Tour for Race Against Time by Claire Eckard

Join us for this tour from Feb 20 to Mar 10, 2023

Book Details:

​Book Title:  Race Against Time by Claire Eckard
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  192 pages
Genre: Creative Non-Fiction 
Publisher:  Cedar Fort Press
Release date:  Jan 10, 2023
Format available for review:  print-softback (internationally), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 20 to Mar 10, 2023
Content Rating: G for all readers 

Book Description:

Flash was a pony that had fallen between the cracks-too small for most to ride, even for a Hackney pony, and too feral to be shown. What he needed was a person as small as he was-who had the guts and the patience to give a wild pony a chance. Then along came a little girl with a sensitive soul and a big heart.

Kyla Law was just nine years old when she met Flash, and neither of them could have anticipated that their partnership would make history.

In an inspiring true story of family, faith, and perseverance, Kyla and Flash’s relationship mirrors the journey we must all take in life: one of highs and lows, successes and failures-theirs just happens to be along a hundred-mile historic trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains-the setting for the most famous endurance race in the world. From the moment they met, to the moment they crossed the finish line, their tenacity exhibits pure spirit: the human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the fire-in-the-soul kind of spirit that helps us climb mountains and cross rivers, literally and figuratively.

This story is about a girl and her pony, and how in one amazing day they inspired an international community, as Flash became the smallest horse to ever finish the Western States One-Hundred-Mile, One-Day Ride-the Tevis Cup.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

#iReadBookTours

Race Against Time: A Girl, a Pony and the Toughest 100-Mile Race in the World is a story of Flash, a special pony who needs someone with lots of patience to help him in endurance riding, which will take just the right person to work with Flash. That person comes in the person of a nine year old girl, Kyla Law. Flash and Kyla had the determination to achieve more than most at their age. As I was reading this story, I thought of a phrase we hear all of the time, ‘a boy and his dog’. Well, this is the story of a girl and her pony. This duo has a relationship that will last a lifetime.

Flash and Kyla had my heart from the beginning. Claire Eckard does a fabulous job writing this special story. I love her writing style, and the telling of Kyla and Flash’s story in such a way it certainly keeps the interest of readers. I wanted to see what was happening with the two, so I couldn’t put it down. Though it’s a pretty fast read, some parts were so good, they just deserved re-reading, which I was more than happy to do. I think  Eckard’s knowledge of horses adds to the please and excitement of this story as well.

This is a book that strongly talks of determination, perseverance and endurance. This is what Kyla and Flash had to face daily in order to complete the Tevis Cup ride. I didn’t know much about this event but in reading more about it, I see what this ride endures. What a Blessing it was for Flash and Kyla to be able to ride this difficult ride and go on to finish in the Western States One-Hundred-Mile, One-Day Ride-the Tevis Cup. Race Against Time is a beautifully written Non-Fiction story about real people. In reading this, you not only read about this special duo, Flash and Kyla, but Eckard clearly shows what it’s like to be determined enough to face your fears, and accomplish things you never thought possible. This book gets Five Stars from me. And it really deserves more. I encourage you to check out this wonderful book. You will be very glad you did.

A special thanks to the author/publisher and iReadBookTours 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:
Claire Eckard
Amazon ~ Target
​​Add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an award-winning author and songwriter who lives in Arizona. Claire loves to write inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction that have an impact on the reader. Often her books revolve around the amazing bond between animals and humans. She grew up in England and is obsessed with clotted cream teas and the tranquil English countryside of her youth. Claire is a frequent speaker at schools, events, bookstores and on various podcasts. More information on Claire and links to her latest projects can be found at www.claireeckardauthor.com.
​
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

Tour Schedule:

Feb 20 – Authors on iTours: Let’s Talk Books – book review
Feb 20– Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 21– Honey Can Do It – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 22 –Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 23 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 24 –Chit Chat with Charity – book review / giveaway
Feb 27 – The Obsessed Reader – book review / giveaway
Feb 28 –Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 2 – The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review / giveaway
Mar 2– Liese’s Blog – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 3 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Mar 3 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 6 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 6 – The Life We Build – book review
Mar 7 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Mar 8 – Diane’s Book Journal – book review / giveaway
Mar 8 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / giveaway
Mar 9 – Book Reviews by Shreya Vijay – book review / giveaway
Mar 9 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Mar 10 – Books and Games – book review / giveaway
Mar 10 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / giveaway
TBD – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/KMfKw/race-against-time-book-tour-giveaway

Giveaway Tour for Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard

Join us for this tour from January 31 to February 18, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mill City Press, Inc
Release date:   September 28, 2021
Format available for review:  print-softback (USA and Canada), pdf
Tour dates: January 31 to February 18, 2022
Content Rating:  G for everyone.Book Description:

Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever!

Bentley is back, and it’s his birthday! Bentley is excited to share his special day with his new friends, but they are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Bentley meets Bella, a lost dog whose family has recently moved to Bentley’s neighborhood. Tia, Bentley’s Fairy Dogmother, and the Dog Pack have a BIG secret! They are planning a surprise birthday party for Bentley, and when Tia is around there is always some magic. Wait till you see Bentley’s reaction to his surprise party, and especially to the special guest that Tia brings!

This book once again highlights Bentley’s kind nature, and also shows that moving to a new neighborhood can be fun! Beautifully illustrated by Anne York, Bentley fans will not be disappointed as they follow Bentley’s latest adventure.

Buy the Book:

Claire Eckard Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound

add to goodreads

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I love, love Bentley. This is the second Bentley book by Claire Eckard I’ve read, and this big giant of a dog stole my heart early into reading the first book. Tomorrow is Bently’s birthday and he wants all of his friends there, but cant find them. All of his friends want to surprise Bentley, but where in the world will they find something big enough?

Is your child having a birthday soon? What an adorable book that you can get for them about a big dog celebrating his Birthday with his friends. And this book is for either boys or girls because every child loves dogs. This birthday party book should be read at every child’s birthday, to brighten their day and to add some extra fun to their big day. And Anne York does a fabulous job with these wonderful Illustrations. I love how the colors are so brilliantly bright and colorful. The pictures on each page bring the story to life as you read it to your child or children. I very highly recommend this one.

I’m giving Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard Five Stars. Your child’s library needs this. This book would also be an amazing book for any elementary classroom or library as well as any day care center.

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

Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbubTour Schedule:

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbubTour Schedule:

​Jan 31 –Rockin’ Book Reviews– book review / giveaway
Jan 31 –Because I said so adventures in parenting– book review / giveaway
Feb 1 –Splashes of Joy– book review / giveaway
Feb 1 –​The Momma Spot– book review / giveaway
Feb 2 –Bound 4 Escape– book review / giveaway
Feb 2 –fundinmental– book review / giveaway
Feb 3 –A Mama’s Corner of the World– book review / giveaway
Feb 3 –@twilight_reader– book review
Feb 4 –Sandra’s Book Club– book review / giveaway
Feb 7 –Lynchburg Reads– book review / giveaway
Feb 8 –Locks, Hooks and Books– book review / giveaway
Feb 8 –Westveil Publishing– book review / giveaway
Feb 9 –Reading is My Passion– book review
Feb 9 –The Phantom Paragrapher– book review / giveaway
Feb 10 –Gina Rae Mitchell– book review / giveaway
Feb 11 –Chit Chat with Charity– book review / giveaway
Feb 14– Jazzy Book Reviews– book review / giveaway
Feb 14 –Sefina Hawke’s Books– book spotlight
Feb 15 –She Just Loves Books– book review / giveaway
Feb 15 –Literary Flits– book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 16 –Pause for Tales– book review / giveaway
Feb 16 –Kam’s Place– book review
Feb 17 –@jayme_reads– book review / giveaway
Feb 18 –Pick A Good Book– book review / giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Click on link below for Giveaway.

https://gleam.io/Lxc0I/bentleys-best-birthday-ever-book-tour-giveaway

Giveaway & Tour Gallant: The Call of the Trail by Claire Eckard

 

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.

 

Buy the Book:

Author’s Website

Amazon ~ Target

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

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.

connect with the author:website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

 

​Nov 22 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway

Nov 22 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway

Nov 22 – Westviel Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway

Nov 23 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway

Nov 23 – I’m All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway

Nov 24 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway

Nov 24 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway

Nov 24 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight

Nov 26 – Chit Chat with Charity – book review / author interview / giveaway

Nov 26 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Nov 29 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway

Nov 29 – The Page Ladies Book Club – book review

Nov 30 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway

Dec 1 – Bigreadersite – book review

Dec 2 – @twilight_reader – book review

Dec 3 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway

Dec 6 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Dec 7 – Captive Dreams Window – book review

Dec 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Dec 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway

Dec 9 – Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway

Dec 9 –My Reading Journeys  – book review / giveaway

Dec 10 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway

Dec 10 – Books for Books – book spotlight

Enter the Giveaway:

 

GALLANT: CALL OF THE TRAIL Book Tour Giveaway

 

 

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Tour and Giveaway for Bentley and the Magic Sticks by Claire Eckard

Join us for this tour from June 21 to July 16, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Bentley and the Magic Sticks by Claire Eckard

Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages

Genre:  Children’s Picture Book

Publisher:  Mill City Press, Inc

Release date:   April 2021

Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Bentley and the Magic Sticks follows this extra-large canine as he finds out that his favorite sticks have magical powers, thanks to a wonderful Fairy Dogmother called Tia! Because other dogs are afraid of his large size Bentley has no one to play with. However, with his magic sticks he manages to make new friends and he also discovers the special

secret of why he is so big.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I have always loved the name Bentley for a dog so I was especially excited when I was able to read and review this amazing book about a big dog named Bentley. He is such an adorable dog, but lonely because he is so big. But his human loved him. And Bentley loved to collect Sticks. And the Sticks is the amazing thing in this story for Bentley. They are so very special to Bentley and he is no longer lonely.  But, in order to find out about Bentley’s special sticks,  you will have to read the story to find out why he likes them so much.

Claire Eckard does an awesome job writing this story, it is one children are not to forget. Every child loves dogs and can learn from them, just as the valuable lessons in this book. I love Bentley and his human. Bentley is so adorable even though he is so big. It makes you want to give him a big Ole hug looking at his pictures. And the illustrations by Anne York are just as awesome. I love the cover of the book and each page in-between. The colors are so bright and vibrant and the pictures are adorable and fit with the story perfectly. The pictures do an awesome job of bringing this story live before your eyes. Claire Eckard and  Anne York are the perfect duo to write and create this precious little book. I believe this book would be a wonderful addition to any library, home libraries as well as school classes and libraries. This is one book that will stay with your child for a while. This one is Five Stars for me!

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:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound

add to goodreads

add to bookbub

Now join me in this very interesting interview with author Claire Eckard

What inspired you to write Bentley and the Magic Sticks?

In December of 2019 I adopted the biggest, shaggiest dog you can ever imagine from The Humane Society of Yuma. He was underfed, his coat was dull, and he flinched when you went to pet him. He had obviously had a rough life, even though he was only around two years old. As a long-time volunteer and former Board President I know a lot about what some of these animals have been through prior to finding their forever homes. Watching Bentley thrive, and grow into the healthy, fun-loving family member he became inspired me to put pen to paper to honor this dog that remained so kind, despite everything he must have been through.

Where did you find your illustrator, Anne York? She did such a fantastic job!

Yes! She did an amazing job. Everyone raves about her illustrations! Luckily, I knew Anne before I became an author because we both own horses and enjoy the sport of endurance riding (where you ride horses cross-country for distances of 25 to 100 miles in one day.) Anne is also an amazing artist in other ways and so it was a natural fit that I should ask her to do the illustrations for me. Even though I knew how talented she was she still blew me away with what she did for this book.

What time of day do you write?

I tend to write early in the mornings. Really early! I get up around 4.30am and try to get a few hours done before my day begins to get crazy. If I do anything later in the day it’s not usually new material, but I often review and rewrite/revise what I wrote earlier.

How many animals do you have?

Oh my Gosh! Quite a list! I have 3 dogs, 10 horses, and a miniature mule!

Have any of those animals featured in your books, other than Bentley?

Yes! One of my horses, Flash, is featured in a book series I have coming out later this year called Gallant: The Call of the Trails. He’s the bad guy, which I feel a little bad about as he’s really very sweet! Most of the dogs in the Bentley book are dogs I know. Rex and Freddie belong to my son and daughter-in-law, Zeus belongs to my other son, and Stetson belongs to a neighbor. The Fairy Dogmother, Tia, belongs to my stepmother in England! The only dog we made up was Rachel, the pink poodle!

Finally, what has excited you most about writing Bentley and the Magic Sticks?

I have absolutely loved seeing the children’s faces when we do book readings at schools and camps. They always have some good questions afterward as well! And then being a Mom’s Choice Award Winner and getting five-star reviews from Readers Favorite has been such an honor! I’m thoroughly enjoying the life of an author!

Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals

bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

 

Tour Schedule:

June 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway

June 22 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway

June 23 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway

June 23 – @twilight_reader – book review

June 24 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway

June 25 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway

June 28 – The Bespectacled Mother – book spotlight

June 29 – Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / guest post

June 30 – Laura’s Interests – book review / guest post / giveaway

June 30 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway

July 1 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway

July 2 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway

July 6 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway

July 7 – Reading is My Passion – book review

July 8 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway

July 8 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway

July 9 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / author interview

July 12 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway

July 13 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway

July 14 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review

July 15 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway

July 16 – Kam’s Place – book review

Enter the Giveaway: 
Bentley and the Magic Sticks Book Tour Giveaway

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