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Fox Talk Blog Tour, Book Review & Giveaway

1/30/2014

1 Comment

About the Book

Title: Fox Talk

Author: L.E. Carmichael, PhD

Book Designer: Michael Penman

Illustrator: Jody Bronson

Photography: Brian Dust

Publication Date: August 8, 2013

Publisher: Ashby-BP Publishing

Pages: 62

Recommended Age: 8+

Summary

When you talk to a dog, does the dog talk back? Many people think so. But for a long time, scientists didn't know how our furry friends learned to communicate with people. Luckily, Russian scientist Dmitri Belyaev had a plan. If he could tame wild red foxes, he could learn how dogs first came from wolves. By studying the way these foxes changed during domestication, the mystery of communication would be solved at a last. More than 50 years after the experiment began, Belyaev's foxes have become so tame, you can have one as a pet! Packed with eye-popping photos and first-hand research, FOX TALK reveals the story of these amazing animals... and everything they've taught us about wolves, dogs, and communication.

My Review

Fox Talk is an educational book that teaches children how scientists uncovered the mystery of a dog's ability to communicate with humans. The story is laid out with pictures and facts that make learning fun. The author uses simple language which allows children to easily grasp concepts in this interesting non-fiction tale.

As a dog owner, and definitely one who talks to her pets with the belief that they know what I am saying, I found Fox Talk fascinating. My dogs, just like the foxes and dogs in Fox Talk, understand pointing, especially when it comes to snack time.

Fox Talk is a wonderful story for parents and teachers. I recommend picking up a copy.

Early Buzz About the Book

"Fox Talk is an educational non-fiction title exploring the domestication of dogs by studying fox behaviour and communication. The information is presented with beautiful photographs, illustrations, bubbles/boxes of brief information, and descriptions of the research findings using age-appropriate language. I think this would be an excellent resource in elementary schools or for homeschoolers in particular and I highly recommend it." ~ 5-Star Review, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Chapter/Indigo (Canada)

About The Author: L.E. Carmichael

Lindsey Carmichael never outgrew that stage of childhood when nothing's more fun than amazing your friends (and correcting your teachers!) with your stockpile of weird and wonderful facts. Her sense of wonder came in handy during her career as a scientist, and in 2006, she received the Governor General's Medal for her PhD thesis, Ecological Genetics of Northern Wolves and Arctic Foxes. Lindsey finds talking about science more fun than doing it, however, and now writes for kids, teens, and occasionally adults (a sense of wonder is essential for this, too). Lindsey publishes under the name L E Carmichael, and her work has appeared in Dig, Highlights for Children, Kiki, and Canadian Tales of the Fantastic. Her published science books cover everything from animal migration to hybrid cars. When not digging up obscure or wacky details for her next nonfiction project, Lindsey's probably working on her young adult fantasy novel.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Fox Talk Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

January 27

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch)

Books Direct (Author Interview)

January 28

Victoria Simcox's Blog (Guest Post)

Once Upon a Time (Review)

January 29

Baby Bookworms in Black Words - White Pages (Review)

Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia (Book Spotlight)

January 30

Generation iKid (Guest Post)

BeachBoundBooks (Review)

January 31

Bound 4 Escape (Review)

No Doubt Learning (Review)

February 1

Cherry Mischievous (Guest Post)

We are the DinoFamily (Review)

February 2

Deal Sharing Aunt (Review)

February 3

Stitch Says (Author Interview)

February 4

Maude's Web (Review)

February 5

Musings by Jay Faulkner (Guest Post)

Brooke Blogs (Review)

February 6

Books, Books The Magical Fruit (Review)

February 7

Kay LaLone I Love Books (Review)

Bailey's Book Blog (Author Interview)

Mel's Shelves (Review)

February 8

On the Go With Zeppi (Book Spotlight)

February 10

The Squishable Baby (Review)

Hershey Wishes and Kisses (Review)

February 11

Christy's Houseful of Chaos (Review & Author Interview)

Lakshmi Gosyne (Book Excerpt)

February 12

Christy's Cozy Corners (Review)

Dawn's Disaster (Review & Guest Post)

February 13

Manic Mama of 2 (Review)

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo (Author Interview)

February 14

Domestic Randomness (Review)

The Dragyn's Lair (Review)

February 15

Crystal's Tiny Treasures (Review)

February 16

Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card (or PayPal cash) + a Skype visit to a school or library of the winner's choice ($250 value). Contest runs: January 27th to February 21, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Worldwide 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. The 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 publisher, Ashby-BP Publishing 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

1 Comment

Prairie Evers Book Review & Giveaway

1/29/2014

13 Comments

Prairie Evers
~Written by Ellen Airgood

Book Synopsis

A sweet, spirited ten-year-old embarks upon the adventure of first friendship in this sparkling debut

Prairie Evers is finding that socialization isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's been homeschooled by her granny and has learned the most from traipsing through nature. But now she has to attend public school, and feels just like her chickens--cooped up and subject to the pecking order. School is a jolt for Prairie until she meets Ivy, her first true friend. But while raising chickens and the great outdoors have given Prairie wisdom and perspective, nothing has prepared her for the give and take of friendship. When Prairie finds out that Ivy's home may not be the best place for Ivy, Prairie must corral all her optimism and determination to hatch a plan to help.

Fabulous writing and a narrator full of personality distinguish this lively middle-grade novel. (Amazon)

Book Review

Prairie Evers warms your heart and makes you smile. It is an inspiring story of love, friendship, letting go, and discovering yourself.

Prairie recently moved to New Paltz, New York with her mother, father, and grandmother. Prairie hasn't adjusted to her new home yet, but at least she has her grandmother with whom she shares a special bond. That is until her grandmother declares New Paltz is not for her and she is heading back to North Carolina. Prairie's world is turned upside down. Now, she must attend school for the first time, in a town she isn't ready to call home, without the security of her grandmother. But, life has a funny way of working out and soon Prairie has her very first best friend, Ivy. Prairie and Ivy are like peas and carrots, they just go together, so when Ivy's mom gets engaged and announces they're moving, Prairie knows she has to find a solution.

I was especially drawn to the bond Prairie shares with her grandmother, as I too have a close relationship with my grandmother and had to move away from her at a young age. I know the devastation Prairie feels in this situation. As with Prairie, life continues and a new chapter opened just as it does for her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Prairie learns the joys and pain of being a good friend, which is something we can all identify with. She learns responsibility as she cares for her chickens and begins selling their eggs. She discovers that life isn't always easy and more times than not our hearts will be broken, but she also realizes that every cloud has a silver lining. Prairie Evers is a feel good book that will leave your heart smiling.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Prairie Evers. Available at Amazon. Don't forget to enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a copy of Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood.

Watch the Prairie Evers Book Video Trailer

About the Author: Ellen Airgood

I grew up on a small farm, the youngest of four children. My father was a blacksmith and a schoolteacher. For the last nineteen years I’ve been a waitress in Grand Marais, Michigan. I was twenty-five when I came to this tiny, Lake Superior town, on a camping trip with my sister, and fell in love with the man who made my cheese sandwich and chocolate malt at the local diner. We met, exchanged assessing, almost challenging gazes, and six months later we got married. I told my sister we would, on the way back to our campsite that first day. “You’re crazy,” she said worriedly. But pretty soon she grinned, shook her head, started getting into the spirit of it. “Well,” she said. “This is going to be interesting.” And it has been.

I’ve never been sorry. My husband Rick and I run a diner together, a job which is always consuming, often punishing, and hugely fulfilling. Most of what I know about maturity and compassion, not to mention story, I’ve learned from waiting tables. We work eighty to a hundred hours a week together almost year around, and one way or another we’ve faced the constant barrage of setbacks and frustrations and equipment failures that restaurant work is, the high stress and long hours. There is so much satisfaction in it, though: the goodness of hard work, the joy of feeding people a meal they love, the delight of long friendships, the pride in a job well done. All kinds of people come here from all kinds of places, and we get to meet them, to hear their stories, and pretty often we get to make them happy for the time that they are here.

This is the route I took to becoming a writer. I didn’t get an MFA or study writing in school. I could have learned about life anywhere, but fate brought me here, to the end of the earth and a tiny town that time forgot. My customers have given me good practice as a storyteller, too. It’s a matter of survival. If I can entertain people, draw them over to my side, they won’t murder me when I’m the only waitress of the floor and the cook is swamped and the wait is long and we’re out of silverware and I didn’t know the fish was gone when I took their order. (ellenairgood.com).

Prairie Evers Book Givewaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

13 Comments

Conklin's Foundation Cover Reveal

1/29/2014

0 Comments

Synopsis

Becca finally found her courage and faced her tormentors head on to get what she deserved: respect and Tyler Conklin. Becca’s faith in Tyler is solid, but is he willing to completely open up to her? They both have past baggage, and as Becca says, Tyler’s is particularly old.

With everything they have been through, Becca and Tyler know that secrets get them nowhere. They have made great leaps and bounds in their relationship, but Becca can’t help but feel he is still keeping something from her. Between the local detective snooping around and asking questions at the Conklin building and Tyler’s evasive answers, Becca remains skeptical about his excuses. The detective seems more interested in Tyler’s father’s “projects”, but Tyler’s hands seem to be in the pot as well.

Unfortunately, Tyler’s past comes back in his face along with his shady business. Will Becca hold true to her new found confidence and claim what’s hers… including Tyler?

Connect with the Author: Brooke Page

Author Links Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbrookepage

Twitter: www.twitter.com/brookepage05

Goodreads www.goodreads.com/brookepage

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Reflections of a Blueberry Book Review

1/27/2014

19 Comments

Reflections of a Blueberry
~Written by Amanda I. Greene

Book Synopsis

Reflections of a Blueberry tells the story of Squishy Blueberry's decision to embark on the adventure of a life time - to find his life's purpose. Told in two parts, we hear about Squishy's encounter with Pepe the Flea who opens his eyes to the possibilities in life, helping him realizing he must find his own unique voice. In part two we learn about the friends Squishy meets and learns from as he starts out on his mission to "bring his own song and dance to life." (www.squishyblueberry.com)

Book Review

In Reflections of a Blueberry readers join a little blueberry on his magical journey to discover his purpose in life.

One day while the little blueberry is playing in his yard he is approached by Sir Pepe, a flea. Sir Pepe takes the little blueberry on a trip and encourages him to embrace all life has to offer while finding his own path in life. Next, the blueberry meets a turtle and the two become best friends. The turtle teaches him to slow down and enjoy his surroundings instead of rushing through life leaving much unnoticed.

First of all, I have to say, the illustrations are amazing. The vibrant colors and creativity used to depict the landscape, creatures, and characters are captivating. The story is also told in rhyme, which studies have shown, benefits literacy in children by helping them detect the phonetic constituents of words. Plus, rhyming is just fun! I also love the messages about slowing down, being yourself, and choosing your own path in life instead of following someone else's desires for you.

Reflections of a Blueberry is a delightful story that is sure to become a favorite of children as well as their parents. I recommend picking up a copy. Available at
www.squishyblueberry.com.

19 Comments

The Secret Dinosaur Book 1 Review

1/23/2014

3 Comments

The Secret Dinosaur
~Written by N.S. Blackman

Book Synopsis

Fast-moving adventure, with easy-to-read short chapters and fantastic illustrations optimised for Kindle/tablets

A T-Rex in town? Raptors in the garden? Impossible!
That's what Marlin Maxton thought - until a visit to a museum, where he discovers life-size dinosaur displays with an incredible secret...

In this series, dinosaurs are not just back - they're better than ever! As awesome as the prehistoric creatures - and able to talk, feel and learn how to work together to face danger. Best of all they befriend Marlin and together they embark on a series of thrilling adventures - the first being to escape from the adults who fear them and are hunting them.

This is a lovely kids book for kindle and a great chapter book for kids which engages early readers who are moving fully into chapter books. Easy-to-read style, page-turning action and loveable characters (especially the dinosaurs) will endear this book to all young readers. A great new series of dinosaur books for kids.

Perfect for fans of - animal books, dinosaurs, mysteries and adventure stories. These illustrated chapter books are in the tradition of stories such as Fantastic Mr Fox and Watership Down; the animals are great characters. In this children's book, the dinosaurs are heroes.

This is Book 1 in a series - Book 2 "The Secret Dinosaur #2" is available in the Kindle store

Age Range: Suitable for age 6+ (depending on reading ability)(Amazon)

Book Review

The Secret Dinosaur Book 1 is a lively adventure that is certain to appeal to dinosaur lovers of all ages.

Marlin is on a class trip to a dinosaur museum when he discovers a forgotten room. Upon further inspection he finds that the room is home to a marvelous robotic dinosaur named Protos. After fidgeting with the metal wonder, Marlin is surprised when Protos springs to life and leads him to yet another room with many more robotic dinosaurs. Marlin is awestruck and eagerly seeks advice from his Uncle Gus on how to bring them all to life like Protos. After a week of hard work, the dinosaurs are ready, but before Marlin can complete his task the grumpy museum manager, Mr. Grubbler, snatches him up and calls the police. Will Marlin be able to help his new robotic friends?

I found The Secret Dinosaur Book 1 to be a quick moving well-written tale filled with fantastic prehistoric characters and an inquisitive young boy who gets caught up in a wonderful chance of a lifetime to bring these amazing creatures, even if they're metal, back to life. I enjoyed this story and am anxious to find out what happens next in Book 2.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Secret Dinosaur Book 1. Available on Amazon.

3 Comments

Conklin's Blueprints Cover Re-Release

1/23/2014

0 Comments

Synopsis

Recent graduate Becca Stine’s all to perfect and predictable life went spiraling out of control when her supposed childhood friend committed the ultimate betrayal. Following college, Becca attempts to bury the pain by retreating into a dangerous lifestyle with her best friend, Jamie Rae. She decides it’s time to grow up after being irresponsible, broken, and out of control. To Becca’s horror, her only option is to return to her hometown of Grand Rapids. Worried she will forever live in the shadow of her prominent family’s notability, Becca decides moving is her only opportunity to get her feet back on the ground. With her best friend in tow, Becca reluctantly heads home to attempt to live her ideal life. Little does Becca know the owner of the architecture firm she lands a job with has an intriguingly mysterious son. Tyler Conklin is infatuated with Becca, yet is apprehensive about a public relationship because of his hidden baggage. Not wanting anyone to know about his slight obsession with her, their potential relationship must be kept a secret. Will Becca put up with Tyler’s untold story for long? Will she tolerate being his secret?

Book Video Trailer

Connect with the Author: Brooke Page

Author Links Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbrookepage

Twitter: www.twitter.com/brookepage05

Goodreads www.goodreads.com/brookepage

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Kid Lit Blog Hop #31

1/22/2014

0 Comments

Welcome to the 31st Kid Lit Blog Hop where twice per month (the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! We are pleased to welcome a new full-time permanent hostess on the Hop, Mia from the parenting and book blog, Pragmatic Mom is joining us! Big welcome to Mia and a big THANK YOU to my fellow hostesses - you are all amazing bloggers and authors.

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

  <div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules Please Read

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Destiny @ Reading and Sharing Twitter * Facebook

Lina @ Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

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Stryker Book Review & eBook Giveaway

1/22/2014

4 Comments

Stryker
~Written by M.M. Wheezee

Book Synopsis

Since his mom died a few years ago, Harold Stryker has been following her instructions:
He lives all alone, in secret, in his house outside Los Angeles.
He avoids, as best as he can, other kids, and certainly grown-ups.
He keeps only his huge, gassy dog and his collection of power tools for company.
But he's okay with all that. Until the big night of the little earthquake. And his plunge into a dangerous forgotten tunnel beneath his dining room floor. And his encounter with the sweet, terrifying girl baseball star named Tien Tang and the compulsive, camo-suited, overweight force of nature known officially as Bella but universally as Blunt. They push and pull him through an underground adventure with a bullying science teacher, a tasteless chef, a greedy criminal, hairy tarantulas (live), sabertooth cats (long dead), smelly mushrooms, old trolley cars, new subways, and a baker's dozen of illegal Asian immigrants who need to be rescued from a life of slavery in a California ghost town. Harold Stryker is okay with all that too. But those two girls are now his friends. And that has him shaking.

Stryker is a middle-grade novel, for ages 9 and up. (Amazon)

Book Review

Stryker is a fast-paced adventure of three unlikely friends who prove that when we put our differences aside great things are possible.

When an earthquake rocks his southern California town, Harold "Stryker" finds himself deep in a cellar he didn't know his home had. As he begins to explore the mysterious underground world he discovers a series of tunnels and train tracks and he learns he's not alone. Tien Tang (TNT), who also lives in the same town, has uncovered a tunnel of her own and her encounter with Stryker is inevitable. Bella Lunt, otherwise known as Blunt, enters the picture when she witnesses and assists Stryker and TNT when they flee from the tunnel and the goons that are chasing them. With curiosity on their side, the three forge a fast and sometimes challenging friendship and begin exploring the vast tunnels that run under their town. What they unearth is a wild and riveting adventure that will leave readers yearning for more.

Stryker is a highly organized and well-written story that easily engrosses readers. For those familiar with Southern California it's fun to read mention of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and various other landmarks. I also found it impressive that Harold Stryker, a shy quiet boy, rises to the occasion and leads the group through challenging decisions. Bella Lunt is a great character as well, although at times I'd like to cover her mouth to keep her from getting in trouble.She brings comic relief during moments of stress and her plots for revenge are hilarious. Tien Tang adds common sense, organization, and balance to the group. All in all they are a set of characters that mesh well with one another making Stryker and enjoyable read.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Stryker. Available on Amazon

Stryker eBook Giveaway

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4 Comments

Princess Madeline and the Dragon Blog Tour & Book Review

1/21/2014

1 Comment

About the Book

Title: Princess Madeline and the Dragon (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #3)

Author: Kirstin Pulioff

Publication Date: November 26, 2013

Publisher: Caliburn Books

Number of pages: 135

Recommended age: 10+

Summary

After a season of battle and rebuilding, the Kingdom of Soron is exhausted. With the return of the exiled wizards, the Spring Faire, and her upcoming wedding, Princess Madeline is looking forward to a peaceful season of celebration. When the mysterious green dragon reappears, threatening the kingdom and the king, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden won’t rest for long. Faced with this incredible new danger, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden must find a way to lead their kingdom and secure their future. Can they find the answers hidden within their mother’s cryptic messages from the past, or will the dragon destroy everything they hold dear? Follow Princess Madeline as she embarks on a dangerous new adventure to save her kingdom and her family.

My Review

Princess Madeline and the Dragon is filled with exciting adventure and gripping suspense as Princess Madeline and her brother, the new King, choose different paths in facing the wrath of the green dragon. King Braden, along with his Knights race to battle, but Princess Madeline discovers that love not war may be the answer. Which decision will be the right one?

The story has it all: a new King, a Princess, Knights, Wizards, and Dragons. It is sprinkled with romance, cryptic messages, and daring quests which create a charming and well-written fairytale that is sure to be a favorite of young readers.

I am a fan of tales that draw me in right from the start and Princess Madeline and the Dragon is such a story. I found myself flying through the pages trying to keep up with the action and eager to discover what would happen next. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.

More Buzz About The Book

"The story is engaging on many levels, as is Pulioff's writing, but on this occasion I was mostly drawn into the action and the mystery as how to prevent the worst from happening. This is great entertainment and should do well across a wider age range." ~ 5 Star Review,ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon

"Kirstin Pulioff has saved the best for last. 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' is the final instalment in the 'Princess Madeline Trilogy'. I thought the first two books were finely wrought stories, but this novel surpasses its predecessors. Prophesies, family tragedies, magic and - of course - dragons, combine to produce a tale that is an instant classic. Written with a great deal of charm, 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' will not disappoint Ms Pulioff's young fans. I look forward to seeing where next her imagination will take this natural storyteller. " ~ 5 Star Review, Diogenes, Amazon

"Princess Madeline and the Dragon is an exciting and thoroughly satisfying final chapter in this fantasy/adventure series. As she did with books one and two, the author has created a fantasy world in a rich medieval setting that we can believe in--and want to visit, over and over...Along with adventure, a sweet romance, and a theme that centers on the power of love, you may find a surprise or two! If your tween or teen loves princesses, brave heroes and fairytales of daring-do, they shouldn't miss this one!" ~ 5 Star Review, Ally S., Goodreads

Purchase

Princess Madeline and the Dragon by Kirstin Pulioff

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

About the Author: Kirstin Pulioff

Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in Oregon, and enjoys being a stay at home mom. When she’s not writing, she is busy with her kids and church.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Princess Madeline and the Dragon Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

January 13

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)

January 14

Victoria Simcox's Blog (Author Interview)

JoJo's Corner (Review)

January 15

Musings by Jay Faulkner (Guest Post)

Mel's Shelves (Review)

January 16

Bound 4 Escape (Review)

Dawn's Disaster (Guest Post)

January 17

Cassandra Lost in Books (Review)

WS Momma Readers Nook (Review)

January 18

A TiffyFit's Reading Corner (Review)

Jemima Pett, Author (Review)

January 19

Books Direct (Author Interview)

My Devotional Thoughts (Review)

January 20

Amanda's Books and More (Review)

For the Love of Books (Review)

January 21

BeachBoundBooks (Review)

When I Grow Up I Wanna Write a Kids Book (Review)

January 22

Stitch Says (Author Interview)

Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog (Review)

January 23

Fiona Ingram (Review and Author Interview)

Brooke Blogs (Review)

January 24

We are the DinoFamily (Review)

Sher A Hart: Written Art (Review)

January 25

Becki Gylberte, children's author (Review)

Reading and Sharing (Review and Guest Post)

January 26

Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)

Dalene's Book Reviews (Review)

* $25 Blog Tour Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest runs: January 13th to January 31st, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Kirstin Pulioff and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

1 Comment

Turning This Thing Around Book Review

1/20/2014

0 Comments

Turning This Thing Around
~Written by Keith Maginn

Book Synopsis

Turning This Thing Around is an inspiring memoir of overcoming personal struggles. This brutally honest, deeply personal account of redemption takes readers on a moving spiritual journey.

Confronted with a myriad of obstacles–a debilitating arthritic disease, narcolepsy, anxiety and depression–the author was outwardly happy, but inwardly miserable. Pushed to the lowest point of his life, Maginn shares how he gradually turned things around and used his experiences to grow as a person.

Supplemented by heartfelt poetry by the author and with quotes from Gandhi to Dr. Wayne Dyer to Eckhart Tolle, Turning This Thing Around has universal themes that speak to nearly everyone, as we all must face challenges as part of being human. It is a self-help memoir of sorts: the author discusses not only what he overcame, but also how he did so–and how others can, too.

Unlike many popular memoirs on the market, this is a story that more people can relate to. Maginn was not raised in an eccentric family (Jeannette Walls in The Glass Castle, memoirs by Augusten Burroughs), nor did he travel to Italy, India and Indonesia, as Elizabeth Gilbert did in Eat, Pray, Love. Rather, Turning This Thing Around is a story of a normal young man’s resiliency when battling extraordinary circumstances.

Book Review

Turning This Thing Around is a moving account of the author's life and his inspiring quest to overcome a combination of personal challenges.

Readers are given a first hand look into the life of Keith Maginn as he details his thoughts, feelings, and various attempts to "cure" his problems. Eventually, Keith meets Mary and they fall deeply in love. Mary struggles heavily with mental illness and although Mary and Keith believe their love will be enough to see them through, it is the ending of their relationship which starts Keith on a path to healing.

I liked the open and honest nature of Keith's story. I found his struggles compelling and the fact that he forged ahead even when things looked bleak reminded me that we all have the will to survive.

On the road to recovery, Keith has learned a great deal and continues to be enlightened everyday. In an attempt to give others hope, he shares his ordeal and the steps he has taken to ensure he, and others, enjoy a life full of good health and happiness. I recommend picking up a copy of Turning This Thing Around. Available on Amazon.

About the Author

Keith Maginn was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest of four kids. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as an Evans Scholar. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Keith relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, to work for AmeriCorps (a service organization like the Peace Corps, but within the United States) and for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.

Keith recently moved back to Cincinnati after living nearly ten years in Tennessee. He likes to be around family and friends and has eight nieces and nephews that he adores. He loves playing and watching many sports and also enjoys live music, writing, meditation, yoga and reading.

In February 2011, Keith self-published, TURNING THIS THING AROUND, an inspiring self-help memoir about overcoming struggles. He then self-published GOODWILL TOUR: PAYING IT FORWARD in January 2013, which details a road-trip that he went on with a friend around the southeastern United States. The pair gave money to deserving strangers, who then had to choose someone else to receive the money. (Both nonfiction books are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.com or at keithmaginn.com.) Keith hopes GOODWILL TOUR will be his second book of many more to come. He feels writing is his life's purpose and that he has a message to share that will help others.

Five things about the author:
1. My favorite books are Tao Te Ching, On the Road, Into the Wild, The Alchemist and The Motorcycle Diaries. My favorite authors are Jack Kerouac, John Steinbeck and Paulo Coelho.
2. Driving around the country in a small RV or Airstream trailer for a few months tops my bucket list.
3. My biggest pet peeves are arrogance and inconsiderateness.
4. The Dalai Lama is the person that I would most like to meet.
5. I enjoy a wide range of music (Pearl Jam, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Band of Horses, Johnny Cash, Dave Matthews Band, Hank Williams, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Marley, Kings of Leon, Waylon Jennings, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, The Script, Mumford & Sons, Tim McGraw...). The two best written songs ever: "Imagine" by John Lennon and "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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