Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 122

Blog Tour: SWING INTO MURDER by Vanessa M. Knight

Swing into Murder

by Vanessa M. Knight

 

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GENRE:   Mystery w/Romantic elements

 

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BLURB:

 

Harper Lange is a grade school teacher with asecret. Well, since her husband passed away, she hasn’t been to the DeVoutswinger’s club—so her secret life has dried up to Harry Potter binges andMerlot. Clubs are no fun without her husband by her side.

When Las Vegas’ finest knock on her door reopeningher husband’s case, she finds herself back at DeVout trying to figure out whowould want to kill her husband. Kill her husband. She never thought she’d bethinking those words, let alone interrogating her friends.

With everything going on, she should be hiding inthe corner with a full bottle of wine and a box of donuts, like a normal person.Instead, she’s roaming around the streets of Las Vegas getting hot and botheredwith Detective Alex Cabrero—heavy on the bothered. The man can’t seem tounderstand why she’d want to find answers—or that she’ll go wherever theinformation leads—even if it means she has to drag the detective along.

Harper needs to find the truth before she becomesthe next victim.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Harper Lange pulled out the chair behind a wooden desk. Thefirst cop stood behind the chair across from Harper while the scowly one leanedagainst a bookcase across the room.

 

“I’m Detective Cabrero.” The scowl didn’t leave his face.“And this is Detective Lucas, Ms. Specter.”

 

“Lange. I’m back to my maiden name. Please sit.” Harper satdown and waved to the pleather chairs in front of the desk. It hurt to lose herhusband’s name—although it had been her choice. It hurt to lose anythingassociated with him. For a while, honestly everything hurt. “Do you know somethingabout my husband’s accident?”

 

Detective Lucas sat in the left-hand chair. He was anice-looking guy in a father-with-a-minivan kind of way. He had a recedinghairline and a belt trying to escape the paunch in his middle.

 

“We don’t have anything new, Ms. Lange.” Detective Cabreroangled away from the bookcase and sat in the remaining chair across from thedesk. He ran a finger along the scar along his cheek. “We’ve reopened the casebecause we have another incident in front of DeVout.” DeVout. The home thathoused the secret-club where she’d last seen her husband, Brad. The club tookeverything away from her. “An incident?”

 

“Do you know Madeline Williams?”

 

Harper hadn’t talked to Madeline in weeks, which was sadsince they’d been best friends. “I do.”

 

“When was the last time you saw her?”

 

“About a year.” When Harper’s husband ran a hand down hernaked back. She’d talked to Madeline but they just hadn’t been able to synchschedules. “Is she okay?”

 

She’d been a great friend and strong shoulder when Harperneeded to cry. And she was one hell of a kisser too.

 

Detective Cabrero leaned forward, his eyes reading her everymove. “Madeline was killed last night.”

 

Killed? The word slammed into her chest and sucked the airfrom her lungs.

 

 

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 Review: Harper lost her husband and nowshe lost her best friend. Not another death. Ever since then, the only thingHarper wanted to know was what happened the night her husband was killed.Perhaps it had something to do with “the lifestyle?”

The police didn’t think herhusband’s death was an accident and believed it was connected to Madeline’sdeath. As a favor, Harper takes a cop over the couple’s mansion—one thatdoubled as “the lifestyle club”—for questioning and undercover work. It wasjust a sex club. What would Harper be nervous about?

“They were just lying to all herfriends because one of them might’ve killed her husband.” No biggie.

I enjoyed the clever and wittynarrative. The sex club scene was too funny! I especially enjoyed seeing thecop’s reaction to it all.

Harper, along with the hot cop,would dig deep to find out the truth behind the death of her husband andfriend.

Story had a good narrative, but itwas kind of long and slow at times. And some of the choppy one-word sentencesdidn’t really add much.

The mystery grabbed me from thebeginning. I enjoyed it every step of the way until we got about half-way in,when the whole thing really slowed down for me. The narrative had become muchtoo trivial for my liking. It still keeps the mystery going, but not at thesame pace as the first half. This would’ve been rated 4 stars, but that snag inthe middle brought it down to 3.5.

Overall, this was a pretty goodmystery. I just would’ve liked it more had it been quicker and shorter.

Rating:3.5 stars 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Who is Vanessa M.Knight?  Well, I’m an author.  Wow. After years and years of wanting to use those words, that is fun tosay.  It’s almost as fun assupercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  DidI spell that right? 

I writecontemporary romantic suspense.

 

I live inChicagoland with my family and menagerie of four-legged friends.  In my mind, these lovely animals doeverything as they should.  I’m thealpha, keeping peace and harmony amongst my humble servants.  In real life, they own me.  I’m the maid, here for their feedingpleasure.  Well, that and to clean uptheir messes.

When not cateringto the needs of adorably-furry faces, I slug through the nine to five grind andhead home so I can write.  Of course,that’s after I make dinner and clean the house and all the other tasks that gointo family life.  So really, I work,cater to animals and my family… and then, if I don’t fall face first into bed,I write.  I love putting my characters intocrazy situations and watching how they react. I hope you love reading aboutthem. 

I love to hearfrom fans.  I can be found on Facebook atVanessaMKnight and at www.vanessamknight.com.

 

Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanessaMKnight

FB LINK:  https://www.facebook.com/vanessamknightauthor

Amazon Authorpage LINK:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vanessa-M.-Knight/author/B00JZBJ3EO

Website: www.VanessaMKnight.com

 

Buy Links:

Swing intoMurder:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Strike-Vanessa-M-Knight-ebook/dp/B09CFRCFWL

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/swing-into-murder/id6446869159

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/swing-into-murder-vanessa-m-knight/1143269798

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/swing-into-murder

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1369422

 

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GIVEAWAY :

 

Vanessa M. Knight will be awarding a $5 Amazon GC to arandomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: SAMMY THE SAILING SEA TURTLE by Gwendol

SAMMY THE SAILING SEA TURTLE

by Gwendol

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GENRE:  Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

 

Thisbook is a fantasy about a little sea turtle that is born different, and an"Only." These are things he is teased about by the other"littles" in Sea Turtle City society. He overcomes thisteasing/bullying with the advice of his two wise friends, Rainbow, a parrot,and Magic, a dragonfly. He also makes friends with two beautiful dolphins. Helearns to look for the reasons other littles are bullies. In the end, Sammybecomes an important and loved hero in his Sea Turtle society. I wrote thisstory to show young people today they can become more than their disabilitiesif they work hard and don't give up.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

In thebeginning, there was only the nothingness—just the silent blackness. It feltgood and safe being here in the nothingness. Soon, though, something wascalling to him.

 

“Come to me,Samuelson.”

 

The place thathad once felt so safe and completely comfortable began to seem cramped anduncomfortably dark. Whatever was calling to him kept calling, calling loudlyand clearly.

 

“Please, cometo me, Samuelson.”

 

He felt heneeded to get out of the nothingness and go to whatever it was that was callinghim. As he started to obey, he rubbed against something—something that waskeeping him trapped. He knew he could not stay any longer. He had to get out.He had to obey the call.

 

At the bottomof his nose was a hard and sharp thing like a tooth. He used this tooth thingto scratch at the something that was keeping him trapped. He worked and workedon the scratch until he made a crack. He had to push and fight to break free ofthe something that was holding him in the darkness. As he broke through, sandfell in his face and all around him. The barrier was filling with sand. Hefought hard, pushing, digging, clawing his way up. With one final push, he wasout of the nothingness, and out of the sand.

 

 

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 Review: 

The narrativehad a rather poetic and abstract feel. We have Sammy, the sea turtle, answeringa call out of nothingness. This voice, we soon learn, would teach Sammy how tobe a turtle.

The narrativewas very descriptive and painted the scene well. The illustrations, which weresoft and lovely, only complemented the whole scene. I honestly would’ve wishedwe would’ve had more clarity and simplicity. The whole thing felt a little longand a little too arbitrary.

Although Iwasn’t too keen on the execution, I still found this to be a rather nice storyabout turtles. A fairly good chapter book and a suitable first read foryoungsters.

Rating:3 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Gwendol is a compassionate and imaginative authorwhose words have the power to inspire and uplift readers of all ages.

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124124483-sammy-the-sailing-sea-turtle

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sammy-Sailing-Sea-Turtle-Gwendol-ebook/dp/B0BZW66YNF   FREE on AU

 

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GIVEAWAY 

Arandomly drawn winner will receive a $10 Amazon/BN GC - a Rafflecoptergiveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: ROYALLY SCREWED by Amber Malloy

 

ROYALLY SCREWED

by Amber Malloy

 

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GENRE:  Contemporary Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

PrinceFord Beaumont, who taught at one of the most prestigious institutions in theworld, loved his career … until his ex-wife got him fired. On very thin icewith the monarchy, the prince is forced to participate in a reality datingshow. However, an unintentional ponytail tug to a very sexy princesspermanently changes his plans for the worse. Now, Ford only has two choicesavailable: he can either stay on The Establishment’s planned out course or riskhis title for the wild child princess.

 

Thirdin line to the throne, Princess Belle Deschamps ran from Emerald Isle yearsago. She only returns to her birthright out of contractual obligation.Unfortunately, one very public fight with a handsome prince forces her into aone-sided deal that could destroy everything she built for herself.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Ford held thedoor to Belle’s office building open. As she passed by, the warm scent of appleand cinnamon filled his nose, begging him to get a stronger whiff. The entiretime they’d waited in the coffee line, the need to taste her bee-stung lips haddistracted him. They were plump with the perfect bow that tipped up. A strongurge to feel her pretty, painted mouth on his consumed his thoughts since …shit, since when, junior high? 

 

He mildlyremembered a small crush on the middle child Deschamps, but at the time whodidn’t have one on Belle? Even though they had run in different circles, hisfriends mooned over her. Then one day, poof, she’d been sent off to boardingschool.

 

That memorymust have been bricked away. The flashback confused the shit out of him.Teenage years were hormonally trippy, but he couldn’t remember why Belle hadbeen the only child from the monarchy to obtain her education off the island.

 

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 Review: 

A prince and a princess—each witha separate life—under the order of The Establishment, which included theparticipating in a reality show called “Royal Love.”

“On the island, the royals were abig deal, but, in the cold, cruel world, they were nothing better than a cuteparty conversation.”

Bell and Ford had this kind oflove-hate relationship—like rivaling high school teens with a mad crush on eachother. I liked Belle’s no-nonsense and direct candor. She’s not your lady-likeprincess.

The whole production of the showwas a bit chaotic and complex. It seemed the two couldn’t make a move withoutThe Establishment interfering and making things harder.

 The narrative was nice, and the whole thingwas mildly enjoyable for the most part; however, I would’ve liked more had itbeen quicker and simpler. I liked the love story that develops and the royalresponsibility was a unique niche.

A fair read that some readers mayenjoy.

Rating:3 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

AmberMalloy dreamed of being a double agent but couldn't pass the psyche evaluation.Crushed by despair that she couldn't legally shoot things, Amber pursued hersecond career choice as pastry chef. When she's not writing or whipping up amean Snickers Cheesecake, she occasionally spies on her sommelier. Amber isconvinced he's faking his French accent.

 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/authambermalloy

FB:  Author Amber-Malloy (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008306342348)

 

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Royally-Screwed-Royal-Book-1-ebook/dp/B0C6SRGJ1W/

 

 

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GIVEAWAY 

 

Theauthor will award a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: MOMMA WOULD YOU EVER? by Rebecca Marklund

 

MOMMA WOULD YOU EVER?

by Rebecca Marklund

 

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GENRE:  Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

Joina boy and his momma on a heartwarming journey through the different stages oflife in "Momma Would You Ever?" From tender moments at home to adventurousexplorations in the great outdoors, this heartwarming tale celebrates theprecious moments and memories that shape our lives.

 

Writtenwith simplicity and heart, this inspiring children's book is perfect forfamilies to read together and discuss. Children will be moved by the tenderrelationship depicted in these pages, while parents and grandparents willappreciate the lessons of love and sacrifice. This inspiring children's bookreminds us that the most valuable things in life are not money and possessions,but the cherished relationships and experiences we share with those we love.

 

Throughthe joys of simple moments and the richness of shared memories, "MommaWould You Ever?" reminds us of the beauty of sacrificial love, the valueof relationships, and the gift of time.

 

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EXCERPT

 

 

 

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 Review: 

With illustrations so soft andlovely, this is a story of a boy with questions of “would you ever.”

“Momma, would you ever trade mefor all the gold in the world?”

 Every time, as the boy grows, he asks hismother a different variation of the same question. He basically wanted to knowhow much he meant to his mom. Each time the mother was asked if she would tradeher son, she always replied with “never.”

Even as a grown man, he wouldstill ask, “Momma, would you trade me for all the time in the world.” Never.

A sweet and loving tale about aparent’s undying love!

Rating:4 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

RebeccaMarklund is a truth seeker, mother of four, and nurse. She lives with her fourchildren on the West Coast, where she bravely engages in living out her ownprocess of metamorphosis. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading,hiking, swimming in the ocean, investing in her local community and buildinghealthy relationships.

 

CONNECT WITH REBECCA MARKLUND

 

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/rebecca-marklund-6067674

 

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22781186.Rebecca_Marklund

 

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PURCHASE LINKS:  Momma WouldYou Ever?

 

AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/0228870402  

 

AMAZON.CA: https://amazon.ca/dp/0228870402 

 

AMAZON KINDLE: https://amazon.com/dp/B0C2SYXJHG 

 

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/momma-would-you-ever-rebecca-marklund/1143406322

 

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GIVEAWAY

Theauthor will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: MAMA DIDA by Leonida Teohari

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

After experiencing the second world war tragedies and living through the socio political changes in Romania, grand-pa Aurel and grand-ma Dida for the love of their beloved grandchildren Darius and Anna, decided to leave family, friends and everything they built in Romania and start a new life in Canada. Nadia Comaneci incredible gymnastic success at the Olympic games in Montreal was what they knew at the time about Canada. Grand-pa Aurel and grand-ma Dida’s courage and personal sacrifices were the foundation for the education Darius and Anna accessed in Toronto and the life they enjoyed in Canada. The book presents real events and is based on a true story.

Read an Excerpt

When Constanta first got bombed, we had to rush to take cover in a trench made by a neighbour of ours behind our building. After this first bombing experience, Mother Voica packed her savings in a bag, took my sister Helen and me, and fled to Ovidiu, a nearby village. This was not before a heated discussion between my brother Costy and Mother Voica. Costy convinced Mother Voica that he should stay home to watch for the apartment and the furniture. This was all we owned, and my brother would rather risk getting bombed than lose it to the looters.

So, we said goodbye while all crying. Costy was on the balcony waiving at us until our carriage turned the first corner in the direction of Ovidiu village. Mother Voica cried for Costy the entire way, her first child and the only boy.

The war opened my eyes. To be a refugee even in our own country was not easy; imagine having to leave your country.

Mama Voica rented one room with a small cooking stove. From eggs to a litre of milk, everything was double the city prices. We came to the village hoping to save money, however the reality of war proved different.

This was the time to help my mother, so I started learning how to cook.

Helen had a talent for negotiating prices with the villagers and she also had fun doing it. Mother Voica used to refer to her as Jewish.

After few weeks, Mother Voica decided to return home. She told us that she was short of money but we both knew that she was worried about Costy. Helen and I approved immediately; we also missed our brother and the apartment.

Mother Voica hired a carriage and two soldiers, and we started our way back to Constanta.

 About the Author:Leo Teohari was born in Constanta, Romania. Leo holds both a law degree and a degree in international economics. Leo defected from Communist Romania in 1980, and settled with his family in Toronto, Canada, where he became a businessman. Today he writes about his experiences and runs an international food trade business. In 2004 he published his first book, Hawala, based on a true story about a government cover-up and diversion related to the Romanian revolution in 1989.

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mama-dida-teohari/1143605702
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mama-dida
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mama-Dida-My-Road-Canada-ebook/dp/B0C6T383P2/ref=sr_1_1 $0.99 on Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: THE UNWORTHY WIFE by Rachel Woods and Angel Vane

Noelle was a wife, mother of two,and a professor at a university pharmacy division. She was also the recipientof the hateful wrath of a former colleague, who blames her for ruining herlife. Would her past ruin the perfect life she created? She wouldn’t let it.

Meanwhile, one of her students wasgetting threatening messages and was being pursue by a crazy hook-up.

It takes a while to understand thedifferent pieces in this, but it had a slight intrigue overall. Who was theunworthy wife? And, considering this was a murder in paradise, who was about todie?

The pace was very slow. Nicelywritten, but very slow. I mean, ten chapters in and nobody’s died yet? C’mon!

If you have the time to figure outthe point in this, then give it a try. But me, I just couldn’t stand the waitand I had better things to do (better books to read.)

 

Rating:2 stars

Review: HAUNTED RIVER by J.T. Bishop

The woman in white was justwalking along the side of the road. Detective Rem could’ve sworn he saw her,but she was gone. Strange.

Soon Rem learns of the Lady of theBlack River. The old story goes that 25 years ago, a woman named Scarlett wasfound dead in the river not far from the cabin Rem was cleaning out. They saythat cabin was cursed and the ghost woman just wanders around looking forsomeone to solve her murder.

As Rem and Daniels clean out theold cabin, weird things have been happening. Wicked dreams. Sounds at night.And if a ghost wasn’t anything to worry about, now the two cops had a dead bodyon the premise—one wearing a white gown like the ghost lady. Was it really acoincidence that another woman in white washed up in the exact same spot andthe exact same way as the one exactly 25 years ago? I don’t think so.

Rumor had it that the young girlhad a thing going on with the town sheriff. Could the sheriff have killed herand be trying to pin it on Rem and Daniels? It was something the detectives hadto figure out. Find this killer and it will lead to the killer from 25 yearsago. What secrets was this old, creepy town holding? Was it possible to thinkthat Daniels’ grandfather was a murderer? If not, where did that white gowncome from?

An interesting mystery with crimeand a ghostly presence.

 

Rating:4 stars

Review: THE STOLEN TWIN by Michelle Wacek

A college student who hadn’t seenher twin sister since she was seven and then spots her at a Halloween party.Was Kit hallucinating that she saw her sister, Cat, who was warning her?

After you get past that weirdfairy dream in the beginning, it seems to be interesting with this vanishingtwin suddenly reappearing. But the diary narrative of this girl was so long andslow—so unbelievably daunting. Everything was described in such short, poeticstatements, but the story wasn’t really moving forward. It seemed like thestory was standing still and the long chapters didn’t help any either.

I expected so much more from thisand all I got was a sad disappointment.

 

Rating:2 stars

Review: THE WIFE LIE by Anya Mora

Penny—wife, daughter, and motherof two—thought that she had the good life. But one terrifying moment changeseverything. She feels lost without her husband, the love of her life and herwhole world evidently. 

This story starts off rather well,but it does take a while to get going to the good parts. For a while, Penny isdenial about her husband’s death. By chapter 6, we find out that another womanwas also married to the husband. Oh, intrigue.

The question was: where was wife#3?

This had an interesting premise,but the whole thing really wasn’t as good as I thought it be.

All in all, an okay read.

 

Rating:3 stars

Blog Tour: TINY GREEN UNICORNS by Renée James

TINY GREEN UNICORNS

by Renée James

 

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GENRE:  Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

Haveyou ever seen a green unicorn?

 

Tinygreen unicorns are really, really small. They might be the tiniest unicorns ofall.

 

Theyare here every day, and if you keep searching for magic, you might even findone yourself today.

 

 

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EXCERPT

 

 

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 Review: 

Have you ever seen a greenunicorn?

Follow a little girl in her searchfor one in this delightful, little tale. See how she searches far and wide inthe most unusual places. With illustrations so cute and funny, story is wildlyimaginative and fun.

A nice read!

Rating:4 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Renée James is a multifaceted talent with an extensivecommunications and media background. She is creative to the core and treasuresher family and friends. Her children are her greatest inspiration, as they areconstant reminders to never stop searching for magic.

 

 

 

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 TINY GREEN UNICORNS:

 

AMAZON - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228884705

 

BARNES & NOBLE - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tiny-green-unicorns-ren-e-james/1143242754

 

ABEBOOKS - https://www.abebooks.com/products/isbn/9780228884705

 

BOOKTOPIA - https://www.booktopia.com.au/tiny-green-unicorns-ren-e-james/book/9780228884705.html

 

 

 

 

 

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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