Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Discovery of the Five Senses Book One - The Urban Boys Series by K. N. Smith

 

DISCOVER OF THE FIVE SENSES - THE URBAN BOYS by KN Smith
THE URBAN BOYS: DISCOVERY OF THE FIVE SENSES by K.N. Smith

Join Us for This Tour:  February 7 to February 25, 2022

Book Details:

Book Title: Discovery of the Five Senses Book One - The Urban Boys Series by K. N. Smith
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 340 pages
Genre:  Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller
Publisher:  Two Petals Publishing (self-published)
Release date:   September 15, 2021
Formats Available for Review: print - softback (USA only), e-book (mobi for Kindle, EPUB, PDF_
Tour dates: February 7 to February 25, 2022
Content Rating:  PG 


"Brilliantly crafted and written!" - Megan King, Indie Book Reviewers

"An energetic adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith's writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle." - Kirkus Media

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

In this story, five boys were to try to save the world from the evil with the five senses, sound, touch, sight, smell and taste. Each one having a little more of one sense than the others. These five boys went on a trip they would never forget, that's for sure.

K.N. Smith does a fabulous job writing this book, and smoothly switches from fantasy to more contemporary throughout the book. For a debut novel, this is a very good read. There are many twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you love a good fantasy, this is one I recommend.

DISCOVERY OF THE FIVE SENSES is a YA Fiction Fantasy/Mystery/Thriller (Ages 13-17). So if you are in this group, you would be one who would sure love this book. If you are not one to like this type, you should try it you might like it. This one is getting Four 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.


Book Description:

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.  

EXCERPT:

As one would imagine, a mysterious forest might offer deep, eerie chills, especially at night. Instead, the forest cast a rich glow, and the environment was beautiful and serene.

Walking slowly with their eyes absolutely feasting on the horticultural delights, the boys were approached by something they weren’t sure was real. It floated effortlessly, lighting up in a sporadic pattern, but had neither sound nor discernible shape, other than being somewhat clear and round.

Its fluttering wings suspended it in the center of their disbelieving huddle. All eyes were on it, but what it was provoked more mystery than the forest itself. It bounced in a cheery, beckoning fashion, flashing its stunning wings, drawing the boys into a never-ending waltz. They were transfixed, unable to glance at each other, prevented by the daze each silently battled.

The little glowing being carried about, moving closer to their faces. It moved in and out of trees, spewing, sparkle and splendor, then floated away from the boys, yet stayed close enough to continue the enticement.

Contributing to the amazing glow ricocheting from sprawling fronds to soaring trees and fallen leaves, the being’s creativity advanced in a display of twirls and spins, astonishing the boys. And they followed their little friend further and further into the forest.

Deeper ahead, the visual spectacle beautifully intertwined with the clicking noise, which grew louder and more defined, moving up the scale into high notes. The repetition of the noise mesmerized the boys, equating to an invisible lasso.

The friends grouped together, looking ahead and behind. Their stomachs tightened as the tension grew.

What they saw next would pale in comparison to their little, wondrous friend, who steadily bounced around several curvy pathways.

The small creature led them into an area deep within the preserve housing two large, floating, clicking balls of light. The boys instinctively covered their eyes, yet still tried to peep through their fingers.

The light balls began spinning wildly and grew louder, with their tops spitting out free-falling shavings of light like fireworks.

The sputtering light bounced off the dirt only to end up against a tree or one of the boys, then back down and up again.

Slowing down, the beings moved in between the boys. Too scared to move and struggling with reality, the boys’ eyes locked onto the radiant balls.

And with a striking force, the five friends were encased by a bright, piercing light as the balls exploded, emitting their energy onto the boys.

Mixing and mashing north, south, east, and west, bright waves covered the soil, spreading across trees, rock, and all plant life. The forest fell silent, frozen like an inhale without an exhale. It was dark and quiet, except for the liquid energy dripping from the huge, wavy leaves.

Being subjected to drifts both in and out of reality, the boys succumbed to the lure of a vacant black space within the deepest parts of their minds. They fell to the ground unconscious, laying in this forbidden domain in the center of a place they had been warned not to approach.

And from some distance toward the other side of the preserve, a draped shadow had been looking inward and saw this mysterious incident.

The curve of his black hood was loose enough for him to witness the unthinkable. But it also shrouded his expression, which was impassive.

This figure, a dark stranger, had been watching the boys for a period of time and saw the explosion of light. He knew it had exposed them to a grave risk in this place of both awe and fear. He realized time would now take the reins as a master guide for these stricken young men, all of whom would need hope as a rod and stamina as a spear on the long journey ahead.

Knowing the veil of normalcy would need to be maintained in order for this inconceivable episode to be minimized, the Dark Stranger drew upon his strength to physically move each of the boys to Rhee’s house.

He knew familiar surroundings would ease them as they roused, barely able to comprehend their predicament.

For he knew much, and every step, every footprint left an indelible impression on the path leading to the studio in Rhee’s backyard. Indeed, footprints providing a window to the past meshed with hope for the future.

And like a laser, the Dark Stranger steadied his gait, hurling each one up and over his powerful shoulders.

As he absorbed the totality of the scene, he breathed deeply. His head hung in a manner to which only trauma could relate. But in a sign of resilience, it swiftly sprung back.

Under the circumstances, he knew time would not be patient nor friendly.

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate had arrived.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

IndieBound ~ Apple ~ Smashwords ~ Kobo
add to goodreads

K.N. Smith

Meet the Author:

K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author, screenwriter, and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. She inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. She lives in California with her family. 

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Feb 7  Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 7 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Bookworm for Kids – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 -Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 - Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9 –Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Splashes of Joy - book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 11 - Stephanie Jane – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Feb 15 – Buried Under Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 17 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 17 - Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 - Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Feb 22 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 22 - Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 23 – Kam's Place – book review 
Feb 24 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 25 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 25 - Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/77b5716f17/

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Romancing the Darkness (Book 1) by Tyler R. Snyder

ROMANCING THE DARKNESS by Tyler R. Snyder
ROMANCING THE DARKNESS by Tyler R. Snyder

Join Us for This Tour:

 January 31 to February 11, 2022

Book Details:

Book Title: Romancing the Darkness (Book 1) by Tyler R. Snyder
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 260 pages
Genre:  Fantasy 
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release date:   November 2021
Formats Available for Review: print-softback USA, e-book (MOBI for Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: January 31 to February 11

 Book Description:

Monsters of Mythical Proportion
Worlds of Magic and Power
Forbidden Love
And DEATH. DEATH is the consequence...

When Tristan defies Ambion’s only law—royal and common blood cannot mix, he discovers the consequences are real. The young guardian finds himself in a world where love and hate, war and peace, duty and betrayal blur into darkness. As his world devolves into a battle for survival, he learns only an Angel can save Ambion from the destruction wielded by the Dividers. Is Tristan the Angel destined to save the world or will he succumb to the wiles of a dark goddess?

​“Boy! Hey boy, let me show you the end.” Tristan looked in horror as tens of thousands of men and women were hooded figures. Explosions erupted everywhere, and the black sky spewed red lightning all around the warriors. A ground shaking roar forced Tristan to cover his ears. When he looked up, a massive golden dragon breathed fire upon the world: fire engulfed the horizon. “The end will begin with ash.”   

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Romancing the Darkness by Tyler R. Snyder is book one in the series of Fantasy novels teens will love. I'm not really into mythical beasts, and Dragons and such but I can tell this is a very well written story. One that will capture the hearts of the younger generation. There was a lot of this story that was interesting and it sure kept me reading. If you have teens and older kids that love fantasy books of any kind, this will be a great book for them. And I know a lot of adults that would love this one too. I'm giving it Four Stars. I hope you will check ot out. I love the cover, that's what drew me to the book.

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. A l


Buy the Book: Amazon

CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE INTERVIEW WITH Lauren and the author.


https://www.youtube.com/embed/lcNcH1gGZBU

Meet the Author:

Tyler Snyder was born in 1984 in Medford, Oregon.

As a child, he was captivated by movies, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons, along with the worlds these activities created. The original spark that ignited Tyler’s imagination was when he wanted to see a movie similar to The Legend of Zelda, but the closest film at the time was The Dark Crystal. That itch, to this day, has still not been scratched. This led him to books and stories like the pastimes he adored and gave him exposure to a much grander well of ideas and possibilities. Meeting like-minded friends who shared the same hobbies, Tyler developed a passion for creating new worlds. In Romancing the Darkness, Tyler explores his world, Ambion, and the countless decisions confronting his characters.

Mr. Snyder currently lives in Wyoming with his wife, Sandra.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram goodreads


Tour Schedule:
Jan 31 –Rockin' Book Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 1 – Splashes of Joy  - book review / giveaway
Feb 2 –The Momma Spot– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 7 –Kam's Place– book review / author interview
Feb 8 –Book Corner News and Reviews– book review / giveaway
Feb 9 –Locks, Hooks and Books– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 10 – Books are a Blessing  - book review / giveaway
Feb 11 -Books for Books– book review
Feb 11 -
Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting - book review / author interview / giveaway

Friday, February 4, 2022

Ashes to Ink by Lisa Lucca




 
ASHES TO INK: A MEMOIR by Lisa Lucca
ASHES TO INK: A MEMOIR by Lisa Lucca
Join us for this tour from Feb 1 to Feb 21, 2022!

Book Details:
Book Title:  ASHES TO INK: A Memoir by Lisa Lucca
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  267 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher:  JuJu House Publishing
Release date:  October 2021
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Feb 21, 2022
Content Rating:  PG-13. There is some bad language (several f-words), sexual scenes (not explict), and cigarette and marijuana smoking.

“Lisa Lucca weaves the past and present into a vividly written and important story with many layers: family secrets, fathers and daughters, love and sexuality, and at the core, forgiveness. What touched me most was the call to action to become the love of your own life. Read, learn, and become!” — Laura Munson, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats.

“In this raw and gripping memoir, Lisa Lucca has perfectly captured the unique ripple effects of life with a gay parent. With little representation in popular media, people who grow up with (or find out about) LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers are often left to wonder if there’s anyone else who really understands. Ashes to Ink is proof we are not alone, and that love truly does win.” — Jordan Budd, Executive Director of COLAGE, National LGBTQ+ family organization

“Fresh, warm, sassy, and smart... Lisa’s voice is a delight! I was enchanted by this book.” — Alexia La Fortune, Author of Sex, Love, and Spirit

"Ashes to Ink… a power punch of a book written by the glorious Lisa Lucca. Filled with rage and anger and sorrow and more unleashed anger…and much humor and love...human emotion in each chapter. Lisa's memoir is all about LOVE, the wanting, the needing, the longing, the acceptance, the fear of love, the need for love. From a parent whose lifestyle flattens her to the seeking of love with men who challenge her (unconsciously) to finding the right one. This is a memoir about family - the down and dirty - about love, about searching... and forgiveness. This book is filled with so much truth, so many untamed feelings, so much rawness… a memoir that gives you ample time to hold your breath and exhale. Read it, devour it, allow yourself to creep into the uncomfortableness. Life is filled with discomfort and unease - Lisa gives us all the rare opportunity to see ourselves in the dazzling, and magnificent mirror she holds up for us." — Amy Ferris, Marrying George Clooney, Confessions from a Midlife Crisis

Book Description:

Acceptance struggles to emerge from a cocoon of family secrets . . .

After her parents' divorce in 1974, Lisa Lucca's idyllic Midwestern childhood is shattered when she learns her father is gay. Sworn to secrecy, she begins carrying the emotions of her family like a cracked bucket, making a mess as she embarks on a life of rebellious choices.

Decades later, faced with the aftermath of her father’s death, Lisa revisits the complicated relationship she had with him, delving deeper into the stories she’s held about love, sexuality, and the family she comes from with a shimmering clarity that arises from her grief.

A story of heartache and the power of forgiveness, Ashes to Ink shines a light on the challenges of living true to who we are, especially for single parents.

Author Lisa Lucca
Meet the Author:

Lisa Lucca’s work has been published in several publications and anthologies, most recently in Crone Rising. She is the co-author of the epistolary memoir, You Are Loved, with her partner, Mark Mathias, a love story she will continue telling in her next book.

She shares a home with Mark in the high desert of southern New Mexico where she continues her work as a life coach, and hosts a weekly public radio show, Live True, bringing insightful and engaging interviews to her listeners. The show streams globally at lccommunityradio.org where the shows are available in the archives.

connect with the author: website ~twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodread
Tour Schedule:
Feb 1 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 - 
Working Mommy Journal - book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 3 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 – Books are a Blessing – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 - Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 7 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – @booking.with.janelle – book spotlight
Feb 8 - @twilight_reader – book spotlight
Feb 9 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Gold Dust Editing & Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 - Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 11 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 14 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 15 – zoebooknotes – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Feb 16 – Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 17 – Kam's Place – book spotlight
Feb 18 – 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 - Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 21 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Cindi,s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Riechman













Join Us for This Tour from February 1 to February 14!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Cindi's Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher:  Book Baby 
Release date:  January, 2022
Format available for review:  Print- softback, ebook (pdf)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: February 1 to February 14, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone
Book Description:

​Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer.  As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story.  They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest!   

Buy the Book:
BookBaby

Amazon ~ B&N

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

Picture
Author Beverly Reichman
Meet the Author:

Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 –Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 -Sandra's Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 –@twilight_reader – book review
Feb 3 - Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 – Kam's Place – book review
Feb 4 - Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 7 - Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 - Older & Smarter? - book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 - The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
Feb 9 - fundinmental - book review / giveaway
Feb 10 - Lisa Everyday Life - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 10 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 - Nighttime Reading Center - book review / giveaway
Feb 11 - Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 - Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 14 - Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:
https://gleam.io/LKz1D/cindis-chocolate-valentine-by-beverley-reichman-book-tour-giveaway


MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Cindi's Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman is about Cindi the dog. Cindi is upset that she has to get dressed up all pink and read for Valentine's Day, but at least she will have her cat friend Pitti Pat there. Cindi and Pitti Pat has been watching the neighbors dog, and they will be so embarrassed if they see their new neighbor. But then they suddenly saw something that changed their minds. But you have to read the book to find out how Cindi and Pitti Pat realized. 

This is a cute book for children to read or have read to them on Valentines Day. The beautiful story of Cindi, her cat friend and the next door neighbors dog will make you smile as you read their encounters with other animals. The bright vivid illustrations throughout this book bring this story to life and children will love looking at the illustrations as they read the book. This would be awesome for school and daycare libraries as well as your own childs library. Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman gets a Four Stars from me, I encourage you to check this book out. 

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-...