Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY wishes to... FINALLY SEEN by Kelly Yang - REVIEW!


A GINORMOUS HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to this WONDERFUL Middle Grade book release, hitting shelves today via Simon & SchusterChildren'sPublishing!



From the mind, heart, and pen of author Kelly Yang ... FINALLY SEEN ...is a heartfelt story that will speak to SO MANY, allow readers to both see themselves, and through the eyes of another, with a gentle touch, but with the crystal clear force of reality.


Prejudice is a thing. Racism is a thing. Small minded people is a thing. There are so many THINGS that we're fighting against, sometimes those caught in the crossfire are forgotten about... even when it's a little girl, coming to a new country to play catch up with the family that left her behind for all the reasons she doesn't know yet, in order to reach for a brighter future for them all. Even when it's words written on a space so small, but felt so largely. Even when it's not giving others the time and space to be themselves, and not expecting them to confirm to our way of thinking, acting, or living. Freedom (and fREADom!) is a beautiful thing, but only if it's used for all.




So go ahead. Grab your copy of this wonderful story, and just try to tell me you aren't moved by it. Whether it's Lina's courage, Lao Lao's shock at a boy being a friend, Millie's contagious energy, or the amazing teachers that share their strength and knowledge... you can't walk away from this one without feeling...FINALLY SEEN. ❤



Many thanks to the Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing team for the ARC for review. This title is available now, wherever books are sold. 


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


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RRR presents... This Child of Mine by Emma-Claire Wilson - COVER REVEAL!



Hello, hello!

It's time for another post, and this time around, we've got Rachel's Random Resources back again with a special COVER REVEAL!  That's right.  Don't even pretend that you don't notice covers because honestly, if you don't know the work, or the author that penned it, the title, and cover art are the next things that draw your attention.  So, let's see if your attention is drawn by today's title in the spotlight...











This Child of Mine
by
Emma-Claire Wilson
Publication Date: August 3rd, 2023


About the book...
When Stephanie is told she’s pregnant and that she is sick on the same day, she faces an impossible choice…

After trying for a baby for so long, finding out I was pregnant was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. But in the same breath as the news I had been waiting years to hear, the doctor told me I was seriously ill.

If I carry my baby to term, I will almost certainly die.

If I proceed with treatment, my baby will not live.

My husband – the father of this child – is telling me to save myself. But with all the secrets I know he is keeping from me, I can’t trust him anymore.

What would you do?


An emotional yet uplifting tear-jerker that will have you reaching for the tissues – perfect for fans of EMMA ROBINSON and JODI PICOULT



...  PREORDER NOW ...
AMAZON  UK  |  US


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About the author...


Born in Scotland, Emma-Claire travelled the world as the child of military parents. After almost 20 years in Spain, she returned to the UK with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog, Pip. Emma-Claire worked as a journalist for English language magazines and newspapers in Spain and in 2015 launched The Glass House Online Magazine. When not writing emotional fiction, you can find her dreaming up new book ideas or wrapped in a blanket with a book in her hand.




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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.

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


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RRR presents... The Lady of the Loch by Elena Collins - REVIEW!



Hello again!
We're back with our second post of the day, and this time, we're breaking bread with Rachel's Random Resources as we take a spin through time gone by to solve a mystery unfolding in the present day.  Have I caught your attention?  Fabulous!  Then let's take a closer look at today's title in the spotlight...



The Lady of the Loch
by
Elena Collins

About the book...

‘Although I believe I will die here in this castle, my spirit will never be silent.’

Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland. 1307

When the castle she works in is sacked by the army of Prince Edward of England, kitchen maid Agnes Fitzgerald manages to escape north of Inverness to throw herself at the mercy of the Lord and Lady at Ravenscraig Castle. Although safe for now, the people of Scotland are fighting hard for their independence, and the threat of the English hangs heavy over the land. But when Agnes spies Cam Buchanan swimming in the loch, her mind turns away from war and towards love. Agnes even dares to dream of a happy future, until she learns that Cam must go and fight alongside Robert de Brus.

Present day

Twins Leah and Zoe need a change, so caretaking at Ravenscraig Castle is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all. Surrounded by rugged Highland countryside, and bordered by a loch, the picturesque setting is everything they dreamed of. But the locals are reluctant to visit Ravenscraig, and there are whispers of ghosts and lost souls. The sisters quickly dismiss such superstition, but soon the overwhelming sadness they feel coming from the tower grows too hard to ignore.

Can the sisters finally right the wrongs of seven hundred years of heartbreak, seven hundred years of betrayal…

USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this heart-breaking and unforgettable timeslip novel, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.






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We've a got a dual timeline story featuring sisters, by blood or by choice, thrown into a world of tumult filled with danger, adventure, new beginnings, and unfinished business.   The author weaves an atmospheric tale that really draws you in.  Whether you're back in the 1300's fleeing for your life to a place you only heard mention of, to people you don't know the merit of, with nothing but your word, a stolen horse, clothes that are not your own, and your quick wit...or back in the present looking for direction, acceptance, and a chance not only to find yourself, but perhaps a little love along the way, you know where you are, when you are, and decidedly who you are, even when borrowing the name of another.  

Though I'm a huge fan of both Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, and I was certainly delighting in the story from the past that has its ties to the present, I think I actually felt closer to the sisters in the here and now.  Something about their bond and how it resonated so closely to that of those that came before, despite being biological in this case.  Something about how they approached everything being thrown at them, from the chance of a lifetime to the lifetimes that still echo through the halls of the castle they are currently calling home.  You get a real sense of their closeness and the fact that they would do practically anything for the other if it was within their power.  Yes, they were sisters, but even without that piece, the love they shared was remarkable, stood the test of time in one fashion or another, and made them endearing.  Stories like this remind us that while centuries may separate the events unfolding, and modernization may have changed the landscape which we work within, the basic fundamentals, the bottom line human needs and concerns, are what connect us through the good times, and the bad.

All in all, an enchanting tale that will leave you breathless from its beauty, heartache, and, ultimately, its message that while time may pass, some bonds last forever, and nothing is stronger than love, in all its forms.



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About the author...


Elena Collins is the pen name of Judy Leigh. Judy Leigh is the bestselling author of Five French Hens, A Grand Old Time and The Age of Misadventure and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.





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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to Boldwood Books for the copy for review. (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 tour for more bookish fun!


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


at 1 comment:

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: The Museum of Lost Teeth by Elyssa Friedland - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!



Today's the day for the bookish amongst you because we've got a plethora, a cornucopia, a MASSIVE AMOUNT OF BOOKISH DELIGHTS happening throughout the day, and you're getting in on the ground floor! Excited? Well, I don't blame you! There's a little something for everyone, so, if this feels like your favorite post, keep coming back because there's more where that came from! Anywho...

Let's get this party started with the fabulosity that is The Children's Book Review as we set our sights on a Picture Book title that recently hit bookstore shelves via Abrams Books for Young Readers.  It's filled with information, inFUNmation, puns, smiles, and gorgeous illustrations, it's hard to say whether kiddos or adults will have more fun between the pages!  Care to meet today's blog tour guest?  Here we go....


by
Elyssa Friedland
Illustrated by
Gladys Jose
9781419757051
Abrams Books for Young Readers


About the book...
Find out where the tooth fairy takes all those lost teeth in this laugh-out-loud new picture book, perfect for fans of School’s First Day of School.

Toothy lives in Liam’s mouth next to his best friend Fang. He’s a good tooth—sparkly and strong, and he loves doing the floss.

One day, Toothy notices that he is loose and panics! Where will he go after he leaves his comfy spot next to Fang? After a crunchy apple seals the deal, Toothy is tucked under Liam’s pillow. When the Tooth Fairy appears, she takes Toothy to the Museum of Lost Teeth. It’s a more incredible place than Toothy could have ever imagined. It’s filled with new friends and fun activities like Tooth or Dare! Toothy finds a new home on the Firsts Floor, where first baby teeth are proudly displayed.


In the tradition of School’s First Day of School, The Museum of Lost Teeth answers the question “Where do all the lost teeth go?” in this unexpected and hilarious picture book.








🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷



From cover to unde-cover, inside the cover pages to the back side cover pages, and EVERYTHING in between, this is one story that gets stuck in your teeth in the BEST way possible.  It's charming, it's witty.  It's filled with adventure for Toothy, as well as a new world of dental care for Liam.  It's educational while still being whimsical, and allowing kids to simply be kids for a while longer.  If you've ever had a question about the Tooth Fairy, all the how, why, where, and when types, this book overs in its own unique way an explanation as to their ability to get to so many teeth losers each night, what happens to the teeth left behind, and the simple fact that no tooth gets left behind!  A new adventure awaits both the tooth that has lost its owner, as well as for the owner that lost their tooth.

I love how the author approaches the topic because some wee ones can get very upset about losing a tooth.  It's not just about the payment for the lost item, but the fact that it's a slightly scary and new situation that they are trying to wrap their minds around while seemingly saying goodbye to their younger days.  With style and finesse, the author and illustrator team up to deliver a plausible after for the tooth and its buddy's, while making it clear that Liam will never forget them, but in a positive way.  The puns throughout are hilarious, adding just the right amount of humor to an already whimsical story that will cause giggles in all ages.  Special note, I mentioned the interior of the cover and back pages.  Make sure you read the letters shared by the tooth fairies!  You'll get a kick out of them.

All in all, a new way to approach the legend, and the myth, without punching holes in the glass ceiling of childhood belief.  We all know those clear walls of fascination come down at some point, but the longer they last, the more imagination can grow, and there's nothing like a bit of wishes and dreams to spice up an average day!



🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷




About the author...


Elyssa Friedland is the bestselling author of four adult novels published by William Morrow and Berkley. She has written for the Washington Post, McSweeney’s, POPSUGAR, RealSimple.com, and Bustle, among others. She lives in New York City with her husband and three young children. The Museum of Lost Teeth is her first picture book.



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About the illustrator...


Gladys Jose is an illustrator and storyteller. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2012, where she earned a BFA specializing in graphic design. Jose is the illustrator of a number of books for young readers, including Fresh Princess and Clayton Parker Really Really REALLY Has to Pee. She lives in the sunny state of Florida.





🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷




Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Museum of Lost Teeth with a $25 Bookshop.org gift card.


One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A copy of The Museum of Lost Teeth
A $25 Bookshop.org Gift Card


Two (2) winners receive:
A signed copy of The Museum of Lost Teeth






🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷   🦷





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


🦷  TOUR SCHEDULE  🦷

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Thursday, February 9, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Friday, February 10, 2023
A book review of Space Baby

Monday, February 13, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Thursday, February 16, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Friday, February 17, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Monday, February 20, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Tuesday, February 21, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Thursday, February 23, 2023
A book activity to pair with The Museum of Lost Teeth

Friday, February 24, 2023
A book giveaway of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Monday, February 27, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Tuesday, February 28, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth

Wednesday, March 1, 2023
A book review of The Museum of Lost Teeth



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


at No comments:

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

February fun with Entangled Publishing...and a DOUBLE book birthday celebration!

via GIPHY


𝅘𝅥𝅯𝇧     Your BOOKS got me lookin' so crazy right now...       𝆕𝅘𝅥𝅲
Your BOOKS got me flipping through pages right now...
Lookin' so crazy, your BOOKS got me lookin'...
Lookin' at a DOUBLE BOOK BIRTHDAY!


Okay, so my lyric writing isn't awards worthy, but you catch my drift, right?
We've got a DOUBLE BOOK BIRTHDAY today via Entangled Amara, and I can't wait to share BOTH titles with you!  So, let's not wait any longer, let's get this party crunk...I mean, started 🤣...
First up, a Contemporary Romance with a MAGICAL twist that'll have you rethinking your priorities, and just maybe packing your bags for the sunny shores of Crescent Island...



by
Lacey Baker
9781649373519
Entangled Amara


About the book...
Travel writer Allie Sparks has one goal: to find the story that will save her career. So here she is, visiting her bestie on picturesque Crescent Island—with sun-warmed beaches, the briny smell of the ocean, and rumors of a secret astrologer-matchmaker who guarantees love. Of course, Allie doesn't believe in any of that stuff. If anything, she'll prove it's a total scam.

Ryan Parker believes in love—just not right now. He's focused on expanding his family's barbeque business, finding investors, and keeping his too-big Great Dane puppy from jumping on everyone, including his sister's pretty, whiskey-eyed best friend. Besides, falling for a tourist is definitely not in his astrological forecast.

Allie is doing everything she can to resist the charm of the town and its beauty, not to mention her attraction to Ryan. But there's a lot more happening on Crescent Island than anyone knows...and when her story goes to print, this tiny, close-knit town might never be the same.


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You can't help but feel a part of the community on Crescent Island.  They are just so welcoming, so accommodating, so...charming...and the island's quirkiness just adds to the mystique!  Even little miss grumpy (aka Allie) knew something was different about this place when she stepped foot off the ferry...and it had nothing to do with the giant pup that bowled her over...or his very handsome handler.  😉 Well, okay...MOSTLY had nothing to do with it.  Seriously though, our gal Allie was in need of some TLC, some redirection in her life, and a little time with her bestie...all three of which align to provide the perfect restart for her life.  She came chasing a story with a new angle (*cough* attitude *cough*), but she leaves with so much more than she bargained for...and it was a joy to watch as everything unfolded!  While she was chasing down the mysterious matchmaker's identity, things were in the works to present them to her tied up with a bow, so to speak, and ultimately, she holds the fate of the island in her hands by book's end.  Will she succumb to the BIG REVEAL, the story she wanted...or be enchanted enough by her experiences, and listen to her heart?

Obviously, you'll have to read it to find out, but trust me on this, you'll enjoy your time on the isle.  From the meet cute to the girlfriend time, meeting the family to learning to create one of your own (not in the biological sense!), the jealous ex encounter to the self realization and empowerment, and ultimately...all the LOVE!  A great time to be had between the pages, and a setting/cast that begs for more stories to be told about!


..................



Next up, we're heading back in time with a Historical Romance that brings us a twist on the Cinderella story with...


Never a Wallflower series, Book 3
by
Eva Devon
9781649373472
Entangled Amara


About the book...
Charlotte Browne could just kick herself. What on earth possessed her to tell the Duke of Rockford that she is a lady? But something about the duke’s handsomeness and kind intelligence makes Charlotte blurt out the teeniest, tiniest falsehood. Now it’s too late to admit she’s just plain Charlotte of no particular importance—with cinder-stained hands, a wretched stepfather, and no prospects for marriage…

Rafe Dorchester, Duke of Rockford, has done what every self-respecting duke must do—avoid marriage at all costs. But the only thing stronger than the duke is his mother. When she lays down the highest ultimatum, he’ll need to find a duchess. Immediately. Only, when he calls on a potential bride, he instead finds the pert, fresh-faced Lady Charlotte. Rafe was warned to never mix the business of marriage with pleasure, but when it comes to her…oh, business would be a splendid pleasure.

One passionate, illicit kiss sends Charlotte fleeing, leaving only a delicate blue ribbon behind. For Rafe can never discover her secret, or it will ruin her beloved sister’s chance at marriage. But the duke knows that when you’ve found the one person that ignites you, body and soul, nothing can keep you away.



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Don't you just LOVE a fairytale redo?
I know I do, but this isn't just that...but so much more!

There are familiar elements of the classic story, as well as the Ever After version of Cinderella, which gives us a splendid character to back.  Charlotte is A-MAZ-ING.  From the moment she set out to save another (toting a brick to boot!) to the final moments when all is revealed but lives once again hang in the balance, there was never a moment that I was disappointed in her.  Okay, well, in all actuality, I DO wish she would have spoken up to the Duke regarding the situation unfolding at home, but I get it...she thought it would cause more harm than good...yet I still think he and his mother would have crushed the vile fool like the bug he was much sooner saving everyone the heartache, but I digress.  The lack of immediate crushing gave us more story, more time to build up our reasons as to why they should be together, more chances to break down the walls of resistance, more opportunities to fall under both her spell and that of the Duke.  *sigh*  

Oh yes, the Duke of Rockford...Rafe...you are a fine specimen of a man if ever there was.  Your good breeding shows, but unlike many in your rank, you have a heart...that you listen to...and aren't afraid of doing things differently than to the ton if it is right, just, and for the good of the people.  Be still my heart...the moment you stepped in to assist Charlotte, the perfectly chosen moment after she gave that fool what's for, allowing her to fight her own battle, but being there to support her as well...I was sold...and every step you took thereafter was simply icing on the cake.  If ever I was to call a leading male character my book boyfriend, you'd definitely be at the top of the list.  But, my fair readers, that's not where the character love ends!  We get to know Francesca, the stepsister, but in this case, she's a gem.  We touch base with her stepbrother and stepfather, but the less said about them, the better.  I mentioned the Duke's mother, someone fashionable AND formidable, with a much better head on her shoulders than I was anticipating, along with his grandmother, a wonderful stately woman with a knack for setting things right, and on Charlotte's side, we can't forget the cook and her husband, who are like a chosen family, for they care for her when her own stepfather does not.

It was truly enchanting without an ounce of actual magic anywhere, but the story, oh the story truly worked its magic with every turn of the page.  From the moments of the heart to the witty banter throughout, you can't help but be swept away. As we get closer to the story's end, you'll wait with baited breath as everything unfolds, but rest assured, things are in hand...and rather capable ones too! 😉





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Massive thanks to Riki and the Entangled Publishing team for the eARCs for review! (THANK YOU!) They are amazing folks repping some fantabulous authors, so if you haven't checked them out, I sincerely hope you do. Both books featured above are available TODAY, so click on over to the publisher's site (linked above!) or your favorite online store to snag your copies today and get your reading on!


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


at No comments:

Friday, February 17, 2023

RRR presents... Alice Alone by Amanda Brookfield - REVIEW


I know better than to judge a book by its cover, but what about a book by its title? I mean, you have to take something from it, don't you? The thing is...just like with covers, the "name" given to a work can evoke SO MANY THINGS to so many different people, and, once read, they can either fit the story like a glove, or twist you up in knots of the unknown...not necessarily a bad thing though! Ladies and gents, let's undo the pretzel I became as we focus in on today's Rachel's Random Resources guest, and ebook of choice...


Alice Alone
by
Amanda Brookfield
Boldwood Books

About the book...
On the day that her youngest child leaves home, Alice Hatton discovers two disturbing truths in a matter of hours.

The Empty Nest cliche is true.

And she does not love her husband Peter at all.

Now in her fifties, Alice is appalled to realise that she is no longer considered her own person, but is instead defined by her relationships – mother to her adult children, wife to her husband. Horrified by the thought of spending another thirty years with Peter in their North London suburb, Alice decides to take matters into her own hands.

What follows is a triumphant and liberating breaking of all the rules. But when Alice must cope with loss for the second time in as many years, she discovers what even the most apparently ‘respectable ‘woman is capable of.

Join Amanda Brookfield as she revisits her first novel, Alice Alone, and rediscover how she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women’s lives with humour and honesty. Includes a brand new forward from the author.





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


This was a unique story, and one I wasn't quite expecting.
Here, we have the author celebrating her 30th anniversary by revisiting the novel that got her started.  I loved diving behind the scenes with the special section from the author herself at the start of the novel.  I found it very insightful and it allowed me to see where the author was coming from when the story was written...i.e. a place of youthful ideals viewing older age as a far off time still out of reach, but not untouchable.  She gave us a leading lady, still in her prime, that's faced with "empty nest syndrome" in a BIG way.  Can you imagine the very thing, or rather people, that you built your life, your identity around, leaving for places unknown, to explore futures unknown...without you?  Perhaps it's not so much the fact that they are grown and leaving, but rather the fact that they don't seem to need her anymore that lands her in her predicament.  Add to that unsettling feelings, or rather a lack thereof, for her husband, and you've got a situation just waiting to go from unstable to explosive.

I liked how REAL the look into Alice's life was.  There was no sugar coating, no glorifying of the truths she is discovering on her own, but rather sudden abrupt bursts of color, scenes both gratifying and earth shattering, along with decisions made, and steps taken, that can't effectively be reversed.  Oh sure, feelings can change, and grow, but not so much in Alice's case.  Her husband's newfound desire to please the woman he's been married to all this time rather than take her for granted is simply too little too late for the desired results...however, that doesn't mean that there are no results at all.  The path she takes from grieving mother to a woman living two lives and, rather successfully, keeping them separate, is astonishing.  The upsets she has hit you just as hard.  The things she discovers about herself are both marvelous and questionable...including, as the synopsis implies, just how far someone is willing to go to feel needed, fit the mold they were designed for, and continue a life in the way best known to and loved by them.

All in all, as much as this one fits the Women's Fiction genre, I also feel it has a bit of a psychological twist.  The ending is not what I was expecting, and while a bit unsettling, it certainly fits the overall vibe of the novel at large.  It was certainly interesting getting to know Alice, and, while I'm not certain we'd be friends in life, it didn't make her any less fascinating, nor the story any less insightful into many things, many emotions women deal with on a daily basis.



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


About the author...


Amanda Brookfield is the bestselling author of many novels including Good Girls, Relative Love, and Before I Knew You, and a memoir, For the Love of a Dog starring her Golden Doodle Mabel. She lives in London and has recently finished a year as Visiting Creative Fellow at University College Oxford.





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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!


at No comments:

Thursday, February 16, 2023

GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY starring... August or Forever by Ona Gritz



Random question...do you have siblings?  I always wondered what it would be like, and had many offers from other kids as a child to gladly take their brother/sister off their hands, but I can't help but wonder...that connection as children of annoyance and teasing, seems for many to blossom as young adults, or at least adults, into a lifelong connection that can be counted on...and that, to me, truly sounds wonderful!  Today's blog tour guest via The Children's Book Review features a pair of sisters separated by distance, but when they try to change their stars, things don't seem to be aligning as expected, leading to unforeseen challenges, and untimely growth.  Take a closer look at the title, then READ ON for a special Guest Post from the author all about, what else, siblings!



by
Ona Gritz
Ages 9 + | 108 Pages
9781646033072
Fitzroy Books


About the book...
Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts.

Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan to get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.








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~~~   GUEST POST   ~~~

The Top Five Reasons Having a Sister Is—or Would Be—Amazing
by Ona Gritz


In my new middle grade novel, August Or Forever, Molly, whose beloved half-sister Alison lives in another country, believes she has it worse than an actual only child because “Only children don’t have someone in particular to miss.” August Or Forever is a work of fiction—Molly is not me—but that one line comes straight out of my life. 

My own beloved sister left home young. In fact, I was Molly’s age, ten, the last time I remember seeing her in our house. Having had her in my daily life so briefly, having her in particular to miss, gives me a unique perspective on the question put forth to me here— the top five reasons having a sister is, or would be, amazing. 

Please note: This list is skewed toward the wonders of having a big sister since that’s the only kind of sister I’ve had: 

1)  When you do something like catch a firefly by clapping it between your hands, then look surprised that you’ve accidently killed it, your sister will laugh, letting you that, in addition to being embarrassing and also a little bit sad, it’s actually quite funny. 

2)  You can ask a really dumb question like “Why does Fred Flintstone wear a dress?” and your sister may look at you funny and wonder aloud why you’ve never questioned the fact that his kitchen faucet is an elephant head poking through a hole in the wall, or their family pet is a dinosaur. But then she’ll calmly explain that they lived in caveman times, pass you the bowl of Jiffy Pop, and never bring it up again. 

3)  When your sister comes up with really good ideas—like making mermaids out of clay so she doesn’t have to learn to form legs and feet, or wearing pajama bottoms on her head to pretend she has long swingy hair— you can borrow them later when you play with your friends and they’ll think you’re as creative as she is. 

4)  If your mom does something inexplicable like ask the two of you a question, immediately leave the room, then come back a few minutes later to scold you for not answering her, your sister will be there to agree with you about what just happened. 

5)  You will be teased. Often. For the noisy way you chew, or the smell you left in the bathroom, or how lopsided your ponytail turned out. And though you may complain about it while it’s happening, you’ll also recognize it for what it is: being seen and loved for exactly who you are. 



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Ona Gritz is the author of two previous children’s books, including Tangerines and Tea, My Grandparents and Me, a Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Alphabet Book of the Year and Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine Teacher’s Pick. Her essays and poems have been published widely. Recent honors include two Notable mentions in The Best American Essays, a winning entry in The Poetry Archive Now: Wordview 2020 project, two 2021 Pushcart nominations, and a 2022 Best of the Net nomination.

Learn more about her work at onagritz.com.


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***   GIVEAWAY   ***



Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of August or Forever, autographed by Ona Gritz, and a glass heart necklace (like one that figures prominently in the story)!


One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A signed, paperback copy of August or Forever
A glass heart necklace


Nine (9) winners receive:
A signed, paperback copy of August or Forever




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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 author for the guest post. (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

Wednesday, February 1, 2023
A book review of August or Forever

Thursday, February 2, 2023
A book review of August or Forever

Friday, February 3, 2023
A book review of August or Forever

Monday, February 6, 2023
A book review of August or Forever

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
An author interview with Ona Gritz

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
A book review of August or Forever

Thursday, February 9, 2023
An author interview with Ona Gritz

Friday, January 10, 2023
 book review of August or Forever

Monday, February 13, 2023
An Instagram post of August or Forever

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
A booklist featuring August or Forever

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
An article by author Ona Gritz

Thursday, February 16, 2023
An article by author Ona Gritz

Friday, February 17, 2023
A book review of August or Forever

Monday, February 20, 2023
An author interview with Ona Gritz



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


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Wednesday, February 15, 2023

The Rescue by S L Rosewarne - GUEST POST


Hello again, friends!
Welcome back to another day here on my site. Today, we've set our sites on a title that's site to bring the smiles as well as the tears, and with a cover you can't look away from! I'm sold, now let's see about you. Ready or not, let's join Rachel's Random Resources in welcoming today's title in the spotlight...



The Rescue
by
S.L. Rosewarne


About the book...
When terrier Moll’s owner dies, she is determined to protect his widow, Suki. As Suki navigates grief, dating and men with baggage of their own, Moll tries to push her beloved owner to moving on with someone Moll has chosen, with a good sense of humour, a generous heart, and a steady supply of biscuits.

But Suki has a frustrating habit of doing things the way she wants, instead of Moll’s way. Until she meets Ted, who Moll adores almost as much as Suki. Ted, though, has demons of his own, so is he really the right choice for Suki?

With Moll getting older, and Suki still struggling, can this devoted up fulfil her promise to look after her owner, before her time runs out?

A quirky tale of second chances, told through the eyes of woman’s best friend.









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~~~ GUEST POST ~~~
with Author S.L. Rosewarne


According to the dictionary, the verb ‘rescue’ means to free from confinement, danger, or evil.
But there are different types of rescuing…..

My rescue, Lainy, was found on the streets of Romania, then taken from a kill shelter and brought over to the UK. It’s ironic that the first home she had over here instilled such fear and damage that she learned that the best way to defend herself was to bite. So while she was rescued from confinement and some danger, she wasn’t rescued from evil. 

A few weeks ago my partner came back from walking his dog round the block, and reported that a couple were stranded nearby, with a burst tyre. It was Sunday evening, there were no shops or pubs nearby, so he asked if they could eat with us. We only had enough food for two, and hadn’t been shopping so the cupboards were a little bare, so we scratched around and took them a bag of snacks. 

When we delivered the food, they turned out to be an elderly American couple who’d travelled from Brighton to Poldhu (a good 6-7 hour drive) to see the Marconi visitor centre nearby, only to get there ten minutes after it shut. Driving round the corner, they hit a wall and burst the tyre. Their hire car hire had no spare, but having waited over an hour for the rescue vehicle, it arrived while we were there. However, the mechanic couldn’t fix the problem, and said they’d have to wait for another van to tow them back to Bristol. 

It was now after 8pm and as we walked back, I said to my partner, “They won’t get anything to eat tonight. Let’s see if we can make them a sandwich. I think there are enough eggs.”
Sure enough, we had four slices of bread and three eggs, so we made egg sarnies, and took them back. They were delighted with the food, but just in case the breakdown vehicle didn’t turn up, my partner gave them his number and offered them a bed for the night. 

We wondered how they got on, but didn’t hear anything from them for several weeks, then I received a message from them via my website - I had told them my name, and that I was an author. The wife wanted to order one of my books but because they’re in the US, they couldn’t pay via Paypal. But they’ll be able to order via Amazon when the book is available there.

The following week we had a long email from them. They’d written a fascinating account of their time over here, going on to London, all round the UK and Ireland, but the account of their “rescue” was in one of these emails going to all of their friends.

I love the idea that it’s the small ways in which we can rescue people that can have such far reaching consequences. Just think, we now have new friends in the US - and soon The Rescue will be winging its way over there, too! Who knows where it will end up?







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About the author...


I live in Cornwall with my rescue dog Lainy (who features at the end of The Rescue) and is going on to have her own story in Lainy’s Tale, which I am writing now. I spend part of the week with my partner and his rescue dog, Twig, where we walk, cycle, swim and grow vegetables. When forced indoors he is addicted to shouting at politicians on the news, the perfect excuse for me to write.

When not writing or training Lainy, I sing with The Suitcase Singers, and also give talks to anyone who will pay to listen to me talking about my work. To my surprise, many have.

I am also a freelance journalist, researcher and author of five Cornish literary themed walking books - Discover Cornwall, Walks in the Footsteps of Cornish Writers, Walks in the Footsteps of Poldark Walks in the Footsteps of Daphne du Maurier and Walks in the Footsteps of Rosamunde Pilcher, all published by Sigma Press and online in our 'Books' section of the website.










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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you, and to the author for the guest post to share! (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!




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