Class is in Session with Author Monica Kulling!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, class is in session as we embark on a journey of EDUTAINMENT with the latest releases from none other than author Monica Kulling.  I've featured her works here on the site many times before and I'm always happy to shine the spotlight her way once again.  You know why?  Because...her titles are not only gems to behold in the story telling and illustrations, but educational as well, a combination that works for reluctant readers (whether it be the activity or the material) of all ages.  

Personally, for me, it's the material because we already KNOW I love to read.  ^-^  Case in point, I've received a book or two in recent times highlighting a historical figure or two (specifically Mr. Alexander Hamilton) and I've had to pass them by.  Grant it, they landed in good hands (classrooms and libraries), but they just weren't for me.  These two though, there was no doubt I'd take a journey through their pages.  So, if you'd be so kind, join me as we learn a little more about two people from our past that left their imprint on our here-and-now...

Alexander Hamilton:

From Orphan to Founding Father

by Monica Kulling

Illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti

9781524716981

Random House

Here, we have a glimpse of the life and times of Alexander Hamilton.  So many facts are threaded into a story that is inviting, yet not overwhelming.  Did you know he was an orphan?  Or ran a business at 14 years of age?  Or sent to America to go to college?  Or that his most famous written work is our Constitution?  Or even how he passed on from this life?  Betcha didn't, at least not all of it, and guess what?  This little beauty filled with illustrations to bring his woe-filled tale to life will leave you with a new understanding of the challenges accepted, faced and conquered.

Sky High:

George Ferris's Big Wheel

by Monica Kulling

Illustrated by Gene Barretta

9781101934524

Random House

So many facts in such a short span of pages, but the impact they make is what really counts.  Did you know George Ferris designed the bridge that spans Allegheny River in my home state? Or that the design for the ride came from his childhood days of watching a waterwheel?  How about that his original wheel was set for the 1893 World's Fair...but he didn't finish in time?!  That's right...and they thought he was out of his mind for even attempting to build such a thing!  Did that stop him?  No sir!  He kept going until the job was done and so the Ferris Wheel made its debut in June to much aplomb and still continues to be a staple enjoyed by the masses at fairs and the like, the world over.  The story combined with the colorful illustrations bring that journey from idea to reality to life in a way that readers of all ages will leave not only informed but with a new appreciation for the ingenuity behind the invention.

So step into history with the STEP INTO READING series and make a place on your shelf for Monica Kulling's latest releases!  They are BOTH available now via Random House, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Special thanks to author Monica Kulling for the SIGNED copies for review.  (THANK YOU!)  For more information on these titles, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

COVER REVEAL: Hide From Me by Mary Lindsey, presented by Entangled TEEN

 

Hello Readers! Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Hide From My by Mary Lindsey

presented by Entangled TEEN!

I cannot WAIT for this book to come out this fall!

What do you think of the cover?

 

 

"We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed."

Something's not right about Rain Ryland's new hometown. On the surface, it's a friendly, tight-knit community, but something deadly lurks underneath the small-town charm. Everyone he meets is hiding something—especially Friederike Burkhart, the hottest girl he's ever laid eyes on. Rain's determined to find out her secret, even if it kills him...and it just might. 

Ancient magic and modern society collide in a sexy, spellbinding romance perfect for fans of C. C. Hunter and Maggie Stiefvater that proves sometimes beauty is the beast…

Hide From Me By Mary Lindsey

Publisher: Entangled Teen Publication

Date: November 7, 2017

 

Available for Pre-order: Amazon

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Mary Lindsey is a multi award-winning, RITA® nominated author of romance for adults and teens. She lives on an island in the middle of a river. Seriously, she does. When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, two Cairn Terriers, and one husband. 

Inexplicably, her favorite animal is the giant anteater and at one point, she had over 200 "pet" Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. The roaches are a long story involving three science-crazed kids and a soft spot for rescue animals. The good news is, the "pet" roaches found a home... somewhere else.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

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Special thanks to MaryAnn at Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours and Entangled Teen Publishing for the chance to bring this cover reveal to you! (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those tours on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release later this year, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today!

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

 

Forks, Knives, and Spoons by Leah DeCesare

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're diving between the pages of a newish release via SparkPress.  It stars a work of Fiction that will turn your search for "the one" from the nightlife scene to the cutlery drawer.  Yes, you read that right, for you see, as it turns out, every girl is simply looking for her perfect steak knife!  Curious?  You should be, but let's hold off on the explanations until the introductions are over.  Ladies and gents, now on deck is today's book of choice...

Forks, Knives, and Spoons

by

Leah DeCesare

9781943006106

SparkPress

About the book...

There are three kinds of guys: forks, knives, and spoons. That is the final lesson that Amy York’s father sends her off to college with, never suspecting just how far his daughter will take it. Clinging to the Utensil Classification System as her guide, Amy tries to convince her skeptical roommate, Veronica Warren, of its usefulness as they navigate the heartbreaks and soul mates of college and beyond.

Beginning in 1988, their freshman year at Syracuse University, Amy and Veronica meet an assortment of guys —from slotted spoons and shrimp forks to butter knives and sporks—all while trying to learn if the UCS holds true. On the quest to find their perfect steak knives, they learn to believe in themselves—and not to settle in love or life.

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Amy York....college freshman, and future news journalist.  Her life up to this point has been somewhat uneventful, but her first steps toward adulthood are about to get interesting thanks to a little theory introduced by dear old dad.  It's the UCS, aka Utensil Classification System, and though it may sound handy in the kitchen, it's actually meant to be applied to GUYS.  Yes, guys, otherwise known as potential suitors of varying levels of commitment and what level of attention Ms. Amy, as well as any other young lady, should pay them. 

It's quite interesting actually and gradually evolves from the simplistic forks, knives, and spoons, to all cutlerly big and small.  Personally, I'm more for a sharp spoon (hello, Matt!), but Dad has her setting her sights on a steak knife.  The traits assigned to this particular group include being balanced, able to cut through the crud of life, and sharp when needed...among others.  So, you see, it's not a bad group...but it can be when a fork is masquerading as knife.  (Bad fork...bad!)  Anywho, Amy let's the system get a bit out of control, but in the end, learns that it's not simply something to be followed to the letter, but a guideline to help her find her true heart.

When not expanding on her father's theory, Amy is leading quite an interesting life.  First, there's the whole freshman experience, then the almost rape, cheating friends, too-good-to-be-true boyfriends, besties for life, and super cute guy friends that are there through thick and thin.  We go to dances, celebrate birthdays, skip Valentine's Day (gasp!), steal kisses, meet the green-eyed monster several times over, and watch as Amy and friends try time and again to find their way.  At times, I wanted to smack Amy for being so forgiving of her "knife", when he left little reason to do so.  The difference between the two potential leading men in Amy's life is astounding, but the time it takes her to get it right, could leave one overtly frustrated...since you can't reach into the story and legit end him.  (*grr*)  Speaking of other characters, outside of the guy-dom, we've Veronica.  Her bestie was OCD, yet a breath of fresh air.  She'll go through a lot, losing and finding herself along the way, but in the end always seems to manage not only to hold herself together, but to be part of Amy's "glue"..  

In the end, I desperately wanted to fall in love with this book, but it kept me in the friend zone.  While the UCS was intriguing, it often seemed like an afterthought as the story progressed.  True, in their lives, that's how it should've been, but for me, I was anticipating a closer focus on the theory itself, so perhaps a shorter work would have been more appropriate or an additional installment (though search me as for where a good place to split it would have been).  The life and times of Amy and friends was certainly story worthy, and the journey from college kid to new adult was something everyone can relate to on some level, giving this book a broader appeal than at first it may seem.  Recommended read for those starting this journey in their own lives as well as those relishing the memory of what once was.

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About the author...

Leah DeCesare is the author of the nonfiction parenting series Naked Parenting, based on her work as a doula, early parenting educator, and mom of three. Her articles on parenting have been featured in The Huffington Post, the International Doula, and The Key, among others. In 2008, she cofounded the nonprofit Doulas of Rhode Island, and in 2013 she spearheaded the Campaign for Hope to build the Kampala Children’s Centre for Hope and Wellness in Uganda. In a past life, DeCesare worked in public relations and event planning. She now writes, teaches, and volunteers in Rhode Island, where she lives with her family and talking cockatiel.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to author Leah DeCesare for the ARC for review as well as the awesometastic themed swag!  (I've had many compliments on the necklace without anyone knowing what the charms even mean!  ^-^)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via SparkPress, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

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

BLOG TOUR: Bed and Breakfast and Murder by Patti Larsen

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're helping to kick off a Great Escapes Virtual Tour for a new Cozy Mystery you need to have on your radar!  It's the first in a planned series and with book 2 already available, and book 3 and 4 waiting in the wings, there's no time like the present to jump on board.  So, if you'll pack your bags and get ready to check in for a little TLC (and murder!) with today's title in the spotlight...

Bed and Breakfast and Murder

(Fiona Fleming Cozy Mysteries)

by

Patti Larsen

ASIN: B01N6W3JKN

About the book....

A Poo Poo Kind of Morning 

I tried not to look down the mouth of hell staring back at me from inside the glaringly pristine outer ceramic shell of the white throne, my throat catching, stomach doing half flips and a rather impressive rollover routine that would have gotten at least a 9.5 even from the Russian judges. Instead, I forced myself to smile and swallow and remind myself the elbow length yellow rubber gloves grasping the handle of the standard issue plunger were all that stood between me and Pooageddon. Suck it up, Fee. Big girl panties and adulting and all that. "At what point," I waved the dripping plunger, wincing as droplets of yuck flew, "did I think owning a bed and breakfast was going to be glamorous and romantic?" 

Fiona Fleming hasn't lived in Reading, Vermont in over a decade, her escape from small town living leading her to New York City and a life of adventure. An adventure that has left her with no career, an ex who cheated on her and zero plans for the future. Her grandmother's death grants her a new chance--inheriting Petunia's, Iris Fleming's bed and breakfast, seems like the ideal fresh start. But when Fee finds out ownership of the property Iris willed her might be in question, she's drawn into the seedy underbelly of the cutest town in America after being singled out as the main suspect in a murder.

Amazon - Kobo - B & N iTunes Google Play

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About the author... 

Patti Larsen is an award-winning author with a passion for the voices in her head. Now with over 80 titles in happy publication, she lives on the East coast with her patient husband and multitude of pets.

 SITE |  BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER 

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

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DON'T MISS BOOK TWO IN THE FIONA FLEMING SERIES...

 

Chocolate Hearts and Murder

A Multiple Drink Kind of Night

Why was it fancy Valentine's Day drinks were always tinted red? Reminded me more of gore and mayhem than anything to do with romance. Which said a lot, I suppose, for my state of mind when it came to relationships and dating. No bitterness in Fiona Fleming toward the opposite sex or anything. I sipped carefully at the mimosa the bartender smilingly handed me and shrugged off the sweetness. It had alcohol in it, so I guess it would do. A few of these and I might even find a way to enjoy myself tonight. Yeah, right. Fiona Fleming would rather be home, at her bed and breakfast with her pug Petunia snuggled up to her while everyone else celebrates Valentine's Day without her, thank you very much. Instead, she's been recruited to attend another of Mayor Olivia Walker's Reading, Vermont tourism promotion events. But when the young majority stakeholder in the White Valley Ski Lodge ends up dead, she's ready and willing to help Sheriff Crew Turner and her father uncover who killed their victim while a snowstorm cuts them off from the rest of the world.

Books 3 and 4 Coming Soon!

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Tour Participants

April 24 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers - SPOTLIGHT

April 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy - INTERVIEW

April 25 – Carole's Book Corner - SPOTLIGHT 

  April 25 – Books Direct - GUEST POST 

  April 26 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW 

April 26 – Readeropolis - SPOTLIGHT 

  April 27 – Author Annette Drake's blog – INTERVIEW 

April 27 – My Reading Journeys - SPOTLIGHT 

  April 28 – Books,Dreams,Life - CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

  April 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – GUEST POST 

  April 30 – A Blue Million Books - GUEST POST 

  May 1 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW 

  May 1 – StoreyBook Reviews - REVIEW 

  May 2 – Texas Book-aholic - REVIEW 

  May 3 – Bibliophile Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 

May 4 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

  May 4 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW 

May 5 – My Journey Back - REVIEW 

  May 6 – Brooke Blogs - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 

  May 7 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

  Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today! 

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Special thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it at an online retailer of your choosing.

BEFORE YOU GO....

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Skyfishing by Gideon Sterer

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.

Continuing with the theme of yesterday (EARTH DAY!), today we're exploring a Picture Book title that celebrates Mother Earth as well as our generational connections.  It's creative and filled with imagination, simply begging you to explore your own "ocean" of surprises.  Ready or not, here comes today's title on deck....

Skyfishing

A Grand Tale with Grandpa

by

Gideon Sterer

Illustrated by

Poly Bernatene

9781419719110

Abrams Books for Young Readers

This is the story of one family coming together in more ways than one.  It's not a simple thing for older and younger generations to settle into a shared routine, even if it's for the betterment of them both.  Here, Grandpa has come to live with his family in the city...from the great outdoors.  He lived a the life of a fisherman for oh-so-many years, but now...all he sees are the crazy busy streets and overall hustle bustle of a place that seems to be leaving him behind.  Even his lovely granddaughter can't seem to distract him from his melancholy, at least until she lets his stories of "the big one" inspire her to creation. The product of that spark?  A game so filled with imagination that there is no room left for sorrow, soulful blues, or the one that got away...only the here and now, the life he has to live, and the family he cherishes only a heartbeat away.

I love how the author shared this tender story of life changes with no emotions spared and yet so filled with promise that you simply new something was going to turn all their frowns upside down.  The illustrations that accompany this creative tale bring the fantastical to life and invite readers of all ages to see just what lies in their own riverbeds and streams, just outside their windows.  Is that a dogfish perhaps over by the couch?  Maybe a refrig-acuda lurking in the kitchen?  Or the illusive SUVfish in the driveway?  It's a wild and quirky tale filled with so much heart that one can't help but get caught up in the lot of it.

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About the author and illustrator...

Gideon Sterer is a debut picture-book author and a recent graduate of Oberlin College. He lives in Brooklyn. Poly Bernatene is an Argentinean illustrator who’s worked on more than 60 children’s books all over the world, including Ribbit! by Rodrigo Folgueira and The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett.

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Special thanks to Abrams Books for the copy or review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just released April 11th, 2017 via Abrams Books for Young Readers, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

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