Kay LaLone's Blog, page 23

Ginnie West Adventure Book Blast

   
About the BooksBook 1: The Secret Sisters ClubTitle: The Secret Sisters Club (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 1) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: March 18, 2012 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 238 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs want to be sisters. Tillie's divorced mom plus Ginnie's widowed dad could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: ‘Operation Secret Sisters.’ Before long, Ginnie suspects Tillie has turned ‘Operation Secret Sisters’ into a scam called ‘Operation Steal My Dad.’ Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her dead mom’s hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn’t remember and Dad doesn’t talk about … until Dad takes the journals away.
Book 2: Trouble Blows WestTitle: Trouble Blows West (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 2) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: April 13, 2012 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 234 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. Ginnie is certain that defending her twin brother from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do, but she soon finds out she couldn’t be more wrong. Bullies don’t like being embarrassed by girls at school—especially when they are being abused at home. When Ginnie figures out Pierce’s awful secret, she switches gears and decides to be his ally, because he won’t let her be his friend.  
Book 3: Simply West of HeavenTitle: Simply West of Heaven (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 3) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 288 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs are matchmaking geniuses. They schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom. Then Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom's journals, making life totally awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the journals. Ginnie is counting on Tillie's help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie's not sure the ghost of Ginnie's mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. When a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers, Ginnie is torn between helping her BFF and having her questions answered.  
Book 4: Being West is BestTitle: Being West is Best (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 4) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: April 19, 2014 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 350 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-birth-father puts in an appearance after a six year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”
Amazon | Print Books Signed by Author 
About the Author: Monique Bucheger When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, sons-in-law, and adorable grandchildren, cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of the Ginnie West Adventures series, picture book, Popcorn, and plans to write plenty more.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads   
About the Illustrator: Mikey Brooks Mikey Brooks is an author/illustrator that specializes in children’s art. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie and Bean’s Dragons . He is the illustrator of several picture books such as Popcorn by Monique Bucheger, Bongo Flo by Carolyn Quist, and Lucius and the Christmas Star by Jim Long. He is the author of The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis, The Stone of Valhalla the best-selling middle-grade series The Dream Keeper Chronicles . You can find more about him and his books at: www.insidemikeysworld.com      
*$25 Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: November 27, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: 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 Monique Bucheger 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

School Of Deaths By Christopher Mannino

EXCERPT 
An enormous white wolf with blood-red eyes snarled at her. Suzie screamed.The walls closed in and the wolf pounced. She ran.Her body still ached with pain, but her heart thundered in her chest, pounding with complete fear. The wolf howled and another white wolf appeared, with the same blood-red eyes. She sprinted away.She didn’t remember going outside, but the walls were trees. The trees grew dense, a forest closing in. She ran and ran, faster and faster. The wolves howled behind her. More white wolves lurked ahead.Wolves everywhere. Far behind her, she heard Luc laughing.One of the bone-white wolves snarled and leapt for her throat. She fell back and rolled. The wolf turned toward her and vanished.A massive white cobra with blood-red eyes hissed at her. She scrambled to her feet and ran again. Panting hard, her legs in agony, she couldn’t think. Her only emotion was fear. Fear surged through her body, giving fleeting strength to her aching legs.The ground opened and she fell. Down and down until she landed hard on something moving. Spiders. Thousands of bone-white spiders with tiny red eyes. Crawling. She screamed until the sound caught in her throat.The cobra re-emerged, hissing.Suddenly she understood. The cobra hissed at her again, its red eyes glaring at her.“You’re a ’Mental, aren’t you?” she asked the giant snake.Luc yelled something behind her. The snake vanished.For a strange moment, the world cleared. Suzie looked around. The Ring of Scythes surrounding the College stood in the distance. She had run away from the school and collapsed in a field. Behind her, a real forest loomed.“Not me, you imbecile, her.” screamed Luc. His dark face tightened, and he yelled at some invisible threat. The albino man, the ’Mental, stood near him. Luc yelled in terror and ran back toward the College.The albino turned toward Suzie.At once all sensation was gone. This time she didn’t see wolves, snakes, pits, or spiders. This time, she saw nothing.The attack was swift and precise, cutting her deeper than a scythe.Fear.Pure, unfettered fear. Fear deeper than terror, darker than nightmares. Fear filled with horrors, too terrible to deny.Fear swept through every cell in her body.Suzie tried to fight. She tried to scream. Finally, she started to run again. She ran into the forest, tripping over roots. The albino followed her, and the forest darkened.Crows cawed at her. If she turned, they’d attack. The trees reached down to grab her, but Suzie ran until she reached the other side of the woods. She collapsed.Deep in the forest, far behind her, someone was crying.
BLURB:
Thrust into a world of men, can a timid girl find bravery as the first female Death? 
Thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio always believed the Grim Reaper was a fairy tale image of a skeleton with a scythe. Now, forced to enter the College of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. The task is demanding enough, but as the only female in the all-male College, she quickly becomes a target. Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail. 
Scythes hungry for souls, Deaths who enslave a race of mysterious magicians, and echoes of an ancient war with Dragons.
As her year progresses, Suzie suspects her presence isn't an accident. She uncovers a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths. Now she must also discover the reason she's been brought there: the first female Death in a million years.
NOW AVAILABLE IN EBOOK AND COMING THIS WINTER TO PRINThttp://www.ChristopherMannino.com  

Deadly Deadly By M. J. Vigna Book Tour And Giveaway

Virtual Book Tour Dates: 10/6/14 – 11/3/14
Genres: Western, Animal, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction
Tour Sale: This book will be $.99 on Kindle October 6 – 12!







Blurb:
Not since “Lonesome Dove” has a western story captured the hearts of both men and women. What starts out as a sweet tale swiftly turns into a gritty, nail biting page turner. M J Vigna picks you up and puts you right in this story of Grady, a man who’s only family is a huge bull named Deadly. “Deadly Deadly” is artfully told from the viewpoint of the main characters including Deadly. By the author adding such an unusual character into a storyline and with so much action you wind up with a very different and refreshing kind of book. As you journey with them on this epic cattle drive you will experience a roller coaster of emotions, there is humor, violence, romance and suspense.. It is a guarantee that by the time you finish reading “Deadly Deadly” you will be in love with this fictional bull and the other characters, such as the beautiful and strong C.C. who hires the duo to lead her rare and precious herd back to her ranch. it will be one of those stories you will always remember reading. Click on the link, read the reviews and see if this is the kind of book you would enjoy. This is a wonderful read for the baby boomer or animal lover, many reviewers have stated it is one of the best books they have ever read.

Buy Link:
Amazon  










About the Author:
“Deadly Deadly” is M J Vigna’s premier novel. She currently has a completed sci-fi, fantasy that will be released in 2015. Due to popular demand she is currently working on a sequel to “Deadly Deadly” which was initially intended as a stand alone novel. M. J. Vigna is now 85 and lives in a small town in Nevada. She has always been involved with horses and other animals and has a deep knowledge of animal behavior. It was easy for her to write a story that involved a bull as a main character due to her familiarity with “herd” behavior and her years of personal observation. M. J. is enjoying her opportunity to pursue her hobby of writing and art without interruption. She spent most of her life caring for others, being a mother of 6 and having a disabled mother to look after. She is an incredible artist and did the cover drawing of “Deadly Deadly” in addition to another drawing included in the book. She currently has a line of “horse humor” T-shirts on the market as well. She dallies in silversmithing, leatherwork, and beading. The photo on the cover was taken in the 1950’s when she was one of Los Angeles’ top runway models.

Connect With The Author:
Facebook
Twitter 




Giveaway:
Enter to win one of ten prize packages! Each package will contain:
A tote with author’s humorous animal artwork
A shirt (available in size small to x-large)
And a $10 Amazon GC
This giveaway will run 10/6/14 – 11/3/14. Open internationally! Enter through Rafflecopter.



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My Review Of Mini Myths Books Pandora's Box and Play Nice Hercules

About the Books Title: Be Patient, Pandora! (Mini Myths) | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli | Publication Date:September 16, 2014 | Publisher: Abrams Appleseed | Pages: 24 | Recommended Ages: 1 to 5
Summary: When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.My Review. Very colorful pictures to grab the child's attention. Teaches children about Pandora's box. Love and happiness were still possible. Good for ages from 1 - 6.Purchase “Be Patient, Pandora!”:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iTunes
Title: Play Nice, Hercules! (Mini Myths) | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli | Publication Date:September 16, 2014 | Publisher: Abrams Appleseed | Pages: 24 | Recommended Ages: 1 to 5
Summary: Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.My Review: Colorful pictures. Good book to introduce children to mythology. Teaches children to play nice and to say they're sorry. Entertaining. Purchase “Play Nice, Hercules!”:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iTunes
The Buzz About Mini MythsPatricelli’s preschool-age Pandora couldn’t be cuter, and an endnote explains the original myth in greater detail.  Genuinely funny and sweet. ~  Publishers Weekly, starred review Amazon Editors Pick and Amazon Best Books List for September Remarkably entertaining . . . delightful painted cartoons in rich colors . . . the life lessons the source material inspires are spot-on. ~  Kirkus
About the Author: Joan HolubJoan Holub’s fascination with mythology inspired  Mini Myths , a new board book series that translates famous myths into situations familiar to preschoolers. The first two titles,  Be Patient, Pandora!  and Play Nice, Hercules! debut in September. Joan co-authors two other mythology series for Simon and Schuster,  Goddess Girls  (ages 8-12) and  Heroes in Training (ages 7-10). Her picture book,  Mighty Dads , was a New York Times bestseller in 2014.
Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads  |Facebook | Facebook (Goddess Girls) | Facebook (Grimmtastic Girls)
About the Illustrator: Leslie PetricelliLeslie Patricelli is the bestselling author-illustrator of many adorable board books, including Yummy Yucky and Toot!

Ten Thankful Turkeys Book Blast

About the BookTitle: Ten Thankful Turkeys | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Ewa Powdles | Publication Date: October 4, 2014 | Publisher: 4EYESBOOKS | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 2 to 8 Summary: This colorful autumn tale follows ten turkeys as they get ready for an important celebration. This story teaches about gratitude. There are also fun turkey facts in the back of the book.
Kindle version available for only 99 cents from Amazon on October 24 & 25, 2014. Grab your copy now!!Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (Paperback) 
About the Author: Angela Muse[caption id="attachment_14776" align="alignleft" width="200"] Angela Muse[/caption] Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released books in her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls , in 2013/2014. Her husband, Ben Muse writes suspense/thriller books that can also be found on Amazon.
Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter 
* $50 Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: November 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: 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 Angela Muse 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 the

Wilderness Bride By Kelli A. Wilkins

Wilderness Bride – Historical Romance by Kelli A. Wilkins www.KelliWilkins.com

Wilderness Bride A woman running from her past…straight into the arms of a wild stranger

In a moment of desperation, Kathleen Stanton flees her pampered life in Kingston, New York and ends up stranded in a small town in the Michigan Territory. Out of money and lacking a means of escape, she impersonates a handsome stranger’s mail-order bride. Kathleen calls herself Michelle and begins living a lie with her “husband,” Luther, in an isolated mountain cabin. She tells herself the arrangement is temporary until she can move on.

Luther can’t believe his luck when his beautiful blonde bride arrives, but something doesn’t feel right about his new wife. She has terrifying nightmares involving a man named Roger and is reluctant to talk about where she came from. But Luther is harboring a secret about his background and fears Michelle will abandon him if she learns the truth about him—and his family.

The couple tries to maintain their rocky relationship as they work to fight brutal townspeople and overcome harsh living conditions. When circumstances force Michelle to stay longer than she expected, she succumbs to her growing attraction and falls in love with Luther. But when they finally give in to their desires and agree to become a proper man and wife, a dark figure from Michelle’s past catches up with her, putting her and Luther in grave danger.

An Excerpt:Luther eased Michelle down and knelt over her. Her eyes were closed and a slight smile crossed her lips. His cock tingled and ached, wanting her, needing her. He propped himself on his elbows and nuzzled the side of Michelle’s throat below her ear. Her wet skin was cool from the lake, yet he felt her pulse hammering beneath his lips. Michelle lay still as he trailed his hands down the front of her body. He took his time caressing the outline of her breasts, then worked down to her hips. His head swam with desire as he glimpsed the dark triangle of hair through her chemise. God, he wanted her. He ached to touch her, yet was hesitant about pushing things too far, too fast. He kissed Michelle and moaned as she kissed him back. A soft mewing noise escaped her throat. He slid his hand to the top of her chemise and began unfastening the tiny white buttons. Halfway through, he paused and waited to see if Michelle would protest. When she didn’t, he kept going. He separated the material, freeing her pale breasts. She was beautiful. His mouth watered at the thought of sucking her. He broke the kiss and looked at Michelle. Her eyes were still closed, and she was breathing hard. “Can I touch you?” “Yes,” she whispered.
***
Wilderness Bride  is available in e-book and paperback formats. Order your copy here:Amber Quill Press: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1941-Wilderness-Bride.aspx

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Bride-Kelli-Wilkins/dp/1611248361/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398778449&sr=1-1&keywords=wilderness+brideB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wilderness-bride-kelli-a-wilkins/1119495843?ean=9781611245769

ABOUT KELLI A. WILKINSKelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 90 short stories, 18 romance novels, and 4 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels. Kelli had three romances published in 2014: A Secret Match , Wilderness Bride, and Dangerous Indenture . Look for her story, “Home for Halloween” in the Moon Shadows horror anthology here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N232UEG

Kelli publishes a blog: (http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com) filled with excerpts, interviews, writing prompts, and whatever else pops into her head. She also writes a monthly newsletter, Kelli's Quill, and posts on Facebook and Twitter. Kelli invites readers to visit her website, http://www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings.
Catch up with Kelli on the Web:NEW Website: www.KelliWilkins.com Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqbAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kelli-A.Wilkins/e/B001JSAB24/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 Amber Quill Press Author page: http://www.amberquill.com/store/m/149-Kelli-A-Wilkins.aspx Twitter: www.Twitter.com/@KWilkinsauthor Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelli.wilkins1

My Review Of Frizzy The S. A. D Elf

About the BookTitle: Frizzy the S.A.D. Elf (Santa’s Izzy Elves #4) |  Author: Dorothea Jensen  |  Illustrator: Shayne Hood  |Publication Date: August 2, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 34 | Recommended Ages: 4 to 10
Summary:  Santa’s Izzy Elves stories are not your usual picture books – older kids who enjoy playing with words and rhythmical verse will love them, too. One reason for this is that although their stories are told in verse echoing the famous 19th century poem: A VISIT FROM SAINT NICHOLAS, Santa’s Izzy Elves are definitely 21st century, with electronics galore!FRIZZY, THE S.A.D. ELF is the fourth of these poetic tales. In this story, Frizzy, one of Santa’s Izzy Elves, styles the hair of Christmas dollies, but misses them dreadfully when Santa takes them away on Christmas Eve. (She suffers from S.A.D.: Seasonal Affection Distress.) Frizzy decides she needs to change her job so she doesn’t get so attached to the toys she works on. She starts making something completely different but soon finds that her plan isn’t going to work out exactly as she intended! Santa’s Izzy Elves  have won a number of literary awards.   Dizzy, the Stowaway Elf  received Honorable Mention in the 2014 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards and has been Story Book Approved.  Plus, the e-book editions of Tizzy, the Christmas Shelf Elf and Blizzy, the Worrywart Elf both received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award, honoring “the best in family-friendly media”.My Review: Frizzy is a girl elf who likes to make dollies.She becomes S.A. D when Santa gives the dollies away. Frizzy is still S. A. D. when she changes jobs. Santa comes up with a solution. Cute Christmas story for children 3 - 6. PurchaseAmazon (Paperback)  | Amazon (Kindle) |  Barnes & NobleCreateSpace  |  Book Depository
The Buzz About Santa’s Izzy ElvesBook 1 (Tizzy):  “ Tizzy, The Christmas Shelf Elf  is a clever holiday read-aloud story featuring two excited siblings who sneak down early Christmas morning and discover a very special surprise.  Only through their discovery of the magic of books do they find a way to send Tizzy back home.  Kudos to the author for highlighting the importance of books!  I recommend this book to be read aloud to children ages 5 and older.”  ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Book 1 (Tizzy):  “This is a delightful and cleverly written rhymed poem, sprinkled with echoes of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with a similar rhythm and rhyme scheme but not a slave to it.” ~ 5 Star Review, Carolyn P., Amazon Book 2 (Blizzy):  “Such a wonderful mystery and perfect for pre-readers and those getting ready to read. Jensen has a very creative personality put to good use while developing this series about Santa’s elves.” ~ 5 Star Review, Gene G., AmazonBook 2 (Blizzy):  “Any kid would love this poetic bedtime story.” ~ 5  Star Review, robinsm, AmazonBook 3 (Dizzy):  “I love the story and especially the artwork in this book. A great read for my children for the upcoming Holiday.” ~ 5 Star Review, Ben L., AmazonBook 3 (Dizzy):  “If you haven’t read this series, you are missing out! The Izzy Elves are awesome, and the Dizzy story is really our family favorite so far.” ~ 5 Star Review, BookLover, Amazon
About the Author: Dorothea JensenDorothea Jensen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Carleton College, and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico. She is the author ofThe Riddle of Penncroft Farm, an award-winning novel for young readers about the American Revolution. Named an International Reading Association’s Teachers’ Choice Selection soon after publication, it is read in schools throughout the United States. More recently, Riddle earned a first prize in the historical fiction category of the 2014 Purple Dragonfly Award, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt published an e-book edition in 2014, twenty-five years after its original release.Deedy recently completed A Buss From Lafayette, another historical novel for middle graders. She is now working on a new story, set in seventeenth century Massachusetts, called A Scalp on the Moon.The fifth Izzy Elf story, featuring Bizzy, is also in the works.For more information about Dorothea and her books, please visit http://izzyelves.com/ or http://www.dorotheajensen.com/About the Illustrator:  Shayne HoodShayne Hood is a professional animator and illustrator. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree at the California Institute of the Arts.

My Review Of Wystan By Allison Merritt

 About the Book:
Title: Wystan (The Heckmasters)Length: 228 pagesPubisher: Samhain PublishingPublication date: October 21, 2014
Blurb:Her search for safety lands her in a totally new kind of danger.
The Heckmasters, Book 1
Certain that an ad for a job in a small New Mexico Territory town is the answer to her prayers, Nebraska schoolteacher Rhia Duke packs her sister into a rickety wagon and heads west.
Except when they reach the near-deserted town, she learns the truth. There is no job, no future, and no welcome in the bleak blue eyes of the handsome sheriff.
The minute Rhia’s runaway team thunders into town, Wystan Heckmaster feels the change in the air. One of three sons of a demon who dared love a human, he keeps watch over a Pit guarded by seven seals, and slays any Hellbound demon that attempts to free the master imprisoned within.
With a gut full of regret and a forgotten town filled with reformed demons, Wystan is certain of one thing: he can’t be the man Rhia needs. But when the truth behind Rhia’s flight from Nebraska comes to light, Wystan must open his soul—and pray there’s enough love between them to overcome the darkness rising from the Pit.
Warning: Contains a take-no-prisoners sheriff, a woman who can’t outrun her supernatural secrets, and a dusty town where hope is as thin as dust in the wind. Author recommends keeping a glass of cool spring water at your elbow while reading.
Excerpt:            Something changed in the air the moment the wagon crossed the town’s border. Tooearly to be a supply train, and there was no way in hell it was visitors. Berner didn’t hosttown fairs, theatre troupes, peddlers, or bible thumpers.            Wystan Heckmaster slapped his battered Stetson on his head, collected the keys to thejail, then stepped out the door. The first thing he saw was a pretty woman with hair the colorof maple sugar—a rich brownish-blonde. The frown on her face spoke volumes, and the airaround her pronounced trouble. She made a straight path for him.            “Mr. Heckmaster. Or should I call you Sheriff? Or Mayor? I need to discuss the ad inthe Lancaster County Republican with you. Someone placed an ad, but your brother tells methere is no school here. I’m sure there has to be a mistake. There’s only one Berner in NewMexico Territory. I’m very capable at reading maps. If I wasn’t, I would be ashamed to callmyself a teacher.”            He doubted she had taken more than two or three breaths during the speech. If shemade talking in rambling paragraphs a habit, no wonder she looked so peaked.            “Teacher?” He glanced along the street, but it was deserted as usual. “Lady, we don’thave a school here. Certainly no need of a teacher.”            Her hands balled into fists that settled on her hips. The dress she wore was patched—the egg yolk yellow faded into something even more disgusting. It had little flowers dottingthe material, but they looked as worn as her scuffed black boots.            “Then what was the purpose of placing an ad in the Lancaster County Republican?”She spoke with the fierceness of a mama bear warning predators away from her cubs.            Wystan reached into his shirt pocket and drew out a toothpick.            “I didn’t place any ad in any Lancaster County anything.” He looked past her, expectingEban to saunter up the street. Eban had to be the brother she’d referred to since Tell was stillon the trail.            “Someone did,” she insisted. She fished a crumpled and much-folded piece of newsprintout of the pocket hidden by the folds of her skirt. “See? Right here it says, ‘School teacherwanted for spring term at Berner Schoolhouse. Wages paid based on experience. Room andboard provided. Apply in person at City Hall, Berner, New Mexico Territory.’ I’m sure myeyes don’t deceive me.”            Wystan stared at the clipping, then back at the woman. A galaxy of freckles spatteredacross her nose and cheekbones, making her look younger than her eyes said she was. Fullfigured and sure as shittin’ a grown woman. The wariness and worry darkening her hazeleyes gave her away as one with a lot of trouble on her plate.            “I can read.”            She pulled the ad away from his face, folded it, and returned it to her pocket. “Wherewould you suggest I look for an explanation, Mr. Heckmaster?”            Fussy little thing. “I assure you that no one in this town did. There’s been a mistake.Sorry to inconvenience you, Miss Schoolteacher. Now turn around and head home.”            A flush colored her cheeks. “I can’t head home! I have no home to return to. My littlesister and my friend are waiting at the doctor’s office for me to straighten this mess out. Thead says that room and board will be provided. I’d expected to move into a room, sir.”            “You left them with Eban?” That explained his absence.            “Beryl is ill, Sheriff. This is the first town we’ve seen in days and it was past time for herto get some attention.” Despair crept into her voice.            Wystan shifted his weight and transferred the toothpick to the other side of his mouth.            “Eban’s not exactly trained in human medicine.”            The woman’s mouth opened into an O. She shook her head and seemed to regain hersenses. “He’s a veterinarian? He seemed certain he could help Beryl.”            Wystan cleared his throat. “Sure, animal doctor. I’m sorry for your misfortune, lady,but as you can see, Berner’s about run into the ground. There’s nothing here for you or yourfriend. Might be best to move along.”            She seemed to deflate. “Move along.” Her lips moved, softly forming the words, but itwas as though she didn’t comprehend them. “We’ll move along, right down the trail into thenext town where there won’t be any teaching jobs either. Sylvie, Beryl, and I will starve todeath on the side of the road with no one in the world to care.”
My Review: I love reading supernatural books. So I really loved reading this book. Allison Merritt weaves a supernatural tale. Rhia travels to a New Mexico town to become a school teacher, but the town is not what she expected. In the town lives reformed demons and the good looking sheriff, Wystan, kills demons who try to escape the pit. Demons. Friends. Love. Characters you can connect with. Thank you, Allison, for a good read. 

Buy links:Samhain - http://store.samhainpublishing.com/wystan-p-73651.htmlAmazon - http://amzn.com/B00L501TJKB&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wystan-allison-merritt/1119847207?ean=9781619222892Google Books - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wystan-allison-merritt/1119847207?ean=9781619222892 About the Author:A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.
Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.
Social media links:Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.comFacebook – http://facebook.com/allisonmwritesTwitter – http://twitter.com/allison_merrittG+ - http://gplus.to/allisonmerrittGoodreads – http://goodreads.com/AllisonMWrites
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God On Trial By Sabri Bebawi Book Tour and Giveaway

Virtual Book Tour Dates: 9/22/14 – 10/20/14 Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Philosophy







Blurb:Convinced that God is a negative force, tormenting the helpless human race, an ailing English professor becomes determined to put the deity on trial. But when he’s diagnosed with schizophrenia, he soon succumbs to the damning madness and brutally stabs and kills his wife. And in the deadly manhunt that ensues, he is ultimately shot dead by the police. This prompts his grieving sister to follow through his life’s mission to bring God to justice.
 

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Excerpt:He’s now back home in California. It is another night. That tantalizing sensation overtakes his natural senses again. Growing up, he always felt a sense of discomfort that was unrelated to his illnesses, and he still feels it now. He never has been able to identify the source of his severe and unusual discomfort. He wonders whether it was his family, religion in general, or society, with its unscrupulous culture.
He thinks of his parents. “Sadly, They were at odds,” he hears himself utter. “And rightfully so.”
His mother was at home, taking care of five kids, and his father was either working or endlessly playing. His mother had a tender soul. She was simple, affectionate, and caring, and loved her children dearly. The child in him sees her before him as a pretty young woman with fair skin, brown hair, and large brown eyes. She stands by his bed; she is neither too tall nor too short and neither too slim nor too heavy, but she is mysterious. Though his mother probably never knew it, she has had an immense impact on his life that continues with him until this moment of certain hallucination.
He becomes fully awake. It is 2:25 a.m. He gets up and decides to make a cup of espresso forte. After breaking a couple of coffee cups, spilling coffee all over his kitchen counter and floor, and mumbling a few expletives, he cleans up. Now he is calm; now he will taste the fruit of his coffee-making adventure; he places the cup on his desk and starts to write.
I’m not sure my parents’ odd relationship had any effect on me. I was a happy child tormented by religion and religious people’s hallucinations. I was tormented by Egyptian hypocrisy. I’ve seen a great deal of hypocrisy, child abuse, infidelity, abuse of women, and abuse by the government, churches, and mosques.
He hears the voice of his mother; during his childhood she always read to him in bed before he went to sleep. Now she reads from the Bible. In both her wisdom and lack of awareness, she reads from the Book of Genesis and the Book of Revelations. This exposure to apocalyptic writing at a very young age has had a profound effect on him.
Being imaginative, and in this phantasmagoric state, he now experiences the same fright he experienced as a child. He returns to bed and suddenly falls asleep but is soon awoken by one of his many epileptic seizures. His body shakes uncontrollably, and his tremors seem to have a mind of their own.
As his attack gradually dissipates, he thinks of the savagery of God and questions why a peaceful God would be so cruel and nasty. These thoughts make him feel even more terrified. Since childhood he has been petrified of that entity referred to as “God.”
At age seven or eight, he developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder. He’d repeat the phrase “God forgive me” to himself all day until he went to bed. He kept this a secret because he had no idea how his mother, siblings, or Zakia would react. He remembers that he often went to Zakia, who was a Muslim, and asked her to hold him. She would oblige, and he would feel protected, even from that savage God.
He gets out of bed. It is 3:42 a.m. He makes another cup of espresso forte and sits at his desk, thinking. Again he writes.
This phase simply shaped my feelings about whether God does indeed exist. I often thought I’d be better than him or her or it, for I would not be as cruel, brutal, or malicious. Today I am an agnostic, and I can’t get myself to understand why anyone would believe in such a God as depicted in the holy books, including the Bible.
In addition to the Bible, there were other sources of great damage. Egypt is an Islamic country. I was exposed to and forced to learn about Islam and its holy book, the Quran, which is like the Bible in its catastrophic content. I was forced to learn about the Islamic laws, Sharia, even though I was a Coptic. I did so in schools, and I did so in everyday affairs. I was even forced to memorize and recite verses from the Quran, which also had a negative impact on me.
The daily prayers announced over loudspeakers, and coming from all directions, were a frightening experience for me. Everywhere in Egypt, between each mosque there is a mosque, and even that wasn’t enough. The radio broadcasted Quran readings repeatedly. Even today the memory of these sounds brings a deep downheartedness to my soul.
I remember Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, the blind cleric who’s in a North Carolina prison now for conspiring to commit terrorism. His mosque was right behind our house. I remember Abdel-Rahman’s Friday sermons. He’d curse the Christians, Jews, and Americans (I don’t know why he cursed Americans) publically over a loudspeaker that echoed miles away. The sheikh would scream in a screeching, deafening voice, “May God burn them and displace their children, and may God burn their houses.” The congregation would repeat, “Amen.” And the pattern would continue.
This persisted for a long time. We were so used to it, however, that it didn’t bother us much. The amazing thing is that Sheikh Abdel-Rahman was a friend of my father’s. He often visited my father at his law firm and spent hours talking with him. My father considered him a harmless, kind man.
Well, for once my father was wrong. The sheikh always has been a terrorist, and he put his evil spirit into action. Fortunately he’s in prison now. I hope he never gets out.
He stops writing for a minute and wonders how the United States allowed that savage man to enter this country. Where was American intelligence? Didn’t they know how radical Abdel-Rahman was? This was simply bizarre. But the United States government overlooks such things so often that he wonders whether the word intelligence is fitting at all.
His mind is racing, and he grows exhausted with the burden of thoughts. Hoping for a few minutes of sleep, he goes back to bed. His hope materializes, or perhaps he thinks so; at the very least, he is semi-asleep.

 

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About the Author:The middle of five children, Sabri Bebawi was born in 1956 in the town of Fayoum, Egypt, where he attended law school at Cairo University. He then left Egypt for the United Kingdom. He was invited by Oxford University, where he spent some time, and never returned to Egypt. A few years later, after living and working in England, Italy, France, and Cyprus, he took refuge in the country he loved most, the United States.In California he studied communications at California State University, Fullerton, then obtained a master’s degree there in English education. Later he worked at many colleges and universities teaching English as a second language, freshman English, journalism, and educational technology. He did further graduate work at UCLA and obtained a PhD in education and distance learning from Capella University.

Although English is his third language, he has published many works in English on eclectic topics. It has always been his ambition to write novels, and this is his first attempt. As English is a foreign language to him, the task of writing a novel has been challenging.
As a child, Bebawi struggled to make sense of religions and their contradictions; in fact he grew up terrified of the word God. As he grew older and studied law, as well as all the holy books, he developed a more pragmatic and sensible stance; the word became just that—a word.
 

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My Review Of Bingo Summer By Dawn Malone

About the BookTitle: Bingo Summer | Author: Dawn Malone |  Publication Date: May 7, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 173 | Recommended Ages: 10+Summary: 

On her thirteenth birthday, Summer Haas scratches the lottery ticket her mom tucked into her birthday card and the down-on-their-luck family become instant millionaires. Then the attention gets crazy in their small Illinois town, and the family moves north to ‘disappear’ in the Chicago suburbs. Summer’s new home might as well be on the Moon, it’s so different from where she used to live.Suddenly, Summer is a candidate for student council, trades her t-shirt and jeans for mall-brand clothes, and throws a party for her entire grade even though she didn’t invite a single guest. Everyone wants Summer to be someone other than herself, including the super-popular Suri who Summer hopes will be her new best friend. There’s Mara who wants Summer to forget about competing with her for third base when softball season comes. And Summer just wants to avoid Dink and Anna even though she has more in common with them than she wants to admit.But when Mara discovers how Summer’s family made their millions, and threatens to tell the whole school, Summer needs a friend more than ever. Can Summer fit in AND stay true to herself?

 My Review: I loved this book. Summer is such a fun character and it is great to meet another Cubs fan. Summer learns what it is like to win the lottery and to take chances in life. There's a chance you could win a million dollars on a Bingo Birthday Bash lottery ticket. Or ten million. Or none. There's also a chance that when you move away from your best friends, you might never find another. Or instead you meet two new ones. Great book for girls 7 - 14Buzz About The Book“Good grapes, but this is a fun story that was well-written. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Librarian Sheryl, Amazon“Bingo Summer was nicely written, kept your attention, and is a great book to have in a junior high library. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Kathy, Amazon“Dawn Malone is a great writer whose lively writing style and interesting details make the book fun to read. A charming book that is perfect for middle school girls. ” ~ 5 Star Review, JadeBlue, Amazon“I loved this book! I thought the author did a fabulous job of weaving a great YA book that readers will remember. Believable characters and just really great writing. ” ~ 5 Star Review, M.Z., Amazon
PurchaseAmazon  |   Barnes & Noble   |   Kobo  |  Book Depository
About the Author: Dawn MaloneDawn Malone is an author and former newspaper reporter. She has written on a wide range of subjects, from a creole cooking school in New Orleans to award-winning irises in a Wisconsin greenhouse. Writing those articles and working other odd jobs over the years – cake assembly line worker, yogurt seller, substitute teacher ? helps her develop the quirky characters that populate her stories. Her work has appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal, the Chicken Soup for the Soul Think Positive for Kids edition, and Highlights for Children. When she’s not writing, Dawn loves hiking when someone else carries her backpack. She lives in central Illinois.Author Blog  |   Twitter   |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest