Awakened by Kriston Johnson Book Review

I received a free ebook copy to review from Xpresso Book Tours

Awakened (The Legends Of Elyndia #1)
By Kriston Johnson
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Book Description:
Can fighting for the right side be the wrong thing to do?

Draven, the tyrant ruler of Elyndia for the last one thousand years, searches for the one who can fulfill his prophecy.

The Paladins, an elite band of warriors sworn to protect their way of life at all cost, search for the one with the ability to bring their world crumbling down.

An innocent girl, tormented by demons only she can see, lives on the brink of insanity and longs for a life of peace.

When seventeen-year-old Jade Rosenberg reads from an antique book, she has no idea she just read an incantation awaking her inherited power. But when opposing—and equally terrifying—groups invade her home, she learns she is descended from an enchanted realm and a member of a powerful race thought to have been hunted to extinction.

Ripped from her world, Jade is forced to seek refuge from those who want her dead. She is given one of two options and the time has come for her to make a choice: assassinate their sworn enemy…

Or sacrifice her soul.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21258850-awakened

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Legends-Elyndia-Kriston-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00CCGZPRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396252798&sr=8-1&keywords=kriston+johnson


My Opinion:
Usually when I read books the most important thing to me is the characters. When I read fantasy though the most important thing to me is the world the author creates, the more magic there is the better. Awakened is the kind of fantasy book I love to read. My top three reasons why I loved this book were 1. there's enough action/ adventure to keep me from getting bored 2. I pretty much loved all character (even the bad ones) 3. there's just a tiny bit of romance added mostly towards the end because all stories need at least a little romance. What I don't enjoy very much is the book cover. It's very pretty and all but that is just not how I imagine Jade. I definitely would recommend Awakened to all fantasy book lovers. I give this book 4.5 stars.




Author Bio:

Kriston Johnson lives in Southwest Washington with her husband, teenage son, and miniature Australian Shepherd. Her home rests at the fringe of an old growth forest that she insists is the home of Jason Voorhees. Her husband thinks that’s a ridiculous assumption, because everyone knows it’s really Bigfoot. Every summer Kriston participates in the annual pilgrimage to Faerieworlds, a real life faerie realm here on Earth, and has an unhealthy obsession with Star Wars, The Vampire Diaries, and Iron Man. Awakened is her first novel.

Links:
Goodreads
Website
Facebook
Twitter

The Golden Apple Book Blitz and Giveaway

To post this Blitz and add your Social Media to the Rafflecopter, 

email us at PrismBookTours(at)gmail.com with "Golden Apple Blitz" in the subject line!

We're celebrating the release of Michelle Diener's second fairy tale retelling:

The Golden Apple

An Adult Fantasy Romance based loosely on the Princess on the Glass Hill

The Golden Apple

by Michelle Diener

Adult Fantasy/SciFi

March 24, 2014

Kayla's world has been turned upside-down...

Her father has made her the prize in a deadly, impossible tournament, and Kayla has retaliated in the only way she knows how; by choosing her champion beforehand. But taking control of the outcome changes the game completely, and when the real reason behind the strange test becomes apparent, Kayla realizes not just her life, but her entire kingdom is at stake.

Rane's honor is torn in two...

In order to save his brother, Rane will do whatever he has to--including deceive and betray a princess. He knew nothing about this tournament would be easy, but when it turns into a deeper, far more sinister game, Rane is forced to see it through to the end, or leave his brother at the mercy of their enemy.

Now their fates are entwined, and they must venture into the deep, dark forest together...

Kayla and Rane are bound to one another by an enchantment and Kayla's actions. But the sorcerer forcing them to do his will may have miscalculated, because no-one comes out of the Great Forest unchanged. No-one.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

The inspiration for The Golden Apple

The Golden Apple is loosely based on the Norwegian fairy tale The Princess on the Glass Hill. The original tale is more about the hero than the heroine, and it is a very straightforward quest story, with the hero becoming more and more accomplished, until at last he succeeds against the odds. But there were a few things in this fairy tale that stood out for me and made me take notice. The first is the very unusual situation of the king holding a contest for his daughter’s hand by putting her on top of a glass hill with a golden apple in her lap. Knights from all over are invited to race a horse up the smooth glass sides of the mountain and the one who can pluck the golden apple from the princess's lap wins her hand and is heir to the kingdom. As usual in fairy tales, there is no explanation as to how the king came by a glass mountain, but I wondered where he got it, and that sparked the starting point of the story. It is really the inciting incident that starts the story off, rather than the focus of the story, as it was in the fairy tale.


Secondly, the crux of the tale, for me, is that the hero cannot win the princess's hand without help from the princess herself. That part of the original tale is one or two lines long, but for me, it's fascinating. The feminine power determining and choosing which masculine power will prevail. This really made me interested, because the princess doesn't just sit there and take whoever it is manages to accomplish the (impossible) task set by her father, but actively chooses who it is she wants to win and helps them. I wanted to write a story about the consequences of her taking that power and using it and The Golden Apple was the result -- far, far more heroine-centric than the original, and I really had fun with it.

- Michelle Diener

LAST CALL FOR REVIEWERS!

Are you interested in fantasy romance?

Do you love fairy tale retellings?

Have you read Michelle Diener and enjoyed her work in the past?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you can request a review copy of The Golden Apple! The Golden Apple is up for review by invitation only on NetGalley. Reviewers with book review sites can apply for a limited number of pre-approved copies. Book reviewers who post their review on their review site, Amazon, and Goodreads can enter a Rafflecopter draw to win one of ten copies of any Michelle Diener book of their choice, or a $10 Amazon gift card. (Instructions in sign-up form.)

Sign up HERE! 

Michelle Diener writes historical fiction. Her Susanna Horenbout & John Parker series, set in the court of Henry VIII, includes In a Treacherous Court, Keeper of the King's Secrets and In Defense of the Queen.

Michelle's other historical novels include Daughter of the Sky, The Emperor's Conspiracy and Banquet of Lies (loosely connected to The Emperor's Conspiracy).

Michelle's first fantasy novel, Mistress of the Wind, is set for a December 23, 2013, release.

Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

Goodreads * Amazon * Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blitz-Wide Giveaways:

1 - Enter to WIN one of ten ebooks of The Golden Apple.

- March 30 - April 7.

See Rafflecopter for restrictions.



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2 - For book bloggers: Review The Golden Apple by April 1, 2014 and enter to WIN one of 10 prizes:

- Choose any one of Michelle Diener's books or $10 Gift Card!

- March 24 - April 7



Request an early review copy using the form. Instructions on entering the second giveaway are included!

Are you a blogger and want to receive information about new tours? Go HERE.

Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour event? Go HERE.

The Grimmtastic Girls Book Blast and Giveaway

About the Books: The Grimmtastic Girls

 

Book #1

Title: Grimmtastic Girls #1: Cinderella Stays Late | Authors: Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams | Publication Date: March 25, 2014 | Publisher: Scholastic Inc. | Pages: 192 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12


Summary: The authors of the hit Goddess Girls series put a fun and girly twist on another super-popular theme: fairy tales!

Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia...

A Grimmtastic girl named Cinderella is starting her first week at Grimm Academy on the wrong foot. Cinda's totally evil stepsisters are out to make her life miserable. The Steps tease Cinda, give her terrible advice about life at the academy, and even make her look bad in front of her new friends, Red, Snow, and Rapunzel! But when Cinda overhears the Steps plotting a villainous deed that could ruin Prince Awesome's ball, Cinda, her new friends, and a pair of magical glass slippers have to stop them--before the last stroke of midnight!

Book #2

Title: Grimmtastic Girls #2: Red Riding Hood Gets Lost | Authors: Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams | Publication Date: March 25, 2014 | Publisher: Scholastic Inc. | Pages: 192 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12


Summary: Red Riding Hood might have a terrible sense of direction, but her grimmtastic friends are always there to help!

Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia...

Red Riding Hood is thrilled to try out for the school play. Acting is her dream, and she's great at it--too bad she has stage fright! After a grimmiserable audition, Red decides to focus on helping her friends Cinda, Snow, and Rapunzel save Grimm Academy from the E.V.I.L. Society. But when Red gets lost in Neverwood forest and runs into Wolfgang, who might be part of E.V.I.L., she needs her magic basket and a grimmazingly dramatic performance to figure out what's going on!



I will be reviewing these books on my blog real soon!

About the Authors: Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Joan Holub has authored and/or illustrated more than 130 children's books, including Little Red Writing (illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet) and Zero the Hero. She lives in NC and is online at www.joanholub.com

Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Suzanne Williams is the author of nearly 50 books for children, including the award-winning picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg). She lives near Seattle, WA and is online at www.suzanne-williams.com

Author Blog | Goodreads

Co-authors Joan and Suzanne have written the Goddess Girls, Heroes in Training, and Grimmtastic Girls series. Though they live in different states and hardly ever get to see each other, they spend lots of time together in Grimmlandia.

Facebook (Grimmtastic Girls) | Facebook (Goddess Girls Books)

Online Author Visits

$50 Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: April 23, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors, Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Challenging Destiny Release Party with Guest Post and Giveaway!

CHALLENGING DESTINY
By Cherie Colyer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Kindle Release Date: March 27, 2014
Worldwide Release Date: July 11, 2014

Synopsis:
Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons.

Logan can sense something's not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer's day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He's had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He's afraid this time it might just be Ariana.

Logan's fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren't human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she'll damn her brother for eternity.

Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind...but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21457758-challenging-destiny

Buy Links:

Kindle: http://goo.gl/Kf0USf

Kindle UK: http://goo.gl/DnH5Nu


Guest Post: Loving the Bad Boys by Cherie Colyer

When it comes to hotties in books, I tend to be drawn to the bad boy. Always have been and probably always will be. Bad boys intrigue me. They’re complex. They break the rules. They aren’t afraid to go after what they want. But most importantly, when they love they do it with unabated passion.

Often this works out well for the protagonist. Luce from the Fallen series is lucky that Cam Briel watches over her. Damon Salvatore may be ruthless, but Elena Gilbert from the Vampire Diaries is lucky he’s looking out for her. And if it weren’t for a certain demon in my Embrace series, Madison Riley’s little brother never would have made it to his seventh birthday.

Dean Greyer would make a great Ben

Ben Gregory from Challenging Destiny is charming, good looking, and a straight A student. Araina Ragsdale has a huge crush on him, and she’s not the only one. Half the girls at South Elgin High School would love to be his girlfriend. When he asks Ariana out, she feels like the luckiest girl at school. But behind Ben’s baby blues lies a dark secret that will leave Ariana wondering if she can trust him. Thing is if Ariana makes the wrong choice it will cost hers and her brother’s lives.


Guys aren’t the only characters with a darker side. Click here to meet Kira Rose, the fun-loving red-head in Challenging Destiny.

I’d like to thank Joana for having me on her blog today! Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this post.

About the author:
Cherie Colyer is the author of YA paranormal thriller/romance, EMBRACE and HOLD TIGHT from Omnific Publishing. Her latest novel, CHALLENGING DESTINY will be available this spring from The Wild Rose Press, Black Rose Imprint. Check out her website and blog for news on her books and bonus material. Follow Cherie on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Goodreads to get the latest updates on her books.



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Damsel in Distress Book Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Damsel in Distress
by Lee French
Fantasy
Date Published: 3/20/2014

Book Description:
Given the burden of safeguarding a precious treasure at a tender age, Sabetia is placed squarely in the middle of a fantastical legend. Swords, demons, magic, a curse: it has everything a great epic tale should. All she needs to do is face the danger that could threaten the world if left unchecked. If only it were so simple. A hero could solve this problem, but she doesn't happen to be one.

A good wife is obedient, patient, obedient, quiet, obedient, doting, and above all, obedient. Sabetia was raised to be a good wife. It makes her perfect prey, a perfect damsel in distress.


BUY LINKS
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Damsel-Distress-Ilauris-Lee-French-ebook/dp/B00IQDAKV2


Guest Post
As a teenager, I became enchanted with the story of Arthur and Excalibur and Merlin. The love triangle part didn't really interest me so much (though I am quite fond of some of the related songs from the musical Camelot), it was the part about a king being chosen by a sword that caught my fancy the most. An inanimate object made a king. That object wasn't just anything, it was a sword: a symbol of masculinity, virility, violence, elegance, and threat. It exemplifies exactly what being a king is – or, perhaps, merely should be – about.

When I write, I strive for that kind of symbolism. Not always, as that can be tiring for both writer and reader, but I pick the significant objects in a story for a reason. Sabetia's clothes matter at the beginning of the story, that's why I describe them. Did I have to include something like 'whisperweb' as a type of fabric? No, not at all. The point of it, however, is how much her mother cares about appearance and impressing others, and how little Sabetia's opinions and wants matter. It's a frivolous, unnecessary addition to her costume, yet Sabetia not only has to wear it, she also has to be squished into a corset to fit into it. Which tells you nearly everything you need to know about their relationship in just one scene.

The two most important symbols in the book appear on its cover: the gemstone and flowers. The gemstone is a burden masked by beauty and something others covet, which also applies to Sabetia's life. It's a weight from the past, much like how her mother's treatment holds her back later in life. And, of course, the teardrop shape has an obvious connection. The flower is more directly Sabetia, as I see her like a cut flower in many ways. Her mother trains her to grow a certain way, then she's snipped and tucked into a private vase. She's a possession, kept for her looks and how easy she is to manipulate for best effect. When someone tips over the vase, it takes her a while to learn how to bloom, how to grow wild.

Is that horse just a horse? How about that book? Is any book really just a book?



My Opinion
Even though I enjoy reading fantasy I was not sure Damsel in Distress was the right book for me. Mostly because I usually prefer a stronger female character and not the damsel in distress type. The first half of the book took me a bit longer than usual to read because I wasn't sure I wanted to continue reading. Sabetia was a little boring at first and I wanted more action. I'm so glad I kept reading though because the second half made it worth it. Sabetia gets kidnapped and when she's about to be sold she gets rescued. That's when the action really begins! The world, the adventure and the magic are awesome. I give this book 4 stars.



Lee French

Lee French lives in Worcester, MA with two kids, two bicycles, and too much stuff. She has written several books, including the Maze Beset superhero novel trilogy. In addition, she is an avid gamer and active member of the Myth-Weavers online RPG community, where she is infamous for finding unexpected ways to use squirrels. She also trains year-round for the one-week of glorious madness that is RAGBRAI, has a nice flower garden with absolutely no lawn gnomes, and tries in vain every year to grow vegetables that don’t get devoured by neighborhood wildlife.

Website: http://about.me/AuthorLeeFrench

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorLeeFrench

Twitter: @AuthorLeeFrench

Blog: http://AuthorLeeFrench.wordpress.com



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The Making of Nebraska Brown Book Review and Giveaway

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The Making of Nebraska Brown
by Louise Caiola
New Adult Mystery
Date Published: 2/6/2014

Book Description:
The last thing eighteen-year-old Ann Leigh remembers is running from her boyfriend in a thick Nebraska cornfield. This morning she’s staring down a cool Italian sunrise, an entire continent from the life she once knew. The events of the eighteen months in between have inexplicably gone missing from her memory.

All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded.

Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to.

The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home.

BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1baCbhO
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/LFV8wr
Other: http://bit.ly/1aHAlVj

My Opinion:
The Making of Nebraska Brown starts off a little confusing. Ann Leigh doesn't remember her past, doesn't remember who she is or even why she can't remember! What I loved about that though is that when you read a book you get to know the characters and with Ann Leigh it felt like we were both getting to know her and about her life at the same time. That made me feel more connected to Ann Leigh's character and when she was frustrated, upset or anything it was very easy for me to feel the exact same things she was feeling. Ann Leigh was pretty selfish and so far from perfect but I loved her because she was so real and honest. Her story is pretty sad and I was not to happy with the ending but it was still a great book. I loved this mystery book and would give it five stars.



Louise Caiola

As a young girl who spent her allowance on Nancy Drew mysteries, Louise realized that one day, she might have a story of her own to tell. Maybe even more than one story. After years focused on raising her children she eventually reconnected with her passion for creative writing. She soon began to craft a large collection of short stories which were published in the inspirational online magazine, Faithhopeandfiction.com. Shortly thereafter, she authored her first novel, Wishless, a contemporary YA, released in 2011.

Louise devotes a portion of each day to honing her skills. She has several other novels currently in various stages of development. A confirmed bibliophile, Louise enjoys reading outdoors on a warm spring day and watching her pup chase leaves on a breeze. She looks forward to meeting others who share her love of the written word and invites you to visit her blog, her website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.


Website: http://www.louisecaiola.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louise.caiola

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lcwritten & https://twitter.com/AuthorLouiseC

Blog: http://louisecaiola.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20685989-the-making-of-nebraska-brown



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Lover, Divine Book Review and Giveaway

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Lover, Divine by A. Star
(Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1)
Publication date: February 25th 2014
Genres: Adult, Mythology, Romance

Synopsis:
Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.

When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unable to resist his charms. New to the game of passion and seduction, she quickly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.

But Liam’s divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems. Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan’s heart forever.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18629261-lover-divine?ac=1

Lover, Divine is going to be at a promo price of $.99 from March 17-22.

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lover-Divine-Mythos-Gods-Lovers-ebook/dp/B00IN5MIWC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394468923&sr=8-1&keywords=Lover%2C+Divine+A.+Star
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lover-divine-a-star/1118736292?ean=2940148196419

My Opinion:
Lover, Divine has me so confused. I just don't know how I feel about it! I loved it? I hated it? Maybe both at the same time. Let me just start with the beginning. When I started reading this book I was loving it. Siobhan and Liam seemed like great characters but the more I read the less I liked them. Liam/ Apollo had a very horrible personality that made it hard for me to understand why Siobhan is so in love with him. I kept thinking who does he think he is? I had to remind myself that he is a god and that's the reason he was that way but either way I still didn't like him. I did love the story and the other characters but it just really bothered me how unfair things were for Siobhan. I hated/loved this book but would I recommend it? Yes I would recommend it but to adults only! This was very difficult for me and took me a while to decide but I would give this book three and a half stars.

AUTHOR BIO

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion. She likes to read it, and she damn sure likes to write it. Her first adult romance/fantasy novella is called Invasion, an alien romance about sacrifice. Lover, Divine is the first release from the Mythos: Gods and Lovers series. Future releases under A. Star include, King, Desired (Mythos: Gods and Lovers #2), the Love & Steampunk series, the Purr, Inc. stories, and more.

Author Links:
http://www.diantha-jones.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6896192.A_Star

https://www.facebook.com/dianthajones

https://twitter.com/DianthaJones


Tour wide giveaway
Open INTL:
--3x Signed copy + swag

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Maisy and the Missing Mice Book Blast with Review and Giveaway

Title: Maisy and the Missing Mice (The Maisy Files)
Author: Elizabeth Woodrum 
Publication Date: September 24, 2013 
Publisher: Independent 
Pages: 75  
Recommended Ages: 6 to 10


Summary:
Maisy Sawyer is not your average fourth grade student. She is a detective with a special skill for solving mysteries. She loves black and white mystery movies, cherry lollipops, and her dog, Reesie. When a thief known as The Black Boot steals the school's mascots and her lollipops, Maisy sets out to solve the case. Can she help return the mice to their home in the science lab? Will she ever see her beloved lollipops again? Find out in the first book in The Maisy Files series.

Book Trailer

Purchase

Amazon | Createspace

* NOTE: Available for only 99 cents through Amazon. OR, you can receive 15% off the regular price of the print version of Maisy and the Missing Mice by visiting https://www.createspace.com/4368649 in the month of March and entering the code RXJN6DUZ upon checking out.

The Buzz

"Woodrum certainly knows her target audience and does a very nice job with the character development of Maisy. This is an incredibly kid-friendly story that makes a great introduction to the genre of mystery for newly independent readers. It's a quick page turning read that encourages kids to think outside of the box." ~ The Children's Book Review

"My name is Kat. I am 9 years old. I would rate this a five because I like everything about it, the mystery the most. It was fun to read. My favorite part was the mystery and the end. I love this book so much. I think other kids would love it too because it has mystery and most kids would like mystery books. Most mystery books have a good mystery. I would love to read the whole series." ~ 5 Star Review, Heather A., Amazon

"I knew I would love this book simply because I knew it would remind me of the mystery books I read in my childhood. I really love how much trust the teachers and community as a whole put in Maisy. She is well deserving of their admiration as the way she finds clues and finds the mascot for the school is well thought out. This is a story any child would love to read. I hope Maisy continues to solve mysteries..." ~ 5 Star Review, Josh, Amazon

My Opinion:
I listened to the audiobook of Maisy and the Missing Mice. The audiobook is just a little over an hour with very short chapters. The narrator does an awesome job of sounding like a 4th grader. Maisy is obsessed with lollipops and is a very likable and smart 4th grader. The mystery Maisy has to solve and her way of solving it is very fun and very realistic for a character her age. Elementary aged children that like mystery books would really enjoy this book. I know I would have loved it at that age! I give this book 3 stars.

About the Author: Elizabeth Woodrum

Elizabeth Woodrum is an elementary teacher in Ohio. She came to love writing when she was in elementary school, but more recently began writing material for use in her classroom. From that writing, grew the desire to write books for the general population of children and adults alike. The Maisy Files, a children's series, is the first series that she has published. The series currently has one book, Maisy and the Missing Mice. Elizabeth plans to add more books to the series, and would also like to publish books for adults in the future.

As a reader, Elizabeth prefers the fantasy genre, but she enjoys realistic fiction as well. Some of her favorite authors include JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Rick Riordan, Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins, and Nicholas Sparks. Originally from Indiana, Elizabeth currently resides near Dayton, Ohio with her two pets: a cat named Butterscotch and a dog named Reese Cup.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: April 18, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Elizabeth Woodrum and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Bebe Bella Designs Crinkle Toy Review (+ Free Crinkle Toy Until 3/31)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

About Bebe Bella Designs (description from their website)
Bebe Bella Designs mission is to create and deliver the most comforting, stylish and easy care accessories available for infants, children and adults.

Since 2006, Bebe Bella Designs has created luxurious and stylish gifts captivating babies and parents alike. Born from repeated requests from friends and family who received original gifts fashioned by founder, Melissa Odegard, the company produces all products from the highest quality materials to ensure years of comfort and enjoyment. All products are proudly manufactured in the U.S.A. Bebe Bella Designs is dedicated to providing American made accessories that continue to comfort and delight generation after generation.

Product Description:

Sensory development is serious play for your little one!  Keep your baby both stimulated and comforted with Bebe Bella Designs Crinkle Toy. This crinkle toy is made with our signature soft minky chenille and is lined with a fun "crinkly" noise that can keep your little one entertained for hours. Size: 5"X5"

My Opinion:
The Bebe Bella Designs Crinkle Toys are a very simple but cute toy for babies. It feels so soft and crinkles with every move. It took just one look (and touch) for me to fall in love with the Bebe Bella Crinkle Toy but my 7 month old son did not feel the same as me. The first time he played with this crinkle toy he chewed on it for about 30 seconds then dropped it and moved on to another toy. I have been handing him the Crinkle Toy everyday and finally after a couple of weeks he seems to pay attention to it for more than a minute. I have even caught him falling asleep while holding his Crinkle Toy twice already and this picture is one of those times.

Bebe Bella sells so much cute stuff like blankets, booties and bibs plus so much more so make sure to check out their website!

You can get a crinkle toy for FREE until March 31st, or while supplies last. But you just pay for shipping and handling. **Limit one crinkle per household.** Simply place the crinkle toy in your shopping cart and enter code "crinkleblog" in the discount code area at check out.

You can get your very own crinkle toy here.


Links:
Website: http://bebebelladesigns.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bebebelladesigns
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bebebelladesign/

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Where Life Takes You and Getting By Book Promo with Giveaway

Claudia Y Burgoa has two amazing NA releases, Where Life Takes You and Getting By! And I can't wait to tell you more about her and her books!

I will be reviewing Where Life Takes You later this month! I can't wait to let you all know what I think about this book!

Release Date: December 1, 2013

BECCA TRENT LIVED HER CHILDHOOD NEXT TO A CRUEL WOMAN—her mom—who lived to torment and neglect her. During her high school years, her mother married; bringing home not only a new husband, but a step sister her same age. The latter took over her Mom’s role—making Becca’s life miserable. Including stealing Ian—Becca’s best friend and boyfriend—Lisa treated her worse than her mother had for the previous fifteen years. A couple years later, thing ended up in tragedy.

Becca buried that part of her life in the deep corners of her psyche, caught between sanity and nightmares. Between therapy, work and her constantly looming past she can’t seem to find room to breathe. The memories of her late step-sister, Lisa, are her closest company.

Her best friend, Dan gives her that family love she always lacked. Everything was close to perfect, until everything and everyone from her past came back. Now she’s trying to figure out how to survive and keep that bond which seems now to be held together by a thread.

Amazon | BN | itunes 

Release Date: February 18th, 2014

When Emma Anderson arrived at San Francisco International Airport, she regretted accepting the distinction of being the maid of honor to Gaby’s—her childhood friend—wedding. It had been years since the last time she set foot in Menlo Park, where her parents had been killed. The rug where she had been shoving her feelings since that day looked bumpier than a camel’s hump. Who could blame her; if she hadn’t been selfish they’d still be around. Ever since that fateful day, Emma has been perfecting the knack of Getting By.

Cade’s wedding in Menlo Park—a city close to San Francisco—might be the perfect place for Jake Knight to shake the memories of his ex, Emma Anderson for good. Single, available women galore for an entire week was the perfect medication, one he intended to take three times a day for an entire week to return to his player days. It was a plan the former spy thought flawless until he came face to face with the maid of honor. Jake’s perfect retreat turns into a flight, fight or hide week of celebrations.

Amazon | BN | itunes 

Claudia lives in Colorado with her family and three dogs. Two beagles who believe they are human, and a bichon who thinks she’s a beagle. While managing life, she works as a CFO at a small IT Company. She’s a dreamer who enjoys music, laughter and a good story.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

3/17: Mary's Cup of Tea - Promo Post

3/18: Speculative Friction - Promo Post

3/19: alwaysjoart - Promo Post

3/20: Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, Inc. - Double Review

3/21: For Whom The Books Toll - Promo Post

3/22: deal sharing aunt - Promo Post

3/23: Rose & Beps Blog - Promo Post

3/24: Workaday Reads - Review

3/25: Dowie's Place - Review

3/26: Coffee and Characters - Promo Post

3/27: Cheryl's Book Nook - Promo Post

3/28: Bajgajka Loves books And Giveaways - Promo Post

3/29: Wicca Witch 4 Book Blog - Promo Post

3/30: Tigris Eden - Promo Post

3/31: Shhh.,.Mommy's In the Bathroom, Reading - Double Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Air: Merlin’s Chalice Release Blast and Giveaway

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/02/now-booking-release-blast-for-air.html

Air: Merlin’s Chalice
Children of Avalon, Book One
By: Meredith Bond
Fantasy/Paranormal

Blurb:
In one day Scai has gone from an ordinary outcast in her little Welsh village to learning that she is a member of a magical people called the Vallen. Left on the church steps by a strange couple to be raised by the town priest, she knows nothing of her history—or her abilities. Did she really stop the rain just by wishing it to stop? But she is determined to learn all she can. Travelling alone to England to find her family seems to be the only way she’s going to find the answers she seeks.
Her journey leads her to the funny old knight Sir Dagonet, the handsome squire Dylan and the fiery Bridget. Together, Scai, Dylan and Bridget are the long awaited Children of Avalon, destined to save the world from Lady Nimuë, formerly known as the Lady of the Lake—unless she kills them first. 
Along the way, Scai finds magic - both in the wind and air that she can control at will, and in the sweet ache of a first love that she cannot.


Excerpt: http://meredithbond.com/blog/vallen/airmerlins-chalice/

Buy Links:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/408750
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/AirMC
B&N: http://smarturl.it/AirBN
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/AirApple



Author Info:
Meredith Bond is an award–winning author of a series of traditionally published Regency romances and indie–published paranormal romances. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart”, Meredith’s heart belongs to her husband and two children. Her paranormal romances include  Magic In The Storm, Storm on the Horizon, and the short story “In A Beginning”. Her traditional Regencies include The Merry Men Quartet of which An Exotic Heir and A Dandy In Disguise have recently been republished. Meredith teaches writing at her local community college. If you want a taste of her class in book form, Chapter One is available at your favorite e–retailer.
 Want to know more? Come visit Meredith at her website or chat with her on Facebook or Twitter @merrybond and find her at Goodreads. If you’d like to be one of the first to know of Meredith’s new releases and get a free vignette four times a year sign up for Meredith’s newsletter here.

Author Links:
http://www.meredithbond.com
https://www.facebook.com/meredithbondauthor
https://twitter.com/merrybond
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/847484.Meredith_Bond


Giveaway
(Custom Necklace)
a Rafflecopter giveaway