M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 7
September 19, 2024
Argh! Ye 'Ole Spotlight: The Courtesan's Pirate by Nina Wachman #PirateAdventures #HistoricalSuspense #TalkLikeAPirateDay
Avast ye mateys! Grab yer eye patch and parrot, because Nina Wachsman's new book, THE COURTESAN’S PIRATE, is here to give ye a pirate adventure like no other!
Get ready for treasure, betrayal, and high-seas hi-jinks on International Talk Like a Pirate Day!
This ain't yer average tale of swashbuckling, me hearties! Join Belladonna and Isaak on a daring Caribbean quest filled with rich history, dangerous risks, and suspenseful intrigue.
Will the couple be reunited? Can Belladonna save her love and her soul?
If you like an atmospheric adventure story, you’ll love The Courtesan’s Pirate. It's witty, engaging, and full of strong, admirable female characters!
So grab a copy of The Courtesan’s Pirate and set sail for an unforgettable voyage!
https://pictbooks.tours/HZ7jK Arrr!
Instagram @thegalleryofbeauties
September 15, 2024
#spotlight Halloween Parade Peril by Victoria Tait #giveaway #cozymysteries, #halloween
10th in Series
Setting - Ireland
Publisher : Kanga Press (September 13, 2024)
Number of Pages c. 240
Digital ASIN : B0CM2MGBVY
A spooky spectacle turns deadly when a singer’s voice is silenced forever. Does an amateur
sleuth have the ghost of a chance to unmask the killer before the jack-o'-lantern’s candle is
snuffed out?
Emerging antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, is excited about traveling to Ireland for a prestigious
auction. Alongside her friend, Sergeant Keya Varma, Dotty revels in Dublin’s iconic sights and
finds herself spellbound by haunting melodies at the Bram Stoker Festival. But a Halloween
parade turns tragic when a musician’s last melody leads to his final breath.
With the police operating a skeleton crew, Keya expresses grave concerns while Dotty carves up
excitement at the auction, bidding for a pumpkin full of Irish treasures. But when one of their
friends ends up behind bars and another confesses to the crime, this duo of detectives realises the
witching hour is near.
Can Dotty piece the eerie puzzle together and unveil the villain before the plot thickens like a
witch’s potion?
Join Dotty and her friends in Dublin for the latest instalment of the Dotty Sayers Antique
Mystery series. If a cauldron of quirky characters, bewitching puzzles, and enchanting Irish
folklore is what you crave, then Victoria Tait’s spellbinding narrative will keep you captivated
until the final page.
Make no bones about it - read Halloween Parade Peril today!
About Victoria Tait
Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world.
She’s drawn on her life’s experiences of following her military husband, and a love of Agatha
Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.
Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of
helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages,
you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a
delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.
Author Links
Website: https://victoriatait.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20373879.Victoria_Tait
Purchase Links Amazon
GIVEAWAY:
September 7, 2024
#Review Jacob's Melody: Harmony in Autism by Jaqueline Diaz #childrensbooks #autism #music
Synopsis:
Meet Jacob, an autistic friend who sees the world in his own way. Struggling to make friends, he discovers the power of music- and music therapy- with the help of a caring teacher. In the rhythm of challenges and quiet moments, Jacob finds his unique voice, proving that being different is extraordinary.
My Review:
As a Noni (grandma) who has an non-verbal grandchild, I wanted to read this book. I certainly was not disappointed.
We all have different abilities and seeing Jacob find his through music was simply special. Music therapy is a great way to communicate and not needing a "language" to do so.
I also loved seeing a teacher with patience and perseverance to help Jacob find his voice and feel welcome in what would be a lonely world for him.
This book included a guide which was a nice addition to the book.
I give this book 4 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where to find the author:
Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills #giveaway #spotlight #novels
Genre: Romantic SuspensePublished by: Tyndale House PublishersPublication Date: September 3, 2024Number of Pages: 368ISBN: 9781496485106 (ISBN10: 1496485106)Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads Synopsis:Justice can be elusive.
Family secrets can be deadly.
The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle.
Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer.
Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.
As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.
Lethal Standoff Trailer:Author Bio:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on:diannmills.com
Win Big! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for DiAnn Mills. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
August 21, 2024
Review: The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad #middlegrade #fantasy
About the book:
Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.
"Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."
Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.
My Review:
There are times when I really wished I liked a book. To be honest, with every single book I read. Unfortunately, this is not one of those times. I plodded through this book even though I wanted to set it down and not keep reading. This read like a "Harry Potter" knock off.
The book started out fairly well with the theme of a child who lost parents and had to live with non-caring relatives. Does that sound familiar? However, from there, character development went sour. The pre-teen girls were whiny at best and did not realize their actual strengths.
The "human" monsters in the book were not as complex as you would expect for a middle grade book and came off as rather blah. Give me some good old fashion gripping characters! Where is the "Fright" that the title suggests?
In addition, the good humans seemed not that upset that their family members had been (spoiler) kidnapped and taken out of the country. What? Where is the description of "Fiji"?
The fantasy characters in the book had the greatest potential for the whole story. Again they also had development problems, as they kept changing what they could and couldn't do with no real lead up to why or why not. This was truly a shame as some of these characters had that interesting wow factor and funny. But with great potential, they simply fell flat.
The last I have to say here is the book should have ended with chapter 17. The author introduced new ideas that would have been better left with the continuing series. Yes, I said the series. This was the first book!
I am giving this book 2 stars and actually, that is pushing it. I did not absolutely hate the book. The cover was nice and as I said above, I did somewhat like the fantasy characters. If I was to give the author some advice, I would suggest that she revamp the book, flesh out her characters better, and make it more your own.
Disclosure: I did receive 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:
Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She is passionate about modern-day life in fantasy stories, world building, and even humor. She is constantly brainstorming new ideas and using her creativity.
Sunayna has been writing stories since the age of six. Many sources that have inspired include various books and movies, all of which are fantasy.
She is lives in New York with her parents.
Contact Links
Website: https://www.sunaynaprasadbooks.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5002639.Sunayna_Prasad
Purchase Links
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Frights-Alyssa-McCarthys-Magical-Missions-ebook/dp/B07HXMJ6GB
August 19, 2024
The Mystery of the Missing Jewels by Jessica Leigh Stevens #giveaway #spotlight #middlegrade #series
This fun and exciting middle schoolmystery series sees Ned and hisUncle Jim use their super-sharp detective skills to solve mysteriesin Lakeside. Incidentally, both are dyslexic. But that’s not goingto stop them! Dyslexia might present some challenges with spellingand reading, but it also makes them great at solving puzzles,cracking codes and thinking outside the box. Armed with thesesuperpowers, they make the perfect team for solving mysteries.
Nedand his uncle Jim, a retired detective, live in Lakeside Village.It’s a quiet place where nothing much seems to happen...or atleast, that was the case. Now, there are mysterious events and theyall seem to center around a cold case Uncle Jim had been working onbefore he retired.
On top of that, treasures aredisappearing from the Cheap and Cheerful, a second-hand goods store.But who would want to steal from the owner? Uncle Jim and Ned findhidden secrets and uncover even stranger happenings than just thetheft. Why are there unusual sets of footprints? What is thesignificance of the feather they find? And why does the owner of theshop suddenly seem suspicious?
It’s up to Ned and UncleJim to use their detective skills and dyslexic advantages to discoverthe person behind the thefts and maybe even crack the cold case.However, it might be more than the two can handle.
WillNed’s detective career be over before it really starts?
JoinNed and Uncle Jim on their first adventure!
“Amust-read for peers, friends and family members of dyslexic people tohelp understand how they see the world. Truly eye-opening!”.Pam, Teacher.
Children and tweens will enjoy seeing theaction-packed adventure story unfold through the lens of a dyslexicchild. Through effective storytelling they learn how the dyslexicbrain works differently, and how children with dyslexia can excelusing their special strengths.
Presented in adyslexia-friendly format, this mystery series can be enjoyed by allreaders. The large print dyslexia font and cream background make itan accessible option for dyslexic readers, allowing them to enjoyrelatable and age-appropriate books.
Jessicais a former teacher, having spent many years working closely withdyslexic children. Through her love for writing she hopes to educatereaders about the challenges and triumphs experienced by people withdyslexia.
In her spare time, Jessicaenjoys baking and loves to go on long walks with her family.
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon
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August 11, 2024
Mr. Howard the Rescued Cat by Erin Hayburn #spotlight #excerpts #childrensbooks #rescuedanimals #activitysheets
Synopsis:
An abandoned young cat must fend for himself and avoid the nasty bully cats patrolling the
streets, until he is rescued by new people, given the name; Mr Howard, and brought into a
home with good food, soft beds, and a very old dog! But to pass the test in the new home, Mr
Howard must follow The Rules. After an unexpected escape, he is faced with a choice: Will he
choose No Rules and a life on the streets? Or The Rules and a new family? What will Mr
Howard choose?
Excerpts:
Activity sheets:
Would you like to color a picture of Mr. Howard or fun activities involving him? The author has included for me to share but you can find many on the website below.
Author Bio (courtesy of Mr. Howard):
My human, the author, Erin Hayburn, is a bit shy (and not as interesting as me), so I'll take over
from here - My name is Mr. Howard McGregor, thank you. Mr Howard The Rescued Cat is
based on my true rescue story as a young, and ever so handsome kitty cat.
I may be black and white on the outside, but I'm most certainly colorful on the inside!
After a spell of homelessness and trying to survive on my own (not too successfully, I might
add), a new family rescued me and welcomed me into their home - which already had an old
dog living in it! I won't bore you with the details of my hilarious antics in said new home (you'll
have to read my book for that!), let's just say there were a lot of new Rules I wasn't necessarily
keen to follow...
With my dashing good looks, charming personality, and riveting origin story, I always believed
someone should write a book about me. Although I look far more dapper in real-life than the
illustrations depict, the narrative is indeed accurate of my early escapades.
Website: https://www.mrhowardtherescuedcat.com.au/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3KVKRN6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61423293-mr-howard-the-rescued-cat
August 5, 2024
Guest Post: Embracing Calm/Meditation
Hi everyone,
Earlier today, I spotlighted a book called Embracing Calm by Anne Beall. I now want to welcome her on my blog to guest posts about meditation. Welcome, Anne. I am so glad to have you here. Take it away.
~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Embracing Calm: Discover the Health Benefits of Meditation
Meditation offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. By calming the mind and body, it helps
lower stress levels, which are closely linked to various illnesses. Meditation promotes emotional balance,
heightening our awareness of thoughts and feelings, and enabling us to respond to situations with greater
resilience.
Regular meditation can also lower blood pressure, enhancing cardiovascular health and reducing the risk
of heart disease. It also strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient against illnesses.
Additionally, meditation improves sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, essential
for overall health.
However, meditation can be challenging. Sitting still and focusing on your breath can feel both boring and
impossible for long periods. But there’s an easier way. Focusing on your breath is simply a technique to
redirect your mind from stressors. When we pull away from our thoughts, we feel better. Deep breathing
helps us calm down and distances us from our worries.
I love meditation, but I find it challenging to practice consistently. I discovered that the easiest way to
quiet my mind was to embark on a mental journey. By relaxing and enjoying this mental trip, I found a
way to escape my thoughts. That’s why I wrote Embracing Calm: Meditation Journeys for Inner Peace.
These meditation journeys are short mental trips designed to provide respite and relaxation. Each journey
immerses you in a different environment, helping you forget your stress.
In my book, I crafted diverse journeys—from taking a luxury rail trip to visiting a forest waterfall to
exploring an ancient castle. Each journey aims to make you feel like you’re truly there—smelling the
scents, feeling your feet on the ground, touching different objects. As you embark on these journeys,
you’ll find yourself slowly relaxing, like taking a short mental vacation. When you finish each journey,
you’ll feel calm and peaceful.
People love listening to these journeys via audiobook or reading them at the start of their day. I hope you
find as much relaxation and peace in each journey as I do.
--Anne E. Beall
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anne E. Beall, PhD is a research psychologist, award-winning author, and the founder of Beall Research.
She is at the forefront of exploring human emotions. Her influential work has been featured in the pages
of People Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, the Toronto Sun, and Hers Magazine, and she has made
significant appearances on NBC, NPR, and WGN. Holding a PhD in social psychology from Yale
University, Beall’s contributions extend beyond academia, enriching lives through her award-winning
publications and literary endeavors. Her dedication to fostering emotional well-being energizes her work,
establishing her as a distinguished voice in the field.
Embracing Calm by Anne E. Beall #giveaway #spotlight #selfhelp
Book Details:
Book Title: Embracing Calm: Meditation Journeys for Inner Peace by Anne E. BeallCategory: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 143 pages
Genre: Meditation/Inspirational/Self Help
Book Description:
Step into Serenity: Your Journey Awaits
Discover a sanctuary within your mind. Written by psychologist Anne E. Beall, this book takes you on a series of serene adventures, from secluded forests to calm beaches, immersing you in vivid, tranquil scenes that foster relaxation and peace.
You'll become engrossed in these meditation journeys, each guiding you deeper into its unique setting. As the main character of every story, you embark on a richly detailed adventure, with vivid imagery that transforms you into an active participant. Whether you're wandering along pristine beaches, paddling to ancient lighthouses, or journeying towards enchanted royal castles, tranquil adventures await you, all from the comfort of your home.
This is more than just a book; it's a companion for moments when you need to escape the stresses of the world, guiding you to a serene space within. Whether you choose to read in quiet solitude or listen as the narratives unfold, these journeys offer you a personal haven of tranquility.Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to Goodreads
Meet the Author:Anne E. Beall is an award-winning author whose books have been featured in People Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Sun, and she’s been interviewed by NBC, NPR, and WGN. Her book, Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales won a Gold award from Literary Titan. Her subsequent book, Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules won a Silver award from Literary Titan. And her Heartfelt Connections book was named one of the top 100 Notable Indie books by Shelf Unbound. She has published in several literary journals including Minerva Rising Press, The Raven’s Perch, and Grande Dame Literary Journal. She received her PhD in social psychology from Yale University and is the founder of the strategic market-research firm, Beall Research.
connect with the author: website
Giveaway: HERE
July 27, 2024
Gone Crazy by Terry Korth Fischer #spotlight #giveaway
GIVEAWAY: https://kingsumo.com/g/mnynd03/gone-crazy-by-terry-korth-fischer-gift-cardSynopsis:
A RORY NAYSMITH MYSTERY A formal declaration of love scares the small-town Detective Rory Naysmith. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he evaluates his relationship with bookkeeper Esther Mullins, and decides to take her on a romantic date that ends with a poet’s murder. Assigned to the case, Rory pushes his private life aside. Things gets tricky after Esther is appointed Executrix for the estate—then rumors start that place a priceless item among the poet’s many possessions.
The race is on to unearth the treasure and solve the murder, but it leaves Rory wondering if Esther will live long enough to become his Valentine—or end up as the murderer’s next victim.
Book Details:Author Bio:Genre: Traditional Mystery, Cozy Crime
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: July 22, 2024
Number of Pages: 251
ISBN: 9781509255986 (ISBN10: 1509255982)
Series: A Rory Naysmith Mystery, Book 3
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Terry Korth Fischer is the author of the Rory Naysmith Mysteries, a cozy-crime series featuring a seasoned city detective relocated to small-town Nebraska. Transplanted from the Midwest, Terry lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two guard cats. When not writing, she loves reading and basking in sunshine, yet, her heart often wanders to the country’s heartland, where she spent a memorable—ordinary but charmed—childhood.
Catch Up With Terry Korth Fischer:TerryKorthFischer.com
