Wednesday, November 30, 2022

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY starring... Honeycake: A Helping Hand by Medea Kalantar


We're closing out November with a special treat!  On tour now, with The Children's Book Review, is a story that aims to not simply entertain, but enlighten, encourage, and inspire.  It's one in a growing Children's Storybook series starring a loveable little girl with a great big inclusive family daring to show us all how to be open and accepting to new people and experiences.  Ladies and gents, I give you today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...


by
Medea Kalantar
Illustrated by
 i Cenzial
9781777289768


About the book...

In the sixth installment of the delightful Honeycake book series, Nala’s uncles, Victor and George, take her to a fundraiser where she meets Alexis, a girl with an artificial arm. Through her interactions, Nala learns that you are never too young to lend “a helping hand,” that it’s okay to be different, and that being different doesn’t stop you from doing great things in life.






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Filled with bright, and colorful illustrations, Nala's story does not fail to grab your attention.  For little ones, that can certainly be a key point in securing your audience, but for the slightly older set, you have to have the words to go along with it.  By putting Nala in a situation where she was meeting new people that we perceived as different than she, it gave readers the opportunity to see her truthful reaction.  Kids will be kids, but gone are the days of simply letting everything slide.  Many parents and educators are encouraging their curiosity, while curtailing the negative impact by sharing how it feels on the other end of things.  So, while Nala asks questions of her new group of friends, they are openminded, open ended, and without malice, merely seeking knowledge to learn, grow, and adapt...much like these wonderful kids featured would have done throughout their lives.

I loved the messages it was imparting, and I really liked the inclusive nature of the story as a whole.  From her families varied heritage to there individual preferences, there seemed to be no "taboo" subject matter, simply a beautiful display of the many "colors" that make up our fascinating world.  This was my first experience with the Honeycake series, but I can certainly see families bringing these out for story time, and the discussions that could blossom from them, turning moments into memories.




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About the author...



Medea Kalantar is a Reiki master and practitioner, a Guinness World Record Holder, and a multi-award-winning, best-selling author of the Honeycake Book Series(TM). Inspired to write these books when she became a grandmother, Kalantar’s stories are based on her own family, whose members come from many ethnic backgrounds. This unique mix is a perfect recipe—just like the spices in a honey cake. That is why she calls her grandchildren her little Honeycakes.

With all the negativity in the world, Medea Kalantar’s series is a much-needed glimmer of hope and positivity. The Honeycake Book Series(TM) teaches valuable life lessons, giving children the tools to overcome obstacles in their everyday lives. The Honeycake books teach children about diversity, acceptance, kindness, mindfulness, trust, and gratitude. This series will enlighten, empower, educate, and entertain children and their families for generations to come.



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Enter for a chance to win 6-book set of the Honeycake series with bookmarks—including a copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand autographed by Madea Kalantar!


One (1) grand prize winner receives:

- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Family of Spices
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Help, I Swallowed a Butterfly
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Special Magical Powers
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Circle of Trust
- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Counting All My Blessings
- A signed hardcover of Honeycake: A Helping Hand
-Bookmarks


Four (4) winners receive:

- A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand



Five (5) winners receive:

- A signed paperback copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand






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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!


TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, November 18, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Monday, November 21, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Tuesday, November 22, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Wednesday, November 23, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Thursday, November 24, 2022
An interview with Medea Kalantar

Friday, November 25, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Monday, November 28, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Tuesday, November 29, 2022
An interview with Medea Kalantar

Wednesday, November 30, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Thursday, December 1, 2022
A book review of Honeycake: A Helping Hand

Friday, December 2, 2022
Instagram Reel of Honeycake: A Helping Hand


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


Tuesday, November 29, 2022

BOOK SPOTLIGHT featuring...The Summer Escape by Hannah Ellis


I know, I know. What in the world is a book like this doing in here at this time of year?! I get it... but then again, there are people who seek warmer surroundings when the days grow shorter, and, from the sound of things, this one will have your heart all tied up in knots until the very end. So, if you're up for a little escape, take a closer look at today's Rachel's Random Resources guest in the spotlight...



The Summer Escape
by
Hannah Ellis


About the book...
Single-mother Beth desperately needs a break.

Grieving the loss of her mother, she sets off to the Isles of Scilly with her five-year-old daughter, Ellie.

Their holiday cottage is utterly charming, but it’s meeting Trystan – the owner of the cottage – that makes Beth’s stay so perfect.

When their holiday fling starts to feel like something more, she knows she’s in trouble. Her life is in Plymouth, while he lives in London. Besides, Trystan has already admitted he’s not ready for a family.

Is he prepared to take a leap of faith for Beth and Ellie? And with the odds stacked against them, can they find a way to make their relationship last beyond the lazy days of summer?






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About the author...


 Hannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.







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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 promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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




Monday, November 28, 2022

REVIEW starring... The Gentleman of Holly Street by Lotte R. James


Tis the season for holiday reading and today's Rachel's Random Resources guest is a perfect fit.  It's a Historical Romance, so you're already checking one of my boxes, with a stunning cover (yes, I look like that emoji with the heart eyes!), and a wonderful story that will get you right in the feels.  Don't believe me?  Well then, let's take a closer look...



The Gentleman of Holly Street 
by
Lotte R. James
Harlequin Books


About the book...
Will this Christmas… 
Change their lives again? 

When self-made gentleman Freddie Walton rescued penniless Philomena Nichols at Christmas eight years ago, he never imagined that he would build his empire with her. Yet whilst they have created a life together as friends, Freddie can’t let their special connection become more than that. Not when his dangerous past continues to haunt him… But what happens when Freddie’s feelings for Philomena also refuse to stay hidden? 






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Once upon a time, someone did him a kindness...now it's his turn to return it tenfold.  The thing is, he doesn't owe it to the man that rescued him from his circumstances.  If it owes it to anyone, it would be himself...because doing so, paying it back so to speak, just speaks to the man that he is, the person he became, and the goodness in him.  That's why when a waif of a young woman was presented with his offer, she was able to accept.  That's why when a dog needed a home, he was welcomed and knew it was forever, loyalty and dedication being inbred aside.  That's why when trouble came knocking there were those that would gladly lay down their own lives to save his.  He was just that extra goodness that the world needed...even if he never believed it himself.

Getting to know Freddie was wonderful, as was the introduction to Philomena.  One could guess where things might lead, and yet they weren't intended to from the start.  No, this wasn't about convenience and what's on offer, but about safety, friendship, and trust.  It was so heartwarming to see them become what the other needed at the time, and grow together towards a future that could be whatever they wished, with whomever they wished, if only they reached for it.  Grant it, the reaching wasn't so easy, and in fact happens more by outside forces pushing in than a gradual release of the heart, but come it does and the ending beauty was something to behold.  They were each their own person, but together...it was truly something to behold.

A great read for Historical Romance fans that love a lot of heart in their reads, and a little danger...because yes, there is danger!  Oh and watch for Hawk!  He's such a good boy!




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About the author...



Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she's not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.






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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 promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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


REVIEW featuring... Let's Not Be Friends by Phoebe MacLeod



Ever have a book get you so involved in the lives of the characters that you feel like one of the gang?  I mean, when they hurt, you hurt.  When they are traumatized, you are on their behalf.  When someone does them wrong, you are equally outraged and there for the ride or die.  Yep. I though you might have, and this book is one to add to that list!  Ladies and gents, today's Rachel's Random Resources title on deck is...


Let’s Not Be Friends
by
Phoebe MacLeod
Boldwood Books


About the book... 
Perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Mhairi McFarlane and Portia MacIntosh. 

City girl Sophie has married the prince (or landed gentry - close enough), moved to his pile (which is more accurate a description than she’d anticipated) and is set to live happily ever after - until she finds the other half of her perfect life in the stables with the stable girl, and they’re definitely not grooming the horses. 

Shocked and appalled, Sophie’s no happier to learn that she’s supposed to 'just get on with it'. After all, according to her mother-in-law, she got the title . . . they even overlooked her family’s ‘new money’ status. 

What a lovely family she’s married into! But what’s a girl to do when she’s still in love? Make it work or leg it as fast as she can? Either way, the mother-in-law will not be coming to tea! 






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What readers are saying about Phoebe MacLeod: 

'A perfect love story' 

'Humorous, light and romantic!' 

'I absolutely loved it. Heart-warming, just perfect!' 

'I loved every minute reading this book, light hearted and fun, finished in a day!' 

'I smiled so much' 

'What a wonderful book' 

'Fantastic' 



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Honestly, I had a wonderful time with this one!
Things started off simple enough...a few years of dating that led up to a wedding, a big move, and all the extra things life can throw your way.  Flash forward to four years into the marriage, and when she needed the Aga fixed not only was it a no go, but she got a lot more than she bargained for when tracking down her husband.  I'll let you discover that "splendid" moment on your own.  I felt for Sophie and was outraged just as much as she....in fact, I shared Di's reactions to what happened because WHAT A PUTZ!  Sophie deserved so much better than James, but that's the benefit of hindsight; it's quite often 20/20.  Love can color the vision of anyone, but when the true colors come out, it's often less a Picasso and more a "how did I ever view this as art".  I had to respect her though...she doesn't overreact, despite what he and his mother say/do, and finds her way through things on her own.  Yes, she has a little help from friends, and family, but it's HELP UP, not a HAND OUT.  They have faith in her and her decisions, and are willing to support her whatever she chooses.  Does she choose well?  I think so...certainly a "high road" situation, and I love how she always tries to see the good in people, and the situation, but she's not a pushover.  It's a fine balancing act that many struggle with (self included)...but we can all learn a thing or two from Sophie, and hopefully we'll have many HEAs on our own terms too!

All in all, a great read to get lost between the epages of with characters you won't forget, moments you'll laugh or even shout about, and an ending that fits perfectly.



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About the author...


Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She mainly sets her books in her home county of Kent and her first new title for Boldwood will be published in November 2022. They will also be republishing her existing titles from August this year. 







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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 promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



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




Saturday, November 26, 2022

SPOTLIGHT featuring... The Word Is Love by Florence Keeling


Tis the season to be jolly... and so caught up in everything that you've time for almost nothing, am I right? This season, try to slow down a moment, and appreciate the people, the places, and the blessings around you... perhaps starting with today's little beauty. It's a title on tour with Rachel's Random Resources that promises to bring a little sunshine to your wintery days, and a little love to your pages...



The Word is Love
By
Florence Keeling 


About the book...

Lucky in life but unlucky in love, Lucy Greenfield owns a successful carriage business along with her best friend Max, and they have never been busier since their shire horses gained fame from their roles in the hit movie A Little in Love.

Too busy for romance, Lucy is surprisingly swept off her feet when Spencer arrives seeking help with his horse, and something more from Lucy. As quickly as Lucy falls, she wonders if all is not as it seems. Max can prove it, but that means he will have to express his true feelings for Lucy.

Relationships are strained as secrets unravel, and Lucy needs to solve the riddle of words to best describe how she feels… For her best friend.

Together, they must overcome what’s keeping them apart before it’s too late, if they are going to realise that the word is love.

 

AMAZON. UK. |  US




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About author Florence Keeling...

I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.

Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.

I also write for children as Lily Mae Walters.






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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 promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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










Friday, November 25, 2022

REVIEW starring... The Great Christmas Cook-Off by Helen Buckley


Happy day after Thanksgiving!  I hope you're stuffed with good food, good feelings...and ready for the sprint to the next holiday!  Honestly, it feels like that sometimes, doesn't it?  Never enough time to celebrate the one at hand before the next one is breaking down out door.  Ce la vie!  What's passed is past, and the future holds a lot more HOLIDAY READING, starting with today's Rachel's Random Resources guest in the review spotlight...


The Great Christmas Cook Off
by
Helen Buckley
Choc Lit


About the book...
It’s the festive showdown to end all festive showdowns …

“Queen of Chocolate” Beatrice Wodehouse, known for her decadent desserts, is ready to go head to head with her social media nemesis, clean lean baking machine Charlie Simmonds, in the Great Christmas Cook Off TV show.

Beatrice is fed up of Charlie’s sanctimonious attitude and is ready to show him that food is there to be enjoyed. Surely she’ll blow his keto, low sugar, low-carb mince pies out of the water with her chocolatey creations?

Except filming for the Cook Off turns out to be anything but sugar, spice and all things nice when the contestants realise there’s a festive saboteur in their midst – leading to melted ice cream, trifle mishaps and private stories leaked to the press.

As the countdown to the final commences, suspicions run high and sparks are bound to fly – and not just from the flaming Christmas puddings!

Part of the Spotlight series but it can be read as a standalone story.



AMAZON  UK  |  US



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If you have a sweet tooth, this one might do you in!
If you love Romantic Comedies, another checkmark in the plus boxes!
If you love a Contemporary Romance filled with festive cheer, friendly (mostly) competition, enemies-to-lovers trope-age, and a twisty plot you'll be hard fast to figure out before the characters do...this one is for you!

Most people will admit to some form of love for reality shows, and this one takes the cake...literally.  We've got a competition between well-known bakers, each a king or queen in their own right, taking place over the holidays with someone potentially taking the sweetness out of their efforts!  Yes, there might be a saboteur (or maybe not), and despite the best efforts of Beatrice and Charlie to despise each other fully (which, yeah, they are rather failing at!), any alliance they may have formed, any truce called in the spirit of the season, is about to be flambéed like last year's pudding.  What can you do when the evidence of what might be unfolding seems to be staring you in the face?  Or is it?  I TOLD you this plot is slippery!  Good thing the recipes made sound DELICIOUS, the tension between our leading characters to DELECTABLE, and the ending the perfect blend of SWEET and yet GOOD FOR YOU.

Don't think it can be done?  Give it a read, and tell me what YOU think!  Get your holiday reading on this "Black Friday" and snag a copy to go with those leftovers you're eyeing up!




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About author Helen Buckley...


Ever since I was little I wanted to be a writer, to turn daydreams into books. I'm fascinated by fame, in love with Happy Ever Afters, and enthralled by slow-burn romances. I squeeze in time to write around looking after my two sons. Find out more about me on my website www.buckleybooks.org






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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 promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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





Thursday, November 24, 2022

SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY starring...An Ear For Trouble by K. T. Lee


Happy Thanksgiving to my US friends, far and wide. Today's a day for thanks, for gathering, for remembering, and for eating just a little too much, but with good intentions. 😉 One thing I'm grateful for is great reading, and today's title in the spotlight on tour with Rachel's Random Resources might just be the right fit for you! So loosen your belt, get comfy, and grab your wish list as we take a closer look at today's featured title...



An Ear for Trouble
by
K.T. Lee


About the book...

Elise Butler is a wildlife biologist who enjoys her stable (if somewhat predictable) job in finance at the World Wildlife Trust. However, when the veterinarian at Riverbend Animal Conservation Center goes missing, Elise offers to help the unlucky wildlife Conservation Center get back on its feet. Not only will the job in Riverbend, Indiana let her get back to her roots of working with animals, but it’s also a short drive from her sister’s workplace at Riverbend K-9 Academy, a training center for some of the FBI’s best explosive detection dogs.

FBI Special Agent Finn Cooper and his canine partner, Sedona, are chasing a well-funded animal trafficking ring. After an injury sidelines Finn from official FBI undercover work, he goes to work at Riverbend K-9 Academy to stay busy while he recovers…and to investigate his only remaining lead in the animal trafficking case.

Just as Elise begins to settle into life in Riverbend, her sister asks her to help the K-9 Academy by fostering one of their puppies. Finn is eager to keep Elise focused on training Zeke, the enthusiastic German shepherd puppy earmarked to become Riverbend’s first wildlife detection K-9, and keep her well away from his quiet animal trafficking investigation. Zeke quickly proves himself an expert both at chewing shoes and sniffing out clouded leopards. When Zeke starts finding scents where they don’t belong, Elise and Finn begin to realize that the Conservation Center may be more criminal than unlucky. And if Elise doesn’t keep her nose out of it, she might be the next target.

An Ear for Trouble is Book 2 in the Riverbend K-9 Series. All books in the Riverbend K-9 Series may be enjoyed as standalone novels or as a series.


Amazon




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About the author...


K.T. Lee is a writer, mom, and engineer who grew up on a steady diet of books from a wide variety of genres. She’s the author of multiple books, including those in the Riverbend K-9 Series and The Calculated Series.






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~~~   GIVEAWAY  ~~~

Chance to Win (1) of 10 e-copies of An Ear For Trouble!
 (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.




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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 promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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


Wednesday, November 23, 2022

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY starring... Tell the Truth, Dragon! by Bianca Schulze



Thanksgiving is almost here, and to get you in the mood for all that food, and the togetherness, patience, and understanding that goes along with it (don't shake your head no, you know I'm right), I've got a special Awareness Tour for you!  It's the latest from author Bianca Schulze, the mind behind The Children's Book Review site and tours, as well as an accomplished writer!  Today's celebration is all about the latest Dragon release and let me tell you, it's TASTY, it's TEMPTING, and it's got morals to spare whilst entertaining you toot suite!  So gather round, and let's share in a tale that will have your taste buds watering, and your fingers uncrossing themselves from behind your back...


by
Bianca Schulze
Illustrated by
Samara Hardy
9781954738034
Clever Publishing



Make room on your shelves because the Dragon is BACK!
When last we left our friend, Dragon, we were learning a valuable lesson about being ourselves.  This time around, it all hovers around the age old advice of "honesty is the best policy"...in other words, tell the truth.  It's not an easy thing sometimes, especially if we've done something a wee tad dishonest, like say, oh, I don't know, blame the cat for something we did (*looks pointedly at Dragon*), but by book's end, we, and Dragon, learn our valuable lesson, feelings are no longer hurt, forgiveness is given, and we all get to eat cake!  (You'll see...)

With charming illustrations to once again drive home the valuable pearls of wisdom imparted whilst still having an outrageous amount of interactive fun, the latest addition to the Dragon series is sure to be a fast favorite among the kiddos as well as those a bit older that might be helping with the story time read.  The pages are colorful and eye catching, the text fun, witty, and begging to be acted out, or responded to.  Readers will laugh and whirl with the best of them as the confectionary masterpieces are made, hidden (not so well), bitten (just a wee bit off the top), rescued, and served.  Just who gets the first slice?  Who indeed!  It' a very special someone, and I think you'll ADORE the surprise of it all.




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About the author...


Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Books Review – a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. Bianca is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, an Amazon “Book of the Month” in 2016. She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children’s book lover. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.





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About the illustrator...
Samara Hardy is an illustrator and designer who has created artwork for clients across the globe for greetings cards, stationery, homewares, children's books, and much more.



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Enter for a chance to win a 4-book set of the Dragon series—including a copy of Tell the Truth, Dragon! autographed by Bianca Schulze—a framed 'Growing Readers' print illustrated by Samara Hardy, and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!


One (1) grand prize winner receives:

- An autographed 4-Book Set of the Dragon series, including:
Don't Wake the Dragon, signed by Bianca Schulze
Just Be Yourself, Dragon, signed by Bianca Schulze
Who Loves the Dragon?, signed by Bianca Schulze
Tell the Truth, Dragon, signed by Bianca Schulze
- A framed 'Growing Readers' illustration by Samara Hardy (Art Size: 7" x 7", Final Frame Size: 12.88" × 12.88")
- A $50 Bookshop.org gift card


Two (2) winners receive:

- A copy of Tell the Truth, Dragon, signed by Bianca Schulze



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Special thanks to author Bianca Schulze for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the previous releases in the series, as well as the rest of the sites participating in this tour for more DRAGON SIZED bookish fun!


Thursday, November 3, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Friday, November 4, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Monday, November 7, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Tuesday, November 8, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Thursday, November 10, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Friday, November 11, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Monday, November 14, 2022
An interview with Bianca Schulze

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Wednesday, November 16, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Thursday, November 17, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Friday, November 18, 2022
A Tell the Truth, Dragon! book activity

Monday, November 21, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Tuesday, November 22, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Wednesday, November 23, 2022
A book review of Tell the Truth, Dragon!

Monday, November 27, 2022
An interview with Bianca Schulze



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


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY featuring... Chupacarter by George Lopez

Today's second tour of choice, has us shining the book review spotlight on a new Children's Fiction title by George Lopez.  Yes, that George Lopez, and let me tell you, this book was REALLY GOOD!  Hosted by Rockstar Book Tours, make room on your TBR for a hairy tale of friendship you just don't see every day. 


Title: CHUPACARTER

Author: George Lopez, Ryan Calejo, & Santy Gutiérrez (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: August 30, 2022

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindle, Audible, B&NiBooksKoboTBD, Bookshop.org


About the book...

With his signature laugh-out-loud humor, world-famous comedian George Lopez launches a fantastical middle grade series inspired by his own colorful childhood and Latinx folklore.

In this illustrated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Jorge is lonely and resentful after being sent to live with his grandparents. His first day at his new school doesn’t go well after catching the attention of his belligerent principal and the school bullies, so Jorge might be a little desperate for a friend.
 
But the only kid who shares his interest in junk food and games turns out to be a young chupacabra—a legendary monster whose kind is known for being bloodthirsty livestock killers. The truth is, Carter is anything but savage—he's kind, a good listener, and has great taste in sneakers. Being friends with a mythical creature should be amazing, but when local cattle turn up dead and his principal suspects the truth, Jorge is torn. Should he trust that his friend is innocent and protect him from exposure, or reveal his dangerous existence and change the world forever?


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Reviews:

“ChupaCarter is an uproariously good time, full of humor, heart, and unexpected friendships.” 
—Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter

"A narrative punctuated with wisecracks and flavored with Spanish phrases and slang...Frights and fun in equal measure."—Kirkus Reviews

"Gutierrez’s lively b&w illustrations expertly render Jorge and Carter’s occasionally over-the-top, adrenaline-filled adventures. Actor/comedian Lopez and Calejo offer a rollicking tale brimming with Latinx folklore and culture about finding one’s home in the unlikeliest of places that never takes itself too seriously."—Publishers Weekly

"Some good and gross humor...in this fantasy-infused tale."—School Library Journal

 






This was an unexpected delight!
I mean, you never go into a  book with lowered expectations, mind you, but I didn't expect it to be this funny, this interesting, this educational, and this full of feelings as the story I experienced between the pages.  Or leading lad was just a boy feeling left out and left behind.  His mother meant well, but instead of feeling taken care of, he felt let go...and his actions thereafter spoke volumes.  He's not a bad kid, and he has very good intentions, but he often goes about it in the wrong way.  Like when he tries to help the kid being bullied...verbally mouthing off, probably not your best line of defense; getting a teacher or other staff member so it's not your word against theirs, probably a little better.  See?  He meant well, but being the new kid, and having the principal he had, he had a better chance of dodging his grandmothers shoe the next time she was doling out corrections, than coming out on top of this situation.  But that's only the beginning...

He makes a few new friends, two of which are very human, while another is decidedly less.  I love how Carter was shown as more than a monstruso.  We got to see the very "human" side of him and discover that sometimes the monster isn't the one who looks like one, but the one that ACTS like one.  Through all their ups and downs, revelations and running away tactics, we're reminded in a BIG way that friendship doesn't come in one shape, size, or color...it's for one and all.  The only limits on it are the ones we put on it.  Be strong, be yourself, and stand up for what you believe in...whether that be humane treatment of animals, the legitimacy of the Star Trek convention, or the new best friend you made that just so happens to have an interesting dietary restriction. 

A grand adventure filled with culture, and color, that will appeal to the middle grade set and behind!  The story is great, but the included graphics really bring the moments to life.  Through those images, you get a folly rounded picture of everyone involved, and the amount of heart between the pages.

 


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About the authors...

George Lopez is a New York Times bestselling author, stand-up comedian, actor, and talk show host. He made waves as the star of the most successful English-language prime-time television series about Latin Americans in recent history. His successful stand-up comedy showcases his idiosyncratic point of view and impeccable comedic timing. He lives in Los Angeles.


Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

 





Ryan Calejo is an award-winning author born and raised in south Florida. His critically acclaimed Charlie Hernández series has been featured on half a dozen state reading lists and is a two-time gold medal winner of the Florida Book Awards.

Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @RyanCalejo.


Simon & Schuster Webpage | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

 



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~~~~   GIVEAWAY   ~~~~

2 winners will win a finished copy of CHUPACARTER, US ONLY.

Ends December 6th, midnight EST.



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Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or visit your local brick and mortar to grab your copy today! Catch the rest of the tour for more!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/1/2022

Mythical Books

Excerpt/IG Post

11/2/2022

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt/IG Post

11/3/2022

Author Z. Knight

Excerpt/IG Post

11/4/2022

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt/IG Post

11/5/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

11/6/2022

Jazzy Book Reviews

Excerpt/IG Post

11/7/2022

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

11/8/2022

@allyluvsbooksalatte

IG Review/TikTok Post

11/9/2022

YA Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

11/10/2022

onemused

IG Post

11/11/2022

Lifestyle of Me

Review

11/12/2022

Log Cabin Library

Review

Week Three:

11/13/2022

Jeff_of_allmedia

IG Review

11/14/2022

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

11/15/2022

@just_another_mother_with_books

IG Review

11/16/2022

The Page Ladies @jacleomik33

IG Review

11/17/2022

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review

11/18/2022

Nerdophiles

Review

11/19/2022

Brandi Danielle Davis

IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Four:

11/20/2022

Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog

Review/IG Post

11/21/2022

Books With A Chance of Traveling

Review/IG Post

11/22/2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

11/23/2022

@froggyreadteach

IG Review/Read Aloud

11/24/2022

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

11/25/2022

@ReadsReaders

YouTube Review/IG Post

11/26/2022

Emily Ashlyn

Review/IG Post

Week Five:

11/27/2022

@thebookishfoxwitch

IG Review

11/28/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

11/29/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review

11/30/2022

The Real World According To Sam

Review/IG Post




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