Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 77
May 15, 2024
Blog Tour: ODE TO A PUG by Jill Rosen
"Ode to a Pug" is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.
Ode to a Pug
by Jill Rosen
Genre: Children’sPicture Book, Pets
Aprecocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled ownerto declare she will give her pup away!
Laugh along with the snorting,snoring and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner strugglesto reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there isnothing that a few licks and cuddles can't fix, right?
A true delight that any familycan relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart... and a lot of slobber.
"Ode to a Pug is a sweet and funny exploration of whatunconditional love looks like."
—The Children's Book Review
Amazon* Bookshop.org* Bookbub* Goodreads
Review: This was a cute, illustrated poemto an adorable pug. I enjoyed the rhymes, the funny doodles, and the truth ofthe matter. I especially liked the zany energy and lively action in thedrawings.
“When it’s time to go potty, youdo let me know, but just a few seconds before you must go.”
The dog has to go! But…
“When I give you a kiss, I smusheach furry wrinkle, so soft on my skin, I don’t care if you tinkle.”
“Today is the day I know you willstay, of course, I could never give you away.”
A wonderful and sweet read! Toofunny! It accurately describes the life you get with a furry, little friend. Amust read for any dog lover!
Rating:5 stars
JillRosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids,three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic andPrinceton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn't need to go farfor comedic inspiration or advice!
Through her brand management work,Jill's early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writingand artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshopfacilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in theareas of mental health and infertility.
Jill was inspired to begin writing herown stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can't waitto share them with all the young readers out there!
Website* Instagram *Amazon* Goodreads
Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$20 Amazon - 1 winner,
Signed Hardcovercopy of "Ode to a Pug" + Custom Die-Cut Pug Sticker - 3winners,
Signed Hardcovercopy of "Ode to a Pug" – 3 winners
Blog Tour: SUNRISE INTERRUPTED by Eden Monroe
SUNRISE INTERRUPTED
Eden Monroe
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GENRE: Mystery
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BLURB:
Themotion picture, Retribution, could be the big break Alexandra Martel has beenwaiting for. A Canadian movie star and strong female lead, even greater successmay be within reach. But she also envies her married sisters, and has beenhoping to meet her own soulmate.
Dr.Beau Remington, handsome male lead is the hometown veterinarian. He’s beencontracted by motion picture execs to be on set when animals are called for, sowhen he and Alexandra eventually cross paths there is undeniable chemistry.However, Hollywood heartthrob James Langford has already laid claim to thestriking young actress and tries to stop the budding romance.
Theneverything changes at sunrise one morning when Alexandra goes for a run alonein the picturesque Belleisle, New Brunswick countryside. That’s when the manwho’s been stalking her for weeks finally makes his move. She must endure theterrifying ordeal of being kidnapped and drugged in this Eastern Canadaromantic suspense.
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Excerpt One:
The old dog,soaked from a tumble into the icy water and limping badly, continued to pickits way along the creek that rushed between steep boulder-strewn banks. BeauRemington, far above on horseback, spotted the bedraggled canine and quicklydismounted, clamouring down the embankment toward it. With one arm wrappedaround a sturdy yellow birch to anchor himself, he stretched forward to scoopup the small dog and slipped it inside his jacket. Steadying the terrifiedanimal with one hand he then began the climb back up to the trail where hishorse, Chance, waited patiently.
He talked tothe dog soothingly, the rich timbre of his voice comforting as the shiveringslowly began to subside within the warmth of leather on a cool spring day. Beauurged the gelding into a trot for the final half-mile to his ranch nestled deepin the rolling hills of Belleisle, New Brunswick, Canada’s picture province. Heloved the quiet solitude, but soon the area would have some unlikely visitorswhen they started shooting the movie, Retribution, a few miles up the road. Asa veterinarian he’d already agreed to be on set when animals were scheduled toappear in the movie, so it should be an interesting experience.
The dogwhimpered plaintively against him, reigniting Beau’s anger at the insensibilityof some selfish, cold-hearted pet owners. This had definitely been a dump, anold dog, half-blind and likely no longer wanted. The poor thing had either beenlame before being abandoned, or injured in the fall, and it was because ofsituations like this that he’d dedicated his life to animals.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
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Eden Monroe writes about real life, real issues and struggles, andtriumphing against all odds. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a varietyof outdoor activities, and a good book.
Website: https://edenmonroeauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEdenMonroe/
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Interrupted-Martel-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B0CYQGM6DT/ref=sr_1_1
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GIVEAWAY
EdenMonroe will award a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
Blog Tour: THE GNOME AND THE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT by Marilyn Slaughter
Illustrator: Angel Neha
Children's Book
Date Published: March 6, 2024
Publisher: Mindstir Media
This short story is about Nathan's adventures during a 5th grade science field trip to the Sunbrook Forest National Park. Nathan is familiar with the park because he and his sister Iris has visited the park before with the encouragement of their mom. Nathan overcomes some anxieties of not liking the subject science, having to buddy with the 5th grade bully, and worrying about other 5th graders, teachers and volunteers might see Gob the gnome and cause problems for Gob and the park. By the end of the science fieldtrip Nathan has built a level of confidence that he could make the best science presentation in his classroom and together with the 5th grade bully develop a monthly 'Clean the Park' project where he and his classmates join to clean up the forest. a mother wanting her children to enjoy the outdoors. Nathan meets an interesting park ranger who later become very instrumental in his interest in science, the environment and his future career plan after high school.
Since the 1400s, folklore has described gnomes as guardians of treasure and the protectors of Earth. Gnomes represents stability, growth, and good luck. This is the third book of the six-book series about Gob the gnome. The six books in this series all revolve around a gnome, the protector of a local forest, who becomes friends with Nathan and Iris and helps to educate them on the importance of caring for the environment.
Review: The kids were conducting anexperiment in the forest. While all the kids paired up, Nathan was stuck withthe school bully. How will Nathan complete the project when his partner wasconstantly playing pranks and goofing around? Perhaps Gob, the Gnome, couldhelp. Can he teach these boys the importance of keeping the waters clean?
The illustrations were bright andcheerful. The pictures were a little stagnant and repetitive, but they werenice just the same.
Short and quick, this was a niceread altogether. Good to teach kids a little about the environment.
Rating:4 stars
About the Author
Marilyn Slaughter is an educator with experience teaching second through fifth grades, middle school science, and social studies. She now spends time authoring books for children and adults for engagement, learning, and entertainment. Marilyn’s first six books are a set with the theme of children, with their families enjoying the outdoors; and with teachers and classmates learning about the environment. The children are introduced to a magical and mythical being in the forest and they work to save the local forest. Her goal is to provide a fun read with an entertaining way for children to learn about science.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
May 14, 2024
Blog Tour: LET'S HIDE FROM MOM by Parimalasri Docktor
LET'S HIDE FROM MOM
Parimalasri Docktor
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GENRE:
Chidlren'sFiction
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BLURB:
Let'sHide From Mom is a true story of Radha having difficulty going to sleep. Everynight she finds different places to hide since she does not want to go to bed.Krishna tries to go along with her game but ends up going to sleep in somecorner. Mom tries her best to calm Radha down every day by giving her a treat:a small piece of cucumber. Radha learns that when lights are turned out, shemust wind down and try to go to sleep. She also learnt that she must learn tofall asleep on her own and that Krishna cannot always play with her, since hegoes to sleep early. Radha is still trying to find her comfort zone. She isvery active and loves to play. Just like us humans, pets also have sleepingissues or sleeping disorders that we are not aware of, until we tune ourselvesto their senses.
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EXCERPT
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Review: What does a turtle do when hecan’t sleep? Hide from Mommy, of course! In doing so, the little guy traversesacross colorful and lovely scenes. See what kind of hiding places these turtlesfind.
A quick and fun read! There’s evenan amusing scavenger hunt game in the end. Great for kids!
Rating:4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Parimalasri Docktor, the author of Where is he? Tank the Tortoise,Tortoise Goes to the Vet, and Let's Hide From Mom, was featured in CBS-3 Newscoverage in Philadelphia. She has had the opportunity of book-signing events inand around the Philadelphia region. She has sold her books internationally aswell. This book, Let's Hide From Mom, is a sequel to her second book, TortoiseGoes to the Vet.
Being called the "tortoise whisperer," the author enjoysher interactions with her pet tortoises. Having four tortoises helps the authorto be more creative and encourages her in writing and illustrating her ownbooks. The author self-taught digital art, and this is her second book that isfully illustrated by her.
Website: https://parimalasridocktor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Parimalasri-Docktor-Author/100084425100836/
https://www.instagram.com/tank_chili_russian_tortoises/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22586415.Parimalasri_Docktor
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GIVEAWAY
Theauthor will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.
May 13, 2024
Blog Tour: TWO POLAR BEARS by Crystal Beach
TWO POLAR BEARS
Crystal Beach
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GENRE: Children's Picture Book
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BLURB:
Whatcould possibly be better than One Polar Bear? Two Polar Bears! Join thischarming polar bear couple as they try to have a peaceful soak in the tub onlyto be interrupted by four very dirty cubs! This delightful rhyming storychronicles a lovable polar bear family as they go through their nightly bedtimeroutine. Celebrating individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities,readers are introduced to early learning skills such as bedtime routines andgrooming. With fun and humour, this book also helps children establish healthysleep habits. Two Polar Bears is an entertaining story and a beautiful additionto your child's own bedtime routine.
Ifyou can be anything, be inclusive.
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EXCERPT
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Review: This is a fun and simple rhymingtale of two polar bears in a tub. It stars off as two polar bears until theirrambunctious brood of cubs get in the scene. Oh, what a mess! Good thing thatthey’re all in a tub.
With vibrant illustrations andcute rhymes, this is a fun read for any early reader.
Rating:4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptivechildren who have complex medical needs and disabilities. Her children areoften represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special giftsand powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support forher children's future.
Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University ofVictoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children's literature,publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as aMedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily newspaper,communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies indevelopmental psychology.
She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple littlehouse with two giant support dogs.
For more information visit www.crystalbeachauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalbeachauthor
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Polar-Bears-Crystal-Beach-ebook/dp/B0CW918MN5/ref=sr_1_1
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GIVEAWAY
CrystalBeach will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner viarafflecopter during the tour.
May 11, 2024
Q&A with Geri Dreiling, author of THE POISON DART
TELLUS ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK, THE POISON DART.
In thisnovel, reporter Debbie Bradley investigates a fentanyl overdose death. Throughher investigation, she uncovers a complex web of family secrets and thesurprising reach of drug-trafficking cartels into the Midwest. The story istold with empathy and reveals shocking connections between the characters. Thisis the second novel in the Debbie Bradley Mystery Series, and it continues toexplore the personal relationships of Debbie Bradley, Chase Laclede, BethHughes, and Detective Flannery.
HOWDID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE FOR THIS BOOK?
The PoisonDart has a double meaning. It is the name of the drug cartel at the center ofthe story, as well as a symbol of the needle involved in the overdose death.
WHATDRIVES THE CHARACTERS IN YOUR STORY and HOW DO THEY GROW?
The novelfeatures a diverse set of characters, each explored throughperspective chapters that delve into their past and motivations. Here area few noteworthy examples:
Debbie is a determined youngjournalist driven by ambition and a strong sense of justice who often grappleswith the conflict between personal ambition and moral integrity.
Macie Holloway is haunted bythe memory of her dead best friend, struggling with grief, guilt, and fear, allof which shape her decisions.
José Rodrigo “J.R.” sought abetter life for his family but found himself ensnared by the grip of thecartel, trapped in circumstances beyond his control.
WHATWOULD YOU SAY IS A PIVOTAL SCENE IN YOUR BOOK AND WHY?
In thepivotal scene, the main characters converge in a single location. The pathsthat lead them to this moment are as unique as each character. The outcome oftheir lives hangs in the balance, depending on their choices during thiscrucial moment.
HOWIS YOUR BOOK DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER BOOK IN THIS GENRE?
The Poison Dart is a grippingcrime thriller that treats the characters and subject matter with humanityrather than sensationalizing them.
IFYOUR BOOK WERE TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE, WHO WOULD BE YOUR CAST?
Debbie Bradley: SaoirseRonan
Beth Hughes: LauraLinney, Kate Winslet or Laura Dern
Chase Laclede: JharrelJerome
Detective DanielFlannery: Jon Hamm
Captain JackFlannery: Jeff Bridges
José Rodrigo:Michael Mando
Macie Holloway: JennaOrtega
Caleb and Connor Webb(Twins): Timothée Chalamet
WHAT CRITERIA DID YOU USE WHEN SELECTING THE COVER FORYOUR BOOK?
I'mlucky. My husband is an excellent cover designer, a beta reader, and afantastic listener. He understands the mood and emotional resonance I wantedthe cover to convey. I tried to capture not only Debbie's voyage through thedarkness but also that of many characters. Despite the darkness, a glimmer oflight subtly splits the art into a dart.
WAS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR BOOK THAT YOU WERE TRYING TOCONVEY?
As someonewho worked in a prosecutor's office, as a criminal defense lawyer, and as aninvestigative journalist, I've met people from many walks of life. Sometimes,they've made bad decisions that landed them in trouble. Others have foundthemselves in a difficult situation despite their innocence. I aimed to explorelife's nuance and complexity while crafting a compelling thriller.
WHATARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A WRITER?
Carving outuninterrupted time to focus. I’ve found that writing for the first few hours ofthe morning to be my most productive.
DOYOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW WRITERS?
Read. Read. Read.And devise a writing schedule that works for you. When you miss a day becauseof, you know, Life, forgive yourself then reset and resume.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE READERS CAN VISIT FORUPDATES, EVENTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS?
THE POISON DART is Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Poison-Dart-Bradley-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CR9JSKF9/
Review: UNLIKELY by Jeffrey Brown
The drawings are very sketchy.They looked like little thumbnails and the artist was like trying to squeezeevery little thing into a tiny comic panel. Very hard to read. Very hard totell what’s going on in the pictures. This was much too childish andamateurish. I could’ve done better and I haven’t drawn in years.
I thought it be way better thanthis. So disappointed.
Rating:1 star
Review: PICTURE DAY by Sarah Sax
“Stand up to Parental Picture DayTyranny!”
Viv is tired of the lame picturesshe has to take for school. She wanted to be bold. She wanted to be different.She wanted to be noticed. So, she does it—she cuts off her hair. Whoa! That’llget you noticed.
Soon, she becomes a social mediasensation. Viv’s ideas were wild and crazy, and they were all getting her theattention she wanted. But was all this attention good? Were Viv and her friendspopular…or laughingstocks? School can beharsh sometimes. Sometimes it’s good to not be noticed.
Cute illustrations! I loved themessage of just being you and loving it.
Rating:4 stars
Review: WHAT IF WE WERE by Axelle Lenoir
This is a game of “What if” for 2best friends, who let their imaginations go wild. What if they were Vikings?They’d have the beard, sail around the world, and discover new worlds. Therewas a little too much text for my liking, but I enjoyed the funny illustrations.What if they were superheroes? They’d be like the Incredible Hulk. Cool! Theywere the female Ren and Stimpy. Just crazy girls. Just odd and quirky. Prettycool comics in general.
Rating:3 stars
Review: THE BABYSITTER’S CLUB: CLAUDIA AND THE BAD JOKE by Arley Nopra
The text was a little too small toread, but I love the pictures. Fortunately, the pictures tell the story well.So fun and funny! Still, I kind of wished I would’ve been able to read the textmore.
This one was all about pranks andClaudia’s new client was a little prankster. Suddenly, a bad joke turns seriouswhen she breaks her leg. With Claudia recuperating, the club had to take overthe unruly pranksters. But, hey, two can play that game, right? Oh, the funnypranks!
My rating is really based on theart, which is just awesome. The art work is a solid 4-star, but the small,unreadable text brought it down to 3.5 stars.
Rating:3.5 stars
