Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 116

Blog Tour: LOSE IT FOR THE LAST TIME by Amy Newman Shapiro

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Lose It For The Last Time 2nd Edition by Amy Newman Shapiro
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 240 pages
Genre: Weight Loss, Nutrition, Healthy Living, Self Help, 
Publisher:  Snewman Media
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating:  G for no inappropriate language, no violence, no sex.Book Description:

When it comes to losing and keeping off the pounds, Amy Shapiro knows what works, what doesn’t, and why.

In her completely revised and updated edition of LOSE IT FOR THE LAST TIME she incorporates the latest scientific research that has advanced our understanding of why we gain weight and the best practices for taking it off —for good. In addition, she introduces us to the technology that has changed how we exercise and track physical activity with tips on using it to our best advantage.

This new edition contains the same easy-to-follow plan for permanent and healthy weight loss that Amy has used successfully for many years in her private practice to help people like you win the constant battle against losing weight and gaining it back. She shares her secrets for successfully making small, sensible lifestyle changes, along with strategies for using a non-diet approach to lose weight.

Amy will make your dream of long-term weight loss a reality by:Helping you lose weight in a nonrestrictive way that makes it easier to keep it offOffering surprising, simple substitutes for replacing habits and behaviors that pack on the poundsShowing how it's possible to eat fewer calories without going hungry or depriving yourself of the foods you loveExplaining how to dine out and enjoy party and holiday food without gaining weightDemonstrating how to make exercise a part of your life without joining a gym or playing a sportProviding practical, easy-to-live-with suggestions and techniques for staying motivated and focused on long-term successTeaching you how to set realistic, measurable, and doable weekly goalsIt’s time to get healthy and lose weight for the last time and stop yo-yo dieting and the health risks that come with it. Here are the answers for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight so you can experience the real health benefits of permanent weight loss.Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Review: “Remember, the goal is health, nota number on a scale.”  

That line right there was anattention-grabber for me, which prompted me to continue with this book. In it,the author guides the reader through a step-by-step motivation plan for losingweight.

“The reason most weight-loss dietsdon’t work is that they focus on limiting or eliminating specific foods orentire food groups. This removes an important source of fuel for the body,including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants important for optimal health.”

The author uses simple andsuccinct language that doesn’t sound technical or impersonal, but actuallymakes sense. The author focuses more on long-term changes rather thanshort-term changes. Yes, that’s why crash diets never work. I personally don’teven like to use the word “diet” because it’s so restrictive and depressing.

“The real problem is not changingthe behaviors that could prevent weight gain.”

“Permanent weight loss occurs whenyou make lasting lifestyle and attitude changes without restrictions ordeprivation…Small changes in your food intake or physical activity can make abig difference.”

Taking baby steps. Making smallchanges. That’s obviously much more attainable and has more possibility ofsticking.

What I liked best about this bookwas that it was simple, logical, and MADE SENSE. And if you don’t know where tostart, this book gives you exercises and charts to help you plan and organize.Things included are a food journal and an activity log. Book not only does wellat explaining, but it also provides useful tips and examples. Tips are given inhow you can make better food choices, how you can get more sleep, and how youcan get more exercise on a busy work schedule. Again, anything small goes along way.

With this book, one can honestlymake good lifestyle choices that can result in genuine weight loss that willSTAY OFF. Let’s face it, almost anyone can lose weight once, but keeping it offis the real accomplishment. Highly recommend this for anyone wanting to makeREAL CHANGES.

Rating:5 stars

Meet the Author:

Amy Newman Shapiro RDN, CDN, RYT200 is a registered dietitian, nutritionist. She holds degrees in both psychology and nutrition and is a certified personal trainer and a certified yoga instructor. As a professional speaker Amy promotes wellness in corporate, clinical, and private settings. She also offers wellness coaching and integrative and functional nutrition in her private practice based in Long Island, New York, where she and her husband reside. This is her fourth book.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads
Enter the Giveaway:LOSE IT FOR THE LAST TIME by Amy Newman Shapiro Book Tour Giveaway

Blog Tour: THEO AND SPROUT: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH by Joseph Gergen

 

Theo and Sprout: A Journey of Growth

by Joseph Gergen

 

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GENRE: Literary Fiction (YA)

 

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BLURB:

 

WhileTheo longs for some guidance through the perils of adolescence, the guidance heknew his family wouldn’t give him, he isn’t prepared for Sprout, his innerDivine Feminine, to present herself and offer it to him. In fact, he doesn’tappear to have a choice since Sprout, sassy and confident about her presence,won’t go away.

 

 

 

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Excerpt One:

 

SPROUT. My brother had no idea the impact the nickname hederisively gave me would have. Neither of us knew how unwittingly appropriateit would become. Was it destiny or self-fulfilling prophecy? I don’t know.Memories and dreams and possibilities like to mix together. As far as my pastis concerned and the makeup of who I am and what shaped me, I can make nodistinction between memory and reality and dream. I usually don’t try.

 

While I certainly don’t remember all of my childhood, andmany aspects are densely foggy, I remember with clarity the day my lifechanged. I was preparing for school in the basement bathroom—the small, crampedbathroom that seemed more like a large porta-potty with a shower than an actualbathroom. Wet towels covered the floor and almost all available surfaces.Countless toiletries jumbled themselves wherever space allowed them to balanceor stack. Most of these did not belong to me. They belonged to my collection ofbrothers and sisters. I had a toothbrush. I knew that. Usually, I foundtoothpaste. If I absolutely needed a less common toiletry, I picked through abaffling array of products, many of which I had no understanding, until I foundsomething useful.

 

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If they made a movie from “Theo and Sprout,” Three Songs Iwould like for the Soundtrack

I’m not sure how they would make a movie out of “Theo andSprout” with the gender-bendy, physical twist going on between Theo and Sprout,but I would sure like it if they gave it a shot. I’ll leave the cinematiccreativity to the professionals. Maybe David Lynch or David Cronenberg would begood directors, but that’s for another post.

Here we’ll talk about the soundtrack for the awesome moviethey’ll make. So in no particular order, here are Three Songs that would gowith certain scenes. If you get a chance, certainly go take a listen.

1.     “I’ll be Your Mirror” by Velvet Underground andNico

 

In Chapter 1, Theo sees Sprout in thebathroom mirror for the first time. Amidst all the confusion, Sprout tries toexplain why she’s there. Once back in his bedroom, Theo works to come to gripswith situation and eventually tries to find a way to get dressed. I can hearthis playing as he paces the room, sits down, gets up, tries on clothes, sitsdown.  A soothing voice that’s there tohelp.

 

I'll be your mirror

Reflect what you are, in case you don'tknow

I'll be the wind, the rain, and thesunset

The light on your door to show thatyou're home

 

When you think the night has seen yourmind

That inside, you're twisted and unkind

Let me stand to show that you are blind

Please put down your hands

'Cause I see you

 

 

2.     “And She Was” by The Talking Heads

In Chapter 3, there is a flyingtheme, the kind of flying escape you have in dreams the dreams of liberation.In this song as in the story the idea of flying seems inexplicable at first butthen becomes accepted. She just was. And so were Theo and Sprout.

And she was lying in the grass

And she could hear the highwaybreathing

And she could see a nearby factory

She's making sure she is not dreaming

See the lights of a neighbor's house

Now she's starting to rise

Take a minute to concentrate

And she opens up her eyes

 

The world was moving and she was

Right there with it, and she was

The world was moving, she was

Floating above it, and she was

And she was

 

3.     “Man” by Neko Case

 

In Chapter 26, the climatic chapter, Theoand Sprout have a final confrontation with Theo’s older brother. While at firstI thought Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Going to Take It” would be a good fit, Ithought more fitting would be a statement of unabashed confidence in who theywere. A this is who I am statement.  “Awoman’s heart is the watermark of which I measure everything” is the perfectembodiment of what Sprout stands for.

I'm a man

That's whatyou raised me to be

I’m not anIdentity crisis

This wasplanned

I'm a man

As in a citizen of mankind

It's what kind of animal I am

It's that simple, oh

 

I'm a man

And not just casually

I pull this barge full-time

The tree house cannot support me

 

I'm not the runt of the litter

The fat-finger bullies were no match for me

I still taste them in my teeth

I'm a man

 

I'm a man's man, I've always been

Make no mistake, what I've invested in

A woman's heart is the watermark

Of which I measure everything

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Author of “Theoand Sprout”. Born and raised on the plains of North Dakota. Moved to TwinCities because it’s actually warmer. Enjoy creating in whatever form it takes,including writing, painting, and furniture making. The enjoyment is in thedoing. Looking to add a little magic to the world through art.

 

Other booksinclude “Without a Pang” and “Methane Wars.”

 

Social Media:

Website: https://josephgergen.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeGergen   or @joegergen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joegergen/ or @joegergen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079140443073

 

Book Reviews:

 

https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/theo-and-sprout-a-journey-of-growth-joe-gergen#review

 

https://chicklitcafe.com/?s=theo+and+sprout

 

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/2022/08/theo-and-sprout-a-journey-of-growth-dedicated-review

 

Books Availableat:

 

“Theo andSprout” available as eBook, paperback and audiobook Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SMSHF61

 

And Barnes andNoble as ebook and paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/theo-and-sprout-joseph-gergen/1141648672

 

“Without aPang”

Available atAmazon as ebook and paperback:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085H7Q3ZN

 

“Methane Wars”

Available atAmazon as ebook and paperback:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0EVC8S

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY 

One randomly chosen winner viarafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: CHOOSING LOVE OVER PRIDE by Marielle de Vassoigne

 

Choosing Love Over Pride

by Marielle de Vassoigne

 

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GENRE:   Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

"Max,do you remember the proposal-gate?"

"How could I ever forget, sweetie? You made sure no one would. Why do youask?"

"Was it worth it? I mean, I recall being a fierce advocate for the 'I do.'But when I think of how much Dad and you have suffered because of love Iwonder. Was it worth it?"

Maxime's stepdaughter refers to her father's legendary attempt to propose inNew Beginning in Vancouver, the prequel to this book. This new stage ofMaxime's life navigates us through a rollercoaster of emotions while she mustface new joys and challenges.

I hope you will enjoy, laugh and cry reading their story as much as I did whenI wrote it. I offer you an opportunity to complete the experience of readingthis novel appealing to all senses with a soundtrack, available on my authorwebsite: marielledevassoigneauthor.com.

Finally, as I identify as a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ ally, this book reflects onceagain my core belief: a rich life is filled with kindness, curiosity, andexploration, as well as values of diversity and inclusion.

Enjoy!

 

 

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Excerpt One:

 

 

I wake up the next morning and smile with my eyes stillshut. I know Gabriel is scrutinizing my face—well, probably not just my face.

 

“Good morning wife.”

 

“Hmm. Good morning husband. Promise me again that everymorning will be like today, whatever the circumstance or experiences life mayhold for us,” I beg paraphrasing our wedding vows. Is this insistence of mine apremonition of what is to come?

 

“I do Max. I do my love. I want this sight of you smiling asyou regain consciousness to start each of my mornings until we meet ourangels.”

 

We both believe our respective angels, including Gabriel’slate parents, have brought us together.

 

 

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Whatdrives the characters in your story?

 

 

Greetings, Esteemed Readers,

 

"Choosing Love Over Pride" is the sequel to "New Beginning in Vancouver”. At thecenter of this narrative lies Maxime, a grounded and resilient woman who hastransformed her life after moving to Vancouver from Montréal. In thispsychological romance, Maxime faces new blessings and challenges, prompting herand her close ones to make choices. My novels are full of twists and turns, androller coasters of emotions.

 

Let me guide you through the journey,introducing the motivations that drive her and the other characters in thiscaptivating story.

 

The lead character, Maxime’s key driver,her core belief

Maxime's life decisions are driven by her corebelief that a rich life is one filled with kindness, curiosity, andexploration. These values serve as her steady anchor in her world swirling withaction and “life happens” events. They are the garden where her “butterflymind” forages around and that soothes her “insecure brain”. Her belief andvalues instruct her choices and actions throughout the story.

As we witness her journey, we see howMaxime's commitment to self-authenticity and kindness influences her interactionswith others, fostering genuine connections and leading her to redefine theboundaries of relationships. Her curiosity acts as a catalyst, driving her toexplore new perspectives, cultures, and experiences, enriching her own personalgrowth while she faces dreadful challenges.

 

Diversity and Inclusion: Agents ofChange

Maxime and I, the author, are both membersof the BIPOC community and identify as LGBTQ+ allies. Within "ChoosingLove Over Pride," the values of diversity and inclusion resonatedeeply.

The reader finds themself immersed in avibrant and diverse community in Vancouver, which acts as a catalyst forpersonal and social change. Inspired by the multicultural mosaic that surroundsher, Maxime becomes an advocate for inclusivity, breaking down barriers andpromoting understanding and forgiveness prompting us to keep an open mind whilechoosing Love over pride. This pursuit of a more inclusive society serves as asignificant driver in her journey, as she strives to create a world where everyonefeels seen, heard, and valued.

 

Family Values: The Smith-EunoiaConnection

Maxime's integration into the Smith-Eunoiafamily further strengthens the driving forces within the story. The values offamily, love, and unity are pivotal in shaping the story. Embracing theSmith-Eunoia family's values, Maxime becomes a magnet within the family, anembodiment of the patriarch’s motto: “In times of crisis, we take care of ourown”. She discovers the transformative power of connection and belonging. Theunwavering love and acceptance she experiences fuel her desire to create aharmonious and nurturing environment for herself and her own.

 

Conclusion

In the pages of "Choosing Love OverPride," the motivations that drive the characters, particularlyMaxime, are multifaceted and deeply intertwined. Amidst personal goals,internal conflicts, external pressures, past experiences, and complex relationships,Maxime's core beliefs of kindness, curiosity, and exploration provide a compassfor her actions and choices. Her journey towards personal growth, sparked byher new family in Vancouver, showcases her resilience and determination totransform her life fully with benevolence.

Additionally, the values of diversity,inclusion, and family play a significant role in shaping the narrative. Thecelebration of diverse perspectives and the importance of fostering aninclusive society serve as catalysts for change and personal transformation.

 

As readers, we are invited to embark onthis journey alongside Maxime, witnessing the profound impact that hermotivations have on her character development and the relationships she forges.

 

Fasten your seat belt, and enjoy the rollercoaster!

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Afterspending half her life in Montréal, Marielle de Vassoigne moved to Vancouverduring the pandemic in January of 2021.

 

Justlike her main character Maxime, she was born in France and grew up inMartinique, a French Caribbean Island, before moving in Canada.

 

Anorganic writer, she's publishing her first novel, which is an outcome from hermany experiences. The story has been influenced by her core belief—that a richlife is filled with kindness, curiosity, and exploration—as well as values ofdiversity and inclusion.

 

CONNECT WITH MARIELLE DE VASSOIGNE

WEBSITE

www.marielledevassoigneauthor.com 

 

FACEBOOK

https://web.facebook.com/marielledevassoigneauthor?_rdc=1&_rdr

 

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/marielledevassoigneauthor/

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS

        

AMAZON.COM - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228883989

 

AMAZON.CA - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0228883989

 

AMAZON KINDLE - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4SWRQV

 

BOOKTOPIA - https://www.booktopia.com.au/choosing-love-over-pride-marielle-de-vassoigne/book/9780228883982.html

 

BARNES &NOBLE - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/choosing-love-over-pride-marielle-de-vassoigne/1143060418

 

BOOK DEPOSITORY -https://www.bookdepository.com/Choosing-Love-Over-Pride-Marielle-de-Vassoigne/9780228883982 

 

SMASHWORD- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1338396

 

IBOOKS - https://books.apple.com/us/book/choosing-love-over-pride-the-sequel-to-new-beginning/id6445731289

 

 

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GIVEAWAY :

Marielle de Vassoigne will be awarding a $15 Amazon orBarnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during thetour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: RODEO CLOWNS AND SHAKEDOWNS by Trixie Silvertale

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Trixie Silvertale will be awarding a $75 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Front row seats to murder. Thousands of eyewitnesses. Can our psychic sleuth trust her own eyes?

Mitzy Moon is loving life after the honeymoon. And as part of their agreement to try new things, she’s happily whooping it up at the local cowboy competition. But the newlyweds get roped into yet another investigation when their date night ends with a dead rodeo clown.

As her new husband’s history with the prime suspect’s wife tests all loyalties, Mitzy struggles to balance jealousy with keeping her man out of the hoosegow. And now she’ll need saddlebags of extra help from her mentor, Ghost-ma, and her entitled feline to unhorse the ruthless culprit.

Can Mitzy and Erick wrangle all the clues, or will spurious accusations bring a deadly showdown?

Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns is the second book in the hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations, a spinoff from the popular Mitzy Moon Mysteries. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s bucking brainteaser.

Buy Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns to lasso a killer today!

Read an Excerpt

“GET IT OFF ME!” I swipe the snake to the floor, step as far away as possible, and continue to flail my hands and shiver.

Ghost-ma floats down to the motionless reptile and shakes her head. “Just an old rubber snake from the toy basket in the children’s section, Mitzy.” She reaches an ethereal hand toward Pyewacket and raises one finger. “You shouldn’t torment your best human, Mr. Cuddlekins.”

With the welcome knowledge that a live snake is not slithering around my closet, I return to the bench. “Yeah, what she said, Pye. I can’t put up with feline shenanigans and keep ghosts out of my head before a proper cup of coffee!”

Grams chuckles as she continues to rifle through the closet. “Don’t blame me, dear. I honestly thought you said it out loud because I wasn’t watching your lips. I was hard at work finding the perfect outfit for your first rodeo parade.”

“It will be the rodeo parade I missed, if you don’t pick something soon! Erick just sent me another text. The marching band is warming up. Yeesh! Pick something! Anything!”

“Reeeee-ow.” A warning.

“Look, you’ve even got Pyewacket concerned. He’d hate for me to stand up Detective Harper. You know Pye’s all Team Erick, now.”

Ghost-ma and I share a giggle, and I stretch out my arm to scratch the broad tan head of my furry overlord. Along with this bookstore, a swanky apartment, and a healthy monetary inheritance, my grandmother passed on her most precious possession: Robin Pyewacket Goodfellow.

Pye is a half-wild caracal …

CONTINUE READING HERE: https://readerlinks.com/l/3460643

About the Author: USA TODAY Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries and Harper and Moon Investigations, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

Trixie’s Website: https://trixiesilvertale.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/trixiesilvertale
BookBub Author: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/trixie-silvertale
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trixiesilvertale/
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/TrixieSilvertale/

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Rodeo-Clowns-Shakedowns-Paranormal-Investigations-ebook/dp/B0BYTGQTK5/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: I’LL WALK ALONE by Mary Higgins Clark

Zan is an interior designer whoseson went missing 2 years ago. Willy and Alvirah Meehan, the old lotterywinners, had so much compassion for the missing child and his grieving mother.Her son’s birthday was hard enough on Zan and these strange credit card chargesshe knew nothing about were only making it worse.

A smashing break comes to lightwhen an enlarged photo of the disappearance shows an exact double of Zan takingthe child. Ooh! Why would she take her own child? This didn’t make sense. Whatwas going on?

“But it wasn’t me” cried Zan.“Someone who looks like me took Matthew.”

Nobody believed that she didn’ttake her own son and that she wasn’t making all these charges.

A compelling mystery with ashocking end!

 

Rating:5 stars

Review: THE WARNING by Jonas Saul

A dead body found in the woods andthe one the police suspect was the guy that found her. Provoked by the messagesof her dead sister, Sarah Roberts shows up looking for a murderer that got away20 years ago, and Jack seemed to be connected to it. Boy, this day justwouldn’t end for him.

There were some interesting anglesthat obviously weren’t revealed right away. Story chips away at these layers,piece by piece, making for some quite compelling reading overall. After awhile, however, the storyline kind of lags a bit and you’re not as into it asyou started off. But it’s a decent thriller with some good action scenes. Iespecially liked the cryptic messages Sarah gets from her dead sister.

 

A fair read.

 

Rating:3 stars

Review: THE DRIVE-BY KILLER by Katy Pierce

The case of the Drive-by Killerwas enough to bring tech-whizz Carlee back into the game. Three random peopleall gunned down from a black car. What was the connection?

Meanwhile, the 8thGrade Killer had killed a little girl that could’ve been Carlee’s doppelganger.This would all prove to be too much for Carlee’s fragile state.

The victims of the Drive-by Killerwere stacking up and that included a dead mayor. It was up to Carlee with thehelp of her two cop friends to figure this one out.

This was an interesting case. Andwhile they were all immersed in it, they were being carefully watched by the 8thGrade Killer. Who was the shooter? And why target these particular victims? Wasthis something political? Or was the culprit someone with a seemingly innocentpublic persona? You just have to find out.

A simplyengaging read!

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: STILLETOS AND SCOUNDRELS by L.C. Turner

Fired by a chauvinistic boss.Well, that was kind of bad and good. Regardless, Presley, who had a weaknessfor shoes and would rather not eat than go without her shoes, needed to findanother job. She always wanted to write, so maybe she could take over the humaninterest position at her friend’s magazine. Her assignment was to write a pieceon a political figure.

 

Although the narrative was wittyand clever in that sassy diary prose, it was also too long and slow, especiallyat the beginning. Sometimes it seemed that she yammered on and on. I couldn’treally get past all the inane, bubble-brain monologues to make it to the murdermystery.

 

The read was okay, I’d say, butdefinitely not my kind of read.

 

Rating:2 stars

Blog Tour: PATROOSH, THE HUNGRY PELICAN by Renée James

Patroosh, the Hungry Pelican

by Renée James

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GENRE: Children’s fiction

 

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BLURB:

Pancakes, milkshakes, fish and chipsgalore... Patroosh the hungry pelican will enjoy all four. Especially ifthere's ketchup he can pour.

 

With Seamus the seagull by his side, always there tohelp decide.

 

Will these two feathered friends find what they wantfor lunch?

 

They're feeling peckish and do enjoy a good munch.

 

What could be in store for diners today at theirfavourite marina café?

 

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Excerpt 1: 44 Word count

Patroosh,the pelican, and Seamus, the seagull, are bobbing along, paddling their feetand singing their boisterous bird song. SQUAWK SQUAWK SQUAAAAAAAAWK.

Ah,this is the life,” bursts out Seamus with glee, then Patroosh does somethingfunny, yelling,

“Lookat me, look at me!

 

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 Review: 

What happens when a silly pelicangets hungry? Well, for starters, he checks out the café, where there’s pizza,hot dogs, and ketchupy fries all around.

The illustrations were so vibrant,expressive, and colorful. Most of the scenes centered on the food and the happycrowd with commentary by the pelicans that were outside looking in. But can onepelican resist a fish?

A fun and harebrained story!

 

Rating:4 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

RenéeJames comes from a background in communications and the commercial televisionindustry. She has worked on a variety of creative projects both nationally andinternationally.

 

She loves nothing more than spending time with family and friends, whichincludes their much-loved dog. She is passionate about travel, beach days, and,of course, story-time. Her children are the bee's knees as they're constantreminders to be present, and always make time to play.

 

 

CONNECT WITH Renée James

 

WEBSITE:                   https://reneejamesbooks.com/

 

FACEBOOK:               https://www.facebook.com/reneejamesbooks

 

INSTAGRAM:              https://www.instagram.com/reneejamesbooks/

 

GOODREADS:            https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21279212.Ren_e_James

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS TO Patroosh, the Hungry Pelican

 

AMAZON.COM - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228882060

 

AMAZON.COM.AU -https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0228882060

 

AMAZON KINDLE -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ52C5Y5

 

BARNES &NOBLE - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/patroosh-the-hungry-pelican-ren-e-james/1143286531

 

BOOK DEPOSITORY- https://www.bookdepository.com/Patroosh-the-Hungry-Pelican-Renee-James/9780228882060#

 

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GIVEAWAY 

RenéeJames will award a $15 Amazon or BN GC to a randomly drawn winner viarafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: BLACKOUT TRAIL by Linda Naughton

 

Blackout Trail

by Linda Naughton

 

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GENRE: Post-Apocalyptic Sci-FiThriller

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BLURB:

 

DoctorAnna Hastings is no stranger to disasters, having spent much of her career asan aid worker in conflict zones around the world. Yet when an electricalphenomenon known as an EMP brings down the power grid, Anna faces catastropheon a scale she never imagined. She must learn what it means to be a doctor in aworld deprived of almost all technology.

 

Asthe blackout causes planes to fall from the sky, Anna crosses paths withdevoted father Mark Ryan in the chaos at the airport. Mark convinces Anna totravel with him and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to their family’s cabin inremote Maine. There Mark hopes to reunite with his wife, and find a safe refugefrom a society on the brink of collapse.

 

Journeyingacross a thousand miles of backcountry trails, they will face a daily struggleagainst nature. Their biggest peril, though, may come from their fellowsurvivors. As Anna grows closer to Mark and Lily, she resolves to see themsafely home. But can she hold onto her humanity in a world gone mad?

 

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Excerpt One:

It wasn’t just our baggage carousel that had stopped; they all had. Both theoverhead lights and the computer screens showing the baggage carouselassignments had gone dark too. The only light streamed in from thefloor-to-ceiling windows lining the perimeter of the baggage claim area. Whyhadn’t the emergency lights kicked on?

 

The automaticsliding doors had also stopped, confounding a gaggle of college kids trying toleave. Beyond the doors, an ominous stillness had replaced the constant bustleof parking shuttles, cars, and taxis creeping along the pickup lane. Thereshould’ve been engine sounds. Horns. Something. Now there were just a bunch ofconfused and pissed-off people getting out of their vehicles.

 

Grumbling fromthe other passengers gave way to a stunned hush. Panic bubbled just beneath thesurface. You couldn’t set foot in an American airport these days without beingbombarded with reminders of terrorism. Everyone looked at each other, the samequestion written on our faces: Was this some kind of attack? What should we do?I expected some sort of alert or explanation over the loudspeaker, tellingeveryone to remain calm, but none came.

 

A thunderouscrash from the opposite end of the terminal had me ducking and covering myhead. Metal screeched on metal, accompanied by the tinkle of shattered glassand an ear-splitting grinding sound. A chorus of terrified cries erupted aroundme. I’ll admit it—I screamed too. I caught a glimpse of a plane fuselagecrashing through the airport ceiling before plowing into the ground.

 

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 T

opic:  Pleasedescribe a pivotal scene in this story and how it affects the characters. 

 

Early in Blackout Trail,the main characters Anna and Mark realize the extent of the electromagneticpulse and the impending collapse of society. Mark enlists Anna in his plan totake his young daughter, Lily, and hike to their family’s cabin in rural Maine.They’re going to need supplies for the journey.

 

The “getting geared up” sceneis a hallmark of apocalyptic fiction, often reading like a laundry list of gearspecs and survival tips. Here, though, the characters aren’t survivalists. Annais a doctor, and Mark an engineer. Their inexperience shines through in thisscene as they try to figure out what they’ll need.

 

Things get messy when apolice officer catches them looting, pitting their sense of morality againstthe harsh reality of their situation.I particularly like this exchange as theycome to terms with the laws they’ve broken:

 

Mark said, “The world weknew—its rules—it ’ s gone. We ’ re just realizing it sooner than everyone else.”

 

I heaved a sigh. “ I just didn ’ t think it would happen so quickly. Or that we ’ d be the ones leading the charge into anarchy.I hope you ’ re right about all of thisEMP stuff.”

 

“ I don ’ t.” When I shot him a confused look, Mark ’ s mouth pressed into a thin line. “ Anna, if I am right,millions of people are going to die. And I don ’ t know what the world isgoing to look like after. I hope to God I ’ m wrong.”

 

He had a point. The onlything more unsettling than the thought of facing a judge for all of this wasthe thought of not facing a judge, ever, because the world as we knew it wasover. “ Yeah. Well. Compared tothat, I guess sending postcards to each other from jail isn ’ t such a bad alternative.”

 

He snorted softly, but themirth was short-lived.

 

Neither of us believed hewas wrong.

 

How far one can go tosurvive without losing their humanity is a recurring theme throughout thestory, and it’s exemplified in this scene.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Linda Naughton has been writing stories for as long as she canremember. She is the author of several novels, children’s books, and the blogSelf-Rescuing Princesses. A proud geek and gamer girl, she enjoys sci-fi,disaster movies, and role-playing games. She is a software engineer, paramedic,and mother of two.

 

Book Links:

 

Amazon (eBook/Paperback/KU): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP696W3W

Paperback (wide): www.lindanaughton.com/blackout_trail.html 

 

Links:

www.lindanaughton.com

www.twitter.com/lynnnoton

www.facebook.com/lynnnoton

 

 

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GIVEAWAY 

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