Blog Tour/Book Spotlight/Giveaway: The Tree of Water by Elizabeth Haydon. Ends Dec 6th

About the Book: The epic voyages continue in The Tree of Water, the fourth adventure in bestselling author Elizabeth Haydon’s acclaimed fantasy series for young readers, The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme.

As Royal Reporter of the land of Serendair, it is the duty of young Charles Magnus “Ven” Polypheme to travel the world and seek out magic hiding in plain sight. But Ven needs to escape the clutches of the nefarious Thief Queen, ruler of the Gated City, whose minions are hunting for him. His friend, the merrow Amariel, has the perfect solution to his dilemma: Ven and Char will join her to explore the world beneath the sea.

As they journey through the sea, Ven finds himself surrounded by wonders greater than he could have ever imagined. But the beauty of the ocean is more than matched by the dangers lurking within its depths, and Ven and his friends soon realize that in order to save thousands of innocent lives, they may have to sacrifice their own. For everything in the ocean needs to eat…

“A delightful epic fantasy that will attract a readership both older and younger than the target audience.” —Booklist (starred review) on The Floating Island.

• Age Range: 10 – 14 years
• Grade Level: 5 – 9
• Series: The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme (Book 4)
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Cost: $13.16 @ amazon.com

About the Author

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57461.Elizabeth_Haydon

Interview with Elizabeth Haydon, documentarian, archanologist and translator of Ven’s  journals, including The Tree of Water

Little is known for sure about reclusive documentarian and archanologist Elizabeth Haydon. She is an expert in dead languages and holds advanced degrees in Nain Studies from Arcana College and Lirin History from the University of Rigamarole. Her fluency in those languages [Nain and Lirin] has led some to speculate that she may be descended of one of those races herself. It should be noted that no one knows this for sure.

Being an archanologist, she is also an expert in ancient magic because, well, that’s what an archanologist is.

Being a documentarian means she works with old maps, books and manuscripts, and so it is believed that her house is very dusty and smells like ink, but there is no actual proof of this suspicion. On the rare occasions of sightings of Ms. Haydon, it has been reported that she herself has smelled like lemonade, soap, vinegar, freshly-washed babies and pine cones.

She is currently translating and compiling the fifth of the recently-discovered Lost Journals when she is not napping, or attempting to break the world’s record for the longest braid of dental floss.

We had the chance to ask her some questions about the latest of Ven’s journals, The Tree of Water. Here is what she shared.

1. Dr. Haydon, can you give us a brief summary of The Tree of Water?

Certainly. Ven Polypheme, who wrote the, er, Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme, lived long ago in the Second Age of history, when magic was much more alive and visible in the world than it is now. His journals are very important finds, because they tell the story of ancient magic and where it still may be found in the world today.

In the first three journals we saw how Ven came to the mystical island of Serendair and was given the job of Royal Reporter by the king of the island, a young man named Vandemere. The Royal Reporter was supposed to find magic that was hiding in plain sight in the world and report back about it to the king. As you can imagine, this could be a fun but dangerous job, and at the beginning of The Tree of Water, we see that Ven and his friends are hiding from the evil Thief Queen, who is looking to find and kill him.

Amariel, a merrow [humans call these ‘mermaids,’ but we know that’s the wrong word] who saved Ven when the first ship he sailed on sank, has been asking Ven to come and explore the wonders of the Deep, her world in the sea. Deciding that this could be a great way to find hidden magic as well as hide from the evil Thief Queen, Ven and his best friend, Char, follow her into the Deep. The sea, as you know, is one of the most magical places in the world—but sometimes that magic, and that place, can be deadly.

The book tells of mysterious places, and interesting creatures, and wondrous things that have never been seen in the dry world, and tales from the very bottom of the sea.

2. The main character in The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme series is Charles Magnus “Ven” Polypheme. Tell us about him.

Ven was an interesting person, but he really didn’t think so. He and his family were of a different race than the humans who made up most of the population where he lived, the race of the Nain. Nain are an old race, a little shorter and stockier than most humans, with a tendency to be on the grumpy side. They live about four times as long as humans, are very proud of their beards, which they believe tell their life stories, don’t like to swim or travel, and prefer to live deep inad grown in by the time The Tree of Water took place, when he was fifty years old [around twelve in Nain years]. He had a great group of friends, including thmerrow and Char, who were mentioned earlier. It is believed that his journals were the original research documents for two of the most important books of all time, The Book of All Human Knowledge and All the World’s Magic. The only copies of these two volumes were lost at sea centuries ago, so finding the Lost Journals is the only way to recover this important information.

3. What kind of research do you do for the series?

I go to places where Ven went and try to find relics he left behind. Usually this is with an expedition of archaeologists and historians. I am an expert in ancient magic [an archanologist] so I don’t usually lead the expeditions, I’m just a consultant. It gives me the chance to learn a lot about magic and lets me work on my suntan at the same time, so it’s good.

4. What is/are the most difficult part or parts of writing/restoring the Lost Journals?

Here’s the list, mostly from the archaeological digs where the journals have been found:

1] Cannibals

2] Crocodiles

3] Sunburn

4] Sand flies

5] Dry, easily cracking parchment pages

6] The horrible smell of long-dead seaweed

7] Grumpy members of the archaeological expedition [I could name names, but I won’t]

8] Expedition food [when finding and retrieving the journal for The Tree of Water, we ate nothing but peanut butter and raisin sandwiches, olives and yellow tea for six months straight]

9] When salt water gets into your favorite fountain pen and clogs it up. This is very sad.

10] Unintentionally misspelling a word in the Nain language that turns out to be embarrassing [the word for “jelly” is one letter different from the word for “diarrhea,” which caused a number of my Nain friends to ask me what on earth I thought Ven was spreading on his toast.]

5. What do you enjoy about this series that cannot be found in any of your other books?

Getting to write about a lot of cool magic stuff that used to exist in our world, but doesn’t anymore. And getting to travel to interesting places in the world to see if maybe some of it still does exist. Also getting to show the difference between merrows, which are real, interesting creatures, and mermaids, which are just silly.

6. What do you hope readers take away from this book?

I hope, in general, that it will open their eyes to the wonder of the sea, which takes up the majority of our planet, but we really don’t know that much about it down deep. There is a great deal of magic in the sea, and I hope that if and when people become aware of it, they will help take care of it and not throw garbage and other bad stuff into it. I have a serious dislike for garbage-throwing.

Probably the most useful secret I learned that I hope will be of use to readers is about thrum. Thrum is the way the creatures and plants that live in the ocean communicate with each other through vibration and thought. As Ven and his friends learn, this can be a problem if you think about something you don’t want anyone to know about when you are standing in a sunshadow, because everyone gets to see a picture of what’s on your mind. Imagine how embarrassing that could be.

7. Are there more books coming in this series?

Well, at least one. In the archaeological dig site where The Tree of Water was found was another journal, a notebook that Ven called The Star of the Sea. We are still working on restoring it, but it looks like there are many new adventures and different kinds of magic in it. The problem is that it might have been buried in the sand with an ancient bottle of magical sun tan lotion, which seems to have leaked onto some of the journal’s pages. This is a very sad event in archaeology, but we are working hard to restore it.

As for other books, it’s not like we just write them out of nowhere. If we haven’t found one of Ven’s journals, there can’t be another book, now, can there? We are always looking, however. We’ve learned so much about ancient magic from the journals we have found so far.

8. You are a best-selling author with other books and series for adults. What made you want to write books for young readers?

I like young readers better than adults. Everyone who is reading a book like mine has at one time or another been a young reader, but not everyone has been an adult yet. Young readers have more imagination and their brains are more flexible—they can understand magical concepts a lot better than a lot of adults, who have to deal with car payments and work and budget balancing and all sorts of non-magical things in the course of their days.

Besides, many adults scare me. But that’s not their fault. I’m just weird like that.

I think if more adults read like young readers, the world would be a happier place.

9. Tell us where we can find your book and more information about where you are these days.

You can find The Tree of Water anywhere books are sold, online and in bookstores. There are several copies in my steamer trunk and I believe the palace in Serendair also has one. I also sent one to Bruno Mars because I like his name.

At the moment, I am on the beautiful island of J’ha-ha, searching for a very unique and magical flower. Thank you for asking these interview questions—it has improved my mood, since I have only found weeds so far today. I am hoping for better luck after lunch, which, sadly, is peanut butter and raisin sandwiches, olives, and yellow tea again.

All the best,

Dr. Elizabeth Haydon, PhD, D’Arc

Giveaway Rules

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner  

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Giveaway Ends Dec 6th, 2014

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

Mandatory: Leave a comment about the review below. Leaving a helpful comment relating to this book would be appreciated and valid to the giveaway.

Giveaway Guidelines and Disclaimer  

Winners are selected via Random and notified by email. You have 48 hours to respond;

If no response, the prize is forfeited and an alternate winner is chosen.

This Giveaway Has Ended

Winner is #9 – Rebecca Swenor

Blog Tour/Giveaway: A Tale of Light and Shadow by Jacob Gowans. Ends Dec 6th

A Tale of Light and Shadow by Jacob Gowans

About the Book: Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station. Though Henry is but a carpenter, his devotion drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives. At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.

• Series: A Tale of Light and Shadow
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain (September 9, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609078721
• ISBN-13: 978-1609078720

For reviews check amazon.com

About the Author: Jacob Gowans is a dentist currently working in Utah. He is husband to a beautiful wife, and father to four cute children. He shuns all pets. When not working or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading, running, acting, listening to a variety of music, kissing his wife, internet shopping, and chasing his kids around the house. He is passionate about board games, both old and new.

Psion Beta was his first novel, followed by Psion Gamma, Psion Delta, and Psion Alpha. He is currently working on books in both the Psion series and his new series, A Tale of Light and Shadow, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. He is also planning Unknown and Super Six, two more series. His favorite bands are Angels and Airwaves and The Killers. His favorite book is Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, and thinks the greatest film ever made is Dead Poets Society. He reads comics, mainly Spider-man, Batman, The Far Side, and Calvin and Hobbes.

He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, graduated from Brigham Young University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in theater studies, and moved to Cleveland shortly thereafter. In 2011, he graduated from dental school at Case Western Reserve University.

He dreams of going to another country, seeing the Yankees play in every baseball stadium in America, and getting more involved in creating motion pictures. He would love to explore comic book and screenplay writing. He believes there is no greater responsibility than his family, and no better way to live than with love for all mankind.  http://www.jacobgowans.com/about-jacob-gowans.html

Blog Tour by http://www.shadowmountain.com/blog-tour-a-tale-of-light-and-shadow/

Giveaway Rules

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner  

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Giveaway Ends Dec 6th, 2014

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

Mandatory: Leave a comment about the review below. Leaving a helpful comment relating to this book would be appreciated and valid to the giveaway.

Giveaway Guidelines and Disclaimer  

Winners are selected via Random and notified by email. You have 48 hours to respond;

If no response, the prize is forfeited and an alternate winner is chosen.

This Giveaway Has Ended

 

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: Milton the Square Shell Turtle. Ends Oct 5th

About the Book:

Milton is a story of a turtle. Unlike other turtles with round or oval shells, Milton has a square shell. One afternoon, and being new to the area, he decides to take a walk to the pond to relax.

Just when he thinks he finds the perfect spot, he can’t stay. Not wanting to cause a problem, he goes further up the pond, only to discover, home is the best place to relax.

Title: Milton the Square Shell Turtle

Author: MaryAnn Tatro

Illustrator: Diane Lucas

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

ISBN: 978-1-61244-103-1

Publication Date: June 2013

$11.95

Places available for sale:

BOOKSTORE

Amazon.com

About the Author:

MaryAnn Tatro attended Southern Ohio Business College and received a degree in Office Administration and Communication. She also attended Cooper School of Art for one year and took with her a love to create, design and color. She worked several years for a publishing company in Cleveland while raising her son Ryan.

Tatro grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, but her heart is in the country. She currently lives in Wadsworth, Ohio with her husband Dennis of 20 years and their cat. She and her husband enjoy nature walks, antiques, yard sales and being with family.

Mini Interview:

Like all authors, you have had your fair share of rejection letters. You obviously did not let the letters deter you. How did you keep your determination without getting discouraged?-

I self-published my book, however, when it came time for the review, I honestly felt sick.

I was always told if one door closes, another will open and that’s what I stuck with.  I have strong faith in God and I must say to me, prayer is the key.

It has been my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult? –

What comes easily to me is giving my characters personality.

What’s difficult is naming them.  I have to choose the right name to fit the personality or otherwise, my stories will not work.

Please describe to us your relationship between you and your editor. What makes an author/editor relationship a success? –

Because I self-published my book, I never met my editor.

Giveaway Rules

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner  

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Giveaway Ends October 5th, 2013

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

Mandatory: Leave a comment about the review below. Leaving a helpful comment relating to this book would be appreciated and valid to the giveaway.

Giveaway Guidelines and Disclaimer  

Winners are selected via Random and notified by email. You have 48 hours to respond;

If no response, the prize is forfeited and an alternate winner is chosen.

http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/worldofinknetwork/maryann-tarto-sept-13.html

This Giveaway Has Ended

Winner #5 – Paula

Welcome to the Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop. July 2 – July 9, 2013

Welcome to the Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop. July 2nd – July 9th, 2013

Hosted by Bookhounds & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

There will be 1 winner for this Hop USA ONLY

You have to be a Follower to enter

Prize Pack is 3 Children’s books

George Washington and the General’s Dog: Boom! Bang! Guns fire! Cannons roar! George Washington is fighting in the American Revolution. He sees a dog lost on the battlefield. Whose dog is it? How will it find its master? Early readers will be surprised to find out what happens in this little-known true story about America’s first president.

Thomas Jefferson’s Feast: Did you know that every time you munch on a french fry or snack on ice cream, you have Thomas Jefferson to thank? It’s true! This founding father was one of America’s first foodies. After a visit to France, he introduced all sorts of yummy treats to America—including one that upset more than just tummies and created a culinary controversy!

Get the scoop in this deliciously funny, true story—guaranteed to tempt even the most reluctant readers!

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares: A funny, entertaining introduction to Ben Franklin and his many inventions, including the story of how he created the “magic square.” A magic square is a box of nine numbers arranged so that any line of three numbers adds up to the same number, including on the diagonal! Teachers and kids will love finding out about this popular teaching tool that is still used in elementary schools today!

Mandatory Entry

To win more books please check out the other OVER 190 blogs taking part by clicking on the link below to enter more goodies. http://www.iamareader.com/2013/06/freedom-to-read-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-2.html

This giveaway close at midnight on Tuesday, July 9th  and the winner will be selected at random.org and posted July 10th

This Giveaway Has Ended!

Winner is #14 – Katie

Welcome to the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop June 21st to 30th

Welcome to the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop June 21st to 30th

Hosted by I am a reader, not a writer  

There will be 1 winner for this Hop USA ONLY

You have to be a subscriber to enter  

Prize Pack is 3 Children’s books

Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her hacking skills to stay anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in a warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side.

Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa’s talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life in no uncertain terms. But what Noa and Peter don’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who’d stop at nothing to silence her for good.

Jack is spending the summer on a private island far from modern conveniences. No Wi-Fi, no cell service, no one else on the island but a housekeeper and the two very peculiar children in his care. The first time Jack sees the huge black mansion atop a windswept hill, he senses something cold, something more sinister than even the dark house itself.

Soon, he feels terribly isolated and alone. Yet he is not alone. The house has visitors—peering in the windows, staring from across the shore. But why doesn’t anyone else see them . . . and what do they want? As secrets are revealed and darker truths surface, Jack desperately struggles to maintain a grip on reality. He knows what he sees, and he isn’t crazy. . . . Or is he?

Twelve-year-old Eddie Malone is living a carefree life swimming and fishing in the Florida Keys in 1912 when suddenly his world is turned upside down. His father, a worker on Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, is thrown into jail for stealing the railroad payroll. Convinced that he is responsible for his pa’s arrest, Eddie sets out for Key West with his faithful dog, Rex, on a daring mission to prove his father’s innocence.

Eddie arrives in Key West as preparations are under way for the arrival of Flagler’s first train. Eddie meets the Kimble twins, T. J. and Jen, who live at the Key West Lighthouse and are practicing for their part in the great celebration. They offer to help Eddie with his plan to find the real payroll thieves. Eddie finds them, all right, but they kidnap him and lock him aboard their sailboat. As the boat moves swiftly away from Key West, Eddie realizes he’s in serious trouble.

Can Eddie escape from the clutches of the ruthless thieves? Will he ever get back home to Marathon? Most importantly, will Eddie be able to prove Pa’s innocence?

Must be a follower to enter this giveaway

Mandatory Entry: Follow this blog by clicking on Follow Blog via Email or Twitter

To win more books please click on the link and check out the other blogs taking part in this hop.

http://www.iamareader.com/2013/06/spontaneous-midsummers-eve-giveaway-hop-join-now.html

This giveaway close at midnight on Sunday, June 30th  and the winner will be selected at random.org and posted July 1st

This Giveaway Has Ended!

Winner is #23 – Christy M  @Christy41970

Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop – May 13th to 19th

Welcome to Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop May 13th – 19th
 Hosted by KidLitFrenzy, Mymcbooks & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

There will be 3 winners for this Hop (USA ONLY)

Each winner will receive 7  children’s books

You have to be a subscriber to enter.

Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen

Talk, Oscar, Please! by Karen Kaufman Orloff

No Jumping on the Bed by Tedd Arnold

Ballerina Swan by Allegra Kent

Lincoln and Grace (Why Abraham Lincoln Grew a  Beard by Steve Metzger

Let’s Laugh

Andy Shane and the Queen of Egypt by Jennifer R Jacobson

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

Hello, Mrs. Piggle- Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road) by Kate Klise

Games and Puzzles from the Tree House by Mary P. Osborne and Natalie P Boyce

Sassy Pants by Carol Brown

J.R.Terrier and the Message by Tabitha Z. Baskin

Short Circus by Stephen V. Masse

Rabbit The Fisher. Story based on the Book of Matthew 4:19 by Jose J. Arzave

Do Unto Otters. A book about Manners by Laurie Keller

Christian Comics

Jonah

Moses

Beaty Queen – The Story of Esther

The Last Convert of John Harper

Babylon Exile Vol 1

Babylon Conquest Vol 2

Babylon Madman Vol 3

Babylon Kingdom Vol 4

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List Your 7 Books in Your Comments

The first winner will receive their choice of 7 books

The second winner will receive most of their choices and what is left will go to the final winner.

Thanks for taking part!

~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway (US ONLY)

Mandatory Entry: Must be a Follower of Mymcbooks blog. Leave Your Comments below.

To win more books please check out the other OVER 125 blogs taking part by clicking on the link below to enter more goodies.

http://www.iamareader.com/2013/04/childrens-book-week-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-may-13th-to-19th.html

This giveaway close at midnight May 19th and the winners will be selected at random.org and posted May 20th

This Giveaway Has Ended

Thanks to all that took part.

Winners

#27 – Seyma S

#49 – Audra W

#10 – Christine A.

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: WOI Tour for L. R. W. Lee Author of Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury. Ends May 31

L.R.W. Lee WOI May 2013 Tour 

Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury

About the Book:Ten-year-old Andy Smithson is magically brought to the Land of Oomaldee while he is doing dishes one night. Unbeknownst to him, he is there to break a 500-year-old curse.  Andy learns that his quest is the Dragon’s Lair to find an ingredient critical to breaking the curse – the scale from an elusive red dragon, the fiercest of all dragon species. Andy nearly destroys the castle amidst adventures battling fire-breathing dragons, fighting vicious vulture attacks, escaping people-eating giants and more.

A middle grade (5th & 6th grade) fantasy adventure that entertains while teaching uncommon life changing narratives. http://www.lrwlee.com/#!books/c7pz

Publisher: Createspace

ISBN: 978-1482312645

ISBN -10: 1482312646

Available in eBook and Print Publication

Date: April 2013 Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/worldofinknetwork/l.r.w.-lee-may-13.html

Amazon Reviews – http://www.amazon.com/Andy-Smithson-Blast-Dragons-Volume/dp/1482312646/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

About the Author:  Since the age of eight, L. R. W. Lee knew she wanted to write a book. Fortunately or unfortunately, she required of herself that she have something significant to say; she sought to contribute to others in a way that could change their lives. Because a degree in Accounting at Cedarville University, as well as work in public and corporate accounting, did not provide riveting fodder for a best seller, she waited. Upon selling her business in early 2012, she had time to write and, more importantly, something significant to share.   L. R. W. Lee’s favorite musical is The Sound of Music. She hates scary movies, but loves piano and strings music, sunsets in Hawaii and a good cup of decaf, French press coffee (yes, decaf!). She also loves Ansel Adams prints and all manner of kinetic art.  http://www.lrwlee.com/#!bio/cerf

Follow L.R.W. Lee and the Andy Smithson series at Website: http://www.lrwlee.com

Twitter: @LRWLee

Facebook: http://facebook.com/LRWLee

Places where available: Amazon.com and B&N.com

Giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This Giveaway is Open to the US ONLY.

1 Winner selected by Random.org to win a copy

Giveaway Ends May 31st, 2013

Mandatory: Please leave your comment about the author, book and your email address in the comment field below.

Mandatory: Visit Author’s facebook page  http://facebook.com/LRWLee and also leave the same comment you left on this blog on her facebook page..

Click to follow other blogs taking part in this tour http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/worldofinknetwork/l.r.w.-lee-may-13.html

This Giveaway Has Ended

Winner is #10 – likwan

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: WOI Tour for Scott R.Caseley Author of Isosceles! Ends April 25th.

WOI March/April 2013 Tour: Scott R.Caseley Author of Isosceles

About the Book:When he finds his best friend Trey Goodsby dead and almost completely submerged in a bathtub filled with bloody water, Sean McIntyre is determined to find out if it was an accident or suicide. Did his death accidental or intentional have anything to do with Madeline Edwards, the woman who came between them constantly through their thirteen-year friendship? The tale begins with the death of Trey Goodsby, and explores his relationships with family, friends, his romances, and which of the circumstances he found himself in that led to the tragic event, and the repercussions for those he left behind.

If you have that feeling that you’re coming up short…what will it take to feel equal?

Excerpt from book:

“Go over to the play area. I’ll deal with you once I’m done with…ah…whatever his name is.” Carter nodded to where the rest of the kids kneeled, stood, or sat on a blue carpet, watching a boy building with wooden toy blocks. Right away, I could sense he intended on crafting something difficult, a scale model of the courthouse down the road from Footbridge. While the boy’s physical appearance seemed rather ordinary, his skills could not be beat. He hadn’t misused a single block. Without any hesitation or second-guessing himself, he knew what to do to put everything in the right place.

“That’s so cool, Trey,” I heard a soft voice like the melodious whisper of birdsong, my intuition revealing the identity before my eyes did. Madeline swayed from side to side, beaming with her pearly-whites.

Trey paid her no mind though, allowing himself to be distracted only by his overgrown dirty-blonde hair, which kept going in his face. Sometimes, he didn’t even push it away. His focus so intense, a few times, he almost knocked into other kids. He never apologized for it, nor did most get upset. They seemed to understand he was in a zone, one with his creation. He circled the perimeter to detect if it needed something. Whenever he snapped his fingers, he’d call out “cylinder,” “triangle,” or “rectangle.” Madeline would select it out of a decaying cardboard box, to present it to him like an obedient puppy bringing a tennis ball to its owner.

Mr. Carter, with Sheldon behind him, returned from their business in the hallway. They joined the rest of us, studying Trey’s handiwork. Before long, Mr. Carter became entranced, too. It felt frustrating. Being an only child, I was used to being the center of my parents’ universe. Here, someone else stole the attention so rightfully mine. Worst of all, watching Madeline fawn over him drove me crazy. His hair was messy, his shirt dirty, and he was just average. Why did he hold her interest? Shouldn’t she see me instead? Mom knitted me this nice sweater and combed my hair before I went to the bus stop. My head started pounding from over-thinking the situation when Madeline moved toward him, letting her pigtail accidentally brush against his head. He didn’t seem to notice, but I sure did. I needed to take action.

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing eBook

ISBN: 978-1-77127-239-1

Publication Date: January 2013

Genre of Book: Young Adult- Coming Of Age,

Mystery/Romance

Places where available for sale: MuseItUpPublishing.com, Amazon.com, Bookstrand, Omnilit, Kobo, Smashwords and B&N

About the Author: While this is his first novel, he wrote and directed a dramatic feature, co-wrote and directed a documentary and wrote for an online magazine. He’s also a trained voice, stage, and screen actor. In addition to his creative pursuits, he is passionate about healthy living. He follows a mostly self-directed fitness quest consisting of weight training, walking, swimming, yoga, and hula hooping. When not working out, he also enjoys cooking healthy gourmet meals as well as playing board games with family and friends with plenty of coffee brewing to keep the fun going until the wee hours of the morning.

You can find out more about Scott R. Caseley, his novel and World of Ink

Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/c85xoz4

Follow Scott R. Caseley at Blog Address: www.scottrcaseleyauthor.com

Twitter URL: twitter.com/scottrcaseley

Facebook Fan Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/ScottRCaseleyWriter

Publisher Website: http://museituppublishing.com

Giveaway

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This Giveaway is Open to the US ONLY.

1 Winner selected by Random.org to win a copy

Giveaway Ends April 25th, 2013

Mandatory: Please leave your comment about the author, book and your email address in the comment field below.

Comments without email address will be deleted.

April 9th The Bumpy Road—Guest Post: Plotting a Mystery http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com

April 10th Stories a la Mode—Book Review http://barbarabockman.wordpress.com

April 11th Inspiring Books & Products—Book Review http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

April 12th Strands of Thought—Character Interview http://kaistrand.blogspot.com/

April 15th Blogcritics—Book Review http://blogcritics.org/books/

April 16th American Chronicle—Spotlight Interview http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 17th The Writing Mama—Guest Post: Author Pick http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

April 18th American Chronicle—Book Review http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 22nd Book Reviews by Lynn—Book Spotlight/Giveaway http://www.angelpages.biz/page.php?e=4BOOKREVIEWSBYLYNN

April 23rd Families Matter—Interview http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

April 25th Deal Sharing Aunt—Book Review http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

This Giveaway Has Ended!

Winner is #1 – Andrew T. Kuligowski

Blog Tour/Book Review: Cragbridge Hall, Book 1: The Inventor’s Secret.

Cragbridge Hall, Book 1: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris

About the Book: Imagine a school in the year 2074 where students don’t read history, but watch it happen around them; where running in gym class isn’t around a track, but up a virtual mountain; and where learning about animals means becoming one through an avatar.

Welcome to Crabridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world. Twin siblings Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather’s inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins begin following a trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge  Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fiece adversary to discover their grandfather’s greatest secret-a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxsCUARWTAM&feature=youtu.be

 

My Review: According to the book, Crabridge Hall is a prestigious school where students can view living history watch a ship sail through their classroom, the invention is called the Bridge. This allows the class to watch as history actually happens. A chair used to show literature and unlocks what really goes on inside the human mind, where you can use a devise to find your way around the school grounds and many more. All invented by Oscar Crabridge the grandfather of Abby and Derick who happened to be admitted into this school. While Derick is a genius his twin sister isn’t.

The story is about twins Abby and Derick, the grandchildren of famous inventor Oscar Crabridge. When Oscar Crabridge and the twin’s parents were taken hostage by an old rivalry that needed a mysterious invention that could change the world for better or worse, Abby and Derick must spring into action to find then before its too late.   Their only hope is to follow the clues left by their grandfather. And the clues can only be found by those who remember the lessons of history. If you love time travel or mysteries you will love this book.

256 pages

Price: 17.99

http://www.amazon.com/Cragbridge-Hall-Book-Inventors-Secret/dp/1609073266/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363962776&sr=1-1

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

About the Author: Chad Morris grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. Neither of those quite panned out. After high school, he wrote and performed sketch comedy while going to college, and eventually he became a teacher and a curriculum writer. He lives in Utah with his wife and five kids.

BLOG TOUR CAMPAIGN http://www.shadowmountain.com/authors/chad-morris/

03/23/13 – Library of Clean Reads

03/26/13 – Fire and Ice Photo

03/27/13 – Rachelle Writes

03/27/13 – Family Literacy 2

03/28/13 – Kristie’s Book Nook

03/29/13 – Molly Mormon

03/30/13 – I Heart Purple Stuff

05/01/13 – Bloggin Bout Books

3rd Annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. Ends March 22nd

3rd Annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

Co-hosted by Books Complete Me & Author Cindy Thomas

March 15th – 22^nd

There will be 1 winner for this Hop (USA ONLY)

You have to be a subscriber to enter

 

It’s St Patrick’s Day!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day follows two children as they celebrate this joyous Irish holiday. Beautiful illustrations compliment easy-to-read rhyming text.

From dressing in green outfits to dancing an Irish reel, from finding a four-leaf clover singing Irish songs and marching in a parade, everyone can be Irish on this special day!

 

The Luck of the Irish

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! Katie makes shamrocks to help celebrate and ends up learning what it means to be lucky.

Lucky Tucker

When Tucker the terrier wakes up on Saint Patrick’s Day, he gets off on the wrong paw. Nothing is going his way until he rolls in a bed of clover —- a bed of four-leaf clovers, that is, which just happens to belong to a leprechaun! Lucky Tucker! From snatching a falling scoop of ice cream to wrestling with his best friends to getting a whole box of new toys, Tucker is now the luckiest dog around!

Must be a follower to enter this giveaway

Mandatory Entry: Follow this blog by clicking on Follow Blog via Email or Twitter

To win more books please check out the other OVER 170 blogs taking part by clicking on the link below to enter more goodies.

http://www.iamareader.com/2013/01/3rd-annual-lucky-leprechaun-giveaway.html

This giveaway close at midnight on March 22nd and the winners will be selected at Random.org and posted March 23^rd. (USA ONLY)

 

 

This Giveaway Has Ended!

Winner is #42 – Wendy Mastin