M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 17
July 3, 2023
Yay...It's My First Day of School by Mr. B's Books #giveaway #rhymingbooks #childrensbooks
Children's Book
Date Published: April 27, 2023
Publisher: MindStir Media
Another wonderful rhyming story from Mr. B. about the excitement of the first day of school ... Yay. The fourteen rhymes and fun illustrations will bring so much fun and thoughtfulness to that magical first day and all the experiences of a child meeting new friends, teachers, finding their classes and even where they will sit.
About the Author
Contact Links
Purchase Link
July 2, 2023
Asbury High and the Writing On the Wall by Kelly Brady Channick #giveaway #bookseries
Young Adult Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Purple Milk Publishing
Entering their Senior year, the gang believes they left the rough seas behind on their summer cruise. Yet while they were away, seemingly random graffiti spread throughout Asbury. After a talented, young woman goes missing, Maddie, Cornelious, Carly and Pilot wonder if there could be a connection—since the graffiti suddenly stops. Things take a turn for the worse when her body is found a few weeks later, viciously murdered.
Most believe the murderer to be an outsider, until cryptic journal entries and close friends of the young woman point to someone in town. Things only get messier when the local bully (and Pitbulls gang leader) approaches the four sleuths, announcing one of his Pitbulls has gone missing as well. Could his missing Pitbull simply be the murderer on the run?
The deeper they investigate, the foggier everything seems. When Jeremiah Gibbz is arrested for murder, Cornelious is torn between trusting his father or accepting the mounting evidence.
In addition to Jeremiah’s legal troubles, he begins planning a presidential campaign and brings a hopeful future running mate to town…with his family. Among the new family, is beautiful and sly high school Senior, Chelsea Jaminucco—who (with Jeremiah’s blessing) is intent on making Cornelious her own.
Through everything, the gang celebrates their senior year with friends and each other. As scholarships and college loom closer than ever, the foursome find it difficult to focus on the case.
When typical high school problems and slippery interferences crowd the gang’s life, can they find the truth behind Asbury’s gruesome murder? Can they stick together, or will this case be the one that pulls them apart for good?
About the Author
For as long as she could remember, Kelly Brady Channick loved making up stories, and leaving her listeners/readers on the edge of their seats.
Perhaps that’s why she always managed to talk herself out of trouble...
After graduating from Ocean City High School in NJ, Kelly accepted a basketball scholarship to Holy Family University, in Philadelphia. As a lifelong athlete, Kelly understands the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity, something she hopes translates into her books.
Before writing page-turners, she taught first, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade — like a dessert menu, she simply had to test them all out. But her favorite job is the one she’s now doing full time: writing. Kelly loves to craft whodunit mysteries, leading readers through various twists and turns filled with red-herrings, hidden clues, and more peculiar characters than a reality show.
Kelly lives in South Jersey with her handsome husband, handful of energetic kids, two cookie-stealing dogs, and an awfully smart cat.
Contact Links
Purchase Link
June 19, 2023
#Review: Best Buddies: What's In A Name? by Mother Melania #Giveaway #bookseries #childrenspicturebooks #freebookpromo #homelessness
Category: Children's Fictions (ages 3-7), 32 pagesGenre: Children's Picture BookPublisher: Holy Assumption MonasteryRelease date: December, 2022Content Rating: G - This is a children's picture book. It does deal with homelessness, but in a way that is appropriate for young children. There is nothing graphic and no bad language.BOOK PROMO: GET IT FREE HERE
Synopsis:A homeless teen befriends a dog. The teen struggles with what to call the dog. Set out on adventure to find out.
My review:
I want to start out by saying that this book was written for children to help them have compassion for people who are homeless. It was written in collaboration with a teen who is homeless himself, he is the one that did the illustrations for the book.
Even though the illustrations are simple and repetitive, I like that they look like they are from torn paper art. This is different for book illustrations and somewhat refreshing. Honestly, I think this is the best part of the book.
I would call this a picture book without a doubt. I think the intention was for it to be more than that but fell short as the photos are what takes over. The writing is pretty much non-existent otherwise. I would like to see more. As I am sure the author is aware, there is so much more than homeless people befriending a pet. However, all of it together, it does get a point across and maybe her goal for this first book in an apparent series.
One perk to this book is the author included worksheets and coloring pages and that is a nice touch. For that reason and the illustrations, I am giving this book a 3 star.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book for review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. Note: I post books from a variety of religions and spiritual affiliations. This book does not necessarily reflect my own journey. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where to find the author:
Mother Melania is the Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. She grew up in a house that always had tons of children around, her poor parents had to read to her till they were hoarse, and from the moment she learned to read, she always had her nose in a book. So, it was only natural for her to grow up to write children's books.
She has written three series of specifically Orthodox children's books - all in verse - which celebrate the high points of God's work of salvation in the Person of Christ. Her remaining series teach children the virtues in a fun, non-preachy way.
Giveaway:
Win signed copy of BEST BUDDIES: WHAT’S IN A NAME?, plus $25 Amazon Gift Card (one winner / USA only) (ends Jun 30)
June 15, 2023
The Jake Desmet Adventure by Gail Z. Martin and Larry N Martin #giveaway #spotlight #bookseries #YA #Steampunk
Iron& Blood
AJake Desmet Adventure Book 1
byGail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin
Genre:Supernatural Steampunk Adventure
Hellwith the lid off.
JakeDesmet and Rick Brand, heirs to the Brand & Desmet ImportCompany, travel the world to secure treasures and unusual items forthe collections of wealthy and supernatural patrons, accompanied byJake’s cousin, Veronique “Nicki” LeClercq. Smuggling a smallpackage as a favor for a Polish witch should have been easy. But whenassassins come after Jake and a Ripper-style killer leaves the cityawash in blood, Jake, Rick, and Nicki realize that dark magic,vampire power struggles, and industrial sabotage are just a preludeto a bigger plot that threatens New Pittsburgh and the world.
NewPittsburgh in 1898 is a crucible of invention and intrigue, the hubof American industry at the height of its steam-driven power. Bornfrom the ashes of devastating fire, flood, and earthquake, NewPittsburgh is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In theabandoned mine tunnels beneath the city, supernatural creatures hidefrom the light, emerging to feed in the smoky city known as “hellwith the lid off” while their masters scheme to change the balanceof power.
Stopping that scheme will require every ounce ofJake’s courage, every bit of Rick’s cunning, every scintilla ofNicki’s bravura, and all the steam-powered innovationimaginable.
Iron& Blood isa steampunk action adventure filled with daring escapades, armedairships, vengeful vampires, mysterious magic, found family, maddoctors, quirky inventors, clockwork zombies, and loyal friends.
Storm& Fury
AStorm & Fury Adventures Collection
NewPittsburgh, 1898 – a crucible of invention and intrigue. Born fromthe ashes of devastating fire, flood and earthquake, the city isruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the swarmingstreets, people of a hundred nations drudge to feed the engines ofprogress. The Department of Supernatural Investigation was set up totake care of those things that live below, that go bump in the night...those odd cases that go beyond ‘standard’ investigation.Nicknamed ‘Storm and Fury’, Mitch Storm and Jacob Drangosavichare two of the more creative agents, working in New Pittsburgh andobeying the rules – when they have to.
Acollection of short stories and novellas set in the world of the Iron& Blood novels and the related Storm and FuryAdventures.
Includes:Airship Down, Ruin Creek, Resurrection Day, The Hunt, Grave Voices,and Rogue. Plus two bonus stories: Ghost Wolf and a Steampunk fairytale: The Patented Troll
GailZ. Martin discoveredher passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories inelementary school. The first story she wrote at age five was about avampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. Atage 14, she decided to become a writer. She enjoys attending sciencefiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living historysites.
LarryN. Martin isthe author of the new sci-fi adventure novel Salvage Rat. He is theco-author (with Gail Z. Martin) of the Spells, Salt, and Steel/NewTemplars series; the Steampunk series Iron & Blood; and acollection of short stories and novellas: The Storm & FuryAdventures set in the Iron & Blood universe. He is also theco-author of the upcoming Wasteland Marshals series and the Joe MackCauldron/Secret Council series.
TheMartins have three children, a Maltese, and a GoldenRetriever.
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$20 Amazon
June 12, 2023
#Review: Soso and the Kako Leaf by Bella Disu #multicultural #childrensbooks #empowerment
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 6-12), 78 pages
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher: The Good Work Company
Release date: June 19, 2022i
Content Rating: G. Children's Book.
Synopsis:
Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage.
My review:
This is one of the most beautiful illustrated children's books I have ever seen! Illustrated by Awele Emili, this book could stand alone just as a picture book. The illustrations are bold and strikingly beautiful. The colors are oranges, yellows, reds, and browns, which is obviously, to me, colors that can be found in the country of Nigera where the author is from.
Then, there is the story itself...wow! The story follows a young girl who is just turning 9 and preparing for her birthday party. She is excited but at the same time, not confident in who she is. She has this birth mark that she simply does not like. However, that mark will mean so much more as she finds herself in a seemingly fantasy world. But is it? Oh, no, my readers! No, she finds herself to be a princess and an important one at that.
Oh, how I loved this story. Soso is not your everyday princess who needs to be saved. No, she is strong and confident. She not only saves herself, but saves a whole kingdom. Of course I will not tell you how that happens, as you will need to read the book. It is worth it!
As a bonus, there is a glossary in the back of the book that highlights terms used throughout. The words are printed in large print for reference.
5 incredible Kako leaf stars! Highly recommended!
PS. I just want to note that this book is huge for a children's book. I am absolutely amazed by that.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Amazon
Goodreads
Note: This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.
Meet the Author:Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.
Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor - Chevalier dans L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.
She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.
connect with the author: website
#Review: Soso and the Kako Leaf by Bella Disu #giveaway #multicultural #childrensbooks #empowerment
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 6-12), 78 pages
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher: The Good Work Company
Release date: June 19, 2022i
Content Rating: G. Children's Book.
Synopsis:
Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage.
My review:
This is one of the most beautiful illustrated children's books I have ever seen! Illustrated by Awele Emili, this book could stand alone just as a picture book. The illustrations are bold and strikingly beautiful. The colors are oranges, yellows, reds, and browns, which is obviously, to me, colors that can be found in the country of Nigera where the author is from.
Then, there is the story itself...wow! The story follows a young girl who is just turning 9 and preparing for her birthday party. She is excited but at the same time, not confident in who she is. She has this birth mark that she simply does not like. However, that mark will mean so much more as she finds herself in a seemingly fantasy world. But is it? Oh, no, my readers! No, she finds herself to be a princess and an important one at that.
Oh, how I loved this story. Soso is not your everyday princess who needs to be saved. No, she is strong and confident. She not only saves herself, but saves a whole kingdom. Of course I will not tell you how that happens, as you will need to read the book. It is worth it!
As a bonus, there is a glossary in the back of the book that highlights terms used throughout. The words are printed in large print for reference.
5 incredible Kako leaf stars! Highly recommended!
PS. I just want to note that this book is huge for a children's book. I am absolutely amazed by that.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Amazon
Goodreads
Note: This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.
Meet the Author:Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.
Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor - Chevalier dans L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.
She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.
connect with the author: website Giveaway:Win signed copy of SOSO AND THE KAKO LEAF (one winner) (ends July 1) Go HERE
June 9, 2023
#Spotlight: Golf Poems by Ron Colby #poetry #golf #sports
Book Description:
Ronald Colby worked in the professional theater in New York as an actor, both on Broadway and Off- Broadway. He wrote many plays that saw New York productions, and as a director/playwright, “The Village Voice” declared him an “influential originator” of the Off-Off Broadway movement.
Colby also worked with such well-known directors as Francis Ford Coppola and was Executive Producer for The Outsiders and Mobile Masterpiece theatre productions including A Death in the Family .
Theater is one of Colby’s passions. His other passion is golf, which is expressed in his new book, 18 Golf Poems And a Recollection at the 19th Hole. Colby says he’s “written these poems primarily for golfers but also for non-players who need confirmation of the absurdities and complexities of the game.” He’s been playing golf since he was eleven, and like many, he became a devoted fan of the game.
Complete with photographs and an essay at the end of the book where Colby reflects upon the sport and its fans, 18 Golf Poems is the perfect Father’s Day gift for those who love the sport, and the perfect gift at any time for all golf aficionados.
Amazon
Meet the Author:Ronald Colby wrote many plays that saw New York productions, and as a director/playwright, “The Village Voice” declared him an “influential originator” of the Off-Off Broadway movement.
Early in his career, Francis Coppola recruited Colby into his fledgling company, and Colby moved quickly from casting and acting into the roles of production executive and producer. The films included, YOU’RE A BIG BOY NOW, FINIAN’S RAINBOW, THX-1138, THE RAIN PEOPLE, THE GODFATHER PART II, HAMMETT, and THE OUTSIDERS . His short film “The Longest Lens” won among other awards, a Cine Golden Eagle, and his documentary “Child Abuse and Neglect” won a U.S. Award of Excellence.
Ron went on to write screenplays for Universal Pictures, American Zoetrope, and in addition, worked on many films with such producers and directors as Milos Forman, Lorne Michaels, Ed Zwick, Wes Craven, etc. He was Executive Producer on the John Hughes films, SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL and SHE’S HAVING A BABY . In addition, he worked as a Production Executive on other films such as LISA, THE EXORCIST III, and ONE FROM THE HEART . The documentary he produced on the making of Coppola’s ONE FROM THE HEART, has been released on the newly issued DVD.
Ron also worked on many television movies as a producer including the highest-rated Hallmark Hall of Fame movie HARVEST OF FIRE, and Showtime’s LUSH LIFE . He has also been Second Unit Director on over a dozen films. He was the Producer of Esmeralda Santiago’s acclaimed memoir, ALMOST A WOMAN , also for Masterpiece Theatre, which won Peabody and Imagen Awards for best feature.
Over the past four years, he wrote and directed three feature documentaries. Completed in 2008 is, PIRATE FOR THE SEA , the film biography of Captain Paul Watson, the most controversial ocean environmentalist.
June 7, 2023
#Spotlight: A Daughter's Journey by Myra Lee Glass #giveaway #YA #HistoricalFiction #Adventure
Book Details:
Book Title: A Daughter's Journey by Myra Lee Glass
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 132 pages
Genre: YA Historical Fiction / Adventure
Publisher: Coleche Press
Content Rating: G: Written for a high school school project :) by a highschoolerBuy the Book:
Amazon
GoodreadsBook Description:
The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long-awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again.Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much-loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in faraway Boston. This is where the adventure begins……
Meet the Author:Myra Lee Glass is a young adult author of A Daughter's Journey . She lives in Texas with her parents and sister.
GIVEAWAY:Win $25 Visa Gift Card, courtesy of the author of A DAUGHTER’S JOURNEY (ends June 30)
A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY by Myra Lee Glass Book Tour Giveaway
June 2, 2023
Light of the World by Michelle Miles #giveaway #spotlight #UrbanFantasy #paranormal #novel #book series
Lightof the World
ADream Walker Novel Book 5
byMichelle Miles
Genre:Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Thefinal battle between Heaven and Hell is coming – and I'm at theheart of it.
AsI begin my final quest for the last Holy Relic, the Ark of theCovenant, things take an unexpected turn. Kincade is forced to returnto the Brotherhood of Watchers and must face the consequences forbreaking their laws and assisting me in my search.
Puttingthe quest on hold, I track down the Brotherhood to find him. Myrescue fails, however, when The Knights of the Holy Lance steal myDNA in order to create more super dream walkers. I'm determined nowmore than ever to destroy them.
WhenI once more resume my hunt for the Ark, The Four Horsemen of theApocalypse are unleashed, spreading their reign of terror acrosscountries. The world is now plagued by earthquakes, tsunamis,volcanic eruptions, and other disasters.
Lucifer has won.
Orhas he?
As we both scramble to obtain the ancientartifact, the ultimate war between good and evil looms before us. Thebattle for the fate of mankind comes down to me and those brave soulswilling to stand against the darkness.
With the fate of allcreation on the line, a final sacrifice will be demanded. But willthe true nature of love and loyalty be enough to save me?
Don'tmiss the rest of the series!!
Don'tmiss the rest of the series!!
https://michellemiles.net/book-series/dream-walker/
MichelleMiles believes in fairy tales, true love and magic. She writesheart-stopping urban fantasy, epic fantasy and paranormal romancewith an action/adventure twist that will leave you breathless. She isthe author of numerous series that includes everything from angelsand demons to fairies, dragons and elves.
Anative Texan, in her spare time she loves reading, listening tomusic, watching movies, cross-stitching, drinking wine and takingpictures of her cat. She can be found online at Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, Pinterest and Goodreads.
Followthe blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon
June 1, 2023
#spotlight: The Light Keeper by Christina Wallace #giveaway #YA
TheLight Keeper
Genre:Epic YA Fantasy
Wishesaren't all they're cracked up to be... especially when you have tocapture the Fairies who grant them to you.
Er...make that faeries... and not the normal,hiding-in-plain-sight magical kind.
Whena misadventure cleaning out the attic leads Isaac to release a faerietrapped in a glass ball of light, he believes he's struck gold--inthe form of wishes. All he has to do is mention the name that wasengraved on the ball, and the indebted faerie would grant him anythree wishes he wanted.
Thebest part of all was knowing that there was an entire chest ofcaptured faeries waiting to be freed...
Butwhen strange things start to happen around town, Isaac begins towonder if the increasingly unfortunate events are his doing.
Onlyhis mysterious neighbor, Yara, knows the truth about his lineage as aLight Keeper.
CanYara's strength and wisdom guide Isaac into his new role?
CanIsaac make things right again?
Orwill his dream-come-true turn into his worst nightmare?
**Checkout the kickstarter campaign HERE!**
Christina Wallacehas been many things. A student, an analyst, a wife, a mother, agamer, and a lifelong writer. For almost as long as she can remembershe’s dreamed of people and places that only existed in her mind,and sharing her stories is a dream come true.
Christina writesbooks not only for middle-grade audiences, but for young and newadults as well. Stories should be an escape. Christina likes to writeabout people who become their own heroes and take fate into their ownhands. Many of her works contain fantastical elements and also a bitof love, but strong friendships are the common thread.
The Light Keeper isChristina’s debut series with more books soon to come. She isthrilled to begin this adventure of her very own as an author.
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$30 Amazon
