Book Details:
FINDING HOME by Corinne Joy Brown
and Ginny McDonald
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 
130 pages | Genre: General Fiction |  Publisher:  Loose Cayuse Productions
Release date:   June 2019 |  
Tour dates: August 3 to 21, 2020
Content Rating:  G. There are no expletives,
sex scenes or bad language anywhere.
Book Description:
     For every girl or boy who owns a horse, or wished they did, “Finding Home” brings all the drama and beauty of America’s wild horses to the middle-grade reader.
    A coming-of-age story and a tale about friendship, trust and understanding, both horse and owner have powerful lessons to learn. Together, young Jesse Nolan from Colorado and her wild mustang, Curly Girl, rounded up in Wyoming, discover what it means to rely on oneself, as well as those who love you most.

Buy the Book: Finding Home ~ Amazon ~ B&N

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
    Written as viewed by the young girl, Jesse, and also through he thoughts of Curly Girl, it offers a doubly entertaining reading experience. 
     Jesse always loved horses. Her love of horses increased as she was able to live two Summers with her aunt and uncle in Wyoming.  It increased more, when she was able to get a Summer job, when only 13-years-of-age, with her uncle! Her home life was very unpleasant. Her parents' quarrels ended with their separation two years ago. She wished her dad was more like his brother.
    Jessie couldn't believe her parents actually agreed to her getting her own horse from the BLM auction! 
    Curly Girl was two years old when she was terrified by a loud, noisy object and taken away from her mother and the other Mustangs which were able to escape. She was depressed and determined to, somehow, escape. She discovered there were some cruel and others kind nature in the human bodies.
     This is a wonderful, uplifting tale of the two "broken youth" and the discoveries they made. It is a story about sorrow and healing in both, human and beast.
     I especially was drawn to this book because te early setting began in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where my mother was raised and because of my father's experiences with and love of horses, which was passed onto me.
        This book portrayed the characters and scenes so well, it was easy for one to visualize being there. 
       Illustrator, Ginny McDonald, did an outstanding job in creating colorful illustrations which aided the visualization process.
         This earns a Five Stars rating.
        This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
  

​Horses Are My Teachers
   I'm a writer of many kinds of stories; fiction, non-fiction, historical novels, children's books and more. In my varied careers, I've been a teacher, businesswoman, freelance journalist, magazine editor, wife and mother. More important, I've loved horses all my life.
   So why a Middle Grade story now? I was a kid once. I remember the magic, the thrill and even the heartbreak of wanting a horse, owning one, and eventually, losing one as well. I got my first horse when I was 8 years old and my second horse at 40. I had that second horse for 23 years. He died in 2014. He taught me respect, patience and acceptance and how to think like a horse. At least, I like to think so.
    Writing the book "Finding Home" was a test of everything I've ever learned from every horse I've ever known. This isn't my first horse book, but my most defining one. The real inspiration for this special story came from Ginny McDonald, the illustrator of "Finding Home", and the mustang she adopted and gave a home to, "Curly Sue", an American Curly , a specific breed, palomino in color, with a coat like a poodle in the winter time. The mare has been in Ginny's care since she was rounded up in Southern Wyoming almost a decade ago and taken to the Cañon City, Colorado prison facility for training. Many prisons around the country have wild horse training programs. It's good for the inmates and usually, good for the horses too. Here's what the Bureau of Land Management has to say about this program.

   "American mustangs played a vital role in the settling of the American West. Today these mustangs are helping troubled men make a new beginning with old-style horse training. Born and bred in the wild, mustangs must be intelligent, hardy, sure-footed, and healthy to survive the rigors of the open range. It is these traits, combined with their loyalty, that make them such versatile horses. In 1986, the Colorado Correctional Industries and the BLM initiated a program in where mustangs are trained and offered for adoption to qualified applicants. They operate a state-of-the-art facility and employ a staff of professional horse trainers who provide horsemanship, animal husbandry and farrier skills. Since its inception, more than 5,000 mustangs have been trained. These horses have found homes and lead productive lives with youth riding clubs, handicap and therapeutic riding organizations, riding stables, and government agencies."
     Curly Sue didn't stay in Canon City very long. Luck and timing were on her side. Within two days after her arrival, Ginny McDonald showed up with friends wanting to adopt mustangs. Ginny spotted Curly and knew she couldn't leave her there. The rest is history. I am now a huge advocate of both saving horses in the wild and finding the captured ones new homes. And understandably, the mustang now called "Curly Girl" in our book has stolen my heart!

ABOUT the AUTHOR:

    Denver native Corinne Joy Brown is a multi-published, award-winning Colorado author, magazine editor and freelance writer focused on the West ." Recent publications include "Young Rider", "Cowboys & Indians," and "Working Ranch." She's also been a horse owner most of her life. Corinne is committed to teaching the next generation about the power of horses to teach and heal. "Finding Home" is her eighth book.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook ​

ABOUT the ILLUSTRATOR & CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR:

​   Ginny McDonald is an award-winning, professional Colorado illustrator and a longtime advocate for wild horses. She is the adopter of an American Curly mare, and more recently, a second mustang named "Lil Bit". Ginny's skill in the use of Prismacolor pencils brings this story to life with rich detail and heartfelt emotion.Ginny McDonald is an award-winning, professional Colorado illustrator and a longtime advocate for wild horses. She is the adopter of an American Curly mare, and more recently, a second mustang named "Lil Bit". Ginny's skill in the use of Prismacolor pencils brings this story to life with rich detail and heartfelt emotion.Ginny McDonald is an award-winning, professional Colorado illustrator and a longtime advocate for wild horses. She is the adopter of an American Curly mare, and more recently, a second mustang named "Lil Bit". Ginny's skill in the use of Prismacolor pencils brings this story to life with rich detail and heartfelt emotion.

Here is the tour schedule.

Giveaway Details:​
$15 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the
authors of FINDING HOME (1 winner) (ends Aug 28)

TO ENTER the GIVEAWAY, Fill out the Rafflecopter Below!

 In the Heart of a Mustang by M.J. Evans
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  359 pages
Genre: Contemporary Coming of Age
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press ~ Release date:   October, 2017
Tour dates: July 27 to August 7, 2020
Content Rating:  PG. Some suggested violence but not explicit
Book Description:
      A boy is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the whole story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy’s entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways. A wild mustang mare, is rounded up by the BLM. The spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together – a mentor for one, a trainer for the other. The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million~  Book Depository ~ IndieBound
Add to Goodreads

 BOOK REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This is an amazing story which will surely enthrall the reader from the first page to the last one! 

A teenage boy has been raised his whole life with the tales of his war hero father who he should honor through living his life in a manner to make his father pleased. He arrived home from school one day hearing his mother arguing with an unfamiliar, roguish  man...his father.

Outraged that he'd been lied to his entire life, Hunter began ditching school and hanging out in a bad part of town... but not for long. He got busted! His grandfather persuaded the Judge to allow Hunter to live at an at-risk boy's ranch in Arizona.  

As the grandfather drove him to his new home, the two rode in silence. Hunter would never forgive his mother and was angry with his grandfather for taking him to this strange place. He was determined to make them all regret it. 

When they arrived at the ranch, horses were being unloaded. as one particular filly was being unloaded there was strong, yet brief, eye contact between her and Hunter...Did he imagine it?

Smokey was the "horse handler". He was also good with young, troubled boys. He had noticed the brief exchange between boy and horse. Carefully speaking to the boy, he instilled interest in Hunter making that filly his by gently, patiently taking care of her. Hunter named her Sally. 

Julius was  Hunter's "bunk mate". He jovially "chipped away" the wall Hunter had built around himself. The cook and housekeeper also became a close friend to Hunter.  

This is an inspiring story of how the love of an animal, and the responsibility of its care, helped change a young man's direction in life. It is also a story of loving support without criticism. 

I highly recommend this book to not only young readers, but adults as well.

The characters are so realistic and the story events so feasible, it feels more like a true story rather than fiction.

I offer a Five Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
  

Book Details:

Book Title:  PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History by M.J. Evans
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  243 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press
Release date:   October, 2019
Format available for review:  print, mobi file (for Kindle), gifted Kindle copy, ePub, PDF, NetGalley download
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: July 27 to August 7, 2020
Content Rating:  G. This book is taken from the actual journals that were kept by the men on the journey. There is no bad language or explicit scenes.

Book Description:

In 1912, four men, calling themselves the “Overland Westerners,” decided fame and fortune awaited if they embarked on the longest horseback ride in history. Their goal was to visit all forty-eight state capitals over the course of three years and complete their journey at the San Francisco World’s Fair on June 1, 1915. Facing rugged roads, raging rivers, thieves and near starvation, the men went through seventeen horses. Only one horse completed the entire journey…Pinto, a little horse with a heart as big as the whole country! This is Pinto’s account of his arduous adventure.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million
Book Depository ~ IndieBound

Meet the Author:

Award-winning author M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Upon graduation from Oregon State University, she spent five years teaching high school and middle school students. She retired from teaching to raise her five children. Mrs. Evans is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado mountains. She has published fourteen books, most of which are fiction.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~ Pinterest  ~  Instagram ~ Goodreads

Here is the tour schedule. ​

Giveaway Details:​

Win 1 of 5 print copies of PINTO! or
1 of 5 copies of HEART OF A MUSTANG! (
USA only) (10 winners)
 (ends Aug 14)

TO ENTER, Fill out the Rafflecopter Below!

Book Details:
PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History by M.J. Evans
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  243 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction |  Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press
Release date:   October, 2019 |  
Tour dates: July 27 to August 7, 2020
Content Rating:  G. This book is taken from the actual journals that were kept by the men on the journey. There is no bad language or explicit scenes.
Book Description:
       In 1912, four men, calling themselves the “Overland Westerners,” decided fame and fortune awaited if they embarked on the longest horseback ride in history. Their goal was to visit all forty-eight state capitals over the course of three years and complete their journey at the San Francisco World’s Fair on June 1, 1915. Facing rugged roads, raging rivers, thieves and near starvation, the men went through seventeen horses. Only one horse completed the entire journey…Pinto, a little horse with a heart as big as the whole country! This is Pinto’s account of his arduous adventure.

Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million ~ Book Depository ~ IndieBound

REVIEW by LAWonder10: 
What makes this an even better story, for young and old alike, is that it actually happened but is little known!

Related through the thoughts of "Pinto", this is an amazing true story of the "longest horseback ride in history'. Taken from Journal accounts and other communities records, very little fiction has been added to it. It is a tale about the only journey  to stop at the Capitols of forty-eight states by four men on horseback. They set a world record! Still the majority of Americans are aware of it! Have you ever heard of the Overland Westerners?

The story is very entertaining and captivating, yet, bittersweet. Pinto relates the various types of struggles, the horses and the four men endured. She also mentions the receptions they received in the various places. She discovers some areas are more accommodating than others, but in all areas, there are generous, hospitable people and those who are not. After reading this account, determine what category you would it into.

The story in the first person, being told by a horse makes it very delightful reading. It is very well portrayed in the wording.

The title and cover are both a good "fit". It is a great book for family reading. All ages can easily enjoy it.

I offer a Five Stars rating for this  book.
This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my Honest review.

Other Book in this series and Tour;

Book Details:
 In the Heart of a Mustang by M.J. Evans
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  359 pages
Genre: Contemporary Coming of Age
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press
Release date:   October, 2017
Tour dates: July 27 to August 7, 2020
Content Rating:  PG. Some suggested violence but not explicit
Book Description:
       A boy is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the whole story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy’s entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways. A wild mustang mare, is rounded up by the BLM. The spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together – a mentor for one, a trainer for the other. The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million ~ Book Depository ~ IndieBound
Add to Goodreads

Q: How Do You Raise Kids To Be Book-lovers?
​
A:   As an author, former teacher, and mother of five, I am often asked this question. We all know how important reading is for success in school and a fulfilling life. But how do we help our kids love to read?
      First, let me say that most children will love to read if they do not have a disability that makes reading difficult or downright unpleasant. If that is the case, I recommend reading to them or using audio books.
         But let me focus for now on your average child that is not struggling with a disability.
         As I mentioned, I have five children, all of whom are now grown. Each of them has at least one college degree and some of the over achievers have multiple. We all know that reading well is a big asset when it comes to getting an education. I even have one son who writes a book blog!
        So, what did I do right as a mom? Reading has always been a part of our home. Both my husband and I are avid readers. Our home is filled with books. I have a bookcase in nearly every room. Our children saw their parents reading all the time they were growing up. I also read to my children every day…from they time I held a nursing baby on up through their teenage years.   
​          On road trips I read to them. During the summer months I had scheduled reading time. At four o’clock every day, friends went home, toys were put away, and the books came out. If a child couldn’t read, I read to him. Once they could read on their own, they picked their own books and read to themselves. We read until five o’clock at which time they had the choice to either keep reading or help me cook dinner! Win, Win. They all learned how to cook!
         Make time for reading. Make reading fun. Let them read something that interests them. Read with them!

Meet the Author:
        Award-winning author M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Upon graduation from Oregon State University, she spent five years teaching high school and middle school students. She retired from teaching to raise her five children. Mrs. Evans is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado mountains. She has published fourteen books, most of which are fiction.

Connect with the author:
Website ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~ Pinterest  ~  Instagram ~ Goodreads

Here is the tour schedule. 

Giveaway Details:​

Win 1 of 5 print copies of PINTO! or 1 of 5 copies of HEART OF A MUSTANG! (USA only) (10 winners)   (ends Aug 14)

ENTER the Giveaway by completing the Rafflecopter Below!

DAY OF RECKONING (Concord Chronicles # 1) by Kai Strand
 * Paperback: 289 pages * Publisher: Independently published * Language: English * ISBN-10: 1690603372 * ISBN-13: 978-1690603375
SYNOPSIS:
      Not only does twelve-year-old Terra learn she’s a Nature’s Spirit destined to serve the peaceful underground city of Concord, but she also finds she is named in a prophecy as the only one who can thwart the leader of the death tribe.
    The Trepidus are the death janitors of the Underworld. They’re responsible for the termination and cleanup of Concord’s beings. When their leader, Blanco, learns Terra is the one who can derail his day of reckoning, he does everything he can to get rid of her. Including, dispatch a “Bringer” to complete the ultimate of death janitor duties.
     Not only does Terra want to stay alive, but she hopes to complete her training and discover her Spirit talents too. So, Frank, a Spirit of Security, is assigned to protect her. Together, they undertake a secret investigation of how to defeat Blanco. But with the future of Concord and Terra’s very own life at stake, will they find the answer in time?
Can be purchased at the following sites: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo 

ABOUT the AUTHOR
    Award-winning Kai Strand, author of the action-packed Super Villain Academy series, is often found exploring hiking trails and snapping pictures of waterfalls in her Oregon hometown.
    Mother of four, Kai uses her life experiences to connect with young readers. With middle grade works such as Save the Lemmings, The Weaver Tale series, and Day of Reckoning, and emotional YA adventures like Finding Thor, I Am Me, and Worth the Effort, Kai has written compelling stories that tweens, teens, and their parents love.
     Kai has given numerous presentations throughout Oregon about her work and the writing process. She loves interacting with teens and gaining their insight on their latest reads as well as what they would like to see in future stories.
Kai's Media: Website | Mailing List | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | 

Book Details:
The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions, Book 1) by Sunayna Prasad
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  136 pages
Genre:  Fantasy | Tour dates: May 4 to May 29, 2020
Publisher:  Amazon KDP | Release date:   October 2018
Content Rating:  G: There is no mature language or adult content whatsoever.
Book Description:
        A world of magic and adventure awaits…
       Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.
        "Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."
         Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.

BUY THE BOOK: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo ~ Add to Goodreads

GABE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL by Beverly Stowe McClure
* Paperback: 214 pages * Publisher: Freedom Fox Press 
* ISBN-10: 1939844665 * ISBN-13: 978-1939844668
SYNOPSIS:
      Gabe Montana is clumsy. He's overweight, and he's dyslexic. Worse yet, the bullies make his fifteen-year-old life even more miserable-so miserable he wants to die.
      Charley, his guardian angel, says no to that idea and comes up with a different plan. He'll give Gabe self-confidence so he can solve his problems, not run away from them. But Gabe wonders why the angel doesn't just help with the bullies. What's with this self-confidence stuff?
      Can Charley help Gabe stand on his own two feet? Will Gabe give up hope life can improve for him? Or will he finally listen to the angel's advice?
GABE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL is available at the following sites: AMAZON PAPERBACK |  AMAZON KINDLE |   BARNES AND NOBLE PAPERBACK  | BARNES AND NOBLE NOOK BOOK |  KOBO

ABOUT the AUTHOR:
      Most of the time, you’ll find Award-Winning Author Beverly Stowe McClure at her computer, typing stories young voices whisper in her ears. When she’s not writing, she’s snapping pictures of wildlife, flowers, and clouds.
       She’s affectionately known as the “Bug Lady.” She’s not telling why. To relax she plays the piano. Her fur babies don’t appreciate good music and hide when she tickles the ivories.
      Beverly is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She also teaches a women’s Sunday school class at her church.

To Follow Beverly and her writing visit:  Blog |  Website |  Twitter |  Facebook |  Goodreads | 

Journey to Twilight - Charmayne Hafen 
    This story has some fun mythical characters and Twilight is an interesting place. I like the friendship that built between Sam and Lorna. I really like the illustrations. They are awesome.
         The characters are well-developed and it's easy to feel their emotions.
       The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
        I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great adventure.
I give it literary rating of 5/5
written by vickie

Return to Twilight (Land of Twilight Trilogy #2) By Charmayne Hafen
Middle Grade Fantasy | Paperback & ebook, 142 Pages
January 21st 2020 by Capture Books
SYNOPSIS: 
       In this second book of the Land of Twilight Trilogy, seventh-grade Lorna struggles with the meaning of friend like, how to be one, how to choose one, and how to keep one.
      Lorna rejects her dad, deceives her mom, and turns her back on the ethereal Land of Twilight. She even turns on her best friend, Sam, in favor of gaining the attention of a new girl in the neighborhood, Jenny. Lorna sheds her own social norms, stealing and hiding as she pretends to enjoy her second year in challenging Crestwood, Arizona.
            It has to be Sam's turn to do what true friends do.
           An exciting read for readers ages 9-13 who enjoy Celtic mythology, magic, and busting the dust of the Arizona desert with your best friend.
(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Trouble to Twilight (Land of Twilight Trilogy #3) By Charmayne Hafen
Middle Grade Fantasy |  Paperback & ebook, 129 Pages
April 1st 2020 by Capture Books
SYNOPSIS:
     How can the most colorful world in the universe turn hapless and gray?! That's what mystifies both Sam and Lorna.
  Trix falls from the Land of Twilight, showing up at the discarded camper shell in the Arizona desert where Sam and Lorna are making their secret plans.
   Trix and Melvin focus on the Land of Realtime because the lives of both Lorna and Sam have interwoven with the Land of Twilight. How can the four unravel themselves?
    A tragic accident forces Sam to again realize that life can change suddenly. Now he and Lorna must rethink what in life is most important to them.
     History, philosophy, and faith enter the scene through interdimensional time travel. The Land of Twilight Trilogy is filled with adventure and supernatural elements for readers ages 9-12. With its relatable characters and fast-moving plot, Sam and Lorna discover their priorities. As Sam faces unbearable consequences, he learns the bonds of true friendship and personal truth are real.
      Readers are given not only an interesting story filled with allegorical elements about the meaning of faith, but are also challenged to think about their own ideas of reality and meaning.

(Affiliate links included.)Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

​About the Author
     Charmayne Hafen has been writing since she was nine years old when she kept a private journal documenting love and loss in her fourth-grade class. In 2016, she published her first book, The Land Of Twilight, which was selected as a winner in the category of Juvenile Fiction in the Winter 2017 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards. Using knowledge and skills acquired from her MA in counseling, Charmayne wrote The Land Of Twilight series to help kids navigate the sometimes difficult waters of divorce. Her love of Celtic mythology also influenced the book. The first book in the series has been republished under a new title called Journey To Twilight which will be available November 1, 2019. There will be two more books in the series coming out early [2020].
​
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GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

One winner will receive an ebook of Journey to Twilight and a $50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
​Ends April 30, 2020

​ENTER HERE!

Smailholm by C.L. Williams
Genre: YA Fantasy Release Date: January 28th 2020

Summary:
       Shh! Can you keep a secret? 
   In wild medieval Britain thirteen-year-old Wynn Hoppringle has a big secret of the smallest kind. She has discovered a miniature village hidden close to her family home of Smailholm Tower. When tales of merciless border raiders reach the small folk, they realise they are in danger and must seek a cure to their strange predicament. Can Wynn help her tiny friends or will the scheming King quog have other ideas? Heroes it seems come in all sizes.
​“
Add to Goodreads | ~ Purchase Links: https://shor.by/clwilliams | Audible

​The Wicked Tree - Kristin Thorsness 
      This story has so much imagination and great thinking put into it. I love the magic that takes place in their little area.
    The characters are well-developed and it's easy to feel their emotions. I really like the friendship with Tav and Harper. They are wonderful characters. Edward is also an awesome character.
      The cover of the book and title fit the story perfectly.
    I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a good adventure, magic and the unexpected.
      I give this book a literary rating of 5/5
written by vickie

Tour Schedule ​

  THE WICKED TREE, a MG dark fantasy that will appeal to fans of Jonathan Auxier’s THE NIGHT GARDENER and Mary Downing Hahn’s TOOK. If you love SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK, then THE WICKED TREE is for you!   

The Wicked Tree by Kristin Thorsness 
Publication Date:  October 8, 2019  | Publisher:  Month9Books 
 SYNOPSIS:
       Deep in the woods, a gnarled tree grows. Its thick, black trunk twists angrily up into the night sky. Held in place by the magic of a long-ago patriarch, it has waited centuries to lure a descendant into its trap. 
        When Tavorian Kreet and his mom move in with his great-grandmother, Tav is forbidden to go into the woods on the estate. But like most eleven-year-olds, he just can't resist. 
          After secretly exploring the woods, Tav begins having dreams about a supernatural tree. Soon, the dreams change from pleasant to dark and menacing. On a dare, Tav ventures farther into the woods with his new friend, Harper. There, they meet a mysterious, mute boy named Edward who lives in a decrepit cabin nearby. Afraid, and unable to speak, Edward scrawls "Wicked Tree" on the ground. 
           Determined to help Edward, Tav enlists Harper, and they search the estate for clues to Edward’s identity and how to help him. 
             With Harper's help, Tav pieces together the Kreet family history and discovers an ancient curse. If Tav wants to save his friends and family, he must go into the heart of the woods, find the Wicked Tree, and confront a most evil magic. 
Link to Goodreads | ~ Purchase Link Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks   ​

 GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

• One (1) winner will win a Starbucks Gift Card  

 RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab (The Chronicles of the Stone #1) by Fiona Ingram  
Published December 14th 2016 | 324 pages
SYNOPSIS:
    A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them.
    They survive terrifying dangers in a hostile environment (such as a giant cobra, as well as sinking sand), pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out. They must also learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor.
     With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another! Book bonus includes a Readers’ Guide to Ancient Egypt for young explorers, plus hand-drawn pictures from Adam’s journal of what the cousins saw in Egypt. 

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper (The Chronicles of the Stone #3) by Fiona Ingram ​
Published November 17th 2017 by Bublish Incorporated
ISBN: 1946229466 (ISBN13: 9781946229465) | Paperback, 318 pages
SYNOPSIS:
      Continuing the adventure that ended in Britain just a short while ago, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair, with their friend Kim Maleka, are now hunting for the third Stone of Power, one of seven mysterious stones lost centuries ago. The third stone might be located in an ancient city, hidden in the depths of the Mexican jungle.
    When their small plane crashes in the jungle, Adam, Justin, Kim, and James are rescued by an uncontacted tribe. James, who is wounded, must stay behind as the kids, with only a young boy, Tukum, as their guide, make their way through the dense and dangerous jungle to find the city. River rafting on a crocodile-infested river and evading predators are just part of this hazardous task.
       Of course, their old adversary Dr. Khalid is close behind as the kids press on in search of the lost city of stone gods. But he is not the worst of their problems. This time Adam will clash with a terrible enemy who adopts the persona of an evil Aztec god, Tezcatlipoca, and is keen to revive the ancient tradition of human sacrifice. Adam, Justin, and Tukum must play a dreadful ball game of life and death and maybe survive. Will they emerge alive from the jungle? Will Dr. Khalid find the third Stone of Power before they do? 

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab - Fiona Ingram
Truly a wonderful adventure. I can totally understand why this story received so many awards. I learned so much about Ancient Egypt. This story is a wealth of historical information.
It was hard for me to put the book down after I started reading. Ms Ingram did a fabulous job of putting a great story together with so much history and adventure.
The characters are well-developed. I enjoyed getting to know each one of them. I could actually picture myself there with them in their travels.
I highly recommend this story to others. Middle school age children will love it.
I give this a literary rating of 5/5

AUTHOR BIO:
    I can’t remember NOT having a book in my hand. My schoolmates called me a bookworm, and nothing’s changed since then. I was brought up on the children’s classics because my parents are also avid readers. My earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, I entertained my three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity (of course!). Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favourites in the cast of characters that populated “Gruesome Gables” where all these adventures were played out. We also acted out the stories for my long-suffering parents, whom I see now were remarkably tolerant of my budding thespian and script-writing talents!
      I graduated from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, with a double first in my B.A. (French & Drama). After completing my Honors in Drama at Natal, I then went to the University of the Witwatersrand to do my Masters degree in French-African literature. I also studied drama at The Drama Studio in London and mime at L’Ecole Jacques le Coq in Paris. Upon my return to South Africa, I immersed myself in teaching drama at community centres, and became involved in producing community and grassroots theatre with local playwrights and performers in Natal for several years.
      A move to Johannesburg took me in a new direction—that of journalism. I have written freelance for the last fifteen years on everything from serial killers to relationship advice (making me a popular dinner guest to revive any flagging conversations). Writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for my 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied me on the Egyptian trip. We had a marvellous time and it truly was the catalyst in changing my career. This short story grew into a children’s book, the first in the adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. After the usual spate of rejections from snobby (British) agents, which I believe it every writer’s baptism of fire, I discovered America and made the decision to be published there. The book has done well there, even though the young heroes are South African, and has already garnered two impressive fiction nominations.
I’m already immersed in the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans (and older ones as well). Although I do not have children of my own, I have an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. My interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, movies, and wondering when I am going to be the next J.K. Rowling.
​

Bertie's Book of Spooky Wonders by Ocelot Emerson
Publication Date: October 15, 2019 | Publisher: Tantrum Books
SYNOPSIS:
Twelve-year-old Bertie Blount is great at causing trouble. When she's forced to leave behind her dad and friends in North Carolina so her mom can marry the most boring optometrist in the world, Bertie has a chance at a fresh start.

But when Bertie arrives in Pennsylvania, she doesn’t just bring trouble; she brings disaster. In a moment of anger, Bertie unwittingly triggers an accident that puts her future stepbrother in a coma.

Broken and desperate to make things right, Bertie prays for a miracle. Instead, the universe gives her a pair of supernatural sunglasses, a wise-cracking doppleganger, and a terrifying ghost that sends Bertie on a dangerous mission to find the one thing that just might save her stepbrother’s life.
Add to Goodreads  |  Pre-Order Link: Amazon 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
      Ocelot Emerson is the freakish result of a mad scientist's experiment gone horribly wrong. Born half magnificent cat, half malicious human, Ocie escaped from the secret International Prison For Wayward Creatures, and into a deep dark woods, only to be captured by a pack of ravenous ghost wolves. In a stroke of good fortune, the Great Spirit Wolves set aside their natural disdain for all things feline and accepted the cat person into their pack, where they taught Ocie how to hunt and tell bizarre yet heartwarming tales. Bertie’s Book of Spooky Wonders is Ocelot’s first novel aimed at feral and phenomenally gifted children. That means you, kid!

Book Details:
 Silver Batal and the Water Dragon Races (Water Dragon Races, #1) by K.D. Halbrook 
Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) | Publication date: June 4th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Middle-Grade
Synopsis:    Set in a vivid, Arab-inspired world filled with friendly and fearsome water dragons, K.D. Halbrook’s Silver Batal and the Water Dragon Races is a middle-grade fantasy adventure, with illustrations by Ilse Gort, that’s perfect for fans of Tui T. Sutherland, Sayantani DasGupta, and Roshani Chokshi.
    Silver’s dreams of becoming a legendary water dragon racer come true when she befriends a rare dragon that can swim and fly.
    Thirteen-year-old Silver Batal calls the desert home, but her heart belongs to the waters. Although she’s expected to become a jeweler like her father, Silver harbors a secret and forbidden wish to race water dragons. Destiny comes calling when her friendship with a mysterious old woman leads her to Hiyyan, a baby dragon that can swim and fly. 
    Risking everything, Silver, Hiyyan, and her resourceful cousin Brajon set off across the desert to join the legendary races in the royal city. But the road to Calidia is filled with danger, and the trio must band together as they encounter ferocious cave beasts, clever desert foxes, and cutthroat competition.
Goodreads | Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo |

GIVEAWAY!

Blitz-wide giveaway (US/CAN)

• Print copy of Silver Batal and the Water Dragon Races

This grand prize giveaway - ends June 6th:

​Jagger Jones and the Mummy’s Ankh
by Malayna Evans
Publication Date: May 28, 2019
Publisher: Month9Books
Jagger Jones is a whiz kid from Chicago’s South Side. Ask him anything about Ancient Egypt, and Jagger can fill hours
describing all that he knows. But when he and his precocious little sister Aria fall more than three thousand years back in
time to the court of Amarna, Egypt, Jagger discovers a truth that rocks his world: books don’t teach you everything there
is to know.
Mummies, pyramids, and cool hieroglyphics make awesome movie props, but the ancient court of Amarna is full of over-
sized scorpions, magical amulets, and evil deities determined to scare unwanted visitors away. If Jagger and Aria are to
return safely home, they must find nine soul-infested gemstones, defeat an evil general, save the royal family, and figure
out how to rescue themselves!
Armed only with Jagger’s knowledge of history and a few modern objects mined from his pockets and Aria’s sparkly
purse, the siblings have exactly one week to solve supernatural riddles and rescue the royal family. If they can pull it off,
Jagger Jones just might return to Chicago a hero.
Link to Goodreads | ~ Purchase Links: Goggle Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD

EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER SIX: Dressed to … kidnap?
        “Are we getting makeovers?” Aria squealed happily, hugging her purse to her chest.
        Jagger moaned as Tatia draped a dress over his sister. The answer was obvious.
     Aria was thrilled with the white gown and elaborate jewels the princess gave her, even happier when she got made up to look like an ancient Egyptian princess. Things got iffy when Tatia wanted to shave Aria’s head. Aria didn’t care if kids in Egypt were bald. She was dedicated to her thick curls. After a short but frightening stare-down, Tatia caved to Aria’s will, just as Mom had every time she and Aria disagreed on her clothing. The princess braided Aria’s hair into cornrows and placed a blue and gold headband on her head. His sister looked like a pint-sized Cleopatra.
       “No.” Jagger shook his head when Tatia turned to him and lifted a blade to his hair. “I’ve been growing my ‘fro. You’re not touching it.”
        “You’ll draw unwanted attention with that hair,” the princess insisted.
        “I’m used to that.” He backed away from the princess and her blade. “We know how to blend in. We’re from Chicago.” He paused. “It’s, you know, diverse.”
         Tatia cocked her head to the side.
        “We’re biracial,” he explained. “Our mom is black, and our dad is white.”
        The princess shrugged. “Your hair is fine, Jagger Jones. But it’s not long enough to braid. We must cut it.”
        “I don’t want to cut it.” He put his hands on his head. The last time someone had suggested Jagger cut his hair, he was sitting on a stage with five other kids, staring out at an audience. A guy from the opposing debate team used Jagger’s hair in his argument, comparing the government’s need to trim its “out of control” budget with Jagger’s supposed need for a haircut. Jagger never forgot how it felt to be singled out for something that was a part of him in front of all those people. Kids snickered, judges wiggled in discomfort, and Grams sagged with sadness. Mom looked like she wanted to go all mama bear on the kid. But it was Gramps’ reaction that steeled Jagger’s spine. Gramps smiled. And that smile gave Jagger exactly what he needed in that moment. His hair might not have looked like that of the other.

ABOUT the AUTHOR:
​    Malayna Evans is the author of the middle grade time travel series, Jagger Jones. Malayna earned her Ph.D. in
Egyptology from the University of Chicago and has used her background to craft a tale loaded with historical
details, attested ancient actors, and a magical adventure full of gods, mummies and wriggling creatures.
    Malayna enjoys a busy life of reading, writing, and playing in Oak Park, Illinois with her two kids, a spoiled
rescue dog named Caesar, and a dwarf hamster named Pedicure.
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