young adult

Book Review & Giveaway: Hunterland by Dana Claire

sleepygirl24 Comments

Hunterland by Dana Claire

Publisher:  CamCat Books (February 7, 2023)
Category: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
Tour dates: February 13-March 24, 2023
ISBN: 978-1792361357
Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages

Hunterland

Supernatural meets Nancy Drew in Dana Claire’s New Young Adult Novel Hunterland

Liam Hunter has warded off hungry vampires, slayed monstrous beasts, and put agonized spirits to rest since he could hold a stake. When trouble comes through the Hunterland message board, alerting them that nurses are dying at high schools across Wisconsin in a string of fishy “suicides,” the Hunter family hits the road to save the
day.

The trail leads to Falkville Falls, where Liam clashes with Olivia Davis, whose maddening family seems inexplicably embroiled in this haunting mess. Olivia has always mothered her little sister, Pepper. But when the Hunter family opens her eyes to the hidden underworld of real monsters prowling the dark, she realizes she can’t protect Pepper from this newest threat by herself. Can the two families work together to uncover who or what is responsible before the next murder, or will this vicious death cycle have no end?

Grab your stakes and your rock salt. Monster hunting class is in session.

Amazon
IndieBound
BookShop.org

Guest Review by Sal

Olivia Davis is having a bad day. First of all, she accidentally stumbles across a dead body. The body of her school’s athletic advisor is found hanging in the main lobby of the building, and Olivia is one of many students who witnesses the body. However, as the daughter of a local cop, she is the only one who keeps her head.  

This is one of several deaths of faculty in their high school in the last few months, and Olivia is suspicious of the fact that they are all being deemed suicides. Even more suspicious is the appearance of a new boy, Liam Hunter, who seems to walk right into the crime scene with no care in the world.  

Liam and his family are monster hunters, finding and killing supernatural creatures like vampires, ghosts and witches before they can kill or hurt any more humans. Traveling the country, they hear about local disturbances and track them down. Now in Falkville Falls, Wisconsin, they are hot on the trail of whatever it is that’s killing faculty in Olivia’s school, but Liam will have to gain Olivia’s trust—and her help, before he can tackle this particular monster.  

This was a fantastic book! I loved the supernatural elements and absolutely adored the worldbuilding. I’ve read a few of Dana Claire’s books before and this one was my favorite yet.  

The relationship between Liam and Olivia was very sweet. I really appreciated the character growth between them meeting and absolutely hating each other at first, and then eventually finding level ground and even attraction to one another. I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, so this was perfect for me!  

I hope that Claire intends to write more novels set in this world, but if not, I will still be looking forward to whatever she decides to release next!  

About the Author

DANA CLAIRE is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure. Her love of romantic tension and the supernatural effortlessly translates into spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at
a time.

Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaclaire143
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordanaclaire/

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 3 author signed print copies and is open to Canada, the UK, & the U.S.. This giveaway ends on March 23, 2023 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Advance Praise

“Everything I want in a story—Monsters, family, romance, and humor.”
—Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of The Sweet Evil Trilogy

“Hunterland, delights in every way. Both the intrigue and the romance are deliciously dangerous.”—Eva Pohler, USA Today bestselling author of The Underworld Saga

“This coming-of-age adventure is filled with murder, mystery, the paranormal, and lots of thrilling twists and turns.”—Cameo Renae, USA Today bestselling author

“Fans of Supernatural will not be disappointed with Hunterland. Dana Claire knocked it out of the park.”—Lynn Rush, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Feb 13 Kickoff & Excerpt

Wendy Wall-to-wall books Feb 15 Review

Lu Ann Rockin Book Reviews Feb 16 Review & Guest Post Postponed)

Kimberly Amazon & Goodreads Feb 17 Review

Nora Storeybook Reviews Feb 21 Guest Review & Excerpt

DT Amazon & Goodreads Feb 22 Review

Sal Bound 4 Escape Feb 23 Guest Review

Bookgirl Amazon & Goodreads Feb 24 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Feb 27 Review & Interview

Nancy The Avid Reader Feb 28  Review

Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings Mar 1 Review

Gud Reader Goodreads Mar 2 Review

Ashley’s Bookshelf Mar 3 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Mar 7 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Mar 8 Guest Post

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Mar 9 Guest Review & Excerpt

Mark Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 14 Guest Review

Lisa’s Writopia Mar 15 Review

Jessica JBronder Book Reviews Mar 22 Review & Excerpt

Book Review: Brothers Three by C.W. James

sleepygirl2

Orphaned and left to fend for themselves, three teen brothers must learn how work together to survive in the American Old West.

Allen, Paul, and Chet never knew an easy life. Orphaned two years ago, their uncle Barnaby was appointed guardian until each is old enough to claim his share of the cattle ranch willed to them by their father. But the lure of gold and riches is too powerful for Barnaby to ignore. He soon departs, leaving the trio to fend for themselves as he hopes to strike it rich.

Others, who have long coveted the ranch, eagerly swoop in. They will stop at nothing either to have the land given to them or take it by force. The brothers are soon entangled in a web of rustlers, greed, and robbers trying to steal everything from them. With their uncle gone and no other family, their land is the only thing they have left. Allen, Paul, and Chet learn what it means to become a man, stand their ground and work as one to save their ranch – and each other.

Failure isn’t an option. Time is running out and the wolves are closing in.

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from Reedsy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Allen, Paul, and Chet are teenage brothers whose parents have died, and their Uncle Barnaby is their guardian. The boys, however, are usually on their own because their uncle is looking for gold. Since Allen is the oldest, he feels responsible for his brothers as well as running the ranch. It’s a huge burden for a teenager to bear, and it weighs on him heavily.

One day when Allen is out, Chet and Paul’s horses are stolen. This is just the first in a chain of events that have the brothers reeling. It seems that not only is Captain Grady after their ranch, but there is a gang looking for their uncle. Allen finally decides that he needs to track down their uncle before they lose everything or before they lose their uncle.

The boys’ characters are realistic and well developed. Allen’s serious demeanor is understandable since he feels that he is responsible for everyone and the ranch. His younger brothers are more carefree, but they help run the ranch without complaint. When their ranch and then even their lives are threatened, they keep their cool and do what needs to be done. These boys have truly grown to be men, and even Allen realizes it.  

The other characters in the story include Ike Watson, an old man who helps them and is a unique individual. Captain Grady, on the other hand, is evil and shows no redeeming qualities at all.

This story is a page turner with the different journeys the boys have to take looking for horses, horse thieves, and their uncle. There were times that it was tense such as when Chet and Paul went through a place called Demon Hollow in the middle of the night. The descriptions were enough to make me tense reading it! There were also some horrific moments that made me cringe.

Brothers Three is a young adult historical fiction novel that I recommend although it does need proofreading.

My review on Reedsy Discovery.

About the Author

C.W. James is the pen name of an author who lives in rural Northern Nevada with two rescue cats. He enjoys hiking and movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood. He has traditionally published juvenile nonfiction books from Carolrhoda Books and Capstone Press, and about two dozen magazine articles.

PROFILE URL

https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/nickcook1261

Book Review & Giveaway: The Darker the Skies by Bryan Prosek

sleepygirl22 Comments

Book Title:  The Darker the Skies by Bryan Prosek
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 292 pages
Genre: YA Science Fiction 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. It’s very clean.

It only takes one to make a difference.

Just days before Jake Saunders plans on proposing to the love of his life, Jake is called upon once again to save his home, Earth. The Earthen Legion troops and its allies think they’re battling only pirates, but a new, more powerful foe from another galaxy flanks their forces and invades, in search of a weapon the planet didn’t even know it had.

​When Jake learns that this new enemy was responsible for the death of his father many years ago, he realizes he can finally face his true nemesis. The odds are stacked against Jake, but with the help of his friends and allies he’s made along the way, he must rally the remaining Legion troops and retake Earth before it’s too late. The fate of Earth and the fate of his love, rest in the balance.

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. The Darker the Skies is the second book in a series. The first book, The Brighter the Stars, was good, and I was looking forward to listening to this one.

It is seven or eight years after Jake and his best friend, Cal, helped to save Earth from attack. Now they are posted on the planet that Diane is on so that Jake can be near her because she is the love of his life.

Unfortunately, with peace for that long, Earth has gotten lax with its defenses so when there is an attack, they lose quickly. Again, it’s up to Jake and Cal to save Earth.

I like the character development which continues in the second book. I especially liked learning about some things that I knew had to have more of a backstory!

The narrator was very good. His pace and voice worked for this story. I was able to tell the difference between the different characters by just a small change in his voice for each one.

I’ve always enjoyed young adult books and this one is no exception. It has young love, loss, action and more. I recommend The Darker the Skies, and although it does stand on its own, I recommend reading or listening to The Brighter the Stars first. This series was written for young adults but adults who like sci-fi will enjoy it as well. The only thing I’m not thrilled about is that it ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book isn’t out yet!

About the Author

Bryan Prosek is a science fiction writer and business attorney. Along with his debut The Brighter the Stars and the forthcoming A Measure of Serenity, he has published books and articles in legal trade journals and magazines. When he isn’t writing or practicing law, you can probably find him watching science fiction movies or television shows. He loves the big screen and the small screen. There’s a good chance that he’ll be watching one of the numerous Star Trek movies or series, but he could be watching anything from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Conjuring.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of THE DARKER THE SKIES

(2 winners/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Nov 14 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – books spotlight / giveaway
Nov 15 –Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 15 –The Momma Spot – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 17 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 18 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 18 –Liese’s Blog – books spotlight
Nov 18 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 21 – Books are a Blessing – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 21 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 22 – FUONLYKNEW – books spotlight / author interview  giveaway
Nov 22 – Books are a Blessing – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 23 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 23 – The Momma Spot – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 25 – JennaReadStuff – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 28 – Book Corner News and Reviews – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 28 – Lady Hawkeye – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 29 – fundinmental – books spotlight / giveaway
Nov 29 – Book Corner News and Reviews –book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 30 – Jazzy Book Reviews – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 30 – Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 1 – Leels Loves Books – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 2 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 2 – The Obsessed Reader – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 6 – Literary Flits – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 7 – Literary Flits – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 7 – Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 8 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 8 – Leels Loves Books – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 9 – The Obsessed Reader – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
TBD – @Happy_planner_vibes – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
TBD – @Happy_planner_vibes – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
TBD – JennaReadStuff – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway: The Brighter the Stars by Bryan Prosek

sleepygirl22 Comments

Book Title:  The Brighter the Stars by Bryan Prosek
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  256 pages
Genre: YA Science Fiction 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2020
Content Rating: PG. It’s very clean.

Caught between love and revenge, Jake has one chance to live up to the man his uncle was.

Earth crashed into interstellar politics as a lightweight, lagging so far behind other planetary weapons systems everyone feared they wouldn’t survive first contact with other worlds without quick action. By 2185, Earth had united itself into five geographic sectors and developed a defense system powerful enough to keep aggressors at bay—for now, at least.

Jake Saunders became a Legion soldier to honor the memory of his war hero uncle, who was brutally murdered in front of him when he was still a young teen. Fast forward a few years, and Jake and his best friend Cal have been tasked with escorting Cal’s older sister Diane to become Earth’s ambassador on a far-off planet. It’s the opportunity of Diane’s career, very likely a lifetime post. But for Jake, that could mean a lifetime’s heartbreak. He has loved Diane since they were kids, and every step closer to that ambassador assignment is a step closer to goodbye.

​But somebody is after more than Earth’s defense, and Jake, Cal, and Diane are on a trajectory to crash headlong into that dangerous plot. Somebody wants to play Earth against its most immediate threat, Craton, and convince both to develop super weapons—and he’s working with the person who killed Jake’s uncle all those years ago. When he reappears on Jake, Cal, and Diane’s journey to the ambassadorship, Jake is faced with difficult choices to look out for his friends and honor his uncle’s memory.

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

The Brighter the Stars begins with Jake when he’s a teen. He lives with his aunt and uncle because his parents died when he was little, so his uncle is like a dad to him. Horrifically, he witnesses his uncle’s death. This changes his life to the point that he’s obsessed with finding and exacting revenge on the murderer, a Cratonite.

Eight years later, Jake and his best friend, Cal, have enlisted and are tasked with taking Cal’s sister and Jake’s lifelong crush, Diane, to a distant planet which happens to be near Craton. That’s when the adventure truly begins with close calls, twists, fighting for their lives, and more.

The narrator was very good. His pace and voice worked for this story. I was able to tell the difference between the different characters by just a small change in his voice for each one.

I’ve always enjoyed young adult books and this one is no exception. It has young love, loss, action and more. I recommend The Brighter the Stars to young adults as well as adults who like sci-fi. I’m looking forward to listening to the next book, The Darker the Skies soon.

About the Author

Bryan Prosek is a science fiction writer and business attorney. Along with his debut The Brighter the Stars and the forthcoming A Measure of Serenity, he has published books and articles in legal trade journals and magazines. When he isn’t writing or practicing law, you can probably find him watching science fiction movies or television shows. He loves the big screen and the small screen. There’s a good chance that he’ll be watching one of the numerous Star Trek movies or series, but he could be watching anything from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Conjuring.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of THE DARKER THE SKIES

(2 winners/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Nov 14 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – books spotlight / giveaway
Nov 15 –Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 15 –The Momma Spot – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 17 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 18 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 18 –Liese’s Blog – books spotlight
Nov 18 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 21 – Books are a Blessing – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 21 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 22 – FUONLYKNEW – books spotlight / author interview  giveaway
Nov 22 – Books are a Blessing – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 23 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 23 – The Momma Spot – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 25 – JennaReadStuff – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 28 – Book Corner News and Reviews – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Nov 28 – Lady Hawkeye – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 29 – fundinmental – books spotlight / giveaway
Nov 29 – Book Corner News and Reviews –book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Nov 30 – Jazzy Book Reviews – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 30 – Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 1 – Leels Loves Books – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 2 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 2 – The Obsessed Reader – audiobook review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 6 – Literary Flits – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
Dec 7 – Literary Flits – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 7 – Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 8 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 8 – Leels Loves Books – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
Dec 9 – The Obsessed Reader – audiobook review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
TBD – @Happy_planner_vibes – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway
TBD – @Happy_planner_vibes – book review of THE DARKER THE SKIES / giveaway
TBD – JennaReadStuff – book review of THE BRIGHTER THE STARS / giveaway

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Grady Whill & the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman

sleepygirl28 Comments

Book Title:  Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Young-Adult Fiction (18 +), 286 pages
Genre:  Action-Adventure/Fantasy
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   July 30 2022
Content Rating: PG. The author thinks the book is G-rated. A reviewer said it had some curses. Some may consider “Holy crap” is a curse.

Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open! The prestigious institution is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

​If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Grady and his best friend, Aarush, want to go to the new Templeton High School, but Grady didn’t finish applying, so he knows he has no chance. Until he’s accepted because Aarush filled out his application. Unfortunately, Grady’s bully makes into Templeton as well.

When they arrive at Templeton, things aren’t the same as at a “normal” high school. The codex is very important, and they are told that it will unlock the secrets to the universe. I like the first rule of the codex: failure is good. Once they learn what that truly means, they’ll start on the second rule.

Grady realizes that some people have special gifts. He wonders what his is. The curriculum is grueling and there are a lot of secrets that come out throughout the first year at school. It’s an exciting and strange school that middle school readers and young adults will enjoy.

The students are all unique and represent the fact that we are all different but still worth getting to know; in fact, our differences make for better friendships and more well-rounded adults.

About the Author

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD
GRAND PRIZE
(1 winner/USA only)

or

signed copy of GRADY WHILL AND THE TEMPLETON CODEX
(10 winners/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Nov 7 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 7 – The Obsessed Reader – book review / giveaway
Nov 8 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review
Nov 9 – Pick a Good Book – audiobook review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 10 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 14 – @happy_planner_vibes – book review / giveaway
Nov 15 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Nov 16 – Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 17 – Splashes of Joy  – audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 17 – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 18 – Writer with Wanderlust – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 21 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 22 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
Nov 22 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Nov 23 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 25 – Stephanie Jane – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 25 – My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 28 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 28 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Nov 28 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 29 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 – Lady Hawkeye – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 1 – Literary Flits – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 2 – Rajiv’s Reviews – book review
Dec 2 –The Homeschool Expert – book review / guest post / giveaway

“If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It’s filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters.” Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite

“Harry Potter meets Sky High. If you’re a fan of young adult stories where protagonists go to mysterious schools to train their superhuman abilities, don’t miss out on Grady Whill and The Templeton Codex.” Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorite

“Carole P. Roman has created a world that is unique, inhabited by characters that young people can easily relate to because of their similar concerns about growing pains… This book has a strong message and theme that deserves to be read.” Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Reader’s Favorite

Book Review & Giveaway: The Osprey Man by Christopher Tuthill

sleepygirl28 Comments

The Osprey Man by Christopher Tuthill

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (July 26, 2022)
Category: Young Adult, Coming of Age
ISBN: 978-1955065528
Available in Print and ebook, 280 pages

The Osprey Man

Jacob is at that most magical time between childhood and adolescence. As the end of the school year approaches, he is dreaming of baseball and the beach, but most of all, about working on the comic book he and his best friend Jonathan have created, The Osprey Man. Then tragedy strikes and Jacob has to find an inner strength he is not sure he has.

This beautifully written tale of youth, coping, and working through grief is ideal for readers of all ages.

Amazon
Barnes&Noble
DX Varos Publishing
IndieBound
Bookshop.org

Guest Review by Sal

Christopher Tuthill’s ‘The Osprey Man’ is a story about loss, friendship, growing up and the little curve balls that life throws at us along the way.

Jacob is a young boy living in a small, rural town who spends his free time working on a comic book with his best friend. One seemingly normal day, Jacob is shocked to learn that his best friend, Jon, has been killed in an accident. Coping with the shock and grief brings old emotions to the surface for Jacob, as he had also lost his brother to cancer several years earlier.

Deciding that he still wishes for his and Jon’s comic book, ‘Osprey Man,’ to eventually see the light of day, Jacob asks for help from another friend, Kris, to finish it. His intention is for Kris to illustrate the book while Jacob writes it, but whether or not they will be able to finish the comic between Jacob’s new job at the local pizza place, the chores that he still has to finish at home every day, and the bullying of Kris’s older brother, is up in the air.

The summer of 1984 is both tragic and beautiful for Jacob as he comes to terms with the fact that his friend is gone forever, and the fact that he is growing up.

Tuthill has created a beautiful and moving novel, with all of the panache of a great YA story. It’s obvious from his writing that he understands how kids talk and act, and this glimpse back into the 1980’s seems as fresh and timely as ever.

Jacob was both relatable and interesting in his character, which made the story feel so much more unexpected in its direction. This is an author that I will definitely follow. I want to read more by Tuthill!

About the Author

Christopher Tuthill’s short fiction has appeared in The Mythic Circle, Dark Tales from Elder Regions, and Tales of Reverie. A native of Riverhead, on Long Island, and a graduate of Catholic schools, Chris grew up around many of the places and people that inspire his writing.

He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with his wife and children. He works as a librarian, and his hobbies include board games, baseball, hiking, camping, and telling stories to his three children.  Among his other interests, he is co-founder of the New York Tolkien Conference.

Website: https://christuthill.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ChrisJTuthill
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjtuthill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjtuthill/

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 3 print or ebook copies. Print is open to the U.S. only. eBook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on October 28, 2022, midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Oct 3 Kickoff & Interview

Bookgirl Amazon Goodreads Oct 4 Review

Lu Ann Rockin Book Reviews Oct 5 Review & Guest Post

Am Goodreads Oct 6 Review

Sal Bound 4 Escape Oct 7 Guest Review

Mark Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Oct 11 Guest Review

Taylor (Rebecca) Amazon Oct 13 Review

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Oct 14 Guest Review Guest Review & Excerpt

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Oct 18 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Oct 20 Guest Review & Excerpt

DT Chantel Amazon Oct 26 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Oct 27 Review & Interview

Praise for Osprey Man

“Osprey Man reveals its surprises, unwrapping them through the course of the story like birthday gifts.”- D.Donovan, Midwest Book Review

“Chris Tuthill crafts a really touching story with very relatable themes here. It’s a vivid coming of age tale of loss and endurance.”- Matt Caputo, Goodreads 5 Star Review

“I truly enjoyed this book. Full of nostalgia, heart break, love and loss. I definitely recommend this for young and old alike!”-Maria, Goodreads 5 Star Review

Book Review & Giveaway: The Seraphim’s Song by Barbara Casey

sleepygirl21 Comment

Book Title: The Seraphim’s Song (Book 5 of The F.I.G. Mysteries) by Barbara Casey
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 213 pages
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher: Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release date: April 2022
Content Rating: G. THE SERAPHIM’S SONG is suitable for all readers – adult and young adult.

Many changes have taken place at Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women while Carolina and Larry were on their honeymoon in Frascati, Italy, on the Granchelli farm. The newlyweds have been given a larger bungalow; Ms. Alcott, niece of the founder of Wood Rose, and Mrs. Ball, assistant to the headmaster, have moved into a bungalow together; and Jimmy Bob, caretaker and night watchman at Wood Rose has moved from his family home down the road a bit into a small bungalow on the orphanage property with his hound dog Tick, as well as his new cat and her litter of kittens.

Summer is coming to an end and the F.I.G.s will soon return to the universities to complete their special projects. They are starting to feel anxious, and the coping mechanisms they have used their entire lives are starting to work overtime. Dara’s thoughts turn to an unknown language, possibly from another world; Mackenzie focuses on the relationship of math to music; and Jennifer keeps hearing the note of B flat minor and is drawing dark swirls on her canvas board.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
B&N ~ Books-A-Million
and local bookstores everywhere
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.  I’ve read several books by Barbara Casey including the first four books in this series. The first two books, The Wish Rider and The Cadence of Gypsies, are my favorites by the author so far. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, it definitely stands on its own.

Even though Carolina is married, her husband is out of town, so she is on her own after their honeymoon. The F.I.G.s are on summer break, though, so she has their company. Unfortunately, they’re all aware that something is going to happen because their coping mechanisms are in high gear. When Carolina hears from her mother, Lyuba, in Italy, they know that they have to figure out her message ASAP.

It’s obvious that the author did a lot of research for this book, and I found the history interesting. Along with the history is mystery, adventure, gypsies, natural disasters and danger.

I liked The Seraphim’s Song but not as much as the first two books. This being book five, I feel like I know Carolina and the F.I.G.s well, so I felt like I had to wade through a lot of backstory to get to the essence of The Seraphim’s Song.

About the Author

Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels and book-length works of nonfiction for both adults and young adults, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Several of her books have been optioned for major films and television series.

In addition to her own writing, Barbara is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency. Established in 1995, she represents authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan.

In 2018 Barbara received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and Top Professional Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas.

Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with three cats who adopted her: Homer, a Southern coon cat; Reese, a black cat; and Earl Gray, a gray cat and Reese’s best friend.

​Connect with the author:  Barbara Casey Author ~ Barbara Casey Agency ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of THE SERAPHIM’S SONG
(Book 5 – THE F.I.G Mysteries)
(one winner/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

July 5 – Rockin” Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
July 6 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight
July 8 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
July 8 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
July 11 –Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
July 12 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
July 13 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 14 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
July 15 – Books for Books – book review
July 18 – Laura McHale Holland, Author, Dreamer, Storyteller – book review
July 19 – Mystery Review Crew – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 20 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 20 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
July 21 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
July 22 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
July 25 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Audiobook Review: Silence at the Lock by Andi Cumbo-Floyd

sleepygirl21 Comment

Author: Andi Cumbo-Floyd
Narrator: Aven Shore
Length: 5 hours and 14 minutes
Series: Steele Secrets, Book 3
Released: April 29, 2022
Producer: Audiobook Empire
Publisher: Andilit
Genre: Paranormal; Young Adult

I didn’t expect to meet a grieving ghost or her dead mother.

But then, I didn’t expect to find out my town had been the site of a lynching, a lynching that
had left my friend Sarah motherless and had made her a victim of murder as well.

Their deaths aren’t ancient history, though, not when one man who was a witness still
holds sway in our small town. My friends and I have truth on our side, but will that be
enough to keep us safe?

If only telling the truth didn’t come so hard to so many.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Audiobook Empire. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Once again Mary finds herself transported, this time to a lock where a woman had been lynched around 90 years ago. The woman’s daughter, Sarah, was there. She had been killed trying to save her mom. Mary wondered why no one was charged and Sarah explained that lynching wasn’t illegal!

As usual, her team of friends do a lot of research into the people involved and realize that the mayor’s father was the one responsible for Sarah’s mom to be lynched. They find out a lot and share what they learn with Sarah. They also tried to give Sarah closure so that she could move on.

Dealing with white supremacists is the biggest challenge that Mary and her friends have to face. They do a good job at dealing with them. It’s sad that white supremacists are still around. There’s too much hate in our world today.

The narrator did a good job. Her pace is good and the story flows well. Mary is the narrator of the story in the book, and Aven Shore’s voice fit the part well.

Mary’s gift is extraordinary, and it still amazes me how people just accept it. This book is more about racism in the 20th century which continues today. This one did seem to be a little more political than the other two books. Silence at the Lock is young adult paranormal fiction that middle school readers or young adults will enjoy while learning about a terrible part of our history.

Buy on Google⎮Chirp⎮Kobo

Andi Cumbo-Floyd lives in the Southwestern Mountains of Virginia with her young son, an old dog, and a puppy who likes to eat furniture. When she’s not writing she likes to cross-stitch, binge magical shows, and garden.

Aven Shore is an audiobook narrator living in her off-grid tiny house in rural Eastern Canada, surrounded by forest and chicken friends, and honeybees. She loves books so much she’s listening to one almost every minute she’s not narrating one (she narrates romance as Avie Paige). She narrates live on Discord with other romance narrators on the Haven server. She is longing to travel and hike in mountains again, and dreaming of sleep in the lava fields of Iceland under Northern lights again, her favorite place in the world. Her past lives include being a carpenter, firefighter, tax accountant, and competitive snowboarder.

At Audiobook Empire, audio reigns supreme, narrators are hailed as heroes, and headphones are worn with pride.

Marrying pomp and circumstance with quality you can count on, Audiobook Empire is a full-service production house that produces and promotes audiobooks with gusto.

Give your audiobook the imperial treatment by producing it with Audiobook Empire.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram

Click here to view the full tour schedule!

Plugging you into the audio community since 2016.

Sign up as a tour host here.

Audiobook Review: Charlotte and the Twelve by Andi Cumbo-Floyd

sleepygirl21 Comment

Author: Andi Cumbo-Floyd
Narrator: Aven Shore
Length: 5 hours and 41 minutes
Series: Steele Secrets, Book 2
Released: April 26, 2022
Producer: Audiobook Empire
Publisher: Andilit
Genre: Paranormal; Young Adult

It’s not every day a ghost curls up in your lap …

But when little Henrietta decides I’m trustworthy and introduces me to her teacher, Charlotte, I find myself wrapped up in the story of their murders.

Before long, my friends and I are saving a building, solving a murder, and telling the stories that a lot of people in our small town would rather be left untold.

Our best hope for ourselves and for Henrietta and Charlotte is that the truth really will set us free.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Audiobook Empire. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Once again Mary finds herself transported, this time to a schoolhouse, where she meets a teacher and her twelve students. She’s horrified when she finds out what happened to them. There’s a whole new level of horror when she realizes the culprits are still alive!

Like the last time when Mary ended up in a cemetery, her team of friends do a lot of research into the people involved and try to find a solution so that the children and their teacher can move on. They try to have a circle of truth with the men who caused the deaths, and eventually get the children and their parents together to say goodbye.

The narrator did a good job. Her pace is good and the story flows well. Mary is the narrator of the story in the book, and Aven Shore’s voice fit the part well.

Mary’s gift is extraordinary, and it still amazes me how people just accept it. This book is more about racism in the 20th century which continues today. It is fiction that middle school readers or young adults will enjoy while learning about a terrible part of our history.

Andi Cumbo-Floyd lives in the Southwestern Mountains of Virginia with her young son, an old dog, and a puppy who likes to eat furniture. When she’s not writing she likes to cross-stitch, binge magical shows, and garden.

Aven Shore is an audiobook narrator living in her off-grid tiny house in rural Eastern Canada, surrounded by forest and chicken friends, and honeybees. She loves books so much she’s listening to one almost every minute she’s not narrating one (she narrates romance as Avie Paige). She narrates live on Discord with other romance narrators on the Haven server. She is longing to travel and hike in mountains again, and dreaming of sleep in the lava fields of Iceland under Northern lights again, her favorite place in the world. Her past lives include being a carpenter, firefighter, tax accountant, and competitive snowboarder.

At Audiobook Empire, audio reigns supreme, narrators are hailed as heroes, and headphones are worn with pride.

Marrying pomp and circumstance with quality you can count on, Audiobook Empire is a full-service production house that produces and promotes audiobooks with gusto.

Give your audiobook the imperial treatment by producing it with Audiobook Empire.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram

Click here to view the full tour schedule!

Plugging you into the audio community since 2016.

Sign up as a tour host here.

Audiobook Review: Steele Secrets by Andi Cumbo-Floyd

sleepygirl21 Comment

Author: Andi Cumbo-Floyd
Narrator: Aven Shore
Length: 4 hours and 37 minutes
Series: Steele Secrets, Book 1
Released: April 11, 2022
Producer: Audiobook Empire
Publisher: Andilit
Genre: Paranormal; Young Adult

Ghosts just don’t show up for anybody.

So when I meet the spirit of a former slave named Moses, I know he needs my help.But I didn’t expect to be taking on half of my town, or the powerful men who seem to run everything and have done so for years.

Secrets are being uncovered, and some people would do anything to keep them buried, no matter who gets hurt. I’ll need the help of history and friends I can trust if I want to save Moses’ graveyard and protect his legacy.

If only everyone believed it was one worth protecting…

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Audiobook Empire. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Mary suddenly shows up in a cemetery and doesn’t know how she got there, but she does know that the man she is talking to is a ghost named Moses who had been a slave. Mary wants to find a way to help Moses move on, and she ends up doing a school project about the people in the cemetery.

Mary realizes from her research that she didn’t realize how horrible life was for the slaves. The women were often raped by their owners, and their husbands had to just let it go.

Mary and her friends learn that racism is alive and well. Her group has to fight to keep the cemetery from being destroyed. She is even threatened because of sharing things that she learned. I liked that her friends were a mix of races.

The narrator did a good job. Her pace is good and the story flows well. Mary is the narrator of the story in the book, and Aven Shore’s voice fit the part well.

I found it interesting that Mary seeing ghosts wasn’t a big deal to anyone. This book is more about the horror of slavery and the continuing racism problem today. This is fiction that middle school readers or young adults will enjoy while learning about a terrible part of our history.

Andi Cumbo-Floyd lives in the Southwestern Mountains of Virginia with her young son, an old dog, and a puppy who likes to eat furniture. When she’s not writing she likes to cross-stitch, binge magical shows, and garden.

Aven Shore is an audiobook narrator living in her off-grid tiny house in rural Eastern Canada, surrounded by forest and chicken friends, and honeybees. She loves books so much she’s listening to one almost every minute she’s not narrating one (she narrates romance as Avie Paige). She narrates live on Discord with other romance narrators on the Haven server. She is longing to travel and hike in mountains again, and dreaming of sleep in the lava fields of Iceland under Northern lights again, her favorite place in the world. Her past lives include being a carpenter, firefighter, tax accountant, and competitive snowboarder.

At Audiobook Empire, audio reigns supreme, narrators are hailed as heroes, and headphones are worn with pride.

Marrying pomp and circumstance with quality you can count on, Audiobook Empire is a full-service production house that produces and promotes audiobooks with gusto.

Give your audiobook the imperial treatment by producing it with Audiobook Empire.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram

Click here to view the full tour schedule!

Plugging you into the audio community since 2016.

Sign up as a tour host here.