Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Run by JoLyn Brown


Run

Author: JoLyn Brown

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: November 15th, 2014

Paperback: 300 pages

ISBN13: 978159159224

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

When Supermom joins Dad on his latest project, sixteen-year-old Morgan is left at her aunts. Instead of dating the cute boy from the track team, she will now have to spend the summer keeping a sane distance between herself and her aunts six boys.

Morgan plans on the summer being awful. Encountering an army of spiders and getting lost while running should not surprise her. What she never expects is to stumble across an abandoned house her parents own an abandoned house her uncle committed suicide in. Someone ought to have mentioned that before now.

The past haunts Morgans dreams. The more she remembers and learns, the more she realizes even her cousins are not what she thought they were. Worse, she has somehow become a reflection of her uncle and everything her parents are running from. Morgan wants to hold on to the things she loves running, her cousins, the bits of her family still intact but as the summer passes, she starts to wonder if she s going to lose everything instead.

My Review

JoLyn does a great job of capturing teen-age issues in this book.  But, poor Morgan had quite a few.  Her parents are shipping her off to the small town where her aunt, uncle and crazy cousins live.  Morgan lived there too, when she was younger, but doesn't remember the sad events that took place before her parents left.  At first Morgan's attitude about her circumstances make it worse for her, but as time goes on, she realizes how much she needs to be where she's at.  I really, really liked this book and I found that I didn't want it to end.  I appreciated where the author went with the story and I loved the relationships that develop.  A tragedy occurred when Morgan was young that she has blocked out, and I loved the journey she takes to help herself and her parents heal.  The characters are strong and the story reads quick and is very well written.  I look forward to more from this author.

4 out of 5 stars.

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Gates of Atlantis Sale and Kindle Giveaway!




We are excited to announce the amazing sale of THE GATES OF ATLANTIS COMPLETE COLLECTION on eBook. You can get this fantastic middle-grade series for just $0.99 (regularly $19.99). This sale price will available December 29th through January 12th. To help celebrate such a sale the Atlantis authors are giving away a Kindle to one lucky winner. 

Don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY at the bottom of this post!

About THE GATES OF ATLANTIS:
Centuries ago the great city of Atlantis had to be hidden from humans. Now magically buried in the depths of the ocean, it is the source of all magic. All is well in the magical world…until the leaders of Atlantis listen to the whims of a mad man.

A group of teens set out on their own unique quests to fight for the world they love. They face dangers they didn’t know existed. As they battle their way through mysterious tunnels and secrets of the ancient world, they find themselves in a race against time. One by one, the mad man will shut down the Gates of Atlantis and destroy the magic. Can these unlikely heroes stop him before it’s too late?

Book 1: BANSHEE AT THE GATE, by Wendy Knight: Half-human, half-banshee Seven loves her life with her awesome brother Haran and her dad while delivering souls safely to death...until Death comes calling for Haran.

Book 2: GUARDIANS OF THE GATES, by Laura D. Bastian: Mermaid Talia wants to be a Guardian. Exander wants to leave Atlantis and explore the upper world. An accident at one of the gates gives them both their chance, but they also make a startling discovery—someone is destroying the gates.

Book 3: SECRETS OF THE MINE, by Juli Caldwell: Adam believes in myths and magic. Clancy doesn’t. Two normal kids’ lives change when they embark on the adventure of a lifetime on the back of a sea kelpie...if only they can get away from the strange creatures that are determined to stop them.

Book 4: MAGICIANS OF THE DEEP, by Jaclyn Weist: A trip to Ireland changes Colin’s life when a bite from a mysterious fish awakens unlimited knowledge and dormant magical powers. He knows exactly how to save a magical world, but can he get there before it’s too late?

Book 5: MADNESS BEHIND THE THRONE, by J.R. Simmons: Phoibos, bullied and taunted by other kids, believes something is wrong with Atlantis. His charm with the nobility and skill as warrior as he grows make him believe nothing will stop his quest to purge Atlantis from everything he finds impure.

Book 6: BATTLE FOR ACROPOLIS, by Mikey Brooks: Talon keeps getting in trouble. It’s not his fault things around him randomly burst into flame, but he’s not sticking around to find out what happens next. When foster sister Hattie encourages him to run, they make a break for it, only to find an unexpected destiny awaiting them in Atlantis. They just have to get there first. When they do, they find a lot of help. Characters from all the previous books appear to help fight Phoibos. These unlikely heroes risk it all to save the magic and fight for Atlantis.


Where to get the series on eBook:





The GIVEAWAY!
One lucky winner will be selected to win a Kindle, 6" Glare-Free Touchscreen Display, Wi-Fi (Retail price of $79.99). A winner will be selected from those living within the continental United States. The winner will be announced January 13th and they will be notified via email to provide a valid mailing address. Good luck to all the entries and thank you for helping us share the news about this awesome series.

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Friday, December 26, 2014

Remembrandt by Robin King


22920573Remembrandt

Author: Robin King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: October 2014

ISBN13: 9781599929484

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Alexandra Stewart doesn't just walk down memory lane, she lives on it. Her eidetic memory records her experiences and plays them back, DVD style. It's great when she wants to ace a test, but not so great when she topples over a cute boy in the hallway and the humiliation plays back over and over and over . . . Brown University seems like the perfect place for the seventeen-year-old to forget her past. Hope for a normal life comes in the form of a handsome new running partner who makes her heart race and body perspire even before she laces up her shoes.

When her Russian professor gives her a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, Alex discovers that he has a secret - one that will catapult her into a world of cryptic codes and covert missions. As she tries to find a balance between the two different worlds vying for her attention, Alex wonders if she can have relationships with the ones she cares about while hiding a clandestine life, uncovering the truths of an underground enemy.

One thing is for certain, whatever happens will be forever etched into her memory. And some things are better left forgotten.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  Alex is an amazing girl.  I was fascinated by her eidetic memory and all of its possibilities.  This book has one adventure after another. I loved how Alex was a strong young woman, who could literally think her way out of anything.  I thought the author did a great job of introducing Alex's back story with her mom and brother.  Her father teaches at Brown.  I did love how she had a great support system in her roommate and her professors.  All the characters are fantastic and entertaining.  William especially.  He's a doll.  Alex's adventures are very page-turning and I can't wait to see what is next for her.

4 out of 5 stars.  I can't summarize anymore without giving it all away.  Hold on for a great adventure!

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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Sky Jumpers: The Forbidden Flats by Peggy Eddleman


The Forbidden FlatsSky Jumpers: The Forbidden Flats

Author: Peggy Eddleman

Publisher: Random House

Published: September 23rd, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-307-98131-8

Hardcover: 262 pages

Middle grade fiction

FTC FYI: Borrowed a copy from the library, intend to purchase my own copy.


Goodreads Summary

Escape one danger. Jump into another. . . .

Twelve-year-old Hope has always felt a little different from everyone else who lives in White Rock. She tries hard, but she doesn’t always think before she acts. She takes big risks. Sometimes her risks pay off, but sometimes they fail. Sometimes she fails.

Hope knows that the most dangerous thing about living in White Rock is that it’s so close to the deadly Bomb’s Breath—the invisible, fifteen-foot-thick band of compressed air that’s hovered over the earth since the Green Bombs of World War III. The citizens of White Rock live in fear of the Bomb’s Breath. Only Hope has figured out a 
way to go through it—and lived to tell the tale.

But when a massive tremor rips across the earth, the Bomb’s Breath begins to lower over White Rock. It’s up to Hope and her friends Brock and Aaren to make the dangerous journey far from home across the bandit-ridden Forbidden Flats to the wilds of the Rocky Mountains to obtain the one thing that may be able to stop it—before the Bomb’s Breath sinks too far and destroys them all. This time, Hope can’t fail.

My Review

White Rock is in trouble once more, Hope and her town must find a way to save the them all.

Peggy Eddleman triumphs again with this enjoyable sequel.  I found myself reading and reading, and suddenly I was half way through.  Forbidden Flats reads fast, and just like the first one, has lots of action and heart.  This time Hope finds herself on a journey to save her town once again.  They are accompanied by a stranger, who seems familiar to Hope, but she can't place it.  Hope is my hero.  This girl is amazing.  I love her willingness to try anything and the way she jumps in and helps anyone at any time.  I love books where the main lead character is a strong girl, and the Sky Jumpers series is definitely at the top of my list of favorites.

5 out of 5 stars!  Need a last minute gift?  The Sky Jumpers series is it.

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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


Forbidden Kimberley
Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Publisher: Harpercollins

Published: November 4, 2014

ISBN13: 978-0-06-219497

Hardcover: 400 pages

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

Summary
In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden’s tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden’s turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe’s leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family’s position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden’s heart.
Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden’s heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb’s increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden’s every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying.
With a forbidden romance blossoming in her heart and her family’s survival on the line, Jayden must embark on a deadly journey to save the ones she loves—and find a true love for herself.
Set against the brilliant backdrop of the sprawling desert, the story of Jayden and Kadesh will leave readers absolutely breathless as they defy the odds and risk it all to be together.
My Review

This book was absolutely amazing!  It blew me away.  I finished it in two days, I could not put it down.  With a fourth of the book to go, I called my friend to beg her to tell me the ending!  She, of course, didn't, but I was so worried for Jayden, I was being impatient.  So many things happened to this poor girl, but honestly, she was so enduring and such a spectacular character.  She is bethrothed to a the tribe leader's son and isn't sure that is what she wants for her future.  Jayden's life changed forever the day her tribe was leaving for the summer oasis.  She loses so much, but again, survives it well.  She meets Kadesh and her feelings for him are forbidden.  Horeb, her betrothed, realizes their feelings and makes life miserable for Jayden.  He was so awful!

I truly appreciated the research and hard work done by the author.  The details and descriptions were stunning.  I could go on and on, and on and on, but you'll have to read it for yourself.  Any more details will ruin it all.  I must say though, I loved the ending.  There will definitely be a book 2, and I will be waiting anxiously for it.  (This will be my hint to the author to beg for another ARC:).

5 out of 5 stars.  




Praise for Forbidden

*STARRED* Review, ALA BOOKLIST
“. . . At its core, this is a romance, with all the push and pull that goes along with impossible love, and Little elevates the story by creating a perilous landscape, both outward and inward, as Jayden must deal with the hardship of desert life as well as her own desires.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“This is a fast-paced, entertaining choice which will appeal to fans of historical fiction and romance.”
“Lush, lyrical, romantic. Forbidden transports readers into a vividly imagined place and time.”
–Claudia Gray, New York Times bestselling author
“The harsh beauty of the deserts of ancient Mesopotamia come to life in Forbidden, with beautiful descriptions that will make you crave water and check for sand in your clothes. Your heart will break as you root for Jayden to triumph over the many struggles that threaten to tear her world apart, and the ending will leave you thirsting for more!”
–Sara B. Larson, author of Defy

EXCERPT:

             The night was starkly beautiful under a canopy of jeweled stars. I savored my moments of freedom, which were marred by the realization that it was dripping away day by day.
           The sizzle of coffee beans roasting in the skillet floated across the still air. Cups clinked on a tray as my father passed them around the circle. The aroma of roasted brew spiced with cardamom seeped into the night.
            As I tried to slip past, Horeb’s eyes caught mine. Firelight flickered over his face, outlining his jaw and wind-tangled black hair. He was devastatingly handsome just as all the girls said, but his lips curled into a smile that sent shudders down my spine.
            Horeb’s glance lingered on my body, settling not on my face, but lower, as if he was undressing me right there on the dirt path.
            His eyes locking onto mine, Horeb rose from the circle of men. I jerked around, breaking off his stare. Walking faster, I turned the corner of the tent just as his arm reached out to stop me.
            “So, little cousin,” Horeb said. “Have you been enjoying the betrothal ceremony? Tell me, are the women telling stories of marital relations?”
            My breath caught like a thorn in my throat. The women’s ceremonies were not discussed with any male—only inside the privacy of a marriage bed.
            “You shouldn’t be saying these things to me,” I said.
            Running his fingers down my arm, Horeb continued to study me. “There are many things I’d like to say to you, Jayden. Do to you.”
            There used to be a time when my throat pounded every time Horeb turned my direction. A time when he was growing into those big, dark eyes and that hard, muscular body. Moments when I wanted to touch his thick, black hair, or run my finger along his jaw to discover what a boy’s skin felt like with a newly growing beard. But now that I was sixteen, and he twenty, his stares made me uneasy. My heart still pounded, but not from love. And I wasn’t sure what it was or what to call it.

Author Kimberley Griffiths Little
Award-winning author Kimberley Griffiths Little was born in San Francisco, but now lives in New Mexico on the banks of the Rio Grande with her husband and their three sons. Her middle-grade novels, When the Butterflies Came, The Last Snake Runner, The Healing Spell, and Circle of Secrets, have been praised as “fast-paced and dramatic,” with “beautifully realized settings.” Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell. She’s stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.

Forbidden
25_Amazon_PaypalBlog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/4/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Monday, December 22, 2014

Dark Destiny by Kari Gray

Dark Destiny: Book 1 of the Destiny Novella Series

Author: Kari Gray (N.C. Allen)

Published: December 4th, 2014

Publisher: Campbell-Allen Press

ASIN: B00QLOPOSC

ebook: 118 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

All Lily Bordeaux wants is a shop of her own in the French Quarter, but the family legacy, passed down from her Salem witch ancestors, is bearing down on her despite her efforts to avoid it. A series of events place her in danger, but an old friend from college, Bennett Duschesne, may be the one person who can convince her to confront her past demons and embrace her gifts. As she grows closer to Bennett, evil forces threaten to destroy everything she loves. Will she have accepted her family legacy, only to find she was too late? Dark Destiny is the first of three novellas, PG rating: mild language and innuendo. 

My Review

First of all, isn't this cover gorgeous?  It perfectly depicts this mystical novella.  The author takes you to the French Quarter where magic exists, as do evil voodoo men.  Right away you are brought head first into action and romance.  Lily and her aunt are injured in an explosion, but she is reunited with her best friend, Bennett, who takes care of her.  For years, Lily has been avoiding her magical heritage, but once she is confronted by the man who tried to kill her and her aunt, Lily, along with her sisters, do their best to try to stop his evil plans.  

I really enjoyed this novella.  It reads fast and is full of page-turning events.  I loved the magic and the mystery.  I can't wait for the next one.  

Author Links

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Amazon

Saturday, December 20, 2014

A City Full of Santas by Pooja Sardana -- Book Blast


A City Full of Santas

A City Full of Santas
Ranked as #1 BestSeller on Amazon India
This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas.
A must read for everyone.
Just like Pooja’s other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message.
A story that parents would love to read to their children.
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PoojaAuthor Pooja Sardana
Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree.
Her books and her initiative – PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in ‘Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India” , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work.
Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.
Praise for the Book
“Such a lovely story that brings back the meaning of Christmas, one that many will want to read.”
“Parents/teachers will enjoy reading this story to their children. The children will be full of questions and want to discuss Santa’s surprise.”
“Artwork “pops” off the pages pleasantly and storyline has a great message. A fine addition to any Christmas collection and it is a children’s book that I would recommend!”

50_Amazon_Paypal

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/4/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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