Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 184
May 30, 2022
Book Blast: WHEN EARTH SHALL BE NO MORE by Paul Awad and Kathryn O'Sullivan
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Paul Awad and Kathryn O'Sullivan will be awarding a $50 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.
Environmental scientist Constance Roy is one of forty-nine refugees rescued from Earth’s destruction and transported to the ark spaceship Orb by an automaton race called the Curators. Twelve months have passed since their rescue. But now, with the ship’s orbit decaying, the refugees seem doomed to crash into Jupiter’s fiery belly.
In a parallel universe on present-day Earth, another version of Constance seeks answers to the questions that have haunted her since childhood: How and why did her mother die? The head of a mysterious corporation housed at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility can give her the answers, but not without a price.
Two timestreams collide when the Constance on Earth discovers that Nicolas, her son, has the ability to save the Orb and its inhabitants. Now she must battle treacherous Curators wishing to destroy Nicolas, while on the Orb, another Constance must fight to save the ship from Jupiter’s fatal pull. Only together can they save their son – and future generations of humankind.
Read an Excerpt
She glanced at a rocket on the flight pad, barely discernible in the distance, and stepped back from the window. She assessed her reflection, tugged at her suit jacket, and pushed aside red tendrils that had escaped from the ponytail tied at the nape of her neck. After five years as a professor of environmental science, this was the look she had cultivated for the classroom. She hoped it would be appropriate for tonight’s meeting with her benefactor.
“Ms. Roy?” a man said.
Constance spun around, startled. She scanned the room. It was grand in size and outfitted with high-tech monitors. A dozen gray mesh chairs surrounded a glass conference table. The decor was the obvious influence of corporate investors. The stainless steel elevator doors at the end of the conference room were closed. The room was empty.
“Ms. Roy?” the voice said again in a smooth tone that seemed to emanate from the walls.
“Yes?”
“Dr. Malic is finishing his treatment. He will be with you directly. Are you enjoying the view?”
“Yes.” She studied the ceiling for hidden speakers. “You mentioned treatment. Is Dr. Malic sick?”
There was a pause before the voice said, “Dr. Malic will be right with you.”
She found the lack of specific answers and the mysterious voice’s dulcet tone disconcerting. Was the voice human? Or artificial, like Siri?
About the Author:
Paul Awad and Kathryn O'Sullivan are an award-winning husband and wife writing and filmmaking team. They have collaborated on feature and documentary films, screenplays, and a web series. WHEN EARTH SHALL BE NO MORE is their first book collaboration. Paul is a cinema professor and Kathryn is a theatre professor at Northern Virginia Community College. Kathryn is also the author of the Colleen McCabe mystery series.Paul Awad
Kathryn O'Sullivan
Goodreads
BUY LINKS
Amazon
Book Sirens
Secant Publishing
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 29, 2022
Review: HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT YOU WILL BE? By Junia Wonders and Chiara Nasi
A lyrical and flowing prose with wonderful imagery. A magical adventure of possibilities! A nice read!
Rating: 4 stars
Review: ONE YEAR AT ELLSMER by Faith Erin Hicks
A young girl enters private school for the first time in her life.
Juniper is a funny, witty, sarcastic, and bright girl. I so can relate to her! Juniper: “Messing with the status quo wherever I go.”
Unlike the rich bloods, she was at Ellsmer on a scholarship. She soon learns that private school is tough—from the plaid uniforms to the insane work load. The best thing about her is that she doesn’t let the mean girls push her around. What a cool chick!
Jun has to sum up all her strength and courage to make it through this year.
A wonderful read with wonderful illustrations!
My rating: 5 stars
Review: THE TOP SECRET LIST TO BECOMING A SUPERHERO by Adisan Books
With a top-secret list to becoming a superhero, an adventurous boy becomes a Super Kid. See how he helps the people around him with walks across the street. “Simple acts of kindness go a long way.”
With cute, fun, and simple illustrations, this is a great motivational read!
Rating: 4 stars
Review: WAFFLES THE CHICKEN: CLASSROOM JITTERS by Ken and Ashley Matthews
Waffles had classroom jitters. See what he does to help himself get over it. He soon realizes that perhaps school wasn’t so scary after all.
Fun and colorful! A great story for kids.
Rating: 4 stars
May 27, 2022
Excerpts: THE EVERLASTING SPRING trilogy by Frank Audrain
The Everlasting Spring: Beyond Olympus
Volume One, Benjamin & Boudica
By: Francis Audrain
The Everlasting Spring: Beyond Olympus is an epic trilogy in three connected sagas, inspired by actual events, during the tumultuous rise of Western Culture, in the formative era of the first century, when Benjamin & Boudica become the first of three couples, whose heroic lives reflect thousands of others, who made world changing history, following a dream that led to the founding of the United States of America.
Volume Two, Colton and Blue Star
Long after the era of Benjamin and Boudica, European explorers took to the sea seeking new resources for their growing populations. They found a “new world” across the Atlantic; and it
was there, that Colton and Blue Star emerged, in the saga of the American West-- as Western Culture continued to spread, from the former British Colonies to a wild-land, replete with conflict, and opportunity.
Volume Three, Aaron and Alana
After the seminal eras of Benjamin & Boudica, and Colton & Blue Star—Aaron and Alana emerge, both born in 1941 at the onset of the Second World War. Then came the conflicts in
Korea and Vietnam, where Aaron was wounded in Vietnam, medically evacuated to Hawaii
and soon realized, that his wounds, and his trauma had radically affected the trajectory of his attitude, regarding his Army, his country, and the rest of his life. Then he meets Alana; and miraculously, his soul begins to heal.
Buy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Francis-Audrain/e/B06XCSCV3J/
About the Author: Frank Audrain (Author Francis Audrain) is a direct descendant of patriots whose North American patriarch was a Franco-Viking.
Pierre "Peter" Audrain came to the New World from Normandy and entered the British Colony of Pennsylvania before the American Revolutionary War. He fought for Independence from England and had sons, grandsons and great-grandsons who fought in every American conflict since, ending with Frank's worldwide service as a United States Marine, West Point Cadet, and well decorated Airborne-Ranger, Infantry Officer.
In November of 1989 as the "Cold War" with Russia was ending, Frank and his family returned to civilian life in the American West, where he began a second career in the corporate banking business, with First Interstate Bank of Nevada.
Frank knew about Wells Fargo Bank, it's brand, and it's history. His great grand-parents came West in the California Gold Rush, as the legendary company was founded. They travelled in the company's Concord Stagecoaches, and for many long years, were loyal Wells Fargo branch customers.
So when Frank was urged to join the company's eastward expansion in 1996, he boarded the Stagecoach--without hesitation. Then in 2001, the Audrain family began another relocation: the. sixteenth family move since Dana and Frank were married at West Point, in June of 1968.
From the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Minneapolis, Frank reached out, in two directions, to extend Wells Fargo's Commercial Banking Division from the Continental Divide, to the Atlantic Coast.
When the final mergers, acquisitions and integrations had been completed, the Audrain's "stepped down from the Stagecoach" to begin another, new life.
After slowing down, catching up with some personal and family interests, and enjoying the time to do a deep-dive of reflection, Frank began his third vocation, writing short stories for magazines. The Everlasting Spring: Beyond Olympus trilogy soon emerged as the result after a recommendation from the editor of a popular magazine publishing house in New York.
"Our entire staff loved your short story about the 'Man Who Loved Blue Star'...and I sincerely hope you will expand it...to a wonderful trilogy."
With that, Frank became Author Francis Audrain--with the drive in a remarkable life, and a world-wide view, seeking true history, as a risk taker, who never hesitated to "go for the gusto" during challenges as a youth, and beyond...was ready and willing to offer literary prose with a purpose, a reason and exceptional meaning for readers who loved authentic historical fiction, inspired by actual events, involving heroic men and women; enhanced by a variety of sub-genres--adding interest and variety, for adults who want open-minded wisdom and enlightenment, replete with "food for thought" regarding human nature, war and peace--and the reality of people seeking pathways to happiness, with everlasting truth, and true love!
May 26, 2022
Blog Tour: THE MAGIC OF DAYDREAMING by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán
The Magic of Daydreaming
by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán
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GENRE: Children’s
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BLURB:
Mona is a small, purple, furry creature with a BIG dream. What is her dream? To one day fly high in the sky and enjoy the magnificent view from above. But how will she do it?
We invite you to spread your wings by following along on Mona's adventure in discovering how to make your dreams come true.
Are you ready for the magic?
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Excerpt One:
“My little friend, the desire you feel inside shows that you have what it takes to make it happen. I will help you. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to fly, soar, and enjoy the view from above?”
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Review: Mona had always dreamed of flying. So who can she ask? How about a butterfly?
“My little friend, the desire you feel inside shows that you have what it takes to make it happen.”
But how? Through the practice of daydreaming.
Cute and colorful illustrations! Loved the adorable bug characters. Story goes to show what can be achieved with the magic of daydreaming, even though it seemed what really happened was just a natural evolution rather than magic.
It’s a nice story! Shows that it takes is a little imagination to get started.
Rating: 4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Having decided to change careers as professional dance instructors and competitors, Kyra and Dayán completed a yoga teacher training and strategic intervention life-coaching certification and together embarked on the journey of self-discovery by following a calling from deep inside their hearts.
Inspired by the messages from numerous teachers of spirituality and personal growth, plus their love for children, Kyra & Dayán have made it one of their life purposes to translate the teachings they have learned throughout their evolution into children’s books, so the younger generations can benefit early on in their lives from the wisdom of those who have passed before them. Together they founded Feeling Good Books, with the intention to empower, inspire and provide children with tools that will help them navigate through life. They share a desire to contribute to the growth and well-being of each child and parent out there.
Kyra and Dayán live in Montreal, Canada, with their five children.
ABOUT FEELING GOOD BOOKS
Feeling Good Books is all about empowering the divine within each child through meaningful messages found in each book and providing tools that will help children navigate through life. We love children, and children’s books! As parents ourselves, we are passionate about books that will help create a better world for the next generations.
Our mission is to spread awareness about the inner knowing and inner wisdom we all possess since birth. Through each book we invite these inner powers to come forth and flourish into being. We believe by teaching our children early on the fundamental truth about life, it will help them to have a brighter and more positive journey.
We invite you to check out every page on this website and begin seeing the world in a different light.
Sending ‘feeling good’ vibes your way!
WEBSITE - Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán – Authors (feelinggoodbooks.com)
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/feelinggoodbooks/
INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/feelinggoodbookseries/
GOODREADS - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22235624.Kyra_Kalweit
PURCHASE LINKS - The Magic of Daydreaming
AMAZON.COM - https://amazon.com/dp/0228856221
AMAZON.CA - https://amazon.ca/dp/0228856221
AMAZON KINDLE - https://amazon.com/dp/B09S52QDBS
INDIGO CHAPTERS - https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-magic-of-daydreaming/9780228856221-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-magic-of-daydreaming-kyra-kalweit/1140998653
BOOK DEPOSITORY - https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Magic-of-Daydreaming-Kyra-Kalweit-Dayan-Mantecon-Roldan/9780228856221
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GIVEAWAY:
Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 25, 2022
Book Blast: WHEN WE RETURN by Eliana Tobias
When We Return
by Eliana Tobias
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GENRE: historical fiction
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BLURB:
Who should be held responsible for public wrong? By 2008, it finally seems that the Peruvian government is ready to make amends to its citizens after the violent guerilla movement of the last three decades.
Otilia and Salvador, a mother and son torn apart during the conflict and separated for twenty years, are eager to have their pain and suffering acknowledged. But they hit a roadblock when the government denies responsibility in their legal case.
Things begin to look up however when Otilia meets Jerry, a kind man and the son of Jewish parents who escaped the Holocaust. Grappling with his own upbringing and the psychological struggled his parents endured, Jerry is just the person to empathize with Otilia's feelings. Together, Otilia, Jerry and Salvador must support one another through the turbulent journey that is healing from historical trauma. And through it, find the courage to rebuild their lives and open themselves to love and companionship.
Artfully weaving together different timelines and countries, this novel examines the nuanced topic of grief a community endures after a collective tragedy. In this exploration of the culture of remembrance following displacement and loss, we discover what happens when out past calls us back to what we must do to achieve justice and reconciliation when we return.
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Excerpt One:
The email came late one night as Jerry Gold lay at home in his bed. He rubbed liniment on his right knee before applying an ice pack and, a little apprehensive, asked himself if he should consider giving up jogging at his age. Jerry didn’t make it a habit to look at his messages this late, but the pain kept him awake. When he reached for his cell, he noticed an unfamiliar name. Jerry almost deleted the message, but for some reason, opened it.
Mr Gol, my name is DarioAlvarez and I’m reaching out to you, wondering if you could be my relative. I was born in La Paz, Bolivia in 1949 to my mother Soledad Figueroa. When she was close to her death, my mother confessed that I was not the son of the man I lived with and called my father, but of a foreigner she had known by the name of Milan Goldberg. If you have any information about Milan Goldberf, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for your help.
As Jery lay in bed, he remembered how, at the end of his life, his father began to talk more about his time in Bolivia. Jerry tried to remember what his father had said about his time as a refugee, when he had been known as “Milan” but Jerry hadn’t paid much attention. At the time, he thought it was best the old man dream about his romantic entanglements rather than what he would have faced had he remained in his homeland in Eastern Europe. Jerry's father had rambled on about his relationships with Latin women in Bolivia, extolling the virtues of one in particular named Soledad. He said he’d had a serious relationship with this Soledad, who lived in a sheltered environment and had to lie every time she sneaked out of the house.
But had his dad fathered a child? This went ‘round and ‘round in Jerry’s mind. Would communication with Dario expose a family secret? He wondered if he should ask Dario for more information before committing to becoming involved. Young adult relationships came and went, and sometimes tough choices had to be made, but Jerry hadn’t really believed his father was in an intimate relationship with Soledad. Not in Jerry’s wildest dreams had he thought the relationship his father had described had, in fact, taken place.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Eliana Tobias was born in Santiago, Chile, to immigrant parents who escaped
the Holocaust. She graduated from the University of Chile then completed
other degrees in early childhood and special education in the United States and
Canada. After working in this field in various capacities, including teaching at
the National University of Trujillo in Peru, she moved to Vancouver, where she
has lived for thirty years and where she discovered her love of writing. Her rich
experience of political turmoil, of listening to stories of the Holocaust when
Jewish communities in Europe were shattered, of losing family in Chile under
military dictatorship, and living in Peru during a time of intense civil conflict,
fueled her passion to write about the ways in which people caught in devastation
rebuild their lives. Eliana Tobias lives in Vancouver, B.C.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16635485.Eliana_Tobias
http://www.twitter.com/TobiasElliana
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GIVEAWAY :
Eliana Tobias will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 24, 2022
Book Blast: BEYOND THE BIRCH by Torina Kingsley
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Torina Kingsley will be awarding a $10 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.
Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her family's farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?
Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macy's mother is attacked, and ever since, unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the family's sheep start behaving unusually.
Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you won't find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, you'll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Odele from the magical forces that threaten it.
Read an Excerpt
“Oh, yes,” the old woman sighed. “There was a terrible fire, and I lost my home. I am going to my sister’s to stay with her for a while. If I can make it there.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Laurel smiled at the woman, “If you’d like to rest for the night, you are welcome to stay with my family. We have a farm just outside of town.” Though they didn’t have much, Laurel knew she would be able to spare some bread and find her some blankets for the night. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the woman alone in the dark wood.
“I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense, we’d love to have you.”
The old woman’s shoulders visibly relaxed, “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” she cried. “You can call me Dores.”
“Well, Dores, I was just heading home anyway. It seems my daughter left the pasture gate open again, and a sheep got out. I was hoping to find him before dark, but it seems I will have to keep searching in the morning.”
“I can’t thank you enough dear,” the old woman said, shivering.
Laurel was used to the crisp, cool night air. Without a word, she removed her shawl and offered it to Dores.
All at once, Laurel was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She inhaled sharply and looked frantically about, trying to place the source of the sudden sensation, but it was too late. There was a flash, and both women let out a shriek.
About the Author:Author Torina Kingsley masterfully creates a world where things aren't always as they seem. Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.
Goodreads
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
Barnes and Noble
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 23, 2022
Blog Tour: DISCOVERY OF THE FIVE SENSES by K.N. Smith
Discovery of the Five Senses
by K.N. Smith
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GENRE: Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller
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BLURB:
A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late?
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Excerpt One:
And in the absence of even a hint of an exchange, Joaquin spun around and lunged at Ross. He grabbed him by the throat, knocking him down.
With brittle leaves and debris thrust upward, the two were enveloped in a dark, hazy hell as they engaged in a violent struggle for what seemed like an eternity.
Ross flared up. “Get the hell off of me!”
Joaquin persisted. “What are you going to do, Ross? Where are you going to go?”
Ross scrambled to his feet, fighting back with a blow to Joaquin’s head, followed by several body punches. Joaquin stumbled and fell, giving Ross those precious few seconds required for his escape.
Fueled by a rush of pulsating adrenaline, Ross ran frantically, stretching his quivering legs. His rich brown skin tightened as he pounded through the forest. He tried to ignore his thunderous heartbeat while scanning the pathways, searching for possible escape routes.
With his baseball cap lost to the wind, his short, curly hair had exposed to the open air. Ross grasped the moment, one littered with deep panic and a singular appreciation for survival.
This turn of events stemmed from countless episodes in which Joaquin, only nineteen yet extremely demanding, had tried to control those around him.
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Review: The story centers on five boys, all with distinct characteristics. Eventually, we find out that they each have special abilities and would later become superheroes tasked with defeating an evil called “He.”
Story had a descriptive narrative on the scenery, but it’s not always clear what’s going on. We know every, little thing about the scene, but not really what’s happening, which prominently created an aura of mystery—a mystery that was further punctuated by some vague and choppy sentences. The whole thing was rather long and slow that it takes a while to figure out this rather complex plot.
Overall, this was a fairly nice fantasy read suitable for the young generation that’s into superheroes. The premise was certainly alluring, but perhaps the daunting task of trying to understand the characters and the plot conflicted with what should’ve been an exciting adventure. A simpler story would’ve been more enjoyable.
Rating: 3 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Author Bio: K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author, screenwriter, and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. She inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. She lives in California with her family. Visit K.N. Smith at www.knsmith.com.
Social Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorknsmith
Book Links
U.S./International Amazon
getbook.at/theurbanboys (will allow users to access Amazon in their own country)
Amazon (U.S. Amazon only - please use the link above, if possible)
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58655684-discovery-of-the-five-senses
Barnes and Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/discovery-of-the-five-senses-kn-smith/1139618809
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=uoFaEAAAQBAJ
Google Books
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Discovery_of_the_Five_Senses/uoFaEAAAQBAJ?hl=en
Apple iBooks
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1621072744
Kobo
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/discovery-of-the-five-senses-1
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GIVEAWAY :
K.N. Smith will be awarding a $75 VISA eGift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
