Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Taste Testing Tuesdays

COUNTING TO D by Kate Scott
Pg 11 - ARC

Now those are some true friends.
*warm fuzzy feelings all around*

What are you reading this Tuesday?
Do tell!

Monday, February 17, 2014

For the love of...YOUNG ADULT! Shadow Allegiance by Lacy Yager

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be today and every day if you’re looking for something new to add to your MUST READ list.  Don’t worry, I aim to please…and speaking of please…

Today, we are shining the spotlight on a title that may have slipped past your radar.  It’s from the Young Adult genre and features that paranormal favorite…vampires.  Now before you turn away from the screen screaming vampires….AGAIN?! …keep reading, because this is one of those stories that does justice to both their classic portrayal AND our modern day fangers…you know, minus the sparkles.  (Though I do like my sparkles… ^_^)  Guys and gals, are you ready to join me on this adventure?  Then it’s time to gear up, both in weaponry and heartache protection, because we’re in for a bumpy ride in the BEST way possible.  Today’s book of choice is…


By
9780989814720


About the book
They were her enemies.  Until she became one of them.

A Chaser is born to kill vampires, sixteen-year-old Rachel Campton has grown up in her older brother’s shadow.  Until she wakes up a vampire, her own mortal foe.  She’s stronger, faster than her human self, but haunted by the bloodlust and the loss of her beloved younger sister.  Friendless and lost in enemy territory, Rachel must rely on Alex Wellington,  a former nemesis and centuries old vampire who looks like a college football player.

As Rachel goes deep into vamp territory, she learns there is more to the vampire life than killing humans.  She also discovers another side to Alex.  He is more than a murderer, he is someone that she starts to fall for.  Rachel faces the ultimate choice:  her new life and unexpected love or the family she left behind, the family that may now want her dead.



How’s that for a dilemma, right?  I mean one day you’re side of the fight is obvious and the next…well, let’s just say fighting with the man or woman in the mirror, even figuratively since I think we’re still holding true to the “no reflection” bit, is often best left for the music scene (…and if you didn’t get that reference, A) how old are you again? … and B) go Google it, you’ll discover an awesome song from yesteryear).  However, there are times that writers both on screen and on page get this battle right, and in my humble opinion…THIS is one of them. 

As much as I read, it’s always a challenge to stay on top of my TBR Mountain.  I mean between the volume and life (aka the two-jobs-home-dogs-parents-and-general-stuff dance I do every day), it can be trying.  Why do I still do it?  Because…I LOVE READING.  I love taking yet another journey through the pages and sharing that experience with all of you.  When my shared thoughts spark others interest in the featured title or cause conversations both in comments on the post and life, I can’t think of much that tops it all.  Why am I sharing all this instead of the book?  Hang on…I’m getting to it.  The share is for this point…the more a book hooks me, the faster the read goes thus fitting even easier into my condensed schedule AND gluing me to the pages with a gleeful gleam in my eyes.  Of course, that’s a double edge sword because the faster it goes, the quicker it’s over and the sooner I have to say goodbye to another set of 2D friends (*le sigh*)…at least until next time (Hello, rereads!)…but the point is, THIS BOOK did all of that and then some.

I started this read on a weekend, and finished it about 2 days later.  Too long?  Well if I had been off, yes indeed…but seeing as I was working double shifts, I’m totally okay with the time.  Anyway…from page one, I was in.  Rachel is an awesome lead, even if she does take quite a few chances that place her in less than the ideal place at a totally inappropriate time.  She means well, has a big heart, and apparently leaves her left flank open as pointed out by Alex, who umm…has more than a fighting interest in keeping an eye on that flank.  *ahem*  (^_^) I love her determination to do the right thing, even if it does throw her under the bus so to speak.  She’s not afraid to take the hit if it means making her family and friends safe….even when they don’t know, realize or acknowledge her unasked for sacrifice.  In short, she definitely deserves a you go girl at the very least…and a whole lot more. 

The “good guys” camp has a lot going for it both friend/family wise and power wise.  Let’s see, for brains, brawn and heart we have Maggie…despite the fact that her heart is no longer actually beating.  You guessed it…VAMPIRE!  The good kind of course but not in the whole demon with a soul way, more of a lifestyle choice.  I’ll let her explain that.  Then there’s Hannah, the resident warlock of sorts who was brought in to help Rachel’s kid sister Chloe harness her powers.  Yes, it runs in the family to a degree, to be set apart from others, however….not everyone had a choice in the matter, even more so than first perceived. ( *cue dramatic revelation music* ) Then we have Lily and Caleb and…well, let’s just say though the odds are not even when considering the vampiric masses the General (a formidable figure) is gathering, they still have a fairly large team.  Now for those in the gray areas…

The biggest contender here is Alex.  Oh Alex…*sigh*.  We get your indecision and your pent up guilt.  I can totally understand why you let the vamp side of you rule the day; who wouldn’t want to be conscience free for a while, you know?  Thing is, if you ever want to obtain the goal you’ve set your eyes on, you’re gonna have to let those baby blues shine through.  There’s a song by Train that comes to mind…the lyrics are something along the lines of “…these bruises make for better conversation, loses that line that separates…we’ve all got bruises.”  Definitely fits here.  Now, don’t go thinking that he’s a big bundle of “Angel” or “Edward” (though both rick their own stories) or other emotional bloodsucker, because he is a total bada** that’s rightfully earned the title…but he does have more to him than what the vamp side imparts.  A good lesson to look beneath the surface. Anywho, the other gray area residents are connected to Alex, namely his buds both guys and gal, and a surprise addition that comes packing more from the magical side of things.  Are they good or bad?  Evil or go with the flow? The jury is out for most of the tale especially with Rachel’s experiences, you could go either way.  By book’s end, we’re on firmer ground, at least until it all comes falling down. *dun dun dunnn*

Author Lacy Yager
In the end, do I wish I had read book one first?  Yes and no.  No because I didn’t feel lost in this story despite not having been in on the first adventure, but yes seeing as how I REALLY enjoyed my time with the characters (and also want to read more about the chill inducing Cataratoares) and would have loved this to be a reunion as opposed to an introduction.  No worries.  I plan on correcting that as soon as possible.  *jots note on wish list…in RED*  Needless to say (at this point at least I hope it would be presumed), I highly recommend this read for Young Adult fans of all ages.  The content is straight run of the mill with deviations here and there to contemplate feelings, and emotional draws but definitely kept PG…maybe PG-13 with the fighting included.

Signed review copy (~squee~) received courtesy of author Lacy Yager.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the first and half editions in the series (the half is a novella), be sure to stop by her official site.  This series is available now in both print and ebook formats so be on the look out for them on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time…happy reading!




COVER REVEAL: A Soul's Kiss by Debra Chapoton

Hi there!
Welcome back to another week another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today's another two-fer day...why?  Well, because let's face it, there are frankly NOT enough days in a month to share all that we read, all that we see, all that we desire and so...doubling up it will have to be.  ^_^  Do I hear any complaints?  *listens intently*  Didn't think so.  Moving forward...

So, today's first post is another FIRST LOOK at a forthcoming title, this time via Creative Prose Publishing.  It stars the latest from author Debra Chapoton and is a part of the OFFICIAL COVER REVEAL celebration!  *woot woot*  So grab your party horns and shake some maracas, the party train is coming right at you with the festivities in 3...2...1....


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Coming March 15, 2014 from Creative Prose Publishing, the newest novel from international author Debra Chapoton:


When a tragic accident leaves Jessica comatose, her spirit  escapes her body. Navigating a supernatural realm is tough, but being half dead has its advantages.
      
Like getting into people’s thoughts.

Like taking over someone’s body.

Like experiencing romance on a whole new plane - literally.

Jessica learns an amazing truth as she struggles to return to her body before the doctors pull the plug, only she can’t do it alone. Now the only two people willing to help Jessica’s splintered soul are the two she’s hurt the most. They must find a way to guide her soul back to her body ... before it’s too late.




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Got your attention?
Good!  Mine too.

Sign up for the new release newsletter to be informed of the release of Debra's book at Creative Prose Publishing. To connect with them about this title as well as their full catalog, stop by their blog, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.




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PSST! BOOK BLOGGERS!  OVER HERE!



Interested in reviewing the book? 
Email CPP at admin@creativeprosepublishing.com with a link to your blog or site to receive a PDF for review.


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About the author...
Debra Chapoton is an internationally published author who holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English. She resides at Big Pine Lodge with her husband, Paul, where she enjoys the company of friends and family. Find Debra at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.




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Special thanks to author Debra Chapoton for the head's up on this promotion.  (THANKS!)  ...and congrats on the upcoming release!  For more information on this title and more, feel free to follow the links embedded throughout the post.

Until next time...happy reading!


Sunday, February 16, 2014

For the love of....CATS! I Could Pee on This by Francesco Marciuliano

Why hello again!
Welcome back to the site that’s taking February one love filled day at a time, only bookishly….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today’s love fest features those cute, cuddly-wuddly, masters of heights, tight spaces and landing on their feet….CATS.  That’s right.  Felines.  Kittens.  Meow masters.  Those whiskered critters that many of us call friend are loose today and wreaking havoc…while bringing a smile to faces near and far.  So get ready to be put in your place by some four legged personas that know they are the cat’s meow.  Today’s book of choice is….


…and Other Poems by Cats
By
Francesco Marciuliano
9781452110585
Chronicle Books

If I don’t already have your attention with the title, than the picture on the cover is sure to do you in.  I mean, I’m not even a cat person per se (sure they’re cute, but they are also very independent…give me a dog any day of the week that misses me even if I step out for second like it’s been a week) and from page one, I was hooked.  Don’t believe me?  Think I’m over exaggerating about the hair ball-ish wit and wisdom within, do you?  Okay then, I call your bluff and raise you a smile over a shared glass of milk (because really, what would be more appropriate to share with a cat?).  Take a look at a few of my favorite picks from this tabby filled wonder…





‘I Could Pee on This’, Pg 12 – How can you not pay a little homage to the poem that would be so enduring it stuck as the title?  Well, you couldn’t…and neither could I.  If the passage wasn’t enough to make you smile, combine it with the adorable fluffy kitty staring out from the right hand page.  Adorable…and yet, slightly vindictive.
 
‘My Life is Ruined’, Pg 35 – A special moment between cat and human…and the human has to go blabbing about it on Facebook.  Ugh!  What is the world coming to.  Did they not think how the cat would feel about that particular share?  Well, obviously not since we are reading about the cat’s displeasure in print now…

‘And Now We Know’, Pg 59 – An official toilet paper sheet counter, that’s what this cat is.  Though I can’t attest to this being a regular activity of cats personally, upon polling a few friends…I was met with maniacal laughter.  So, short of them all having lost their minds, I do believe this tail may be true….

‘Tiny Boxes’, Pg 66 – What’s cuter than a kitten in a box?  A kitten trying to get OUT of same said tiny box.  No really, with an accompanying photo.  Words cannot express the level of cuteness this provides.


So, are you convinced?  Have you seen the catnip tinged delights that await you within the pages of this little bookish wonder?  The few I’ve mentioned were my personal favorites, but there are many more to choose from, if you should feel the need to do so.  Go ahead, feel the need.  I’m not judging…in fact, I’m applauding!  It may take a lot of restraint to avoid looking at this feel good read throughout the course of your natural day, but really….who cares about all that!?!  Restraint be darned in this case and read it cover to cover or flip to a random passage when in need of a smile.  Trust me, you won’t be sorry.


Recommended for cat lovers, poetry fans and smile-seekers of various ages; younger ones will appreciate the pictures, older ones, the sentiments shared as well.  Special thanks to the fab folks at Chronicle Books for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  To read more on this fur trimmed release as well as their full catalog (including books with and without kittens), be sure to stop by their official site or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time…happy reading!





Saturday, February 15, 2014

For the love of....CAKES! Guest Post with Author Janis Thomas

Hi there!
Welcome back to the site that's there for you even after the big V Day happenings have passed because no one likes to come down off a chocolate high by themselves...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.



So, how was your Valentine's Day?
Did you have to work?
Did you get to spend it with your sweetie whomever he or she might be?
Did you get flowers, candy, dinner, etc etc?
Did you even WANT any of those things?


Hmm...
*hears crickets*
...okay, so I'm sensing some reluctance to share your happenings yesterday.  No worries!  I'll go first...


Valentine's Day for me consisted of a full day at job one, present swap with the family (including V Day cookies for the fur babies), pizza dinner, and an impromptu watching of Austenland courtesy of Redbox (which I might add was pretty good and of course we'd choose Mr. Nobley!).  Nothing crazy, a severe lack of romance, but all in all, it was filled with love so it worked out.


Now...YOUR TURN!



*allows time for commenting*
^_^



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NOW, moving on to today's post....
Today, we're catching up with author Janis Thomas courtesy of FSB Associates, whose book I am finishing as we speak (or rather as you read this post), as she shares a perfectly timed post for not only this past holiday but, well....ANY day!  ^_^  Taken ladies will get a chuckle out of it I'm sure, while us single gals will giggle ourselves silly...and perhaps agree with a hearty fist pump in some cases!  Ready to see what all the hubbub is about?  Let's...just be prepared to have a serious craving to BAKE something when you're done. Ms. Thomas...take it away!


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10 Reasons A Cake is Better Than a Man
By Janis Thomas,
Author of 
Sweet Nothings

Don't get me wrong. I love men. Especially my husband and Hugh Jackman. Despite the notion that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and aside from the cold, hard truth that I often think marriage was invented by a bunch of sadists, I cannot imagine my life without Alex in it.

I could say the same thing about cake. Not that it was invented by sadists, because that would be ridiculous. Obviously, cake was invented by a glorious angelic genius bent on spreading happiness and good cheer throughout the world. But I can't imagine living without cake, either.

The other day, a friend asked me a hypothetical question which inspired this post. It went something like this:
If you had to choose between cake and men for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

My husband was seated right beside me, so I quickly answered, "Oh, I'd pick men . . . specifically my man." And I gave his arm a little squeeze. (I think he bought it, although I can't be sure.)

But the question stayed with me, and I found myself mulling it over late into the night. I actually took out a notepad and created a pros/cons list for each, cakes on one side and men on the other. In so doing, I came to the conclusion that a cake really is better than a man, and here are the ten top reasons why:
10. Extreme heat makes cake smell good.
9. There is such a thing as a perfect cake.
8. Cakes don't watch football.
7. Certain parts of a man are more attractive than others, whereas every slice of cake looks gorgeous.
6. Even bad cake is good.
5. A cake won't complain about crumbs on the counter.
4. A great chocolate cake is better than sex.
3. If you marry a cake, your in-laws are butter and sugar.
2. Cakes don't expect you to pick up their dirty underwear.

And the number one reason why a cake is better than a man is:
1. You don't have to talk dirty to a cake to get it to rise.

I'm not saying that men don't have good qualities too. They do. Men have the capacity for compassion and understanding, whereas cakes don't have feelings. A man is more likely to discover a cure for hair loss than a cake. When you feel sad or upset, your husband will put his arms around you and comfort you, whereas a cake pretty much just sits there. And you certainly can't ask a cake to take out the garbage.

But, I have to admit, when I'm consuming a luscious red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and shaved dark chocolate curls decorating the top, the last thing on my mind is the overflowing trash bin.

© 2013 Janis Thomas, author of Sweet Nothings


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Author Bio

Janis Thomas, author of Sweet Nothings, is a native Californian, lives in Orange County with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Ruby. Janis has written more than fifty songs and (with her dad) two children's books, and is also an avid baker. She is also the author of Something New.


For more information please visit http://www.janisthomas.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter




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Special thanks to Leyane at FSB Associates for the chance to share this post with all of you!  (THANKS!)  For more information on this promotion as well as those forthcoming, be sure to check them out online.

Be sure to check back in the coming days as my review of Sweet Nothings goes LIVE!



Until next time...HAPPY BAKING...and happy reading!



Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day...with Running Press Teen!

Hi there!
Welcome back to the place that knows that the PERFECT DATE can always be found right between the pages this Valetine's Day and every day....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!



That's right!  Today is VALENTINE'S DAY!  If you're in love or involved, be sure to snag something for your significant other.  If you're single like me, celebrate it the best way you know how and to the fullest.  I plan on spending the night with a few good flicks, and some good reads.  However, if you're in the first throes of young love, experiencing the rush of feelings, thoughts, emotions, and let's face it, confusion that follows suit, there may a reading choice that stands out from the rest JUST for you.  

From the folks at Running Press Teens, might I introduce you to your not-so-blind bookish date....




Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Guys
by
Ann Shoket and the editors of Seventeen
9780762448913
Running Press Teens

...a hip magazine-style romance guide aimed at your teen readers. It’s the perfect book for the girl who is in her first relationship, the girl who is trying to impress her crush, or the girl who just likes to take quizzes with her friends.
 
Drawing from Seventeen’s popular Hot Guy Panel, the magazine’s trusted editors polled real-life guys to provide readers with insight into their thoughts on flirting, texting, and even kissing. In addition to advice on girls’ top relationship concerns, [it] also features hundreds of photos as well as quizzes that make the book a fun, interactive experience.



AMAZON   |   BAMM   |   INDIEBOUND







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Oooh, opinion time!
Thoughts?  Comments?  
Does it speak to you...or bring memories to mind?




From the sound of it, it's chock full of guidance straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.  I mean, they polled a portion of the actual teen guy population as research for the book; if they don't know their own minds, who would?  Really, there's no one out there that can say they couldn't benefit from a little help getting inside the psyche of the male species.  (At any age for that matter?  *ahem*)  But that's not all....if you noticed in the description, there are also quizzes and photos and what not to make it an even more personal experience for each reader. I know I use to sit there for hours going through my teen mags, especially the ones that were ALL QUIZES.  What?  Hey, some of them were pretty insightful so long as you answered them honestly...and you just never knew what you'd discover about yourself...and in this case, the potential guy of your daydreams.  

So, whether this book is a consideration for you personally or a teen in your life, you can guarantee fun will be had, a few lessons will be learned and another soul will be comforted that they are not in fact alone.  Now, to brighten YOUR day a bit more...how about a chance to win?





That's right!
Thanks to the generosity of the folks over at Running Press Teen, a division of Perseus Books, YOU have the chance to win ONE copy of this insightful little read.




TO ENTER:  
Share with us your secret crush or if that's too personal for you, your celebrity crush and what makes them the cats pajamas (aka AWESOME sauce) in your eyes...in the comments below!

BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO IF YOU WIN I CAN REACH YOU!





EXTRA ENTRIES:
+1 for each!  Just include your links in the comments for verification.

Follow the publisher on Facebook.
(https://www.facebook.com/RunningPressTeens)

Follow my site via GFC, BlogLovin', Google+, Twitter, Facebook, and/or Pinterest.






Open to US residents; no P.O. Boxes please.
Entries accepted today through Friday, February 21st, 2014 at midnight CST.  Winner will be drawn, contacts, and must respond back within 24-48 hours with mailing information.




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Special thanks to Valerie over at Running Press for the chance to share this promotion with all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.




Until next time...I wish you a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY....and happy reading!





Thursday, February 13, 2014

COVER REVEAL: Feral by Holly Schindler

Hi guys!
Welcome to the site that doesn't know the meaning of the word "no"...at least when it comes to books, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  So, did you miss me?  I mean come on!  This is post TWO of the day so how could you possibly have had time to?  (^_^)  But you know, if you said yes....I'm totally sending you virtual hugs right now.  Just sayin'.  Anyway, back to the reason for my second post....


...news of a fabulous COVER REVEAL reached my ears...err, eyes, here recently, thanks to the author behind the work.  Perhaps you've heard of her?  Ms. Holly Schindler?  Yep.  That's what I thought.  Well, if you've read her work previously, you'll be UBER excited to know that her THIRD YA book is scheduled for release August 26th, 2014 with HarperCollins....BUT, today I bring you tidings of great joy.  No, wait; wrong script...but the post is filled with goodness and excitement just the same.  Know why?  Because my dear friends, I got in on the ground floor of this celebration and am sharing the fabulousity with all of you.  So, get ready....get set....take a gander at this!




by
Holly Schindler

It’s too late for you. You’re dead.
Those words float through Claire Cain’s head as she lies broken and barely alive after a brutal beating. And the words continue to haunt her months later, in the relentless, terrifying nightmares that plague her sleep. So when her father is offered a teaching sabbatical in another state, Claire is hopeful that getting out of Chicago, away from the things that remind her of what she went through, will offer a way to start anew.
But when she arrives in Peculiar, Missouri, Claire quickly realizes something is wrong—the town is brimming with hidden dangers and overrun by feral cats. And her fears are confirmed when a popular high school girl, Serena Sims, is suddenly found dead in the icy woods behind the school. While everyone is quick to say Serena died in an accident, Claire knows there’s more to it—for she was the one who found Serena, battered and most certainly dead, surrounded by the town’s feral cats.
Now Claire vows to learn the truth about what happened, but the closer she gets to uncovering the mystery, the closer she also gets to discovering a frightening reality about herself and the damage she truly sustained in that Chicago alley. . . .
With an eerie setting and heart-stopping twists and turns, Holly Schindler weaves a gripping story that will make you question everything you think you know.



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Oooh....
...I don't know about you, but it's definitely got MY interest!  I like how the shadowy effect of the image leaves much to the imagination while the blurb makes you curious to read more, and read it now!  Me thinks I've found another one for my wish list.  How about you?

*jots down title*



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Author Holly Schindler


Special thanks to author Holly Schindler for the chance to participate in this reveal celebration.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her other works, be sure to check out her site, friend her on Facebook, add her to your Google+ circles, or follow along on Twitter.  To add this title to your GoodReads shelf, just click on over...or to preorder, drag your mouse right over HERE and we'll whisk you away.

Until next time....happy reading!


BLOG TOUR: OMG...Am I a Witch? by Talia Aikens-Nunez - Review + Giveaway!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the site that’s not afraid to read outside of her “age recommended” reading list because really, your imagination is only limited by, well…YOU.

Today, we are playing host to a blog tour via TLC Book Tours, starring a Middle Grade chapter book that’s chock full of adventure.  Well okay, adventure for some…possibly flea bitten ears and a lot of scratching for others.  *ahem*  Hey, it’s not without cause and well…let’s just get to the story because otherwise I’ve give away all my thoughts on it before you’ve even been properly introduced.  Get ready for a potentially magic filled ride in today’s book of choice…


By
Talia Aikens-Nunez
9780985424855
Pinwheel Books

About the book…
April Appleton is so annoyed at her older brother that she searches the Internet for a spell to turn him into a dog.  When the spell works, April realizes she has more powers than she ever dreamed of!  Now she has to figure out how to turn him back to normal before her parents find out.  She has little time, but with help from her friends Grace and Eve she finds a book of magic that will hopefully reverse the spell.  Will it work, and will April’s newfound magic save the day?


This is a story that answers the prayers of A LOT of kid sisters out there that have had just about enough teasing from their older siblings….especially kid sisters with BIG brothers. 

I’ve got to share something with you though before we continue.  When I’m reading a book, I tend to talk about whatever it is that’s happening between the pages, especially if it moves me for better or worse.  With this one, I was discussing the basic story with my coworkers.  When I got to the part about finding it hard to remember it was her OLDER brother she turns into a dog, I was met with stares of disbelief…on my own thoughts.  I said, But aren’t older brothers/sisters suppose to be the ones that STOP that kind of behavior?  Protecting the kid sibling from the ribbing, name calling, etc…?  Whew!  You wouldn’t believe how they laughed and laughed and laughed some more at that one.  Or perhaps you would…

Apparently my only child upbringing did not necessarily afford me the “proper” ideals when it comes to the older sibling relationship….meaning, where I believed they’d stick up for you and protect you from all that and what not (and in some cases however rare I’m certain I’m still right), real life dictates that reaction only when it’s someone else is doing the teasing.  They seem to have “permission” to have at you whenever and wherever they feel like it.  *raises eyebrows* Well then, though I suppose two wrongs may not make a right, I gotta give April credit…he totally deserved it!  (*high fives character*)  I mean really though, her reaction could have been FAR stronger and much more REALISTIC than Google-ing a “how to turn your brother into a dog” spell.  Who really thinks THAT’S gonna work?  Just a random search for a giggle and chuckle. Oh and I suppose her ability to instantly recall it when the timing was perfect, you’re going to blame on her as well? Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.  How was she to know not everyone using those keywords would have the same access as she?  Gheesh…  Anywho…

Magical abilities; some stories depend on them and some characters define themselves by how much or little they have.  Here, they are a complete surprise…almost to the point of being unwelcome, by the character, not by readers.  How so?  Well, April is a good kid and her conscience nags at her about all sorts of things.  Those things since the unfortunate brother-turned-dog incident, have been piling up considerably.   Poor April.  All she wants to do is make things right…but until then, it seems the lesser of two evils is making a bigger mess.  Don’t worry too much though because April not only has a plan, she’s got friends and that my dear readers is a winning combination if ever I’ve seen one.  Does she manage to turn her older brother back into his loving and caring human form?  Or at the very least, does she manage to make things go back the way they were?  Maybe…but I’m not telling.  It’s too short, sweet, and cute to spoil it for you.  After all, half the magic of a story is in the READING experience…

Author Talia Aikens-Nunez
In the end, though low in page count, this chapter book beauty is HIGH in content to love.  With characters like April and her best friends to her older brother that could stand to learn a lesson or two (though I’m not quite sure they get through his little doggy brain when all is said and done), there’s someone for everyone to relate to.  The story line could be from any non-only child’s remembrances and the sprinkling of magical happenings, as well as the way they are portrayed, just provides us with more ways for readers to be drawn in…and I do mean drawn in.  It’s not just the story itself but also the ties it creates to the history of New Orleans and all the other worldly happenings it is known for without turning up the scare factor; a great combo, if I do say so myself, that allows young readers a chance to get to know another culture on friendly terms without the heavy history intro.  Definitely curious to see if any further adventures are in store for April and her friends….

Review copy received courtesy of Trish at TLC Book Tours and Pinwheel Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to visit the publisher online.  To discover more about the mind behind the work, stop by the author's site or friend her on Facebook.  This being a blog tour and all, there are more stops to see and fun to be had so make a point of checking out the other great sites this title is being featured on this month!  You won’t be sorry...oh and another thing....

...you won't be sorry about is sticking with this post!  You know why?  Oh, come on...guess?!  I bet the answer is on the tip of your tongue.  Oooh....maybe you've got powers like April!  I mean, you were just thinking how much you wanted a copy of this book, right?  Right!  How's about we make it even sweeter?  How?  Well, that's easy....by making it a SIGNED copy up for grabs!  Go ahead...commence with the squee.  When you are finished though, just CLICK HERE and fill out the Google Form for YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!  Open for entries today through Friday, February 21st at midnight CST time.  US/Canada residents only, no P.O. Boxes please.


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


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