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Saturday, June 6, 2020

Tyrone the Terrible FB BannerAbout the Book

Book:  Tyrone the Terrible
Author: Jan Lis
Genre:  Children’s Chapter Book
Release Date: March, 2020
TYRONE COVER FINALTyrone is the skinniest chameleon in the swamp. No one wants him on their team. After going on a fitness program, Tyrone gets carried away with his new self and terrorizes his friends in Gnarly Tree Bend until he meets Sly, the meanest gator in the bayou. Looks like Tyrone is gumbo.
The moral of this story? Someone is always bigger and badder than you, so you’d best make friends along the way.
TYRONE THE TERRIBLE is a bullying tale. The feisty chameleon picks on his bayou buddies before meeting his match. In the process, he learns the value of friends and family and how actions have consequences.
This delightful story is filled with swampy animal characters with a distinctly southern voice – not quite Brer Rabbit, but a good deep-south feel.


Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW 
The story is cute with all the different animals encountering Tyrone. I don’t think I’m a big fan of  the book though. The beginning made me cringe when the mom commented on how scrawny Tyrone was. It landed something in his mind  that he needed to be stronger than others just to be accepted. Tyrone goes from animal to animal in hopes of advice and acceptance.
The scene with the alligator to me would frighten children. I understand the message at the end but I think the author could have written the story more positive. We need to learn to accept ourselves just the way we are. We don’t need to force others to like us. The ending was positive so I give points for that. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Jan LisJan Lis is south Florida writer and artist.  Living in this multicultural area, Jan utilizes these diverse cultural influences in her stories.  Jan fills her children’s books with spunky characters and rich imagery, bringing to her stories and illustrations the same vivid quality found in her fine art paintings.
Jan attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, has a degree from Ohio University’s School of Fine Art, and took post-graduate writing at Case-Western Reserve. She established her writing as a journalist contributing articles to publications such as the Miami Herald, and the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and worked as Fine Arts Editor and Columnist for the Florida Arts Gazette.
Jan Lis is an established artist who has exhibited and won awards in many of the country’s top Annual Exhibitions including: The Butler Institute of American Art, the San Diego Watercolor Society, and the Piedmont Biennial at the Mint Museum.  She is represented in corporate and private collections including: the State of Florida Art In Public Buildings Program, the Brevard County Florida Art in Public Places Program, and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem, NC.
Jan is represented by agent Cyle Young, Hartline Literary Agency, and is member of the
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

More from Jan

How I first met Tyrone was an interesting adventure in itself. One day, a curious little chameleon climbed up on a stone, and watched me as I went for my afternoon swim. Day after day his little head popped up every time I entered the pool. Then he scrambled up onto his rock to watch me swim. Over the course of the summer I saw this skinny fellow gradually mature into quite an impressive chameleon. Sometime during the summer he gained the name Tyrone, and the story was born. Much of the action in Tyrone The Terrible takes place around Gnarly Tree, located along the bayou. While the setting of the story is fiction, the tree is not. My Gnarly tree is a venerable old Banyan, located along the pathway near my home. These days I give it a nod whenever I pass by. I loved writing the Tyrone characters, and the southern feel of the dialogue. It’s a story you just have to read out loud, and have fun with.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, June 3 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Author Interview)
My Devotional Thoughts, June 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 12
Splashes of Joy, June 13
Artistic Nobody, June 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and a signed copy of Tyrone The Terrible!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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Friday, June 5, 2020

Secrets Resurfaced FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Secrets Resurfaced
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Secrets ResurfacedWhen new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.
Click here to get your copy!





 MY REVIEW
This author continues to amaze me with her ability to write a story that has intricate twists which heighten the plot. Each turn of the page draws me deeper into the lives of the main characters. I loved at the beginning when the action first started. Dory is one brave and determined woman. I’m not sure I would go traipsing after someone surrounded by steep hills and rocks barely hanging on to the sides. The first few chapters lay out what is in store for readers.
There is something not quite right with a tragedy that happened years before and Dory is about to find our how deep the betrayal was . I liked Chad and his desire to clear his father’s name. I found it ironic that Dory was trying to unravel a secret, when she had a secret of her own. I’m not sure I really liked Dory at times because she kept something  very precious from someone. I loved the faith element in the story and how the characters soon realized that God was there protecting them. 
Holy cow there was a lot of action going on during the story. I can’t remember how many times Dory was injured. The part that I liked was how willing Chad was to put his life on the line in order to keep Dory safe. There is a part in the story where they talk and I think it was a pivotal point where their relationship was healed.  From that moment I understand Dory better. We all carry secrets that maybe we shouldn’t. In the Bible it says, “The truth will set you free.” This story is definitely an example of how the truth can heal wounds, forgive and be free from the lies of the enemy. 
As I finished the book I kept thinking about the scripture, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” That very scripture is what sets off a chain of events that spread danger, lies, and greed. This is one of my favorite books the author has written. It captures your attention right away and delivers a look at what greed can do to a person. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

dana mentinkDana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Sourcebooks. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Well, it’s been a wild ride through the Roughwater Cowboy series! Here we are at the end, with youngest brother Chad’s story. Fortunately, the rest of the clan (Mitch, Liam and Helen) are here to lend a hand when the man Chad’s father was jailed for killing comes back to life. Helping out also is Jingles the hapless dog, and a new member of the canine family, three legged Meatball. Throw in a killer on the loose and a secret child, and we’ll have a ‘hold onto your hat’ finish to this series. Thanks for coming along with me! God bless you!

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, June 8
Hallie Reads, June 8
Betti Mace, June 10
Quiet quilter, June 10
Bigreadersite, June 12
KarenSueHadley, June 14
Moments, June 14
Simple Harvest Reads, June 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, June 16
Bizwings Blog, June 16
Splashes of Joy, June 17
Artistic Nobody, June 18  (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Posted by at 8 comments:

Wednesday, June 3, 2020



Driftwood Dreams Kick-Off Package


About the Book

Book:  Driftwood Dreams
Author: T.I. Lowe
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 1, 2020
Josie Slater has allowed the circumstances anchoring her in Sunset Cove to become a life sentence. Since her mother’s death years before, she’s spent most of her waking hours helping her dad run the Driftwood Diner. As her best friends, Opal and Sophia, make their dreams come true, Josie watches her own art school aspirations drift on by. But when a French-speaking Southern gentleman from her past moves back from Europe, Josie is launched into a tizzy of what-ifs and I-sure-do-hope-sos.
August Bradford left Sunset Cove six years ago to sow some life oats and conquer his ambitious career goals. Finally ready to lay down some roots, the successful artist is back in town and determined to win Josie’s heart. When he enlists Josie’s help in the preparations for a children’s art camp, Josie finds herself unleashing her artistic side in a way she hasn’t since before her mother’s death. August hopes to convince Josie to paint a life with him, but the problem is convincing her to let go of her apprehensions and give him—and her dreams—a fair chance.


Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
 Oh my ! This is a wonderful story not just about love but allowing yourself to dream. I’m sure each of us had a dream of becoming something or doing something as we grew up. My dream was to be a teacher and a librarian. I loved being around children and I loved to show children  how fun learning was. Josie reminds me a bit of myself. She has always had a special dream but things always got in the way. There was always someone who needed her help, so she pushed her dreams aside. I discovered while reading the story that part of Josie was afraid to let others down. She felt needed when helping at her dads place, or helping an elderly lady with chores or just sitting and talking with her. 
It was hard for both Josie and her dad when her mother died. That void was hard to fill. I’m not sure she let  herself grieve because she was so focused on making sure her dad was okay. They have a great relationship as father and daughter but Josie senses something is off with her dad. I loved reading how much Josie’s dad wanted her to fulfill her dream but he needed to tell her that he would be fine . I kept hoping that Josie would open up to her dad. Maybe she was afraid she wouldn’t be needed or loved. 
August is one of those guys you just instantly like. He is charming, sincere and has a gift that he wants to share with others. I loved reading about the camp and how much August was devoted to helping it achieve. He made me think of my husband in so many ways. My husband is a very talented artist. He has air brushed murals for churches and homes. He always wanted to be an artist, but let his dream slip away when his parents didn’t support him. August sees the gift in Josie and wants her to allow herself to dream and see it happen. 
I was very impressed with the writing and how easy it was to fall in love with these characters. The author delivers a touching story of following your dreams and never giving up. As for me, I did become a teacher but not the kind I though I would be. I was the Children’s Pastor of our church for many years.  I also was a librarian for fifteen years. My husband continues his dream today as he is often asked to do murals for churches and other things like design T-shirts or paint a mural for a nursery. The story for me was personal because August like my husband supported Josie and never gave up. He encouraged her and rejoiced with her as she allowed herself to let go and trust God. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Tonya “T.I.” Lowe is a native of coastal South Carolina. She attended Coastal Carolina University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she majored in Psychology but excelled in Creative Writing. In 2014, Tonya independently published her first novel, Lulu’s Café, which quickly became a bestseller. Now the author of 12 published novels with hundreds of thousands of copies sold, she knows she’s just getting started and has many more stories to tell. She resides near Myrtle Beach with her family.




Read an Excerpt

Josie’s reverie came to a screeching halt as the screen door squeaked open and ushered in not only a briny breeze, but also a vision from her past.
With a pronounced air of confidence, August Bradford walked over to the counter and halted in front of a dazed Josie. Her heart jolted at the sight of him, something only this man could elicit. He spoke—or at least his lips moved—but she couldn’t hear anything over the roar suddenly residing in her eardrums.
The Knitting Club’s table kicked up in volume, sounding like a bunch of hens clucking away, but there was no focusing on what they were clucking about either. She knew the answer anyway and had a feeling their timing wasn’t coincidental. All Josie could do was just stand there and stare, as if looking into his silvery-blue eyes had turned her to stone. With a hint of purple near the center, those uniquely hued eyes were made to belong to an artist such as August Bradford. The thick fringe of black eyelashes only emphasized their beauty. It was enough to spawn jealousy in Josie, her own fair lashes barely visible, but it didn’t. It only tempted her to stand there and stare unabashedly. Mouth agape, that’s exactly what she did.
“Are you okay?” A throaty voice penetrated the roar in her ears as a hand waved in front of her face.
Oh, my . . . that voice . . .
The words simply wouldn’t come—only pitiful squeaks of breaths escaped—so Josie did the only thing to come to mind. She hightailed it into the kitchen.

Blog Stops

CarpeDiem, May 28
Livin’ Lit, May 30
Hallie Reads, May 30
Remembrancy, June 2
Artistic Nobody, June 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Guest review from Joni Truex)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, T.I. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 gift certificate to the bookstore of his or her choice and one copy of Driftwood Dreams!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Posted by at 1 comment:

Monday, June 1, 2020

About the Book

Book:  The Story Hunter
Author: Lindsay A. Franklin
Genre:  Christian Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Franklin - The Story HunterRedeeming the past is a fatal quest.
In the wake of a deadly coup, the capital city of Urian has descended into chaos. Heartbreak and bloodshed await Tanwen and her friends as they discover the unlikeliest leader now rules Tir.
If they want to save the realm, Tannie and the Corsyth weavers must rescue Queen Braith and unmask the Master, ending the strife once and for all. But the success of their hunt depends upon an ally no one trusts.
The Master has a new target in sight: fragile, trauma-scarred Digwyn, whose unique weaving ability could turn the tide of any war. When the desire for vengeance proves too powerful for Digwyn to resist, Tanwen must face a terrifying truth: the fate of Tir rests in the hands of a volatile, shattered girl.

Click here to get your copy!
 MY REVIEW
This is the last  book in series and I was happy to see Digwyn take front and center in the story. I liked reading about the adventure they took to free their Queen . I remember one of  the characters saying they could not trust anyone. I find that true even today. We must allow God to guide us to the truth and show us where evil is. 

 The race is on as the quest to save the Queen will take the group to dangerous places and test their strength and wisdom. The story takes many turns some  of which surprised me. I did enjoy following these characters and wondered how the author would end the series. I have to say that at times I did not quite understand what was going on. Fantasy books are not my favorite but this author does a good job throwing in unexpected turns that it was enough to keep me interested. I know fans of this series will be pleased with the outcome and yes there are a few sad moments that I didn’t see coming. Overall the series is one I think many will enjoy as the author has a talent to take a story and explore the unknown with whimsical characters and talents that you can expect from this genre. 

 I really liked the part towards the end when Queen Braith has an encounter with Bo-Ferrell. As Bo-Ferrell is explaining what Brac has done  Braith explains, “It is not wrong to try and help someone in need.” Even though Brac may  have been put in harms way, the desire was always to carry out the mission. It is a good lesson for each of us to remember. We need to be willing to help someone out even if it is uncomfortable. Did the Queen get rescued? Well that will be an answer for  readers to discover as they read the conclusion of the series.

 I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Franklin, Lindsay2018 - Author PhotoLindsay A. Franklin is a Carol Award–winning author, freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman.

More from Lindsay

Someone asked me recently where my story ideas come from. In fact, that’s one of the author questions I get asked most often. Honestly, the answer is different for every single project I’ve worked on, every single thing I’ve written. I’ve gotten ideas from news headlines, from dreams, from random musings while washing dishes. I even got an idea for a novel from a throwaway remark made by an editor teaching a workshop (that’s how The Story Peddler started).
The idea for The Story Hunter started with a title that turned into a girl.
After The Weaver Trilogy was acquired, my publisher and I brainstormed a list of titles for books two and three in the series. My editor loved the title The Story Peddler and wanted to keep that format for subsequent books. On his brainstorming list was the title The Story Thief. Obviously, this title did not make it all the way to publication. The middle-grade best-selling series Story Thieves wasn’t on our radar at the time, and once it was, I knew we would have to work with a different title (and I absolutely love the title The Story Hunter, so there’s no lingering sadness over here). But the moment I saw that phrase, The Story Thief, a new character popped into my head. It was one of those rare instances when a complete person arrives in my imagination all at once. I knew who she was, what she wanted, and what her unique gift would be. She was Diggy, my story thief, and I knew book three would belong to her.
There were many things I loved about writing this final installment of The Weaver Trilogy but none more than getting to write my story thief’s journey. That’s her hand on the cover of the book, stealing lightning and battling her inner monsters. Though I knew who Diggy was the moment I imagined her, I wasn’t sure how her story was going to end until I wrote it. I can recall saying to my best friend during Hunter’s writing process, “I don’t know if Diggy is going to be okay.” Her backstory is very difficult and deeply personal to me. When we’re facing the kind of odds Diggy is facing, sometimes we don’t win. And even if we do, rarely do we come out unscathed. So I built the book around that question: is Diggy going to be okay? And I didn’t know the answer until I scribbled it down on my outline.
When readers reach The End for the final time in this series, I hope they will feel I’ve done Diggy’s story—and the stories of all my beloved Weaver characters— justice.

Blog Stops

Mia Reads, June 1
Hallie Reads, June 9
Remembrancy, June 9
Worthy2Read, June 11
Pause for Tales, June 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lindsay is giving away the grand prize package of a signed set of The Weaver Trilogy paperbacks, set of four character cards with art by Laura Hollingsworth, set of three Weaver-themed Novelly Yours candles (The Corsyth, The Cethorelle, and The Craigyl), an “I Ship It Mor” enamel pin designed by Dust & Pages, Custom tea tins from Adagio Tea (Braith’s Blend and Diggy’s Spikefruit), and an assortment of bookmarks, stickers, and art prints!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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