Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 121

Mine to Spell ~ Cover Reveal

Today we have something different for you.  Instead of just revealing a cover we are asking YOU to help us choose WHICH cover to use!   Mine to Spell by Janeal Falor is the second book in the Mine series. This is a YA fantasy and it is scheduled to release May 5th, 2014.

Do you like cover choice #1:
Or do you like cover choice #2: Cast your vote here:
Cover #1 or cover #2?Cover #1Cover #2  pollcode.com free polls Be sure to stop by the authors website on March 6th for the final reveal of which cover was chosen!
MINE TO SPELL Description:


Cynthia has always hidden from her father’s hexes behind her older sister. When her family gains independence unheard of for women, she’s relieved that her days of harsh punishments are over. But as her seventeenth birthday approaches—the typical age to be sold to a new master—death threats endanger her sisters. She now faces two options: run or meet society’s expectations.For once, Cynthia isn’t going to let her older sister shield her from the problem. She’s going to prove to herself, her sisters, and society that her family isn’t a threat to their traditions. She willingly chooses to be purchased by a new master. A bold step that takes her somewhere she never thought she would go and to a man she might possibly fall in love with. With his help, she may just find a way to save her sisters while discovering how to stand up for herself. If she lives long enough.

MINE TO SPELL on Goodreads   YOU ARE MINE on Good Reads | YOU ARE MINE on Amazon | YOU ARE MINE on B&N
MINE TO TARNISH on Good Reads | MINE TO TARNISH on Amazon


About the author:
Amazon bestselling author Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it's time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family or drinking hot chocolate.
Find the author:
Website: janealfalor.comTwitter: @JanealFalor
Facebook Author Page on Goodreads

Giveaway: Ten Giveaway Combo Packs: ebooks of YOU ARE MINE and prequel, MINE TO TARNISH
Open INT
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This event was put together by CBB Book Promotions.
 

Perfectly Messy, Cover Reveal

Perfectly Messyby Lizzy CharlesRelease Date: May 2014
Summary from Goodreads:
Popularity isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Justin Marshall knows this better than most. For the captain of the basketball team, small business owner, and son of Minnesota's next governor, life can get pretty overwhelming. But Justin can handle anything as long as he has Lucy, the girl who fell for the man he’s trying to be.


But for Justin and Lucy, finding time together proves challenging. Stolen kisses and whispered promises just aren't enough. That is, until scandalous photos of the couple are leaked to a press intent on creating a juicy scandal during Justin's dad's gubernatorial campaign. And when Lucy becomes fair play for the tabloids and gossip pages, Justin does the only thing he can to protect her: he breaks her heart.

For Lucy, junior year is everything she hoped it would be: new friends, second chances, and a boyfriend she can’t stop kissing. That is, until the boy she’s pretty sure she loves chooses the life his family wants for him, over her.
Now it’s up to Lucy to teach him what it really means to have everything. Because for Justin, being who everyone needs him to be just might cost him the one person he can’t live without.

Book One:
(linked to Goodreads)

About the AuthorWhen Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. Black tea keeps her constant and she loves guacamole. She married her high school sweet heart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.
Author Links:      

Cover Reveal Organized by:

The Skinwalker's Apprentice Tour & Giveaway

The Skinwalker's Apprenticeby Claribel OrtegaRelease Date: 02/24/14
Summary from Goodreads:New York City 1984: It’s Emerald Kipp’s sixteenth birthday, and nothing has changed. She’s still the biggest loser in school, she’s still trying to find a place for herself and yeah, she’s still a witch. Her last year of high school is turning out to be the worst yet, and Emerald thinks it can’t possibly get any worse. Unfortunately for her, she’s dead wrong.

East Hampton, NY 1658: The Pennyfeathers are the black sheep of their small English settlement. As hard as they try to keep the family secrets just that, the magical bunch just can’t seem to fit in. But when a High Priestess witch chooses 16-year-old Margo Pennyfeather as an apprentice, Margo’s luck finally begins to change. What she doesn’t know, is there’s a lot more to her apprenticeship, and to being a witch, than she could ever imagine

Discover the mysterious beginnings of The Empire Witch Series in "The Skinwalker's Apprentice: An Emerald Kipp Novella."
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19250523-the-skinwalker-s-apprentice
Buy Links:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJOA4M8?cache=c8128ec226976b27227abebea4f29bc9#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1392870484&sr=8-1

Get ur copy of The #skinwalkersapprentice ,a prequel to an exciting new fantasy trilogy w/witches & wizards in NYC http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJOA4M8?cache=c8128ec226976b27227abebea4f29bc9#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1392870484&sr=8-1

It's launch day for #skinwalkersapprentice ! Get your copy of the YA fantasy prequel for only .99 here! http://wp.me/p48RQR-2P  @claribel_ortega 


Get ur copy of The #skinwalkersapprentice ,a prequel to an exciting new fantasy trilogy w/witches & wizards in NYC
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-skinwalkersapprentice/id795920939?mt=11


Get your copy of The Skinwalker's Apprentice - the prequel to the next big YA fantasy series www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-skinwalkers-apprentice-claribel-ortega/1118140993?ean=2940045567886 #skinwalkersapprentice
About the AuthorClaribel Ortega is a graduate of the SUNY Purchase journalism program, and got her start writing for the school’s Independent Newspaper. There, she quickly rose the ranks from editing the student’s often times hilarious ads and ramblings on the back page of the paper to staff and feature writer.After graduation, Claribel worked as a reporter for The Rivertowns Enterprise, a local paper in lower Westchester County, New York. As a reporter, she enjoyed going to board of education meetings and texting the town mayors about the line at Starbucks.Today, Claribel works for The Combined Book Exhibit, a book marketing company in Westchester NY.She lives in New York with her really awesome boyfriend, her suspiciously intelligent yorkie Pancho Villa and is surrounded by an impenetrable fort of books she gets from her job.“The Skinwalker’s Apprentice” is her first book, and cheese is her favorite food.
Author Links:http://claribelortega.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7505050.Claribel_Ortegahttp://twitter.com/Vonnegutsshttps://www.facebook.com/ClaribelOrtegaAuthor
***GIVEAWAY***
A signed paperback copy of The Skinwalker's ApprenticePlus, a Forever 21 Prize Pack including:Posh Stackable RingsCameo Bow NecklaceShopper Tote (design may vary)
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Blog Tour Organized by:YA Bound Book Tours

That One Summer Tour & Giveaway

That One Summer (Summer #3)by C.J. DugganRelease Date: 12/17/13
Summary from Goodreads:Loving Chris Henderson would be wrong. Diabolically disastrous. I mean, what is there about him to love? He’s moody, bossy, brooding, a control freak, and that’s on a good day … but there was one achingly obvious fact that haunted my every thought, every minute of every day …

He sure could kiss.

As the countdown to the new millennium begins, there is one thing everyone agrees on: no one wants to be in Onslow for New Year’s Eve.

So that can only mean one thing: road trip!

No longer the mousey, invisible, shy girl from years ago, Tammy Maskala is finally making up for all those lost summers. A new year with new friends, which astoundingly includes the bossy boy behind the bar, Chris Henderson.

She likes her new friends (at least most of them), so why does she secretly feel so out of place?

After chickening out on the trip, a last-minute change of heart sees Tammy racing to the Onslow Hotel, fearing she’s missed her chance for a ride. The last thing she expected to meet was a less-than-happy Onslow Boy leaning against his black panel van.

Now the countdown begins to reach the others at Point Shank before the party is over and the new year has begun. Alone in a car with only the infuriating Chris Henderson, Tammy can’t help but feel this is a disastrous start to what could have been a great adventure. But when the awkward road trip takes an unexpected turn, Tammy soon discovers that the way her traitorous heart feels about Chris is the biggest disaster of all.

Fogged up windows, moonlight swimming, bad karaoke and unearthed secrets; after this one summer nothing will ever be the same again.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18192972-that-one-summer?ac=1
Goodreads links for series:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13562232-the-boys-of-summerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16301141-an-endless-summerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20437487-ringerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18461066-forever-summer

Summer Series purchase links and newsletter subscription: http://www.cjdugganbooks.com/books.html

Ringer: Pre Order https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/x/id797741096Forever Summer: Pre Order https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/x/id797802550
Summer Series Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTMF8Pprxew


About the AuthorC.J Duggan is a Number One Best Selling Australian Author who lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales, Australia. When she isn’t writing books about swoony boys and 90’s pop culture you will find her renovating her hundred-year-old Victorian homestead or annoying her local travel agent for a quote to escape the chaos.
The Boys of Summer is Book One in her highly successful Mature Young Adult Romance Series.
Author Links:http://www.cjdugganbooks.com/http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5779034.C_J_Dugganhttps://twitter.com/CJ_Duggan https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cj-Duggan-Author/207724915934429C.J’s Street Team: http://www.cjdugganbooks.com/street-team.html
***GIVEAWAY***1 winner will get ebooks of Book 1-3 of the Summer series (INT)
 RULES AND RESTRICTIONS:  Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 13 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond  or another winner’s name will be selected. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.
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Blog Tour Hosted by:YA Bound Book Tours
 

Blucy Blast

Title: Blucy Author: Julia Dweck Illustrator: Erika LeBarre Year published: 2013 Publisher: Xist Publishing Number of pages: 21 Recommended age: 3+ Summary (Amazon): Once in a blue moon, a special pet comes along. When Mandy adopts the best cat at the shelter, she doesn't realize it has a big secret and an even bigger personality. Features full screen images and pop-up text.
Blucy Facebook Page * Blucy Pinterest Page * GoodreadsPurchase; Special Offer Xist Publishing is pleased to offer you a special Buy One Get One FREE (BOGO) offer when you purchase Blucy by Julia Dweck. The Deal? If you purchase Blucy (e-book) through Amazon, you will receive a FREE electronic copy of Julia Dweck's newest book, Mary Had a Sleepy Sheep (released September 5, 2013). All you have to do is forward your purchase confirmation email to sales@xistpublishing.com and Xist Publishing will send you a complimentary copy of Mary Had a Sleepy Sheep . Don't wait to take advantage of this great deal! AmazonThe Early Buzz"Julia Dweck scores another winner Blucy ! This book is beautifully illustrated, features solid rhyming verse, has a most unusual main character in Blucy the cat, and will surely be loved and appreciated by all cat-lovers! I would recommend this wonderful picture book to children who love cats and for their grown-ups who will recognize their own cat's behavior in this funny story. ." ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews"Ms Dweck and Ms Lebarre have created a delightfully humorous read that will no doubt capture the attention of every little mischief maker. The rhythm and rhyme are wonderful and flow so beautifully throughout the book. The illustrations are absolutely exquisite. I honestly wish I could purchase every one of them to put upon my toddlers walls." ~ WhenIgrowupIwannawriteakidsbook"The illustrations are amazing and beautiful and the story pulls you in and had Dino telling Mandy and Blucy what to do and got upset when they didn’t listen to him. He was hysterical with some of Blucy’s antics and wanted to know if Balboa could do that to. Really and truly a cute book and one that Dino will keep reading, especially now that he think he’s a catosaurous." ~ Dinosaur Superhero MommyA blue cat? I love color - lots of color and these illustrations are exactly that. The rythmic method used by Julia is perfect for all ages and the content is entertaining for all - including adults. My daughter loves mood rings so she found this book particularly interesting - what about a "mood cat". I am also a firm believer and supporter of pet adoptions - so another plus for this story...That Blucy is quite a mischievous cat. Blucy has special facts at the end of the story as well as a game for the kids to keep them thinking. I love this book as I have all of Julia's books and so do my kids. ~ The Stuff of SuccessA Phenomenal Children's Classic. Children & Adults will love and cherish this beloved tale. Julia Dweck has always amazed me with her talent at writing children's books and Blucy is by far my favorite one yet. I laughed and giggled my way through the whole book and had to read it again several times for the pure joy of the story. The illustrations are fabulous and very colorful and I found myself staring at each page as I read and just loved the details in the illustrations. This is a RECOMMENDED MUST read story that adults and their children will fall in love with. This book will become the best bedtime story that children will want to hear over and over again. ~ Back Words, White Pages  About the Author: Julia Dweck Julia Dweck's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read and what makes them giggle. She's collaborated with leading artists in the world of children's literature to produce over 20 Amazon eBooks. Her titles have garnered placement on Amazon's bestsellers in children's color picture books multiple times with two #1 bestsellers: PIE-RITS and Zombie-Kids . These titles have been chosen by Amazon Editors for the prestigious "Kindle Daily Deal." Many of Julia's titles have earned placement on Amazon's top ranked lists based on customer review. In her spare time, Julia is a designer of educational adjuncts for children's literature, and has worked with such notable publishing houses as Penguin Young Readers. She presented at the 2011 National Center for Family Literacy for her creative use of technology in the classroom. For more information about Julia Dweck and her books, please visit her website, Jule Loves 2 Write. Twitter * Facebook  * Where in the blue is Blucy? *Before we get to the $100 Book Blast Giveaway, we have a special treat for you. If you head on over to Julia Dweck's Facebook Fan Page, you will find the "Where in the blue is Blucy?" contest. Julia Dweck fans are invited to post suggestions of "blue" places Blucy could be hiding, (e.g., near Elvis' blue suede shoes). The most creative answer will win a print of the Blucy cover by the artist, Erika LeBarre. Head on over to Julia Dweck's Facebook Fan Page to enter and... Pssssttt... if you enter the contest, you gain 5 entries in the $100 Book Blast Giveaway below!   * $100 Book Blast Giveaway *Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: August 13 to September 15, 11:59 pm, 2013 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: A randomly drawn winner will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send us an email! * This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Julia Dweck and by Xist Publishing. *a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Colourblind Chameleon Book Blast

Title: The Coloublind Chameleon Author: Laura Kantor Illustrator: Sarah Ray Publication Date: November 19, 2013 Publisher: Independent - Squidgy Face Books Number of pages: 32 Recommended age: 2 to 7     Summary Once there was a very special chameleon... The Colourblind Chameleon is the debut title from up and coming author/illustrator duo Laura Kantor and Sarah Ray. This is a colourful and imaginative tale of a chameleon who doesn't fit in with the rest. He realises that it's not just good to be different... it's a lot more fun! Delight in the rhyming verses, vibrant colours and hilarious drawings as you are taken on a wonderful journey with a special little chameleon (wearing fabulous pants).   The Early Buzz"This is a lovely book for children ..... Fun and bright, educational and with an underlying message....... It great that it teaches children about a chameleon changing colour and it also teaches children that it's OK to be different ! I love it ! The illustrations are fabulous too...... Funny and colourful." ~ 5 Star Review, diamondlil, Amazon"An excellent debut. Engaging story with captivating illustrations. Good to see a childrens story with a real positive message." ~ 5 Star Review, Lucy, Goodreads  PurchaseAmazon | Google Play | Barnes and Noble | iTunes  About the Author: Laura Kantor Laura Kantor up in Coventry, England, but has spent the last few years living overseas in Canada, Australia and now Singapore. In her free time she loves to travel, bake and write (of course). With a job in marketing, project management and a love for writing lists, Laura decided to self publish her own stories, and set up Squidgy Face Books in 2013 (www.squidgyfacebooks.com), teaming up with Sarah Ray who was the perfect illustrator to bring her stories to life. A year of very late nights and extremely long weekends later and their first release, The Colourblind Chameleon is ready to bring some colour and fun to squidgy faces around the world.   About the Illustrator: Sarah Ray ] Sarah Ray, the illustrator of The Colourblind Chameleon grew up in the Herefordshire countryside where she gathered lots of inspiration for her drawings. Animals feature frequently in her work and she enjoys giving them human attributes. This is Sarah’s first children’s book, after working with a variety of clients on commissioned illustration. She also has her own range of award winning greeting’s cards which she sells across the UK, http:// www.sarahray.co.uk     Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Google+ | Twitter (Author) | Twitter (Illustrator)  * $50 Book Blast Giveaway *Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: December 12, 2013 to January 10, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Laura Kantor and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway * I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. The author contacted us to participate in our Book Promotion Program where we will tweet and share information about this book, the author, and the giveaway.*

Princess Madeline and the Dragon Blog Tour

About the BookTitle: Princess Madeline and the Dragon (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #3)Author: Kirstin PulioffPublication Date: November 26, 2013Publisher: Caliburn BooksNumber of pages: 135Recommended age: 10+  Summary After a season of battle and rebuilding, the Kingdom of Soron is exhausted. With the return of the exiled wizards, the Spring Faire, and her upcoming wedding, Princess Madeline is looking forward to a peaceful season of celebration. When the mysterious green dragon reappears, threatening the kingdom and the king, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden won’t rest for long. Faced with this incredible new danger, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden must find a way to lead their kingdom and secure their future. Can they find the answers hidden within their mother’s cryptic messages from the past, or will the dragon destroy everything they hold dear? Follow Princess Madeline as she embarks on a dangerous new adventure to save her kingdom and her family.    More Buzz About The Book"The story is engaging on many levels, as is Pulioff's writing, but on this occasion I was mostly drawn into the action and the mystery as how to prevent the worst from happening. This is great entertainment and should do well across a wider age range." ~ 5 Star Review,ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon"Kirstin Pulioff has saved the best for last. 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' is the final instalment in the 'Princess Madeline Trilogy'. I thought the first two books were finely wrought stories, but this novel surpasses its predecessors. Prophesies, family tragedies, magic and - of course - dragons, combine to produce a tale that is an instant classic. Written with a great deal of charm, 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' will not disappoint Ms Pulioff's young fans. I look forward to seeing where next her imagination will take this natural storyteller. " ~ 5 Star Review, Diogenes, Amazon"Princess Madeline and the Dragon is an exciting and thoroughly satisfying final chapter in this fantasy/adventure series. As she did with books one and two, the author has created a fantasy world in a rich medieval setting that we can believe in--and want to visit, over and over...Along with adventure, a sweet romance, and a theme that centers on the power of love, you may find a surprise or two! If your tween or teen loves princesses, brave heroes and fairytales of daring-do, they shouldn't miss this one!" ~ 5 Star Review, Ally S., Goodreads  Purchase Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords About the Author: Kirstin Pulioff  Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in Oregon, and enjoys being a stay at home mom. When she’s not writing, she is busy with her kids and church.Website | Facebook | TwitterGoodreads | Amazon Author Page    Princess Madeline and the Dragon Blog Tour Schedule (2014)January 13Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)January 14Victoria Simcox's Blog (Author Interview)JoJo's Corner (Review)January 15Musings by Jay Faulkner (Guest Post)Mel's Shelves (Review)January 16Bound 4 Escape (Review)Dawn's Disaster (Guest Post)January 17Cassandra Lost in Books (Review)WS Momma Readers Nook (Review)January 18A TiffyFit's Reading Corner (Review)Jemima Pett, Author (Review)January 19Books Direct (Author Interview)My Devotional Thoughts (Review)January 20Amanda's Books and More (Review)For the Love of Books (Review)January 21BeachBoundBooks (Review)When I Grow Up I Wanna Write a Kids Book (Review)January 22Stitch Says (Author Interview)Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog (Review)January 23Fiona Ingram (Review and Author Interview)Brooke Blogs (Review)January 24We are the DinoFamily (Review)Sher A Hart: Written Art (Review)January 25Becki Gylberte, children's author (Review)Reading and Sharing (Review and Guest Post)January 26Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)Dalene's Book Reviews (Review)  * $25 Blog Tour Giveaway * Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest runs: January 13th to January 31st, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Kirstin Pulioff and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Dragon Defender Blog Tour &b Interview

About the BookTitle: Dragon Defender (Dragon Defense League, Book #1)Author: J.A. BlackburnPublication Date: October 19, 2013Publisher: Pip & GreyNumber of pages: 242Recommended age: 10+Summary (Amazon): For over a thousand years dragons have existed in secret . . . Peter Clark can build a robot from scratch and pick a lock in two minutes or less. But he can't figure out why his mother left or why his grandma refuses to talk about her. When Uncle Dominick shows up on Peter's twelfth birthday with a letter that hints at answers and an incredible story about dragons, Peter follows him, determined to find out the truth about his mother's disappearance. What he finds is a reality far different from what he ever could have imagined - where dragons live in hiding, hunted by poachers for their magical parts, and a small group of men and women work tirelessly to protect them. These are the Dragon Defenders. Peter's uncle is one. So was his mother. Now it's Peter's turn. * Finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association 2013 Literary Contest *   About the Book: Interview
1.  As succinctly as possible, tell us why someone should read your book.
People, and kids especially, who are looking for an unapologetically rip-roaring, fast-paced adventure that’ll keep ‘em on the edge of their seat from the first to the last chapter. And to get a different take on dragons.
2.  Where did you draw your inspiration from for your characters? 
Peter, the main character and our unlikely hero, is an introverted but likeable guy who spends a lot of his time tinkering with electronics. When I was trying to get to know Peter, I kept thinking about my husband, Jason (who, by the way, did the cover and inside illustrations for my book!). They’re both passionate about their interests, self-reliant, and introverted. Peter’s not the kind of kid who makes friends right away and is just as likely to spend time alone, fiddling with something, than out being social. But when someone needs help, he’s the first person to stick his neck out. He absolutely won’t tolerate cruelty. And you won’t find a more loyal or brave friend.Xana is the spunky rich girl that Peter meets in the jungle. She’s modeled after several girlfriends I’ve had over the years. She talks before she thinks, is honest to a fault, and frequently states the obvious. She’s also fun, happy to take charge, and completely up for a good adventure – the perfect person to pull Peter out of his shell.Mario was inspired by some of the children that I met while visiting Mexico. They were very poor – selling gum on the sidewalks to tourists and living in shanties outside of town. But they had a genuine happiness that has always stuck with me. I tried to capture that with Mario – even though his circumstances were hard, he was positive. A great guy – loyal, genuine, maybe a bit wistful.
3.  When did you first start writing your book and when did you finish?
I started writing in earnest in March 2012 although the idea had been mulling around the back of my head for several years before that. Once I started I couldn’t stop and would wake up in the wee hours of the morning, long before the sun came up, pour a steaming cup of coffee and hunch over my laptop to type feverishly. I had a finished draft by October that year and started querying agents.
4.  What is YOUR favorite part of the book?
Perhaps ironically, my favorite scene was the most difficult to write. It’s the scene where Peter is lost in the cave and trying to find a way out. I wanted it to be a real nail-biter and full of suspense, the kind of scene where you just have to keep reading, to see what happens. I struggled to describe what was happening when Peter’s flashlight when out and he couldn’t see anything – to make it realistic but also let the reader know enough about what was going on that they could follow along and not feel lost. I had to rewrite that scene a lot of times and it just wasn’t working. Then we were on vacation in Maui and I signed us up to go on a self-guided cave tour. We shut off all of our flashlights and I pretended I was Peter. I actually acted out the whole scene, in the dark. People thought I was nuts. But it helped. Now it’s my favorite scene – when I read it, I’m totally there with Peter.
5.  What is the main message you want to convey to your readers in your books?
True bravery is standing up for people or animals that need help. Just because something seems a certain way; just because a lot of people believe it is that way, doesn’t mean it’s true. There’s magic to be found when you look beyond appearances.And also . . . dragons just might exist. How do you know they don’t? J
6.  Can we expect more books from you in the future? 
Yes! I’m halfway done writing a story about a girl named Violet who travels to a parallel fairy world to rescue her twin sister who was kidnapped by fairies. I’m having fun creating evil fairies. Next after that will be the second Dragon Defense League book – The Mountain of Ice & Fire, in which Peter goes to Iceland to help his uncle rescue the Nidhogg dragon from its mountainous lair, before the ICERA (Icelandic Road Administration) unknowingly blasts it to smithereens. The Knights get involved and everything goes south in a hurry. The third Dragon Defense League book will take place in Australia. Which reminds me, I’d better get writing!
  More Buzz About the Book"We read an advance copy of this book on kindle earlier this year and our 5th grade son read it twice and is anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Great adventure, really kept our interest reading it together at night. This was one of the kids books I most enjoyed reading myself as well. The characters and the plot are well developed, and appealing to a wide range of kids (both genders). The writing is sophisticated but easy to understand, not 'dumbed down' like many kids books. The subject of dragons was so well crafted that it's easy believe that dragons just might exist, after all." ~ 5 Star Review, Leigh A., Amazon"Reminiscent of the Fablehaven series (with just the right touch of Harry P.) this middle grade book is both an adventure and a pleasure...Fast-paced and full of wonder, this book takes middle grade readers on a vivid journey from the southwestern U.S. to Mexico; where jungles, ancient ruins and local folklore add to the enchantment that Peter finds when he discovers that dragons are in fact, real. As a former elementary school teacher, my strong feeling is that kids will eat this book whole, and then turn to searching for dragon eggs in their own backyards!" ~ 5 Star Review, Grace W., Amazon"Dragon Defender was an absorbing action packed read! The author pulls you in from the first page and I'm not sorry to say I read it all in the first day. I'm 33 but still! This is a fun book for a chapter a night with your 5 year old (my son is loving it so far) or for yourself. The characters are well developed so you feel like you're really there, and the dragon is so believable. I'd venture so far as to say I had to remind myself that dragons don't really exist.... or do they?" ~ 5 Star Review, MGC, Amazon  Purchase Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle)  About the Author: J.A. Blackburn     J. A. Blackburn lives in Seattle, Washington in a small white house overlooking the sea with her husband, Jason, her son, Camden, and their dog, Bella. Dragon Defender is her first novel. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads      Dragon Defender Blog Tour Schedule (2014)January 6Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)Victoria Simcox (Interview)January 7The Dragyn's Lair (Dual Reviews)Cherry Mischievous (Guest Post)January 8Reading and Sharing (Book Review)January 9Brooke Blogs (Review)Carpinello's Writing Pages (Author Interview)January 10The World of ContestPatti (Author Interview)Bound 4 Escape (Review)January 11Deal Sharing Aunt (Review)January 12Mythical Books (Guest Post)Book Room Reviews (Review)January 13The Hippie Bookworm (Review)Books Direct (Author Interview)January 14BeachBoundBooks (Review)January 15A Year of Jubilee Reviews (Review)January 16Reviews By Karen (Review)Stitch Says (Author Interview)January 17We are the Noisy DinoFamily (Review)Musings by Jay Faulkner (Guest Post)January 18Kay LaLone I Love Books (Review)January 19Lakshmi Gosyne (Guest Post & Review)January 20Sher A. Hart: Written Art (Review)WS Momma Readers Nook (Guest Post/Excerpt)January 21Mel's Shelves (Review)January 22Cassandra Lost in Books (Review)Word Magic: Articles & Tips for Authors (Review)January 23Tales of a Bookworm (Review)January 24Dawn's Disaster (Review)Identity Discovery (Guest Post)January 25Jemima Pett, Princelings Author (Review)January 26When I Grow Up I Wanna Write a Kids Book (Review)Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)  * $50 Blog Tour Giveaway * Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest runs: January 6th to January 31, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, J.A. Blackburn and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Diane Cantrell Book Blast

Title: Riley's Lost Tooth Author: Diane Cantrell Illustrator: Heather Castles Publication Date: February 16, 2010 Publisher: Brown Books Publishing Group Number of pages: 24 Recommended age: 4+ Summary: Oh no! One of Sunday's very favorite humans, Riley, has lost her tooth! But where did it go? How did she lose it? Why does no one besides Sunday seem to care? It isn't long before the tooth fairy steps in and tries to teach the pups all about growing up. Join Sunday and her two puppy-pals, Precious and Mr. Lee, as they try to hunt down . . . Riley s lost tooth! Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Author Website    Book Trailer for Riley's Lost Tooth   Title: Good-bye Baby Max Author: Diane Cantrell Illustrator: Heather Castles Publication Date: February, 2008 Publisher: Bridgeway Books Number of pages: 32 Recommended age: 4+ Summary: Mrs. B's class excitedly awaits the birth of three baby chicks. When Max is unable to crack open his shell, the children's loving teacher assists them in expressing their feelings of loss and planning a special good-bye.   Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Author Website  The BuzzRiley's Lost Tooth: "The book is well written and the illustrations are beautiful. The book will definitely appeal to all children (including children at heart like this reviewer) and their parents / grandparents / elder siblings and other care givers. The book is strongly recommended as a good gift that is educational and also entertaining." ~ 5 Star Review, S.V. Swamy, AmazonGood-bye Baby Max: "This book is amazing! I have given it as several gifts to my friends with children. It is very well written and the illustrations are fun and colorful. This book it a great tool to help parents and teachers talk to children about loss of a pet and a loved one in general. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!" ~ 5 Star Review, Dawn N., AmazonGood-bye Baby Max: "This colorful, hardcover children’s title Good-bye, Baby Max (Bridgeway Books, Texas, 2007) by Diane Cantrell & Heather Castles is special in its purpose of teaching an invaluable lesson: that of properly saying the final farewell to a loved one who is no more ... Diane Cantrell has created a very purposeful book for children-one that is at once a story, a poem, and a healthy course of helping children get over grief. The book’s illustrations by Heather Castles are very appealing to a child’s imagination. There is a good deal here in Good-bye, Baby Max to learn for children ages 4 to 8 years and the 32-pages book is a must read for all kids of this age category." ~ Ernest Dempsey, Book CornerGood-bye Baby Max: "I bought this book to help my nieces and nephews deal with the loss of a beloved pet. The storyline and illustrations were used as a springboard to discuss their own loss. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has young children and is looking for a way to help them cope with a loss in their lives." ~ 5 Star Review, Jeanne B., AmazonGood-bye Baby Max: "[Good-bye, Baby Max] is a tender story about death, a tough topic for young children. Kindergarteners eagerly await spring and the hatching of the class' three chick eggs. But one chick, Max, dies. What ensues is a gentle exploration of grief and its many expressions -- from tears to songs to artwork. At the end, the surviving chicks' peeps encourage the children to embrace the living without forgetting the dead." ~ Michele Siuda Jacques, Detroit Free Press  About the Author: Diane Cantrell ]  Diane Cantrell began her career in education teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Transitional First Grade. She also worked as a counselor providing assistance to parenting teens in a local school district. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Diane has provided therapy for adults, families, and children in agencies and private practice settings. As part of her private practice, she offers parent training to her clients and to parents in local schools. Diane is presently writing and publishing children’s books as well as provides counseling services to adults and children in her private practice, Life Designs Counseling. Diane’s time at Fort Sam Houston I.S.D. provided inspiration for Good-bye, Baby Max. The book, which is based on a true story, describes how Ms. B helps her kindergarten class cope with the loss of a classroom pet. At the time Diane wrote the book she was working with many children who were experiencing a great deal of loss in their lives. Her hope in writing Good-bye, Baby Max was that the story would help parents, children, and other caring professionals begin talking about losses rather than responding to their losses from a state of fear. Her second book, Riley’s Lost Tooth , was written for her granddaughter, Riley as a Valentine’s Day present. Mr. Lee, and Sunday are main characters in the book as is Precious, who died before the book was written. When Diane is not involved in writing or listening to people’s stories, she enjoys being with her husband, Rich, and their two dogs, Sunday and Mr. Lee. Diane and Rich live in San Antonio, Texas. Website | Twitter * $100 Book Blast Giveaway *Prize: $100 AmazongGift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: January 20th to February 19th, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Diane Cantrell and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway Copyright © 2014 Mother Daughter Book Reviews, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to participate in the Diane Cantrell Book Blast. Our mailing address is: Mother Daughter Book Reviews N/A Vancouver, BC V5N2B9 Canada Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

Ghost Leopard Blog Tour & Review

About the Book Title: Ghost Leopard (Zoe and Zak Series, Book #1)Authors: Lars GuignardPublication Date: July 21, 2012 Publisher: Fantastic Press Pages: 338 Recommended Age: 8+Summary (Amazon):Zoe and Zak are lost in exotic India, where gods and magic still exist. Before they can find their way home, they just have to do one little thing… …Save a mythical creature from an ancient evil that wants to rule the world. When Zoe Guire goes along on her mom’s business trip to India, things get very weird, very quickly. An elephant god speaks to her from the bottom of a swimming pool… She and her classmate Zak get locked in a trunk and shipped off to a strange city near the foothills of the Himalayas… and a crazy snake charmer tells them they’ve been chosen to protect a mythical creature called the Ghost Leopard from an ancient evil that wants to take over the world. As they travel deeper into the majestic mountains known as the Realm of the Gods, things get even weirder. If she and Zak want to make it back to their parents, they’re going to have to tap into powers they never knew existed. Because if they don’t, things will never be the same for any of us ever again.My ReviewThis novel is jam packed with adventure, tons of humor and great information on the culture, religions and mysticism of India. The main character, Zoe, is a smarter than average, type A, eleven year old girl, who tags along with her mom on her business trip to India. Zoe figures she’ll have fun doing things with her mom during her free time―that’s what she figures, however, things don’t go quite as Zoe had planned. Soon after she arrives at her luxurious hotel, she is unexpectedly surprised by another kid; not just any kid, but one she knows from her class back home in the US. Zak is his name, and he just happens to be in India with his dad, on the same business trip as Zoe’s mom. It isn’t long before Zak, a carefree, witty, jokester, goof-ball type kid starts to get on Zoe’s nerves. Zoe doesn’t mind seeing Zak and being friendly to him but when her mom and Zak’s dad tell her and Zak that they will be going away for 4 days (part of the business trip) and be leaving Zoe and Zak with a hotel nanny, this just throws a wrench into the plans Zoe had with her mom. No matter though; Zoe is optimistic and just figures she’ll make the best of it and have a peaceful time at the hotel, hang out at the pool, and take a bunch of pictures while her mom is away. Zak on the other hand hardly likes things calm. He’d rather have some adventure and get into mischief. And, he is not disappointed, for once the parents leave, Zak finds a map, belonging to a man (the kids name him Rhino butt, due to his large rear, lol). They decide to return the map, but it’s not that easily done. This is when things get complicated and their nonstop whirlwind of adventure begins. Zoe and Zak end up venturing through India, where they will try to find the “Ghost Leopard” ―their supposed destiny. Along their journey they will run into many mind boggling situations, meet a yogi, named Mukta, barely escape danger on numerous occasions, and encounter all kinds of strange and mystical circumstances. 

What I liked about this book is it is nonstop action from beginning to end. There is a great deal of the real culture, history as well as mysterious beliefs described throughout the book. Lars Guignard did a great job of recounting the Indian dogmas he experienced firsthand himself, and his descriptions of India drew me into the story, making me feel like I, too, was in the foreign and wonderful country. Lars has a great sense of humor, which he incorporates into the characters, especially Zak and Zoe’s dealing with each others opposite personalities, and Mukta, the yogi―he cracked me up more than a few times. I was laughing through many parts of this book. I think it would make a really cool kids action movie. Great job Lars! I’m looking forward to reading book 2. Purchase Amazon (Print)  |  Amazon (Kindle)  |  Amazon (Audiobook)  |  iTunes (Audiobook)The Buzz"Awesome! ~ I am 11 and I liked the book because I love adventures. It was a different kind of adventure from what I usually read and it was funny too. " ~ 5-Star Review from J. Olsen, Amazon
"This was a fun read. This book was like a kid's version of Indiana Jones. It's also very educational as Zoe tells you real facts about what she sees and the history. I enjoyed it immensely. If you have a 10-12 year old child that loves adventure books, this is definitely a must read. " ~ 5-Star review from Simone Lilly-Egerter, Amazon
"I'm sure this book was written for children who are around the age of the two children in the book, 11 or so. But, this 35 year old loved this book! It had action, adventure and imagination galore! It was exactly the kind of adventure that a lot of kids that age dream of." ~ 5-Star review from The Novice Christian, Amazon

About The Author: Lars Guignard[caption id="attachment_14417" align="alignleft" width="154"] Lars Guignard[/caption]
Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard , Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse , and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple .
He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.
For news about new releases, please join his email list here: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/

Blog  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads
Ask Lars Guignard a Question on Goodreads
Fantastic Press is pleased to announce that Lars Guignard will be answering questions about Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard throughout the day on Monday, December 16th, 2013 on Goodreads.  If you have any questions for Lars or just want to introduce yourself, you can head on over to Goodreads and say hello now.  Also, everyone who joins the Forum will earn an entry into the Ghost Leopard Blog Tour giveaway (see below for more details).Click on the Goodreads Button below to go to the Mon, Dec 16 - "Ask Lars Guignard about Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard" event and leave a question for the author anytime from now until December 16th, 2013.

The Ghost Leopard Blog Tour Schedule (2013)November 15Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)Jump Into a Book (Review)November 16Brooke Blogs (Author Interview)November 18Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia (Review)November 19Black Words - White Pages Kids (Review) Fantasy Fun With Kirsten Pulioff (Review)November 20For the Love of Books (Review)Mary-andering Among the Pages (Review) November 21Fiona Ingram (Author Interview & Review)November 22Stitch Says (Review) November 24When I Grow Up, I Wanna Write a Kid's Book (Review)November 25Bibliothecary Prescriptions (Review)November 26Bound 4 Escape (Review)Victoria Simcox (Review)November 27We are the DinoFamily (Review)Sher A. Hart: Written Art (Review)November 28The World of ContestPatti (Review) November 29Best Kids' Reads (Review)December 1Every Free Chance Book Reviews (Review)December 2The Owl's Skull (Review) December 3InkSpired: A Blog (Review)December 4BeachBoundBooks (Review) December 5Geo Librarian (Author Interview) December 7Generation iKid (Review) December 10That Girl Reads (Spotlight)December 11Bookworm for Kids (Review)Cheryl Carpinello's Writing Pages (Author Interview)December 12Books, Reviews, Etc. (Review)December 14Dalene's Book Reviews (Review)
** Be sure to look for the upcoming Blog Tour for Book 2 in the Zoe and Zak Series, "Yogi's Curse" coming December 15, 2013.  *** Ghost Leopard Blog Tour Giveaway * Prize: Three winners will receive a print (U.S. & Canada) or electronic (international winners) copy of Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard.
Contest runs: November 15 to December 17, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: Worldwide
How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Lars Guignard and Fantastic Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
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