instead” – then we’d love it if Keeping Christmas Magic becomes a staple in people’s Christmas story. The advent calendar gives us a great way to count down. The Elf on the Shelf gave us an amazing way to engage kids every morning between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, it’s fun for parents to find new and creative ways to move it every night. We hope that when kids finally figure it out, that this book will give parents a lovely way to bring their kids into the secret society of Christmas Magic Keepers.
If people love the book, we’d love it if it gets handed down from generation to generation. Imagine seeing grandma’s 7-year-old handwriting in the book right next to dad’s and sister’s and uncles. We hope it makes kids feel like learning the truth is a special moment that makes Christmas even better.
Meet the Authors:
Anna and Gunnar are the husband-and-wife team behind Keeping Christmas Magic. Anna immigrated from Russia at age 12 and began her American journey in Swampscott, MA, attending Boston University before moving out to California to pursue her entrepreneurial career which has culminated in her co-founding Upstart, an AI lending platform.
A third-generation Marine, Gunnar grew up pretty much everywhere there’s a Marine base before going to Cornell for undergrad, deploying as a Human Intelligence Officer to Iraq, the Horn of Africa and Bosnia before attending Harvard for business school. Gunnar’s entrepreneurial career has focused in education software and services where he’s founded and invested in a
handful of companies including his most recent company, Array.
When their then-six-year-old son Tristan started asking hard questions about Santa, they didn’t have good answer. Wanting to keep Christmas as magical as possible for as long as possible they looked for a children’s book to help and when they couldn’t find one, they wrote it.
Originally, the poem was just for Tristan and his baby sister Sasha, but some close friends convinced them to submit it for publishing and the more they worked on the story, the more they felt like it needed to be told. They hope that the book does for parents around the world, what’s it’s done for them, help make an otherwise difficult conversation a
Join Us for This Tour from November 26 to December 17!
Book Details:
Book Title: Popper and Friends: Popper Finds a New Home by IL Ritchie Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Release date: December 2021 Format available for review: Print- hardback, ebook (pdf) Will send print books out: USA Tour dates: November 26 to December 17, 2021 Content Rating: Rated G. Suitable for everyone
Book Description:
Popper is a sweet little woodpecker who is trying to find a new home. Now that he is grown, it’s time for him to leave the nest and find a home of his own. The first book in the Popper and Friends series, follow along as Popper explores different options and gets helpful advice from his friends.
I love, love, love this sweet little book! Popper woodpecker realizes he is all grown up and it time he ventures out and finds a new home. After his parents wish him well, Popper takes off on his journey to find just the right home. His journey takes him to a chicken house, a pond, to a farmers house, and on to more places. Then with the help from a friend, Popper realize he already has a perfect place to make his new home.
IL Ritchie does an amazing job writing this children’s book. I love the story, introducing children to several wild and tame animals alike. I love the sweet story of Popper the owl, as he tries to find a place for his home, and your child will love Popper too. Yulia Potts brings the story to life with fabulous illustrations on each page the fit so well with the story. This book is beautiful inside and out with vivid colors and adorable animals. The background scenes are adorable. This entire book is adorable and would make a good addition to your child’s library. As well as any daycare or elementary school library. And can I say Christmas gift? Poppy Finds a New Home will make the perfect gift for the child in your family.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Hi folks, I encourage you to read this interesting Guest Post from author IL Ritchie. I always enjoy learning more about authors and this is a great way to do so.
One thing I learned from studying abroad:
I had always planned to go back to school, after getting a couple years of work experience under my belt. When I was applying for schools, I decided to submit an application for a school in Australia. My dad was raised in New Zealand, so growing up we had done a couple family trips to New Zealand and Australia. My intention was to stay in Australia for a few years after my grad school program, in order to get some international work experience.
Not long after arriving in Australia, I began to feel very homesick. I felt very disconnected from my family and friends. After a few weeks, I made some great friends with fellow classmates. I am still very close with some of my former classmates.
However, I decided to return to California once my program was completed. That experience made me realize how important our social networks are to our well-being. Being close to our family and friends can help us get through almost anything. I hope children can understand the importance of maintaining a strong social network, as they see Popper get helpful advice from his friends as he looks for his new home!!
Meet the Author:
A California native, IL Ritchie lives in San Francisco, where he is creating new adventures for Popper and his friends.
For the Debutante Turned Spy, There’s Much More than Meets the Eye
New Regency series from Erica Vetsch described as Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes
Grand Rapids, MI — Do you have a fiction lover on your holiday shopping list? Look no further for a gift suggestion! Just in time for the gift-giving season, award-winning author
Erica Vetsch is kicking off her new Thorndike & Swann Regency mystery series with the release of
The Debutante’s Code (Kregel Publications/December 7, 2021/ISBN: 9780825447136/$15.99).
Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series
Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn’t spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love.But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They’ve been living double lives as government spies–and they’re only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family’s legacy.
Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors–not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.
Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents’ last mission?
Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.
This new series combining a historical setting, romance, and mystery has been described as Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes. With that combination, where can you go wrong?
The Debutante’s Code introduces readers to Lady Juliette Thorndike who has newly returned from finishing school and is ready to debut in London society. Thanks in part to her years away from home, Juliette hasn’t spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear and are not in London for her homecoming, she discovers she never really knew them at all.
Hurt and confused by her parents’ absence, Juliette is feeling abandoned not only by her parents, but by God as well. “We often form our views of a Heavenly Father from our experience with our earthly parents, for good or for ill,” Vetsch explains. “Juliette has not been ill-treated by her parents, or at least she didn’t think she had, but if they could abandon her on the eve of her coming out in society, can she trust anything about them? They’ve taught her that God is with her, that He will never abandon her, but can she trust what they have taught her when they can lie so easily?”
Through a trail of clues they left behind, Juliette soon discovers that her parents have been living double lives as government spies—and they’re only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family’s legacy.
When given the opportunity to carry on that legacy, Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors—not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.
Daniel Swann has a mysterious past of his own. Now, he’s on the hunt for a stolen painting when other valuable pieces of art start disappearing one by one. Each clue leads him closer and closer to the thief and killer, but he’s disconcerted to find that his chief suspect is the debutante he finds so attractive.
Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents’ last mission?
Juliette’s story has been a long one in the making for Vetsch who first started playing with the storyline idea ten years ago. The author originally imagined the story taking place in New York during the Gilded Age, but adapted it to the Regency Era. Although we’re inundated with TV and streaming programs that feature police procedures today, getting the details right for 1816 was a new adventure for Vetsch, “There was quite a bit of research involved in this one, from police procedures to art history. Much studying of maps and the hierarchy of society, the lives of British spies, and fitting it all into the political and social situations of the times. The Bow Street detectives didn’t have our current levels of forensic science to help identify culprits. They relied upon eyewitness testimony, circumstantial evidence, catching someone red-handed, and by following the paperwork/money trail. Some things have not changed though. The main motives for lawbreaking still fall into three categories: money, power, and sex. Who has it, who wants it, who wants to deny someone else from acquiring it? And in Regency times, the detectives were still looking for motive, means, and opportunity.” Vetsch’s rollicking, exciting new series will continue in 2022 with the release of the Millstone of Doubt.
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.
Vetsch is the author of many novellas and novels, including the popular Serendipity & Secrets Regency series and the new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery series
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
From its delicious title to an intriguing plot involving spies and secret codes in 19th-century England, The Debutante’s Code kicks off Erica Vetsch’s new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries with action, humor, and the promise of romance.”~ Julie Klassen, author of Shadows of Swanford Abbey“Intrigue abounds in this thrilling tale of a debutante turned spy. Amidst the whirl of stolen art pieces and murder, heroine Juliette Thorndike takes on a dangerous role to break a code before the villains discover it … and before the swoon-worthy Officer Daniel Swann figures out she’s involved. Author Erica Vetsch once again pens a winner in The Debutante’s Code … a must-read for Regency and mystery lovers!”~ Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas“Erica Vetsch has done it again, bringing the reader an exciting Regency historical romance, but this time with the twist of a delicious mystery. The Debutante’s Code is completely entertaining, with the promise of more delights to come in the rest of the Thorndike & Swann series.”~ Jan Drexler, award-winning author of Softly Blows the Bugle“A mystery within a mystery within a mystery. Inventive!”~ Regina Scott, award-winning author.
on-page sex, low romance, minimal bad language, underage drinking,
significant fantasy violence, scenes containing emotional manipulation,
depression, and (light/brief) physical abuse.
Book Description:
A haunted teen outcast and her snarky ghostly best-frenemy outwit enforcers, monsters, and the scars of the past in a race to take expose a deadly conspiracy and escape a bloody end. A lush, award-winning debut to a captivatingly eerie YA Urban Fantasy trilogy. Discover a labyrinthine, post-climate-collapse dystopian Vancouver overrun by monsters and magic in this intricate and startlingly original journey of discovery, restoration, and revenge.
It’s hard not to be a little obsessed with survival when your only “friend” is an unruly ghost and the wrong thought could get your soul devoured by eldritch horrors. Haunted 17-year-old outcast Cole wants nothing more than to hide her forbidden fascination with the monster-taken and blend in with the (dreary) scenery. Her plans for a peaceful life take a turn for the deadly when a mesmerizing stranger and his dangerously tempting offer drive her into the middle of a grisly conspiracy.
But Cole hasn’t yet uncovered the biggest secret of all, and it might just have something to do with the mysterious threads tugging her into horrifying visions—not to mention the shimmering boy at their dark heart. Uncovering the truth will cost her dearly as she fends off scheming enforcers, dreamjacking ghosts & soul-sucking nightmares in a desperate quest for survival and retribution. Can she escape the scars of her past and expose the lies before she’s the next to die?
Blind the Eyes is the first book in a lush and labyrinthine trilogy of paranormal-meets-gothic-dystopian YA Urban Fantasy filled with glittering underworlds, delicious-and-deceptive strangers, and facing down the voices in your head. This slow-burn fantasy with an edge leads readers on a captivatingly unexpected journey of self-discovery, reclaimed identity, and conflicted sisterhood for those who like a little sparkle with their monsters (it glistens so nicely on all the blood.) Fans of post-climate-collapse dystopias, monsters-and-magic, and genre-bending dark fantasy will love this award-winning series starter in a complete and 100% binge-ready trilogy.
I know Lauren is doing a great job coordinating everything you need, but should you need/want additional graphics, feel free to draw from this collection on Google Drive.
And here’s a pretty comprehensive list of links if you need them!
I’ll do my best to keep an eye out and boost signal, but feel free to tag me on any of those platforms or email me directly (kaiewrites@gmail.com) if you prefer. I’ll add a permanent link to your blog post in the Interviews & Features section of my about page, and may also feature it in my newsletters, blogs, and/or social, as well as sharing, retweeting, or story-reposting your posts on social.
Thanks again! 🙂
Horror and Faith-Guest Post from the Author
I grew up reading a LOT of Christian fiction (thank church libraries and a fairly religious community), including some fantastic works of dark fiction—Ted Dekker and James Byron Huggins come to mind. So perhaps it’s not that surprising that when I started telling my own stories, some of those early influences seeped through.
That said, I grew up in a family where we didn’t celebrate Halloween (isn’t that basically a Satanic holiday??) and there was much concern over Harry Potter’s rise in popularity (won’t that get kids into witchcraft??) Like many imaginative children (and adults), I had a low tolerance for horror or scary content in stories. I couldn’t shrug off the spooky or nightmarish imagery and ideas easily, and the Christian faith doesn’t necessarily preclude the existence of dark forces, some of which might be hiding under my bed . . .
All of that to say, it came as something of a shock to me that my stories are full of monsters and magic, and I’ve been doing some work as a creator, a reader, and a teacher to try to unpack that. What’s the point of horror (as a genre or as an element in a different genre)? Does it have value? Why do people even like scary stories? And, as a Christian, is it even okay to write horror—especially if it’s not religious horror?
Here are a few things I’ve come up with:
Scary stories give readers (/viewers) a space to ask questions and explore fear. While there’s definitely a place for “comfort reads,” reality is rarely quite so cozy, and people need to try out and test ideas, and more importantly, face down fears. Sometimes it’s very healthy to be a little uncomfortable.
Horror is great for creators. Seriously, the next time you’re afraid of something, anxious, or sad, try creating a story around it. When you create the story, nothing can hurt you. You’re in charge. You can make it stop or take it in a different direction at any time.
Horror doesn’t (need to) hurt anyone. There’s a place for just purely enjoying something without needing to feel bad about it, and if you’re a fan of spooky media (or fantasy, or romance, for that matter), that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Go forth and enjoy!
In some genres it might take a little more digging and filtering to find stories that suit you, and I’ll be the first to admit that there can be very horrifying content in horror (as with fantasy, romance, thrillers, really pretty much any genre). But while I’m comfortable with fairly high levels of fantasy violence, I don’t use much (if any) bad language or include sex on the page as a matter of personal preference, comfort, and belief.
While I don’t write specifically for the Christian market, nor do I explicitly discuss or craft plot points around matters of faith in my work, I think it’s impossible to entirely separate my experiences, beliefs, worldview, and creativity. They show up in the topics and themes I’m interested in, the questions that my characters ask, the things they struggle with—that might be a little different than the way other authors would conceive of them—the monsters they face down, and the way they resolve their problems. And I’m excited to see more writers and artists of faith share their creativity outside of the boundaries and limitations of parable or faith-journey stories, transforming their genres from within.
If you’re interested in how an author of faith brings a gothic sensibility to fantasy fiction and explores death, identity, and responsibility on the page, join me at kawiggins.com (and join the newsletter for free short fiction!) or on social @kaiespace.
Meet the Author:
K.A. Wiggins (Kaie) writes award-winning speculative fiction for young people and adults that explores the tangled webs of society, environment, and identity through intricate, dreamlike tales of monsters and magic.
Her debut novel was a Page Turner Awards 2020 Book Spotlight Prize winner and a Barnes & Noble Press “20 Favorite Indie Books of 2018,” kicking off a celebrated and recently completed YA Urban Fantasy trilogy set in a gothic-dystopian post-climate-collapse Vancouver. Her short fiction has appeared in small press anthologies, genre magazines, and in translation for international audiences.
She’s also the President of the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia society, co-founder of marketing and business services consultancy The Creative Collective, and a creative writing coach with the Creative Writing for Children society, and was recognized in the 2021 Arty Awards, taking first place in Literary Arts category.
CHECK OUT CHARLOTTE HUBBARD’S NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK FOR A FABULOUS READ FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
BLURB:
Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring unexpected tidings of love?
Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise never to leave her behind. . .
Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .
Excerpt One:
When she glanced at her sister, who was placing a strip of noodle dough into the roller, Marietta noticed a rare frown on Molly’s face. “Penny for your thoughts, sister.” Molly shrugged. “Sure is quiet without Riley and Pete around.” Marietta’s eyes widened at her sister’s wistful remark. For several months, Pete Shetler and his golden retriever, Riley, had rented one of their two dawdi hauses. Pete had done some much-needed maintenance around their farm—while his active young dog had mostly dug up Mamm’s flower beds, chewed the belts on their noodle making equipment, and found other trouble to get into. Pete had moved into his uncle’s house, however. Although Mar0ietta appreciated the return to a quieter routine without their renter, she sensed Molly had secretly adored the muscular blond carpenter and his rambunctious dog. “Maybe you should pay Pete a visit,” she suggested. “I bet he’d be tickled if you took over a pan of noodle pudding—” “Why would I do that?” Molly blurted. “It’s not as though anything would come of a relationship—even if Pete took the hint and asked me out.” “Why not?” Marietta paused, hoping to express her concerns carefully. “Just because I’ll never marry doesn’t mean you should forfeit a potential romance. Sure, Pete’s clueless most of the time but he seems trainable. And he’s awfully cute.” “Let’s not forget that Pete refuses to join the Amish church, so a romance would be pointless—even if he knew the meaning of the word,” Molly shot back. “Truth be told, I like Riley better than Pete, anyway. I intend to remain here on the farm with you, sister, like we’ve always agreed upon. We’re turning thirty-five next month, so why would I want to change my life—and my attitude—to accommodate a husband?”
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I am so excited to visit Morning Star and all of my favorite characters. There is romance in the air for some of the residents of Morning Star this time making this a fun and enjoyable book to read during the Christmas holiday season. The Morning Star marketplace is getting ready for Christmas with all of the booths filled with Christmas products everyone has made. But when a fire takes the home of one of their own. Their attitudes change and the community comes together to help. Widower Glenn Detweiler, having his share if hard times with loosing his wife and his mom, the Helfing sisters opened their home to Glen, his dad and two young boys and Marietta graciously takes over the care of Glenn’s two children. In the meantime, Pete is back with Riley as Pete helps build Glenn’s new house and Molly is more than happy to see them both again.
I love this series set in Morning Star, a small-town in Missouri. Author Charlotte Hubbard creates the most loveable and realistic characters for this series, I now think of them as my friends. I love that this book is chucked full of happenings in this small town. With the fire, and the community working to build Glenn’s new home, and the Marketplace going strong, there is so much happening, I couldn’t put the book down. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Can’t wait to read it. Christmas Comes to Morning Star is Five Stars for me. If you enjoy a good Christmas read, or a sweet Amish read, or both, you are in for a treat with this book.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.
Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.
The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?
Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!
Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.
Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.
When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”
Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.
BOOK EXCERPT
Silencing the Siren Excerpt SixBut Andrew loved being around people. While the lingering superiority existed within him, he couldn’t find it within himself to be rude to the lower classes like his parents could. His friends as acted the same as well. Trying to fit in at those moments were painful for Andrew. He’d wanted nothing more than to help up the man his friends knocked over and ensure he wasn’t injured. But that would mean immediate ridicule, and the information would no doubt be passed along to his parents. That was the last thing he needed right now. A small smile overtook his features as he watched a mother fixing her daughter’s dress and telling her how much fun they were going to have. Andrew hoped he could say the same for himself. His mother would never have brought him on something like this as a child; unless the price point meant the lower classes couldn’t afford to ride. Then she’d be fine to ride. He resisted the desire to roll his eyes. Mother missed out on so much with her prejudices. Even at a young age, her presence in his life was as minimal as she could get away with.
Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God, though especially in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…
Harbors should be safe havens, but what if you’re harboring secrets?
When Alicia Roberts accepts a job with mobile veterinarian, Kendall Mulligan, she hopes the Independence Islands will give her a safe place to start over. And as much as she appreciates the Mulligan girls’ offer to stay with them while she gets settled, Alicia knows she needs her own place. ASAP.
Hooper Ear Cove Apartments on Hooper Island offers a beautiful ocean view as well as one of the landlord’s hunky son—all at an affordable price. Just what she needs to start a new life. Isn’t it?
When life knocked Jace Young in the head with a literal curveball that ruined his major league chances, he was forced to return to Hooper Island and a job as the maintenance guy at his father’s apartment complex. On the side, he leads the contemporary song service at church as his heart heals.
When Alicia moves to Hooper Island, Jace is drawn in by her sweet personality. However, something hides deep beneath the surface, and Alicia resists any discussion of God. What will it take to convince her to anchor her heart to God and to confide the secrets she harbors?
Hooper Safe Haven continues the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.
Hooper Safe Haven is another story in the The Independence Islands Series. I have so much enjoyed each book in this series. Alicia Roberts is on Hooper Island to work with Kendall Mulligan in her mobile veterinarian clinic. Jace Young is back on the island, not really having a choice, and is working for his dad at the apartments he owns. Where Alicia finds an apartment for rent.
I love this story. I love following Jace and Alicia and enjoyed them being together, but they wasn’t exactly sure about a relationship. The characters in this story are all so well created and following each of them to the end of the story is a lot if fun. There are a few twists that kept me reading. I enjoyed the trip back to the mobile animal clinic as well. Being on the island near the beach all of the time, What’s not to like about this story. I encourage you to check this one out, as well as the other books in this series, I’m sure you will fall in love with them all, just as I did. I’m giving this one Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
About the Author
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.
Read an Excerpt
Alicia Roberts leaned against the railing, watching the seagulls hovering above the ferry as it prepared to dock at the Merriweather slip. They were always waiting for something—tiny fish in the surf or tiny scraps the passengers left behind. In a way, she knew how they felt. Until now, she’d been waiting, too—although it was for something entirely different. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of the wind whipping through her long brown hair. In deciding to work on the Independence Islands, had she finally found what she was waiting for? A new purpose? There was no turning back now. After graduating and moving out of her college dorm she had nowhere else to go.
The sound of the apron dropping to allow the cars and people off the ferry drew Alicia out of her ponderings. She approached her blue compact car, packed to the gills with all the belongings she owned and slipped into the driver’s seat as quickly as possible to avoid holding up the other passengers parked behind her. Within a few minutes, she drove up Captains Walk, spying a large RV parked in one of the lots. Kendall Mulligan greeted her the moment she parked and stepped out.
“Welcome back!” her auburn-haired friend exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you decided to take the job.”
Alicia pulled back and offered a shy smile. “Me too. How could I turn down such a great opportunity right out of vet school?”
Kendall took her hand, pulling her along. “Here, come inside. There are breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee from Granny’s inside. If we hurry, we’ll have a few minutes to enjoy them before patients start arriving.”
Her stomach rumbled as she followed Kendall up the steps to the mobile clinic. “That sounds wonderful. I forgot to eat this morning.”
“Now you sound like Carly. I always have to remind her to eat breakfast. She calls me a nag, but she’s hypoglycemic, so if I don’t keep on her, she can’t function very well in the morning.”
Alicia chuckled. “No one usually has to remind me. I can’t function without a bowl of oatmeal or some kind of protein first thing in the morning. I think my routine is just off with this new job and all, but I’ll adjust soon enough.” She paused, remembering something. “Speaking of Carly, I heard about her engagement to that billionaire. When’s the big day?”
Kendall shook her head with a slight roll of her blue eyes. “Next month, believe it or not.”
“Well, that was quick!”
“Yeah, tell me about it.” Her redheaded friend shrugged with a sigh. “I suppose when money is no object, a wedding can be whipped up pretty quickly, though. I never thought my little sister would get married before me. She’s always been so opposed to that kind of thing, but I guess when you meet the right one, why wait? I’m happy for them.”
“Me too. So, is that why she’s gone today? Wedding planning stuff?”
“Yeah, it’s going to be pretty crazy around here for the next month. She’ll be in and out of here a lot, but after the wedding she’s going to launch her new mobile art business with Luc. That’s why I’m so glad you could come and work with us.”
Join Us for This Tour from November 22 to December 10
Book Details:
Book Title: Bruce the Spruce: A New York City Fairytale About the True Meaning of Christmas Trees by A. A. Cristi Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 56 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Release date: November 2021 Formats Available for Review: print-hardback USA, e-book (PDF) Tour dates: November 22 to December 10 Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Book Description: Bruce the Spruce has Christmas all wrong.
Thanks to his fancy decorations and adoring admirers, this artificial spruce tree doesn’t just wear a star at Christmas, he IS the star. But when his longtime family gets a new tree, it sends Bruce on a holiday adventure through New York City.
From a party in Brooklyn, to a run-in with rats, to a revelatory visit to Rockefeller Center, Bruce the Spruce takes an unforgettable journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas trees!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I love Christmas books for children and Bruce the Spruce is such a sweet adorable book about a Christmas tree who has served his family for many years. Until this year when the family bought a brand new tree and threw Bruce to the curb. Sad and lonely, someone picked him up for their party but it wasn’t what Bruce expected. Would he ever find a happy family again?
Bruce the Spruce: A New York City Fairytale About the True Meaning of Christmas Trees by A. A. Cristi is a book your children will love to read during the. Christmas holidays. It is festive, the story will brighten up their day. And the illustrations by Pablo Andreeta are so very adorable. I love the Christmas tree and the different faces. The entire book inside and out is so bright and vivid with its blues along with the colors of Christmas. I have read this story several times just to see the illustrations and how the words and pictures fit so perfectly together. I think this book would be a very good addition to your child’s library along with elementary school libraries and all daycare’s.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Meet the Author: A.A. Cristi was born and raised in the world capital of Christmas trees and musicals – New York City. By no small miracle, she has managed to make a living writing about both topics. When she is not dreaming up fantastic adventures for inanimate objects, she is covering the Broadway industry as a journalist and editor at BroadwayWorld.com. Though writing is her calling, her true passion is playing mother to a neurotic wiener dog named Jack and Aunt Rah Rah to two truly remarkable kids.
Join Us for This Tour: November 22nd to December 10th
Book Details:
Book Title: Cool Kids by Arlene Freeman Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages Genre: Chldren’s Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Publishing Release date: October 2021 Formats Available for Review: print-hardback (USA), PDF Tour dates: November 22 to December 10 Content Rating: G. Suitable for all ages.
Book Description: Like most kids, Michael and his friends are so excited for their first day at a new school. They have a lot of questions about what to expect, but most of all, they wonder if they’ll get to join the football team. That would be the perfect way to start the year! However, Michael soon finds out that it’s not as easy as he thinks. The team is filled with bullies, and to join, he has to become one of them. In order to be cool enough to get a spot on the football team, Michael has to start changing his behavior—for the worse! Suddenly, terrible things start happening to him. Finally, he begins to wonder: Was it all worth it?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
What a special book to read to your children. Cool Kids by Arlene Freeman. This author does a fantastic job of teaching children valuable lessons in this book. Michael is at a new school, and while this is difficult enough, he also wants to play football. The only thing with playing football he would need to be a bully just like the other players are. And soon this get to be a problem because Michael notices changes in himself he doesn’t like.
Bullying has had is ugly effect on our extended family. One of my cousins 12 year old granddaughters took her life several years ago mainly because of bullying. I love to promote any book such as this that let’s kids know what happens when you treat others badly.
I think Cool Kids by Arlene Freeman should be in every school classroom and in libraries so kids of all ages have an opportunity to check it out. And I love the illustrations Amelina Jones so beautiful created to fit the pages of this book so beautifully. The colors, characters are so adorable. The book cover is sure to draw children to the bookshelves. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book for your child’s library.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Buy the Book Mascot Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
GUEST POST from author. Get to know Arlene Freeman a little bit better.
How It All Began
I always wanted to write a children’s book about a character my father created called Ruffy Butchbang. It was such a catchy name for a bully and what an important topic to write about today! I also wanted to incorporate my family into my story by using their names. Michael, Max, and Quinn are my grandchildren. Ted and Eric are my sons, and Todd is like my stepson. Nicole and Axi are my daughters-in-law. Cooper was my beloved beagle and Jerry, the bully, is my significant other. It worked out well.
Once my story was complete, I needed a publisher and illustrator. At first. I wanted my friend’s teenage granddaughter to be the illustrator because she was such an artist. I thought it would be a wonderful start toward a possible career, but it didn’t work out. I still needed a publisher. As fate would have it, one of my friends told me that her daughter wrote children’s books. I contacted her publisher, and so my journey began.
I had no idea what was to come, but I was ready for it. I chose an illustrator from the samples that were went to me. worked with the editor to fine-tune my story and create a layout. I felt like I was back in high school doing a term paper. When I was ready to put my seal of approval on it, I stopped short. My story had football in it, but I didn’t see a football anywhere. I only saw soccer balls. What I didn’t know was that my illustrator was from the United Kingdom and her football was soccer. I wanted American football and so it was changed. Finally, it was ready to print.
I never told my family what I had done until I presented them with the book. They were so excited that they were all part of it too. Who knows where this will go? It depends on my readers. It is a hot topic and it does send a message. It was truly an adventure for me and I loved it.
Meet the Author:
Freeman’s first career was a third-grade schoolteacher in the Passaic School System. Teaching children is her true passion, and she incorporated this passion in her community involvement. Her second career as a real estate broker and appraiser enabled her to open her own real estate company, Prime Realty, with a partner. After thirty-five years, they sold to Coldwell Banker. She loves dogs, playing piano, telling stories, singing, dancing, and sharing wonderful examples of life’s lessons with her grandchildren. Arlene lives in Woodland Park, New Jersey. She has two sons, Dr. Ted Freeman of Long Branch, New Jersey, and Dr. Eric Freeman of Westfield, New Jersey, as well as three grandchildren: Michael, Max, and Quinn. This is her first book and maybe her third career.
Join Us for This Tour: November 22nd to December 10th
Book Details:
Book Title: Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats by Derek Fisher Category: Middle Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 86 pages Genre: Middle School Fiction Publisher: Securely Built Release date: July 2021 Formats Available for Review: print-softback USA, e-book PDF format Tour dates: November 22 to December 10 Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Book Description: Halloween is here, and it is Alicia’s favorite time of year. What’s not to like about dressing up in a costume and getting free candy? But there is something even more exciting happening this year. For the first time, Alicia and her friends are throwing a virtual party in TullyTown!
Putting together a party in TullyTown isn’t easy, and Alicia and her friends want to do the best they can to make sure it is enjoyed by plenty of avatars in TullyTown. For one of Alicia’s friends, getting ready to throw a TullyTown party leads to looking for easy treats. But what if it’s a trick?
Alicia has been using her tablet for a while and is getting more used to how to use the technology. However, there is always something new for her and her friends to learn.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
We hear from Alicia again in this sweet book, Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats by Derek Fisher. This time Alicia and friends are talking about the party they will have in TullyTown, after all Alicia is getting use to her tablet. But what happens if trouble shows up. The internet can be risky. Alicia and her friends, Megan, Ben and Cathy enjoy a game TullyTown and try to earn TullyBux to buy things with. But their game was stolen because they forgot to me careful and secure their site, they lost everything. I love that this chapter book teaches children the dangers of the internet. There is so much good stuff on the internet we sometimes forget the bad people out there. I love books such as this one telling of valuable lessons, and this one is about being safe and careful when using the internet. If you have children, this book is a must for you. I would also love to see this one in every elementary school and every daycare.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Meet the Author: Fisher is an award-winning author who has spent decades in the computer engineering field, with the last 10 years in cybersecurity as a leader, speaker, and instructor. His passion has been to take complex security topics and make them simple and easy to understand. He holds several security certifications and teaches cybersecurity at Temple University, where he is also an external advisory board member to the cybersecurity program. Alicia Connected: Tricked With Treats is the first book in the Alicia Connected series. The first book, Alicia Connected: The Big Gift, was a second-place recipient of the prestigious Purple Dragonfly Award in the STEM category.
Newfoundland Ella and her Alaska State Trooper partner is on the case.
When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I always enjoy a good romantic suspense and I can always expect a great read when thr book is written by Dana Mentink. Yukon Justice is set in beautiful Alaska on a reindeer farm, no doubt with the disappearance of two of their reindeer. Katie and her aunt are in danger and need to act fast in order to survive. Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford is on this case along with his K-9 partner Ella. Oh, how much I love Ella! She is my favorite character by far.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I always love books set in Alaska, I think because I love snow and there’s more than an abundance of it in Alaska books. Dana Mentink does another wonderful job writing Yukon Justice. With amazing characters who play their parts well throughout the story, this fast pace read with have you on the edge of your seat through the entire book. This Love Inspired book may be little, but it is chunked full of action that you don’t want to miss. There is a lot going on in this story that will keep your attention and entertain you for several hours. I highly recommend Yukon Justice to anyone loving a good suspense with romance woven through.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly and Amazon bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
More from Dana
Up on the housetop, click, click, click, down through the chimney with good St. Nick. Does anyone know that line from the famous Christmas song? I’ve been singing it for years but only recently did I learn that the clicking is a real reindeer phenomenon. Those reindeer ankle joints make a clicking sound so they can find the rest of their herd if they are separated in a blizzard. It’s just one of the many things I learned about reindeer while researching to write Yukon Justice. In the novel, Katy has to take over running her aunt’s reindeer ranch and protect it from threats by a dangerous intruder. I had the pleasure of “Zoom” interviewing the owner of the Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska! Jane helped me learn all kinds of interesting things about reindeer. How much do you know about these critters? Take my quick three question trivia quiz to test your knowledge!
What’s the difference between caribou and reindeer? They are the same animal but caribou are the wild variety and the domesticated version are called reindeer.
Do males or females grow antlers? Both! Reindeer are a type of deer and the only species where the female grows antlers as well as the males.
How come kids put out carrots for Santa’s reindeer? Good question! Carrots are not, in fact, part of a natural healthy reindeer diet. The animals don’t even have front teeth! A much better treat would be willow or birch leaves, or their favorite food…lichen, which they find by scraping the snow away from the ground with their hooves.
So how did you do? If you want to know more about these amazing creatures, snag yourself a copy of Yukon Justice!
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book OR signed copy of the book (U.S. Only)!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Join Us for This Tour from November 17 to November 30, 2021
Book Details:
Book Title: MIA AND THE HUMMINGBIRD by Nancy Carlisle
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 4-9), 34 pages
Genre: Juvenile fiction/social themes or animals/birds
Publisher: Sage Green Press
Release date: March, 2021
Tour dates: November 17 to November 30, 2021
Content Rating: G. There is nothing that even comes close to PG.
Book Description:
“An inspirational story! The juxtaposition of the hummingbird’s struggle with Mia’s struggles is unique and I feel that kids will be able to relate to it.” – Reader in a 5-Star Review
Mia and the Hummingbird is the story of a young girl who immigrates to a new country and learns to accept a new life.She sees the hummingbird building her nest for her babies and thinks that she and the bird are similar as they learn to adapt to their new homes. Mia and the Hummingbird includes information about environmental and social reasons for immigration, the struggle to adapt to a new home and information about hummingbirds.
Included is a glossary about these issues, a bibliography, and references.
Nancy Carlisle is an author, illustrator and retired architect and manager. She writes hopeful books for kids that interweave facts and fiction about the environment and global responsibility.
During her 38 year career, as an architect and researcher, her focus was on the environment. She led work nationally and internationally on sustainable and energy efficient buildings and communities and won awards for collaboratively designing award-winning sustainable buildings, a laboratory campus, and as part of a team to develop a program to improve the energy efficiency of laboratories in the U.S.
Telly Award -winning artist Jennifer Shaw’s new children’s book, “Dumplings Mean Family,” is told from her son Ethan’s perspective as he shares what it was like to join their family after his adoption.
“When Ethan and his siblings are adopted from China to the United States, everything seems so strange and different. Their new American family doesn’t even know how to make Chinese food! The children are worried. Will they ever get to eat their favorite meals again? For Ethan’s family, embracing two cultures means learning to fold and pinch their way to dumplings that taste like home.”
Truly a family project, Jennifer’s oldest daughter, Rinnah, served as illustrator for this heartwarming book celebrating the truth that families can be strong and united when they commit to loving each other for who they truly are. As Ethan says, “We may be different in some ways, but we are one family!”
I encourage you to read this beautiful Guest Post from the Author about their Adoption Journey
God has taught our family a lot of valuable lessons during our adoption journey. We were in China with Noah, and he was having a really, really hard day. He was losing everything he knew. He began realizing that we didn’t speak Chinese and he was going to have to leave with us. He didn’t know us or trust us yet, and he was homesick. And so he was really acting out, and it honestly got very difficult. At the same time, I was realizing that my family was changing permanently, and I had no idea how any of it was going to work out. I was panicking. It’s pretty terrifying to go halfway across the world and have people hand you a nine-year-old, sassy boy you can’t communicate with who has a life-threatening health condition and say, “well, there you go! Take him home, good luck!”
I had a moment where I was looking at Noah walking away from me while yelling things at me in Chinese (I’m probably glad I didn’t understand him then!) and had the thought, “Hey, I didn’t have to do any of this! My life was pretty good, and I didn’t need to work so hard for a year and come all this way and spend all this money and then have this child be so mean to us! I didn’t have to do it!” I was instantly struck by Philippians 2. It was like God spoke right into my brain and said, “Oh, so you’ve never been a sassy jerk in your life? I didn’t have to come either, you know. But I came for you. And I came for him too.” It was just an instant reset. Because I realized that I really am nothing, and yet somehow God loved me that much and came anyway. It felt like a great covering of God’s love over me, even though He was actually telling me to get over myself. Our lives are not our own. When we follow Christ, we are to be His people in the world, and that means giving up control. Saying yes to something means saying no to something else. There are many things I would like to do that I can’t right now because we have so many kids at home, but I know this is where God has me now. I want to be where He wants me because that is
where both true adventure and true contentment lie.
This has been the hardest thing we’ve ever done, and there were days I honestly didn’t know if we would get through. But we did because of God’s strength. So many people think if something is hard, it means they’ve made a mistake or gone the wrong way, but that’s just not true. Sometimes God calls you to hard things. Hard doesn’t equal bad. Sometimes hard just means hard. But He is also reliable and will give you what you need to do what He’s called you to do.
Meet the Author:
Jennifer Shaw is a Telly Award-winning singer/songwriter, author, speaker, and five-time Top 40 Billboard artist. Her work has been featured by Focus on the Family, Insight for Living, Family Life Today, Compassion International, Autism Speaks, and many more. Her book, “Life Not Typical: How Special Needs Parenting Changed My Faith and My Song,” has brought national attention to the issue of Sensory Processing Disorder. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, six busy kids, and two crazy dogs.
Book Title: Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Hot Dogs and Marshmallows by
Rachel B. Wellner
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 42 pages
Genre: Educational Fiction
Publisher: Richter Publishing
Release Date:May 2021
Formats Available for Review: print- Softback (internationally), e-book (EPUB)
Tour dates: November 15 to December 6
Content Rating: G – (No Profanity, no nudity, no sexual content, no adult themes)
Book Description:
Doctor Marsha is a series created to entertain children at the preschool through grade school level relying on educational content. The main character, Marsha, will introduce kids to exciting challenges in basic health education as the series explores the world, vanquishing health
problems. It is my hope that the characters will stimulate young minds by introducing them to a positive, professional figure that embodies the spirit of cultural competence, creativity, and adventure.
Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Hot Dogs and Marshmallows by Rachel B. Wellner is an adorable book for children, teaching them the importance of eating healthy food. Wellner uses a variety of animals to tell her story. Join the fun with Dr. Marsha the Kangaroo, Terence the Toad, Bobby the Billy Goat, Biff the Beaver and many more as they try to solve the mystery of the missing Hot Dogs and Marshmallows that were to be used at the Forth of July celebration in the United States.
What an amazing idea to use this cast of animal characters to teach the valuable lesson of making healthy choices and eating the right foods. Your children will love hearing this wonderful story over and over and enjoy looking at the fabulous illustrations on each page. Irina Dringova creates the most adorable animal characters for this amazing book. I enjoyed spending time looking through this book several times after reading it just to see the animals, they expressions and adorable faces throughout the book. With the vivid colors and sweet characters, Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Hot Dogs and Marshmallows by Rachel B. Wellner will quickly become one of any child’s favorite book. This will be a fantastic addition to any child’s library as well as in elementary classrooms and daycare’s everywhere. I encourage you to check out this adorable book for any children you may know.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
GUEST POST FROM RACHEL WELLNER
Teaching kids about basic health
By Rachel Wellner, MD
Doctoroo and Friends is a series dedicated to teaching kids from pre-school to grade school about basic health issues and maintenance. I use the format of a mystery followed by a global trip Doctoroo and friends take to solve that mystery to enhance the excitement of “catching the culprit” and teaching kids the basic health lesson. My first two books are about good nutrition and hand hygiene respectively and a third book which I’m working on now, is about sun protection.
What is the hardest part for you about the book industry? I’m finding that just getting the book out there and sharing Doctoroo and friends with the world is challenging, but the books are starting to gain traction, which warms my heart. I believe in these adorable, noble characters and hope that everyone can reap the benefits of reading about them.
I just want you to love Doctoroo as much as I do, and I think you will once you read the books. She’s an international, emblematic female, and a soldier for health. I’m excited to be on your blog!
Meet the Author:
Dr. Rachel Wellner is a board-certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, most recently the Assistant Professor of surgery at the Monteflore-Einstein Center for Care. She has also been Director of Breast Services at NYEE/Continuum Cancer Center, Pascal Valley Hospital, and Palisades General Hospital. Dr. Wellner graduated Magna Cum Lauda and Phi Betta Kappa from Dartmouth College, earned her medical degree from the
University of Connecticut and her Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University. She pursued her surgical training at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and worked to establish a clinical rotation in an underserved region of The Dominican Republic. She completed Society of Surgical Oncology-accredited breast oncology fellowship at the John
Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. She has been featured as a guest expert on several local and national news networks, including WPLX 11, Fox and Friends, and CNN.
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