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Katrina Growing Wings Book Review & Giveaway

8/31/2014

About the Book

Title: Katrina Growing Wings
Author: Tawnya Bulger
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Number of Pages: 28
Synopsis: Do you believe that you have a special gift that will allow you to be great someday? Join new author, Tawnya Bulger, as we meet Katrina, an ordinary caterpillar with an amazing life that nobody in her garden quite understands! Follow her beginnings as she wrestles with her gift of gab, the life she knows she will have, and the struggles she has to face to get there. Katrina is one little bug with a big lesson for all of us, sure to worm her way into your heart and home!

My Review

Katrina Growing Wings is a precious story about the miraculous things that can happen in your life if you just have faith.

Katrina is a sweet little caterpillar who believes God has a plan for her life. Many of the other critters, think she's crazy, but Katrina just knows bigger and better things are coming her way. Can she keep the faith?

I loved this story. Katrina is adorable and her determination is priceless. The illustrations are vibrant and enticing. Katrina Growing Wings is sure to become a fast favorite with little ones and parents alike.

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

Katrina Growing Wings Paperback Book Giveaway
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From the Magical Mind of Mindy Munson Book Review

8/30/2014

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About the Book

Title: From the Magical Mind of Mindy Munson
Author: Nikki Bennett
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Number of Pages: 116
Synopsis: Every house has a history. This House has a mystery.

When the orphaned Munson kids move with their aunt to The House, Mindy Munson discovers strange creatures living there already. Ghosts. Dragons. Leprechauns. And a scary Thing lurking in the basement.

Mindy’s older sister Susie is determined to find out where these creatures came from and why they’re living in the Munson’s house. With the help of the next-door neighbors and an old lady named Mrs. Wemberley, Susie, Mindy and their brothers unravel The House’s amazing secrets. And along the way, they discover some incredible secrets about themselves.

Book Review

From the Magical Mind of Mindy Munson is the enchanting tale of four siblings who find themselves living in a house brimming with an array of whimsical and creepy creatures.

After the death of their parents the four Munson children, Susie, Tucker, Jesse, and Mindy move in with their Aunt Julie. In an effort to help ease the loss of their parents and give them a happy home to grow up in, Julie purchases an old house outside the city. "The House," as the kids refer to it, is large, drafty, and crawling with strange critters. Mindy, the youngest of the four, doesn't talk, except to her twin brother Jesse, but Mindy sees things. She is able to identify every abnormal inhabitant of their new place. As the strange occurrences are confirmed Susie, Tucker, and Jesse learn not to question her. Mindy reveals "The House's" many secrets and with her help, she and the rest of the Munson kids set out to solve the mystery of the unusual creatures, but what they learn about themselves is priceless.

I thoroughly enjoyed From the Magical Mind of Mindy Munson. The author uses humor and creative characters to easily captivate readers. The story is narrated by the oldest Munson child, Susie, but is based on the visions of little Mindy. This approach works well for the story and adds to the intrigue. The author touches on bullying, loss, and second chances in this well-written tale which teaches readers the importance of family.

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

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Forbidden Forest Virtual Tour & Guest Post

8/28/2014

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Why I Began to Write the â€œForbidden Forestâ€ Saga

When leaving for war, the feeling I remember most, before writing The Dragon Holder was the emotion of fear as I tried to think of what the next year of my life would be like. I was not sure if I would make it and I almost couldnâ€™t imagine myself getting on a plane to return home from the desert.

The flight was long, longer then most, I would say at least 14 hours or so.

While on the flight I remember looking around and seeing all those others wearing the same uniform as I looking depressed, a dull expression on their faces showed nothing close to happiness and the same anxiety I was feeling.

Since I was younger I can remember always writing, telling myself stories that took me away from my current situations that I felt I had to escape.

I suddenly pulled out my phone and went into my memos, and there I began to write a story filled with family, loyalty and love, a story of fantasy and the wonder of life. This story helped me get through that year of being so far away in an unknown place.

I have always been fascinated with the Fantasy world, you could ask anyone and they would tell you that I would always say, â€œAnything a human mind can imagine is realâ€.

I know one thing, The Dragon Holder took an entire year to finish, I remember returning on the plane and reading the last few paragraphs of the story, and how it took me away from my current situation and the stress I felt, it brought me to a world where everything was alright again.

I hope my story does the same for you, please do not forget to pass the word around, that a soldier is on the path to becoming to a full-time author and thank you so much for taking the time to read my novel. The next path in the journey is just around the corner!

SYNOPSIS:

The Forbidden Forest Series: Book One, The Dragon Holder is a young-adult fantasy novel set in the magical land of Sindergan. Once protected by the now-extinct dragons and their holders, Sindergan is under attack. The evil Decent Brotherhood and their shadow warriors will stop at nothing to destroy the kingdom and all the light within it. Hope for survival lies in the hands of twin witches, Hope and Destiny; a mage warrior, Anaya; an elf, Danche; an ogre; and Liam, the last dragon holder.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION & LINKS

Wilson Feliz is a new Young Adult and Adult fictional writer based out of the United States. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Feliz is currently serving his country as a member of the US Army.

While his day job keeps him grounded on whatever post heâ€™s stationed at, Felizâ€™s work as an author allows him to whisk his readers away to different worlds at the turn of a page. According to Feliz, writing has always been an outlet. â€œEven when I was a kid, Iâ€™d write poems and short stories as a way to get out of my head and focus on something other than everyday life. My imagination was always a little strange and out there.â€

It was his â€œout thereâ€ imagination that led Feliz to craft the world of Sindergan in his first full-length novel, The Forbidden Forest Series: Book One, The Dragon Holder.

â€œThe Dragon Holder literally came out of nowhere,â€ Feliz stated. â€œI had read stories about dragons and fantasy worlds, but Liamâ€™s story was something that came from my heart.â€

It was Felizâ€™s strong family bonds and sense of loyalty that played heavily on the creation of his characters. â€œWhat youâ€™ll see in all my books is that there is no bond like loveâ€¦All of my characters have a strong sense of loyalty and a deep need to protect their own. The Dragon Holder was my first attempt to express that part of myself. Yes, the book is a fantasy novel about a different land --- full of magic and mystery --- but at its heart, The Dragon Holder is about a young man stepping into his role as a protector, taking everything he learned as a boy and using it to take care of others.â€

In his own life, Feliz takes his theme of family loyalty to heart. When heâ€™s not writing, Feliz is a homebody who loves spending time with his family.

Feliz is currently working on The Dragon Holder sequel, as well as a non-fantasy fictional novel, Mason Cartel.

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His Until Sunrise Book Blast Giveaway

8/28/2014

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Contest Giveaway: Author is offering a “His Until Sunrise Goodie Package” for One Winner a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author: Joy Avery

Publication Date: 8-2-2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group For Your Book 18+

About The Book

After learning her boss has scheduled a mandatory team-building excursion, financial planner Nona Rogers panics. What does she know about camping? Nada. Zilch. Heck, she doesn’t even like picnics. And the thought of sleeping amid bugs and wild animals knots her stomach. No way can she risk looking like an idiot in front of her colleagues. Taking proactive measures, she acquires the services of a guide to give her a crash-course in camping. Seven days living off the land. How hard could it be? Nona swallows those words when she meets the sexy titan tasked with leading her into the wild. Getting mauled by a bear quickly becomes the least of her worries. Mason Tinsdale’s first love has always been oil rigging. But a horrible accident has him doubting the job—more importantly, himself. Seven days in the Indigo Falls wilderness is just what he needs to sort out his thoughts. Then he meets Nona Rogers. He’s convinced the gorgeous woman is going to be far more trouble than she’s worth. And he’s right. However, there’s something about the feisty vixen that makes her irresistible. Two guarded hearts. Seven days alone. An attraction that can’t be denied.

About the Author

Joy Avery is a North Carolina native with a passion for penning contemporary romances. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane, and playing with her sixteen-pound peek-a-poo and hundred-pound Rottweiler. There’s plenty of emotion in a Joy Avery romance. Sometimes there are obstacles and hurdles in love, and she enjoys showing this in her novels. Her stories guide readers along the rutted roads of love, delivering them to a gratifying happily ever after. Romance is Joy’s genre of choice, because she enjoys the experience of characters overcoming the barriers that have held them back from finding true love. Plus, she loves happily ever afters. HIS UNTIL SUNRISE is Joy’s second novel. Her first novel, SMOKE IN THE CITI, garnered attention for having well-developed and believable characters, as well as refreshing humor. She is currently working on Book 2 of her Indigo Falls series. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers

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Withering Book Review

8/27/2014

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About the Book

Title: Withering
Author: Kellie Elmore
Genre: Drama
Number of Pages: 118
Synopsis: Lost, lonely, and losing his grip on reality, Elmer Winston searches for an end. As his new social worker, Dani, tries to convince him to believe in hope, Elmer remains mired in regret over a failed marriage and the devastating loss of his best friend, all while desperately struggling to defeat an illness that toys with his mind. When a raging storm awakens Elmer with a traumatic revelation, he is left with a personal battle for survival. Can he weather another storm? Or has his will to fight thoroughly withered?

My Review

Withering is a moving and emotionally charged story of an elderly man and his desperate search to find an end, to what he views as a miserable existence.

Elmer's marriage ended long ago, but his bitterness remains and now, with the death of his best friend, he feels more alone than ever. Trapped by the memories of what could have been, Elmer seeks solitude in his journals. He knows his children think he's crazy. He begins to acknowledge that his life is over and he fights demons from his past in hopes of gaining control of his mind. Can Elmer find a reason to live or will devastation and sorrow pave the way to his death?

I was immediately drawn in to this incredibly touching story. Elmer could be any of us. His character is easy to identify with. We all live with regrets, wishing we could change the past. Much like Elmer, some of us are left with a haunting feeling filled with despair and our hope to find happiness again has vanished. Kellie Elmore's eloquent writing and gift for eliciting emotion shine through in this touching story.

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

About the Author

Kellie Elmore is an author and blogger at kellieelmore.com.

Kellie's debut collection of poetry and prose, Magic in the Backyard was nominated for the (2013) esteemed Pushcart Prize in Literature, selected by Winter Goose Publishing Editor-in-Chief James Logan.

Jagged Little Pieces, Elmore's second collection released in March 2013.

Candy from Strangers, her third collection, is a collection of prose stories/mini fiction. Released December 2013

Kellie will released her first novel, Withering, in 2014.

Elmore's work has been featured in various press and publications in print and online including the Voice Your Verse project, a collected anthology titled "If the World Were Your Classroom" by shesthefirst.org, a cause which helps to fund girls education.

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Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor Book Review

8/25/2014

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About the Book

Title: Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor
Author: Julie Anne Grasso
Illustrators: David Blackwell & Samantha Yallope
Genre: Children's Mystery/Detective
Number of Pages: 75
Synopsis: When his cousin Kat disappears from Enderby Manor, Frankie Dupont jumps on the scene, only to find bumbling Inspector Cluesome beat him to it. Cluesome thinks Kat simply wandered off. Frankie isn’t buying it.

He follows the evidence to conniving concierge, a six fingered chef, a talking parrot, and a shifty dwarf. Quite frankly, none of them are making any sense until Frankie discovers, Kat’s time is running out.

My Review

Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor is cleverly comedic and wildly entertaining, quickly captivating young readers.

When Frankie's cousin, Kat, goes missing he springs into action. Using all the knowledge he's learned from his father, who is a detective, he sets out to find Kat. Frankie wastes no time collecting clues and meeting a zany bunch of suspects along the way. He just knows they are hiding something, but what? Can Frankie solve the mystery before it's too late?

Children can't help but enjoy Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor. The eccentric characters add so much fun to this already delightful story. Frankie is a smart and resourceful young detective and is easily likable. I found the story to be well organized and easy to follow making it a perfect chapter book for early readers.

I am looking forward to more books in this series and highly recommend picking up a copy. Available on Amazon.

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Swishy Swishy!!! Jam, The Salmon Fishy: A Fish Wish Tale Book Review

8/22/2014

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About the Book

Title: Swishy Swishy!!! Jam, The Salmon Fishy
Author: Sundae
Illustrator: Chris Friend
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Synopsis: Jam, the Salmon Fishy, is a sweet, fun loving and wildly creative salmon that lives and swims in the ocean and lakes with family and good friends, including best friend, Jake. As cool as Jam is it could make any child an ideal pet, if only salmon were smaller.

In this first book, Jam explores fantasy wishing of experiences that would never happen in a fish’s world. Many of us wish for things we never could possibly have and then some of us realize the great amount of amazements and gifts we have in our life.

My Review

Swishy Swishy!! Jam, the Salmon Fishy is a lively and colorful tale about a fish who discovers all the gifts in his life.

Jam believes the grass is greener on the other side and begins wishing for all the things he thinks will make his life happier. Will Jam find what he's looking for?

This is such a wonderful story! I am a big fan of teaching gratitude from a young age and Swishy Swishy!! Jam, the Salmon Fishy does just that. Once Jam understand that he already has all he will ever need to bring him joy he gives up wishing. Often times, just like Jam, we wish and wish for things we believe will make us happier, and we fail to notice we already posses the gifts we need to be joyful. Children will delight in the vibrant illustrations which add to this clever fish tale.

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

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It Happened In A Lutheran Church Book Review

8/21/2014

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About the Book

Title: It Happened In A Lutheran Church
Author: R.L. Moatz
Genre: Christianity / Religion
Number of Pages: 236
Synopsis: A mother’s heartfelt memoir outlines a nine-month saga that plays out in a Lutheran church beginning with a shocking confrontation and leading to an emotionally shattering chain of events that forever alters the course of her ten-year-old son’s life.

What begins as a mother’s promise to speak the truth on behalf of her child, evolves into a catharsis, and ultimately, forgiveness, as the author painstakingly chronicles her introspective journey.

After a sudden verbal attack from another parishioner, she tries to reopen the lines of communication with the aid of their Pastor and broker a resolution.

Instead, her Pastor speaks in riddles, dark insinuations are made, and no one will answer her questions. People she thought she knew for years, suddenly didn’t seem to know her at all.

She needed her church family; her husband was battling cancer, and she was dealing with some unanswered symptoms of her own.

Fatigued, frustrated and desperate to prove her son’s innocence, she ultimately victimized both of them with her own pride until the Lord found an unmistakable way to signal her to open her eyes and run!

My Review

It Happened In A Lutheran Church is a compelling story filled with dark assumptions, unimaginable courage, and a mother's limitless love.

Hatred is all around us. It can be found anywhere at anytime, but the last place we expect to find hate rearing its ugly head is in a place of worship. We are taught that churches are places of refuge, where good people are always waiting to help those in need and forgiveness comes easy. However, one mother discovers the very people she trusted beyond measure are the ones whose betrayal hurts the deepest. As she seeks to unveil the truth she realizes she must, instead, fight to protect her son from vicious attacks brought on by the parishioners of the very church she cherished. Will the truth ever come to light? Can love and compassion lead to healing?

I found It Happened In A Lutheran Church to be heartfelt and moving. The cruelty the author and her son suffer at the hands of those who claim to be "good Christians" is unbearable. I also found the author's perseverance, when most would have given up, inspiring.

The book is well organized and easily conveys the deep emotions experienced during such a trying and difficult time.

I recommend picking up a copy. Available on Amazon.

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Finding Fuzzy $30 Book Blast Giveaway

8/21/2014

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Title: Finding Fuzzy: A "You-Decide Tale" of a Lost Friend (Sweet T Tales) | Author: Cat Michaels | Illustrator: Irene A. Jahns | Publication Date: March 26, 2014 | Publisher: 2101 Ink | Pages: 44 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10 | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: Illustrated chapter book for early readers (Gr. K-3) Blue sky ... Warm sea ... Sugar-sand beach ... The perfect family vacation on the Carolina coast ... Except the trip takes a nosedive when Jenna loses Fuzzy, her plush blue rabbit pal. Jenna learns to carry on without him. But when she stumbles across a secret, she faces the toughest decision of her young life. And YOU, the reader, will help her make that choice and come up with the ending of this You-Decide tale. Don't worry. Cat shows you how in her book and on her website. So, slip on your flip-flops and join Jenna at the shore. It's time to decide YOUR ending for Finding Fuzzy. Caution: Irene A. Jahn's ocean-themed watercolors have been known to cause beach fever.

"Finding Fuzzy" placed second in the Purple Dragonfly Writing contest, a national contest for children's book authors, in the category of chapter books.

Purple Dragonfly Award - Second Place - Finding Fuzzy

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The Buzz About the Book

"Finding Fuzzy is an early chapter book featuring the opportunity for children to create their own ending to a sweet, summertime story. The main character, Jenna, has a decision to make when she discovers that her beloved stuffed bunny she had lost is now being used to protect a litter of kittens. After weighing out all of the possible outcomes, it is up to the reader to decide what happens next in the story. I thought this was a unique concept that will interest children, especially ones who are interested in writing their own stories (like my daughter!). I recommend this book to parents, homeschoolers, and teachers with children between the ages of 5 and 10." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"The story is sweet, and suitable for all children. The book is set up to get kids to think and discuss what they would do in a certain situation--in this case, giving up a precious friend (the stuffed bunny.) I could see using this in either a classroom setting or as a bedtime story. The watercolor illustrations really capture a beachy mood and create a great visual for kids as well.. " ~ 5 Star Review, Nikki B., Goodreads

"Cat Michaels has put young readers in a position to solve the dilemma. Readers must brainstorm and utilize their critical thinking skills to write the ending to Jenna's story. This quick to read chapter book has small colorful illustrations that help readers imagine the beach. Readers will also find that the author has created a world where they use all five senses. The back of the book has tips for parents and teachers to help their readers.. " ~ 5 Star Review, Kristi B., Goodreads

"This is a book with a difference. The space where the ending should be is blank, leaving readers with the opportunity to take a far more pro-active role in the unfolding of the story. It's time to get creative. It's time to give the story your own ending! There's room for a picture as well, so the budding author can test out their illustration skills too!" ~ 5 Star Review, Peachy Emma, Amazon

"The genius here is that Cat has picked the perfect storyline to make your would be writers put themselves into Jenna’s shoes and truly understand how she feels.It’s the stuffed animal, every child has one and every child is very attached to it. This is a great book for it's educational value as far as letting the kids use their imagination to come up with their own conclusion. ----5 stars for this one!" ~ Bookroom Reviews, Amazon

About the Author: Cat Michaels

CAT MICHAELS started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. After earning an M.S. degree in special education from the University of Kansas, she spent two decades helping students from kindergarten to college reach their potential. She also managed communication and resource development programs for an international high-tech company that included writing press releases and articles for trade journals. After recession and downsizings, she returned to her education roots, serving at a community college as a writing coach and learning specialist for students with Asperger’s syndrome and learning disabilities. Cat spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or twinge of mystery, that open young minds to new ways of thinking and looking at the world. Illustrations by watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns help bring that world to life. Cat and her family live in North Carolina where she designs playful gardens, dabbles in all things digital, and writes.

* Download free pdf of chapter 1 and You-Decide pages by visiting http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/finding-fuzzy-a-you-decide-tale-of-a-lost-friend.html *

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FREE Short Story Offer

Subscribe by email to Cat's Connections to receive updates, special offers, and to be among the first to hear about new releases by Cat Michaels. PLUS, when you sign up, you will receive a short story penned just for adults, Driving Down to Dillon: A Very-Short Story of Love and New Beginnings by Cat Michaels. Click on the cover below to subscribe to Cat's Connections.

PLUS... email subscribers to Cat's Connections will also receive 5 extra in the giveaway below.

* Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize Contest ends: September 19, 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. One 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 a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Cat Michaels 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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Princess Nevaeh Book Blast Giveaway

8/21/2014

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The author is giving away a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card and an Autograph copy of the book. This giveaway is only open to US citizens. Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Princess Nevaeh: Lesson on Self Discovery

Genre: Children 4-7 ISBN: 978-0-9899691-4-7 Format: Paperback

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Publisher: Thy Word Publishing

Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is. She will soon learn that her wish to be a princess takes a little more than just asking. Lessons on self-discovery are taught by her Mimi who makes her understand that being a princess takes work.

About The Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008. Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole, Living Separate Lives and The Sanctuary. She resides in Northern, CA.

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