Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 115

Book Blast: THE AIRS OF TILLIE by Barbara Casey

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barbara Casey will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The small town of Wellington, Florida, has the distinction of playing host to some of the wealthiest people in the world as well as the most prestigious equestrian events. King Charles comes from England to watch polo on the fields where he once played as Prince. The United States Olympics Equestrian team trains and competes there with teams from other countries. In sharp contrast, just down the road, due west, are some of the largest sugarcane fields in the world. The people who work these fields are for the most part poor. They come from many cultures and backgrounds, but they primarily come from Haiti, Jamaica, and the United States. This combination of horse owner and cane worker is an unusual dichotomy, and it is a blend of these things that makes up the world in which my story’s main character, Tillie, the 11-year-old daughter of a sugarcane field foreman, lives.

In The Airs of Tillie, Tillie Turpning lives in an imaginary world that is filled with beautiful horses, polite people, and luxurious homes. Her real world, however, includes living in a cane foreman’s small tenant house with her over-worked mother, an autistic sister, and a rebellious older brother who is searching for answers within a radical Muslim group. When Tillie is unexpectedly forced to assist in the difficult birth of a new foal, she proves that her determination and belief in herself will allow her to accomplish anything she sets out to do.

Read an Excerpt

The soft pastels of yellow, pink, and magenta gently pushed upwards on the horizon. It would be daylight soon. Motionless, Tillie watched through the unshuttered window above her bed. In the distance she could just make out the darkened shape of a large, sprawling, two-story house and its steep-pitched roof. Beyond the house she could see another large structure, and beside it something long and built closer to the ground. It was the barn and stables. Tillie sighed and shifted her weight ever so slightly so as not to disturb her sister sleeping in the bed next to her. She pushed her face closer to the open window and breathed deeply. They had been clearing the cane fields for several weeks now, and the air was filled with the sweet, pungent scent of burnt raw sugar.

Tillie had been awake for what seemed like hours, listening to the night sounds, watching, and waiting. Maybe this was the wrong day. But it had always been the first Thursday in June, she argued with herself. Just then a flicker of light caught her attention, and she saw a car slowly move away from the big house. It turned from the driveway onto the blacktop road that ran between the cane fields and the pastures. Tillie could feel the excitement rising inside her. She had been right after all. It was today. Today the big girl would come home.

Tillie watched the car stop at the end of the blacktop road and then turn east onto the main highway toward Palm Beach. When she could no longer see its taillights, she quietly slipped off her bed. Tillie hadn’t pulled the covers down the night before so she wouldn’t have to waste time making her bed. Besides, it had been a warm night and very little breeze. It would have been too hot with covers. Mabe, her sister, had thought Tillie was playing a game, but she wouldn’t sleep on top of her covers. She always slept under a faded blue spread. It didn’t matter to Mabe how hot it was.

Tillie looked over at Mabe to make sure she was still asleep. She didn’t want to wake her before she normally got up or she would be cross. On the foot of Mabe’s bed was a ratty looking purple and green Easter basket. Its handle was positioned exactly perpendicular to the horizontal floorboards because that was the only way Mabe would go to sleep. In it was a pad of drawing paper, some charcoal pencils, and an assortment of broken crayons and colored chalk. Cardboard had been taped over the bottom and around the sides of the basket so nothing could fall out.

About the Author: Barbara Casey is the author of over two dozen award-winning novels and book-length works of nonfiction for both adults and young adults, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Several of her books have been optioned for major films and television series.

In addition to her own writing, Barbara is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency. Established in 1995, she represents authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan.

In 2018 Barbara received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and Top Professional Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas.

Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with three cats who adopted her: Homer, a Southern coon cat; Reese, a black cat; and Earl Gray, a gray cat and Reese’s best friend.

http://www.barbaracaseyauthor.com
http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbara-Casey/author/B001K7S4IW
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/697572.Barbara_Casey

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Review: SECRETS IN LITTLE LEAF CREEK by Cindy Bell

It had been a busy day at thediner and all Cassie wanted to do was rest. The last thing she needed to end arather hectic day was to find a dead body in the parking lot. At the urging ofthe victim’s heartbroken sister, Tessa and Cassie had to find justice andfigure out who the killer was. Was it a bitter ex-wife? Or was it adisgruntled, old friend from high school? Could the murder have anything to dowith a possible arson? What secrets will the mystery uncover? You just have tofind out in this great, little mystery! Another good one from Bell!

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: DEATH BEHIND THE DUMPSTER by KB Blake

Scarlett was a temp worker. Thisweek she was working at an oral surgeon’s office. You’d think you’d be safe atan office, then lightning strikes and the whole place goes dark. Even moreconfusing was the weird hippie lady asking for help. In search of this crazylady, Scarlett somehow finds herself standing beside a dead body in a dumpsterand a surprised construction worker. Did the construction worker have anythingto do with it? Suddenly, Scarlett was smack-dab in the middle of a murderinvestigation and she was working with the construction worker, who stillwasn’t clear of the murder as far as she was concerned.

 

This was an easy read for the mostpart, but the whole thing was unusually long and slow. Instead of diving rightinto the mystery, we hear about Scarlett’s friends, basement apartment, andrandom thoughts.

 

A mild and lengthy mystery atbest. I may check out the rest of the series if I have nothing else to read.

 

Rating:3 stars

Review: THE SOFTWOOD HOUR by Glacia Cronk

The narrative was nice with somegood description, but it takes a long while to get the story going. So far, wehave Lark having pizza with her twin brother. From there, we go to an endlessargument between an FBI agent and his wife. I felt like I was just waiting forsomething—anything—to happen. But nothing ever did. Just a boring read.

 

Rating:2 stars

Review: THE DAY WE DIED by Wendy Owens

The day you realized you were akiller’s daughter was the day your old life died. Sydney Booth was her new nameand she was proud to rise to the ranks of a crime scene technician.

 

“Once I decided helping peoplewould be how I justified by existence, it became my sole focus.”

 

The next crime scene sheinvestigates seems to fit the MO of the Lipstick Killer. But it couldn’t be.Her father was dead.

 

The premise sounded kind ofinteresting. The diary narrative was decent, but I found it rather slow andanticlimactic.

 

Overall, this was an okay read,but I wasn’t too into it.

 

Rating:3 stars

Cover Reveal: THE SCRIPT IS NOT ENOUGH by Jamison M. LoCascio

This post is part of a Cover Reveal organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Script is not Enough takes a unique look at the making of four different independent feature films. The author takes you through every stage in development from writing, to financing, and to distribution and marketing. Find out how you can learn from the hard experiences and challenges that face the filmmaker along the way.

About the Author: Jamison LoCascio is an award-winning feature film director. In 2012, Jamison LoCascio began to write the screenplay for his first union short, "Midnight Catch," which garnished much acclaim at the New Jersey International Film Festival and Manhattan Film Festival. LoCascio decided to form his production company, Halcyon Valor Productions Incorporated. Graduated from Montclair State University with honors winning the “Excellence in Filmmaking” award for his numerous successful productions which premiered in film festivals around the world. LoCasio's short films have since been honored by the Screen Actors Guild and screened at such festivals as the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, and NewFilmmakers New York. LoCascio's shorts "Track 3," "A Stranger's Confession," and "Powerless" were all official selections of the Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner. His films have been anthologized in the prestigious Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan, distributed worldwide on DVD, picked up for online distribution by Film Bay. DIRECTV & AT&T distributed 6 of LoCascio's short films on their new International short film platform. LoCascio's first feature film, "The Depths," starring Michael Rispoli and Patch Darragh won Best Feature Film at the 2017 Manhattan Film Festival and had a strong critical reception. The film also won Best Feature Film and Best Director at the 2017 Los Angeles Film Awards and received domestic distribution with Sony Pictures and The Orchard releasing on all major platforms including Amazon, Itunes, DVD and more. LoCascio's second feature film "Sunset" starring acclaimed actor Austin Pendleton received rave reviews and won multiple awards including Best Dramatic Feature Film at the 2018 Manhattan Film Festival, Best Ensemble at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Leading Actor (David Johnson) International Independent Film Awards. "Sunset" also received domestic distribution with Sony Pictures and The Orchard. LoCascio and Adam Ambrosio have recently launched their latest initiative by filmmakers for filmmakers called Film Valor, a youtube channel with over 3,000 worldwide followers and over 250,000 views, a behind the scenes look at their filmmaking process. "Know Fear," his latest feature film, received critical acclaim and stars Amy Carlson. The film had a limited theatrical release. His next feature film "How Dark They Prey," a unique horror anthology, has been released on major streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Plex, Udu, Mometu and many more with critics hailing the film as "Horror at its best". His latest feature film release “7x7” is a collection of many of LoCascio’s award-winning short films brought together for one viewing experience on major platforms including Tubi and Amazon Prime.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYMpC0IdUggTr1xMMEqsCPw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/filmvalor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmvalor/
Website: https://jamisonmlocascio.wixsite.com/mysite
Jamison LoCascio’s Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/filmvalor

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Blog Tour: SINGLE PARENTS ROCK! by Jaret Martino

Single Parents Rock!

by Jaret Martino

 

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GENRE: Children's Book

 

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BLURB:

 

FromAward-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder, Jaret Martino, comes SingleParents Rock! (Based On a True Story and Feature Film, DONNA: Stronger ThanPretty). Streaming everywhere you buy and rent movies. A story about acreative, caring, and strong young girl who has the most caring heart and see'sthe world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knows just how special singleparents are, and is excited to introduce you to the strong females in herfamily! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on making her partyextra special! Shay is exuberant to invite her friend's from school and justmet a new friend Nala. Through Shay's heart we see her embrace the world'sdifferences with love. When her Grandma makes her a cape and a crown, she feelsthe magic and power of the long line of strong women that surround her.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

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 Review: 

“Every family looks different, butwe are all still families.”

 

All 5-year-old Shay had was hermom, but she was basically all she needed. This book was an ode to moms. Why?Because they do EVERYTHING for us.

 

“Women have to be stronger thanpretty.”

 

Book was bursting with all thewonderful things a mom can do. I liked the message and the gratitude expressedwithin the pages. The illustrations were colorful and cute.

 

Plain and simple, SINGLE PARENTSROCK! A nice read!

 

Rating:4 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

From Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder,Jaret Martino, comes Single Parents Rock! (Based On a True Story and FeatureFilm, DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming everywhere you buy and rentmovies. A story about a creative, caring, and strong young girl who has themost caring heart and see's the world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knowsjust how special single parents are, and is excited to introduce you to thestrong females in her family! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got towork on making her party extra special! Shay is exuberant to invite herfriend's from school and just met a new friend Nala. Through Shay's heart wesee her embrace the world's differences with love. When her Grandma makes her acape and a crown, she feels the magic and power of the long line of strongwomen that surround her.

 

To our Shay-Shine, as Grandma loved to call you.Continue to light up the world with your heart and smile. Love, Uncle Jaret.

 

To my loving Mother, Donna, who handled the role ofMom and Dad with such grace. Your untimely passing only amplified your accomplishmentsas a teacher and parent and I will continue to spread, unwaveringly, all yourlessons and your every expression of love. Shay Marie, your beautifulgranddaughter, will always be reminded of the long line of strong Women in herfamily, and of the bravery it takes every woman to make a life for herself andher children.

 

"Women have to be Stronger Than Pretty. We haveto be warriors...you look like a warrior to me." -from feature film DONNA:Stronger Than Pretty

 

Stronger Than Pretty LLC. Love Wins Productions,Distribution and Film Festival. Creating awareness for subjects deservingattention.

 

For information about special discounts or bulkpurchases, please contact: info@LoveWinsProductions.net or (424) 279-4802

 

The Love Productions Speakers Bureau can bringauthors to your live event. For more information or to book an event, pleasecontact Jaret@StrongerThanPretty.com, Maggie@MKMTalent.com or visit our websiteat

 

www.LoveWinsProductions.net

www.DonnaTheMovie.comor www.JaretMartino.com

https://www.facebook.com/JaretMartino 

https://www.twitter.com/JaretMartino

https://instagram.com/JaretMartino

https://www.amazon.com/Single-Parents-Rock-Moms

 

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GIVEAWAY 

Jaret Martino will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawnwinner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Blog Tour: SECRETS OF THE WILD by Olivia Kent

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Secrets of the Wild by Olivia Kent
Category:  Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:  March 2021
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.Book Description:

There is nothing more exciting than what happens deep in the woods. Aside from human eyes, the hustle and bustle of the wild will shock, awe, and captivate you deep into their world of the unknown. But be careful, because the creatures of the Earth are onto us, and they know much more about us than we know about them...Buy the Book:
Mascot
Amazon  ~  B&N 

Review: Have you ever wondered whathappens when you close your eyes at night? What happens to the wild and theanimals?  

Animals are wild, and wild theyshall be.

This book gives you a glimpse atwhat the animals do. The weasels riding the woodpeckers into the sky. Beavershaving their parties. The illustrations were so vibrant and colorful. The pageswere just full of wild and interesting animals.

“They cower low and innocent whenhumans watch. But as soon as their backs are turned, their lives continue on.”

Such a fun and inspirational bookabout animals and nature. Makes you want to go out and learn more. A delightfulread!

Rating:4 stars

Meet the Author:

Olivia Kent’s vibrant personality shines through in her very first children’s book, Secrets of the Wild. Her creativity and true love for her characters developed into a funny and heartwarming story, reflecting her inner love for animals. Her passion for Earth’s creatures is being taken one step further as she continues her studies.
Enter the Giveaway:
SECRETS OF THE WILD Book Tour Giveaway

Review: THE BABYSITTER’S CLUB: KRISTY’S GREAT IDEA by Raina Telgemeir

This is the start of how 7thgrader Kristy came up with the babysitter’s club. Kristy, Mary Anne, andClaudia bring in new girl Stacey. The girls work together to design a flyer,place an ad, and assign job titles.

Meanwhile, they deal with issueslike parents dating and a friend’s secret. Jobs include dog-sitting, wildcousins, and a girl afraid of the witch next door.

Loved the colorful and vibrantillustrations! Raina’s a great talent 

A great read! Look forward to morebabysitter’s club.

 

Rating:5 stars

Review: THE BABYSITTER’S CLUB: MARY ANNE SAVES THE DAY by Raina Telgemeier

The girls of the babysitter’s clubare at each other’s throats. Will this be the end of the club and theirfriendship?

But it looks like 3 of the 4friends have made up, leaving Mary Anne out of the group. Wow, really? Talkabout cold!

Perhaps Mary Anne could make a newfriend?

Full of colorful illustrations,this story is another wonderful journey of friendship with more babysittingadventures for the girls.

A fun read!

 

Rating:4 stars