Thursday, November 30, 2017

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: The Splendid Baron Submarine by Eric Bower - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for a BLOG TOUR already in progress.  It stars the second installment of a peculiar little series that promises nothing but delivers everything...and that's just for starters!  If you're ready for some zany, clever, slightly sinister, and dangerous fun, full speed ahead for today's book of choice is on deck!



The Bizarre Baron Invention series, Book 2
by
Illustrated by
9781944995256

About the book...
Waldo “W.B.” Baron is back with another amazing adventure in another incredible invention! Pirate treasure? A clandestine meeting? A terribly rude monkey with personal boundary and hygiene issues? Two of those things sound like a dream come true to W.B, whose clever inventor parents are hired―by the Vice President!―to go on a super secret and intensely important treasure hunt to repay a national debt. If only it weren’t for that lousy, rude monkey, it would be the beginning of a perfect adventure. But at least it isn’t squirrels…

The treasure hunt gives the Baron family the opportunity to use their exceptional steam-powered submarine, freshly biggened and ready for adventure! But things are seldom straightforward for the eccentric Baron family, and this treasure hunt is no exception. W.B.’s trademark bad luck has him suffering monstrous marine misfortune and marauding monkey misery.

Can the Baron family embark on their newest adventure without the eggy and depressing Aunt Dorcas? Will the Barons find the treasure they seek? Will they save the country from financial ruin? Where does the monkey fit in, anyway? Do we like asking questions? Not really, but inside you’ll meet someone who likes asking questions and then answering them (despite his claims to the contrary, he really does like it).

Oh, did we mention the pirate’s curse?



AMAZON  |  B&N  |  INDIEBOUND




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My initial reactions...
That was ridiculous! That was absurd! That was mostly unlike anything I've ever read! I loved it! Seriously, good times to be had between these pages and a crazy amount of unbelievable yet incredibly true adventures to embark upon!
...and I stand by that!

Right from the start, I was taken in by the quirky and fun conversational styling the author uses to share the Baron's story. With wordy wit and snarky snark, there's just no way you can deny it; this book was made to be a lot of fun!  The story itself starts off with a bang.  After all, where else have you encountered chapters titled things such as "Very Peculiar Underwear, Stephen", and "Double Dorcased", or an opening passage containing...

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"And that's when the killer monkeys showed up.  They all started to attack me, slapping me senseless with their big monkey paws, when suddenly -"

...I mean, come on!  If that doesn't grab your attention, I'm not certain what will...but I will endeavor to do so further because the story outside of its wit and wonderment is just as entrancing!  We start with Mongo and Knuckles, two goons on a mission that they can't quite keep between them (the definition of secret escapes them entirely), continue with the "very peculiar underwear, Stephen" person (no comment), head out with the Barons on a secret-type mission of their own where we encounter any number of dangers and problems that need more than simple luck to be solved (not the least of which include a monkey, a shark, and an eel), and wind up dangling between the jaws of oblivion (dun dun dunnn!) just when all seemed said and done.  It's as much a story of curiosity, invention, and imagination, as it is of self-worth, family standings, and never-saying-die.  I think of it as The Goonies meets A Series of Unfortunate Events...and I know I'll be seeking out the first book as well as the forthcoming third in this utterly ridiculous but OH-SO-FUN series!

Recommended for Children's Fiction fans of the target age group and beyond!



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About the author...


Eric Bower is the author of The Bizarre Baron Inventions series. He was born in Denville, New Jersey, an event of which he has little recollection, yet the people who were there have repeatedly assured him that it happened. He currently lives in Pasadena, California. His favorite type of pasta is cavatappi, his favorite movie is The Palm Beach Story, and he is the proud recipient of a “Beanology Degree” from Jelly Belly University in Fairfield, California. His wife and family have told him that the degree is nothing to be proud of, since “It’s not a real degree. You know that . . . Right?” and “Eric, they literally give them to everyone who visits the Jelly Belly factory,” but he knows that they’re all just jealous.



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Enter to win a The Splendid Baron Submarine themed prize pack! 

One (1) winner receives:
A copy of The Splendid Baron Submarine, by Eric Bower
A The Splendid Baron Submarine themed gift pack. Includes some pirate-themed goodies, Go Fish, and ghostly treats as well.


Giveaway begins November 15, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends December 15, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. MT.  Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Prizes provided by Amberjack Publishing.


JUST CLICK HERE TO ENTER!



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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Speaking of this tour, be sure to stop by the other sites participating in this online party for more bookish fun!

Word Spelunking
11/16
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom
11/17
Mommy Ramblings
11/20
LitPick Student Book Reviews
11/22
The Fairview Review
11/24
Nonperfect Parenting
11/27
icefairy's Treasure Chest
11/28
Teacher Dance
11/29
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
11/30
ShootingStarsMag
12/4
The Lovely Books
12/5


Until next time, remember....if it looks good, READ IT!


RRR BOOK BIRTHDAY SPOTLIGHT ON... The Big Event by Anne John-Ligali - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

HI there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a BOOK BIRTHDAY promotion starring the first chapter of a unique short story series that promises more to come.  With a flashy cover and a premise that will speak to many in our fast-paced, social media driven, modern world, there's much to love, loathe, and reflect on in short span of pages.  But I digress, let's get to the proper intro first, shall we?  Ready, set, here we go!  Today's ebook of choice is...


by
Anne John-Ligali

About the book...
You are cordially invited to the party of the season where you'll meet Constance and friends in action. 

Constance Jeffries is excited when she gets the chance to meet up with virtual friends at a get-together in a London hotel. She’s been tweeting and messaging her lovely friends for years and feels they must be just as excited to finally meet her in person too. Or so she hopes. 

The Big Event is first part in a short story series about the importance of ‘real’ friendships and how it’s the little things that matter the most.

A Gorgeous Venue, A Room Full of Friends, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?



AMAZON  US  |  UK



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Though not a fan of short stories, and to tell the truth this one is VERY short, I was rather surprised by my fond feelings for this one in the end.  Perhaps it was the way the author portrayed the veritable spectrum of "characters" one meets when involved with the virtual world...their social media selves versus their real life personas.  I mean really, one can be, say, or do practically anything online, but in person, it's a different story.  I loved how Constance seemed true to herself whether on or off line, and how she sought to deepen those tentative connections made virtually with in person, concrete, one on one time.  Was her innocence shattered?  To some degree, but not entirely...and it's that one person that you mean the world to so unknowingly that makes it all worth wild.

A great pick for a quickie read this holiday season and a great reminder to be your true self no matter where you spend most of your time.  Online or off, you're still you...and that's special enough all on its own.




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About the author...


Anne John-Ligali is a writer and the founder of Books and Authors UK, a popular website featuring author interviews and book reviews. She loves all things books: reading, writing, going to book events, and meeting other book lovers. She has written a series of short stories and is currently writing her first novel.

When Anne is not writing, she is likely to be at soft play with her kids, taking long evening walks in Hyde Park, making green smoothies, window shopping, or having a pampering session at her local beauty salon (whenever she gets the chance). She can also be found watching box sets (albeit with a bit of shame at still having to catch up on Scandal, Grey’s, and Downton).

Originally from Peterborough, Anne now lives in London. After moving to London, she studied graphic design at the University of Arts and has held a number IT administration jobs in the city. Anne continues writing and aspires to write more women’s fiction books, a non-fiction book and several children’s books.


BLOG  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK
SITE    |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available today, so click on over to Amazon to snag your copy now!

BEFORE YOU GO...
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN AMAZING PRIZE FROM THE AUTHOR HERSELF!


Up for grabs...
...a Sparkly Afternoon Tea for Two at Vertigo 42 in central London and one e-copy of The Big Event.
To enter and for full terms and conditions,

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

RRR SPOTLIGHT ON... A Little Christmas Faith by Kathyrn Freeman + SPECIAL GUEST POST!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a blog tour extravaganza featuring a holiday tinged title that is sure to get you in the spirit of the season...because really, don't we all just need a little Christmas, right now?  ^-^  So, break out the jingle bells, put on your favorite "ugly" Christmas sweater (although in all honesty, I think they're pretty cute...most of them anyway!), and prepare to add another title to your must read list this holiday season.  Today's spotlight falls on...


A Little Christmas Faith
by
Kathryn Freeman

About the book...
Is it time to love Christmas again?

Faith Watkins loves Christmas, which is why she’s thrilled that her new hotel in the Lake District will be open in time for the festive season. And Faith has gone all out; huge Christmas tree, fairy lights, an entire family of decorative reindeer. Now all she needs are the guests …

But what she didn’t bank on was her first paying customer being someone like Adam Hunter. Rugged, powerfully built and with a deep sadness in his eyes, Adam is a man that Faith is immediately drawn to – but unfortunately he also has an intense hatred of all things Christmassy.
As the countdown to the big day begins, Faith can’t seem to keep away from her mysterious guest, but still finds herself with more questions than answers: just what happened to Adam Hunter? And why does he hate Christmas?

AMAZON  UK  |  US



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So, whatcha think?
Sounds good, right?
I mean, it's all Mr. Grinchy man with the too small heart for all things holiday related and Yuletide lady with holiday spirit to spare, coming together to...well, potentially have their own little Christmas miracle of the heart, and maybe a moment under the mistletoe.  Well, if you think THAT was good, here comes the piece de resistance....a special CHARACTER INTERVIEW with our leading lady herself, conducted by...the author.

You're welcome.
^_^



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Interview with Faith Watkins by Kathryn Freeman

Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. To celebrate the publication of my latest book, A Little Christmas Faith, I’d like to share with you an interview with one of the main characters, Faith Watkins. She’s just opened a new hotel in the Lake District and is being asked about it on local radio.
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Would you mind telling us a little about your new hotel?

Faith: Would I mind? Try and stop me talking about it. The Old Mill Hotel is what I like to call a boutique hotel. It’s small but perfectly formed. It has fourteen bedrooms, a function room, a gym and a restaurant run by two amazing Italian brothers who make the most delicious pasta, which isn’t helping my waistline.

I understand the official opening is today. When do your first guests arrive?

Faith: I have my parents staying tonight – my guinea pigs, but don’t tell them that. We’re looking forward to welcoming our first guest tomorrow. He’ll be staying in one of our suites. I hope he likes it, because he’s booked in for two weeks. What am I saying, of course he’ll like it.

You’re opening just in time for Christmas. Was that deliberate?

Faith: We’d planned to open a few months ago, but then we had building delays. Still, nobody could be more excited than me that The Old Mill Hotel is opening at my favourite time of year. It’s meant I’ve been able to go crazy on the Christmas decorations. You should see the size of the tree in the hall. Oh and I found this gorgeous reindeer family in the sales last year. I couldn’t resist. I’m a bit of a sucker for bargain, especially if it’s to do with Christmas.

It sounds like the ideal place to stay for those who love Christmas.

Faith: Thank you, I like to think so. We can offer guests a roaring open fire, the scent of fresh pine from the tree, an abundance of decorations and delicious festive food. All against the beautiful backdrop of the Lake district. Of course I’m ridiculously biased, but I think it’s the perfect place for Christmas lovers to come and enjoy Christmas.





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About the author...




I was born in Wallingford but have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero…

I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |   TWITTER








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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as to author Kathryn Freeman for the awesome Character Interview.  (THANKS!)   For more information on this title, the author, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Be sure to check out the other amazing stops on the tour for more bookish fun...

https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/a-little-christmas-faith


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!