Magic and danger await in... THE KINGDOM OVER THE SEA by Zohra Nabi - REVIEW!

via GIPHY

Oh I come from a land...

...from a faraway place...

...where the caravan camels roam...

Where it's vast and immense...

*** record screech ***

...hang on a second...

Okay, sorry about that.  I got a little carried away, but just try looking at the cover of today's book of choice, and NOT breaking into song, or having an Aladdin-esque feeling come over you!  Trust me though, that's where the similarities end.  Oh, no...this isn't a story redo in the least.  It stands on its own two proverbial feet...until they're flying on a magic carpet, that is...with SPECTACULAR results.  Ladies and gents, Middle Grade Fiction fans of all ages, I give you, today's featured title...

The Kingdom Over the Sea

by

Zohra Nabi

9781665931083

Margaret K McElderry Books

About the book...

My own Yara, if you are reading this, then something terrible has happened, and you are on your own. To return to the city of Zehaira, you must read out the words on the back of this letter… Good luck, my brave girl.

When twelve-year-old Yara’s mother passes away, she leaves behind a letter and a strange set of instructions. Yara must travel from the home she has always known to a place that is not on any map—Zehaira, a world of sorcerers, alchemists and simmering magic. But Zehaira is not the land it used to be. The practice of magic has been outlawed, the Sultan’s alchemists are plotting a sinister scheme—and the answers Yara is searching for seem to be out of reach.

Yara must summon all her courage to discover the truth about her mother’s past and her own identity…and to find her place in this magical new world.

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A diamond in the rough...

...okay, so maybe nothing THAT dramatic, at least, at first.

Yara is a remarkable young girl who is suffering a terrible loss.  It's something no one should have to experience, and yet everyone does at some point or another in their lives...loss.  The thing is, usually that loss isn't accompanied by a strange letter from the person who passed, instructing you to a place you wouldn't normally go, to say words you wouldn't normally say, and embark on a journey to a place you've never seen, let alone heard of.  Yes, things are rather MYSTERIOUS in Yara's life at the moment, and that's only the tip of the gemstone...

Every astounding journey needs a catalyst, so we greet Yara's news with a heavy heart, but are just as quickly turned right-side up when her own story truly begins.  She's going on an adventure, no hobbits or evil wizards in sight (well, not WIZARDS at least...*eek*), and where it leads, she has no idea.  The instructions her mother provided were vague at best, and the secrets Yara is about to uncover have nothing on the dangers she'll face, the strength she'll need, and the friendships she'll make.  I'm telling you, I was turning pages as quickly as my hands would allow because I simply HAD to know what happened!  If my reading time allowed, I dove into the print edition (LOVE MY PRINT BOOKS!), and when it didn't, but I managed to scupper a few idle minutes with my phone in hand, the epages flying by equally as fast.  

The point is, this story was captivating, for both the emotions explored and the adventures to be had.  Yara goes through a lot, yet in spite of that, she's just as bound and determined to see things through, to save the day, and, with any luck, find her place in this new world.  All the sad lows, and angry highs, get her through her grief, and help her stay on task when all seems lost.  Her newly made friends aid in teaching her that hurts can last long after the physical damage, but a touch of kindness, a loving smile, and an open heart can truly make all the difference.  A great read for Middle Grade Fantasy fans, and an author to keep your eye on for wherever her pen leads next!

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About the author...

Photograph (c) Henry Harrison

Zohra Nabi grew up inventing stories for her two younger sisters. She studied law at Cambridge and Oxford universities, but secretly dreamed of being an author. Now she lives in London, browsing bookshops and writing magical adventures. The Kingdom over the Sea is her first book.

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Special thanks to Lindsey at Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing for the eARC/copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is newly available, so snag your copy today!

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

Rockstar Book Tours presents... SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS by Jenna Evans Welch - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

For our second post of the day, I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS by Jenna Evans Welch BLOG TOUR hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and then click on over to the other sites participating for more bookish fun!

 

Title: SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS

Author: Jenna Evans Welch

Pub. Date: September 27, 2022

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 368

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

From the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato comes a poignant and romantic novel about two teens trying to find their place in the world after being unceremoniously dragged to Salem, Massachusetts, for the summer.

Willow has never felt like she belonged anywhere and is convinced that the only way to find a true home is to travel the world. But her plans to act on her dream are put on hold when her aloof and often absent mother drags Willow to Salem, Massachusetts, to wrap up the affairs of an aunt Willow didn’t even know she had. An aunt who may or may not have been a witch.

There, she meets Mason, a loner who’s always felt out of place and has been in and out of foster homes his entire life. He’s been classified as one of the runaways, constantly searching for ways to make it back to his mom; even if she can’t take care of him, it’s his job to try and take care of her. Isn’t it?

Naturally pulled to one another, Willow and Mason set out across Salem to discover the secret past of Willow’s mother, her aunt, and the ambiguous history of her family. During all of this, the two can’t help but act on their natural connection. But with the amount of baggage between them—and Willow’s growing conviction her family might be cursed—can they manage to hold onto each other?

 

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This was a magic infused story about family, acceptance, forgiveness, and moving forward.  It was a reminder that we can't forget the past because it affects us even in the present, but if we LEARN from it, it was never in vain.  Willow has A LOT to learn about her mother, her family heritage, and the true desires of her heart.  Mason has A LOT to learn as well about his path in life, accepting the things he cannot change, and being open to the possibilities of tomorrow.  Signs may not always come in threes, nor direct us on the straight and narrow, but they are all around us to take as we wish, decipher how we need, and contemplate as we turn another page.  

I loved the magical aspect built into Willow's family history, and the setting chose couldn't have been any more perfect.  The sense of being lost that she's kept close to her heart unsettles when she arrives at the "estate", and it was heartwarming to see her open to the new experiences around her, while being unable to resist uncovering the secrets of the past.  I felt for Mason and his heartfelt desire to be with his mom again.  He never wanted to give up on her, always knew that she was working on getting better, and couldn't wait to see the day that she and he would be back together to stay.  Sometimes though, what looks like giving up is actually someone else's way of ensuring we are cared for.  

In the end, it had its ups and downs, but what family doesn't?  Leaning into their past allowed them to brighten their futures, and find the solution to an age old curse that was something much more than what it seemed on the surface.  

 

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About the author...

Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato, Love & Luck, and Love & Olives. When she isn’t writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young children. Visit her online at JennaEvansWelch.com. 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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~~~   GIVEAWAY  ~~~ 

1 winner will receive a physical copy of SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS, US Only.

Ends October 15^th, Midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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 ecopy 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, wherever books are sold. Catch the rest of the tour for more!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/12/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
9/13/2022	Kayl's Krazy Obsession	Review
9/14/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
9/15/2022	Stacialovestoread	Review/IG Post
9/16/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Review/IG Post
9/17/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

9/18/2022	booksaremagictoo	Review/IG Post
9/19/2022	Mom with a Reading Problem	Review/IG Post
9/20/2022	wiltedpages	Review/TikTok Post
9/21/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post
9/22/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review
9/23/2022	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
9/24/2022	My.Bookish.Mind	IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Three:

9/25/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post
9/26/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
9/27/2022	onemused	IG Review
9/28/2022	pluvioreads	Review/TikTok Post
9/29/2022	@booksrn_rashi	IG Review
9/30/2022	Novel Novice	IG Spotlight
10/1/2022	Star-Crossed Book Blog	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

10/2/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
10/3/2022	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review
10/4/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
10/5/2022	Momfluenster	IG Review/FB Post
10/6/2022	Celia's Reads	Review/IG Post
10/7/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
10/8/2022	@jacleomik33	IG Review

Week Five:

10/9/2022

The Moon Phoenix

Review/IG Post

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

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... Lia Park and the Missing Jewel by Jenna Yoon - REVIEW!

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

I TOLD you I'd be back with another dose of bookish goodness, and this time around, we're taking this adventure overseas as we dive into a NEW Middle Grade Fantasy steeped in Korean culture, and filled with mystical, magical wonder! Celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY today, make room on your MUST READ list for book one in a new series...

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel

Lia Park series, Book 1

by

Jenna Yoon

9781534487932

Aladdin

About the book...

Twelve-year old Lia Park just wants to fit in. Her parents work with a mysterious organization that makes them ridiculously overprotective. Lia’s every move has been scrutinized since she was born, and she’d love to have the option of doing something exciting for once. So when she gets invited to the biggest birthday party of the year—and her parents say she can’t go—Lia sneaks out.

But her first act of rebellion not only breaks her parents’ rules, but also an ancient protection spell, allowing an evil diviner spirit to kidnap and ransom her parents for a powerful jewel that her family has guarded for years. With just the clothes on her back and some very rusty magical skills, Lia finds herself chasing mysterious clues that take her to her grandmother’s home in Korea.

From there, she has to make their way to the undersea kingdom of the Dragon King, the only person who knows where the powerful jewel might be. Along with her friend, Joon, Lia must dig deep and find courage to stand up for those who are weak—and become the hero her parents need.

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Lia Park is just getting started in life, but she thinks she knows where she's going...like most 12 year olds do.  In her case, it was straight to the IMA (International Magic Agency) to help track down monsters, or at least the evil ones, and perform other magic type tasks to help keep the world a safer place...or at least, that was the plan.  It seems her power hasn't quite manifested as of yet and with that, she's only 2/3 ready for the big entry test.  What's a girl to do?  Or perhaps better asked, what's a Park to do?  Can we say BACK UP PLAN?  Yes, we can, and we did, although hers isn't as exciting as it should be, nor does it work out the way she had intended.  Instead of becoming the next uber bestie to THE it girl in school...she ends up leaving the party after a disaster, only to happen upon an even bigger disaster that not only puts her own life at risk, but the lives of those she cares most about...her family.  Lia is about to embark on a journey she never could have anticipated, uncover secrets she never knew she had, and, if all things go well, just might save the world from utter destruction at the watery hands of an evil diviner.  No pressure or anything...

Okay, so if you couldn't tell, I was drawn in from the start and couldn't turn away if I tried...no watery hands or spells required!  I loved the blend of cultures presented, and had a great time learning about the history, mythology, and magic that ran through the veins.  The stories they shared all had lessons to be learned from, as well as familial ties to carry forward.  Lia was a remarkable young lady, bursting at the seams with a desire to be one of them, and yet she hadn't taken the time to truly get to know herself, and all she could do.  True, some of that wasn't her fault, but the little things would have some from knowing her own mind just a bit more.  Good thing for her, her family made lasting impressions throughout her lifetime, which made putting the pieces of herself together THAT much less challenging.  The secrets and codes Lia and Joon had to figure out along the way gave readers another challenge to be involved in, leading to more historical discoveries, and even more danger as they work together to stop the evil that is coming.  That's another thing though, she's never quite going it alone...a great lesson for kiddos too.  It's not that she's not capable of doing it herself, as we come to find out at some point in the story...that I will not ruin...but it's more so that she chooses to accept the help available to her and work as a team.  The amount of heart this girl has is astounding...as is the love she shares with the family, both blood related and chosen.

All in all, a GREAT read for Middle Grade Fantasy fans of all ages with a leading lady you won't soon forget!  I can't wait to see what might happen next in the series...almost enough to wish I could get my hands on that jewel considering it's power against time!  

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About the author...

Jenna Yoon studied Art History at Wellesley College and received her master’s degree in Korean art history from Ewha Womans University. She’s lived about half her life in both Korea and the United States. When she’s not writing, Jenna loves to travel, find yummy eats, play board games, and take skin care very seriously. Currently, she lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two kids.

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Special thanks to Lindsey at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is out today, so seek thee out a copy wherever books are sold.  

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

End of August Roundup: THE WITCH HAVEN by Sasha Peyton Smith - REVIEW!

Hi guys and gals!

I'll be posting a few reviews on the go today, so we're doing it short, sweet, and roundup style, but that doesn't mean they deserve any less love! It simply means I've a plethora to share and a job that demands too much of my time (*grumble grumble*), but the sharing must go on!  Up first, a Young Adult title with a magical vein running strong throughout, and many surprises  😮  you'll want to read to believe! 

The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith

This is a story of more than just magic, although that would be quite enough as is. This is a story about family, friends, belonging, and all the challenges the heart can present when we allow it to actually FEEL.

Frances is a memorable leading lady, despite feeling anything but, and more lost than anything else. She's been dealt a bad hand, yet is determined not to let it take her down. She'll fight for what's right. She'll see those who caused pain put to justice. She'll discover so much about herself, her heritage, and just what friendship, true sisterhood REALLY means... all while giving readers a read to remember!

A great read for YA lit fans that should not be missed!

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC for review. If you don't have this on your radar yet, it's available now so you know what to do!

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

PRE BOOK BIRTHDAY BUZZ: Twinchantment by Elise Allen!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're spreading the BUZZ for a title getting ready to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday via Disney Hyperion!  It's the first title in a planned series that falls squarely in the Middle Grade Fantasy realm of things, but trust me when I say, this is no adventure simply meant for the kiddos.  What...are you second guessing my assessment?  Well then, guess I'll have to persuade you a bit more. 😉  Ladies and gents, please join me front and center for a magical tale you won't soon forget!  Today's book of choice is...

Twinchantment

by

Elise Allen

9781368008624

Disney Hyperion

About the book...

"Y-y-y-you," he stammered, and Flissa turned to see he'd gone ashen. "T-t-t-two of you!"
Uh-oh. Flissa reached up and checked. Sure enough, her hood had fallen off. Their secret was out.
Princesses Flissa and Sara are even closer than most twins. In fact, most of the kingdom thinks they're the same person.

When magic was outlawed in Kaloon generations ago, twins, black cats, and other potentially -magical beings were outlawed, too. Since they were born, Flissa and Sara have pretended to be one princess, Flissara, trading off royal duties like attending glamorous balls, participating in fencing exhibitions, and making friends with other young nobles, all while hiding in plain sight.

But when the first magical attack in years puts their mother's life in danger, the girls must break the rules that have protected them to save her. Enlisting a brave servant boy and his plucky black kitten as their guides, they set off on an epic quest to the Twists-a forbidden place full of dark magic-to find the evil mage who cursed the queen. With a case of mistaken identity, a wickedly powerful exile out for vengeance, and time running out for their mother, the twins might just need to make their own magic to save the day.

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Once upon a time in a kingdom far away, a royal family ruled in fairness and light...until one day they were betrayed by the very magic they held dear, leaving them a scarred version of their former selves.  To protect themselves from future attacks, declarations were made, rules created, and measures taken to remove all that could potentially hold the power to create chaos once again...or so they thought.  Could it be magic survived within the boundaries all these years later?  Could it be there are actually those who'd wield it with a just hand?  Could it be some could change from dark to light, but also reverse?  Could it be that decisions made in haste were not necessarily for the best of all involved...or could it simply be the wrong person's word was taken at the right moment?

First, keeping the girls straight is actually more of a challenge than I at first thought...guess they were rather good at playing their particular "role"!  Once you get in the swing of things with these remarkable twins, you can't stop! It was pretty nifty how they managed to play Flissara so well, what with them being not actually Flissara, but Flissa and Sara.  They were remarkably gifted actresses while also being remarkable in and of themselves.  Their skills were further impressive to me when you factor in the risks they were willing to take to save the Queen.  Seriously, I was SO WORRIED about their mom, but also the girls!  They were headed into some serious danger, some heavy unknowns, and all with simply a scrap of hope that for all their efforts the day would be saved.  That's dedication.  That's royal behavior.  That's LOVE.

Second, the surprise twist towards the end when things are unraveling...STUNNER!  I mean don't get me wrong, there is much to get caught up in along the way, including the brambles, the spells, and hungry sections of earth that simply gobble up those standing above (*gulp*), but the twists (as in the PLOT twists, not the place itself in the book) really kept you guessing!  I can't say more here because it would ruin the surprise, but trust me, you'll be on your toes with trying to keep friends and enemies straight.

Third, can I just say I loved Nitpick! I mean the others are great, people and animal wise, and seriously the horse in the Twists is awesome and totally merits mentioning, but he's more than he seems without being SO much more!  Oh, but the lion?  Yeah, no...not a favorite...there are reasons, but yeah, you'll have to find out for yourself.  It's definitely a case of nothing being as it seems when you start this adventure, and I LOVED it all the more for it.

In the end, all I can say is BOY was that a rush!  Really and truly, it's one of the good ones, and with messages of inclusion, the power of friendship, and with reminders to not always take things at face value, and always be yourself, it's a great addition to kiddos reading lists as well as those upward in years.

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About the author...

Lover of books, Disneyland, dogs, and the Philadelphia Eagles. 

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to the Disney Hyperion team for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 (as of this post), so mark your calendar, or pre-order your copy today!

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

TLC Book Tours presents... Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream by Tiffany Elaine - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining TLC Book Tours for a stop along their current promotion.  It stars a work of magically infused Middle Grade Fiction penned by a new voice in the arena that's just waiting to be devoured.  No, really!  You'll either be severely jonesing for an ice cream cone or want to avoid them (the basic flavors at least) for quite some time.  Curious?  GOOD because here comes today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream

by

Tiffany Elaine

9780998165974

Ingram Elliott

About the book...

Tabby Easterland wakes on her twelfth birthday to find herself magically transformed into the twenty-five-year-old "Ms. Mulligan," an event witnessed only by her young friends - the platinum-haired southern belle Dolly Hargrave and the hard-boiled urban detective wannabe Kat Dorsett. Hiding her true identity, Ms. Mulligan becomes a teacher at her own school, where a desperate search for answers lead the girls to seek out Tabby's long-lost father, discover an ancient mystical society, and fight the evil Black and White Sisters--witches determined to complete a long-planned curse upon Tabby. In a race against time, will love be enough to overcome the crippling curse and restore Tabby to her former self?

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound

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...from the movie BIG...

Think the movie BIG with a witchy twist. 

Hey, it's just a bunch of hocus pocus, right? 😉 

Seriously though, I had a hard time getting into it initially, I think because it focused so much on our leading "girl-turned-lady" fitting into her new world versus finding a fix.  I mean, if it was me, I'd probably be hopping up and down to figure out a solution to this strange growth spurt with my current and future well being a very distant thought...I know, not exactly practical.  What can I say?  It holds shock value for sure, but while everyone wants to grow up, no one REALLY wants to do it ALL AT ONCE!  Moving forward...

...an ironically chosen still from HOCUS POCUS...

Once we get the proverbial ball rolling, we pick up speed pretty fast! We go from finding scraps of clues here and there to building a complete backstory for both Tabby AND her family...which really was a surprise considering how her family tree fleshed out from a sampling to a full blooming oak!  If those reveals weren't enough to set her head spinning, how about trying to convince her friends she actually WAS their friend, having to hide from her new BOYfriend because HELLO she's an adult (sorta) now, discovering her new powers, digesting flashes of the past and future, and realizing that the creepy feeling of being watched, isn't just a feeling...but REAL...and DEADLY.  😨  Yeah, there are SO MANY angles here, but it's definitely a case of the more the merrier.

In the end, we discover that while wishes are mighty and words hold much power, it's the intent that really counts...for better or worse.  Even magic can't hide all truths, and an ugly soul is still an ugly soul.  Something to remember when you put yourself out there in the world.  Recommended for older Middle Grade readers and beyond!

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About the author...

Tiffany Elaine grew up writing stories for her friends to read chapter-by-chapter instead of doing homework. She brought her love of words to a career in business and entertainment writing, but fiction remains her first love. Tiffany lives in North Carolina with her family. Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream is her first novel. She's currently working on the next novel in the series, Ms. Mulligan and the Council of Butterflies.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM

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(1) print edition of Ms. Mulligan and the Enchanted Ice Cream by Tiffany Elaine!

*Open to US/Canada residents; no P.O. Boxes please.

Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond with their mailing information, which will be passed on to the tour team/publisher for prize send out.  SFIR is not responsible for lost prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series (yes, there will be more!), 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 via Ingram Elliott, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite brick & mortar or online bookstore.  Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

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