M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 18
June 1, 2023
#Spotlight: The Marco Flynn Mysteries by Christopher Clouser #giveaway #mysteries #bookseries
TheGold in Their Eyes
MarcoFlynn Mysteries Book 3
Genre:Mystery
MarcoFlynn has returned to his home town for a fresh start. Now he’s afull-time parent to a pre-teen son, Jacob, and has asked Tara tomarry him. He tries to start over by getting a normal nine-to-fivegig.
Marcoaccepts a job working in the administration for the newly-electedmayor of Indianapolis. Before the ink dries on the contract, a newdrug fills the streets . Along with that, a series of murders sweepthrough the city with the ringleader making a personal threat towardMarco’s family. Marco takes it as a personal challenge to solve thecrime even if it compromises his new job, or his life
Marcoattempts to protect his family no matter the costs. Even if thatmeans harm will come to him, either physical or emotional. He will doanything to prevent a repeat of the tragedies he has seen over thelast few months repeat itself. His sacrifice is worthwhile if itmeans his family, and the city, are safe.
**Releaseson 6/13/23!!**
TheYoung & The Wicked
MarcoFlynn Mysteries Book 2
MarcoFlynn is fresh off a case that was bigger than anything he couldimagine. To take a break, he and his girlfriend, Tara, travel toSeattle to spend the holidays with his son, Jacob.
Fromthe start of the trip, Marco makes life miserable for the bad guys.During the flight, Marco breaks up a kidnapping. Then, once hereaches Seattle, is drawn into a child abduction case as a contractorfor the FBI, his former employers. When Marco begins hisinvestigation, he finds the kidnapper may be related to his ex-wife’sboyfriend, talk about a tough conversation. It becomes apparent thatsomething is amiss at the Bureau as Marco unravels the mystery.
Marcoattempts to keep his professional and personal lives separate as hegoes between his ex and his girlfriend, while developing a deeperrelationship with his son. Then every parent’s worst nightmareoccurs and the case turns into a race against the clock as MarcoFlynn tries to track down his prey in a city he does not know.
AsThe City Burns
MarcoFlynn Mysteries Book 1
MarcoFlynn is working to make his home town of Indianapolis safe. In theprocess he stumbles across a dead body. The problem is she has beendead for two years and Marco attended her funeral. At the same timeMarco's brother drops another case on him that implicates the Mayorin some illegal activities. The more Marco investigates he finds thetwo crimes have much more in common and may be linked to somethingeven more dangerous. All of this as the city deals with increasedprotests and violence. Marco must decide if he wants to walk away ortry to save the city he loves before it all falls down around him.
ChristopherClouser lives in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and pursues writingspeculative fiction in his free time. His family consists of hiswife, two children, and one grandchild. He has written sixteen booksthat include fantasy, science-fiction, mystery, and sports historywhile contributing to several others, along with multiple articles.He also has spoken to many local and national organizations oncreative writing and the career of Perry Maxwell, a noted Americangolf course architect.
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon
May 31, 2023
#Review: Faces Behind the Stones Book5: Accusations by Fran Lewis #horror #cemetery #shortstories #adultfiction #bookseries
Book Details:Genre: Horror
Published by: Fideli Publishing
Publication Date: December 2022
Number of Pages: 164
ISBN: 1955622302 (ISBN13: 978-1955622301)
Series: Faces Behind the Stones | Each is a stand-alone set
PURCHASE: Amazon
GoodreadsMy Review:
I originally spotlighted this book on my blog, HERE but now, I have read the book and wow! I was not aware the book was part of a series when I began reading. In fact, this is book five and I cannot attest to books prior.
This book is written in a eerie fashion,telling the tales of people who are dead and most likely forgotten. Written as short stories, the author puts a "face" to the names written on cemetery stones. Some of these people have been wrongly accused, some not at all but revenge is the name of their game.
As someone who likes to visit cemeteries, I was sucked right in and could not put this book down. I read this in one sitting. How often I wonder who the people are, what their lives were like, and who laid them "to rest".The author does a fine job of claiming who is buried, even if they claimed their own fate. Again, wow!!
TRIGGER WARNING I do want to note: In "John's Story" on page 63, there is talk of suicide.(There are a couple of other stories on the topic.) His story includes ways to see warning signs and ways to help those who are suicidal. It is a great resource for ideas. However, the author left out the suicide hotline numbers which has been vital for prevention. I actually wrote the text message number of 988 inside the book. I encourage the author to maybe include that as a back page source in subsequent books.
Hint: book six is coming soon. I love this author and recommend this book! 4 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the author. The review expressed here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
May 26, 2023
The Dragon's Breath by Carol Weakland #giveaway #childrensfiction #spotlight #bookseries
TheDragon's Breath Book
MagicalBeings Book 1
byCarol Weakland
Genre:Children's Book
Haveyou ever wondered what it would be like to be blessed by dragons?Thisbrand new book by award-winning author, Carol Weakland,is perfect for your children, grandchildren, and anyone young atheart to experience the special magic that awaits inside adragon���s breath. If you want to be blessed by dragons, THEDRAGON���S BREATH BOOK will show you how.
Insidethis magical book about dragons you���ll discover:��� Howto get in touch with your own Dragon Guide.
��� Howto receive the blessing of the Dragon���s Breath.
��� Theperfect times to call on a dragon to assist you.
The DRAGON���SBREATH BOOK helps you and your little ones enter themagical world of dragons. Learn what masters of magic theyare and how they can help you. Find out how to access their blessingthrough breath made of a special kind of fire thatnever burns. Delight in astory of nature magic thatcan make you feel better than ever before. If you enjoy fantasystories about nature and magical beings like dragons,you will love this book. THE DRAGON���S BREATH BOOK willtake you into their magical realm to experience their breath andblessing.
AuthorCarol Weakland really does lives in a fairytale cottage complete withFairies, Dragons, and Unicorns. She is a Gatekeeper to EverythingMagical! One of her previous children���s books won the COVR SilverMedal Award for Best Children's Picture Book.
AuthorCarol Weakland really does live in a fairytale cottage complete withFairies, Dragons, and Unicorns. She is a Gatekeeper to EverythingMagical! One of her previous children���s books won the COVR SilverMedal Award for Best Children's Picture Book, SECRETS OF THE FLOWERFAIRIES. It is also a book in THE MAGICAL BEINGS' SERIES. Someof her other books include: the Romantic Fantasy Series: MORGEN OFAVALON. LAND OF THE TWILIGHT MIST. Young Adult Fantasy and THEADVENTURES OF MAID MARIAN, HEALER OF SHERWOOD FOREST.
Pleasenote that THE DRAGON'S BREATH BOOK is part one of THE MAGICAL BEINGS'SERIES.
SECRETSOF THE FLOWER FAIRIES is considered book two in the series.
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$20 Amazon
May 25, 2023
Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice #review #multicultural #privilege #picturebooks
Book Details:Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Compassion Project Press
Release date: May 2023.Book Description:
Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.My Review:In my mind, this book is timely. In a world where everything seems techno based, it is difficult to think that some people do not have the next best thing in their hands. Here we meet a girl who doesn't want to go to school, does not want to eat in favor of her tablet, and is annoyed when it rains. Boo hoo for you I think. Later in the book, this same girl takes a trip to India with her parents. There she meets children who do not have or barely have basic necessities. It is a wake up call as she learns that these children are grateful for what they do have and rejoice in when they dance in the rain.This book, apparently a true story, teaches all about privilege and how we should never take for granted what we have and to appreciate what has been given.Coupled with awesome, bold, illustrations this book,mostly a picture book, is a winner. 5 srars!Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as part of a book tour. The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors NetworkAmazon Goodreads
Meet the Author:
Susan, a legal advocate for children’s rights, has long harbored a dream of crafting a tale that would empower young readers to understand and champion the rights of their peers. Drawing upon her own experiences as a young person comprehending privilege, she was inspired to write a book that would not only entertain but also inspire her readers to consider pressing social issues and to actively strive to make the world a better place for all children.
connect with the author: website Enter the Giveaway:Win signed copy of CHILDREN WHO DANCE IN THE RAIN by Susan Justice (one winner) (USA only) (ends June 9)CHILDREN WHO DANCE IN THE RAIN Book Tour Giveaway
May 24, 2023
#Review: If You Were Me and Lived In... Australia/Peru/Israel/Kenya/Cuba by Carole P. Roman #bookseries #childrensnonfiction #CarolePRoman #multicultural #Diversebooks
I love the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series of books by Carole P. Roman. I am privileged to have almost the entire collection from around the world. This conglomerate of a review is for five more books in the series: Australia, Peru, Israel, Kenya, and Cuba.
As with all of her books from this series, she follows a general format which includes: city capital, name for parents, names for children, money used,foods eaten, places to visit, school name, holidays, and glossary of terms in the back.
Check out below the summary for each and what I have to say about each of these award winning books. Each of these books are 5 star books to me.
Disclosure: I received these books in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Australia
Although I already knew this, one of the interesting tidbits about Australia is that it is not only a country but a continent. I did not remember however, that its capital is Canberra. You can swim in the Great Barrier Reef.
Peru
Peru is home to many different climates and old civilizations. Machu Picchu is one of the more famous places that many people from around the world visit. Potatoes are a main staple and there are 4000 varieties.
Israel
Israel is home to several religious sects. It is considered a Holy place and visited by many.It goes by two other names. (Find those in book page two.) Just one of the many places to visit would be the Dead Sea. It is also interesting to not know how things are written and read.
Kenya
In Kenya, people visit wildlife reserves. There is a famous one on page 12 in the book. The game of cricket is a favorite pastime. Other countries enjoy this game too. (See other reviews in the series.) Carnival is another similarity.
Cuba
The city of Havanna is one of the oldest in Cuba. It is a major port city.Games are important to the country and many strive to be good at some kind. Carrnival is also is a well loved celebration.
This is one of the special things about this series of books. Information like this helps children to learn but also extend their learning. The consistency with each book is awesome as well as the glossary of terms in each. This author's series is invaluable and highly recommended. 5 stars+
May 23, 2023
Spotlight: Accusation by Fran Lewis #Horror
Book Details:Genre: Horror
Published by: Fideli Publishing
Publication Date: December 2022
Number of Pages: 164
ISBN: 1955622302 (ISBN13: 978-1955622301)
Series: Faces Behind the Stones | Each is a stand-alone set
PURCHASE: Amazon
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A funeral can evoke sadness on the faces of those attending, especially when they reach the cemetery. Looking at those faces, I begin to wonder what they are thinking, and possibly what they are hiding.
As I scan the tombstones, I contemplate whether many of the faces behind these stones were wronged during their lives and I can hear them speaking to me. They want to tell me how they ended up here. Were they guilty of great evil in their lives, or were they wrongly accused?
Listen as they tell their stories, and chills will run down your spine as you learn: What lies behind the
stones, because each of these voices was silenced in life by the evil of others.
understand their reasons…
and then decide:Were the Accusations wrong?MY REVIEW: FORTHCOMINGAuthor Bio:
Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three master’s degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge.
She was the musical director for shows in her school and ran the school’s newspaper. Fran writes reviews for authors upon request and for several other sites.
Catch Up With Fran:Goodreads
Instagram – @berthatillie49
Facebook – @fran.lewis1
Fran Lewis’ BlogTalk Radio Show
Spotlight: Accusation by Fran Lewis #Horror #Review
Book Details:Genre: Horror
Published by: Fideli Publishing
Publication Date: December 2022
Number of Pages: 164
ISBN: 1955622302 (ISBN13: 978-1955622301)
Series: Faces Behind the Stones | Each is a stand-alone set
PURCHASE: Amazon
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A funeral can evoke sadness on the faces of those attending, especially when they reach the cemetery. Looking at those faces, I begin to wonder what they are thinking, and possibly what they are hiding.
As I scan the tombstones, I contemplate whether many of the faces behind these stones were wronged during their lives and I can hear them speaking to me. They want to tell me how they ended up here. Were they guilty of great evil in their lives, or were they wrongly accused?
Listen as they tell their stories, and chills will run down your spine as you learn: What lies behind the
stones, because each of these voices was silenced in life by the evil of others.
understand their reasons…
and then decide:Were the Accusations wrong?MY REVIEW: FORTHCOMINGAuthor Bio:
Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three master’s degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge.
She was the musical director for shows in her school and ran the school’s newspaper. Fran writes reviews for authors upon request and for several other sites.
Catch Up With Fran:Goodreads
Instagram – @berthatillie49
Facebook – @fran.lewis1
Fran Lewis’ BlogTalk Radio Show
May 15, 2023
Review: The Portal Through by Rebecca Fletcher Gale #memoir #historical #ageofawakening
I enjoy reading memoirs from other people as I like to hear/ read the stories of others lives. This book sounded interesting so, I picked it up. However, this book is not a complete memoir but story telling too.
The author weaves a tale told from a box of letters that she found in an old cabin she was renovating. It tells of spirit guides, love, and identity. The author is a good story teller and keeps things interesting for the most part.
This book is worth the read especially if you are interested in the age of "awakeness" or historical places.
Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
April 29, 2023
Review: Sister Anne's Hands by Marybeth Lorbiecki #multicultural #childrensbooks
Synopsis:
"An African American nun challenges the beliefs of her second-grade students in this thought-provoking picture book set in the 1960s."--Publishers Weekly
My review:
Set in the 1960's of racial inequality, a young white girl going into second grade, is confronted with a teacher that does not look like her.
At first, the children, although curious, find her to be funny, and just like other teachers who have taught them. But soon a mean "joke" by a student turns the class into learning about racial differences.
Sister Anne, the teacher, teaches her students about a different perspective and that all are not treated the same. Respect comes over time for the young girl and some of the students.
One of the things I truly liked about this book is it did not water down racism. The teacher used imagery in her classroom that showed people of different color and what they were known for at the time. Names dropped: Martin Luther King Jr, Phillis Wheatley, Mathew Henson, and Sojourner Truth.
The illustrations were all done in black and white with some pink, certainly intentional and not missed by this reviewer. The pictures were bold and mostly full page which, although a picture book mostly, I think was also intentional.
If you are going to share lessons in racism to younger children, then this book is a nice supplemental one to start with but not a sole book to use.
Recommend. 4 stars.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
April 27, 2023
Review: If You Were Me and Lived In...Renaissance Italy by Carole P. Roman #multicultural #newseries #childrensnonfiction
In an upgrade from her original non-fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived In...", author, Carole P. Roman now takes children on a historical ride. Children can emerge in cultural periods around the world while learning the experiences of children of the time period.
Some similarities in format are the same as the original series: foods eaten, clothes worn, and games played. However, this series is for the older child who wants to learn even deeper lessons in cultures. The reading is more complex with less illustrations. Although, the illustrations that are included are boldly done and add to the book.
One of my favorite sections of this book is page 16 and 17 where the author outlines how one's house, of richer means, would look in Florence, Italy. Page 17's illustration is a simple hand-drawn outline of the inside of the house. I loved this because again, the illustration perfectly showed what the author herself just wrote. As one who is a somewhat visual learner, this was perfect!
As a pseudo bonus, in the back of the book is an extension of some of the art and people who were important to the Renaissance period. Several additional pages are included and is an excellent source for a child (or adult) who wants to know more and why their importance was necessary for this time period. Also included, i the ever present glossary which is a staple for the original series and much needed in this new series.
Excellent works all around and I am looking forward to reading more. If you don't believe in my review here, it should be noted that this book series has already won several awards and is considered a good source for homeschool.
5 stars!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where to find the author:
Amazon
Goodreads
