Highway to Dhampus -- Movie

About the Film

This beautifully shot, contemplative film transports the viewer to the stunning countryside of Nepal. An inspiring story written and directed by Utah native Rick McFarland, and filmed almost entirely in Nepal, Highway to Dhampus follows the headmistress of a small orphanage in Nepal who is visited by a rich British socialite attempting to fix her public image through charitable acts.  A providential chain of events is set in motion that affects everyone involved, and ultimately, each character discovers their own reasons to change for the better.

Website / Trailer 

My Review

I was lucky to see a pre-screening of this amazing movie.  Oh my goodness, the landscape and countryside were so beautiful.  The music fits perfectly into the movie too.  The story was beautifully told and events take place that brought tears to me eyes.  My favorite scenes were with Laxmi and the children.  Her character jumped off the screen.  Her kindness was enduring.  I ended up really loving Elizabeth, and Ajit too.  Elizabeth was hard to like at first, and her motives weren't honorable, but I loved the growth of her character and her story was sad!  Ajit was an instant favorite.  He too was great to watch, as was Colt.

Bio 

Rick is a 20-year veteran of the film industry. He is the Owner and Director of Fiftyfilms, where he directs work for clients such as Intel, Verizon, BAE, Purina, and Microsoft among others. Rick produced and edited My Girlfriend's Boyfriend starring Alyssa Milano, Christopher Gorham, and Michael Landes in 2009.  For the screenplay of his feature film, Highway to Dhampus, Rick took a research trip to Kathmandu in 2011. He found a country that was both absolutely foreign and strangely similar to his home state of Utah. Once the script was finished, casting and filming began in 2012. Highway to Dhampus was the first independent feature film shot entirely in Nepal by a foreign director and crew. It is also a deeply personal film for Rick, drawing much from his own experiences and transposing them into a Nepali setting.

 

Highway to Dhampus Awards:

Best Dramatic Feature at the Heartland Film Festival 

Best Feature Film and Best Lead Actress at the Madrid International Film Festival

Best World Showcase at the SoHo International Film Festival.

Opening on October 9th in select Megaplex Theaters

Sandy Jordan Commons

Vineyard

St. George 

See theater website for a list of times. 

Played for a Fool by Stephanie Black -- Blog Tour

Played for a Fool

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant

Published: Sept. 5, 2015

ISBN: 9781680476507

Paperback: 336 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Three years ago, the small town of Britteridge was rocked by the senseless murder of Gail Ludlum. Now the people most affected by the tragedy have returned to the place where it all began, and the scene is set for the perfect revenge . . .
Megan O’Connor’s life was shattered when she was unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that ultimately led to the murder of an innocent woman. Though the road to redemption has been long, she’s finally found happiness with her recent engagement to a wonderful man, a pillar of the community. But amid the chaos of wedding planning, the return of Gail Ludlum’s son to Britteridge sets in motion a disturbing sequence of events. Soon Megan finds herself the victim of a series of cruel deceptions that indicate one thing: her past mistakes have not been forgiven or forgotten. As the mischief escalates to dangerous levels, it becomes clear that someone is determined to avenge Gail’s death. And he won’t rest until he’s taken a life for a life. 

My Review

Stephanie is a master at this genre.  I had not read FOOL ME TWICE, and I think it would have helped me in the beginning when I first started reading, but Stephanie does a fantastic job of catching up the reader. Seriously, the one book I hadn't read of hers! :) Once I had everyone where they needed to be in my head, the story took off.  I loved the twist of knowing who the bad guy was and his "reasoning" of why he does what he does.  Creep city!  I also enjoyed the POV switches.  Bravo to Stephanie, again, for doing that so well, as she always does.  Poor Megan, though, poor Megan.  The twists in this book are awesome, and once you think the calm has come, look out!

5 out of 5 stars.  Did you hear me screaming from my house, because WOW!!  Don't make any plans until you are done reading, because you won't be able to stop.  With its heart-pounding suspense, you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough. 

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Tour Schedule 

*Sept. 28th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://iamareader.com/ 

*Sept.29th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

*Sept.30th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

*Oct.1st: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*Oct.2nd: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army by Matthew Kadish -- Grand Finale

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Tour Grand Finale for

Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army

By Matthew Kadish

If you missed any of the fabulous guest posts, interviews, or excerpts for this tour, go back and check them out now!

Launch - Interview

Q: What is the Earthman Jack Space Saga?

My elevator pitch for the series is basically “Harry Potter meets Star Wars.” It’s about a fifteen year old kid from Ohio named Jack who one day suddenly finds himself at the epicenter of an intergalactic conflict between a benevolent Galactic Empire and an army of evil aliens called Deathlords. Jack is a bit of a slacker and an underachiever, but through the course of his adventure, he learns to be the hero the universe needs. Essentially, the Earthman Jack Space Saga is my love-letter to all the sci-fi I grew up geeking out over.

Coffee Books & Art - Excerpt

And though one would think Jack would be safe now that he’s entering into Princess Glorianna’s realm, nothing could be further from the truth. For new threats are lurking, just waiting to strike, and some of the threats cannot be fought as easily as a Deathlord Dark Soldier. (And let’s face it, those aren’t the easiest adversaries to begin with.)

Mythical Books - The Top 5 Ways To Deal With Harry Potter Withdrawal

It’s a bittersweet experience when one finishes reading a book series that is absolutely amazing. In a way, you’re glad, because you got to experience the entire story. But in another way, you’re sad, because now what the heck are you supposed to read? I know this was the case when I finished the Harry Potter series. But don’t worry, I made it through the withdrawal of Wogwarts and all the magical adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and you can too! Here are the top 5 ways you can deal with Harry Potter withdrawal… 

Teatime and Books - The Top 5 Ways You Know You’re A YA Fan

Let’s face it. Young Adult fiction can be like a drug. At first, you think its innocent enough. Then, the cravings begin. Soon, you’re mainlining at Barnes and Noble, tearing through the YA shelves like they’re going out of style. How do you know if you’ve taken your love of all things YA too far? Here are some of the most common signs that you’re a Young Adult superfan…

Colorimetry - 5 Things That Make A Sci-Fi Novel Worth Reading

Science Fiction is a lot like pizza. Even when it’s bad, it can still be enjoyable. But there are a few things which make some science fiction truly great. As a sci-fi author myself, these are the top 5 things I look for when reading science fiction and fantasy novels, which lets me know that what I’m reading is going to be great…

Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima - 6 Star Trek Books All Sci-Fi Fans Should Read...

If you’re a Trekkie, then chances are you’ve picked up a Star Trek-themed book before. But the barrier to entry to some of these novels may be rather large if you aren’t a fan of the TV show. The good news is that some Star Trek novels are so good, they can appeal to any fan of sci-fi, even if they don’t like Star Trek! Here are the top 5 Star Trek books sci-fi fans should check out if they’re looking for a good read.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Top 9 Heroes Of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Young Adult Fiction

I like my heroes in Young Adult fiction like I like my coffee – strong, sweet, and full of caffeine. (Okay, maybe not full of caffeine, but you get my drift.) And when it comes to science fiction and fantasy, the literary world has no shortage of great teenage heroes. Who are the best, you should ask? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m going to share with you the top 9 heroes of sci-fi and fantasy Young Adult fiction.

Christy's Cozy Corners - 5 Ways To Prepare For The Next Star Wars Movie

It’s no secret that new Star Wars movies are on the horizon, and fans are rabid about getting to see them. But waiting for them to hit theaters is enough to make even the Dalai Lama lose patience. So what’s a superfan to do in the meantime? Well, here are five things you can do right now to tide you over until the next Star Wars film hits the big screen.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

     Anna bit her lip nervously. Something she always did that was so cute, it practically made Jack’s heart melt. “I don’t know how to say this,” Anna said. “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to bring it up, but… it never seemed like the right time.”

     “Hey, whatever it is, you can tell me,” said Jack. “No time like the present!”

     Anna sighed. “Look, Jack…” she said. “You’re a great guy…”

     Uh-oh, thought Jack, as alarm bells suddenly started ringing in his ears.

MichaelSciFan - Interview

Is there a message you want readers to get from the book, other than that Deathlords are evil jerks?

Well, obviously Deathlords being evil jerks is the primary message I want readers to walk away with. I think it’s important to illustrate just how big of jerks a race of aliens bent on killing everything is. Who cares about messages of personal responsibility, coming of age, friendship, loyalty, and the power of human belief and spirituality? Aliens are total jerks. Message, sent!

deal sharing aunt - Interview

4. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland. I just so happened to see a Facebook meme about it while creating my novel, and according to Wikipedia, it’s totally true. HUGE surprise.

Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army

(The Earthman Jack Space Saga #2)
by Matthew Kadish
YA Sci-Fi
Paperback & ebook, 663 Pages

September 15th 2015 by Twelve Oaks Media

After his heroic battle against the Deathlords on the Ghost Planet, Jack Finnegan is looking forward to arriving at Omnicron Prime, the capitol planet of the Galactic Regalus Empire -the largest and most advanced civilization in the universe.

Things are looking bright for Jack. He has his unconventional group of friends, his mystical spaceship, and the girl of his dreams -Princess Anna. Not to mention a secret mission that could save Earth and everyone he cares about.

But things get complicated when he arrives at Omnicron. Not only is Jack uncomfortable being thrust into the spotlight for his courageous actions to save the universe, but he soon finds life in the Empire isn't everything he'd dreamed it would be.

His friends abandon him to pursue their own interests. Greedy and cunning politicians conspire to steal his spaceship. Even his relationship with Anna is strained now that she's gone from being "the girl next door" to the most powerful woman in the universe.

But beneath all that lies a new and terrifying threat from the Deathlords. A threat that grows in secret, slowly spreading throughout the Regalus Empire like a plague, and it threatens to destroy from within the only thing powerful enough to stop the Deathlords and their malicious rampage throughout the galaxy -the Empire itself.

Worst of all -Jack is the only one who knows about this new threat, and no one will believe his warnings.

Suddenly, the Empire is no longer safe for Jack and his friends. Even the people they've come to rely on the most can no longer be trusted. As those he's sworn to protect turn against him, how can Jack hope to save the day?

Fighting the Deathlords was one thing. Fighting the "good guys" is quite another. Will Jack be able to find the strength to be the hero the universe needs?

Or will he finally be defeated by this Secret Army?

Amazon - Book Depository

Also in the Series

Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet

(The Earthman Jack Space Saga #1)

by Matthew Kadish

YA Sci-Fi

Paperback & ebook, 680 Pages

July 4th 2013 by Twelve Oaks Media

Jack Finnegan only has to worry about dealing with school bullies, suffering through detention with his homeroom teacher, and getting noticed by the girl of his dreams... at least until an army of evil aliens invade Earth. Suddenly, this teenage slacker finds himself at the center of a galaxy-spanning conflict - where the lives of everyone on the planet are in jeopardy, soldiers use Quantum Physics to become superheroes, and the enemy uses some mysterious form of magic to make themselves practically unstoppable.

The secret to ending the conflict and saving the universe may lie in a powerful ancient spaceship, which it seems can only be flown by Earthmen. Now, Jack and a rag-tag group of allies must overcome impossible odds, defeat an unkillable enemy, rescue the princess of the galaxy, and save the universe from a threat more terrifying than any it has ever faced.

Can this underachiever rise to the occasion and become the hero Earth needs? The fate of all life in the galaxy may rest in his hands.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository

Matthew Kadish is an independent author and world-recognized evil genius. When he isn't writing or being evil, he enjoys relaxing at the beach and videos of puppies. Much like Scottish cuisine, most of his literary works have been based on dares. He currently lives in Las Vegas and always bets on black, because Westley Snipes has yet to steer him wrong in life. He is the most talented author ever. His mother tells him so every day.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Tour Giveaway

$20 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
3 copies of Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army (Print to US entrants, ebook to International)

Ends October 2nd

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Rewind to You by Laura Johnston -- Free Book!

REWIND TO YOU by Laura Johnston is FREE on all major online eBook retailers through the first week of October, so be sure to click one of the links below and DOWNLOAD!

REWIND TO YOU on Amazon

REWIND TO YOU on Barnes and Noble

REWIND TO YOU on Kensington Publishing

REWIND TO YOU on Kobo

One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.

But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.

When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…

  “Johnston’s debut spotlights romance and familial relationships, including themes like grief and self-sacrifice. It’s an ideal story for readers looking for a deep-rooted YA love story with the emotional ups and downs and poignancy of a Nicholas Sparks contemporary. There’s also a touch of wit and a sigh-worthy hero – a definite on your TBR list.”
– RT Book Reviews

The Afterlife Academy by Frank L. Cole

The Afterlife Academy

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: Sept. 8, 2015

ISBN13: 9780385744812

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

For fans of "Because of Mr. Terupt, "Mr. Terupt Falls Again," and" Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, " this funny, suspenseful adventure is about two very different twelve-year-old boys who must save the world from demons while dealing with parents, school, bullies, and girls.

Walter Prairie knows how to deal with bullies. He just has to beat them to the punch. But he doesn't see the biggest hit of his life coming when he is struck dead by a bolt of lightning. Before Walter even knows what's happened, he is sent to a Categorizing office, fast-tracked through the Afterlife Academy, and assigned as a Guardian Agent to protect a High-Level Target.

Walter's HLT, Charlie Dewdle, isn't exactly the most popular kid in school. He's what you might call paranormally obsessed. When Charlie finds an ancient book with spells that can be used to open the Gateway for demons to wreak havoc on earth, it's up to him and Walter to fight an eclectic horde of enemies and protect humankind at all costs.

But saving the world isn't so easy. Especially when your protector doesn't know the first thing about the Underworld, bullies like Mo Horvath are trying to hunt you down, pretty and popular Melissa Bittner is suddenly talking to you, and your parents think you're going crazy.

My Review

The Afterlife Academy is another very enjoyable book from Frank Cole.  I am a big fan of his books, and I was thrilled for this new adventure.  Frank writes perfectly for his audience (and for the adults, like me, who enjoy his books).  His writing truly reflects his personality.  He is a super fun guy with lots of humor and heart, and this book is a great example of that.  This story is so much fun and the characters are awesome, even the bad guys.  Walter and Charlie couldn't be more different, but I loved how their friendship develops.  There is tons of fun and adventure with every turn of the page. The twists and turns were enjoyable.  There was one scene with Charlie and his parents that had me laughing out loud!

5 out of 5 stars!  This is the perfect middle grade book, and I loved it!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Spark -- Book Blast

Spark: Seven Fantastic First-in-Series Novels

A collection of seven fabulous first-in-series novels from the Seven Sparks author collective. Dive into these adventurous, fantastical, romantic stories with strong heroines and plenty of action. Seven Sparks books are all compelling reads without explicit descriptions or swearing, making these books perfect for YA readers or anyone in the mood for a marvelous adventure! This multi-author bundle contains more than 2,200 pages of great reading.

Combined, these books have over 800 *5-star reviews* on Amazon, with an average ranking of 4.4 stars.

ABOUT THE BOOKS IN THE BUNDLE:

RUNES – USA Today Bestselling author Ednah Walters (Norse Mythology/Paranormal Romance/Angels & Demons/Clean Romance)

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

FEYLAND: THE DARK REALM – USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp (Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction/YA Romance/Fae Adventure/Fairytales)

What if a high-tech computer game was actually a gateway to the Realm of Faerie? Jennet Carter soon finds herself battling the Dark Queen, falling for the perfect hero, and trying to save her own world from unspeakable danger!

STARSTRUCK – USA Today bestselling author Brenda Hiatt (Science Fiction/Sweet Romance/Coming of Age)
The middle of nowhere gets a lot more interesting for an orphaned astronomy geek when the hot new quarterback inexplicably befriends her and strange things start to happen: her acne clears up, her eyesight improves, and when they touch, sparks fly—literally! The incredible truth will change her mundane life forever—if she survives!

THE GATEKEEPER’S SONS – Bestselling author Eva Pohler (Greek Myths & Legends/Teen Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
Fifteen-year-old Therese Mills is heading home in the car with her parents when someone begins shooting at them, sending their car into a lake. She finds the strength to escape, and winds up in the coma that introduces her to the twin sons of Hades… and plunges her into the center of a war brewing between the Gods on Mount Olympus.

SWORN TO RAISE – New York Times bestselling author Terah Edun (High Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery/Coming of Age/Action Adventure)
When peasant girl Ciardis is chosen for a position at court, she travels across the empire to begin a new life. To survive, she’ll need to master intrigue, befriend a crown prince, and learn to control magical abilities she never knew existed.

ATLANTIS RIPTIDE – Bestselling author Allie Burton (Mermaids/Clean Romance/Sci-Fi Fantasy/Genetic Engineering)
Pearl ran away from the circus, tired of her adoptive parents’ abuse of her special skills. Unknownst to her, a battle rages under the ocean and each side wants to use her powers for their cause. As Pearl discovers her talents she must choose her destiny – ignore the churning seas or swim into battle.

SAVING MARS – Bestselling author Cidney Swanson (Science Fiction/Teen Romance/Action Adventure)
Jessamyn pilots a ship to Earth to steal food for the Mars Colony at a time when Earth-Mars relations couldn’t be worse. Breaking rules of no contact, Jess falls for Pavel, nephew to Earth’s Chancellor, but when Jess’s brother is captured, she must choose: rescue her brother or her planet?

    

Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage -- Blog Tour

Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention

Author: J. Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish date: Sept. 29, 2015

ISBN13: 9781629720920

Hardcover: 370 pages

Goodreads Summary

Trenton Colman is a creative thirteen-year-old boy with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove, a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and “invention” is a curse word.

Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter of the notorious Leo Babbage, whose father died in an explosion—an event the leaders of Cove point to as an example of the danger of creativity.

Working together, Trenton and Kallista learn that Leo Babbage was developing a secret project before he perished. Following clues he left behind, they begin to assemble a strange machine that is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. They soon discover that what they are building may threaten every truth their city is founded on—and quite possibly their very lives.

My Review

One word: AMAZING!

Okay, that isn't all I'm going to say, but that word sums up this book perfectly.  I absolutely loved this book.  The imagination and creativity involved in this story is mind-blowing.  I'm not surprised though, Jeff is an extremely talented author who dazzles me every time I read one of his books.  I loved how it was illegal to think outside of the box, to change things, to invent something new.  I won't get into the history of Cove in my review, but it is fascinating.  Cove is a treasure trove of secrets.  I really liked Trenton.  I think of him as a talented young man with wondrous potential and ingenuity.  Kallista needed to grow on me for a bit, but quickly she won me over too, she has a sad history.  Trenton is dealt a major blow early on, and is betrayed by someone close to him, but as the story goes, there are reasons.  I loved the adventure the two take on to solve the mystery of what Kallista's father left behind.  Can't wait for book 2, why can't time go faster?!?

5 out of 5 stars.  This book was a joy to read, another testament as to why I love middle grade fiction so much! Bravo, Jeff!

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book