BLOG TOUR: A Passion for Elephants by Toni Buzzeo - Review + Top 10 Bucket List!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're welcoming a blog tour courtesy of Penguin Young Readers and starring the latest release from an author who's been around the publishing block a time or two (or twenty).  Aside from being a Caldecott Winner, she's an author who's willing to use her writing skills to bring issues affecting us all to the here and now.  In my past experience with her works, I've enjoyed my time between the pages and she's always been so giving with her time, so when THIS TOUR came around, I knew I wanted in.  A few emails later and one more storybook read, brings us to today's blog tour guest and featured title...

A Passon for Elephants:

The Real Life Adventure of Field Scientist Cynthia Moss

by

Toni Buzzeo

Illustrated by

Holly Berry

9780399187254

Dial Books

About the book...

Cynthia Moss was never afraid of big things. As a kid, she liked to ride through the countryside on her tall horse and visit faraway places, and she especially loved to learn about nature and the world around her. So when Cynthia traveled to Africa and met the world's largest land animal, the African elephant, at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, she knew she had found her life's work. Cynthia has spent years learning everything she can about elephants and sharing these fascinating creatures with the world and fighting against ivory poachers who kill elephants for their tusks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the story of one woman who never set out to change the world, but did so nonetheless.  She grew up much the same as you or I, reached her educational goals, and attained a job with a well respected news magazine.  Life was good, until it wasn't.  Her heart wasn't quite settled it seems and upon learning from a friend about the mysteries and beauty of Africa, she simply had to see it for herself.  See it she did but she also settled there in what would be the first step in a lifelong adventure...to save the elephants.

Though a work of fiction, it is grounded in facts, allowing readers young and old the chance to capture the same magic that ensnared Ms. Moss.  We see how her life was and all that it turned out to be, just because she didn't let BIG things stand in her way; in fact, she herself became that "big thing" standing in the way of those that would harm these gentle giants.  It was remarkable to read AND see thanks to the beautiful illustrations throughout.  You really get a feel for the majesty of the setting that drew her like a moth to a flame.  The fact that her short term project turned into a lifelong journey just made her efforts that more consequential.  It truly gives you the feeling that though we are put a space in the stars, we can affect change and help make our world a better place for all, both man and beast.

The statistics are gruesome but the reality is, these larger than life creatures need our help.  The truly sad part?  Part of that assistance is in keeping them out of the hands of others that would do them harm, not just Mother Nature or natural selection.  We're talking poachers; those that would take what is not their's to gain profit, with no regard for who or what they destroy in their paths.  It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about the atrocities they commit but a determination to my heart that with the help of a few, the many shall prosper leading us away from a day without these majestic creatures and into a time when there is room for us all.  For more information on how you can help, feel free to research the topics/places listed.  Meanwhile, let's get a little more personal with our author or the moment, shall we?  A very special guest post with author Toni Buzzeo is heading your way in three...two...one...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Top 10 Bucket List with Author Toni Buzzeo

(When asked what I wanted to share, I took into mind the subject of the book and seeing as she was never afraid of a BIG adventure, I decided to pose the question to the author.  Here's what came of the interaction...)

1.  I would travel back to Amboseli National Park in Kenya where Cynthia Moss lives and works

with the same families of elephants she has studied for more than four decades. While I have been to Amboseli twice, there will never be a limit to the time I wish I could spend there.

2.  I would fund efforts to save Africa’s elephants who are being poached for ivory at an alarming rate. In March 2015, attendees from 20 countries at the Africa Elephant Summit held in Botswana heard that African elephants could be extinct in the wild within one decade.

3.  We urgently need research into the halt of global warming and I would be an active funder and promoter of that effort. Among other tragedies, global warming may be the cause of the melting of the snow pack on Mount Kilimanjaro that supplies water for all of Amboseli National Park and its elephants.

4.  So far, I have only visited three of the African continent’s 54 countries, Kenya (twice), Ethiopia, and Morocco. With unlimited time and unlimited resources, I would visit the other 53 countries—and return to Kenya to see the elephants of Amboseli once again.

5.  My husband has always said that if he won the lottery, he would build a large, well-stocked and well-staffed library in our little rural Maine town of Buxton. I would gladly be a partner in that endeavor—and name the library after him: The Kenneth M. Cyll Library.

6.  All children deserve a well-staffed and well-stocked school library, so I would ensure that every child around the world had that advantage. And of course, each of those libraries would have multiple copies of each of my 24 children’s books personally autographed by me. 

7.  I would ensure that every aspiring young writer received inspiring writing instruction, perhaps through a mentorship program that linked these young people with published authors in their local communities. Imagine if every child who was drawn to write had a mentor shining a light on the path ahead!

8.  I’d love the opportunity to study basket weaving under a master basket weaver, perhaps even a Penobscot weaver in my home state of Maine. I’ll never forget the woven basket exhibition at the Abbe Museum at one of my visits. I was completely entranced and transported by the baskets and I would love to learn more.  

9.  If time were no obstacle, I would also love to learn to spin my own yarn. I treasure the hours I spend working with fiber (crocheting is one of my main hobbies) and imagine that the joy would be doubled if the yarn slipping through my fingers were yarn I had spun.

10.  I would have the time and fabric to make a quilt for every child around the world who needed one (and what child doesn’t?). It would be magical to know each child’s favorite animals, colors, and activities and to create quilts that reflected those. For now, I content myself with quilts for my grandchildren.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About the author...

Toni Buzzeo, a former teacher and media specialist, is now a full-time author with many picture books to her credit, including Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten, The Sea Chest, and the Caldecott Honor winner One Cool Friend. She and her husband, Ken, divide their time between Sarasota, Florida, and Buxton, Maine.

- - - - - - - - - -

About the illustrator...

Holly Berry is a printmaker and acclaimed illustrator of a number of picture books, including Colorful Dreamer, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor book How Mama Brought the Spring, and the Society of Illustrators Original Art Silver Medalist book The Impudent Rooster.  She received her BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and now lives in Waldoboro, Maine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rachel at Penguin Young Readers for the chance to bring this blog tour to you as well as the copy for review.  My thanks as well to the author for sharing her time and piece of herself once again.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, the publisher, or the cause itself, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY this past Tuesday, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Happy Birthday Cupcake! by Terry Border

Hi guys!

Welcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, where the posts are always fresh, hot, and ready to go.

Today's post is an especially yummy one, just don't let the cast of characters hear you say it.  Why?  Oh, no reason. It certainly hasn't anything to do with the fact that they are various snacks and dishes.  Nope.  Certainly not that.  ^-^  *ahem*  Well then, now that we've established that, let's put on our party hats and welcome today's book of choice...

Happy Birthday, Cupcake!

by

Terry Border

9780399171604 

Philomel Books

About the book:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Cupcake’s birthday! But how best to celebrate with all her friends. A boat party is risky, in case Soup loses his lunch. The beach is always fun in the summer, but what if Chocolate and Donut get a bit melty? Musical chairs runs the risk of some serious squishage, and doing the limbo could lose Cupcake her perfectly frosted top. What’s a birthday girl to do? Luckily, Cupcake’s friends have planned ahead and thought of everything. It’s the perfect recipe for the best birthday party ever, with music, dancing, decorations – the works!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It would seem obvious that Cupcake is made to party, but finding the right venue and look for all her friends is another story.  

Soup losing his lunch was certainly interesting and rather funny despite the fact that it sounds gag inducing.  The beach idea definitely wasn't flying as soon as we found out how sweet some of her friends were.  A trip on the Root Beer Float (what...it's a boat!) wouldn't work especially if any of the guests unwittingly went for a swim.  It seemed her party was doomed from the start...but with a little help from her friends and a BIG surprise, there just might be a party after all.

Between the quirky staged scenes and the outlandish behavior of the guests, it's a wonder any reader can make it through this work without at least one outburst of giggles.  My personal favorite was when Cupcake was going to get everyone makeovers...until seeing Burger with frosting and realizing that was not a good combo.  Some foods just don't mix.  Oh and also when Peanut Butter Bread and Jelly Bread were playing on the seesaw.  One can only guess what the eventual results of their time together would be.  

In closing, I'm not a huge fan of the making-still-objects-into-living-things practice, I still found this read humorous, creative, and endearing.  I mean really, how can you go wrong with an Eclair dog or a musical band made solely of canned beans!  Just goes to show you, you can't judge a book by its cover, nor a cupcake by her frosting.  Recommended read for all ages; young or young-ish, there's fun to be had by all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author...

Terry Border  is the author of Peanut Butter & Cupcake and the mastermind behind the Bent Objects project, which has been lauded in media all over the world, spawning books, calendars, greeting cards and puzzles. He lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana.

SITE   |   TWITTER   |   FACEBOOK

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rachel at Penguin Young Readers for the review copy and chance to bring this title to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the other bendable fun artwork created by Mr. Border, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just released earlier this month via Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf, or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Ordinary People Can Change the World: I Am Lucille Ball by Brad Meltzer

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking a look at an unexpected arrival in my mailbox via Penguin RandomHouse.  (THANKS!)  It stars the most recent addition to the popular and growing Ordinary People Can Change the World series written by none other than Brad Meltzer.  The focus?  Well, it rather follows just what it proclaims in the series name, offering readers of all ages the chance to get to know someone that started out not very different than you or I and made a name for themselves in a BIG way.  Inspiring?  Certainly!  Informative? Definitely.  Entertaining?  You betcha!  Though Sunday's are usually reserved for a "Funnies" post, I think this one will work just fine as we meet and greet the one, the only star of today's book of choice...

I Am Lucille Ball

by

Brad Meltzer

Illustrated by

Christopher Eliopoulos

9780525428558

Dial

Here we have a wonderful exploration of the funny woman herself.  Whether you saw the show (I Love Lucy), the reruns, or dressed as her for Halloween, she's been a household name for several decades.  That wasn't always the case though.  In her childhood days, she was continually told that it wasn't proper for a young lady to want to perform to get a laugh out of the crowd.  It was better to be seen and not heard.  Well now, she may have had to listen for a few years, but it didn't get her down and definitely didn't have her calling it quits.  She knew her destiny was to bring smiles to the masses and kept at her talent until one day, all that she dreamed came to be...and THEN some!  For example, did you know that she and her on screen husband were married in real life AND owned the show thanks to a smart agreement garnered by she herself?  Or how about that Ms. Ball was the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio? Pretty nifty, huh?

Now, if the subject matter doesn't grab your interest, the bright and cheery "TADA!" cover is definitely gonna do it.  One can't read a picture book without a nod to the illustrations that adorn its pages and these are most memorable.  The exaggerated gestures and facial expressions translate well from word to page with the styling employed here.  You can't help but see the charm little Lucille has in every scene as well as the can do spirit to see her dreams comes true.  It will delight little ones with the vivid colors and cartoonish images while still dazzling the eyes of those more seasoned souls that embark on a read through this wonderful addition to the edutainment category.

To summarize the great message that this little gem screams from cover to cover....

Dare to be BRAVE!

Dare to be DIFFERENT!

Dare to be KOOKY, ODD, or OUTRAGEOUS!

But most of all...

DARE TO BE YOU!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author and illustrator...

Brad Meltzer is the author of six New York Times bestselling thrillers: The TenthJustice, Dead Even, The First Counsel, The Millionaires, The Zero Game, and TheBook of Fate. He is also the #1 bestselling author of the critically acclaimed comic books Identity Crisis and Justice League of America, and is the co-creator of the TV series Jack & Bobby. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School, he currently lives in Florida. To learn more about Brad, please visit him at www.bradmeltzer.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Christopher Eliopoulos began his illustration career as a letterer for Marvel, and has worked on thousands of comics, including Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Pet Avengers, and Cow Boy, all of which he wrote and illustrated. He is the illustrator of the New York Times Bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series of picture book biographies. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and their identical twin sons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to the team at Penguin Random House for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this title to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just released last week via Dial, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Palmetto Moon by Kim Boykin

Why hello there!

Welcome back to another exciting day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....where the bookish fun is always served fresh and piping hot.

Today, we're hosting a stop along the Pump Up Your Book blog tour for a Southern Women's Fiction title that's sure to please.  It's cover will draw you in with its sweet demure nature while the story itself spices things up a bit.  Ready to shed your high profile selves and blend into the crowd (or lack thereof) in Round O?  Today's book of choice is.....

Palmetto Moon

by

Kim Boykin

9780425272107

Berkley Books

About the book....

June, 1947. Charleston is poised to celebrate the biggest wedding in high-society history, the joining of two of the oldest families in the city. Except the bride is nowhere to be found…Unlike the rest of the debs she grew up with, Vada Hadley doesn’t see marrying Justin McLeod as a blessing—she sees it as a life sentence. So when she finds herself one day away from a wedding she doesn’t want, she’s left with no choice but to run away from the future her parents have so carefully planned for her.

In Round O, South Carolina, Vada finds independence in the unexpected friendships she forms at the boarding house where she stays, and a quiet yet fulfilling courtship with the local diner owner, Frank Darling. For the first time in her life, she finally feels like she’s where she’s meant to be. But when her dear friend Darby hunts her down, needing help, Vada will have to confront the life she gave up—and decide where her heart truly belongs.

AMAZON   |   BARNES & NOBLE    |    INDIEBOUND

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's sweet and sassy.  It's misguided and confused.  It's a mish mosh of feelings, missed chances, looks of longing, and best intentions that melt into a big pot of reading goodness that's best served warm....with a side of grits and a fresh made crab cake.  (Okay, so you can KEEP the grits....I'll give the crab cake a try though. ^_^)

Vada was being forced into a marriage of convenience...to her family's name, wealth, and heritage.  Did she love him?  Hey-to-the-no.  Did her 'rents care?  Double negative, captain.  Good thing the life of the privileged allows for caretakers that actually CARE about the children, even when the parents just don't have a clue.  In this case, Vada's "salvation" as it were came in the form of Rosa Lee and Desmond ....though not biologically her parents, they might as well have been.  They knew her, cared what she wanted, and were willing to risk it all to allow her the chance to discover it on her own.  That love, that freedom, led Vada on the adventure of a lifetime to not only discover the whereabouts of her long lost friend, but the true meaning of family, the joy love can bring and truly....herself.

Watching Vada's transformation was exquisite.  She never truly lost her gentle nature or graceful mannerisms, but she DID gain a backbone and a will of iron that allowed her to speak her mind, and be certain she was heard.  The time the book is set in along with the sleepy backwater town are not elements that preach solidarity or even acquainting oneself with a woman baring these qualities but Vada made it irresistible to friend, more-than-friend, and foe.  Even those that would take advantage of her were given pause....grant it, it didn't stop them but it did make them think.  Speaking of those that make you think....

When Vada arrives in this unexpected hideaway, she makes a few friends along the way.  Claire and her boys are a joy to behold.  She's suffered much (as did the children) with the loss of her husband and hearing the "only options" she had was heart wrenching but as luck would have it, sometimes what's written in the cards is not immediately apparent.  Can we say unexpected happy ending?  I shan't say more about that.  *ahem*  Then we have Frank Darling.  Name sound familiar?  For me, I was thinking about Peter Pan, but Frank is definitely not someone that hasn't grown up.  He has a checkered past and it's something the town will not let him forget but as for the man versus the rumor?  His is a gem through and through.  His blossoming relationship with Vada is fraught with bad timing, big mouths, and secrets.  Sounds like the worst way to start a relationship, right?  Well the thing is...those things kept to themselves were never meant to cause harm but to protect the barer of the secret from additional pain.  Do they learn their lessons and come clean in the end?  Ah....you'll have to read it but I'll tell you this, towards book's end, there is a wedding.  Now if you want to know to whom, where, and why....you're just gonna have to read it.

In conclusion, a great read for Women's Fiction or Southern Fiction fans full of heart.  Just try not to fall in love with the characters of this charming tale, even those we love to loathe; to me, it can't be done.  Recommended for older teens through adults due to some sensual scenes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Author

Kim Boykin was raised in her South Carolina home with two girly sisters and great parents. She had a happy, boring childhood, which sucks if you’re a writer because you have to create your own crazy. PLUS after you’re published and you’re being interviewed, it’s very appealing when the author actually lived in Crazy Town or somewhere in the general vicinity.

Almost everything she learned about writing, she learned from her grandpa, an oral storyteller, who was a master teacher of pacing and sensory detail. He held court under an old mimosa tree on the family farm, and people used to come from all around to hear him tell stories about growing up in rural Georgia and share his unique take on the world.

As a stay-at-home mom, Kim started writing, grabbing snip-its of time in the car rider line or on the bleachers at swim practice. After her kids left the nest, she started submitting her work, sold her first novel at 53, and has been writing like crazy ever since.

Thanks to the lessons she learned under that mimosa tree, her books are well reviewed and, according to RT Book Reviews, feel like they’re being told across a kitchen table. She is the author of The Wisdom of Hair from Berkley, Steal Me, Cowboy and Sweet Home Carolina from Tule, and Palmetto Moon, also from Berkley 8/5/14. While her heart is always in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte and has a heart for hairstylist, librarians, and book junkies like herself.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   BLOG

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on them, this title, the author, or the publisher, be sure to click through the links provided above.  This title reached publication August of this year, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or at a virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, the place to be when the need to read takes over and you just don't know which page to turn.  No worries, we've got your back....or bookmarker.  ^_^

Today, we say HELLO to a brand spanking new Middle Grade series that you're gonna want to take note of.  Why?  Well, because it's a BLAST, that's why!  Whether you're the target audience age or beyond, you're in for a treat, but before I get too far ahead of myself, let's meet book one AND two, shall we?  Guys and gals, join me if you please in a very special library where time is not an issue and all the world's a book.....

The Haunted Library

and

The Haunted Library:  The Ghost in the Attic

by

Dori Hillestad Butler

Illustrated by

Aurore Damant

In book 1, we meet Mom, Pops, Little John, Cosmo, and Kaz...a happy family living in the old school house complete with a library!  Dream come true?  Yes and no....did I mention that they are non-solids aka GHOSTS?  Now don't go running away, covering your eyes, or ducking for cover.  These guys aren't out to scare you unless you're the GIANT swinging ball taking away their home and scattering this little family to who knows where.  Yep...then you'd have a problem.  As it stands, the problem belongs to Kaz.  In his case, at least he drifted into the open window of a LIBRARY.  I mean, can you believe the luck?!  Also lucky for him, he meets a solid (sorry, living human) he can depend because despite his lack of ghostly talents, SHE CAN SEE HIM.  Oh yeah, can we say adventure?  DEFINITELY!  Leave it to the daughter of detectives to find a way to not only befriend a ghostly being but join forces with them to uncover the truth behind paranormal mysteries all around them...

Book 2 picks up just after the first one ends, allowing readers to continue to develop their relationship with both Claire and Kaz...as well as a few others we've come to love, or at least tolerate.  (LOL.)  Now that this dynamic duo has solved one case and formed an agency of sorts, it's time to put their skills to the test and seek out the rest of Kaz's family.  Ah yes, a noble task indeed but don't expect it to be a walk in the park.  There are OTHER cases to solve, neighbors to suspect, winds to avoid, and pets to chase.  Umm, forget you read that last part.  *ahem*  I can honestly say with these two on the case, you've nothing to fear...expect the unknown noises coming from Mrs. Beesley's house that sound PRETTY ghostly!  *-*  But, they've GOT THIS...and so will you!

Overall, I'd give this series an enthusiastic TWO thumbs up for style, idea, illustrations, and follow through.  It's true to the characters and the plotline created with a few twists and turns to keep things interesting.  Remember, just because it's AIMED at Middle Grade readers, doesn't mean it can't grow WITH them. A fine example of imagination at play and a fun read indeed!  (I mean really, how can you wrong!  It's set in a LIBRARY of all places!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review copies received courtesy of Michele at Provato Events.  (THANKS!)  For more information on THIS TOUR as well as their future promotions, be sure to stop by their site.  These titles are available now via Grosset & Dunlap, a member of the Penguin Group, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Thanks again to Dori Hillestad Butler for appearing and for additional stops on the Haunted Library Blog Tour, be sure to stop by her site.

Oh and BEFORE you go...there are MORE books planned in the series so if you've wet your whistle and can't wait for more, here's the release schedule that I sneaked a peek at (at least as it stands today)...

October 2014:  The Haunted Library:  The Ghost Backstage

Spring 2015:  The Haunted Library:  The Five O'Clock Ghost

Summer 2015:  The Haunted Library:  The Secret Room

Fall 2015:  The Haunted Library:  TBD

Until next time...happy reading!

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman - Interview + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the virtual place to stop by, kick up your feet, and dive into a great read any time of day or night because let's face it, ANY TIME is the PERFECT time for books!

Today, we're throwing a party for a very special BOOK BIRTHDAY indeed as it's from an author I've highlighted a few times before...and why not?  I ADORE her work!  The featured title is making it's paperback debut TODAY via Penguin Books and it deserves all the fanfare it will get.  Ready to meet today's FIRST "guest"...oh yes, I said first....then may I direct your attention to center stage...err, post.  Shining the spotlight on....

Looking for Me

by

Beth Hoffman

9780143125433

Penguin Books

About the book....

Teddi Overman found her life’s passion in turning other people’s castoffs into beautifully restored antiques. Leaving her hardscrabble Kentucky childhood behind, Teddi opens her own store in Charleston. She builds a life as unexpected and quirky as her many customers, but nothing alleviates the haunting uncertainty she’s felt since her brother Josh mysteriously disappeared. When signs emerge that Josh might still be alive, Teddi returns to Kentucky, embarking on a journey that could help her come to terms with her shattered family—and find herself.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sounds good, right?

Trust me, it surely is...and if you'd care for a glimpse into my experience with the book in a little more detail, feel free to check out my review.  Looking back, it doesn't seem like almost a year since I've read this book but I guess that's how it is when you meet characters and stories you just can't let go of.  Have I convinced you to check it out yet?  No worries....I've only just begun.  ^_^

Author Beth Hoffman

It's time to introduce today's second featured guest, and truly they are only second to their work in this case.  That's right!  I scored an interview with the truly fabulous author herself, Beth Hoffman!  She's fabulous for many reasons, her writing included, and so the chance to "speak" with her once again is answered with a resounding YES every time.  So, readers....I invite you to situate yourself in your favorite reading environment, grab a cold glass of whatever suits your fancy and join us for a friendly get together with this New York Times Bestselling Author.  Ladies and gents, please welcome Ms. Beth Hoffman!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hi Beth!

It feels like welcoming an old friend back again in hosting this celebratory post for the paperback release of your amazing book, LOOKING FOR ME.  (...and yes, I'm geeking out in being able to say "friend" when speaking with a NY Times Best Selling Author!) Congratulations by the way on all the success and notoriety you've achieved thus far and many thanks for always having time for the little guys and gals (like moi!)!  Can't wait to see what's coming up in your writing world next, but more on that in a moment.  Let's chat, shall we?  *passes cold glass of ice tea with lemon, grabs a Diet Coke for self*  (^_^)

I’m delighted to be with you today, Gina. I agree, we are very much like old friends and I’m grateful for all your support. Thanks for the iced tea and inviting me to chat!

So, we first "met" (virtually, of course) back in 2010.  Can you believe it?!  It doesn't seem that far back but I suppose that's how friendships and great reads develop.  Tell me, when you look back to your start with little CeeCee (AMAZING book by the way!), did you ever imagine reaching the heights you have thus far?

I never dreamed I’d be in this position, and I’m still a bit stunned by all that’s happened. It’s funny, but in some ways it doesn’t seem real, as if it’s happening somewhere outside myself.

What has surprised you the most about this crazy fun literary ride we tend to call publishing?  How about the least?  Any regrets?

The one thing that surprised me most is how supportive book lovers are. I’ve walked into events where hundreds of people were waiting, and I was gobsmacked! I suppose I’ve been the least surprised by the amount of hard work that writing and editing demands. As for regrets: none. It’s been a wild and wonderful ride. Even when I’m exhausted, or have to run down a long concourse to catch the plane to my next author event, I’ve never regretted a thing.

If you had to choose, who would you name as one of the most influential on your journey so far?  How has knowing them affected you?

My publisher, Pamela Dorman, and my literary agent, Catherine Drayton, have influenced me in countless ways. They are whip-smart and precise, and they’ve guided me with great insight. Librarians, book bloggers, and readers have also had an impact. When I interact with the book-loving community, I feel the fire to keep going, to be the best I can be, and to remain true to my craft.

Of the characters we've met thus far, which has left their impression on you the most ... you know, the character that wouldn't cease their endless chattering to your creative mind, seeking to have their story shared?

Oletta Jones will always be my favorite. While working on CeeCee’s story, I was often surprised by the things she said and did. I love her so much that sometimes I talk with her when I’m driving! She wants me to write about her again, and I just might!

Any single character that YOU identify with most?  Why?

That character would be Teddi Overman in LOOKING FOR ME. We share similar histories and personality traits: the love of animals and nature, growing up on a farm, and a fascination with antiques. But I have a quirky side, too. And truth be told, I’m quite a bit like Thelma Rae Goodpepper!

Your work has taken you to many new locales with book signings and tours; so exciting!  Tell me, which one was most memorable and why?

I spoke at the Jepson Center in Savannah, and it was a magical experience. It’s a stunning auditorium where hundreds of seats rise from the stage and fan out, which keeps the audience visible from the podium. To look up and see all those people laughing and weeping when I told childhood stories was a powerful and humbling experience.

Any crazy fan moments you'd care to share?  (Keeping actual names withheld, of course ...)

Not long after SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT was published, I received an email from someone who demanded that I give him a tour of my historical town. He told me when and where I should meet him…AND that he’d be wearing a bra over his shirt so I’d know who he was! It freaked me out. I blocked him and deleted the email. Then one day I was out to lunch with friends and the conversation segued to that crazy email. My friends burst out laughing and one of them admitted that he’d set up a phony Yahoo account and had done it as a prank. 

I'm sure your fans are dying to know, as am I ... what's next for you?  Any new works in progress you can tantalize us with?  Any big celebration plans (aside from this tour, of course) to commemorate this milestone in your journey?

Here’s what I’m doing to celebrate: I’m dedicating my 2014 LOOKING FOR ME book tour to animals in need. For each book sold at every event, I’ll make a donation to a selected local shelter, and representatives from each shelter will be in attendance. I’m so excited to lend my support to homeless fur-babies that I can hardly stand it.

As for a new novel, I just started working on one, and so far I’m enthralled with the characters. The story takes place in two historic districts that sit back-to-back in Northern Kentucky (Newport and Covington). The two female main are both hiding something. It’s through their unusual friendship that their mysteries unfold.

Last but not least, let's talk about THIS book.  For those with limited time or short attention spans (ooh...shiny!  ^_^), describe LOOKING FOR ME in 20 words or less .... GO!

A young woman’s journey to decipher the words written in a note and embrace the remarkable boy who penned them.

Quid pro quo....

Favorite color? White

Favorite food?  Spaghetti, and strawberry/spinach smoothies, but not at the same time!

Favorite flower? Peony

Favorite pastime? Gardening and reading

Dream vacation spot? I’m a homebody and not fond of vacations. But I do enjoy doing book research on location, and my favorite places to explore are Charleston and Savannah.

Favorite place to read? In bed.

Favorite author (as in you'll read almost anything they publish without hesitation) … Truman Capote.

Last book read? “Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems” by Billy Collins   

Must haves when writing … Total quiet and a big glass of ice water.

When not writing, I can be found ... Out in nature, reading, or antiquing with girlfriends.

If I weren't a writer, I would be ... I’d probably still have my former career as an interior designer.

Something I wish I knew then that I know now ... It’s okay to say “no” without apology. There aren’t enough hours in the day to accommodate everyone.

Advice for future writers out there ... Be authentic. Never try to emulate an author you admire. Find your own unique voice and style. Also, as Mark Twain once said: “If you see an adverb, kill it.” Even when you think you have a bona fide novel in your hands, I can pretty much guarantee that you don’t. So don’t rush to send out submissions. Edit with a ruthless hand, and then read your work out loud and listen to how it sounds. It’s a long process, but one that’s guaranteed to improve the end result.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Like I said, an AMAZING author who writes equally wonderful stories that you simply MUST see to believe.  Special thanks to Meg at Tandem Literary and author Beth Hoffman for making this interview possible.  (YOU ROCK LADIES!)  For more information on this promotion, be sure to stop by their official site.  To connect with the Ms. Hoffman on the regular, pay a visit to her online home, like her on Facebook, or tweet with her on Twitter. This edition of Looking for Me is available now via Penguin Books (in case you didn't catch that the first few times around ^_^), so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Now that we've got this party started, there's only one way to finish it out...

....with a CONTEST!

That's right!

You've read about it.

You've met the author.

Now, it's time to score a chance to WIN THE BOOK!

How to enter?

Easy Peasy!

Just use the Rafflecopter form below and you're in it to win it.
Open to residents of the continental US only, no P.O. Boxes please.
Begins NOW, ends May 17th, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Oh and one last thing!
If you're lucky enough to be in one of the following areas this May/June, you'll get a chance to MEET Ms. Hoffman in person on her Spring/Summer 2014 tour!  Go ahead, feel free to SQUEE.

NAPERVILLE, IL, Anderson's Bookshop, May 1
WICHITA, KS, Watermark Books, May 6
KANSAS CITY, MO, Unity Temple (with Rainy Day Books), May 8
WOODSTOCK, GA, Foxtale Book Shoppe, May 13
FAIRHOPE, AL, Page & Palette, May 15
EVANSVILLE, IN, Vanderburgh Public Library, June 15

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time....GOOD LUCK....and happy reading!

^_^