Cape Cod Witch Series: Elsbeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties by J Bean Palmer and Chris Palmer

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to help you put the bookish fun back in your weekend, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re exploring the third installment of a Middle Grade series filled with magic, mystery, danger, and friendship.  It takes us to the upper east coast of the USA and across the seas as we seek to protect a home never known…and a little something more.  So grab your boat shoes and your big girl pants, you’re gonna need BOTH where we’re heading!  Today’s book of choice is…

ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties

(Cape Cod Witch Series, Book 3)

By

J Bean Palmer and Chris Palmer

9781456620806

Holly Hill Press

About the book….

When their wild and free ancestral lands are threatened, three ancient ghosts need one of their clan from the living world. They call the Thistle heir from across the sea to the old country. 


Almost-ten-year-old ElsBeth Amelia Thistle, the youngest witch on Cape Cod, has her own need to unearth the family mysteries and to begin in earnest her chosen calling to protect the natural world. 


ElsBeth uses the best she knows of science and magic (not so very different from each other, after all). But even with help from a curious cast of magical creatures she befriends, and her spirited classmates who've been swept along (including the beautiful but feisty fashionista Veronica, a Wampanoag chief-to-be Johnny, and Frankie, who wants to follow in the footsteps of his prize-fighting Uncle Vittorio), ElsBeth is in way over her magic level -- and into older, odder mysteries than she could ever dream -- in an adventure just above the surface of reality.

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We begin with a tale most ordinary, and move towards something much more extraordinary.  It’s true I tell you!  What at first appears to be merely another adventure with a varied group of kids, furry animals, and some magic thrown in for good measure…which by the way, would have certainly been good enough….turns into a cross seas adventure with a few lessons to learn , a hidden message of conservation and overall ecological responsibility.  Who’d have thought, right?  Yet, there it is, ready for readers young and old to capture, embrace, and take “the long look” themselves at how our actions and choices shape the world around us in a much BIGGER way. 

On the story level, we’re faced with topics such as growing up, uncovering a secret family history, “enemies” we couldn’t fathom having had let alone have them currently seeking us out, challenging friendships, and forgiveness.  There is a bit of a mystery to solve as well as a plethora of magical creatures to meet plus a bad guy worth serving up on a platter…with his little henchmen.  (Evil person….tisk tisk!)  Oh and speaking of characters, much like our favorite “boy who lived” there are ghosts running about!  (Well, okay…you might have figured that from the title too….)  These guys are a riot as they try to guide Elsbeth in their cause (well, I suppose it IS equally hers in the end as well) while getting her to see the bigger picture.  (Crafty little ghosties!)  Her well meaning friends provide many emotional highs and lows throughout the story.  My favorite would have to be Johnny Twofeathers and our leading lady, Ms. Elsbeth Thistle, on the human side of things, both for their general character as well as their good intentions.  On the side of familiars, Sylvanias wins paws down…gotta love that crazy cat!  I’ll let you discover more about him on your own. 

So, in conclusion…a trip to the Cape well worth the travel time with a cast of characters you’ll be glad to have met.  Though I’ve not ventured into the first two books in the series (nor the cookbook!), I never felt lost within the story…though I did certainly make two additional entries on my “to-read” list for that big someday in the future.  Recommended read for girls and boys alike from the Middle Grade set and forward.  Ebook for review courtesy of author Chris Palmer.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as the entire series, be sure to stop by the official site. 

Until next time….happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: A Sandy Grave by Donna M McDine + CONTEST!

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that’s not afraid to read (and share!) titles that provide more than just entertainment, but EDUtainment….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

That’s right.  Today, we’re playing host to a blog tour via Pump Up Your Book that’s aimed at readers just starting the Middle Grade set with a subject focused on conservation, protection, and in the end, being the voice of “right” for those that can’t be it for themselves.  Pretty heady, right?  In theory, yes….in execution, it’s just right.  Grab your eco-gear and get ready to meet today’s book of choice… 

A Sandy Grave

By

Donna M. McDine

Illustrations by

Julie Hammond

9781616334543

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc

Here we have the story of Leah, her friends and family, and one fateful day at the beach.  It begins as any other seaside excursion, smiling faces, plans of relaxation and spending time with one another, and turns into…a crime scene.  It seems there’s been a death of mammoth proportions and though it may have occurred by natural selection (BIG maybe as we don’t get quite THAT far into the “why’s”), what’s happened to the poor creature afterwards is downright thievery.

That’s right, my friends. We’re talking about poaching but in a kid friendly way so they get the idea, why it’s wrong, and how to handle things should they run across it in their lifetime.  The illustrations included throughout the work provide easy access to the story even to those too young to read the words on their own, without crossing the line to the morbid side of things, which when we consider the subject matter, could have easily happened.  I appreciated the fact that Leah and her friends wanted to do the right thing.  When they were unsure about what was really going on, they asked questions and investigated things a little further, all in an effort to avoid pointing fingers in an ill-advised direction (i.e. someone who wasn’t actually guilty, but in this case…they TOTALLY were!).  We see the inclusion of adults in their circle and their reaching out to the authorities when events called for it.  We also see the kindness their hearts exude when their ocean friend is finally laid to rest…a heartbreaking time but presented with good intentions and presented with care.

In the end, it’s short and sweet but not in the usual fashion.  It tackles one of the bigger issues that still plagues us today but with tact and tenderness...something those involved in this tasteless pursuit lack in spades.  The neat thing about reads like this, aside from the work itself, is that they can inspire young minds to learn more about the topic at hand, thereby allowing the messages gleaned to reach even further than initially imagined.  Now, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that “telephone” chain?

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About the author...

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.  

Connect with her online at her official site or stop by her blog.

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Now for the EXTRA goodness you were waiting for, it's...

 CONTEST TIME!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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PDF for review received courtesy of Cheryl at Pump Up Your Book.  (THANKS!) For more information on this tour running through April 25th, as well as those coming soon, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now in ebook and paperback via Guardian Angel Publishing, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore (or virtual) shelf near you.  Need a head start?  Check out Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour including yesterday's guest post over at The Story Behind the Book and Monday's book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books.

Until next time…happy reading!

Seed Savers: Treasure by S. Smith

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....grab a seat and prepare for a bookish flight of fancy.

Today, we’re staying in the Middle Grade arena as promised and delving into the first book of a series that we first featured yesterday on the site...you remember, the excerpt?  (*crosses fingers*)  If not, feel free to click back for a refresher.  Anywho, the cool part about it, besides the story itself, is the eco push behind the message because though it may seem fantastical to a degree, to me…it was an all too realistic future.  Ready to join the fun and READ ALL ABOUT IT?  Grab your gardening gloves and prepare to get your hands dirty, it’s time to meet today’s book of choice…

Seed Savers, Book 1:

Treasure

By

S. Smith

9780615630069

About the book…

They say you should remember the past…but sometimes you need to remember the future.

 

Clare, Dante, and Lily live in a future where growing vegetables is against the law.

Some, however, encourage the children to change the future, and instruct them in the olds ways.

Can the children learn enough before being stopped by GRIM, the government agency controlling the nation’s food?

And can children really change the future?

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Scary right?

Now I don’t mean jump-out-of-dark-places-wielding-a-machete kinda scary; I mean hits-close-to-home-because-it’s-so-real scary.  The two are very different scenarios and yet equally goose bump inducing. 

The three kiddos brought into this secret organization (the Seed Savers) of sorts are very brave and courageous…but as the story progresses they grow to be even more so.  It’s not enough to defy the powers that be, you have to affect a change.  Through their efforts, their sacrifices, their hard work and determination even at their young age, they are ushering in change.  Even though this is only book 1 and there is much more to come, the simple acts and choices made here are bringing hope to those who’ve been waiting for a turn around for a very long time. 

Can children change the future…you ask?

YOU BET.

The young, the old, the somewhere-in-between, we all have an impact on the world that surrounds us, but it’s up to us what that lasting impression is.

Whether you’re a big supporter of ecological causes or usually a passenger on the ride of life, this is a book with a message you can get behind.  Let it empower you.  Let it remind you of your own innate power.  Let it encourage you to make meal time family time with a home cooked meal utilizing all the fresh goodness available to you, when the opportunity presents itself…or better still, MAKE an opportunity; life is only so long you know, gotta make it count.  Pass your cooking know how on to the next generation and if you’re lacking in that department, learn it together.  After all, a world where the food groups are simply labeled as Sweeties, Carbos, and Vitees…  ~shudders~  They may be convenient options when needing things that will last a considerable length of time, but imagine never tasting the sweetness of a peach, the crisp tartness of a green apple, a choice cut of steak or the summertime pleasure of a juicy slice of watermelon.

The horror for our health and our hearts indeed…

So, the conclusion to my rambling train of thought, a book aimed at Middle Grade readers that’s good for one and all.  It does feature some scripture as Ana utilizes the “good book” to help train the kiddos up in the facts of life (nature’s abundance and what not) and as a diversion for any GRIM folks lurking about.  Gotta love the acronym for this agency though (and the trouble the kids give them)…definitely describes the outlook on life should this future come to pass.

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Author S. Smith

Review copy received courtesy of author S. Smith.  (THANKS!)  For more on this title as well as the series as it grows, be sure to stop by the official site.  To connect with author S. Smith, stop by her site, like her Facebook and follow along on Twitter.  Books 1, 2 AND 3 are available now, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf near you.  Oh, and don't forget about the blog tour running now through the beginning of December!  Lots of fun to be had….

Until next time…happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Seed Savers: Heirloom by S. Smith - EXCERPT!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the bookish side of you EVERY day of the week…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re jumping into the Middle Grade arena as we host a stop on author S. Smith’s blog tour celebration.  What are we celebrating exactly?  Why, the third book in her kid friendly eco series, that’s what!  Curious?  You should be.  I recently had the chance to read the first installment (check back tomorrow for the review!) and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I'm JUST as curious as all of you as to what's transpired since I last left the characters.

First....a little about this installment....

Seed Savers, Book 3:

Heirloom

by

S. Smith

In a futuristic U.S.A. where gardening is illegal, siblings Clare and Dante have escaped to Canada and are living with a host family, enjoying farm life and learning to grow their own food. Attending Garden Guardian class, they meet other refugees and unearth the  history of how they lost their choices about food.

Their friend Lily continues the quest to find her father, a former leader in the Seed Savers movement who was arrested and jailed before she was born. Along the way she meets a host of interesting characters and more surprisingly, herself.

PAPERBACK   |   KINDLE

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There now, we've been properly introduced.

Ready to sneak a peek inside the cover?

HERE.  WE.  GO!

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 EXCERPT

Seed Savers, Book 3:  Heirloom

CHAPTER 14

 When it was completely dark, I slipped like a phantom into the night. I crossed the simple
yard and made my way down the long lane surrounded by hydroponic green houses,
turning my flashlight on only when I was out of sight of the farm. It was then, walking
along the road in the black and humid night, that the stupidity of my actions caught up
with me. Tears trickled down my face. What was I thinking? I didn’t even know if I was
going in the right direction to reach town. And then what? The tears became a stream and
my chest tightened so that I could barely breathe. I might have turned around right then,
had those thoughts not been interrupted by a light from behind and the racket of a gas-
powered engine. Startled into action, I ran to the other side of the road, turned off my light,
and stayed still. From behind, I heard the vehicle approach and stop. Voices. A car door
slammed.
It couldn’t be! I recalled the truck I’d seen a few times before. Was it them? Could this
vehicle be following me? Looking for me? I began creeping away from the road, blind in
the darkness. Had GRIM tracked me all this way? Or could it just be Aaron? Did he own an
old truck? I stopped, listening. An unfamiliar voice froze my blood. It was a man’s voice,
closer now, more audible. And it wasn’t Aaron.
“Do you see her?”
“No.”
The second voice was muffled and low. I ran visionless into the night. My foot caught
on something, sending me sprawling across the ground, my chin hitting hard. It hurt. I
choked down my emotions, making small animal noises, a baby’s sob. They heard it.
“Over there!” The deep voice shouted. The sound of running footsteps echoed in the
night as the other man drew near.
I sucked in my pain and lay frozen and silent on the warm ground.
 

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 Eek!

So CURIOUS!

I did a Science Fair project once on hydroponics so there's a personal draw.  Then of course I simply MUST know who is chasing after our dear friend Lily.  Are they friend or foe?  What will happen when they catch her?  Where was she heading to or away from?

So many questions...looks like another one for the old wish list.

^_^

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Tour invite received courtesy of author S. Smith.  (THANKS!)  For more on this title as well as the series as it grows, be sure to stop by the official site.  To connect with the author, pay her a visit online, friend her on Facebook or follow along on Twitter (send a nice warm welcome, she's a newbie!  ^_^).  Book 1, 2, and 3 are available now, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf near you.  

Seeing as this IS a blog tour after all, be sure to check out the other sites hosting this great series including, yesterday's stop over at Mother Daughter Book Reviews, and tomorrow's stop at Valerie Corner.

Until next time…happy reading!