Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 126
June 28, 2023
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.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.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 26, 2023
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
June 23, 2023
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
Review: THE BABYSITTER’S CLUB: THE TRUTH ABOUT STACEY by Raina Telgemeier
In this comic, we learn all aboutStacey and her little secret. She battles with her diabetes and her parentsthat only want to send her to the best doctors.
Meanwhile, the Babysitter’s Clubhas some competition with the Babysitter’s Agency. They needed to come up withideas, which included the clever Kid Kit.
The girls have a lot of fun and alot of laughs. But what happens when two sitters infiltrate the club and makethem look bad?
A good read with great art work!
Rating: 4 stars
June 22, 2023
Book Blast: REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD by Louis J. Ambrosio
REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD
by Louis J. Ambrosio
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GENRE: Coming of age
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BLURB:
Michael'sstory continues from "A Reservoir Man" (2022) where we find himteaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young mannamed Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazardadventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael's final journey in life,each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey takenis one of joy, friendship, and discovery.
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Excerpt 1
Theycontinued and arrived in Flagstaff, late at night. The motel looked just likethe Bates Motel. Michael hurriedly got Ron into the room, which faced the GrandCanyon. Michael had reservations so they were able to get into the roomquickly. Michael went outside, standing on the porch, feeling a significantpressure on his chest.
“Theair is not meshing well with the smoke in my lungs,” Michael said to himself.When he got back to the room, Ron was already sleeping with Rhonda on his leg.
Thenext morning, Michael got up early and woke Ron telling him to wash his face.He then took Ron to the door of their room, opened it, and walked outside. Ronjust gaped at the sight of the Grand Canyon. The colors and the sun bouncingoff these jagged cliffs looked like cut out mountains from a magazine.
Heturned to Michael, he said, “It looks like a painted drop! Not real. How wasthis created? What
eventsled to this? I understand all the bullshit you learn in Earth Science, but thisis so much more.”
Michaelnoticed a little tear in Ron’s eye, shed for the beauty, for the nature thatMichael had always talked to him about.
“Thoseguys in New England, those Transcendentalists, they knew the answer, this isGod. This is it! I know we will leave but I will never forget this, and theemotions it moves in me.”
“AlrightI have a surprise. We are off to the North Rim of the Canyon. We are taking anentire day tour of the North Rim on the Katibah trail, exploring the innercanyons. We will travel on mules.”
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WhatI Expect my Readers to Get from my Book
What Iexpect my readers to primarily enjoy the fun in our two characters taking theirroad trip towards the best natural parks in America.
We have afascination with buddy movies or books and how the characters experience theunexpected. You have Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Abbot and Costillo, Bob Hopeand Bing Crosby, Jack Kerouac's novel "On the Road”, Hemingway's “Old Manand the Sea”, “Zorba the Greek”, James Joyce's “Portrait of an Artist.”.
Thesecharacters receive an answer in their journey. You will join Ron and Michael in discovering and celebrating theirawareness during their journey ---in their experience with uncovering thebeauty of nature and the collaboration of nature with death, joy, love, andtheir essence. The bond between the twomen is a spiritual transitioning to unconditional love - not sexual. Somethingstronger… teaching each other, then discovering the light of knowledge.
There is nodoubt how hard it is for me to write these few words in this essay. Just read it –and you will see some ofyourself in the characters. Ron's innocence only adds to the journey. The novel gets dark, but that darknessbecomes the reflection of the light.
The loss oflove only makes us stronger for the next love and there will be a next! We all have the communion of the trees, theanimals, plants, rocks, all ofnature. Just read the book.
This novelis fun and a great experience in becoming aware of elements around you. It willbring you joy. The reader will hold onto the characters of Ron and Michael fora long time, and hopefully they will call them their friends.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Louis J.Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in LosAngeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, runningtwo major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities.Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer andnovelist over the course of his impressive career.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljambrosioauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorlambrosio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.ambrosio
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/ljambrosio
Blog: https://ljambrosio.blogspot.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2XkCETDOj_VUtCFcB74ig
Barnes andNoble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reflections-on-the-boulevard-lj-ambrosio/1143396462
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Boulevard-LJ-Ambrosio-ebook/dp/B0C2F31BLW/ref=sr_1_1
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/reflections-on-the-boulevard/id6448296429
Rakuten Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/reflections-on-the-boulevard
Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1068548362
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1384458?ref=draft2digital
Vivlio: https://shop.vivlio.com/product/9798985965162_9798985965162_10020/reflections-on-the-boulevard
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GIVEAWAY
Theauthor will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and anautographed copy of the book to a second randomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour: THE PLACE BEYOND HER DREAMS by Oby Aligwekwe
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn host. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
2021 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner for Young Adult Fiction!
2021 Indies Book of the Year Awards Finalist for Young Adult Fiction!
2021 Best Book Awards Finalist for Young Adult Fiction!
“We are most courageous at our weakest; when we believe we have faced what we fear the most and have nothing more to lose.”
Set against the backdrop of two warring towns, Oby Aligwekwe’s Young Adult debut—told from the viewpoint of her main character—is inspired by her West African heritage, fables, and spiritual beliefs. Ona’s journey reveals the power of choice, the true source of happiness, and, most importantly, the transformation one must go through to realize and eventually occupy their purpose.
At the sudden death of her grandfather, Ona’s pain transports her to mystical Luenah—a place of infinite possibilities, free of turf wars and other ills that plague the earthly dimension she lives in. In Luenah, where her grandfather awaits her, Ona learns she is an Eri, one bestowed with unique intuitive and spiritual gifts passed down from generation-to-generation.
On her 18th birthday, she returns to Luenah and is handed a box to deposit her "exchange" for love and happiness—her greatest desires. Burdened by her quest, Ona crosses paths with danger and heartbreak as the two men that love her dearly are viciously pitted against each other. As evil looms, she learns that dreams carry a hefty price, and no one is who they seem. Now, she must unmask the villain and save the one she loves, even at the risk of losing everything she holds dear.
“Young adults and older readers will be enchanted by this fantasy's magic, romance, and life lessons.” (Booklife by Publishers Weekly)
Read an Excerpt
As my mind went around in circles pondering the purpose of their visit, as I’d become accustomed to, I caught a glimpse of the future—a small flash of Okem’s face staring intently at me. Before I could make any sense of what I’d seen, and figure out if it was good, bad, or completely inconsequential, my grandfather called me back to earth. Okem had taken the seat next to the couple and proceeded to watch me. I followed his gaze and noticed he’d been admiring the sparkly red shoes my grandfather got me the last time he visited London. “Dorothy’s shoes,” Papa had called them. They reminded him of the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
“Hello,” I said, grinning and waving my hand slowly when Okem looked up and gave me a faint smile.
“Hi,” he responded, leaning uncomfortably into his seat and locking his ankles.
One look at his clothes told me he was of a lower status. His intonation didn’t help matters. Before I got the chance to complete my assessment, my grandfather announced, “It’s concluded. Okem will stay with us. We’ll take care of him like our own. There’s no need to worry. He’ll go to school with all the other kids in the town, and in the future, he may even become a doctor and make you proud.”
Hearing my grandfather tell total strangers that their son would come to our house and distort the dynamics I’d only just become accustomed to, created the tightest feeling in the pit of my stomach. I remember wondering why my grandfather had not forewarned me.
Right then, I heard my grandmother calling.
“Ona…Ona.”
I excused myself and left the room. After a few steps, the image I’d seen earlier came back to me.
“Grandma,” I called, taking a second to stare at her delicately aging face. I admired the way the wrinkles formed a crescent around her mouth.
“Yes?” she answered, raising her brows.
About the Author:
Oby Aligwekwe is the award-winning author of Nfudu, Hazel House, and The Place Beyond Her Dreams—her third novel and Young Adult debut. In 2021, The Place Beyond Her Dreams won the National Indie Excellence Awards in the Young Adult Fiction Category.When Oby is not working on her day job or whipping up stories, she enjoys traveling to exotic locations and bringing pieces of her travel with her. She lives in Oakville, Ontario, with her family and supports her community through her charity Éclat Beginnings.
Website
Amazon
Audible
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June 21, 2023
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
June 20, 2023
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
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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
