M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 58

Book Blast & #Giveaway: Reign Drops (Book 1) & Summer Sinks (Book 2) of Blood Borne by Chris Patt #YABooks #BookBlast #Mayans #Booktours

Reign Drops (Bloodborne Series Book 1)

A simple Mayan girl. A powerful spirit. A bloodthirsty monster. All leading to a desperate quest. When the Mayan calendar ended some people scoffed while others joked and a few waited for the end of the world. After living half her life apart from her native people, Dalia no longer believes in the supernatural and monstrous things that the final cycle predicted. But unbelief is not protection. Going home draws her into a fight against mythical creatures, limitless power and a battle for humanity’s survival. Can Dalia balance an outsider’s knowledge and tribal wisdom to give the world a fighting chance? Or will she choose to stay blind and let the world collapse around her? Reign Drops is the first book in The Bloodborne Series, a saga of urban fantasy novels. If you like tenacious heroines, Mayan legends, and new twists on magical beasts, then you'll love Chris Patt's spellbinding series. Buy
Summer Sinks (Bloodborne Series Book 2)

An adept student with a powerful mentor. A diabolical witch huntress . Two friends working to avert a tragic twist of fate. Dalia and her dragon’s quest for the histories of magic and humanity, and a long lost dragon tribe, lead them to Texas. While building her magical reserves, and satiating the dragon’s need for knowledge, they stumble across a powerful hex. A curse that could cost her everything she loves. Battling an unknown enemy, Dalia wonders if she can find the answers before time runs out. Finding enemies close and new allies in unexpected places it comes down to a battle of magics. Will the more powerful witch retain the upper hand, building on her generations of training? Or will
Dalai’s faith in others be the end of her?

  Buy    

  
Download Temple Origins for FREE
Temple Origins show us how the Fate Sisters can turn a promise into curse. a curse that will lead to the Bloodborne Legacy. Follow along as we trace the path of the amulet. Death shows us the way, as only he can. 
Chris Patt lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, three cats, two dogs and DJ the turtle. She writes as often as she can, but perhaps not as often as she should. According to the husband it is possible she reads too much.
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NOTE: Michelle aka Naila Moon is not responsible for this giveaway or its contents. The prize distributions is solely from the author and/or Promotional Book Tours. Please see their rules for entry.

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Murder She Meowed by Liz Mugavero #Review & #Giveaway #murdermysteries #cozymysteries

Disclosure: I received a digital copy from the author through Netgalley for review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Brief Summary:
"Stan" is from a small town owner of a pet bakery. She is marrying her Irish fiance who own a local Irish pub. The couple do not want a large wedding. Her meddling mother, sister, and practically the whole town, have other ideas and want to change everything right down to the dress she wears. Her sister wants to throw a bridal shower which will be a "surprise" location. It just happens to be at her bakery. That is where the story and murder really begin.

My review:
This is a 7th book in a series which I mostly enjoyed. I was glad to know that I could read it and not have any carry over characters to catch up with. It did take me longer than I thought it would to read.

The wedding story and the actual murder story could almost have been two separate stories in and of themselves. I felt the author almost ran away too much with the wedding part and not the murder part. I felt she also had troubles keeping track of her characters.  I also felt it took too long to get to the actual murderer who was only briefly mentioned nearer to the end of the book.

Having said all that though, I loved the character "Stan". She is an independent woman who I could actually relate too. She has strong opinions of what she truly wants but tries to be a people pleaser too. Her relationship with her Mother is often teen-ager like (which is mentioned) and it causes her heartache to the point she wants to run from it all. To make matters worse is her soon to be sister-in-law is also the local sheriff. I would like to have known more about her relationship with her pub-owning brother.

I found her pet bakery to be a great idea and I almost wished it had been described even more. I saw it to be cozy and place where everyone wants to hang out. Stan and her soon-to-be co-business partner are likeable and people this reader would just want to hang out with.  The back of the book included some real pet recipes which I thought was a nice touch and one of the reasons I wanted to read and review the book.

I found it funny that she was able to do so much investigating on her own. Although her sister-in-law often told her to butt out, she plain didn't. She got away with a ton in my mind but her stubborn persistence paid off for what seemed like a somewhat inept sheriff.

The twist in the book were okay including the (spoiler alert) stalker but even that was surprising and took a long time to get to for such a minor character.

I would have also liked to have know even more about the character that was murdered. He was likable and complex. Again, it took near the end of the book to really get to know him. When I did, I wished he had not been killed off. Suggestion to author: write a prequel about him, I would read it!

Again, overall, I liked the book and the recipes, but would like those minor characters to be beefed up more.  For these reasons I give the book a 3 star review.

Where to find author:
Liz Mugavero has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera–all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?” She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living. Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.

Author Links Webpage – http://www.lizmugavero.com; Twitter – https://twitter.com/lizmugavero;  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Mugavero/329291780446231



~Michelle aka Naila Moon GIVEAWAY: Michelle of Reading Authors is not responsible for prizee or shipment. This is sole responsibility of the author. Please read rules. a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Spotlight & #Giveaway: The Wrong Boy by Cathy Ace #Thriller

The Wrong Boy [image error]
Suspense/Thriller
Four Tails Publishing Ltd. (January 9, 2019)
Print Length: 307 pages
ASIN: B07KRNGV3R [image error]
Perched on a Welsh clifftop, the ancient, picturesque hamlet of Rhosddraig has its peaceful façade ripped apart when human remains are discovered under a pile of stones. The village pub, The Dragon’s Head, run by three generations of women, becomes the focal point for those interested in the grisly find, and it’s where layers of deceit are peeled away to expose old secrets and deep wounds. The police need to establish who died, how, and why, but DI Evan Glover knows he can’t be involved in the investigation because he’s just two days away from retirement. However, as the case develops in unexpected ways, it becomes irrevocably woven into his life, and the lives of local families, leading to disturbing revelations – and deadly consequences . . .About the Author[image error]Born and raised in Wales, now-Canadian Cathy Ace is the author of the Cait Morgan Mysteries, featuring her Welsh Canadian criminology professor sleuth who travels the world tripping over corpses, and The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries, featuring a quartet of female PIs, working from a Welsh stately home. Both series are traditional, entertaining, and have been well reviewed.Author Links:    Website    Facebook  GoodReads Purchase Links – Amazon 


GIVEAWAY: Michelle aka Naila Moon is not responsible for prize. This is solely from the author. Giveaway can be found here:

Book Challenges 2019

I read a ton in 2018 but did not meet the challenges by far. Therefore, the new year brings my outline my new book challenges for the new year.  I look forward to the challenges every year but am not going to overwhelm myself either.

So, on to it (Most challenges will overlap)...

Goodreads Challenge: 52 books  I have not met my goals in two years. That is going to change! 

Alphabet Soup Challenge: A-Z books  (That is going to coincide with the April A-Z Challenge)

Mount TBR: I am going for "Pike's Peak" with 12 books off of TBR

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 12 books 

Reading Challenge Addict Challenge: I am going for the "Out of This World" with 16+ books 
(Note: this is a new challenge to me and for anyone who is addicted to reading challenges. LOL)


That is it. If I find a shorter challenge that intrigues me, I may add it but I think this is quite doable this year.  By the way, want a complete list of challenges for 2019? GO HERE

What challenges are you doing? Let me know in a comment.
Happy New Year!

Michelle aka Naila Moon

#Review: Hello, Ninjas & Hello, Knights by Joan Holub #boardbooks #mathconcepts

Summary:
Perfect for reading out loud, Joan Holub’s hilarious text and Chris Dickason’s lively illustrations will have little ones learning and laughing as they try to find all the sneaky ninjas hidden on each page.

A clever, interactive approach to first concepts, this board book series also introduces important “next-step” concepts like counting in a hilariously engaging way.

My review:

If your kiddo, like my Grandson, loves ninjas, then this is the book to get! A new board-book series by the author will have your child wanting to do a ninja roll or chop but having fun counting while doing so. I have read many books by this author and her gift of writing is always top-notch. 

I love the rhymes that the book has and the illustrations that go along with it are just fantastic. The little twist in the middle of the book, which is a fold-out page,  will not only have your child in stitches but you too! I know I laughed out loud when I found out what the ninjas were on a mission for. I will just say it is pretty yummy but you will have to get your own copy to find out what it is.

A winner for sure! 5 stars!


Summary:


Perfect for reading out loud, Joan Holub’s hilarious text and Chris Dickason’s lively illustrations will have little ones huff-puff laughing as the knights and dragons run up and down the castle wall.

A clever, interactive approach to first concepts, this board book series also introduces important “next-step” concepts like opposites in a hilariously engaging way.

My review:
This book is in the author's new series of board books. The illustrations are as fun as the ninja one I read, quite bright and colorful. Here the subject is Knights and Dragons. Even if you have a Princess, she will love this book.

As with many of Ms. Holub's books, she always has something to learn in them. In this book, the concept is learning opposites and making friends.
How do you make friends with dragons? Well, read the book for that!

Once again, the board book had a pull-out page that made the book simply fun and there were lead up pages that made me laugh, the one I loved most was seeing the king's underwear flying.

You can't miss this book.
Another 5 stars!

Disclosure: The books here were given to me by the author. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Michelle aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Joan is an NY Times bestselling children's book author, with books starring Goddess Girls, poodles, a superhero zero, or even a red pencil, in stories about friendship, girl-power, mythology, and other universally important stuff.
Website

#Giveaway & #BookBlast: The Wesyern Lands and All That Really Matters Series

   


The Purple Haze (The Western Lands and All That Really Matters Book 1) Being a princess is hard. Especially when you're just a little OCD. And your twin goes missing. Sure, Princess Eloise is Futur#e Ruler and Heir to the Western Lands and All That Really Matters. And yes, her life is structured by Protocol and full of little "habits" that help her get through the day. But none of that matters when her twin sister disappears. Eloise has to suck it up to try and get her back. She sets out with her champion (a nervous, yammering chipmunk), her guard (the human incarnation of rectitude), and two horses (one an equine perfection, the other on a vow of silence). Like a kind of fantasy-world Gilligan's Island meets Discworld, a quick little two-day jaunt turns into traipsing across realms. sniffing out a trail that is getting colder by the minute. The Purple Haze is a humorous novel set in a world of weak magic, talking animals, and wäÿ töö mänÿ ümläüts. If you like quirky, clever characters, lively dialog, and fun, ripping yarns, then you'll love this fabulous debut novel from Andrew Einspruch
  Get The Purple Haze today and dive into the freshest fantasy series in years. ON Sale for $.99 

The Star of Whatever (The Western Lands and All That Really Matters Book 2)The slightly OCD princess was doing just fine, thanks. Then she got thrown to her death. That might have put a crimp in things. Princess Eloise, Future Ruler and Heir to the Western Lands and All That Really Matters, swallowed back her "habits" and went after her missing twin sister. She found her. Awesome! And then they both got chucked into the mysterious, magical, deadly Purple Haze. Less awesome! While her champion (a nervous, yammering chipmunk) and her guard (the human incarnation of rectitude) rot in prison and her two horses desperately try to find some way to help, Eloise and her sister go deeper into the Purple Haze to discover the source of the inner tug they both feel. The Star of Whatever (book two of The Western Lands and All That Really Matters series) is a humorous, Discworld-ish novel set in a world of weak magic, talking animals, and wäÿ töö mänÿ ümläüts. If you like quirky, clever characters, lively dialog, and fun, ripping yarns, then you'll love this fabulous second novel from Andrew Einspruch. Get The Star of Whatever today, and dive into the freshest fantasy series in years. Get this new release on Amazon also available in Kindle Unlimited
Get the prequel for FREE - The Wombanditos (The Western Lands and All That Really Matters Book 0)
Andrew Einspruch is the author of the humorous YA fantasy series The Western Lands and All That Really Matters. He's also had more than 120 children's books published, both fiction and non-fiction, that have sold around the world. Starting with the four-book "Dunkin' Dazza" series in the 1990s, Andrew's work has covered everything from basketball to DNA, biographies to histories to mysteries, outback heroes to Christmas Island red crabs, and from how the rides work at amusement parks to how the Australian Government works (perhaps the greatest mystery of all). Andrew is the co-founder of the not-for-profit charity the Deep Peace Trust, which fosters deep peace for all species. Based in rural New South Wales, Andrew, Billie and their adult daughter Tamsin run the Trust's A Place of Peace, one of Australia's largest farm animal sanctuaries. The cows, sheep, horses, goats, dogs, cats, and geese, as well as local wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, and cockatoos, are a constant source of inspiration. If you ask, he'll deny he ever programmed in COBOL for a bank.

  Enter to win a set of The Western Lands and All That Really Matters Series in print. A great gift for any child in your life. Fill out the form to enter
Entry-Form--

#Spotlight: In The Key of Be by Lena Hubin #memoir

Non-Fiction / MemoirDate Published: April 2, 2018Publisher:  Chatnoir Press
Many of us across the globe suffer from some sort of mental illness. .Although it can be treated, many still struggle, some win, some lose. This is the story of one woman's fight.
Lena Hubin is a straight-A college senior when she lands in a psych ward. After her release, psychotherapy, illicit drugs, and sex distract her from her chronic anxiety--but none yields lasting relief. Despite teaching abroad, marrying, earning a masters and adopting two children, she remains haunted by anxiety.
 In her fifties, Lena returns with her family to the U.S., anticipating peace of mind. But when her son struggles with alcoholism, she feels her sanity swirling down the drain like the liquor she would dump--if she could find it. In a quest to help him, the author starts a journey that will change her life for good. 

Lena Hubin has been writing since she was a young kid growing up on a small Wisconsin dairy farm. She has had essays and articles published in ISS Newslinks, The International Educator, Midwest Living, and The Sun. For four years she wrote quarterly book reviews for In Recovery Magazine. She has a masters degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Fresno. Lena writes, plays piano, teaches, and works for social justice in Prescott, Arizona, where she lives with her husband, dog, and cat.
Purchase AmazonGoodreadsWebsite

#CSReadathon #Christmas Challenge

Are you joining in this season? I am off and running with two middle grade books and many Hallmark films.

Join in on the fun!

Peace, Michelle

Review: The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren #Paranormal #cozymystery #vampires

Summary:
Vampires who knit
A troublemaking witch
Who killed Granny — and is she really dead?My review:
This is the first book in a series but is also a stand-alone book. I seriously loved this cozy mystery. 

The main character, Lucy, is trying to find herself when she goes to visit her beloved grandmother. However, upon arrival, she finds that her grandma has died and she has suddenly inherited her Grandma's knit shop, a family secret, and a cast of interesting characters who just happen to be vampires that knit.

Of course, being a cozy, a murder happens and minor chaos ensues. I enjoyed the fact the vampires helped out with the shop and taught Lucy a thing or two. They also protected her just as they had her Grandmother. I did not know who the actual murderer was until near the end even though there were clues. The family mystery discovery and dissolving were also well done. The only thing I thought was maybe the chapters should have been switched as they were both near the end but, that is personal preference.

One major thing I loved and a running theme throughout the book was acceptance of people no matter who (or what) they are. It was loud and clear and I would hope that theme shows up in future books.

Great job! 5 stars.

Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book from the author for review. The reviews and opinions are 100% mine and may differ from yours.  ~Michelle aka Naila Moon


Where to find the author:
Amazon

#Review: A Bully On the School Bus by Dr. Mildred D. Peyton #Preventbullying #October

Summary:
The book “A Bully on the School Bus” is about a little girl named Nicole, who experienced being bullied while she is on the school bus. On her way home from school one day, Nicole is confronted by one of her fellow schoolmates who rides the same school bus. This book helps readers understand how bullying may occur among school-aged children and, also, how readers can address the problem if and when such a problem does arise.

My review:
The month of October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Unfortunately, bullying happens everywhere to kids and adults alike.

The author of this book has begun a series for children to combat the problem. This is the second book in the series that I have read. Here the main character is being bullied on the bus by another student who keeps pushing her to move out of her seat. I do not know if it was intentional but it reminded me very much of the Rosa Parks story.

I was pleased to see that the main character went to her parents for help and told them what was going on. They were able to help her find a solution that turned out positive in the end. The bus driver was helpful as well and the adults in her life were a positive influence.

However, the issue I had was that this is not always and most likely not always the case. I wish I could say it was. I felt the book at the same time positive, was almost too nicely wrapped up in a bow and everything was fine. The truth of the matter is often bullying increases and children do not always tell the adults in their life what is going on. I think statistics prove that.

Overall though, I see what the author was trying to do and that is to raise awareness. Someone has to take a stand with this problem and she is tackling the problem through books. In the back of her books, she includes a definition of what bullying is, tips for parents and children, and resources. This is a good inclusion and is well received by this reader.

In my mind, I liked this book but I do think needs a bit of tweaking.with the reasons above I give it 3 stars.

Where to find the author:
Amazon