#Review: Best Buddies: What's In A Name? by Mother Melania #Giveaway #bookseries #childrenspicturebooks #freebookpromo #homelessness

 

Category:  Children's Fictions (ages 3-7), 32 pages

Genre:  Children's Picture Book

Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery

Release date:   December, 2022

Content Rating:  G - This is a children's picture book. It does deal with homelessness, but in a way that is appropriate for young children. There is nothing graphic and no bad language.

     BOOK PROMO: GET IT FREE HERE

Synopsis:

A homeless teen befriends a dog. The teen struggles with what to call the dog. Set out on adventure to find out.

My review: 

I want to start out by saying that this book was written for children to help them have compassion for people who are homeless. It was written in collaboration with a teen who is homeless himself.

Even though the illustrations are simple and repetitive, I like that they look like they are from torn paper art. This is different for book illustrations and somewhat refreshing. Honestly, I think this is the best part of the book.

I would call this a picture book without a doubt. I think the intention was for it to be more than that but fell short as the photos are what takes over. The writing is pretty much non-existent otherwise. I would like to see more. As I am sure the author is aware, there is so much more than homeless people befriending a pet. However, all of it together, it does get a point across and maybe her goal for this first book in an apparent series.

One perk to this book is the author included worksheets and coloring pages and that is a nice touch. For that reason and the illustrations, I am giving this book a 3 star.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book for review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. Note: I post books from a variety of religions and spiritual affiliations. This book does not necessarily reflect my own journey. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

                                                                            

                                                                             website 

Mother Melania is the Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. She grew up in a house that always had tons of children around, her poor parents had to read to her till they were hoarse, and from the moment she learned to read, she always had her nose in a book. So, it was only natural for her to grow up to write children's books.

She has written three series of specifically Orthodox children's books - all in verse - which celebrate the high points of God's work of salvation in the Person of Christ. Her remaining series teach children the virtues in a fun, non-preachy way.

Giveaway:

Win signed copy of BEST BUDDIES: WHAT’S IN A NAME?, plus $25 Amazon Gift Card (one winner / USA only) (ends Jun 30)

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The Jake Desmet Adventure by Gail Z. Martin and Larry N Martin #giveaway #spotlight #bookseries #YA #Steampunk

 

 

Iron & Blood

A Jake Desmet Adventure Book 1

by Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin

Genre: Supernatural Steampunk Adventure 

Hell with the lid off.

Jake Desmet and Rick Brand, heirs to the Brand & Desmet Import Company, travel the world to secure treasures and unusual items for the collections of wealthy and supernatural patrons, accompanied by Jake’s cousin, Veronique “Nicki” LeClercq. Smuggling a small package as a favor for a Polish witch should have been easy. But when assassins come after Jake and a Ripper-style killer leaves the city awash in blood, Jake, Rick, and Nicki realize that dark magic, vampire power struggles, and industrial sabotage are just a prelude to a bigger plot that threatens New Pittsburgh and the world.

New Pittsburgh in 1898 is a crucible of invention and intrigue, the hub of American industry at the height of its steam-driven power. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood, and earthquake, New Pittsburgh is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the abandoned mine tunnels beneath the city, supernatural creatures hide from the light, emerging to feed in the smoky city known as “hell with the lid off” while their masters scheme to change the balance of power.

Stopping that scheme will require every ounce of Jake’s courage, every bit of Rick’s cunning, every scintilla of Nicki’s bravura, and all the steam-powered innovation imaginable.

Iron & Blood is a steampunk action adventure filled with daring escapades, armed airships, vengeful vampires, mysterious magic, found family, mad doctors, quirky inventors, clockwork zombies, and loyal friends.

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Storm & Fury

A Storm & Fury Adventures Collection

New Pittsburgh, 1898 – a crucible of invention and intrigue. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood and earthquake, the city is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the swarming streets, people of a hundred nations drudge to feed the engines of progress. The Department of Supernatural Investigation was set up to take care of those things that live below, that go bump in the night... those odd cases that go beyond ‘standard’ investigation. Nicknamed ‘Storm and Fury’, Mitch Storm and Jacob Drangosavich are two of the more creative agents, working in New Pittsburgh and obeying the rules – when they have to.

A collection of short stories and novellas set in the world of the Iron & Blood novels and the related Storm and Fury Adventures.

Includes: Airship Down, Ruin Creek, Resurrection Day, The Hunt, Grave Voices, and Rogue. Plus two bonus stories: Ghost Wolf and a Steampunk fairy tale: The Patented Troll

Amazon  * Goodreads

Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wrote at age five was about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer. She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites.

Larry N. Martin is the author of the new sci-fi adventure novel Salvage Rat. He is the co-author (with Gail Z. Martin) of the Spells, Salt, and Steel/New Templars series; the Steampunk series Iron & Blood; and a collection of short stories and novellas: The Storm & Fury Adventures set in the Iron & Blood universe. He is also the co-author of the upcoming Wasteland Marshals series and the Joe Mack Cauldron/Secret Council series.

The Martins have three children, a Maltese, and a Golden Retriever.

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#Review: Soso and the Kako Leaf by Bella Disu #multicultural #childrensbooks #empowerment

Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 6-12),  78 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  The Good Work Company
Release date:   June 19, 2022i
Content Rating:  G. Children's Book.

Synopsis: 

Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage. 

My review:

This is one of the most beautiful illustrated children's books I have ever seen! Illustrated by Awele Emili, this book could stand alone just as a picture book. The illustrations are bold and strikingly beautiful. The colors are oranges, yellows, reds, and browns, which is obviously, to me, colors that can be found in the country of Nigera where the author is from.

Then, there is the story itself...wow! The story follows a young girl who is just turning 9 and preparing for her birthday party. She is excited but at the same time, not confident in who she is. She has this birth mark that she simply does not like. However, that mark will mean so much more as she finds herself in a seemingly fantasy world. But is it? Oh, no, my readers! No, she finds herself to be a princess and an important one at that.

Oh, how I loved this story. Soso is not your everyday princess who needs to be saved. No, she is strong and confident. She not only saves herself, but saves a whole kingdom. Of course I will not tell you how that happens, as you will need to read the book. It is worth it! 

As a bonus, there is a glossary in the back of the book that highlights terms used throughout. The words are printed in large print for reference.

5 incredible Kako leaf stars! Highly recommended!

PS. I just want to note that this book is huge for a children's book. I am absolutely amazed by that.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Buy the Book
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Note: This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.

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Meet the Author:

​Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.

Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor - Chevalier dans L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.
​
She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.
​
connect with the author: website 

#Spotlight: Golf Poems by Ron Colby #poetry #golf #sports

Book Description:

Ronald Colby worked in the professional theater in New York as an actor, both on Broadway and Off- Broadway. He wrote many plays that saw New York productions, and as a director/playwright, “The Village Voice” declared him an “influential originator” of the Off-Off Broadway movement.
 
Colby also worked with such well-known directors as Francis Ford Coppola and was Executive Producer for The Outsiders and Mobile Masterpiece theatre productions including A Death in the Family.
 
Theater is one of Colby’s passions. His other passion is golf, which is expressed in his new book, 18 Golf Poems And a Recollection at the 19th Hole. Colby says he’s “written these poems primarily for golfers but also for non-players who need confirmation of the absurdities and complexities of the game.” He’s been playing golf since he was eleven, and like many, he became a devoted fan of the game.
 
Complete with photographs and an essay at the end of the book where Colby reflects upon the sport and its fans, 18 Golf Poems is the perfect Father’s Day gift for those who love the sport, and the perfect gift at any time for all golf aficionados.

Amazon

Meet the Author: Ronald Colby wrote many plays that saw New York productions, and as a director/playwright, “The Village Voice” declared him an “influential originator” of the Off-Off Broadway movement. Early in his career, Francis Coppola recruited Colby into his fledgling company, and Colby moved quickly from casting and acting into the roles of production executive and producer. The films included, YOU’RE A BIG BOY NOW, FINIAN’S RAINBOW, THX-1138, THE RAIN PEOPLE, THE GODFATHER PART II, HAMMETT, and THE OUTSIDERS. His short film “The Longest Lens” won among other awards, a Cine Golden Eagle, and his documentary “Child Abuse and Neglect” won a U.S. Award of Excellence. Ron went on to write screenplays for Universal Pictures, American Zoetrope, and in addition, worked on many films with such producers and directors as Milos Forman, Lorne Michaels, Ed Zwick, Wes Craven, etc. He was Executive Producer on the John Hughes films, SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL and SHE’S HAVING A BABY. In addition, he worked as a Production Executive on other films such as LISA, THE EXORCIST III, and ONE FROM THE HEART. The documentary he produced on the making of Coppola’s ONE FROM THE HEART, has been released on the newly issued DVD. Ron also worked on many television movies as a producer including the highest-rated Hallmark Hall of Fame movie HARVEST OF FIRE, and Showtime’s LUSH LIFE. He has also been Second Unit Director on over a dozen films. He was the Producer of Esmeralda Santiago’s acclaimed memoir, ALMOST A WOMAN, also for Masterpiece Theatre, which won Peabody and Imagen Awards for best feature. ​ Over the past four years, he wrote and directed three feature documentaries. Completed in 2008 is, PIRATE FOR THE SEA, the film biography of Captain Paul Watson, the most controversial ocean environmentalist.

#Spotlight: A Daughter's Journey by Myra Lee Glass #giveaway #YA #HistoricalFiction #Adventure

 Book Details:

Book Title:  A Daughter's Journey by Myra Lee Glass
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  132 pages
Genre: YA Historical Fiction / Adventure
Publisher: Coleche Press
Content Rating: G: Written for a high school school project :) by a highschooler

Buy the Book:
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Book Description:

The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long-awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again.

Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much-loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in faraway Boston. This is where the adventure begins……

Meet the Author:

Myra Lee Glass is a young adult author of A Daughter's Journey. She lives in Texas with her parents and sister.

GIVEAWAY:

Win $25 Visa Gift Card, courtesy of the author of A DAUGHTER’S JOURNEY (ends June 30)

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A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY by Myra Lee Glass Book Tour Giveaway

Light of the World by Michelle Miles #giveaway #spotlight #UrbanFantasy #paranormal #novel #book series

 

Light of the World

A Dream Walker Novel Book 5

by Michelle Miles

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal 

The final battle between Heaven and Hell is coming – and I'm at the heart of it.

As I begin my final quest for the last Holy Relic, the Ark of the Covenant, things take an unexpected turn. Kincade is forced to return to the Brotherhood of Watchers and must face the consequences for breaking their laws and assisting me in my search.

Putting the quest on hold, I track down the Brotherhood to find him. My rescue fails, however, when The Knights of the Holy Lance steal my DNA in order to create more super dream walkers. I'm determined now more than ever to destroy them.

When I once more resume my hunt for the Ark, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are unleashed, spreading their reign of terror across countries. The world is now plagued by earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and other disasters.

Lucifer has won.

Or has he?

As we both scramble to obtain the ancient artifact, the ultimate war between good and evil looms before us. The battle for the fate of mankind comes down to me and those brave souls willing to stand against the darkness.

With the fate of all creation on the line, a final sacrifice will be demanded. But will the true nature of love and loyalty be enough to save me?

Amazon 

Don't miss the rest of the series!!

Don't miss the rest of the series!!

https://michellemiles.net/book-series/dream-walker/

Michelle Miles believes in fairy tales, true love and magic. She writes heart-stopping urban fantasy, epic fantasy and paranormal romance with an action/adventure twist that will leave you breathless. She is the author of numerous series that includes everything from angels and demons to fairies, dragons and elves.

A native Texan, in her spare time she loves reading, listening to music, watching movies, cross-stitching, drinking wine and taking pictures of her cat. She can be found online at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Goodreads.

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#spotlight: The Light Keeper by Christina Wallace #giveaway #YA

 

The Light Keeper

Genre: Epic YA Fantasy 

Wishes aren't all they're cracked up to be... especially when you have to capture the Fairies who grant them to you.

Er... make that faeries... and not the normal, hiding-in-plain-sight magical kind.

When a misadventure cleaning out the attic leads Isaac to release a faerie trapped in a glass ball of light, he believes he's struck gold--in the form of wishes. All he has to do is mention the name that was engraved on the ball, and the indebted faerie would grant him any three wishes he wanted.

The best part of all was knowing that there was an entire chest of captured faeries waiting to be freed...

But when strange things start to happen around town, Isaac begins to wonder if the increasingly unfortunate events are his doing.

Only his mysterious neighbor, Yara, knows the truth about his lineage as a Light Keeper.

Can Yara's strength and wisdom guide Isaac into his new role?

Can Isaac make things right again?

Or will his dream-come-true turn into his worst nightmare?

**Check out the kickstarter campaign HERE!**

Amazon * Goodreads

Christina Wallace has been many things. A student, an analyst, a wife, a mother, a gamer, and a lifelong writer. For almost as long as she can remember she’s dreamed of people and places that only existed in her mind, and sharing her stories is a dream come true.

Christina writes books not only for middle-grade audiences, but for young and new adults as well. Stories should be an escape. Christina likes to write about people who become their own heroes and take fate into their own hands. Many of her works contain fantastical elements and also a bit of love, but strong friendships are the common thread.

The Light Keeper is Christina’s debut series with more books soon to come. She is thrilled to begin this adventure of her very own as an author.

Website 

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#Spotlight: The Marco Flynn Mysteries by Christopher Clouser #giveaway #mysteries #bookseries

 

The Gold in Their Eyes

Marco Flynn Mysteries Book 3

Genre: Mystery 

Marco Flynn has returned to his home town for a fresh start. Now he’s a full-time parent to a pre-teen son, Jacob, and has asked Tara to marry him. He tries to start over by getting a normal nine-to-five gig.

Marco accepts a job working in the administration for the newly-elected mayor of Indianapolis. Before the ink dries on the contract, a new drug fills the streets . Along with that, a series of murders sweep through the city with the ringleader making a personal threat toward Marco’s family. Marco takes it as a personal challenge to solve the crime even if it compromises his new job, or his life

Marco attempts to protect his family no matter the costs. Even if that means harm will come to him, either physical or emotional. He will do anything to prevent a repeat of the tragedies he has seen over the last few months repeat itself. His sacrifice is worthwhile if it means his family, and the city, are safe.

**Releases on 6/13/23!!**

Amazon 

The Young & The Wicked

Marco Flynn Mysteries Book 2

Marco Flynn is fresh off a case that was bigger than anything he could imagine. To take a break, he and his girlfriend, Tara, travel to Seattle to spend the holidays with his son, Jacob.

From the start of the trip, Marco makes life miserable for the bad guys. During the flight, Marco breaks up a kidnapping. Then, once he reaches Seattle, is drawn into a child abduction case as a contractor for the FBI, his former employers. When Marco begins his investigation, he finds the kidnapper may be related to his ex-wife’s boyfriend, talk about a tough conversation. It becomes apparent that something is amiss at the Bureau as Marco unravels the mystery.

Marco attempts to keep his professional and personal lives separate as he goes between his ex and his girlfriend, while developing a deeper relationship with his son. Then every parent’s worst nightmare occurs and the case turns into a race against the clock as Marco Flynn tries to track down his prey in a city he does not know.

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As The City Burns

Marco Flynn Mysteries Book 1

Marco Flynn is working to make his home town of Indianapolis safe. In the process he stumbles across a dead body. The problem is she has been dead for two years and Marco attended her funeral. At the same time Marco's brother drops another case on him that implicates the Mayor in some illegal activities. The more Marco investigates he finds the two crimes have much more in common and may be linked to something even more dangerous. All of this as the city deals with increased protests and violence. Marco must decide if he wants to walk away or try to save the city he loves before it all falls down around him.

Amazon 

Christopher Clouser lives in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and pursues writing speculative fiction in his free time. His family consists of his wife, two children, and one grandchild. He has written sixteen books that include fantasy, science-fiction, mystery, and sports history while contributing to several others, along with multiple articles. He also has spoken to many local and national organizations on creative writing and the career of Perry Maxwell, a noted American golf course architect.

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