The Adventures of Mouse and Mole (Volume 2) Review and Giveaway ends 3/12

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

The Adventures of Mouse & Mole
Volume 2
Run Time: 50 minutes

DVD Description:
This series originally aired in BBC is a sparkling adaptation of Joyce Dunbar's classic stories about practical Mouse and capricious Mole. Mouse and Mole live together in a little cottage in the country. Mouse is practical and cheerful. Mole gets into scrapes and needs mollycoddling. Their everyday adventures appeal to adults and children alike. the charm of the stories lies in the endearing friendship of the two central characters and the humor of their exchanges.

Your children will delight in the everyday adventures of these lovable companions as they help each other navigate through good times and bad. Each colorfully animated story playfully explores the joys and complexities of friendship. Bursting with warm humor from start to finish, these universal and timeless stories are a treat for the whole family.

VOL. 2 EPISODES:

• Talk To Me
• Spectacles
• Pebbles
• Hip Dip Dip
• A Frisky Fluttery Ghost
• A Fresh Start
• The Secret Of Happiness
• Atishoo!
• A Sad Moment

My Opinion:
The Adventures of Mouse and Mole are a very cute cartoon for children. Every episode is really short and simple for the little ones to understand what's going on. I thought the characters Mouse and Mole were great. My 5 year old daughter loved Mouse and Mole's adventures. I am so glad this DVD is not like most cartoons on TV for example like Sponge-bob and Dora because even though they are very popular I just don't like them. I rather have my kids watch cartoons like The Adventures of Mouse and Mole. I enjoyed watching it too but Atishoo! was very funny and my favorite episode. I would recommend this DVD to any parent especially if you have children under 8 because I think they would enjoy it the most.


You can buy Volume 1 and Volume 2 for $12.50 each here

Giveaway
The Adventures of Mouse and Mole DVD
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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.

Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse Book Review and Giveaway

Thanks for stopping by my tour stop on the audiobook tour for Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard. This is a middle grade fantasy adventure for ages 8+.  Check out the tour page for the full list of tour stops.

Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard

Read by Sonja Field

Genre: Middle Grade Magic, Fantasy Adventure. Ages 8-13

Length:  audiobook length is 7 hours 36 minutes
Publication Date: November 20, 2013


Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun, too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse. It’s not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they’re going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can’t stop him, nobody can.

My opinion:
Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse is a very fun fantasy adventure book. The characters are smart, funny, and brave. I loved listening to the audiobook because the narrator had a different voice for every single character. In a way listening to Sonja Field made this book even better for me. If you are looking for a fun book filled with magic and adventure and also learn a little about the Indian culture then I recommend this book. I give this book 5 stars.

Audible |  iTunes | Amazon  | GoodReads



We want to invite all of you to ask the author and narrator your own questions on the Author's Goodreads Group and they will answer them on March 1st! 

Some things people are saying: 

"I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves Books, (but he's picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It’s a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, ‘every kid should read this series’.” 5-Star review from savygreensaver.com

“Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard’ & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can’t beat this series. It’s fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he’s chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you’ve yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don’t limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!” ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon

"The action is non-stop and plot twists and turns keep readers hanging onto their magic carpets as they fly along with our heroes. The magicality is wonderful, using legends and fantasy elements from Indian culture and mythology. There are no instant spells ‘imported’ into the story: all the enchantment belongs firmly in India, using cultural and folkloric aspects that will no doubt get young readers interested in reading up more about the background." 5-Star review from Fiona Ingram, author of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab  

"Yogi’s Curse is a non-stop thrilling adventure featuring the ever-entertaining tweens, Zoe and Zak, now attending boarding school in India. Armed with Zoe’s growing yogi powers and Zak’s trusty whip Stryker, the duo must rely on their wits when a new evil descends on the school and students begin disappearing. Lars Guignard keeps up the pace with this second installment in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series. I recommend this series to tweens and teens who love a great adventure steeped with magic and mysticism. Ages 8+." 5-Star review from motherdaughterbookreviews.com 

 

About the Author:

Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard and Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple.

He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.

For news about new releases, please join his email list here: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About the narrator:

Sonja Field combines her life-long passion for reading with her skill as an actress to bring audiobooks to life! A dynamic and versatile narrator, she has logged hundreds of hours recording textbooks with an organization called Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. She loved recording the action-packed Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse because of its wealth of colorful, quirky, and memorable characters.

Giveaway:
2 copies of Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse in ebook (worldwide), paperback (US only) or audiobook (where audible.com is accessible)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 This tour was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

 

The Girl (The Sanctum) Book Review and Giveaway

Tour Schedule

The Girl (The Sanctum)
by Madhuri Blaylock
Paranormal
Date Published: 11/11/2013

Book Description:

The Sanctum, an all-powerful governing body founded by ten families, entrusted to maintain the peace amongst Magicals and ensure the ignorance of humans, has been corrupted by greed and savagery for generations, but is all Wyatt Clayworth has ever known.

A descendant of one of the Founding Families and Class A Warrior, Wyatt has always believed in the ways of The Sanctum, having grown up in the system and thrived under their leadership. A golden boy, renowned for his prowess and skill in battle, Wyatt has never questioned a mission or kill order until the night he crosses paths with a brutally injured and mysterious girl.

Scouring Central Park with his best friend and fellow Class A Warrior, Ryker Morrison, for the hybrid demon prophesied to bring an end to The Sanctum and destroy the world for Magicals and humans alike, Wyatt instead finds Dev and his whole life turns upside down. Told he was hunting a killing machine, hellbent on wreaking havoc and destruction upon all it encounters, Wyatt instead sees nothing more than a broken girl with haunted eyes and a bit of a death wish.

All Dev wants is for Wyatt to either kill her or leave her alone. When he refuses to do either, she finds herself being pulled into his life while being hunted by warriors everywhere she turns. Drawn to one another for reasons they cannot begin to explain to themselves, much less anyone else, Wyatt is determined to protect Dev and help her realize her mission to avenge the deaths of her family at the hands of The Sanctum. His abdication of his duties and his outright rejection of his responsibilities to The Sanctum create a maelstrom of events beyond anyone’s imagination.

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Book-One-The-Girl-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00GLGOP2G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386640759&sr=8-1&keywords=madhuri+blaylock

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-one-madhuri-blaylock/1117481594?ean=2940148892908


My Opinion:
Dev is half demon half angel. Even though Wyatt is supposed to kill Dev when he finds her he just can't do it and decides to help her instead. That's all I have to say if you want to know more well you should definitely read it. I loved reading The Sanctum. This is the kind of book that you just don't want to put down and makes you sad when it's over. That's how it was for me at least. Seriously I thought the book sounded good and I would really like it but I was surprised at how much I totally loved it! In my opinion the character's are what makes the story so great. I loved Wyatt and Ryker! I give this book 5 stars but because of the violence I would only recommend this book to adults.


Madhuri Blaylock

Madhuri Blaylock is a lawyer by day, writer and avid shoe and dress buyer at all other times. She lives in Jersey City, but her heart remains firmly planted in Brooklyn via Snellville, Georgia. Her husband, Henry, is also a lawyer, and only a lawyer because he actually likes being a lawyer (go figure), probably always wanted to be a lawyer and is really, really good at all things lawyerly. He's also pretty hot.

She’s got a big kid, Miss Sydney, and a little kid, the one and only Dash. They're awesome and fierce and supremely cool and able to make her laugh at the strangest things. She would love to add a dog, some chickens, a goat and a burro to this crew. Everyone needs a burro.

Some of her favorites, in no particular order: ice cream, Kill Bill, four-inch heels, Matt Damon, tattoos, Laini Taylor, scotch on the rocks, The Sanctum trilogy, random office supplies, Martha's Vineyard, "The Girl" aka my Mini, Rihanna, Doc Martens, tulips, photo booths and dancing like a fool.

One day she plans to grow up. Right now, she’s enjoying the adventure.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesanctumtrilogy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadhuriBlaylock

Blog: http://madhuriblaylock.wordpress.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7323620.Madhuri_Blaylock

GIVEAWAY:
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Lost in Us Book Blitz and Giveaway

Lost in Us by Layla Hagen
Publication date: February 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .

The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.

James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.

James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.

Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19317460-lost-in-us?from_search=true

Purchase:
Will be found here come release day:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Lost+in+Us+Layla+Hagen&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ALost+in+Us+Layla+Hagen

Reviews:

“OH MY GOODNESS. This book was excellent. There were absolutely no reasons to give this novel less than five stars. I was not expecting this. Lost in Us is a New Adult Romance and it is COLLEEN HOOVER good! Yes, I said it - you could put this book up against the leading New Adult Romance authors and it would hold its own.” J.P.Grider, author of The Honor Trilogy

“Layla blew me away with her début novel Lost in Us. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book and by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. Funny, emotional and heart wrenching.” Shona Reid, reviewer at Fiona’s Book Review Blog

AUTHOR BIO:
My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough

Author Links:
http://laylahagen.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7520984.Layla_Hagen
https://www.facebook.com/LaylaHagenBooks
https://twitter.com/laylahagen

Giveaway
3 ebook copies of Lost in Us ends 3/7

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Blitz-wide giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash (INT)

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Finger Nail Art Vinyl Decals from Vinyl Disorder Review

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

I received some finger nail vinyl decals from Vinyl Disorder to try out. I got little stars and little hearts. When I see stars I think of the sky so I decided to wear them with blue nail polish. Here is what I used

I try to grow my nails out as long as possible and I am asked if they are real all the time.

I am definitely not a professional but painting our nails is something fun me and my daughter can do together. I just painted my nails blue added some stars randomly and then added a clear top coat. This is how they looked when I was done

I did the same thing to my daughters nails but with less stars

For Valentines I used the hearts finger nail decals. I painted my nails red and added a little bit of pink see through nail polish to the hearts. My nails were shorter because I had to cut them after a couple of them broke off. That happens about 3-4 times a year and then I regrow them all over again.

They only lasted about one day and even with the clear top coat they didn't stick to my nails very well. They are a great idea for little girls though and totally worth the $2.99 so I can have a fun mommy daughter day. My daughter loved them.

I  apologize for the crappy pictures. 

You can get your own vinyl nail decals for $2.99 from Vinyl Disorder
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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.

Chasing Prophecy Book Blitz and Giveaway ends 2/27

Chasing Prophecy by James Moser
Publication date: January 2nd 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Thriller, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Mo is a shy teen just trying to survive high school. He has secretly fallen in love with a girl named Prophecy. Some people call her family a harmless hippie community. Others call them a cult. Desperate to keep their land, Prophecy’s family turns to the drug trade and tricks Mo into smuggling. Prophecy flees the compound. She agrees to testify but disappears. Mo is devastated. When he is called to trial, the Family threatens to reveal his own drug trafficking. Mo commits to speaking out, though doing so will destroy his future. Prophecy returns to help Mo kill the monster that her family has become.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20431983-chasing-prophecy

Purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Prophecy-FREE-GIVEAWAY-TONGHT-ebook/dp/B00HLTBDZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391712317&sr=8-1&keywords=Chasing+Prophecy+by+James+Moser

Author Spotlight:  James Moser, on Chasing Prophecy
I have always wanted to build a story around someone or something like Boo Radley, my all-time favorite literary character.  I love how he dominates that book while remaining largely off-stage.   I looked around the Seattle area and the closest thing I could think of was our local legend of Bigfoot.   Once I had my own version of Nathan Arthur Radley in place, I started thinking a lot about monsters, especially monsters we make bigger in our imagination.  I also thought about Boo living in society without being a part of it, which made me think of different separatist groups turned into cults.   My young characters are based on bits and pieces of hundreds of former students. 

The setting of Boulder Creek, Washington, like everything else in the book, is based on bits and pieces of lots of things.  There is no town called that.  Boulder Creek is where my wife and I hiked for our first date, in the foothills of the north Cascade Mountains.  The mountains in my book look like the ones around Darrington, in Snohomish County.  The main street is like Arlington (where I had my first teaching job).  The log bridge is something I remember from a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, 1,000 miles away.   People who have read Twilight will think Boulder Creek feels like Forks, which it does, because that’s what every small town in Washington feels like.  The Bethlehem compound is the Boy Scout camp I attended in northern Idaho, complete with the same wood carvings on the fireplace.

My mission in writing this is to entertain adults and inspire young adults.  Teenagers inspire the heck out of me, which is why I’ve been a high school teacher for so long.  I wanted characters who transform themselves to overcome obstacles, which is what I watch them do, every day!


AUTHOR BIO
The author works with high school students because young adults inspire him. As such, he wanted to write about teenagers transforming themselves to overcome obstacles, which is what he watches them do every day. This book's mission is to entertain adults while inspiring teens. The result is "Chasing Prophecy," a story about love, loss, redemption, and monsters.

Boo Radley is the author's all-time favorite literary character, which is how the Seattle-area legend of Bigfoot entered "Chasing Prophecy".

The author lives in Seattle with his beautiful wife and lively eight year old son. When he's not reading and writing, or talking about reading and writing, he's watching too much television and snacking on frozen treats from Trader Joe's. Man, those things are good.

Author links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7735290.James_Moser
Twitter: https://twitter.com/moser_james
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1chasingprophecy

Giveaway
Kindle copy of Chasing Prophecy
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Blitz-wide giveaway
-$50 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

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Root Bound Book Review and Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the tour for Root Bound (Emma and the Elementals Volume 1) by Tanya Karen Gough.  Root Bound is an upper Middle Grade fantasy adventure recommended for ages 10+. The tour is to run February 3-14 with reviews only.  Be sure to check out all the details and the tour schedule on the tour page.

About the Book:

Root Bound is a fast-paced, action fantasy novel about a young girl finding her place in the world through a series of adventures involving magical creatures, and a journey to the centre of the earth. Root Bound is both a topsy-turvy riff on traditional literary children's fantasy and an allegorical coming-of-age tale.

Emma and her father, a jazz musician, are always on the move, travelling from place to place as her father’s work demands. Their new home, however, is different. There’s a frightening woman who lives down the hall: she bears an uncanny resemblance to a witch. A mysterious light comes from her apartment, and a small boy seems to be trapped inside.

School in this town is no happy place either, with an odd principal and a gang of girls who make tormenting Emma their special project. And strangest of all is the fact that there seem to be brownies - basement brownies, in the air vent in her bedroom. They are searching for the Wanderer, a powerful being who can help free the Crown Prince of Under from the black magic prison that holds him. Emma travels through the brownie burrow to the valley of Hades to visit with the goddess Ceres, following a series of clues that lead her across the sea of memory to the centre of the world. There, on an inhospitable rock floating in a sea of steaming lava, Emma must find a way to free the prince, release her mother from the sea of memory, and restore magic to both the brownie burrow and the human world above.

 Goodreads |  Smashwords  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  Kobo  | Lulu (trade paper)

My Opinion:
Emma moves around a lot because of her father's job who is a musician. They move into their new home and Emma is glad to get her own room. There is something strange about her new home though. Emma feels that the building is alive and there's a creepy old lady that lives down the hall with a strange light coming out of her apartment. Emma's new school didn't make her feel any better though because she had bullies bothering as soon as she got there. Poor Emma! The action really begins when she meets basement brownies in the air vent. I loved the brownies they are my favorite part of the story. I loved Mat especially but they were all so funny. 

I wanted to read this book because of the words "fast-paced, action fantasy" and "adventures involving magical creatures" in the book description. Since that's the type of books I am looking for lately I thought I would love Root Bound and I'm a little sad that I don't. It's a good story and I did like it but I just really wanted to love it. The beginning was a little slow for me but it gets better towards the middle and the ending is really good. I felt that there was too much description of little things that weren't so important and not enough action. I wanted to skip over to the action! Also I wanted to know more about the prince and if the prince (and the brownies of course) is in the second book I will definitely want to read that book too. I give Root Bound 3 stars.

About the Author:

Tanya Karen Gough owned and published The Poor Yorick Shakespeare Catalogue from 1997-2007, earning a strong international customer base of world class academics and high school educators.

Tanya was also a contributing editor for the Internet Shakespeare Editions at the University of Victoria (BC), audio advisor for the Sourcebooks Shakespeare textbook series, and theatre reviewer for Playshakespeare.com. Tanya grew up in New Hampshire and currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Author Links:

 Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Giveaway:

$25 gift card to bookstore of choice, or $25 in books from TBD. Open worldwide.

Read terms and conditions before entering giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This tour was organized by CBB Book Promotions

Invisible Witness Book Review

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

Invisible Witness: Healing From My Family's Legacy of Domestic Violence
by Lisa Kroulik

Book Description:
Adults who witnessed violence between their parents when they were children often carry emotional scars that last a lifetime. The trauma to their developing brains can be so great that some psychologists have compared it to what soldiers experience in war. Like soldiers, children from violent homes are hyper-alert and expect to see danger at every turn. Since they don't possess the skills to process what they have witnessed, these children often suppress the memories well into adulthood. It often takes employment and relationship problems, a mental health diagnosis, addictions, and other serious life issues for them to make the connection between the events of their painful upbringing to what they are experiencing in the present.

As a society, we tend to minimize the effects of domestic violence, especially for those who witnessed it without experiencing direct abuse. Children are especially vulnerable because they are completely dependent on their parents for survival. They don't want to do anything that might upset them even more. Although their behavior might say otherwise, these kids often insist that they are fine.

In this autobiographical book, author Lisa Kroulik takes readers back to her early childhood when she witnessed her father abuse her mother and some of her siblings on several different occasions. Ms. Kroulik discusses the abuse only to set the backdrop for the rest of her story. She then goes on to talk about the multiple devastating effects that witnessing abuse had on her as she became an adult. As she discusses each issue, the author traces it back to its origin in order to understand and release it.

While it can be hard to read what the author and her family experienced, this book is not a woe-is-me tale of victimization. Instead, the author shows readers how she coped with problems related to witnessing domestic violence as a child and eventually moved forward in life. Ms. Kroulik tells her story in such a straightforward manner that readers may feel like they are sitting down for coffee with a new friend. While they may not have been safe in their childhood home, they are certainly safe between the pages of this emotionally powerful book.

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon

My Opinion:
I think Lisa Kroulik is very brave to share her stories of abuse and domestic violence first in Emotional Assault: Recognizing an Abusive Partner's Bag of Tricks and now in Invisible Witness: Healing From My Family's Legacy of Domestic Violence. Many people that have been victims or just a witness to any type of abuse usually stay quiet. Stories like this one makes people realize that abuse and violence from one family member to another affects the whole family not just the victim but also the ones witnessing it. Thanks for sharing your story Lisa Kroulik. I give this book 4 stars.

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.

I'll Follow The Moon Book Review

I received I'll Follow The Moon from CBB Book Promotions for this review!

I'll Follow the Moon
by Stephanie Lisa Tara

Book Description:
On a quiet moonlit beach, a baby green sea turtle stirs from a dream of home. Slowly, slowly with a tap, click, crack, the baby turtle embarks upon a mysterious nighttime journey. Gentle tender verse and enchanting illustrations carry this tranquil tale from sand to sea.

Stephanie's first book, I'll Follow the Moon comforts children with its soothing tone and melodic repetition.


My Opinion:
Thanks to Stephanie Lisa Tara's I'll Follow The Moon and the Turtle Book I am now in love with sea turtles. I'll Follow The Moon is a very sweet story about a baby sea turtle hatching and following the moon to get into the water to find his mama. The pictures are so cute. I recommend this children's book if you like sea turtles but even if you don't you might end up liking sea turtles after reading this book and also Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book. I give this book 5 stars!

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon

You can read my review of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book here: http://alwaysjoart.blogspot.com/2013/06/stephanie-lisa-taras-turtle-book-book.html

Immagica Book Blitz and Giveaway ends 2/21

Immagica by K.A. Last
Publication date: January 31st 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Immagica…
Where anything is possible.
Enter at your own risk.

The night before her fifteenth birthday, Rosaline Clayton uncovers a deep family secret. She receives an amulet from her deranged father, and he tells her she must find the book in order to save him. Rosaline is used to her dad not making any sense, so she dismisses their conversation as another of his crazy rants.

When Rosaline’s brother, Elliot, drags her to their nana’s attic to explore, they find the old leather-bound book tucked away in a chest. It sucks them into its pages, transporting them to a magical world. Along the way, Rosaline and Elliot are separated, and the only thing she wants is to find her brother and go home.

The creatures of Immagica have other ideas. After years of war, their land lies in ruin. Using the amulet’s power, they want Rosaline to defeat the dragon and restore Immagica to its former glory. But Rosaline is bound to Immagica in ways she doesn’t understand, and when she discovers the truth about her family, she must follow her heart to save them all.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19281638-immagica

Purchase:
Amazon eBook: http://amzn.to/1aDeheQ
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1et2kn9
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1n8OLkd
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/x/id797107664
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1fs4Zj9


The Magic of Immagica Explained

When we think about magic, we often visualise witches and wizards with wands, casting spells and striking people down with lightening. But the magic within Immagica is very different, and works in a non-traditional, magical way.

The concept of Immagica is based on the power of imagination. Within our imagination, anything is possible. We can create whatever we want, and see it however we like, all inside our own mind. No wand or spell necessary.

The land of Immagica is very organic. It can be shaped and tailored for whoever is there at any given time. There are, of course, certain things that remain the same, but everything else is open to interpretation, and governed by the imagination of the person experiencing the adventure.

Like anything, there are certain rules, but some rules are made to be bent or broken. The magic of Immagica can be unpredictable, because Immagica itself is alive. It actually has a say in everything that is created, and the events that happen. It’s like having someone looking over your shoulder, nudging you in a certain—but not always right—direction. Imagination plays a major part in shaping Immagica, but the subconscious of the person visiting is also at play.

There are two main sections of Immagica. If you have a look at the map 

you’ll see there’s the Barren Lands, which encompasses all the not so nice places, and there’s the Go-Between, which is a friendlier place, but not always. In the Barren Lands, the weather changes depending on your mood. Get angry and a thunderstorm can brew in a matter of seconds. In the Go-Between you have more control over things, but your emotions, subconscious and mind are all working either with or against each other.

Although the concept of magic by imagination is a relatively simple one, it can sometimes get confusing in the way it works. This is mainly because nothing is set in stone, and something that happens one way for someone can work in a completely different way for someone else. Read these excerpts where Brynn attempts to explain to Rosaline the way Immagica works, and see if you can make sense of it. I think Rosaline had a hard time grasping the concept.

EXCERPT: From Chapter 4 – The Girl with the Spear
Brynn got up and went to the other side of the room. From the shelf above the weapons she pulled down a piece of old yellowed paper, and a pencil. She sat back at the table and drew an image resembling the shape of the amulet. The eye was in the middle, and thick lines came out to form the compass points around it. She even included the intricate lines that lay between the eye and the edge of the circle. She then drew an uneven area around the completed compass, making it larger around the northern point. Beyond that, Brynn created another space that almost touched the edges of the paper.

“This is Immagica, and we are here,” she said, indicating a spot in the south, farthest away from the compass. “We are in what’s called the Barren Lands. On the outskirts of the Barren Lands lie the Sea of Tears, Dragonblood Swamp, and Desperation Sand Dunes. But you won’t have to go there, it’s in the wrong direction.”

“Good. It doesn’t sound very nice,” I said.

“In the Barren Lands the ground is always bare and rough, but the sky changes depending on your mood. You can be your own undoing out here as the spirit feeds off you. The more desolate you feel, the worse it gets, and the only way to control it is to control your emotions. I’m actually surprised the sky stayed blue so long for you.”

I ignored the snide comment.

“This place here is the Go-between.” Brynn indicated the uneven area outside the compass. “It holds the nicer parts of Immagica: Runetree Woods, Rainbow Drop, Emerald Hills—you get the idea. Things are a little more controllable there. For a start, the weather doesn’t react to your mood, but you still need to be careful. While the Barren Lands feed from your emotions, the Go-between feeds from your mind, and subconscious. In Immagica, all your dreams—and nightmares—can come true.”

What she was telling me did sound pretty interesting, and despite myself, I leant closer to look at the crude map she’d drawn.

“Do you mean if I think of something, it becomes real?”

“That’s exactly what I mean. But it’s not as simple as just thinking something, and it appears. You have to want it, but Immagica also has to want you to want it. Sometimes Immagica will want you to have a different version of what you wanted in the first place.”

“You are not making sense—again,” I said. “Did you just have tea with the Mad Hatter?”

EXCERPT: From Chapter 7 – Emberash Maze
The amulet map told me the maze was triangular—like a pie wedge—inserted between the south and east towers. I studied it closely until I thought I’d found the clear path through. It came out near the bridge just south of the Eye. Ira stopped at the entrance, stamped his hoof and tossed his head. The muscles in his shoulders tightened, and he snorted. I got the feeling he wasn’t too keen on the idea of heading into the maze.

“What’s the matter?” I asked. “Scared?”

Hardly, Rosaline, I can look after myself. You, on the other hand, should be. You don’t know what we might encounter.

“And you do?”

I know what we could find, Ira said, but not what we will find. That is up to you.

“Well, how about we don’t find anything, and we simply walk the path through unscathed.”

Brynn let out a high-pitched laugh in my ear, and I flinched. “Have you not figured out how Immagica works yet?” she said. “Don’t you remember what I told you?”

I twisted around to get a better look at her face. She raised her eyebrows and her pale blue eyes looked worried. “Immagica gives me what I wish for, but I have to be careful,” I said.

“Have you lot not told her anything while she’s been with you? Why is it always up to me?” Brynn sighed. “Okay, Rosaline, listen up. Immagica does give you things you consciously imagine. But it also gives you things beyond your wildest dreams.” I started to interrupt but Brynn shushed me. “Your subconscious plays a part here, too, remember? Immagica can see into your mind and your heart, and sometimes it creates things you never wanted it to. Everything in Immagica—the good, and the bad—exists without imagination. It just takes a hint of desire, and poof, it comes alive. All the things you could possibly imagine and more are right here under your nose. All you have to do is think of them. Rule number one is: there are no rules.”

“We can’t just think happy thoughts?” I asked.

“You can, but it won’t help. It’s your subconscious you need to look out for. Immagica has a way of making you see things you may not want to.” I gave Brynn a worried look. “But I’m sure we’ll be fine,” she said.

“No dreaming up the Minotaur then,” I said.

Brynn took a deep breath. “That does not help.”



AUTHOR BIO
K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. K. A. Last is currently studying her Bachelor of Arts at Charles Sturt University, with a major in English, and minors in Children’s Literature, Art History, and Visual Culture. She resides in a peaceful, leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children, a rabbit named Twitch, and a guinea pig called Squeak.

Author Links:
Website: www.kalastbooks.com.au
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KALastBooks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KALastBooks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/KALast
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kalast


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The Replacement Guest Post and Giveaway

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The Replacement by Rachael Wade
Publication date: January 27th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:

*Contains sexually explicit content and mature subject matter, including language and elements of abuse.*

A gritty New Adult drama about a young woman’s self-destructive quest to find purpose, self-worth, and love in a broken world.

My name is Elise Duchamp. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m known as the town whore.

No, not the kind who exchanges sexual favors for money. The other kind. The kind who gives it all away for free, whenever and however she likes. I am that girl. The one everyone whispers about and the one none of the girls seem to like, because all of their boyfriends either want to sleep with me or already have. Promiscuity is my thing—the kind that slowly, violently turns my insides black, but gives me something I need.

All things considered, I’m not completely reckless. I’m safe, and contrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart. I live in a world of careless choices, and with those choices come careless people. I cannot judge them, because I am one of them. I too bow down to the altar of the self-serving. I am not a good friend. I am not and never could be anyone’s girlfriend. I’m convinced any goodness in me shriveled up and died long ago.

But I am a replacement. That is something I know how to be, and this is a story of the lengths I’d go to in order to keep it that way.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17608477-the-replacement?ac=1

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http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Wade/e/B005EUR0A4

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Author Rachael Wade Interviews Elise Duchamp from The Replacement

Hey Elise, thanks for stopping by to chat with me today. How do you feel about your story being told to the world?
 
It’s liberating. At this point, I’m an open book. Most of Gig Harbor knew about me before The Replacement, so now my business is just out there…on a larger scale. Whatever. People can take it or leave it.

You’re no stranger to being the center of attention.
 
Nope. It’s pretty familiar.

Okay, so before I get to the heavy stuff, I just have to ask...can you tell me about the craziest place you’ve been, um…intimate?
 
Haha. The craziest place? You already know the answer to that.

Humor me, will you? For the readers?
 
Okay, fine. The ferry bathroom. Yeah. It was definitely a rush. 

Care to indulge everyone and share who the lucky guy was?
 
You can tell them. Go ahead.

Elise. Come on.
 
I could say, but it’s more fun if they read the book and find out for themselves…

Fair enough. Speaking of guys, I have another question I’m sure some readers would be curious to know. Knowing you, you won’t hold back when I ask this. So…what do you think about Christian and Ryder – at the same time? Have you considered it? The thought had to have crossed your mind at some point.
 
God, no. I mean, has the thought crossed my mind? Yeah...okay, it has. But Ryder would never agree to that. And I’d never merge those worlds. Ever. Ryder doesn’t share, and I wouldn’t want him to. As for Christian, he’d definitely be on board. But that’s all I’ll say about that.

Alright, now for the heavy. Can you tell us what you would do differently, if you had the chance to go back and change something? Do you think it would have changed the outcome of your story?
 
I would’ve gotten help a long time ago, after my mom died. I would have gone to therapy to deal with some of those issues. But I can’t go back. So I’m moving forward. If I hadn’t gone through the things I’d gone through, I wouldn’t know what I know now. I am in therapy now, actually. Better late than never, right?

That’s true, not to mention brave. You pretty much summed up your thoughts in the story, but if you could tell women one thing, one piece of advice that you had to learn the hard way, what would it be?
 
I’d say don’t believe the lies – that you’re a victim, that you’ll only amount to what the world tells you. That you’re not good enough or that you can’t change your course. Think about how you measure love, how you define value. You’re loved and important because you’re here. You were created. You’re alive. That’s reason enough to love yourself. Just because you might carry around a lot of self-hatred or other negative thoughts about yourself doesn’t mean you can’t change those thoughts. But in order to change, you need support and it’s okay to accept that help. In short – be honest, and be willing to be vulnerable. 

If you were a song, what song would you be?
 
Lana Del Rey’s Burning Desire. 

What about Ryder? If he were a song, which song do you think he would be?
 
Eddie Vedder’s Society. Definitely.

Anything else you’d like to say to the readers?
 
Yeah. Be your something. And don’t knock strawberry ice cream in the winter. It’s the best.


AUTHOR BIO
Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. Visit her at www.RachaelWade.com and www.LightsOnOutreach.com, or come chat with her on Twitter via @RachaelWade

Author Links:
Website: http://www.rachaelwade.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachaelWade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachaelWade
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831558.Rachael_Wade

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Secrets To A Pain Free Life Book Review and Giveaway ends 2/11

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

Book Description:
In his new book, "Secrets to a Pain Free Life", Dr. Ghorbani offers straightforward, useful advice for patients and clinicians about pain relief.

My Opinion:
Secrets To A Pain Free Life is packed with information about pain that is very simple to read and understand. The first half of the book is mostly a reminder to live a healthy lifestyle to be as pain free as possible. Even though I'm sure most people know that we should be eating healthy, exercising, and try to live as stress free as possible we don't always do that. The second half of the book is about Turmeric, Rosemary, Boswellia, Ginger, Alpha Lipoic Acids, Holy Basil, and Willow Bark. These are the ingredients used in Noxicare. Since the creator of Noxicare is the author of this book it really makes sense for him to write about these ingredients. There are even some recipes that look delicious and pretty easy to make. I give this book 4 stars.

Doctor Reza Ghorbani Bio:
Harvard-trained, board certified Interventional Pain Management Specialist, is currently the President and Medical Director of Advanced Pain Medicine Institute in the Greater Washington, DC area. A frequent lecturer on Pain Management and often quoted by the media, Ghorbani is a diplomat of the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP), the American Board of Anesthesiology (with subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine), and a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP).

With decades of experience in Interventional Pain Management and extensive post-graduate education. Dr. Ghorbani is a recognized leader in the advanced treatment of acute and chronic pain. He's devoted his entire career to helping patients overcome pain to enable a better quality of life.

Buy Secrets To A Pain Free Life on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1aPyYNz

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