Friday, April 30, 2021

Midnight Black by R. J. Eastwood

 

Join us for this tour from Apr 14 to Apr 27, 2021! 
Book Details: 
Book TitleMidnight Black by R. J. Eastwood Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 282 pages Genre:  General Fiction, Political 
Publisher:  Indies United Publishing House Release date:   April 14, 2021 
Tour dates: April 14 to April 27, 2021 
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M for language
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFrjae7pwN0] 


Book Description: “When plunder becomes a way of life for men, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it." Frederic Bastiat, French Economist. 1801-1850 Fifteen years following his imprisonment for committing a brutal revenge murder, former top DEA Agent Billy Russell is paroled five-years early to a world controlled by autocratic billionaires. Armed only with his wits, Billy returns to a society fighting for its very survival and soon finds himself embroiled in the wildest conspiracy he could have ever imagined.

Buy the Book:

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 An now an Interview with Robert J. Emery, Author   

When did you first begin writing? Quite young, actually. In my early teens I enjoyed writing short stories. I had no idea why, I just did, little stories about my dog, or something that happened at school. Most were no longer than a hand-written page or two. I was very fortunate to have a couple of teachers along the way who would read them and encourage me to keep writing. After serving four years in the Air Force—a chunk of it with Armed Forces Radio & TV—I pursued my dream; a career in the motion picture industry, which led to my writing and directing both feature films and television productions. In 2006, I retired and begin writing both fiction and non-fiction books, something I had always wanted to do, but never had the time for. To separate myself from my non-fiction work, I adapted the pen name R. J. Eastwood, my initials, for my novels. Your current novel, Midnight Black, is an expanded version of Midnight Black – the Purge. Why did you decide to revise and expand the original book? Midnight Black – The Purge, was about a near future society paying dearly for the mistakes made by earlier societies. It won The International Review of Books Bronze Award. The story unfolds through the eyes of the protagonist, who, having committed a crime of revenge, is released on parole to a society on the verge of collapse. When writing the original, I had no idea we were about to face extreme political polarization, the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests, and all that followed that effected the entire world. I was compelled to revise and expand the story to include these events. I completed the expanded version in February of 2021 and titled it simply Midnight Black. In writing both versions did you do much research? Yes. From the very beginning, I wanted all events to either have actually happened, or at least be believable that such events could have happened. I wanted readers to be able to relate to what my protagonist found when he’s returned to society, and how he becomes involved in the wildest conspiracy he could have ever imagined. As I like to say, the story pulls no punches and takes no prisoners. Prior to Midnight Black, you wrote the award-winning sci-fi novel, The Autopsy of Planet Earth. How do you choose your stories?  I think anyone who writes fiction writes about what interests them. In the case of The Autopsy of Planet Earth, I have always believed that one day we will discover that we are not alone in the Universe. So, I wrote about what a first-contact might be like and how that encounter with humans evolves. That novel was well received and won five book awards. My hope is that I live long enough to see the day when we do come face-to-face with alien life. When it came to Midnight Black, I wanted to explore how we humans all too often fail to react to challenges that affect our lives until it is too late and we suffer the consequences. Are you at work on a new novel? Yes, I’m working on a novel titled Prodigal Icon. It is about a shy young man who discovers he has an extraordinary singing voice that eventually propels him to unbelievable world fame and fortune. That’s about as much as I want to reveal. I hope to have the book ready for publication in 2022. What are your writing habits? I try to be writing each morning no later than 9:30 and 10:00. By 3:30 or 4:00 in the afternoon I’m brain dead so I quit for the day. Once I begin a new book, this is my 7-day a week routine. You might say I’m a bit compulsive. Do you outline your stories ahead of writing? No. Once I have the story firmly in my head, I know how the it begins and how I want it to end. I don’t usually have any characters in mind other than my protagonist. I just begin writing and take the story wherever it takes me, and the other characters just fall in line as I go. I find that I often surprise myself along the way. For me, it is a freeing and fun way to create and write. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? Sure, but I’ve found a way around it. My office is on the second floor of our townhouse. A few feet away from my desk is a second-floor outdoor deck. If I hit a blind spot when writing, I simply get up, go out on the deck and sit and think. I never fail to find a solution. What advice might you give someone who has never written a novel, but wants to. I love to say, comedy is easy, writing is hard. Staring at a blank page can be frightening. But you just have to start typing and not worry about whether it’s good or bad, just write. Eventually, you’ll go back and clean it up. This was a hard lesson for me to learn. When I wrote my first novel, I wanted every line to be pitch-perfect as I went, which means I spent a lot of time trying to perfect each line, each sentence, each paragraph, instead of concentrating on getting the story down, then and only then going back and beginning the editing process. I’m better at it now, but sometimes I still toil over a line or two before moving on. Any final thoughts? I am very fortunate to have had a successful career in film and TV production, and upon retiring, to have begun a second career writing. How cool is that? If anyone is interested, they can read more about my past and present careers as well as my blog at www.robertjemeryauthor.com.

 

Meet the Author: During his film and television career, Robert J. Emery, who writes novels under the pen name, R. J. Eastwood, has written, produced, and directed feature motion pictures, television documentaries, national television commercials, political campaigns, and industrial films. Some of the highlights of his career include the award-winning ninety-one-episode television series The Directors for Starz/Encore, the award-winning four-part mini-series, The Genocide Factor for PBS, the award-winning documentary For God & Country: A Marine Sniper's Story for MSNBC, and the award-winning motion picture, Swimming Upstream, for the Lifetime Television Network.   connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule: April 14 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / giveaway April 14 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight April 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway April 15 - StoreyBook Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway April 19 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / giveaway April 20 – I'm Into Books – book spotlight / giveaway April 21 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway April 23 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway April 23 - Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway April 26 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway April 27 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Enter the Giveaway:

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Monday, April 19, 2021

The Away by Cassandra DeJesus 

 

Join us for this tour from Apr 12 to Apr 23, 2021! 

Book Details: Book Title:  The Away by Cassandra DeJesus 
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 224 
Genre:  Young Adult 
Publisher:  Mascot Release date:   April 2021 Content Rating:  This book is rated PG.


Book Description: Sonia Peterson can't help but be excited for the bright future ahead as she nears the end of her last year of high school. But she quickly discovers that things are not what they seem in the quiet community of Glendale. After her neighbor's suicide and a slew of disappearances, Sonia's friend Devon divulges one of the town's best-kept secrets: at eighteen, residents are required to receive a serum that takes away their immoral impulses and imperfections, or they are exiled to a place called the Away. At first, Sonia can't believe what she's heard, but when her turn for the appointment comes, all of her worst fears are confirmed. Now, she must decide who she can trust and discover who is really at the core of the plot to rob Glendale's residents of their elemental human nature. Her journey takes her deep into the heart of the Away in pursuit of freedom for herself, her friends, and her community. Can she unravel the conspiracy before it's too late?


Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N Mascot add to Goodreads


Meet the Author: Cassandra DeJesus is a first-time author. The Away came to her in a dream so strongly that she felt she had to write it. Cassandra’s highest education is a high school diploma with some college credits. Cassandra has worked in many different fields but has never found her true calling. It was at Bay Shore High School where she met her high school sweetheart and now husband, John DeJesus. They have two beautiful children together. Today, Cassandra continues to remain a stay-at-home mother for her two children. connect with the author:  website (coming soon!) ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads


Tour Schedule: Apr 12 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight Apr 13 – Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight Apr 13 - Living in a Bookworld – book spotlight Apr 15 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight Apr 15 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book spotlight Apr 16 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight Apr 19 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight Apr 20 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight Apr 21 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight Apr 22 – She Just Loves Books – book spotlight Apr 23 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight

Texas Trails by Caryl McAdoo and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Texas Trails

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 6, 2021

The steps of a righteous man are guided by the Lord.

Rife with adventure, this rights-of-passage story comes to life as Enoch Lowell and his best friend Gus strike out to Kansas with their herd of beeves, hoping to earn a profit and cut the apron strings. What they find on the prairie changes their lives forever. Promises made, promises kept, but nowhere is it written there can’t be a happy ending for all. A true Texas trail tale to warm your heart!   

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over fifty-five published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and nineteen grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron (her high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years) live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

I always enjoy read a new book from Caryl McAdoo and this is a sweet interesting one to read. Enoch and Gus go on a cattle drive, thinking this was it. This is their time to shine and strike out on their own. But they were surprised at what they really found. And it changed their lives.

I really enjoyed Gus and Enoch and their journey on their cattle drive. There's a lot to do on those drives, a lot to learn. I've read several book involving these drives and I never get tired of them because they are all unique in their own way. With these two guys, they meet up with Calli, Vi and the sweet and adorablelittle Bella. The ladies had been attack and Gus and Enoch want to help them. But spending so much time together they started feeling the attraction. And can they fall in love and still do the things their parents expect of them? They sure have a lot of decisions to make. I love these characters and enjoyed this journey so much. And I really appreciate how McAdoo weaves the Christian life into the lives of her characters, making them seem so realistic. This book is set in the mid 1800's, so if you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this one. Texas Trails gets Five Stars from me!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

More from Caryl

Get along little doggie!

TEXAS TRAILS is the sixth novel in the Cross Timbers Family Saga series. I’d never written much about being on a cattle drive and thought it would be great fun. Back in the Texas Romance Family Saga series, Charley Nightingale made several trips to Kansas with a herd and took his son Nathaniel, but I skipped over the actual drive part.

Readers first met co-hero Enoch Lowell in QUINCY & PRISCILLA then got to know him better in DUPLICITY At The Lowell House when his best friend Gus Hale (TEXAS TRAIL’s other co-hero) is introduced. Both those stories are set in 1866. For TEXAS TRAILS, it’s three years later, and Enoch is ready to declare himself a man and start earning his own way. Driving a bunch of cows up to Kansas sounds like the ticket to cut his mother’s apron strings and earn some dollars in the process.

The son of Morgan and Charity O’Neal Lowell (LEAVING TEXAS, book four) and grandson of Liberty O’Neal Harrell (GONE TO TEXAS, book one) talks Gus into going with him, and as partners, they start building a herd. All the while, Charity is pitching a fit as her plan for her firstborn includes Harvard University.

One thing I loved about this story is that Morgan sets it up—behind the scenes of course—for trusted men to take in his son and Gus on their trail drive. Enters the infamous Texas Ranger Levi Baylor (Texas Romance Family Saga book two HEARTS STOLEN) and the boy he reared as his own (grown now), Charley Nightingale!

I already love those two men from my earlier Texas Romance Family Saga series—just as my readers do—and totally relished their appearance in this story! Revisiting old beloved friends brings great joy to this author, in real life and my fictitious world!! I adore crossing these characters over the two series!

So many things are apt to happen out on the prairie that cowboys never expect. There are rivers to cross and the natives to deal with, some who pose real danger to life and limbs! Cows birth calves, storms descend, and herds stampede, but that’s not all that can make a cowboy’s days rough. Enoch’s and Gus’s lives are definitely changed forever on the out there on the trail.

I’m thinking if I were a younger woman, I would totally enjoy going along on their cattle drive! How about you?

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 7

Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lakesidelivingsite, April 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 9

Connie’s History Classroom, April 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 11

deb’s Book Review, April 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14

For Him and My Family, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 16

Inklings and notions, April 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 18

Splashes of Joy, April 19

Pause for Tales, April 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10a4b/texas-trails-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, April 16, 2021

One’s Life Journey by Carl Buccellato 

 

Join us for this tour from Apr 12 to Apr 23, 2021! 

Book Details: Book Title:  to Every Page a Turning: One’s Life Journey by Carl Buccellato Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 184 pages Genre:  Historical Novel, Adult 
Publisher:  Mascot
Release date:   April 2021 
Content Rating:  This book is rated PG. Content not suitable for young children.


Book Description: Each man who journeys through life must travel through its season and ultimate lessons. For some, the journey is brief, and their life's light is fleeting. They are like rockets that flare to the heavens, glowing brightly only to go black in the next instant. Still others travel what seem to be an abbreviated journey, missing some of life's seasons, never knowing the agony or the ecstasy of what they have missed. But some live each season, taste each tear, relish each sunrise, and brace themselves against each burst of wind. They have traveled life's highways and finally joined the many pieces of themselves into the whole person they were born to be. When a man is clearing old files out from his garage, he comes across a folder containing an old manuscript he wrote twenty years previously as part of his recovery therapy. It had served as a catharsis for him to help transition old painful issues from his past. He was still a young man when he wrote the words, and as a senior in his seventies, he begins to reflect on his life s journey. As he reads the old papers, many memories come flooding back. He begins to find that our lives are like pages turning from oneplace in our lives to another, each unique, holding treasures and pains of its own, and each a window to growth, learning, and acceptance of who we are and who we were born to be. In this novel, the journey begins in the innocence of America in the 1950s. Traveling through hope, a great cause, disenchantment, hopelessness, discovery, and rebirth, the novel also recounts the travel of a generation as they move through time. As you read the pages of this book, you will discover a man perhaps not unlike yourself, seeking knowledge, peace, and faith. Perhaps you, like he, have traveled through the paradigm shift of the twentieth century both in awe and fear of what lies ahead.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N add to Goodreads

 

Meet the Author: Carl Buccellato was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1942, and is of Italian-American descent. As a young man, he was eager to get out into the world and explore the boundaries of his hometown. Although he had a love for fishing at Coney Island Pier and singing Do Wop on the corners with friends, he knew there was much more of the world to see on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge. One of his first jobs as a teenager in New York City was working for Western Union as a messenger. It didn't take Carl long to own the streets of the Big Apple. As he went from building to building on his bicycle delivering his envelopes, little did he know what his fate would become years later. With a lot of hard work, perseverance, and God's grace, a day would come when Carl would become the CEO of a publicly traded company and ink a multimillion-dollar deal in the board room of AIG, then the largest insurance company in America. In his early years, he earned a BA and MBA, married, and started a family. Today, Carl has four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren carrying on the family legacy. Through the years, he started several companies and has served on several Boards of Directors, including private and public companies, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of St. Thomas University. Carl's career has taken him literally all over the world. In the 80s and 90s he was a regular monthly contributor to a BBC broadcast in England. In 1986, Inc. Magazine featured his firm as the 12th fastest growing independent company in America. In 1984, Carl was invited to become a member of the Presidential Council of 100. This group of business leaders advised the President of the United States on several sectors of the economy and business issues. Carl served three different presidents during his time on the council: presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. Throughout his career and travels, Carl has met a broad array of different people. Some, down on their luck, some at the pinnacle of their careers and personal lives. Many of the people and their stories left a mark on Carl's heart and mind. It is from some of these encounters that Carl has drawn inspiration for a few of the fictitious characters in this novel. Today, Carl resides in Coral Springs, Florida, with his wife Mary Ellen. She is an award-winning multimedia artist and speaker. Together, Carl and Mary Ellen love traveling the globe and looking for new inspiration for their gifts and talents given to them by their loving God.

Tour Schedule: Apr 12 - Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight Apr 13 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight Apr 14 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight Apr 14 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight Apr 15 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight Apr 16 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight Apr 19 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book spotlight Apr 20 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight Apr 21 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight Apr 22 –  Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight Apr 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight

 

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Blood of the Dragonfly by Hawk MacKinney

 "

Join us for this tour from Apr 12 to Apr 30, 2021! 

Book Details: 
Book Title:  Blood of the Dragonfly ( The Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series - Book V) Author:  Hawk MacKinney
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 227 pages Genre:  Mystery/Suspense 
Publisher:  Sage Words Publishing 
Release date:  Feb 2021 
Content Rating:  PG. There are graphic death scenes.


Book Description: While dangling a fishing hook from his flat bottom skiff before dawn, former SEAL-turned-PI Craige Ingram spots grey-black smoke coiling above the treetops across the river in the direction of the Georgia bayous and Corpsewood Manor. Bayou or bogs, fire in the uncut cypress and pines bodes a sense that the river is no barrier to the fire that threatens his ancestral home, Moccasin Hollow. Neither are the bodies later found in the burned mansion of Corpsewood Manor. Craige wastes no time in helping his ex-SEAL buddy Lt. Graysen MacGerald who is now Head of Buckingham Homicide Investigations by unofficially investigating the bodies and an exquisite dragonfly brooch found in the mansion with a reputation for evil, hauntings, and mystery.

 

Buy the Book: Amazon B&N ~ BAM ~ Book Despository



untitleddesign_1_original-18 Blood of the Dragonfly by Hawk MacKinney centers around a fire that ended up taking out a bigger part of the Corpsewood Manor, along with bodies found in the burned mansion. Former Navy SEAL-turned-PI Craige Ingram along with his buddy, Head of Buckingham Homicide Investigation Lt. Graysen MacGerald is immediately on the case to find the reasoning behind the burned bodies, as well as who started the fire in the first place. Craige Ingram is the person to follow as he starts the journey of solving the crime. A lot of things are happening in this story, many twists and turns that will keep you guessing. MacKinney does a really nice job choosing characters that develop well throughout the story. Lots of ups and downs and tension flowing around. Blood of the Dragonfly is a very well written book, the first book I have read by Hawk MacKinney, and I look forward to reading more. If suspense is what you enjoy, this would be a great choice for you. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. . untitleddesign_1_original-4

And now an interesting interview with  Author Hawk MacKinney

What advice would you give budding writers? The world is full of naysayers and can’t and no. Don’t listen. Trust yourself. Talk to the person in the mirror. Trust your feelings -AND- keep writing, keep your notes, keep your journals. Those are part of your soul. What is the last book you’ve read? The biography of Bernadine Eugénie Désirée Clary – Napoleon’s fiancée who he jilted. She later wedded French General Jean Baptiste Bernadotte. Elected to carry the crown of Sweden, the couple founded the Bernadotte Dynasty – to this day on the throne of Sweden. And naysayers say history isn’t romantic! What a saga! What made you write a romance novel? Moccasin Trace is really volume one of the Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series, but it introduces the historical founding bloodlines of the serial protagonist and supporting characters in my contemporary series, Moccasin Hollow Mysteries. Strong females! Great setting and plot and great fun! How did you come up with this idea? I wanted to lay the groundwork of how history and upbringing can influence the direction one’s life takes, the decisions and beliefs at stake, and how one holds to the core that makes us individuals. In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written pen to paper? All the time, especially my instant notes. Computers are great for rewrites/editing. They save tons of time, but scrambling words into sentences/paragraphs/chapters etc. etc., drags in all the notes/feelings etc. Hawk MacKinney www.hawkmackinneyauthor.com

 

Meet the Author:
Hawk MacKinney began writing mysteries for his school newspaper, served in the US Navy for over 20 years, earned two postgraduate degrees with studies in languages and history, taught postgraduate courses in the United States and Jerusalem, authored professional articles and chordate embryology texts on fetal and adult anatomy, and is well known for his works of fiction. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel, was nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award. Both his CAIRNS OF SANCTUARIE science fiction series and the MOCCASIN HOLLOW MYSTERY series have received worldwide recognition.Connect with the Author:     website  
 
Tour Schedule:
Apr 12 – PIck a Good Book – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway Apr 13 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway Apr 13 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway Apr 14 – Ms. Cat's Honest World – book review / guest post / giveaway Apr 14 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway Apr 15 – I Read What You Write – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway Apr 16 – Books for Books – book spotlight Apr 19 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway Apr 20 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway Apr 21 – Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway Apr 22 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / giveaway Apr 23 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway Apr 23 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway Apr 26 – My Reading Journeys – book review / giveaway Apr 26 - Kam's Place - book review Apr 27 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway Apr 27 - Buried Under Books - book review / giveaway Apr 28 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book review / giveaway Apr 29 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway Apr 30 – Adventurous Jessy – book review / giveaway Apr 30 - BookishKelly2020 – book spotlight Apr 30 - Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight / giveaway
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Monday, April 12, 2021

Let's Talk by Lisa Jacovsky

 

Let's Talk

by Lisa Jacovsky

GENRE: Picture Book

BLURB:

Harper, a seven-year-old little girl that is typically developing, loves going to the pool. One day when she gets to the pool, she meets a new friend, a little girl who is also seven years old . She has no idea that this friend is any different than her. All Harper knows is she has a new friend that wants to play in her tube with her. They both love to swim at the pool and want to play together however, Emma has little communication skills. Emma can make sounds and not words and flaps her hands when she is excited. When Harper realizes she cannot communicate with her new friend she becomes determined to find a way to. In talking to her mom, Harper is told that Emma has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Determined to not let this stand in the way of her new friendship she becomes determined to learn how to communicate with Emma. She begins to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder and asks Emma's mom to show her the different ways she can communicate with her new friend. Harper becomes excited to begin to use her new tools to communicate with Emma. The two become inseparable from that day on. Harper introduces Emma to all her friends and teaches them how to communicate with her. Harper and Emma become the center of their circle of friends and begin to have many more adventures together.

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EXCERPTS:

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lisa Jacovsky currently is a Doctoral Level student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited for the possibilities having her Doctoral degree will bring her. She has been in the field of ABA since 2014 where she began her career working with adults in residential group homes. She moved onto working with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2018 and is currently working in Early Intervention. It is her experience with children that inspired her to finally fulfill her dream of writing a book. Lisa began writing short stories when she was seven years old. Writing is a passion for her and one of the many things she enjoys. Lisa lives in New Jersey where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working on the next stories of the Rascal Cat brothers silly shenanigans.  

Facebook: Booksbylisajacovsky

Instagram: Booksbylisajcovsky

Twitter: Lisachildbooks

Website: www.lisajayauthor.com

Email: ljayauthor@gmail.co,

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Lisa Jacovsky will be awarding signed copies of both her children's books and four kinds of stickers (two of each book) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

RAFFLECOPTER:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3690

Cleo Can Tie a Bow by Sybrina Durant 

 

Join us for this tour from Apr 6 to Apr 19, 2021! 

Book Details: Book Title:  Cleo Can Tie a Bow by Sybrina Durant 
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages 
Genre:  Children's Picture Book 
Publisher:  Sybrina Publishing 
Release date:   Sept 27th, 2020 
Content Rating:  G for everyone. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9p4b6V6ONw] 

Book Description: Cleo can tie a bow. She learned from a rabbit and a fox. They can help you learn to tie one, too. Great parent-child activity for learning to tie a bow with any ribbon or string - including shoe laces.


Buy the Book

Amazon add to goodreads





untitleddesign_1_original-18 Cleo Can Tie a Bow: A Rabbit and a Fox Story by Sybrina Durant is a cute little story about a little girl who loves bows so much she has them everywhere. You will find them in her hair, on her shoes, in her room on her bed and on her curtains. Everywhere she goes and everywhere she is there are bows. Pink bows, so apparently she loves pink too because there is also a lot of pink in her book, which is fine with me because I love pink as well. And the fox and the bunny were so cute, and what a clever idea to have the focus Tie the rabbits ears at the same time Cleo tied her bow to teach children how to tie a bow for themselves. The fox and the deer are adorable as well as the deer they invited along. These are among the amazingly creative illustrations created by illustrator Pumudi Gardiyawasam. I just love how Gardiyawasam brings the story to life by creating the perfect picture for each page, with unique and fabulous characters and the vibrant and beautiful colors throughout the book. I can see little girls loving this book, so my copy is going to my sweet and beautiful grandaughter. Cleo Can Tie a Bow is a wonderful, colorful book inside and out and would be the perfect addition to any daycare, preschool or kindergarten classroom, as well as any elementary school library. I can also see this book in dentist and Drs. offices. If books are allowed. Go out and get this book for your child. You will be happy you did. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. . untitleddesign_1_original-4

Are there under-represented ideas featured in your book? 

No, but this book has received a lot of criticism for containing so many pictures of a little girl wearing the color pink. Some critics have mentioned they thought that might be off-putting to boys. I find that strange, since we live in a time that is celebrated as being all inclusive. After all, pink is not just for girls anymore and boys have always looked good in bows.

In actuality, only about 10 out of 32 pages of the book feature the color pink. The rest of the story takes place in a naturally colored forest setting so there is really no reason for boys not to be able to enjoy the reading and learning process just as much as girls will. 

How important are names to you in your books? How do you choose names? 

Character names are very important. In fact, I’ll share a little secret with you that all the characters in this book have unwritten names. No one will ever know what they are unless they read this little back story. (https://wordpress.com/post/sybrinapublishing.wordpress.com/10190)  Regarding how I chose the main character’s name for this book, I wanted a name that flowed easily in the title or that rhymed with the word bow. I developed a very long list of possibilities. Here are a few: Tibby, Tessy, Becka, and Chloe. It took me a long time to settle on Cleo. I think I picked the best name.  How about you?  

What are some day jobs that you have held?  Have any of them impacted your writing? 

I still have a day job at an engineering company. For nearly forty years, I have been a catalogue-er of information in some capacity or other. I work 10 hours a day at my “day” job and then I come home and work some more on my “wobby”, as my husband calls it. It doesn’t impact my writing too much because I really don’t write that much anymore – but it does have a huge effect on how I go about promoting and marketing my books. You must be very disciplined about keeping track of who you have reached out to and how you have reached out to them. It takes a lot of creativity and pre-planning and scheduling, too. Those kinds of things take thousands of hours. That kind of work is never, ever done. I have found ways to save myself lots of time in the process. I use auto-scheduling services to post daily to all of my social media and to my blog.  Most of my posts are related to promoting the sale of off-shoot products related to my books. Being an Amazon associate, allows me to find lots of items related to themes and characters in my books. You can see some of the products related to Cleo Can Tie A Bow in my Girls Love Bows Gift Shop. https://sybrinapublishing.wordpress.com/girls-love-bows-gift-shop-glbgs-1/

Do you now or have you ever considered writing under a pen-name? Why or why not? No, I never wanted to do that because of 2 reasons. The first is because when I was young and dumb, I hated my name because no one ever pronounced it correctly. I told my Dad I wanted a nick name that was easy to say and he got very angry. He told me he gave me such a unique name because he knew I was going to be famous some day. Of course, as a teenager, I simply couldn’t see beyond the nose on my face and scoffed at that idea.  But then, in my 30’s, a psychic told me that I would one day be famous for my writings and songs and that they would help a lot of people. Maybe, though far apart, both of those incidents were the catalysts that make me strive so hard (through marketing and promoting) to let the public know that my books exist and that they can be found under the name that my father wanted people to know me by. My little sister, however, writes under the pen name, Gina Rose. She is an exceptional author of historical regency romance. All of her books are full of humor and suspense, too.

What’s your funniest flaw?  That I’m a Pollyanna. The definition being that I am an excessively and blindly optimistic person.  My glass is always half-full.  Why is that a funny flaw, you might ask? Well, because I’ll probably still be promising myself that all my efforts will eventually pay off when I’m lying on my death bed.  I think a lot of entrepreneurs have that syndrome. You know…like…even if I never experience financial success from all this hard work, maybe my books will become famous after I’ve passed and my kids will one day benefit.

 
Meet the Author: I've been writing creative and technical works for years. Many of my songs are on Youtube and Itunes. Two of my books are available as ebooks online. They are "Learn To Tie A Tie WIth The Rabbit And The Fox" and "Sybrina's Phrase Thesaurus". connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads
 
Tour Schedule: Apr 6 - Laura's Interests – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway Apr 6 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway Apr 6 - A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway Apr 7 - Rockin' Book Tours – book spotlight / giveaway Apr 7 – Lisa's Reading – book review / giveaway Apr 8 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway Apr 8 - Cover Lover Book Review - book review / author interview / giveaway Apr 9 – Hall Ways Blog – book review / giveaway Apr 9 - Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / guest post / giveaway Apr 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway Apr 12 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight Apr 12 – Kam's Place – book review Apr 13 – Chit Chat with Charity – book review / author interview Apr 13 - The Bespectacled Mother – book review Apr 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway Apr 14 - The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway Apr 15 – Reading is My Passion – book review Apr 15 - The Book Review Crew – book review / guest post / giveaway Apr 16 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway Apr 16 - icefairy's Treasure Chest - book review / giveaway Apr 19 – I'm All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway Apr 19 - Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
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Thursday, April 8, 2021

Cancer Awareness Book Tour with Multiple Authors

 cancer-awareness-tour-banner_orig cancer-awareness-book-covers_orig According to the National Cancer Institute, "In 2020, an estimated 1,806,590 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 606,520 people will die from the disease." It is impossible to meet someone who has not been touched by this disease in some manner, whether it be physically or emotionally.

There are many types of cancer--so many that each month of the year is dedicated to promoting awareness of a different type. Just as cancer comes in various forms, it touches different people in various ways. When a writer is touched by this disease, the natural reaction is to take pen to paper--or rather fingers to keyboard. The results will surprise you! The stories are as diverse as the disease. During the month of April, here at iRead Book Tours, we are featuring some tremendous titles written by or inspired by cancer survivors!

AGAIN: Surviving Cancer Twice with Love and Lists by Christine Shields-Corrigan
 
Book TitleAgain: Surviving Cancer Twice with Love and Lists Author:  Christine Shields Corrigan Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 256 pages Genre:  Memoir Publisher:  Koehler Books Release date:  Oct 2020 Formats Available for review: print-softback (USA and Canada), ebook (mobi file (for Kindle), gifted Kindle copy, PDF, NetGalley download) Tour dates:  May 10 to May 28, 2021 Content Rating:  PG-13. My book has some profanity and one non-explicit sex scene with my husband.

"This  no-nonsense debut memoir recalls Corrigan's two-time battle with cancer and takes a pragmatic approach toward guiding other patients. Candid, sagacious writing on illness and adaptation." --Kirkus Reviews
 
 
A breast cancer diagnosis at forty-nine forces Christine Shields Corrigan, a wife, mom, and meticulous list-maker, to confront her deepest fears of illness, death, and loss of control as she struggles to face cancer again. From the discovery of a “junky” cyst, to chemotherapy and surgery, sleepless nights filled with rosaries and “what ifs,” and shifting family dynamics, her adult experience mirrors her teen bout with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with one exception—she no longer has parents keeping her in the dark.
With the ghosts of cancer past hovering around her, Chris falls into the same overprotective traps her taciturn Irish-Catholic parents created, striving to keep her family’s life “normal,” when it is anything but, and soldiering through on her own, until a neighbor’s unexpected advice and gift move her to accept others’ help. With fierce honesty, poignant reflection, and good humor, Chris shares a journey filled with sorrow, grace, forgiveness, and resilience, as she winds her way through cancer for the second time. Again offers practical guidance and hope to individuals that they have the strength to forge a path beyond a diagnosis.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM Book Depository ~ IndieBound Add to Goodreads
 

 
FLYING AGAINST THE ODDS by Jean-Jacques Trochon
Book Title:  FLYING AGAINST THE ODDS: One Man's Journey to New Ways of Healing by Jean-Jacques Trochon with Heather Whitehall-Trochon Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  249 pages Genre:  Memoir Publisher:  Ikhaya Publishing Release date:   November 2020 Format available for review:  print (Internationally), ebook (mobi, epub) Tour dates: May 17 to June 4, 2021 Content Rating:  G. Memoir for General Audience.

Author Jean-Jacques Trochon
“IT TAKES A DIFFERENT KIND OF THINKING TO SOLVE A PROBLEM THAN THE KIND OF THINKING THAT PRODUCED THE PROBLEM.” —Albert Einstein Jean-Jacque (JJ) had a devastating problem. At age fifty-one, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given three years to live. Rather than accept that outcome, JJ did what he always does: he set out to find a solution. Desiring to look beyond traditional treatments and their often harmful side effects, he put his unconventionally wired mind to work. JJ was relentless as he investigated alternative therapies and pursued global trailblazers in cancer research. Moving from the role of patient to patient-researcher, he became a trailblazer in his own right, being sought after for his latest findings. Ultimately, JJ brought together the most innovative international minds at the Rethinking Cancer 2017 conference in Paris. Together, they found common ground, and they continue to create integrative, synergistic approaches to treatment. Today, almost a decade after his diagnosis, JJ has defied the odds and is cancer-free. Recently retired from his career as a commercial airline captain on the Airbus A380, he now devotes himself to sharing his ongoing research with scientists and patients. JJ’s story illustrates how looking at things differently often enables us to see them in a whole new light.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Book Depository add to Goodreads
 

 
CAROLINE AND MORDECAI THE GAND by Jeff Gunhus
 
 
Book Title: Caroline & Mordecai the Gand by Jeff Gunhus Category Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 186 pages GenreFantasy, Literary Publisher Seven Guns Press Release date March 31, 2021 Format available for review:  print (USA), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, PDF, audiobook (audible download) Tour dates:  Mar 31 to May 11, 2021 Content Rating: PG: The language is G. There is one scene with the main character punches a bully resulting in a bloody nose. The emotional treatment of grief and the death of a loved one can be somewhat intense.

"Readers of all ages who look for ethereal, haunting stories of recovery and courage will find Caroline & Mordecai the Gand may hold the trappings of a fantasy adventure; but inside there is so much more. Make the right decision, to read this!" - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review "Caroline’s story is profoundly sad, and yet hopeful, magical, and yet rooted in reality. There is magic, mystery, and daring adventure." - BooksCoffee
Author Jeff GunhusJeff Gunhus
This novella was written by USA Today bestselling author Jeff Gunhus after he received a devastating diagnosis of state 3 cancer. The story is a message to his five children on how to deal with grief and a plea for them to grasp onto joy and love even in the darkest of times. Caroline loses her spark. It takes a great adventure for her to find it again. Caroline loses her father in a car accident for which she feels responsible. Consumed by grief, she has a difficult time readjusting to a world that has changed so dramatically for her. On the anniversary of her father’s death, a strange window opens in the middle of the small lake behind her house. She climbs up an old oak to peer inside, but falls out of the tree and discovers that the window also serves as a door into a different world. Enter Mordecai the Gand, a mysterious traveler who befriends Caroline and promises to help her find a way back home since the window she fell through has disappeared. The two set out on a series of adventures that include visiting a tree village populated by a tribe known for eating travelers, running into a witch under a spell of her own making, hiding in a cave with a dragon encased in a wall of ice (prone to melting by campfire), all the while being pursued by a mysterious entity call the Creach which promises to devour Caroline and trap her in an eternity of despair. As they navigate these adventures and this new world, Caroline slowly discovers that she is meant to help each of the characters she meets. As she battles internally whether to stay or return home to the sadness and grief waiting for her there, she must regain perspective and open her heart to the act of caring and to the joy of love itself. In the end, she must demonstrate great courage, loyalty, and caring as the plot unfolds, becoming the active hero of her own story.

Buy the Book: AmazonAudible Add the Goodreads
 

 
MARVELLOUS MACEY by Caitlin Bangsund
Book Title:  Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days by Caitlin Bangsund Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-8),  40 pages Genre:  Children's Picture Book Publisher:  Caitlin E. Bangsund Release date:   March 2021 Format available for review:  print, ebook (PDF) Will send print books out:  USA and Canada Tour dates: Mar 1 to mar 28, 2021 Content Rating:  G. This children's book is for everyone.

Author Caitlin Bangsund   
booksforbookz.blogspot.com/2021/03/marvellous-macey-delightful-days-by.htmlCan you va va voom? Do you light up the room? Marvellous Macey does! She may not quite fit the mould, but she is living delightful days. Embrace Macey's world of imagination and ability to love and accept everyone. Life may not be perfect and some things might be hard, but Macey shows us how to live in the moment and find the delight! Be inspired by Macey to make everyday the BEST day. Caitlin Bangsund is the author of Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days. It is the first in a series based on true life. Caitlin knows the trial and trauma of childhood cancer, childhood disability, and the fear of almost losing her daughter — the star of the series — Macey. She encourages readers to look for the treasures that hide in the rubble and gloom. Life is beautiful chaos and her message is to press on and conquer. Read her stories and help create a world that is full of kindness and acceptance.

BUY THE BOOK: Author's Website Amazon add to Goodreads
 

 
MC PLAYS HIDE AND SEEK by Eva Grayzel
Book Title:  MC Plays Hide and Seek: An Empowering Story for Healthy Children Who Care About a Person Living with Cancer by Eva Grayzel Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  64 pages Genre:  Children's Picture Book Publisher:  Mascot Books Release date:   Jan 5, 2021 Format available for review:  print (USA), pdf Tour dates: Jan 5 to Feb 1, 2021 Content Rating:  G for everyone.

When asked about her motivation for writing her children's picture book about cancer, author Eva Grayzel explains: My children were 5 and 7 when I was diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer. It’s a disease that cannot be hidden under clothing. My caregivers were so consumed with me, we didn’t addressthe feelings of our children. I regret not seeking professional attention for them during that time, but we didn’t think of it. If my healthcare providers had recommended it, we would have followed through.
Since my voice was compromised during treatment, finding a book about understanding cancer would have been an easy solution. However, I could not find one to help start the conversation with our children. Months after my recovery, my daughter still wouldn’t kiss me. She was intuitive, afraid of losing me and didn’t want to commit to another day of loving me. My son was shopping  with his grandma for a birthday card and he found a Get Well card. “Let’s buy this for Mom.” Grandma had to tell him that I wasn’t sick anymore. When I reached my 10 year cancer-free anniversary, I had to mark it. There was no better way than filling the void for a children’s book to minimize fear and promote dialogue about cancer. ‘M.C. Plays Hide & Seek’ emphasizes feelings children experience and ways to address their emotions in a healthy, comfortable way. It’s everything I wished I had for my children. And, I hope it will be everything you need for yours.

Buy the Book Amazon.com Eva Grayzel ~ B&N
 

Tour Schedule: Apr 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight Apr 6 – Man of la Book - A Bookish Blog – books spotlight Apr 7 – Lamon Reviews – books spotlight Apr 8 – Rockin' Book Reviews – books spotlight Apr 8 - Thoughts in Progress – books spotlight Apr 13 – Books for Books – books spotligh

Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu

  Book Details: Book Title :  Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu Category :  Children's Fiction (Ages 6-...