“The Sand Pounder is one of those rare historical novels with a charm that appeals to both young and old readers.” - Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite
Book Details:
The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17) Genre: Historical Fiction; Rated G - Completely clean Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 284 pages Release date: September 2021 Tour dates: October 4 to October 22, 2021 Book Description: Fearing an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and west coasts. The unit was called "The Sand Pounders" and they rode their horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944. In Tillamook, Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one problem...they were only accepting men. That didn't slow her down. "The Sand Pounder" is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II. add to goodreads ~ Buy The Book: Amazon 
REVIEW By LAWonder10:
The Sand Pounder is a highly recommended book for not only Young Adults but for the whole family. It is about the time period when the U.S. entered World War ll, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is the sad part of the U.S. History when faithful American Japanesewere ripped from their homes and businesses and treate like criminals. It is the time Aerican citizens allowed fear and stereo-typing to rule their sense of humanity and turn on respected friends and neighbors, simply because of thei Asian decendancy. It was interesting to me to learn about a Coast Guard group, called the Sand Pounders, of which I had never heard of before. While I am aware of the horses used in calvaries, I had never heard of this elite group of men. This story is of a young girl, determied to do her part in the defense of her country. The story pulls together the various wartime scenarios into one captivating tale of the little known defense of the western coast and of the events occurring within te U.S., as well as outside the U.S., during those remorseful times. The book portrays the value of commadary, patriotism, friendship, and women being acknowledged in new roles. It was a time when men were awakened to the value of women, outside of the home. and and the trials many individuals endured. It also portrays a sense of human respect and honor. This is a literary work book clubs would benefit from reading. There is much material ffor various discussions. The characters were very realistic, well-defined and the scenes drew the reader in, allowing him/her to feel a part of the story. The Title and Cover image were bothe well-chosen, eye-catching and depicted the main idea of the story well. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review. 
Meet the Author:
Award-Winning, Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads ~ pinterest
Here is the tour schedule.
Giveaway Details:
Enter to win The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans, signed by the author (one winner/USA only) (ends Oct 29) 
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Book Details:
In the Echo of this Ghost Town by C.L. Walters Publication date: October 12th 2021 Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Synopsis: When everything in your life unravels and the future you imagined disintegrates into dust—how do you decide which way is forward? Griffin Nichols has lost everyone close to him. Unhealthy choices rooted in unmet expectations have him feeling like he’s failing at being a man. Everything he thought he knew about being a good son, brother, and friend has him feeling as substantive as an echo. He’s lost. Then Maxwell Wallace walks into his life and teaches him sometimes in the weakness of the echo is where he can claim his strength. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~iBooks ~ Kobo ~ 
AUTHOR BIO:
As a kid, my world revolved around two things: stories and make believe. I have built a real life around those two things as well: I am a teacher of stories and a writer of make believe. While I went to high school in a small town in Oregon and college in a smaller town in Oregon - both gifted me with treasures to fill my creative reservoir and most importantly, my husband. We got married, I followed him from Oregon to Hawaii (it was that or forgo the marriage). We have two children, and several furry kids. I read and write everyday. Author links: Website ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bookbub ~ Pinterest ~ Newsletter ~ Goodreads ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
This grand prize giveaway - ends Oct 21st: 
Book details:
They Stay (They Stay Series, #1) by Claire Fraise Publication date: October 12th 2021 Genres: Supernatural, Thriller, Young Adult Synopsis: For fans of Stranger Things comes a suspenseful YA mystery about a missing kid, a girl who can see ghosts, and a horrifying crime only four outcasts have the power to stop. What if the only person who could help you find your missing brother was dead? Nothing is as important to sixteen-year-old Shiloh Oleson as her little brother Max. So when the six-year-old goes missing without a trace, a heartbroken Shiloh refuses to believe nothing can be done and sets out to find him. When one of Shiloh’s classmates says she knows where Max is, Shiloh hesitates to believe her. Francesca is creepy. She says she can see ghosts, but everyone knows ghosts aren’t real … right? But Francesca says that Max is going to be murdered. And a ghost told her where he is. As the line between the dead and living begins to blur, Shiloh starts to think Francesca might not be as crazy as she believed. One thing is becoming clear. Someone has gruesome plans for Max, and Shiloh must confront her worst nightmares to find him before it’s too late. THEY STAY is the first book in the They Stay Series. Read on if you like ghost stories, plot twists, enemies-to-friends, creepy circuses, budding romance, and unlikely heroes. Content Warnings: This book contains death, kidnapping, domestic abuse, references to suicide, bullying, and mild adult language. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~B&N ~ Kob
10 Things You Didn’t Know About 'They Stay'. 1. I wrote the first draft of the book for NaNoWriMo in 2017 Well, not exactly the first draft of the book, but the first draft of what would eventually become the book. I wrote a book for NaNoWriMo my freshman year of college about a formerly-homeschooled girl who moved to a small fishing village and decided to help find a teenager who had just gone missing at her new public school. There, she teamed up with two outcasts, nerdy Miles and bad-boy Jonah, to solve the mystery. What ensued was the most out-there, ludicrous adventure that included 5 deaths, a ritual sacrifice, gang activity, secret societies, murderous grandfathers, motel fires, messy love triangles, and a random pregnant girl who didn’t interact at all with the plot who could see ghosts and solved the mystery before any of the main three hooligans did. The manuscript was 101,000 words. At the end of November, I decided to put it to rest and never look at it again because it was too embarrassing. But for the next two years, those four characters stayed with me. They had a story to tell, it just wasn’t the one I originally thought. So when I dialed down the drama, made the girl who could see ghosts a more important part of the plot, and made the boy who went missing Shiloh’s little brother instead of a random stranger, They Stay was born. 2. I started by wanting to make the book more of a horror book but found I was scaring myself I was working on this book with my fiction writing professor in college and he suggested that I try writing it as more of a horror book. Something was missing from it, and he thought making the ghosts scarier might fix it. So I challenged myself to learn how to write horror. But by doing that I ended up giving myself so many nightmares that I didn’t keep going with that. Later, that same professor helped me realize that it’s okay for the ghosts not to be sources of horror and that an equally compelling story could be told where the expectation was inverted—the ghosts are not the sources of horror in the book, but instead, the people are. 3. I spent a year living in the county I based the fictional York County off I spent my freshman year of college at Kenyon College in rural Ohio, which ended up being a major source of inspiration for Bethany and York County. 4. I spent a lot of time researching, talking to officers and community organizers, and joining task forces to help people struggling from the opioid epidemic in that part of Ohio. I was an investigative journalist at Kenyon and wrote two longer research articles while I was there—one of which was on the opioid epidemic in Knox County (https://www.thecollegianmagazine.com/the-home-front/). While writing this article, I interviewed many law enforcement officers, community organizers, and non-profit leaders on the struggles not only those struggling with opioid addiction face in the county but also their children. In the article, my co-author and I wrote, “The Public Children Services Association of Ohio reports that 28 percent of children in Ohio taken into custody in 2015, as well as 70 percent of children under the age of one, had parents who were using opiates.” So I drew from this research when creating some of the characters in They Stay. 5. That same year, I mentored kids in foster care. I volunteered for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and through that program, I mentored kids in foster care and juvenile detention. Not only was I able to meet some amazing kids, but I learned a lot about the way the foster care system in this country is structured, and exactly what kind of support is available to kids in the system. This experience inspired the character of Jonah in They Stay, and the struggles he faces as not only being a juvenile delinquent but also in foster care. The foster parents I met personally during this volunteering experience were wonderful people who cared deeply about their foster kids, and they inspired the character of Jonah’s loving and nurturing foster mom in They Stay. 6. Shiloh’s love and protective instinct over Max is based on my relationship with my little brother I have a little brother, and he’s the best. I often find myself writing about sibling dynamics in my stories. 7. I drew inspiration from The Clockwork Angel when first establishing the relationship between Shiloh, Miles, and Jonah The Infernal Devices series has been my favorite YA series of all time ever since I first read the books in middle school. I used to have a T-shirt that said “I love Jem Carstairs, get over it” on the front (at the end of the day, I was team Jem, although it was a really hard decision). I just loved how the relationship between the three of them was not a standard “love triangle,” and how it was so complicated that it made the readers love each of the characters and made the decision hard. So I pulled some inspiration from those books when writing about Shiloh, Miles, and Jonah (although a lot of their dynamics are different, as well as the way these relationships are ultimately going to resolve themselves). 8. The book was almost written in the 3rd person past tense Up until the second draft, They Stay was in 3rd person past tense. I decided I wanted to do a tense change because my writing just feels more present in first person present tense. 9. I don’t know if I believe in ghosts I think about this question a lot, and I still don’t know if I believe in ghosts. I love writing about them. I think because I like writing about them so much, on some level I have to believe in them a little. 10. I can see ghosts just like Francesca Just kidding on this one. It would be pretty cool to be able to, though. Don’t you think? 
AUTHOR BIO:
Claire Fraise earned her B.A. in English from Tufts University. She is also the author of YA dystopian novel Imperfect (winner of the San Francisco and Beverly Hills Book Festivals), which she published when she was 16. When Claire’s not writing, she likes crocheting amigurumi animals, reading, and hanging out with her dogs. Even though it goes against every introverted bone in her body, she is on social media. Connect with her on Instagram at @clairefraiseauthor, on YouTube at Write with Claire Fraise, or visit her website at clairefraise.com. Author links: Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Youtube ~ Pintrest ~ Goodreads 
Giveaway Details :
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)
This grand prize giveaway - ends Oct 21st: 
Book Details:
The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17) Genre: Historical Fiction; Rated G - Completely clean Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 284 pages Release date: September 2021 Format available: Print softback, mobi ebook, PDF Tour dates: October 4 to October 22, 2021 Book Description: Fearing an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and west coasts. The unit was called "The Sand Pounders" and they rode their horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944. In Tillamook, Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one problem...they were only accepting men. That didn't slow her down. "The Sand Pounder" is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II. Buy The Book: Amazon ~ add to goodreads 
BOOK PRAISE:
“The Sand Pounder is one of those rare historical novels with a charm that appeals to both young and old readers.” - Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite “M.J. Evans does an excellent job of winding the era's history and the lesser-known job of the Sand Pounders into a realistic story of a mature teen's determination to make a difference in her world.” - Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Review “A gripping YA historical novel packed full of twists, turns and memorable characters. Highly recommended!” - The Wishing Shelf Book Review (UK)
How I do research for my Historical Fiction books. The most fun part about writing Historical Fiction is, in fact, the research! If you cultivate a sense of curiosity, you will enjoy learning throughout your life…and you’ll NEVER run out of new things to learn. The Sand Pounders were an arm of the U.S. Coast Guard during World War 2. Their job was to patrol the east and west coasts and in Texas to watch for and report an enemy invasion. Very few people have ever heard of them as they only existed for two years…from mid-1942 to mid-1944. But, during that time, they patrolled 3,700 miles of coastline and employed 24,000 men on horseback. I stumbled across an old picture of the Sand Pounders, and it piqued my curiosity. I started searching on the internet. I was fortunate to discover that the confidential report on their activities written by the Coast Guard, was recently released and I was able to send for a copy of it. I also purchased a short printed article and a novel about the Sand Pounders. I grew up in Oregon and frequently visited the Oregon Coast, including Fort Stevens, the only place in the continental U.S. that was actually shelled during World War 2. I also visited Tillamook, the Coast Guard Station in Garibaldi, and the other places on the Oregon Coast that are included in the book. Personal visits to locations are not always possible for an author but it is a great way to enrich the setting and make it more believable when it is possible. I hope you will enjoy reading “The Sand Pounder – Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII.” If you do, please post a review on Amazon and Goodreads and tell your friends about it. 
Meet the Author:
Award-Winning, Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads ~ pinterest
Here is the tour schedule.
Giveaway Details:
Enter to win The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans, signed by the author (one winner/USA only) (ends Oct 29)
Paint Me Fearless (Shady Gully #1) By Hallie Lee
Christian Contemporary Fiction Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 322 Pages January 6, 2021 by WordCrafts Press SYNOPSIS: Although their petite appearances are strikingly similar, ROBIN and DESIREE (DESI) have little in common. When Desi moves to the small town of Shady Gully, Louisiana, the unpopular Robin feels diminished by the new girl's notoriety. But fate has other ideas, and as these two isolated girls are drawn together, a friendship born in high school evolves into a bond that promises to last a lifetime. Even as their paths diverge, and they clumsily marry and plow through raising families of their own, they remain true. Even as they nurse their respective bruises, and carry their traumas from childhood into their own marriages, they always have each other's backs. Even when a sordid secret from their past emerges to threaten their families, together...they remain a force to be reckoned with. Until years later, when they're enjoying the prime of their lives, a stunning rumor surfaces that threatens their lifelong connection. The allegation suggests that one has betrayed the other. Truth? Lie? Does it matter? Sometimes just the hint of betrayal is enough to ruin a lifelong bond. As their worlds collide, and old insecurities rise to the forefront, the layers of Desi and Robin's legendary friendship begin to unravel. Just when it seems they've lost everything, the truth brings them full circle...and in their brokenness they come to realize that there is only one true way to fill the emptiness inside, to quiet the lies...and to ultimately become...fearless. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Target | Book Depository 
EXCERPT:
(Desi) On the bus ride home, a husky high school guy wearing cowboy boots and a western belt slipped into the seat in front of me. He stretched his arm along the top of his seat and casually turned back to me. “Howdy,” he offered with a lazy drawl. “Uh…howd…hi?” He grinned and let out a low chuckle. His name was Adam, and he said he was going to be a country music star one day. He just thought I should know. “Is that so?” “Count on it,” he said. He had reddish hair. A nice smile. I believed him. He chatted for a bit, pointing out dirt roads here and there. “Yonder direction is where the Wolfheart clan stays. You need to steer clear of Brad and his bunch. Ain’t no place for a girl like you.” Interesting that Adam already had me pegged for a particular kind of girl. I resisted the flair of irritation. Instead went with a wide-eyed, earnest nod. “Thanks. Good advice.” “My pleasure.” Adam tipped his imaginary cowboy hat. Mama said to smile and make friends, so I figured I could add Adam to the list. He ought to count for more than one, seeing as how he was going to be the king of Nashville one day. He rolled the bus window down, and the breeze felt good. It was a hot breeze, but that might be as good as it was going to get here in Shady Gully, Louisiana. Adam hummed a song, and it wasn’t half-bad. He acted real casual about it, but I could tell he was giving it his best effort. I sat back in my seat, surveying my surroundings. Country roads indeed. No red lights, traffic jams, or five-car pileups. Just twisty blacktop paths and an occasional house set back from the road. Excerpted from Paint Me Fearless by Hallie Lee, Copyright © 2021 by Hallie Lee. Published by WordCrafts Press. 
About the Author
Born and raised in Louisiana, most of Hallie Lee’s screenplays and novels are set in the south. Inspired by a landscape rich with cantankerous, salt of the earth folks, Hallie’s characters tend to be dramatic, but kind, and quirky, but smarter than they appear. A move to the creative community of Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2005 gave her the opportunity to take up screenwriting. As her screenplays were recognized with awards and placements in various contests, she had the opportunity to learn from award winning talents like Kirk Ellis (The John Adams miniseries) and Ronnie Clemmer (A League of Their Own). But alas, her heart is southern, and when she and her family made another move to Kentucky, it renewed her passion for writing novels. And southern story telling. Paint Me Fearless is the first in The Shady Gully Series, a series which promises thought provoking, relatable journeys whose cast of characters tend to be ornery, but loveable. It’s women’s literature. It’s book club fiction. It's faith based. It’s Hallie Lee. Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bookbub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Two audiobooks of Paint Me Fearless by Hallie Lee (US) Two audiobooks of Paint Me Fearless by Hallie Lee (UK) Ends October 6, 2021 
Book Details:
The Grove by Karri Thompson Publication date: September 21st 2021 Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Synopsis: Entering the woods is forbidden. To go in can mean a fate worse than death. At least that’s what seventeen-year-old Laura has been told. But living in a new town with nothing to do, she ignores her mother’s dire warnings and explores the forest near her home. The trees entice Laura deeper into the woods. A mysterious, soothing voice calls her name, and she becomes lost. When a young man finds her, she thinks she’s saved. But he insists their meeting is more than a coincidence. For centuries, his colony has been waiting for a savior. With his alluring eyes and gentle smile, Laura almost believes his crazy story. Caught between worlds, and with her life at stake, she doesn’t know who to believe or trust. Her heart tells her one thing and her head another. Is it her destiny, or will her fate only postpone the inevitable? Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~ 
AUTHOR BIO:
Karri Thompson, a native of San Diego, attended San Diego State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in education. When she’s not writing novels and teaching high school English, she can be found nerding out at San Diego Comic-Con and cooking delicious meals for her family. Karri is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel for 2014. Author links: Twitter ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
Angelbound: Clockwork Icni by Christina Bauer Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 9-28-21}9/19/2021 
Book details:
Clockwork Igni (Angelbound Origins, #9) by Christina Bauer Publication date: September 21st 2021 Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Synopsis: As Queen of Antrum, I rule an underground realm of demon hunters who love finding new caves. Hey, it’s boring down here; I’m glad they all have a hobby. Per usual, I try to act interested about their latest discovery, but all I hear is blah blah blah new cavern blah blah blah Forbidden Tombs blah blah blah massive bronze pyramids blah blah blah creepy ticking sounds. It’s a little odd, but I’m not worried. My bad. Suddenly, the Forbidden Tombs burst through the ground in my home realm of Purgatory. Bronze pyramids smash through abandoned buildings and highways, making rush hour a nightmare. Even worse, the metal structures attract tiny lightning bolts called igni, which are my very special supernatural buddies. Within minutes, every last igni gets stolen away. Now. I’m. Pissed. Whoever hides inside those pyramids? Time to dust off your mummies and shine up your sarcophagi. Because my husband, Lincoln, and I are breaking in and kicking ass. Angelbound Origins In which Myla Lewis kicks ass and takes names. Nuff said. 1. Angelbound 2. Scala 3. Acca 4. Thrax 5. The Dark Lands 6. The Brutal Time 7. Armageddon 8. Quasi Redux 9. Clockwork Igni Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ Google Play ~
My Secret Cheat Sheet-O-Writing By Christina Bauer, author As part of the launch for my latest book, CLOCKWORK IGNI, the lovely folks at Rockin’ Book Reviews have asked me to share some of my process for creating visual and engaging scenes. As fate would have it, I keep a list! Please take a look at my personal cheat sheet, take what you like, and leave the rest… · Character must start off somewhere emotionally and end up somewhere else. · Stories must be in first person and have an active storyline. · Use a “ticking clock” plot device to increase tension and stakes and put a time limit on the protagonist as she works to resolve a conflict. · There must be clear romance in the story. · Physical attributes of the space or scene should go in Chapter One and within two paragraphs of every chapter if the scene changes. Physical attributes of the main characters should be described in Chapter One, preferably on the first page. · If the book is part of a series, a quick recap of previous books in the series should be made in Chapter One. · In Chapter One o There should be action or dialogue by the third paragraph. If you can get it in there, put it in the first sentence. Ideally, Chapter One ends with the heroine on the move. o Set up something to make the heroine likable. (e.g., she helps a kid; if the heroine is with her partner, put in something to show their relationship like cuddles, etc.) o The heroine’s emotional arc should be established. · By Chapter Four (ideally earlier), we must know five things: o Who’s the good guy? o Who’s the love interest? o Who’s the bad guy? o What’s at stake? o What’s the ticking clock? - The heroine must have an emotional (internal) arc with a physical (external) arc to complement it. · A bad guy needs to die (or be defeated in some very clear manner) at the end. No cliffhangers! · Follow the feels rule. Every three paragraphs, the character must talk about their feelings. For a romantic scene, it’s one out of every three sentences. · Action scenes, in order to make them feel intense, should have shorter sentences and more consonants (ie, chop, cut, crack, gut, etc). · Romantic scenes should have longer sentences and assonance. Make it sound more poetic. · The word “is” is my enemy. Try to use it as little as possible. · Repetition is limited to 75 times in the whole book. You can love the phrase “bedroom eyes,” but you can only use it in the book 75 times. · Data dumps must be at most 5 sentences. More than that, and the reader feels overwhelmed by the amount of information being dumped on them. No more than 3 data dumps per chapter. · Every chapter, ask yourself: could the plot in this chapter have been shown versus told? For instance, when describing magic, instead of simply TELLING the reader that magic is happening, we SHOW the heroine experiencing magic—what it looks like AND what it feels like. · Character voices must be unique. Make a style sheet that helps you flesh out each individual voice. (For example, Character A is more peppy and happy, while Character B is more realistic and the voice of reason). · The heroine should visit the Shire before she leaves on the quest (yes, I’m a Lord of the Rings fan). In other words, she has to go home, say her goodbyes (or just reminisce, if she’s sneaking off), and then head off on her quest. In other words, get a “before” shot of the heroine. Readers need to see her (and who she is) before she leads everyone on the grand adventure. We see Dorothy in Kansas before we see her in Oz, for instance. This may help the reader form a more emotional connection with the character because it shows she’s human. Hope you enjoyed my list and I look forward to seeing you on a future tour! 
AUTHOR BIO:
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden ~ retriever, Ruby. Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ LinkedIn ~ Web site ~ 
Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)
Mountain of Flame (Gems of Fire #3)
By Diane E. Samson Young Adult Fantasy Paperback & ebook, 450 Pages August 4, 2021 by Diane E. Samson BOOK DESCRIPTION: Reeling from Jack becoming king of Oclen, Princess Anna returns home as Sunderland’s Defender. Earning her title was a hard-fought honor, but Anna can’t escape the guilt of leaving Jack alone in that cursed, starving place. When Jack comes to Sunderland seeking aid from Anna’s father, she must decide whether to return with him and help defeat the curse plaguing the cold northern land. If she remains Sunderland’s Defender, she knows her heart would never forgive her for abandoning Jack to rebuild a crushed kingdom. Can Anna leave what she loves to become queen of a people suspicious of her and the gems? Joining Jack would mean battling an evil greater than anything she’s ever faced, for the curse’s roots grow deep. But if she doesn’t, Oclen will likely fall and Anna will lose Jack forever. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon
(These answers represent the timing of Book One, Gems of Fire) Tell me about yourself: I’m Anna of Sunderland, 16-year-old, third-born to King Vilipp. My birthday is in autumn, September 21. I resemble my mother in appearance only. She was loving, good and adored by all. I can’t help but disappoint my father and his brooding advisor, Seamus. Who are your siblings? Stefan is my older brother and crown prince of Sunderland. He’s watched out for me to the best of his ability since our mother passed away when I was four. He is now 22 years old. Saira, 20 years old, is my older sister. She’s been away to be educated as an ambassador and has recently returned to Sunderland. I get along better with Stefan. I’m frequently compared to perfect Saira. I’m always found lacking. Describe your home: Sunderland is a medium-sized kingdom in the heart of the continent, bordered by a semi-circle of mountains on the west, north and east sides. To the south of Sunderland lies a semi-arid region and the kingdom of Tagora. The capital city is Kasdod where King Vilipp’s enemy, Anwar resides. Karfin is Sunderland’s capital, a city set into a white mountain where valuable gems are mined. The village in front of the castle is surrounded by a tall outer wall. The Alpin river weaves in front of the castle, providing protection from intruders. The only way into the castle is by a drawbridge. Where are you the happiest? I find comfort at the stables and riding my horse, Farley. He was given to me by a southern prince who found him alone in the desert as a yearling. He quickly became my project and my solace. Farley only allows me on his back. His groom’s name is Bart. I consider him my only friend. What is your greatest fear? I fear I’ll never gain the respect of my father. He only sees me as someone to marry off. And no one wants a headstrong girl. I also fear being locked away in a cage, trapped and unable to defend myself. I especially fear being alone with Seamus. What are your pursuits? I love horseback riding, archery and sparring with Stefan. I grew up hiding from my tutors, and they’ve pretty much given up educating me. I don’t have many friends at court. Are you close to your father? Not really. Father has never recovered from losing my mother. I pretty much lost both parents back then. Like I said, Stefan has done his best to look after me, as well as my faithful nurse, Mary. Who is the person you admire and/or despise the most? I admire my brother Stefan. He’s funny, caring and loyal. He’ll make a great king. I despise Seamus, my father’s advisor. He’s pretty much taken over most duties of the king and poisons me in my father’s mind. What do you remember of your mother? Mother was gently, kind and always held me close when I cried. She loved me very much. What three words would you use to describe yourself? Spirited, Longing, Determined 
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever. She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only) Ends September 19, 2021 
Replaced Parts (Transformed Nexus #1)
By Stephanie Hansen Science Fiction, Young Adult Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 240 Pages February 23, 2021 by Fire and Ice Young Adult Books BOOK DESCRIPTION: In the year 2163 a corrupt World Government controls everything on our planet and beyond. Sixteen year-old Sierra has been so caught up in her own world of saving animal test subjects and her father’s disappearance, she hasn’t paid much attention. When she finally finds his location, she and her friend set off on a covert interplanetary mission to rescue him, she begins to see the corruption first hand. Discovering that her father has been on the front lines secretly trying to save human test subjects inspires her to join a revolution. But she is afraid of the collateral damage of hurting the people she loves. Will she find the strength to make a deal with the mad scientist Cromwell to save not just her friends and family but everyone? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play * On sale for 99 cents on e-book! * 
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Replaced Parts is a fantastical journey in future space travel. Disaster has hit Earth and One World Government and all its restrictions and atrocities are in place. Whom can one trust? Does one truly have Freedom? This is one girl's venture in trying to locate her missing father. She won't believe the rumors made about him. Will her faith in him become a reality, or are the rumors true? This is a fateful tale I can easily see happening in the future. It is a fast-paced, poignant and intuitive story about power, corruptness, one girl's search for answers, the power of uniting against evil, and many more topics. The characters "come alive" under the talented skills of the author. The scenes are easily visualized. The plot of this first book keeps building, totally leaving the reader/listener wanting more. 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. 
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Stephanie Hansen is a PenCraft Award Winning Author. Her short story, Break Time, and poetry has been featured in Mind's Eye literary magazine. The Kansas Writers Association published her short story, Existing Forces, appointing her as a noted author. She has held a deep passion for writing since early childhood, but a brush with death caused her to allow it to grow. She's part of an SCBWI critique group in Lawrence, KS and two local book clubs. She attends many writers' conferences including the Writing Day Workshops, New York Pitch, Penned Con, New Letters, All Write Now, Show Me Writers Master Class, BEA, and Nebraska Writers Guild conference as well as Book Fairs and Comic-Cons. She is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub | Pinterest | TikTok 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Audiobook of Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen and a $25 Amazon gift card Ends September 22, 2021 
Today I am Highlighting the @nd Book of The Mountain of Flame series.
Valley of Bones (Gems of Fire #2)
By Diane E. Samson Young Adult Fantasy Paperback & ebook, 370 Pages February 13, 2021 by Diane E. Samson ABOUT the BOOK: Princess Anna is left to rule Sunderland as regent when her father, brother and her presumed fiancé Jack ride to battle devouring creatures in Jack’s home kingdom of Oclen. She must establish herself as a strong leader with the Sunderland council and a neighboring king who brings along two handsome princes to negotiate an alliance. Trouble erupts as outlining Sunderland villages are attacked by pillaging marauders and the council loses confidence in Anna’s leadership. As Anna waits in trepidation for word from her father’s army, all she hears is silence. Her scouts never return. When the reports of a coming horror reach Anna, she forges an unlikely alliance and forgoes her father’s long-standing policies against gems of power. She trains Sunderland’s remaining soldiers to fight with gems. She’ll lead them to battle to rescue her family and the one she loves. But first she must survive the treachery brewing in her own court. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |
“You have a kind heart, Princess.” He stared out the doorway. A shadow fell across his features. “But it will not save you from what’s coming.” “What’s coming?” Anna whispered. He faced her. Pure horror reflected in his eyes. “My men and I were on the North Sea. Our ship was destroyed by beasts off the north coast of Oclen.” “Beasts?” Anna’s heart skipped. “It’s the stuff of nightmares.” His voice was low, his tone measured. “They boarded my ship from another boat and went on a killing rampage. We had to abandon ship. A fraction of my men made it to shore in a few small boats. My beautiful ship sank in those bloody waves.” Anna shuddered. More beasts. He was silent a long time. He pursed his lips and studied her. “Sit down. I don’t want you fainting.” Anna lowered herself to the fur rug. Her eyes didn’t leave his face as a slow roil churned in her gut. “Hopefully some of the beasts went down with the ship, but many followed us to shore. They swam a mile in the cold North Sea in the dark.” “How is that possible?” “These things are not human.” Anna blinked. The man from Oclen had warned them. Her head spun. “Many of my men died. There was nothing I could do. Our swords bounced off their hides. Our arrows did not pierce their skin.” He grabbed the wine bottle and slumped down next to her. Excerpted from Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, Copyright © 2021 by Diane E. Samson. Published by Diane E. Samson. 
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever. She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only) Ends September 19, 2021 
I will highlight one of the books for three postings, starting with Book 1 today!
Gems of Fire (Gems of Fire #1) By Diane E. Samson
Young Adult Fantasy Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 276 Pages November 6, 2018 by Clean Reads BOOK DESCRIPTION: Palace of Sunderland. Paradise to the peasants. Prison to sixteen-year-old Anna, daughter of the king. She can never escape the castle’s cold walls and scorning disapproval of her father and his brute royal counsel, Seamus. She’ll always live in the shadow of her late mother, the queen. Will they ever see her for who she really is? A riding accident lands Anna in the hands of traders who sell her as a slave in distant Kasdod to none other than her father’s enemy, Lord Anwar. After overhearing a dangerous plot to conquer Sunderland and kill the royal family, Anna must escape and warn her father, even if it means facing her greatest enemy. With the doom looming over her, Anna is approached by a dangerous man in the dark. He claims to want to help her, but can she trust him with her secrets? The perils of the journey ahead will push Anna to the limit and answer the one question that has always plagued her... Will she ever be enough? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target |
“What an exciting book to read. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters were very well developed, and it made me cheer for them all the way through. The cover is very dramatic and fits very well with the story. Great read.” - Goodreads Reviewer “One Tough Princess…A princess who despite great suffering never gives up. I really loved Anna’s determination and heart. You’ll find adventure, high stakes and romance in the midst of such horrible circumstances. A solid plot with a story that stayed with me.” - Amazon Reviewer “A breathtaking journey into royal courts, slavery, escape, war, and love. This book has it all…” - Amazon Reviewer 
About the Author
Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever. She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only) Ends September 19, 2021 
Book Details:
Charm Wars (Charm Wars, #1) by Dan Lutts Publication date: September 2nd 2021 Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Synopsis: Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic, where the noblesse possess massive political and magical power and destroy anyone who threatens the noblesse way of life—especially the commoners. Rill Larkin, the son of a commoner blacksmith, has high ambitions. To be a mage, join the exalted ranks of the ruling noblesse, and establish his own noblesse family. Defying both the system and his family, Rill becomes the apprentice of Deuth Estati, a powerful archmage. But appearances deceive. As training progresses, Rill learns of decades-long secrets and manipulations that threaten his dream. And Deuth might not be as benevolent as Rill thought. Alyse Dejune despises magic, even if she does belong to one of the oldest and most powerful noblesse families in Caldon. The deceits and treacheries of noblesse life and the loveless marriage alliances among the noblesse families disgust her. Her family however has high expectations: that she fulfill her role as a noblesse girl by marrying Troy Estati, an arrogant, selfish noblesse boy she does not love. And Alyse harbors a secret—the potential to become one of the most powerful mages in generations and wield forbidden magic—that, if revealed, could mean her death. In this deadly game of ever-shifting alliances, where the state wages perpetual war against an ancient enemy, Rill and Alyse are thrown together in a land where magic is failing. And as greedy noblesse families raid surrounding family compounds for powerful charms, Rill and Alyse are left standing at a terrible crossroads. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic!
AUTHOR BIO:
Dan Lutts was brought up in Quincy, Massachusetts, and began addictively reading Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman comic books at an early age, much to his mother's distress. In junior high school, he switched to reading science fiction novels. While in high school and college, he wrote science fiction short stories. Dan taught history and archaeology in high school for ten years. After being laid off because of budget cuts, he used his love of writing to retrain and became a software technical editor and writer. He worked for several computer companies, taught technical writing at the college level, and worked as a freelance writer. Now, combining his love of history and writing, he works at a World War II museum doing research and writing. Dan loves to read and has varied tastes, including Young Adult, historical fiction, mysteries, 18th-century sea epics, and history. He especially enjoys Young Adult fiction and decided to try his hand at it. Charm Wars, Dan's first novel, is the result. Dan lives in rural Maine with his wife, Lisa. When he's not working or writing, Dan can be found reading, making and shooting medieval arrows with his longbow, or playing with his two dogs and two cats--all rescue animals. You can learn more about Dan and the world of Charm Wars at https://www.danlutts.com/. Author links: Webpage ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
This grand prize giveaway - ends Sept 9th: 
Don’t Forget To Breathe
by Cathrina Constantine Publication date: September 1st 2021 Genres: Mystery, Young Adult Synopsis: Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind. And everything fades to black. Leo has been battling personal demons after a year of retrograde amnesia. She’s been having vivid dreams of that day. And her dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. Two more bodies are discovered and they are oddly linked to her mom’s unsolved homicide. Leo befriends her new neighbor. He’s eager to visit Star Hallow’s notorious haunted mansion. It’s located on a deserted cul-de-sac where she once lived and where her mom was murdered. But it’s the Lucien Estate, the mansion next door to her old home, where they happen upon misty ghosts, ghosts that just might help to unravel the homicides. Will Leo’s memories send her reeling into a relapse, or will she be able to overcome her demons to find her mother’s killer – only to become the next victim? Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
Excerpt 3:
There was a sound like water dripping and then splashing into a tinny pot. Perhaps the roof leaked? Curiosity got the best of me and I shouldered open the door. Pitch black, not a trace of light. The revolting stench heated the room. Was there a rotten animal in here? I plugged my nose to block the stench. I guided my feet with the flashlight, but my sneakers stepped into a gooey substance. Suctioned to the floor, I pried them up; the goo looked reddish black. The cause of the stench? My paranoia reached its pinnacle. Let Henry find his own way out. I’m leaving. I turned toward the hall and the flashlight’s beam sliced through the room. I was ready to flee when I caught sight of something. I cast the light upward, toward the high ceiling. A bristly rope had been knotted around a chandelier. My light followed the line of rope and landed on a corpse. Not animal—human. “Henry?!” 
AUTHOR BIO:
Cathrina Constantine is an International Best Selling and Award Winning Author. Her books have won Reader's Favorite International Book Awards. New Apple Medalist Award. Literary Classics Gold and Silver Award. Literary Classics Seal of Approval. And recently 1st Place Top Shelf Award for YA/Mystery. Cathrina loves to immerse herself in great books of every kind of genre, which helps her to write purely for entertainment, and hopefully to inspire readers. When not stationed at her computer you can find her in the woods taking long walks with her dog. Author links: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
Of the Lilin
-- TEASERS: Sage describing her depression: I didnt deserve happiness. Those joys shouldnt exist without my familys and friends presence. I should have to endure more suffering for what I had done. I no longer pressed my memory to find out what I was guilty of. It was a blur, a blip in my mind, but it was there. I felt it, and I needed to suffer for it. Sage, when her dark side appears, describing her feeding: From his wanting mouth, I began to inhale his essence, his spirit. It was exhilarating and decadent. I was filled with what was flowing and still, energetic and peaceful, awe-inspiring and banal. The dichotomies fit like two puzzle pieces. There was not one without the other. This was the only moment that existed. It was completeness.
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Book Details:
Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore Publication date: August 23rd 2021 Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Synopsis: The embarrassment of being the only unkissed girl in high school is something Sandy Cardington refuses to accept. The first kiss project is her foolproof plan to finally get rid of the status at her 17th birthday party, while her parents are out of town. With several kissable boys on her guest list, this should be a walk in the park. But she didn’t count on her older brother returning from college and throwing a wrench into her plans. To make matters even more complicated, he has a friend in tow, and the cute hockey player stirs unexpected butterflies in her stomach every time their paths cross. While Sandy moves heaven and earth to make her party and project come true, it looks as if Thane Griffyn has his own plans to teach her the real meaning of a first kiss… A compelling, sweet high school romance, perfect for fans of Kelly Oram, L A Cotton, Cassie Mae, and Erin Watt. Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
Excerpt 2 The person is still there. And it’s not just any person, it’s Thane! He’s doing chin-ups, breathing hard, his sweaty skin glistens in the morning sun, and I can see all that because he’s only wearing jeans and no freaking t-shirt. Holy shit! The droplets of labor trail down the valleys between the well-defined but never too obtrusive muscles on his back. His shoulder blades work hard at each pull-up, and the rhythmic sound of the breaths he pushes out whenever he brings his chin over the bar drifts in through my window. Cam and I got this swing set when we were kids, so the framework is really just a couple feet taller than Thane. One can easily reach the crossbar on top with outstretched arms, which is why he’s got to angle his knees to keep his feet off the ground. Taken to another world, I watch Thane exercise until the smartphone gently vibrates in my hand. I glance down then answer Adrian’s call very, very quietly. “What?” “Is that Cam’s friend doing a workout in your backyard?” my bestie drawls into my ear while we’re both still staring at Thane’s half-naked body. Okay, well, I am. And there’s no chance to miss the undertone in Adrian’s question. “Apparently. So, why the hell did you wake me?” Of course I can appreciate a nice male body when I see one, but I really don’t see why Adrian would wake me just for that. I don’t like spying on my brother’s friends. “Because this is obviously your great chance! You should totally go downstairs and join him in the backyard.” Sorry, what? “Are you kidding me?” “No! Do you want to get kissed before your seventeenth birthday, or not?” “Well, I do. But—” “Come on, this is the perfect opportunity. Go down, now!” My narrowed gaze zooms across the backyard straight through his window. “To do what exactly?” I mean, I can’t exactly sashay over, loop my arms around his sweaty neck, and press my mouth on his. That would come off as a bit strange, wouldn’t it? Even from here, I can see Adrian lift his shoulders. “I don’t know. Chat with him. Flirt with him.” Within the past couple of years, Adrian never missed a chance to pick a nice match for me—theoretically. From afar. It’s another reason why my family shouldn’t be worried about us at all. He wouldn’t try to set me up if he wanted me for himself, right? This early in the morning, I only wish he wasn’t so eager about it. “I’m certainly not going down there!” I hiss. Maybe a bit too loud… Frozen to the spot, I completely freak out in my head because I forgot my window is open. And of course, Thane looks over his shoulder in that very moment. His gaze zeroes in on me with accurate precision. With the cell phone pressed to my face, I feel a shockwave of red rushing to my cheeks. Automatically, I loosen my fingers, and the phone drops to the floor—straight onto my tiny toe. Jeez, that hurts! But I don’t move a muscle in my face because this is definitely not the right moment to be sniveling. The left corner of Thane’s mouth twitches up. “Hi there.” Caught up in utter panic, I cannot seem to move my lips, but at least I’m smart enough to lift a hand in greeting. Thane places his feet back on the ground and lets go of the bar then faces me. “You’re up early.” Yeah, so are you. So what? He grabs his t-shirt from the swing and wipes the sweat from his face with it before he shakes it out and puts it on. “Is everything okay?” Tell him you didn’t spy on him but you wanted to close the window because he’s so loud! “I think I just broke my toe.” Yeah…or just say that. 
AUTHOR BIO:
"I'm writing stories because I can't breathe without." Anna Katmore lives in an enchanting world of her own, which allows only those to enter who are ready to hand in logic and rationalism. But beware, if you dare to step through this door, you'll never want to leave again... Disney is her attitude towards life, and if she could, she'd save the world from itself. Her patronus is a wolf, her wand the broken twig of an apple tree, 13 inches long with a unicorn hair core. Glitter on her shoes is a must, though she doesn't care for Cinderella's glass slippers. Too risky that something might break... For more information, please visit www.annakatmore.com Author links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
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