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Showing posts with label Book Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Review. Show all posts

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Tumbleweed Christmas $25 Book Blast - Beverly Stowe McClure


Tumbleweed Christmas by Beverly Stowe McClure


About the Book

Title: Tumbleweed Christmas Author: Beverly Stowe McClure Publication Date: July 20, 2013 (original pub. date - August 28, 2011) Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC Number of pages: 24 Recommended age: 3+ Summary (Back Cover): Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes a child must make her own miracle and one for her siblings.  

Purchase

Amazon | 4RV Publishing Bookstore | Barnes and Noble

 

The Buzz

"Through the storytelling of Beverly Stowe McClure and the book illustrations of Bridget McKenna, the reader is drawn to feel the pain of poverty and choices that must be made due to economic circumstance. We are drawn into Jackie's world by her giving spirit and root for her every word of the way. And when all is said and done ... We, too, believe in the miracle of a Tumbleweed Christmas. Timely for the season and its reason, but also gives us reason to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive year 'round." ~ 5 Star Review, Ruth C., Amazon
"I can't think of a sweeter tale of the season than Tumbleweed Christmas." ~ 5 Star Review, Cheryl M., Amazon
"This is a delightful 24 page book which shows the reader about selflessness. Many parent's give up much to make things work when they don't have a lot of money, and being creative is certainly a key in such situations. Jackie gave up what was dear to her the most to be able to give gifts to her family so they had something to open on Christmas day. In many ways, gift giving has gone out of control. The most expensive items are not necessarily the best. Sometimes it's the handmade items or drawings that come from the heart that are truly memorable. A gift from the heart is what truly matters most, and it doesn't have to be much. Children and parent's alike will enjoy this story because it touches upon one of the best gifts in the world that we can give--LOVE!" ~ 5 Star Review, Children's Book Reviewer, Amazon
 

About the Author: Beverly Stowe McClure

Beverly Stowe McClure
Beverly Stowe McClure


 Beverly Stowe McClure is a former teacher turned writer. When she was a kid, writing was the last thing on her mind. She loved music and played clarinet in the junior high and high school bands. She also was a majorette. She still plays the piano to relax. Her cats don’t appreciate good music, however, and run and hide when she tickles the ivories. She lives in the country with Patches and Tiger (the cats), along with a variety of wild critters that stop by for a handout. Next to her sons, grandchildren, and great-grands, writing is her passion and joy. She also enjoys researching her family roots and snapping pictures of clouds, flowers, deer and birds, especially the roadrunner that visits on occasion and the hummingbirds that she feeds.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Shelfari | Library Thing

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: December 11, 2013 to January 9, 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, Beverly Stowe McClure 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 our honest opinion. All opinions expressed are our 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.*


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Monday, November 25, 2013

The SockKids Meet Lincoln - A Book Review and Blog Tour






About the Book

Title: The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln
Authors: Michael John Sullivan and Susan Petrone
Illustrator: SugarSnail
Publication Date: August 14, 2013
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 40 (print)
Recommended Age: 3 to 8
Summary (Amazon):
Where do our missing socks go? Readers find out in our children’s series, The SOCKKIDS. We follow the Socker family through many adventures; from encountering the slobbery mouth of the family dog to meeting Santa as he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to helping a fireman save a baby to the most shy Socker going to the school dance for the first time. Thanks to the time-travel opportunities afforded by the spin cycle of the washer, they learn about some of the most important humans in the world. Children two and up and their parents will be drawn to the diversity of the family and the universal and timeless lessons they teach: don’t be afraid of new experiences; treat others as you would like to be treated, and of course, beware of the spin cycle!
 

Purchase


 Amazon Buy Button

Review

I love the concept of this book.  Everyone loses socks in the dryer and this book puts a creative spin on those lost socks by having them come alive and have adventures.  The story introduces the Socker family and follows Stretch as he travels back in time and ends up on the foot of Abraham Lincoln.  I think the story is definitely for younger children.  My 4 year old loved the pictures and thought it was funny that socks could talk.  I did have to explain President Lincoln to him.  He was good with just knowing the President was a very important man with great ideals.  Stretch meets President Lincoln's other sock and learns how the President treats all people equally.  This series is going to be fun to continue sharing with my son.  


The Buzz

"I love the creativity of the story as well as the many lessons that can be discussed after reading this, including President Lincoln and what he stood for. (I enjoy books that allow you to start a dialog with children who read them, and this book does not disappoint.) The book is easy to read, which makes it appealing because children can read it with an adult or on their own. I even giggled a few times while reading this, and any story that can put a smile on someone's face has my approval!." ~ 5-Star Review from ksen, Amazon
"A unique, well written, highly creative story, bringing socks to life in this sweet tale of a family of socks who time travel through the washing machine. Laundry never sounded so colorful and fun, with the added bonus of teaching children about history in an amusing, loveable and magical way. Intertwining well developed characters, plus a real historical figure (Abraham Lincoln) in a story that will not only introduce children to this president, but also teaches them what Lincoln stood for, and the lessons that will resonate with adults so they may be able to share this time in history with a young child (children) in their life, creating reading memories they will always treasure. The SockKids is beautifully illustrated, colorful and the cute Socker images will bring a smile to your face, and the dialogue is sure to elicit laughter from both the reader and the child. " ~ 5-Star review from Selena Robins, Amazon
"The SockKids Meet Lincoln is a fun way to introduce young kids to an important historical period and figure. The tone is lighthearted yet informative--perfect for the target age group. I found myself chuckling along too! I've always wondered where my socks went when they disappeared..." ~ 5-Star review from A. MacLean, Amazon
"This is an adorable story with a wonderful message. I loved the illustrations, so colorful, every child will love these pictures and love this story. We all have lost socks in the washing machine and how cute to picture them talking to each other. I also loved the journey to Lincoln and how it didn't matter to him what color the socks were, his didn't match, a hidden message which you will have to read the story to find out what all that means. I hope to see many other wonderful sockkids adventures from Mr. Sullivan. I would give this more than 5 stars!" ~ 5-Star review from Cynthia A. Springsteen, Amazon
 

About The Authors: Michael John Sullivan & Susan Petrone

Michael John Sullivan
MICHAEL JOHN SULLIVAN
Michael John Sullivan is the creator of the SockKids. Constantly searching for his socks, he wondered whether the missing foot comforters had found another pair of feet to warm. Before his interest in socks, Sullivan started writing his first novel while homeless, riding a NYC subway train at night. Sullivan returned to his subway notes in 2007 and began writing Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness (Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books imprint). Library Journal named Necessary Heartbreak one of the year’s best in 2010. His second novel, Everybody’s Daughter (Fiction Studio Books, 2012) was named one of the best books of 2012 by TheExaminer.com. Sullivan has written articles about the plight of homelessness for CNN.com, The Washington Post.com, Beliefnet.com, the Huffington Post, and America Online’s Patch.com service.

Susan Petrone
SUSAN PETRONE
Susan Petrone’s short fiction has been published by Glimmer Train, Featherproof Books, The Cleveland Review, Muse, Conclave, and Whiskey Island. Her first novel, A Body at Rest, was published in 2009 (Drinian Press). Her short story, Monster Jones Wants to Creep You Out (Conclave,2010) was nominated for a 2011 Pushcart Prize. She also writes about her beloved Cleveland Indians at ItsPronouncedLajaway.com for ESPN.com’s SweetSpot network. In addition, she is a regular contributor to Cool Cleveland.com.
 

Book Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

 

The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln Blog Tour Schedule (2013)

November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9
November 10
November 11
November 12
November 13
November 14
November 15
November 16
November 17
November 18
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
November 23
November 24
November 25
 

*** The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln Blog Tour Giveaway ***

SockKids Grand Prize Blog Tour

Prize: There will be a Grand Prize consisting of a $25 Amazon gift card (or PayPal cash) + a SockKids t-shirt. There will also be four secondary prizes consisting of a SockKids t-shirt. Contest runs: November 5 to December 2, 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 Grand Prize winner and secondary 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 authors Michael John Sullivan and Susan Petrone 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


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Saturday, November 16, 2013

Christmas Owl by Angela Muse - Book Blast


The Christmas Owl is a sweet book with a wonderful message.  My four year old son and I enjoyed reading it together.  The artwork is beautiful.  This book would be a great Christmas gift for all the little ones on your list.



About the Book

The Christmas Owl by Angela MuseTitle: The Christmas Owl Author: Angela Muse Illustrator: Helen H. Wu Publication Date: November, 2013 Publisher: Independent - 4eyesbooks Number of pages: 36 Recommended age: 3+  

Summary

A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake and Monsters Have Mommies by this author.
 
 

Book Trailer

 

Purchase

** You can download a copy of "The Christmas Owl" for only 99 cents from NOW through to November 14, 2013 on Amazon!! **

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (99 cent Kindle Book)

 

About the Author: Angela Muse

[caption id="attachment_14776" align="alignleft" width="200"]Angela Muse, Author Angela Muse[/caption] I was born in California to a military family. This meant that I was the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard always trying to make new friends, but I discovered I had a knack for writing. I began writing poetry in high school and really enjoyed expressing myself by using pen and paper. After becoming a Mom in 2003, I continued my storytelling to my own children. In 2009 I wrote and published my first children's book aimed at toddlers. In 2012 I am set to release several more children's books. Check out what I'm working on by visiting my children's book blog. Writing is such a wonderful creative process and I look forward to sharing more of my stories with lots of new little readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter


* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: November 12 to December 11, 11:59 pm, 2013 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, 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
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Monday, December 10, 2012

The Forbidden Text by Dawn Clark {A Book Review}



I recently read The Forbidden Text  by Dawn Clark.

Synopsis from the back of the book:

"Inspired by her own near-death experiences, her psychological investigations, and her father's counterintelligence experience, author Dawn Clark delivers a tale of pulse-pounding suspense, astonishing insights into the human psyche, and heartwrenching family strength.

When one of her patients, an ordinary housewife, conducts a high-tech terrorist attack in a crowded mall near Washington, D.C., psychologist Dr. Katrina Walker is involuntaryily thrown into the forefront of a top-secret government investigation to expose a global terrorist plot of catastrophic proportions.  Working alongside maverick innelligence officer Jim Clark, the grandson of a Native American shaman, Walker applies her skills in deciphering human energy fields to discover the ultimate threat to Western civilization.  Together, Clark and Walker, give birth to a new kind of strategic intelligence --- but are they already too late?

Explorations of the human subconscious quickly turn to adrenaline-charged action as Clark and Walker track down a twisted genius intent on deploying the deadliest weapon --- unwitting agents of destruction programmed so that they cannot be stopped by conventional means.  The ultimate secret and only hope of stopping Armageddon lies in the Forbidden Text."

I was intrigued.  I love a good thriller and if you throw in a good psychological and possibly paranormal angle, you've got me.

The book begins in Soviet-occupied Eastern Europe, 1988, with James Clark rescuing Eliza from a secret lab where she was being kept prisoner.  What he didn't expect, was that he would also be rescuing Eliza's infant, Alexia.  Eliza refuses to leave until she can go to the lab and retrieve the Forbidden Text.  As she returns to Alexia and Clark, without the Text, she is shot and killed.  The first chapter is only a few pages but you are instantly launched into action and are rooting for Clark and the baby to survive.

Chapters 2 and 3 open in present-day Boston with psychologist Dr. Katrina Walker heading home on the subway and experiencing a feeling of tension and unrest.  James Clark is in Washington D.C. entering a high-tech super-secret government installation in order to meet with the President of the United States (who just happens to be a woman).

Katrina's commute is interrupted by an explosion in Boston's Copley Square.  Soon, all over the United States, disasters are happening.  In New York, a priest blows up his own church.  At a major-league ballpark, a business man almost detonates a dirty bomb.  In a mall, a new mother, who happens to be a new patient of Katrina's, uses a high tech device to . . . .  Now you didn't expect me to tell you everything, did you?  Let's just say that Katrina gets way more involved in government espionage than she ever wanted to, but with her special talents, she is very successful.

Speaking of special talents, Katrina has the ability to read people auras or psychic fields.  At the beginning of the book, I was kinda confused because Katrina is using her extra-sensory capabilities to help a patient, but Ms. Clark doesn't really explain what it all is.  Don't worry, a little ways down the line you get a really good explanation of what Katrina can do and it blends in with the story nicely.

I found the book to be fast-paced and I loved the short chapters.  Ms. Clark makes you care about the characters and what they are going through.  She presents a unique and horrifying twist on "sleeper" terrorists.    I love that the ending is open-ended and I hope she has part 2 out soon.  I really have to know what happens.

I highly recommend The Forbidden Text by Dawn Clark and personally look forward to reading more of her books.

You can get the book from Amazon or order it from Ms. Clark's book website HERE.

*I was provided a copy of The Forbidden Text for review purposes.  All opinions are my own.

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