Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 65

~The Trouble With Family Blitz & Giveaway~

The Trouble with Family
by Heather Hobbs
Release Date: March 3rd 2016
Loomis Park Press

Summary from Goodreads:

Molly Anderson just found out her dad is getting married to a woman she’s only met once.

Fourteen-year-old Molly had planned to spend the summer before high school reading books, eating junk food, and napping. Instead, she’s forced to spend her days juggling four new family members, a grumpy older brother, a crazy grandmother, and Max, the new boy next door. Having lost her mother in a car accident a year before, she’s not sure how many more changes she can take before she hits her breaking point.

Based on an award-winning short story, The Trouble with Family tells the tale of a girl trying to make the most of her summer, not just survive it.

This is the first book in the Molly Anderson series.




Buy Links:
Amazon

Excerpt:The courtroom smelled like burnt popcorn. Holding my breath, I shifted in my seat, making the hard wooden bench creak. “This is taking forever,” Ben hissed into my ear.I ignored him and glanced across the aisle at my soon-to-be stepsiblings. Clara cut her icy blue eyes at me without actually turning her head. She sat beside her brother Sam, stiff and plastic-looking with perfectly highlighted blond hair, only reinforcing my initial suspicion that she was, in fact, a living Barbie doll. Sam, on the other hand, actually looked over at me and offered a slight nod. “Children of the Corn,” Ben whispered.                                 I rolled my eyes and faced forward. “Just because they’re blond-”“Blond and creepy,” he interjected.The doors at the back of the room opened and Judge Newton walked in, followed closely by Dad and Susan.Dad wore a charcoal grey suit; the only one he owned. He looked nervous but happy as he smoothed the back of his dark brown hair, making sure it was in place. Susan wore a short, lacy, white dress that accentuated her long legs and blue wedge sandals that matched her eyes. Her poorly-dyed orange hair was pulled back into a chignon. They held hands tightly and walked slowly down the aisle until they were standing directly in front of the judge.            “The scandal of Oak Lake,” I muttered.            Ben looked at me quizzically and I shook my head. Never mind. That’s what I’d overheard Ida Miller call the wedding yesterday. In a town of five thousand people, a recently widowed man marrying a relative stranger was something worth talking about.Judge Newton was an older gray-haired woman with small glasses and an air of indifference. She gave a tight smile and looked around at all of us. “We are gathered together in the presence of these witnesses to join this man and this woman in matrimony.”Oh Lord.Reality hit me like a ton of bricks. The smell of popcorn mixed with the fact that my father was marrying a woman I’d only met once made my stomach churn uneasily.Beside me, Ben’s head fell into his hands. “I can’t believe he’s doing this, Molly,” he mumbled.My heart pumped faster; suddenly this was too real.Ben lifted his head and unbuttoned his two-sizes-too-small suit jacket. He looked ridiculous but had refused to get a new suit for the wedding. He also refused to comb his hair, which made him look like a fifteen-year-old Albert Einstein.Catching movement out of corner of my eye, I looked across the aisle again. Clara was shifting in her seat, taking deep breaths. It was hard to imagine the two of us sharing a bedroom. Sam’s foot shook uncontrollably under the bench, but otherwise he appeared totally unaffected.Glancing back one row, I eyed Joseph, the oldest of the three. He sat with his knees slightly askew so they wouldn’t hit the back of the bench in front of him. He ran a hand through his sandy blond hair, letting out an agitated sigh. While the rest of us were in dresses and suits, he was wearing dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and dirty sneakers.“If anyone can show just cause why this man and this woman may not lawfully be joined together, let them speak now or hereafter remain silent.” Judge Newton glanced around the courtroom.Ben sat up straighter and I stared at him wide-eyed, silently pleading for him to not do anything stupid. Dad would never forgive us if we caused a scene.The bench behind Ben squeaked and we all turned our heads.“Oops, sorry,” Big Mike, who was Dad’s boss, laughed nervously.If Gram had come to the wedding, she would have objected. Instead, she refused to attend and moved out of the house. I was going to miss her but understood the decision. Her daughter died a year ago and her son-in-law was already getting remarried.Judge Newton nodded, satisfied, and looked back at Dad. “Do you have rings?”Susan turned and motioned to Joseph. He stood slowly and walked up the aisle, his dark brown eyes blinking rapidly, and gave her two boxes. As he reached out his hand to pass her the rings, I noticed tiny white scars that ran all the way up his left arm, like little flecks of light trying to escape through his skin.“Thanks, sweetie,” Susan said, squeezing Joseph’s shoulder.Judge Newton cleared her throat. “Susan Katherine Wright, will you take this man…”Joseph returned to his seat behind Clara and Sam, all three of their faces expressionless. “I do.”“Ugh,” Ben moaned.“Charles Ronald Anderson, will you take this woman…”I closed my eyes and swallowed hard as my stomach rolled again.  “This is actually happening,” I whispered, more to myself than anyone.            Everything was about to change. “Oh man.” I put my hands over my stomach and turned my attention back to the ceremony. I wanted it to be over so I could leave. “I do,” Dad said.Judge Newton finally smiled. “By the authority vested in me by the State of Michigan, I pronounce you husband and wife.”Dad and Susan turned and grinned at us as Big Mike stood up, clapping his large hands together.No one else clapped.

About the Author
Heather was born and raised in Michigan and currently lives in Colorado with her husband and two sweet but poorly-trained dogs. She has a BA in English Literature and a MA in Library Science. She is hard at work on her second book.
Author Links:    

GIVEAWAY:a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rising Ridge blitz & Giveaway

Rising Ridge
by Alexa Jacobs
Release Date: October 30th 2015

Summary from Goodreads;

Olivia Reynolds was free. Twenty years old, living in New York City, and having absolutely no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up, every day would be an adventure, or at least that was the plan. When a phone call from her brother lands her back in her home town, and dealing with an unexpected tragedy, she comes face to face her brother’s best friend Dean and realizes that the feelings she had buried long ago were still there. Dean Winston has lived with the fact that Olivia walked out of his life two years ago, and was never coming back. With her back in town, he struggles to be the friend that she needs him to be, and not the lover that she once wanted him to be. With lines between childhood friends and secret lovers once again blurring, Olivia must decide between the possibilities of her future and the ties of her past. Some strings just refuse to be cut.




Buy Links:
Amazon│Barnes and Noble

About the Author
Alexa Jacobs was born and raised in the suburban outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland. She met her husband through friends in high school, and began what turned out to be a short lived career in the financial industry. With her first child, she became a stay at home parent and threw all of her energy into becoming the queen of Pinterest before Pinterest was a thing.

When her second child headed off to kindergarten, Alexa thought that it was time for a career change.

After a decade with at least one child underfoot 24 hours a day, it was time for her to discover who she was going to be when she grew up.

Turns out, she was a mom who sat by the window and cried the entire day on that first day of “freedom” from early parenthood.

A few months, and many kindergarten volunteer days later, she sat down at the computer and dusted off the rough draft of a story she had crafted years ago. That draft turned into her debut book, Rising Ridge.

Alexa is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and participates in many writer circle groups.Author Links:      

GIVEAWAY:
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Water's Wrath (Air Awakens #4) cover reveal & giveaway~

Water's Wrath (Air Awakens #4)by Elise KovaRelease Date: April 26th 2016
Summary:
Librarian turned sorcerer. Sorcerer turned hero. Hero turned puppet.The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.




[More Preorder Locations to Come]

Previous books in the series (click on images for Goodreads links):    
Cover Reveal Exclusive: My Thoughts on the Covers’ Symbolism So FarSix months ago, almost to the day, Air Awakens came out. It was my debut novel as an independent author, no publisher and no agent behind me, and I had no idea what would come of it. Now, six months later, I can’t believe I’m revealing the cover on the fourth book of the Air Awakens series.I say every cover is my favorite, because it gets harder and harder to pick. Each of the covers, in their own way, has been perfect for the book they belong with. My cover artist, Merilliza Chan, is amazing at taking direction and incorporating my suggestions.Part of why each cover is perfect is because there are little hints, teasers, and call-outs to the story within. Without giving too many spoilers, here’s a couple notes on each of the Air Awakens covers so far!Air Awakens First off, notice how Vhalla’s sash is black. In the book, the sash that goes with her apprentice robes is cerulean. This, combined with her robes slowly turning black around the back of the cover is indicative of sorcery making a mark on her. But she hasn’t yet committed, she has yet to don all-black robes. The wind in her hair and sense of movement is a call-out to her affinity. The book in her hands, is representative of three things: her work in the library, the book she exchanges notes in, and the book she brings to the garden. Which, speaking of, the roses around her… well, if you’ve read the book you know what, or who, those are meant to symbolize. But I told Meril I wanted something ominous, something wicked about them. And the thorns going through them were perfect!Fire Falling Here is the first cover we see our dark prince on. Fire Falling is named after three incidents in the book… When Aldrik falls to his knees before Vhalla in the Crossroads, the Rites of the FALLen in the Crossroads for another, and the end of the book. Since two of the three aspects of the title of the book related to Aldrik it was only natural that he had to be on the cover. In Fire Falling, Aldrik is beginning to function as a guiding force for Vhalla and, on the cover, he’s looking over his shoulder at her. He can’t openly admit to their association. Vhalla’s eyes are glowing orange and she’s alight, immersed in flame. This was done to symbolize their Bond and Joining. That not only can his flames not harm her, but that he is connected on a mental and magical level. She is also wearing the armor Aldrik crafted for her.Earth’s EndNow, the symbolism is beginning to get heavy. Vhalla is alone again on the cover, venturing into the wilderness. She’s almost facing the camera, symbolizing how she is growing into her own and becoming a more realized person. In the sky above her is a fire bird. We literally see this formed in the book, but it also is symbolic of a phoenix, rising from its own ashes. I think this works for Vhalla and Aldrik in their own ways through Earth’s End. The cloak she’s wearing is the one she receives from Tim with slash marks. The watch in her hand was gifted to her. And, in her other hand, we see a special sort of magic… Finally, one other note… Carved into a tree that’s on the back of printed books is a symbol – that is actually the symbol of Shaldan!


About the Author
Elise Kova has always had a passion for storytelling. She wrote her first novella, a high-fantasy, in sixth grade. Over the years she's honed her love of literature with everything from fantasy to romance, science fiction to mystery, and whatever else catches her eye.

Elise lives in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where she's currently working on the next installment in her debut YA fantasy series: Air Awakens. She enjoys video games, anime, table-top role playing games, and many other forms of "geekdom." She loves talking with fans on Twitter (@EliseKova) and Facebook (/AuthorEliseKova). Visit her website, EliseKova.com/, for news and extras about her books!
Author Links:
GIVEAWAY:a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Demigods and Monsters cover reveal

Demigods and Monsters (Sphinx #2)by Raye WagnerRelease Date: April 25th 2016
Summary:
Can Apollo’s curse be broken?Seventeen-year-old Hope Nicholas is done running. Apollo’s curse has ruled her entire life, limiting her choices and robbing her of the things that matter most. But she refuses to live in fear any longer. In fact, she’s ready to do whatever it takes to break the god’s power over her existence. When the goddess Artemis instructs Hope to impersonate a demigod and infiltrate a conservatory to get access to the Olympian library, she doesn’t hesitate. As she sees it, there’s nothing left to lose. But once inside, Hope discovers the only way to get what she needs is to work with her sworn enemies. As the lines between demigod and monster are crossed again and again, Hope has to dig deep for the courage to accept her fate or fight for the freedom to save herself.
Demigods and Monsters is the second book in the Sphinx series.
Book One (click on image for Goodreads link):

About the Author

Raye Wagner grew up in Seattle, the second of eight children, and learned to escape chaos through the pages of fiction. As a youth, she read the likes of David Eddings, Leon Uris, and Jane Austen. Inspired by a fictional character, Raye pursued a career in nursing, thinking to help the world one patient at a time.
One summer afternoon, when her then young children were playing in the pool, a plot dropped into her head, and she started writing. 
She enjoys baking, puzzles, Tae Kwon Do, and the sound of waves lapping at the sand. She lives with her husband and three children in Middle Tennessee.

Origin of the Sphinx, a novella detailing the story leading up to the creation of the mythological creature, is her first publication. It is the beginning of the Sphinx series. 

Curse of the Sphinx, the first book in the series, is completed, and set to be released in August 2015.
Author Links:      

Wake the Hollow cover reveal

Wake the Hollowby Gaby TrianaRelease Date: August 2nd 2016Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads: Forget the ghosts, Mica. It’s real, live people you should fear.Tragedy has brought Micaela Burgos back to her hometown of Sleepy Hollow. It’s been six years since she chose to live with her father in Miami instead of her eccentric mother. And now her mother is dead.This town will suck you in and not let go.Sleepy Hollow may be famous for its fabled headless horseman, but the town is real. So are its prejudices and hatred, targeting Mica’s family as outsiders. But ghostly voices carry on the wind, whispering that her mother’s death was based on hate…not an accident at all. With the help of two very different guys—who pull at her heart in very different ways—Micaela must awaken the hidden secret of Sleepy Hollow…before she meets her mother’s fate.Find the answers.

Unless, of course, the answers find you first.

Excerpt


I hear the laugh once again, calm and satisfied. A solid wave of rage starts between my forehead and the back of my head, overtaking my entire body. Teeth clenched so hard, I hear them grind. I scream, “What’s so funny, you sick bastard!”             Then a new sound, so clear there’s no mistaking it. A horse’s neigh, followed by the woody, hollow sound of hooves galloping right toward me. Thirsty leaves rustle on the ground like littered newspaper in the wind. I stand paralyzed over my mother’s grave, eyes roving, searching for the source of the sound. A horse in the cemetery? Seriously? But there’s no one here! Yet the galloping feels a blink away. Run, Lela! I break free of the invisible straitjacket immobilizing my upper body. I plunge through the woods, boots pounding the earth in time with my breath, eyes focused ahead, dodging grave markers, logs, rocks, and fallen limbs in my way. Who’s charging me on a horse? The Headless Horseman is only a character in a story. A legend. Isn’t he? I run straight for the bridge, my breath short and choppy. Isn’t the horseman supposed to stop chasing his victims once they cross the bridge? How ridiculous that I’m considering the logistics behind a work of fiction. Maybe it’s not a real spirit at all, but someone playing a trick on me. It’s unnervingly dark inside the covered bridge, but I have no other choice. The galloping is right behind me. I’ll have to go through it if I don’t want to sense a horse’s hot breath prickling my neck. I avoid eye contact with whoever is chasing me, in case paralysis freezes my body again. I charge through the bridge, my breath loud in my ears, panicked footsteps echoing against the siding, plowing along the musty planks until I blast out the other end, nearly tumbling onto the ground. I check over my shoulder. Nothing followed me through. But next to the bridge, a hazy mist hovers above the ground in the shape of what could be interpreted as a massive horse with a rider on top. It stands at the edge of the river, watching me escape.That’s no trick.
Buy Links:Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Amazon UK│Amazon CA│The BookDepository│Books a Million
About the AuthorGABY TRIANA is the award-winning author of six YA novels—Wake the Hollow (Coming 2016), Summer of Yesterday, Riding the Universe, The Temptress Four, Cubanita, and Backstage Pass, as well as thirteen ghostwritten novels for best-selling authors. Originally a 4th grade teacher with a Master of Science in Elementary Education and ten years teaching experience, Gaby earned Teacher of the Year in 2000, wrote her first novel, Freddie and the Biltmore Ghost, then left teaching to launch a full-time writing career. She went on to publish young adult novels with HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, win an IRA Teen Choice Award, ALA Best Paperback Award, and Hispanic Magazine’s Good Reads of 2008. She spends her time obsessing about Halloween, Christmas, and Disney World, as well as hosting parties, designing mugs, making whimsical cakes, and winning costume contests. When she’s not writing, she might also be watching Jurassic Park movies with her boys, posting excessive food pics on social media, or helping run the Florida region of the SCBWI. Gaby lives in Miami with her three sons, Michael, Noah, and Murphy. She has one dog, Chloe, and two cats—Miss Daisy, and the reformed thug, shooting survivor, Bowie.

Author Links:
           


Cover Reveal Organized by:

Dust and Water blitz

Dust and Water
A Song for the Stained novella
by Cassandra Webb
Release Date: December 25th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Dust and Water is a Song For The Stained novella.

Hunter is living a hard life, as an orphan working for his unappreciative uncle he gets little respect. One day he see's a girl (Kemla) take a risk and ask a farming family a favor. He decides to try the same at the next house and winds up sleeping in their barn, eating good whole meals, working for his keep, saving them from bandits, helping Kemla with her slave trader problem though she'll never know it, and earning respect.

But will taking a risk be enough to change his life?



The Song For The Stained series are short reads, averaging 10,000 words, which spin off from the Kemla Saga but are perfectly readable as individual books. They're clean reads, with no sex, no swearing, and little violence with the main character trying to avoid violence and find other solutions. They are also diverse reads, aiming to have a variety of characters in each book. 


ONLY $0.99!
Buy Links: Amazon│Sparkle Publications



CHECK OUT THE GIVEAWAY!

About the Author
Cassandra Webb is a chocaholic writer from the small coastal village of Narooma, Australia. Writer of children’s and young adult fiction, fantasy and picture books. Cassandra also enjoys writing creative non-fiction. She grew up in rural and remote Australia and remembers riding horses, working with helicopters and being homeschooled. Now on the coast with her three children she enjoys the beaches in summer and the nearby snowy mountains in winter.

Author Links:      

Adorkable cover reveal & giveaway

Adorkable
by Cookie O'GormanRelease Date: March 31st 2016

Summary from Goodreads: 
Adorkable (ah-dor-kuh-bul): Descriptive term meaning to be equal parts dorky and adorable. For reference, see Sally Spitz.
Seventeen-year-old Sally Spitz is done with dating. Or at least, she's done with the horrible blind dates/hookups/sneak attacks her matchmaking bestie, Hooker, sets her up on. There's only so much one geek girl and Gryffindor supporter can take.
Her solution: she needs a fake boyfriend. And fast.
Enter Becks, soccer phenom, all-around-hottie, and Sally's best friend practically since birth. When Sally asks Becks to be her F.B.F. (fake boyfriend), Becks is only too happy to be used. He'd do anything for Sal--even if that means giving her PDA lessons in his bedroom, saying she's "more than pretty," and expertly kissing her at parties.
The problem: Sally's been in love with Becks all her life--and he's completely clueless.
This book features two best friends, one special edition Yoda snuggie, countless beneath-the-ear kisses and begs the question:
Who wants a real boyfriend when faking it is so much more fun?
About the Author
Cookie O'Gorman writes YA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her debut novel ADORKABLE will be released in 2016.
Author Links:      

His Personal Relationship Manager - $100 Book Blast Giveaway

  His Personal Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel Kenadie Marshall suffered the most public of humiliations, being left at the altar. Instead of wallowing in her misery, she makes it her mission to help others find true and lasting love, all while swearing off relationships for good. Between the software application she developed and a team of relationship managers, her brainchild, Binary Search, has an uncanny knack for choosing the perfect match almost every time. Attractive and loveable Jason Hadley is taken with Kenadie Marshall from their first meeting. Determined to win her over, he does anything and everything he can think of, even if it means using her firm’s service and dating other women to stay close to her. Will Kenadie realize she’s met her match before it’s too late? Or will Jason’s ploy go too far? Find out in His Personal Relationship Manager, a romantic comedy with an epic battle of wills. Praise for the Book "One of the best romantic comedies I've read in a long time!" - Becky Monson, Bestselling Author of the Spinster Series "There's nothing more satisfying than a story with a great plot, strong characters, and a romance that makes me swoon. This story has it all and more! I loved every minute of it!" - Katie from Katie's Clean Book Collection Excerpt He paused for a moment. His intense gaze had me feeling undone. “Are you happy, Kenadie?” “That’s a complicated question.” “Well, you are a complicated woman.” “I don’t try to be.” “It was a compliment.” “How do you do that?” “What’s that?” “You always know what to say to make me feel better about myself.” “Well, that’s easy. You give me good material to work with.” “Jason … Today, I’m happy.” “You don’t know how happy I am to hear that,” he said smoothly.   Author Jennifer Peel Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head. Website * Twitter * Facebook     Book Blast Giveaway – $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 2/25/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway --

~The Warble by Victoria Simcox~.99~

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship. 
Book ReviewThis is a fantastic children's book for middle grade age range. I loved it!

Kristina Kingsley is a fantastic character. She may not be the most popular girl in school, but I actually liked her. She reminded me of me! I was never the popular girl either. However, where we differ is that she is a lot braver than me! She is given an unusual gift, and she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime!

This is a fantastic children's fantasy novel! There are some wonderful characters in this book. The most likable of them are Clover and Looper (a pair of sibling fairies), Prince Werrien, and Kristina's pet rat, Raymond. This book is also filled with some really nasty characters. The main ones being Queen Sentiz and her gross Zelbocks. There are also enemies that turn into friends and friends who turn into enemies.
I was completely engrossed in this tale! It is full of danger and adventure! In a way, it reminded me of Tolken's Lord Of The Rings, as there is an object (the Warble) and a dangerous mission to deliver it to it's rightful place. I loved the subtle humour that the author used to great effect; it lightened the mood, so that the story didn't take a too dark a turn. The story is also told from several character's points of view, which gives a well rounded feel to the book and brought the characters alive. There are also some pictures sketched on a few selected pages to reinforce the story. These pictures are well drawn and show the characters just as described, and how I imagined them without the pictures!

Victoria Simcox has written an amazing children's adventure book! Her writing style is fast paced, but not overly so as to feel rushed. Her attention to detail with regards to the description of the characters, scenery and clothing is exceptional. I could "see" them so clearly in my minds eye! I am now looking forward to reading the sequel, The Shard!

 I recommend this book to everyone (adults included) who love fairies, gnomes, dwarves and talking animals in their fantasy novels. - Lynn Worton http://bookreviewsbylynn.blogspot.co.uk/     

Synopsis  Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.
  Available at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oclob9n
 BioVictoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington with her husband and 3 children. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz. For the past 12 years, she has home-schooled her children. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and hanging out with her family and friends. Victoria is the author of The Warble.
Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Warble/118277634882514 Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

~The Warble by Victoria Simcox~FREE~

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship. 
Book ReviewThis is a fantastic children's book for middle grade age range. I loved it!

Kristina Kingsley is a fantastic character. She may not be the most popular girl in school, but I actually liked her. She reminded me of me! I was never the popular girl either. However, where we differ is that she is a lot braver than me! She is given an unusual gift, and she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime!

This is a fantastic children's fantasy novel! There are some wonderful characters in this book. The most likable of them are Clover and Looper (a pair of sibling fairies), Prince Werrien, and Kristina's pet rat, Raymond. This book is also filled with some really nasty characters. The main ones being Queen Sentiz and her gross Zelbocks. There are also enemies that turn into friends and friends who turn into enemies.
I was completely engrossed in this tale! It is full of danger and adventure! In a way, it reminded me of Tolken's Lord Of The Rings, as there is an object (the Warble) and a dangerous mission to deliver it to it's rightful place. I loved the subtle humour that the author used to great effect; it lightened the mood, so that the story didn't take a too dark a turn. The story is also told from several character's points of view, which gives a well rounded feel to the book and brought the characters alive. There are also some pictures sketched on a few selected pages to reinforce the story. These pictures are well drawn and show the characters just as described, and how I imagined them without the pictures!

Victoria Simcox has written an amazing children's adventure book! Her writing style is fast paced, but not overly so as to feel rushed. Her attention to detail with regards to the description of the characters, scenery and clothing is exceptional. I could "see" them so clearly in my minds eye! I am now looking forward to reading the sequel, The Shard!

 I recommend this book to everyone (adults included) who love fairies, gnomes, dwarves and talking animals in their fantasy novels. - Lynn Worton http://bookreviewsbylynn.blogspot.co.uk/     

Synopsis  Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.
  Available at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oclob9n
 BioVictoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington with her husband and 3 children. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz. For the past 12 years, she has home-schooled her children. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and hanging out with her family and friends. Victoria is the author of The Warble.
Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
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