Beginning tomorrow, September 1, I will be doing another blog challenge. This time we are to make a commitment to blog at least 5 days a week in a row. I will be doing Monday-Friday.
I again will be doing book reviews with the majority of them being children's books. I ask you to come back every day, root me on, and discover some great books.I always appreciate your comments and look forward to seeing some old and new faces.
~Naila Moon
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
#Review: Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash #MichaelPhillipCash, #AdultBook, #Paranormal
Summary:
Sometimes life, as well as death, is about Second Chances. Luckless Telly Martin does not have a clue. An awful gambler trying to scrape by as a professional poker player, he Becomes the protégé of world famous poker champion Clutch Henderson. The only catch ... Clutch is a ghost. Telly and Clutch must navigate the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas gambling learning to trust eachother in order to win the elusive International Series of Poker, repair shattered Their personal relationships and find redemption in this life and the Hereafter.
My Review:
When I started reading this new book by Michael Phillip Cash, I was not going to be what I Certain thrilled with it. However, de author did not disappoint.
This time he had two main characters. His first, Clutch, Is One That was gritty, unruly, and just plain rude. He is a professional poker player and lives in the seedier part of Las Vegas. When he and this subsequently Becomes A Ghost (this is Noted in the summary), he Becomes a destructive force in death as he what in life.
On the otherhand, pardon the pun, there is Telly. He is a hapless but extremely kind, down on his luck, man. Who's real passion is not poker but the love of his life
I seriously loved Telly. I wanted him to be the big winner everytime but in the same sense I appreciated his honesty. More importantly, I appreciated That he loved his fiance and wanted nothing than to make her happy even if He Was not happy himself.
At the sametime, I loathed Clutch, but I found it interesting, indeed He has a soft side too but of course I can not reveal that.
It is through the meshing of the two did professional poker playing and Las Vegas Life is interesting.
I enjoyed the factthat Michael Phillip Cash Brought back a couple of old favorite minor characters in this book. As this is now his eleventh book it makes it fun Because now They are almost treasure hunt to find material in each of his books.
I also enjoyed getting a peek into the not-so-nice part of Vegas did maybe people who visit there are not aware of or maybe just pretend it is not there. In any case, all of this is why many flock to Las Vegas. Poker is big business No Doubt!
Michael Phillip Cash has managed once again to make a winner of a book. 5 chips for this book!
Disclosure: I purchase a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% Expressed my own and may differentiate from yours. ~ Naila Moon
Where to find the author:
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. He's written books Including the ten best-selling Brood X, Stillwell, The Flip, The After House, The Hanging Tree, Witches Protection Program, Poker Ghost and Battle for Darracia series.
Michael Resides on the North Shore of Long Iceland with his wife and children.Facebook: facebook.com/michaelphillipcash
Twitter: twitter.com/michaelpcash
Web: www.michaelphillipcash.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
#Review of Heart Dancing: A Story Alchemy Adventure by Kathyrn Eriksen #YA #Adult #HeartDancing #inspirational
Summary:
What if your heart stops dancing? Brian, his wife, Christine and their 14 year old daughter, Savanna, are a typical American family. Their lives begin to unravel when a dark secret from their past threatens to destroy them. Divorce seems imminent unless they discover a miracle. Savanna refuses to stand by and watch her family self-destruct. A mysterious young woman and her dog show Savanna how to look past the physical and see the spiritual side of her family's problems. A leap of faith and willingness to change her perspective give Savanna a new view of her life, her values and her purpose. But can the adults give up their stories about their past that continue to tear them apart? Brimming with inspiration, transformation and empowering messages, "Heart Dancing" is life changing. It also introduces the 4 step process called "Story Alchemy" that is used in the novel to transform the stories that threaten the Hartt's happiness. The Story Alchemy Process is simple, direct and practical. You will notice that you are calmer and more grounded, that you no longer get upset or angry about past events or people, and your heart starts dancing with joy and love. As you cheer on the individual choices made by Brian, Christine and Savanna Hartt, you will also reflect on your own stories that keep you playing small. Heart Dancing - it's the only way to live!
My review:
When I first started reading this book I thought it was a pretty slow start. In fact, I almost put it down altogether. However, I decided to keep reading and I am glad I did.The second half of the book was great!
Staged in Colorado, the characters are pretty typical family as the summary says. I could relate to some of their issues as a family and some I could not but know of families that have dealt with such things.
That is not so for the supposed minor characters of the book. Avery is by far interesting and completely spiritual. I am sure some readers would have issue with this particular character as her spiritual path is not the norm although it is framed in a Christian-esq way. Her path though is a beautiful concept and one I personally have come across before. She guides this entire family in a much more calming way to deal with their crisis. However from a strictly reading of the book it seemed rushed and almost incomplete. This was author prerogative. Perhaps there is a sequel afoot?
The author says that this book is purely fictional but it is apparent it is not completely as the author mentions she created the 4 step process. It is apparent that she sees herself as the character of Avery and practices this spiritual life. She includes "Miracle Tokens" as well as guided questions at the end of the book. There is even a twitter addy that is cleverly written into the book. Read the book and find out about all of those things.
So, bottom line, I liked the book but would not consider it self-help nor spiritual manual per se even though it is being marketed that way. I do give it 4 stars because I did eventually like the story and concepts.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my open and honest review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
Special request from Author:
To learn more about these Miracle Tokens, please visit http://miracleincome.com/. You can also sign up to receive Miracle Tokens
.Where to find the author:
Connect with the author: Website Twitter Facebook
Thursday, August 20, 2015
#ad "A Mom's Guide To Home Organization" Book
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Michael Phillip Cash's #Giveaway: Choice of $200 Paypal or Amazon & His Book, Brood X #MichaelPhillipCash @michaelpcash
About the book:
Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Seth plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new digital camcorder.
During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast.
Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade.
During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, wi-fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone.
Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed.
Fast paced and filled with tension, Brood Ten is the perfect summer read when you’re sitting outside listening to the cicadas sing.
This book creeped me out when I first read it but I seriously could not put it down. It is well worth the read and reread. You can find my review of the Brood X HERE.
Brood X: A Firsthand Account of the Great Cicada Invasion is an award winning book and the first of ten novels currently that has been written by Michael Phillip Cash. Brood X won first place for Horror in the Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards 2013!
To reintroduce this book, Michael Phillip Cash is giving a way a copy and choice of $200 Paypal or Amazon to one lucky reader. For chance to win enter in the Rafflecopter below. Please NOTE the rules in the disclosure.
About the author:
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. He's written ten books including the best-selling Brood X, Stillwell, The Flip, The After House, The Hanging Tree, Witches Protection Program, Pokergeist and Battle for Darracia series.
Michael resides on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.Facebook: facebook.com/michaelphillipcash
Twitter: twitter.com/michaelpcash
Web: www.michaelphillipcash.com
DISCLOSURE: This giveaway is arranged on behalf of Michael Phillip Cash by Away We Go Media. Naila Moon of Reading Authors and Just the Stuff Ya Know and all other bloggers associated with this giveaway were asked to promote this giveaway and are not responsible for prize distribution. I did received compensation for this post.
The giveaway runs from August 20, 2015 through September 4, 2015. There will only be one winner. The giveaway is open world wide but NOTE, if the winner is outside of the USA, the winner will only receive a Kindle copy of the book. Winner will ONLY be paid in U.S. dollars via Paypal. Winner must have an active Paypal or Amazon account.
The winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter.org and all entries will be verified. The winner has 48 hours to respond to an email sent or forfeit prize and another alternate winner will be drawn.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, August 17, 2015
#Giveaway: Heart Dancing Book and Prizes @KathrynEriksen1 @iReadBookTours #HeartDancing #inspirational
Disclosure: I am not responsible for this giveaway and only posting it as part of a book tour I am involved with. My review of this book is forth coming. Good luck!
Prize: Win one of 10 copies of Heart Dancing (open to USA & Canada) (International ebook), 3 necklaces, 2 bracelets and 2 X $10 Starbucks gift cards (Ends Sept 5)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Prize: Win one of 10 copies of Heart Dancing (open to USA & Canada) (International ebook), 3 necklaces, 2 bracelets and 2 X $10 Starbucks gift cards (Ends Sept 5)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Kid Lit Hop 64th #KidLitHop #KLBH #kidsbooks
*** This go around I am featuring Carole P. Roman and her If You Were Me and Lived In...Series. I love this series and have every book she has out thus far. This feature is for her China book. Check it out HERE. While you are there enter my giveaway for a copy of your own book. It is open internationally! Happy Reading! ***
Hostesses:
Mother Daughter Book Reviews
Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger
Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger
Stacking Books
BeachBoundBooks
Music Teaching and Parenting
Pragmatic Mom
Reading Authors
The Logonauts
A Book Long Enough
Spark and Pook
Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!
Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*
1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
Happy Hopping!
KID LIT BLOG HOP
Monday, August 10, 2015
#Review and #Giveaway: If You Were Me and Lived In ...China by Carole P. Roman #kidsbooks #Multicultural
Summary:
Carole P. Roman's award winning series has traveling again and this time it's to East Asia to visit the People's Republic of China. In this book, younger readers can learn about the wide variety of climate when they read about China's vast size. They will begin their journey in China's ancient capital, Beijing, where they will discover the Imperial Palace of the Forbidden City. Different regions of cuisine are discussed, highlighting the variety of styles and spices of food. Currency, sports, exciting tourist attractions, and a lovely description of the New Year Festivities are included in this introduction the beautiful land of China. Embraced by educators, parents, and children, the series gently and respectfully introduces the subjects of cultures and customs around the world.
My review:
I have loved this series from this author since her first book, "If You Were Me and Lived In...Mexico.
Each one seems to get better and better. This book is of an exception. It is by far one of the best I have seen in the series.
The words this time are very difficult to pronounce but she has not only the glossary in the back but the pronunciation right in the text. Her winning format is consistent as with the other books where kids learn about how to say Mom and Dad and learn about what to call school.
I love the vibrant colors which are synonymous with China. The drawings invite the reader right in to what China is all about and to me that too is a win.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. 5 stars by far!
Would you like to win your own copy? Enter in the simple Rafflecopter below for your chance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
NOTE:The giveaway begins 8/10/15 and ends 8/31/15 CST. It is open internationally but if the winner is outside of the US, only a Kindle copy will be given. The winner has 24 hours to respond to an email or an alternate winner will be drawn. All entries will be verified. The winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter.com
Where to find the author:
Amazon Facebook
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, August 3, 2015
Review: Itty Bitty Kitty by Joan Holub/Illustrated by James Burks
Summary:
Ava wants a pet, but Mom and Dad say she's too little. So when she finds a kitty, Ava decides to name him Itty Bitty and keep him a secret. There's just one tiny problem: Itty Bitty starts growing and growing and growing . . . until he's neither itty nor bitty! Kids will laugh and cheer along as Ava and Itty Bitty try to keep Mom and Dad from discovering their not-so-little secret!
My Review:
Have you or someone you have known ever want a pet of your own? I know I have! This book is all about that want becoming a reality in a fun way.
Joan Holub does it again in this book when she writes about Ava who wants a kitty. Her writing style is not completely in rhyme but many fun rhyming words are included. I loved some of the words like: cutie pattotie and of course itty bitty.
I liked how Ava tries to hide her kitty until the right time to tell mom and dad but the hiding gets a little out of hand. The story was absolutely adorable and the twist at the end was priceless.
I can tell you that my grandchildren have had me read this to them several times already because the love it so much.
The illustrations include Ava's own drawing of cats all over the house which is a fun little secret in itself. The pictures were larger than life, bold, and colorful which added to the overall greateness of this book.
I urge you to pick up a copy today and without a doubt this book gets 5 stars!
Disclosure: I received this book for my open and honest opinion.
The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
Where to find author:
Joan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads.
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