BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the children's adventure book, Mary's Song by Susan Count. The tour will run December 12, 2016 - January 2, 2017.
About the Book
Title: Mary's Song (Dream Horse Adventure Book 1) | Author: Susan Count Genre: Children's Fiction | Number of Pages: 122 | Publisher: Hastings Creations Group Release Date: October 20, 2016 Book Description: Mary’s heart breaks over the pending destruction of a beautiful, but damaged filly. When life is not fair, the courageous challenge the obstacles. Twelve-year-old Mary was disabled at the age of four by the same virus that took the life of her mother. While she longs to have a horse of her own, she’s limited to reading horse books. A talented artist, she spends her days on a blanket in the grass sketching the horses at the farm next door. She falls in love with one of the foals and is outraged to learn the filly is considered worthless as it was born lame. Mary befriends and enlists the help of twelve-year-old Laura, whose family owns the horse farm. Against the better judgment of the farm manager, a brief reprieve is negotiated for the foal’s life. The girls conspire to raise money to save her, but time is running out. Sadly, it appears the expensive surgery the foal needs has little chance to correct her problem anyway. Mary isn’t about to give up. She sacrifices what she holds dear, including the trust of her papa, to gain her heart’s desire. Will she lose everything in her struggle to save the foal?
What others are saying... "An excellent and engaging book from start to finish. A must read." - Amazon Review "Susan Count knows how to write about horses, family, friendship, love, faith, and sacrifice. Her true-to-life characters easily engaged me in wanting to know more about them and how their conflicts would be resolved." - Geoffrey W. "A genuinely touching story about friendship and recovery. I strongly recommend this to anyone looking for a good horse book perfect for middle age girls!" - Amazon Review
About the Author
Blog Tour GiveawayPrize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize(winner’s choice) Giveaway ends: January 2, 11:59 pm, 2017 Open to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Susan Count and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. Read an Excerpt
In the year 1952
“Maybe today?” Twelve-year-old Mary gripped the arm of her wheelchair with one hand and the bedrail with the other. Her weight balanced on the edge of the bed, and she inched forward onto her feet. Her legs trembled and buckled. As her knees slammed onto the wood floor, she grabbed desperately for the dresser, but snatched instead the crocheted covering. When it ripped away from the dresser top, her favorite carved horse sailed across the room, careening into the wall. One of the Morgan mare’s legs and its ornately carved black tail snapped off as it ricocheted under the bed. Ignoring the pain in her knees, she peered under the bed. The rest of the disfigured horse lay out of her reach. Already sprawled across the floor, she scooted to retrieve the severed pieces and cradled them in her hands. “I have to hide you.” Papa would be so angry if he saw Mama’s horse was broken. Heavy footsteps rushed toward her. “Lame and worthless. Just like me.” She slipped the broken horse into her skirt pocket. She struggled and strained to pull herself up off the floor, but collapsed as Papa burst into her room. “What happened? I heard a commotion… Mary?” He dropped to his knee beside her. “What happened? Are you hurt?” “I lost my balance when I tried to stand. I’m fine.” “Let’s get you off the floor, shall we?” He lifted and placed her on the bed. “I think it would be best to call the doctor.” “I’m fine!” Mary said a little louder than she intended. “The hot rock therapy didn’t help.” Papa sat on the bed and took her hand. “Don’t give up. We’ll find a therapy, my Mary. We’ll never stop trying.” He patted her hand. “You sure you’re all right? Maybe you should lie down.” “I said I’m fine.” But she looked out the window instead of into his eyes. She would never be all right. “Can you take me outside now?” “If you’re sure. Let’s get you out in some fresh air.” He dropped a paper-wrapped bundle of carrot pieces in her lap. Mary tucked her long dark hair behind her ears. Gathering her sketchpad and pencils to her chest, she drew a deep breath and nodded. In a practiced motion, he slung her blanket over his shoulder and scooped her from the bed. “I want to believe I’ll walk someday, but sometimes, I just can’t.” She tossed him a hint of a smile. He carried her through the colonial house, past the white porch pillars, and across the field. He was so strong it made her feel safe. He was certainly the most handsome papa in all the world. The white oak had not leafed yet, so he placed her blanket in the shade of the pines out of the warm Texas sun. Mary smoothed her skirt and spread her art materials. “You were right about throwing carrots over the fence to bring the mares closer.” She retrieved an art pencil hidden in the folds of her blanket. “Look. Here they come.” She pointed with her pencil. “They see me and gallop like crazy to get here. The foals buck and kick the whole way. Our new neighbors are so lucky. I’d like to have a pasture full of Morgan horses.” “At least you get to enjoy them. I have to go now.” He kissed the top of her head. “Have a nice day. Mr. Joe is working in the gardens, so when you’re ready to go back to the house, holler for him.” “Will you be gone long?” His face tensed, and his dark eyebrows pulled together. He looked over the meadow, frowning. “Only a few days this time.” “I wish you didn’t always have to go. I miss you so much.” “I know it’s hard on you. If it makes you feel any better, I don’t like leaving you either. But I have business in New Orleans, and then I’m going to Destin, Florida. A doctor there thinks he can help you.” Her temper flared, and she slashed a big ugly squiggle across the sketchpad. “Not another one, Papa! You thought the medicine man would be the miracle cure. He danced and chanted and kept me in a dumb teepee for two days. Magic smoke. And for what?” “Well… it wasn’t one of my better ideas.” “I thought Mrs. Tate was going to faint when you told her where we’d been. She walked around the house all day shaking her feather duster and muttering ‘pagan gods’, something about never taking another day off, and praying real loud to God asking him to forgive you.” “Glad I missed that, but I’m not giving up. I’ll consider any opportunity to heal you.” He straightened his vest and tucked his thumbs in its little pockets. “If this technique can offer us hope, we have to try. The clinic would float you in emerald-colored seawater. Then they’d take you to the ‘Fountain Of Youth’.” Her shoulders slumped with an exhale. “I don’t need to get any younger. I need to walk.” “And walk you shall. That is just the name given to the spring by the explorer who discovered it.” He patted her hand. “Sketch me several poses of the filly beside the dappled gray mare while I’m gone. What is it about her that always draws my eye?” “She’s special! I sketch her the most. The other foals will scatter, but she seems to want to be with me. If she was on this side of the fence, I think she’d be in my lap.” Mary flipped to a clean paper. “It’s her eyes. Our souls connect when our eyes meet. Don’t you think they look like dark chocolate?” Mary warmed at the thought. “She is my favorite. What a character. She hides behind her mama sometimes and plays hide and seek with me.” A frown wiped the smile off her face. “I think there might be something wrong. She limps sometimes.” Papa checked his watch and frowned. “Hum, that can’t be good. Say, when I get home, I will have a little something special I ordered for you. Don’t ask me what it is and ruin the surprise.” “No fair! Is it a book on the Lipizzaners?” “You’re a bad guesser.” “Whatever it is, I’ll love it.” Papa grinned, tossed a piece of chocolate in her lap, and left. “Thanks!” She waved and sailed a few carrot offerings over the fence to the gathered herd. They rushed to grab the bribe. With ears flattened, the horses jostled, shoved, and charged at one another to gobble the carrots. When the treats were gone, the mares went back to grazing. As the foals cavorted in circles around their dams, Mary inhaled the delight of being in their company. To draw a foal, she took a snapshot with her mind and sketched it in a great flurry. After capturing the likeness, she fussed with the details and the shading. A twine-wrapped portfolio she kept in her library bulged with sketches. Each sketch was a secret wish to ride, wild and free, someday. She imagined herself cantering across a meadow polka-dotted with pink flowers. Her hair streamed behind her. Her arms held wide as if to soar. The palomino horse moved in response to her thoughts. A smile lifted and softened her face. Mary shifted her useless legs to balance the sketchpad better. “It’s not just a dream.” The filly cocked her feminine head to the side and peered at the curiosity in the grass. Mary stared back, hoping the filly would hold the pose long enough for her to soak in every detail. The dark graphite pencil seemed to flow on its own, and soon the rough outline of the curious baby splashed across the paper. “I will sketch you every minute until Papa comes home with my surprise. It might be—could be—a horse.”
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BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success by Lori Tsugawa Whaley. The tour will run from October 26 - November 25, 2016.
About the BookBook Description: The Courage of a Samurai is a Japanese American's journey into bushido, the samurai's code of ethics. Each chapter features a timeless message about Japanese and Japanese Americans who applied the principles of courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty to overcome life's challenges, and emerge stronger individuals. The Courage of a Samurai provides the reader a look ‘inside’ this ancient code through the lives of inspiring individuals.Why did Chiune Sugihara, aka the Japanese Schindler, save the lives of Polish and Lithuanian Jews during World War II against the orders of the Japanese and Lithuanian governments? Understand the meaning of Honor in Saigo Takamori’s, aka The Last Samurai, determination to preserve the samurai’s way of life. Learn why “Go for Broke!” was the motto of the famous World War II all-Nisei 100th/442ndRCT, and discover why this simple motto reflects the essence of the way of the warrior. The Code of Bushido can guide us through the challenges we all face, and inspire us to live a life of honor, courage, and integrity in today’s fast-paced and changing world. Sharpen your sword, and let the journey begin! What others are saying... "Bushido might be a Japanese culture, but I now realize that many of its aspects have universal values and appeals. I recommend this book to anyone who seeks inspirations to be a better person who can think beyond his/her personal and cultural boundaries." - Amazon Review
"Inspiring and clear. Wonderful stories that relate basic life principles in a way anyone can enjoy and follow." - Amazon Review
"A very special and thoughtfully written book, that is a 'must read', for all, who want to reflect on their lives and learn how to make it better......especially, knowing there are those who have gone before us, making sacrifices we may have forgotten or fail to recognize." - Amazon Review
"Ms. Whaley's book is one of the most inspirational that I ever read. She takes the story of the brave Japanese American soldiers of World War II, and uses their story to inspire her modern readers. I could not put the book down! It was gripping, passionate, intense, and beautiful all at the same time! I recommend this to anyone and everyone." - Chris Brusatte
About the Author: Lori Tsugawa WhaleyLori Tsugawa Whaley is an author, professional keynote speaker and life coach. Lori is a third generation Japanese-American baby boomer and a descendant of the samurai warrior; she is on a mission to empower others to reach their God-given leadership potential no matter their path, heritage, or circumstances. Lori and her husband John reside in a Japanese-style home in the Pacific Northwest. Blog Tour GiveawayOpen to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Lori Tsugawa Whaley and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read my interview with the author...
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I am a third generation Japanese American Baby Boomer, author, inspirational speaker and life coach. I share/teach the Code of Bushido (samurai code of ethics) as a tool/guiding force to help people navigate through the maze of life. Q: What inspired your book, “The Courage of a Samurai?” A: During my childhood, I felt like I didn’t belong due to bullying, teasing, and prejudice (post World War II). I didn’t understand my own heritage. I was mentored by Sara Little Turnbull, International Designer and Curator of a collection at the Tacoma Art Museum. Many artifacts were Japanese and I became fascinated with the beauty and simplicity of Japanese design. Ms.Turnbull referred to herself as my “Jewish mother,” and said that I was more Japanese than I realized, and encouraged me to visit Japan. I learned of Chiune Sugihara, aka Japanese Schindler in 1994, and his story left a profound impression on me. His life and acts of courage in saving the lives of Polish and Lithuanian Jews (against the governments of Japan and Lithuania) inspired me to write this book. After watching “The Last Samurai,” I felt a connection to the emotional strength of the Japanese characters; this was the connection I had been searching for. My study on the code of bushido commenced. This discovery caused me to turn my pain into gain and embrace that which I once scorned. I sustained two rear-end collisions (2005 and 2007), diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and reading at a 7th grade level. I endured thousands of medical appointments to gain wellness. It was my personal goal to write the book as a ‘benchmark’ in overcoming TBI. Q: What do you think readers will find most appealing about your book? A: Bushido Code traits: courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty. For each trait, there are true stories of individuals in modern times who exemplified these traits in their lives. They overcame obstacles by applying bushido code whether they knew it or not. Q: How did you come up with the idea for your book cover? A: The image is from Fushimi Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. I was intrigued, as we are all sojourners, and it reminded me we all travel some type of path in life. This particular image caught my attention because it conveyed a sense of the unknown. As you look at the picture, you can’t see beyond the turn up ahead. Life is reflected in this image. That’s what bushido is all about. It provides a code to help us navigate the ups and downs of our journey. Q: How can readers discover more about you and your work? A: Email – [email protected] Website – www.LoriWhaley.com (books available – autographed) Twitter – LoriTWhaley Facebook – Lori Tsugawa Whaley fan page Linkedin – Lori Tsugawa Whaley My book, “The Courage of a Samurai” is available on Amazon If listeners would like to learn more about the samurai and bushido code, we are having a launch party tomorrow – 10-26-16! From 11am – 12 noon (Pacific) people can download the book for FREE! We are “going for broke” to make this life work of mine a best seller. We hope you will join us! Watch “Twitter for the link for the launch party or email me.
BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade fantasy The Gardenia Curse by C.M. Savage. The tour will run November 7 - November 28, 2016.
About the Book
Book Description: Thirteen-year-old Eva Thomas finds herself in a life threatening mystery when her dreams become real. Night after night, she is transported to Dreamland, where an evil being, the Shadow, wants her dead. Can Eva save herself and her dreams before it’s too late? Exhausted from troubled sleep, Eva stumbles through her days in a new town where her grandmother is known as an eccentric and in a new school where a bully has decided Eva needs to be put in her place. Eva is left feeling alone and uncertain until she meets Alice, a quirky classmate with non-stop questions about Eva’s family. Is Alice a friend or is she after something more?
In Dreamland, Eva is constantly on the run from the Shadow, even after she meets Herman, her dream-guide. Will Herman be able to protect Eva from the Shadow and shed some light on why the Shadow wants her dead? Or are Eva’s dreams destined to remain a nightmare?
Mystery, evil and a touch of romance—all in a night’s dream.
"In The Gardenia Curse, Eva’s adventure unfolds like a gardenia blossom, a little at a time, getting more intriguing with each pedal that unfurls until finally the full thing is open to enjoy." - Amazon Review
"The Gardenia Curse is an exciting middle grade fantasy that easily captivates readers with it's imaginative plot and interesting characters." - BeachBoundBooks
"The author really captures your mind and heart. I am looking forward to the authors second book to see what happens next!" - Amazon Review
About the AuthorC. M. Savage began writing at a young age. She used a typewriter and crayons to write and illustrate her first book when she was in second grade and continued to write off and on through college. After traveling, she enjoyed working with birds of prey, mammals and endangered Hawaiian birds. She is a second degree black belt in Taekwondo, enjoys crafting and having fun with her family. She recently moved back to Bend, Oregon with her husband and two daughters. The Gardenia Curse is her debut novel. She is now working on the sequel. Blog Tour Prize Pack GiveawayPrize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize(winner’s choice), a copy of The Gardenia Curse, and a Book Flower. Giveaway ends: November 28, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, C.M. Savage and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected].
My Review
The Gardenia Curse is a great middle school fantasy story that will captivate readers as they join Eva on a thrilling adventure to protect Dreamland from an evil shadow.
My son and I read this book together since he is only in 3rd grade. He enjoyed the characters and was happy when Eva stood up to the girl who was bullying her at school. I would definitely recommend The Gardenia Curse for middle grade and older elementary school readers.
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for The Art of Blissful Parenting by Sharon Ballantine. The blast will run October 24 - October 26, 2016.
About the BookBook Description: What if you had the ideal relationship with your children? This book is for every parent that wants to have a powerful bond with their kids. Parents have the opportunity for newfound freedom and joy when they teach their children about their Internal Guidance System. Tools and guidance are offered in this book for exacting the art of blissful parenting by practicing alignment. It's fun and easy to work with the Universe and a short lesson in the Law of Attraction is part of this script. Parents-live and also teach your children how to manifest what they want by thinking in a more positive way and deliberately creating their lives. "This book is filled with amazing tools for any adult who wants to sharpen the innate gifts of the children in their lives and support them in developing and following their internal guidance. Beautifully and thoughtfully written with clear practical exercises to allow you to put into practice what you have read." - Debbie (Amazon Reviewer) "The Art of Blissful Parenting offers readers a refreshing, out-of-the-box approach to raising happy children. Sharon offers practical tools and tips for teaching kids how to thrive by using the law of attraction and following their internal guidance system." - (Amazon Reviewer) "This is a fascinating book for anyone who wants to raise confident, independent children. The author presents her unique ideas in a thoughtful and insightful way" - Cheryl (Amazon Reviewer) About the Author: Sharon BallantineSharon Ballantine is a Parenting Coach and certified Law of Attraction Life Coach. She has successfully raised three children and is the author a new book "The Art of Blissful Parenting." Sharon is the founder of "The Ballantine Parenting Institute," her online parenting program. Ballantine is a sought after speaker, and was host to her own Internet TV Show with Conscious Evolution Media Network from 2013-2014. The platform of The Sharon Ballantine TV Show featured a conversation with passionate spiritually minded guests. Sharon also had her own column with Beliefnet.com "Parenting on Purpose." Sharon was interviewed on TV, February 15, 2016 for her new book release, "The Art of Blissful Parenting" on KING 5 New Day Northwest, a live daytime talk show in Seattle. Ballantine has been interviewed on several radio shows including Blog Talk Radio in Los Angeles, Chat with Women radio show in Seattle and Conscious Evolution Media Internet TV in Denver. Her interview with Hay House Radio will air by summer '16. Sharon's website is SharonBallantine.com which features weekly teaching blogs, podcasts and slideshows. You can see her educational videos on her YouTube channel, Sharon Ballantine. Sharon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Jay. Book Blast GiveawayPrize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice. Giveaway ends: November 7, 11:59 pm, 2016Open to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Sharon Ballantine and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. a Rafflecopter giveaway
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's picture book written by Subhash Kommuru and illustrated by Sujata Kommuru, De Dana Dan (Hindi Edition). The blast will run October 12 - October 14, 2016.
About the BookTitle: De Dana Dan (A Mother's Love Can Conquer Any Fear) | Author: Subhash Kommuru Illustrator: Sujata Kommuru | Genre: Children's Multicultural Adventure | Number of Pages: 44 Publisher: Kommuru Books | Publication Date: July 7, 2015 | Language: Hindi Hindi Book Description: De Dana Dan ek mazedar, gudgudane waali kahani hain. Is kahani mein murge hain, murgiyan hain, aur ek drusht kouwa hai. Shastriji khushal anandnagar ke mukhiya hain aur unke paas har samasya ka tod hai. Lekin jab Kalia ki buri nazar Anandnagar par padti hai tab Shastriji ke sabhi paitren unhi par bhari padte hain. To kya Kalia ki sharaten kabhi khatam hongi? Aakhir koun sikhayega Kalia ko sabak? De Dana Dan is baat ka praman hai ki Maa ki Mamta mein kisi bhi asambhav karya ko sambhav banane ki shamta hai. This book is written in Hindi script and also in Hindi using English script.
English Book Description: Shastriji is a wise old chicken who always has an answer for "How...." until comes the vile crow Kaalia, who is up to no good. Shastriji's ideas to deal with Kaalia backfires one after the other. Is Kalia‛s tyranny going to end? What if the right question is not "How" but "Why?" The story becomes a tribute to motherhood when a mother's love overcomes all odds and propels Ganga to do something that dazzles everyone in Anand Nagar. As in the very best of children's literature, the gentle humor appeals to a younger audience while adults appreciate more subtle touches. Action and suspense cut through the age gap without obscuring the important moral lesson of the story. Mesmerizing illustrations, rendered with love by Sujata Kommuru, capture every nuance of the tale in great detail and every character has been very carefully portrayed and designed.
Watch the Book Video
About the Author & Illustrator
Subhash and Sujata an Award winning Children's author(s), hail from India and have been Honored for Excellence by Mom's Choice Awards.
They migrated to the United States along with their memories of childhood and youth. Now that they are parents, just like every immigrant they crave to introduce their child to the culture and values of their upbringing. Yet it is challenging to teach something while you are in the midst of adjusting to a different culture yourself.
Subhash and Sujata both work in different disciplines and have different styles and backgrounds, but it is the upbringing of their son that brings them on the same page. That exact place where they meet is captured and reflected in their stories, where Subhash can express in words, and Sujata can illustrate them beautifully. Where he puts it in black and white, she adds color to it. You get the idea!
These stories are their attempt to share a glimpse of their childhood days with their son. He is their inspiration to write short stories that have meaning to them and provide teaching in some shape or form.
Book Blast Giveaway
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice. Giveaway ends: October 26, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Subhash Kummuru and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected].a Rafflecopter giveaway
BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade fantasy Stone Faces: An Alice and Friends Book by Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks. The tour will run September 19 - October 3, 2016.
About the BookTitle: Stone Faces: An Alice and Friends Book | Author: Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing | Publication Date: July 12, 2016 | Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Number of Pages: 66 Book Description: Stone Faces is the story of a ten-year-old girl named Alice who notices one day that her parents’ faces have turned to stone. Soon afterward, they tell her they are going to get divorced and, in reaction, she allows her own face to turn to stone because she doesn’t want anyone to know how much this hurts her. It is easier to deal with her friends when her stone face is in place, but she also begins to find herself alone more and more. While on her summer vacation at her aunt’s house on Cape Cod, she sees a stone on the beach in the shape of a laughing man’s face (called Mr. Happy Man). She soon discovers that this stone can talk and that it has friends among the other beach stones, who play games in the sand when people aren’t around. Together with Mr. Happy Man and his friends, Alice develops an ingenious scheme to help her parents resolve their differences. Their plans are thrown awry when a woman finds Mr. Happy Man in the sand and walks off with him. Alice decides to rescue the stone and sneaks into the woman’s house where she learns that the woman is actually a witch. Read an ExcerptThe trouble actually started way before the summer. In fact, it was early spring when my parents and I took that long walk in Central Park. We all should have been in a really great mood because (finally!) the sun was out and it was nice and warm. But I remember glancing over at my mom and dad again and again as we walked, thinking that both of their faces had changed. It’s tough to describe. Their features had gotten sort of hard. They looked a lot like the carved stone faces on some of the buildings in our neighborhood. Anyway, I pretended that nothing was wrong and forgot about it until it was time to start planning our summer vacation. Here’s the thing—I love going to the seashore more than almost anything in the whole world. Every summer for as long as I can remember, my mom and my dad packed up our car with all our beach stuff (and snacks for the long ride). Then, we drove the five and a half hours from New York City to visit my aunt in a place called Provincetown on the very tip of Cape Cod. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love New York City. My mom and I can take the bus to my dance classes, and a subway to where I belong to a kids’ theater group on Saturdays. We can walk to my school, to the field house where my soccer team plays, and to the gym where my dad and I shoot hoops. So, yeah, I love New York City. There’s just one problem. Until I’m older, I pretty much have to stay glued to an adult’s side whenever I leave our apartment. When I’m twelve, my mom says I can take the bus by myself to certain places. When I’m thirteen, I’ll be able to go on the subway. Depending. Depending on what, you might ask. Just depending my mom says back. Gag! I hate the word depending. Anyway, here’s the point—in Provincetown I’m free. I can take walks by myself all over town. The only catch is that I have to stay within a block of Commercial Street, which is like the Broadway of Provincetown. It is usually so crowded that people can’t even fit on the sidewalks and so they walk in the street. It’s like a big pedestrian mall. And best of all, I can go out to the bay beach by myself and swim, so long as there’s a lifeguard on duty. I love to be tossed by the waves and paddle through the swells in the deep water. I love to make sand castles and look for shells and stones and beach glass and driftwood. The beach is pretty much my idea of paradise. So, maybe you can understand why I was really upset in early June when my mom and dad sat me down in our living room late one afternoon for a talk. It was getting dark outside. Thunderstorms were predicted, and the sky was almost black. I sat on the sofa by myself. They were each in their own chair across from me, and they were each trying to smile. But it was no use with those stone faces of theirs. I was so nervous I almost couldn’t hear what my mother was saying. About the AuthorsWhen Anne Rothman was a student at Bryn Mawr College and Kenneth Hicks was a student at Haverford College, they began writing together in an independent-study course with one of Ken’s professors. A brief interlude ensued while Anne wrote wonderful poetry and Ken wrote a book about hitchhiking (The Complete Hitchhiker Tobey Publishing, Dell Distribution), but they soon got back together as writers when Ken was in law school at Columbia University and Anne was paying the rent by working in publishing. They have continued to write together for about forty years and in that time have published four adult novels, eleven non-fiction books for children, two fiction books for middle readers, and two photography books. They also produced three children whom they love even more than writing. Between projects, they started a web site www.randh71productions.com. In case you were wondering about the address, “R” is for Rothman, “H” is for Hicks, and “71” is the year of their marriage. No secret codes or numerology anywhere. Blog Tour GiveawayOpen to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. a Rafflecopter giveaway My Review
Stone Faces is a wonderful children's book that addresses the tough topic of divorce in such a way that children will be able to understand and identify with the struggles and emotions Alice faces when her parents separate.
Alice is devastated when her parents decide to split up. Unable to process the difficult emotions, Alice's expression turns to stone. When Alice takes a vacation she's surprised that the stones on the beach are able to talk to her. With her stone face the rocks believe she is one of them. Embracing her new friendships Alice and the beach stones come up with a plan to reunite her parents, but will it work? The story has creative characters that will entice readers and the storyline is one of significance as many children face divorce just as Alice. I recommend Stone Faces for readers age 8 and up.
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's picture book written by Deb Troehler & illustrated by Jaime D. Buckley, Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat. The blast will run September 26 - September 28, 2016.
About the BookTitle: Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat | Author: Deb Troehler | Illustrator: Jaime D. Buckley | Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 38 | Publication Date: March 9, 2016 Book Description: Thanksgiving is almost here and Dillon can’t wait to see his lovable Uncle Pete once again. Uncle Pete’s visits with his peculiar penchant for pickled pumpkin pie always bring an extra helping of laughter to the dining table. Join Dad, Mom, Uncle Pete, Dillon, and their dog, Baxter, for togetherness, laughter, and a dill-icious meal. Pickled Pumpkin Pie is a read-aloud book for children ages 3-7. Pickled Pumpkin Pie will be FREE on Amazon September 27 & 28Review by BeachBoundBooksIt's Thanksgiving and Uncle Pete can't wait to eat, but it's not turkey, potatoes, or cranberries he's after. Uncle Pete is waiting for dessert and not just any dessert. He wants pickled pumpkin pie. As the scrumptious meal comes to an end Uncle Pete's excitement builds. Will he finally get his Thanksgiving wish? Pickled Pumpkin Pie is well written, engaging, and highly entertaining. The book also contains several activities and of course gives readers a chance to create their own pickled pumpkin pie. This is certain to become a fast holiday favorite among children and adults. I recommend picking up a copy. About the Author: Deb TroehlerMrs. Troehler was a special education teacher for 15 years. After leaving the classroom due to a recurrence of cancer, her family moved to West Michigan to spend time with her husband’s family. To help make ends meet, Deb wrote instructional material and stories for several trade magazines such as Doll Crafter, Doll Reader, and Soft Dolls and Animals. Eventually, the magic of West Michigan motivated Deb to put pen to paper and record the stories inspired by her treks up and down the shores of Lake Michigan. Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat is Deb’s third book for children. About the Illustrator: Jaime D. BuckleyJaime Buckley is an author, illustrator, father of 12 and the creator of wantedhero.com, which has been entertaining youth and the young at heart for over a decade. Book Blast Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade fiction Beyond the Lines by Claudia Whitsitt. The tour will run from September 6 - September 27, 2016.
About the BookTitle: Beyond the Lines | Author: Claudia Whitsitt | Publisher: Claudia Whitsitt Publication Date: February 27, 2016 | Genre: Middle Grade Fiction | Number of Pages: 260
Book Description: The Dream Girls—Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly Jo—are back with the same determination and resolve they displayed in Between the Lines. This time, it's Crackers who has a dream. She has oodles of talent, can outshoot any guy, and she wants to be the first girl on the boys' basketball team. Everybody knows she's the best player at school. The problem is, the rules say: No girls allowed on the team. Ever. But the Dream Girls have challenged old-fashioned notions before, and they're not about to give up now. Beverly Jo rocks the world with an ingenious plan, Hattie sets the wheels in motion, and Crackers gives her all. For this threesome, nothing is impossible.
What others are saying...
"BEYOND THE LINES is a refreshing story of true friendship." - Lori (Amazon) "A delightful story of true friendship" - David (Amazon) "Great characters, superlative writing and the sense of being dropped into the mist of a Dream Girls meeting makes "Beyond The Lines" a wonderful book." - DJ (Amazon) "Beyond the lines is a beautiful story of friendship." - (Amazon) About the Author
Claudia Whitsitt spent a lifetime teaching special education and writing before becoming a full-time author. She believes in the power of friendship, small acts of kindness, and paying it forward. Nothing makes her happier than spending time with her children, which includes not only the five she raised but the countless students who touched her life over the years.
Blog Tour GiveawayPrize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: September 27, 11:59 pm, 2016Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Claudia Whitsitt and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. a Rafflecopter giveaway Read an Excerpt
Crackers walks me home in a blistery wind. I can’t seem to use my cane right, I’m all out of sync with the stepping and the tapping, so I just grip her arm. Plus, the sidewalk is icy, and I’m nervous about falling.
“I’m not joking,” Crackers says. “You can’t tell your Mom. If she finds out about Matt and Beverly, she’ll have a canary. She finally warmed up to the idea of you having a black friend, but once she knows Matt and Beverly are an item, she’ll never let Beverly back in your house.”
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the charming children's book written by Sandra L. Richards and illustrated by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, Rice & Rocks. The tour will run from August 23 - September 13, 2016.
About the BookBook Description: Tradition takes flight in Rice & Rocks, a picture book celebrating culture and diversity. Giovanni's friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed he does not like 'rice and rocks' and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni's pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together. Take a look inside the book... About the Author: Sandra L. Richards
Sandra L. Richards is the debut picture book author of Rice & Rocks. With Rice & Rocks, Sandra brings a unique contribution to the world of children’s books. An American-born daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents, she hopes the book will serve as an educational resource for families seeking to teach their children the value of their heritage and the importance of cultural diversity.
About the Illustrator: Megan Kayleigh SullivanVisit her at www.357meg.com. Blog Tour GiveawayPrize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: September 13, 11:59 pm, 2016Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Sandra L. Richards and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. a Rafflecopter giveaway BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the young adult fantasy Children of Icarus written by Caighlan Smith. The tour will run from August 10 - August 24, 2016.
About the Book
Book Description:
It's Clara who's desperate to enter the labyrinth and its Clara who's bright, strong, and fearless enough to take on any challenge. It's no surprise when she's chosen. But so is the girl who has always lived in her shadow. Together they enter. Within minutes, they are torn apart forever. Now the girl who has never left the city walls must fight to survive in a living nightmare, where one false turn with who to trust means a certain dead end.
History and Inspiration Behind the Book Since I was a wee kidlit, I’ve loved Greek Mythology. That love has only grown and nowadays heavily influences my writing, some more than others. Children of Icarus, my new novel, is counted among the “some”. The inspiration for this book was, of course, drawn from the myth of Icarus—the boy who flew into the sun. But a lot of the setting of the book comes from the myths about Icarus’ father, Daedalus, who built the labyrinth. Children of Icarus takes place within a labyrinth, which the main character has been chosen to enter. She was promised paradise should she find her way out of the labyrinth, but paradise seems more unlikely than ever as she’s forced to confront one horror after another. Many of said horrors have been inspired by Greek mythology, mainly the adorable monsters that populate every great hero’s tale. The thing is, I had the idea for Children of Icarus back in junior high. The plot was different in every way back then, aside from the setting of the labyrinth. Even the protagonist was an older, altered version of the way she is now. I actually started writing the story back then, but barely got a page in before giving up and moving on to something else. Fast-forward many a year, and I’m studying Greek mythology for my Classics minor at university. It reminds me of that old idea I had, so I revisit it and decide to tell the story of how my protagonist ended up in the labyrinth. I started writing from there, and everything about the story changed. For the better. And now we have a book. Ta-da! Favourite Greek myths/heroes/monsters Oh, where to begin? I do so love my Greek mythology. I have a few favourite myths, starting with the one where the goddess Demeter put the mortal kid she was babysitting in a fire, and expected his parents to be cool with this because “duh, it will make him immortal”. I also like the myth where Ariadne, after being ditched by her supposed boyfriend Theseus (Greek heroes for you) ends up getting to marry Dionysus, who is basically the god of partying. I think there’s a great moral in that one, somewhere. Also, the myth about the deaths of Castor and Pollux. Despite being twins, they have different fathers—because myth logic—so Pollux is a demi-god and Castor just has a very cool name. In one version of the myth, when they’re “killed” Pollux is set to go off to Mount Olympus, Castor to the underworld, but Pollux won’t abandon his twin so he convinces his dad Zeus to let him share his immortality with his brother. They then become the constellation Gemini (which is my sign!). As for favourite Greek heroes, that would be a toss-up between one of the only female heroes, Atalanta, and Ajax the Greater, because of the cold-shoulder he gives Odysseus when said Odyssey hero visits him in the underworld. I can’t help but respect his capacity to hold a grudge. Oh, and as for my favourite Greek monster, that would be Cerberus, because any three-headed demon dog that guards the gates of hell yet can be placated with honey cakes is perfect in my book. Speaking of my book, Children of Icarus draws a lot of inspiration from Greek mythology, given my adoration of it. If you’re also a mythology geek, you’ll probably recognize a lot of stuff, but if you couldn’t care less about Ancient Greece, worry not! The allusions are a bonus. There’s plenty of survival fun to go around. The protagonist ends up trapped in a labyrinth, which should have led her to paradise. Instead, she and a group of youths must struggle to survive against the monstrosities and horrors plaguing the labyrinth. And even if there were honey cakes to be had, they would do no good. About the AuthorCaighlan Smith was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador on June 1st, 1994. She grew up in the scenic coastal community of St. Philip’s, overlooking the dramatic north-west Atlantic. As a kid, she loved to play in the woods around her house, loved to tell stories and believed in magic. Caighlan, who is studying English, Classics and Creative Writing at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, is a supporter of universal girl-child education and has been involved with the Teachers Action for Girls campaign in Uganda. Her great loves are reading, gaming and, of course, writing. The “C” in her name is hard, the “gh” is silent. Blog Tour GiveawayOpen to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Caighlan Smith and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. a Rafflecopter giveaway |