A Sandy Grave ~ Interview with Giveaway

Yesterday I reviewed A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine, a book targeted at the preteen reader dealing A Sandy Grave, the beach, and writing.
with poaching.  Well, today I'm sharing a short interview I recently did with Donna about

Q 1. Why did you decide to write a book geared towards kids that deals with poaching?

A. Many of my story ideas come from reading news articles, and I found the story of a washed up dead whale on a California beach very interesting. It piqued my creative juices immediately.

Q 2. Have you ever had any experiences with Marine Biology? If so what?

A. A few years ago, we vacationed at the Atlantis in the Bahamas and we went swimming with the dolphins. Exhilarating time!

Q 3. What do you like best about a day at the beach?

A. The peacefulness of the sound of the ocean and immersing myself in a compelling mystery book rejuvenates my mind and body.

Q 4. How did you decide on the title A Sandy Grave? Having read the book it makes sense, but I'd like to know the thought processes behind the name.

A. While reading the article mentioned above and discovering how the authorities took care of the dead whale provided the perfect title.

Q 5. What do you most enjoy about writing?

A. The research and developing a creative outline to intertwine the two to make a story leap from the pages.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book:

The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?

About the Author:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.

Visit Donna online at www.donnamcdine.com or at her blog www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

EXCERPT: The lifeguards had their arms extended and attempted to move the crowd back. The tallest lifeguard said, “People, please stay back. The authorities will arrive to examine the whale to determine the cause of death within the hour. The whale must have died at sea and washed ashore.”

PURCHASE AT: GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLE Title: A Sandy Grave Author: Donna M. McDine Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Pages: 24 Language: English Genre: Tween Chapterbook Format: Paperback, Hardcover and eBook

Sincerely Yours ~ Review

Sincerely Yours
A Novella Collection
By Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot,
Laurie Alice Eakes, and Ann Shorey

Sincerely Yours is a delightful collection of 4 novellas from Revell and in each the common thread is a that changes the life of a woman.  For some the letter is crushing, for others it is joyous.  But for each it is life altering and a chance at romance.

In Moonlight Promise Camilla Renfrew is desperate to get away from the man to whom her brother is in debt.  And she willing to make a leap that would shock those who know her.  But danger is lurking on the Erie Canal and she could lose more than her heart.

In Lessons in Love Marigold is keeping a secret that is about to be exposed unless she can convince her piano teacher to help her keep it.  But to keep her secret she'll need to open her heart to Colin Thackery.  But could something more than a series of marriage articles be in Merrie's future or will she be a crusader like her aunt?

In One Little Word Lorraine Caldwell is on the verge of losing her inheritance unless she marries soon.  Be marriage isn't what she wants - at least not to the man handpicked for her.  But can she give up the luxuries to which she is accustomed?  Or will she hold out for love?  Little does she realize that one little word will forever alter her life.

In A Saving Grace Grace answers the desperate pleas of her goddaughter, but in so doing puts herself in harm's way.  But Grace made a promise and she intends to keep it.  She needs an ally, but whom can she trust with her life and perhaps her heart?

These four stories are perfect for a quick escape from the pressures of the day.  Sweet, yet dramatic, you'll take a trip back in time to when America was still growing from shore to shore.  This is a great vacation read for the beach and summer is just around the corner unless you get May blizzards (and yes we do in Wisconsin - 12 inches last May 2nd!)

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Be sure to check out author Jane Kirkpatrick's website for a giveaway she's offering.

About the Book:

Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.

Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote hospital, you'll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler's Home Weekly even though she is single.Everyone assumes from the initials that "M. M." is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn't marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she's found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?

A Sandy Beach ~ Review with Giveaway

A Sandy Grave
By Donna M. McDine
Illustrations by Julie Hammond

Leah, Nicole, and Hayley are excited to spend their summer vacation at the beach.  After all there is just something special about saltwater scented air and warm sand beneath your feet.

But when a whale is found dead their vacation turns into a lesson about poachers.  Someone has stolen teeth from the beached whale and they are planning to profit from it.

When Leah spots some suspicious looking men she thinks she knows who the poachers are. But how are three tween girls going to stop the men they suspect of poaching whale teeth?

With a suggested reader age of 8-12  A Sandy Grave is an excellent book to introduce the tweens in your life to the concept of poaching.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in conjunction with this PUYB book tour.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for my interview with author Donna McDine.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book:
The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?

About the Author:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.

Visit Donna online at www.donnamcdine.com or at her blog www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

EXCERPT: The lifeguards had their arms extended and attempted to move the crowd back. The tallest lifeguard said, “People, please stay back. The authorities will arrive to examine the whale to determine the cause of death within the hour. The whale must have died at sea and washed ashore.”

PURCHASE AT: GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLE Title: A Sandy Grave Author: Donna M. McDine Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Pages: 24 Language: English Genre: Tween Chapterbook Format: Paperback, Hardcover and eBook

The Soul of the Sun ~ Book Blitz

 We welcome Genevieve Crownson, author of the YA paranormal, The Soul of the Sun!

Title: The Soul of the Sun
Genre: Paranormal/Young Adult
Author: Genevieve Crownson
Publisher: Genevieve Crownson
Pages: 348
Format: Paperback l Kindle

Book Summary: 

“The hands of time turn on the face of the sun. Only you can move them. If the Watcher controls the hands of the clock he can go anywhere, past or future-- and destroy our planet.”

Since the days of ancient Greece, the Argos dynasty has kept a secret, a mystery passed down through their descendants from generation to generation, in the hopes that the forces of good can stop the evil destruction of planet Earth. 

Margaret Ingall is harboring that secret. Time is running out for the descendants of the Argos. They know a great healer and time traveler will be born of their blood. But the only person that knows whom they will call “the soul of the sun” is Margaret’s sister, Abigail. Before she can reveal the healer’s identity, disaster strikes… 

Evil stalks them, watching and waiting to find out which member of her family has the ultimate power. Is it Margaret’s own child? Or her beloved granddaughter? Or even herself? Their only clue is a powerful protective amulet that will lead them all in a cat-and-mouse game to discover secrets as ancient as time. 

If the Watcher discovers the truth before they do, all will be lost. 

Fate, time and love weave together in their struggle to fulfill their destiny. Will Margaret’s fears sabotage her family’s protection? Can the healer accept her gifts in time? And once the soul of the sun is finally revealed, will it be too late?

Her power is incredible. The sacrifices required of her are immense. 

Will it be enough to stop the Watcher? 

Excerpt:

The rain fell in sheets around me, it was gloomy and depressing, but I didn’t feel a drop. I was completely encased in light; I was a moving, breathing, flaming yellow orb that no one could penetrate. I watched in amazement as my broken leg instantly healed and the torn pajama fabric cinched itself back together. My jaw pain ceased. I closed my hands over the amulet, now humming with intensity. In a split second, I was vibrating with the same power. The wind picked up and the sky loomed black. The moon lay dark behind an inky sky and somehow strange chanting words flowed out of me. Lava hot and fraught with meaning, they rose to a fever pitch. Every word was a part of me, part of my being. Words from another time, Tanga’s time, slipped from my lips as though it were my native tongue. It was the inscription on the amulet, of that much I was sure.

     I stretched my glowing hands out to Thomas.

     “I call on you Lady Isis.

     Protect Me.

     For I am the one, the Soul of the Sun.

     I plead with you and your son Horus to give refuge.

     Patroness of Nature and Magic bring all my power and your power together to glorify

     what is right and true in this world.

    Honor your name and those we safeguard from harm. Let time be taken from no man.

   Amen.”

   He was laughing at me.

   “You stupid little twit, did you honestly think that would work? You think that I can’t take what’s mine?”

    As he spoke, I chanted the same words, repeating them over and over. I saw fear cross his face just for a moment when he realized I was using the amulet’s power. A brilliant beam of light continued to radiate from my core. It was strange, the light now shone gold instead of blue. It must have changed when it sealed together. I continued to watch and to my astonishment, he became transparent and, with a puff of smoke, evaporated into the heavens. I could hear his heart-rending screams echoing through the ocean’s storm. Drained completely of energy, I crumpled, exhausted, onto the sand.

About the Author:

Genevieve Crownson graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelors of Science degree. A love of writing led her to pen her debut novel, The Soul of the Sun. This is book one in her highly anticipated trilogy, The Argos Dynasty. She currently lives in beautiful Charleston, SC with her family and beloved four-legged friends.

You can find her at www.genevievecrownson.com

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The Power of Entertainment and the Bible

The power of media and entertainment is an interesting and intriguing phenomena.  How many times do we read a book only to seek out a dramatization of this same work or see a movie only to the search out the book on which it is based.  Well, apparently NOAH has had the same effect on the early movie goers as the following just released statistic shows:

In the days after the Noah Movie hit theaters, 

people opening the Noah story in Genesis 6 

increased about 300% in the U.S. & 245% 

globally on the YouVersion Bible App. 

Talk about the power of movies!

When's the last time you read the story of Noah from the Bible?
Check out Genesis 6 here.

Godtube Exclusive – NOAH Christian Music Video from gracehillmedia on GodTube.

Visible Threat ~ Review

Visible Threat 
By Janice Cantore

Brianna Caruso is determined to protect the innocent even if it means breaking a few rules.  But this time her risk taking may come with a price.  But is she to blame or is she just taking on guilt that isn't hers?

When a young woman's body is found in a river amongst in storm debris, Brianna and Hero are called on by Jack O'Reilly and his partner Ben to search for clues.  All they have to go on is an unusual tattoo and a blanket.  "Who is this young woman?" and "Is someone looking for her?" are the questions nagging at Brianna and Long Beaches homicide detectives.  This is no mere drowning.  Someone murdered this young woman and then hoped the storm with take the evidence out to sea.

The case Brianna is working on is much bigger than she could have imaged.  Human trafficking, European Mafia and Long Beach has just become ground zero for stopping an utterly evil man who will kill everyone and anyone who tries to get in his way.

Meanwhile Brianna is facing a review board, budgetary cuts to Hero's funding and the interest of two men. And she is trying to learn more about God and before this case is done she will be seeking Him in prayer!

If you read the first book Critical Pursuit you won't be disappointed in Visible Threat.  This book will open your eyes to the real and present threat of human trafficking.  The dangers of the lies put forth by those behind it are seductive to those seeking a new and better life until it is too late and they are trapped!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection—perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.

Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.

After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier—an organized human trafficking ring. 

The Long Awakening ~ Review

The Long Awakening
                 a memoir
By Lindsey O'Connor

Imagine your life if you lost a part of it.  You couldn't remember you were excited to welcome a newborn child into your life.  Worse yet the first month and a half of your child's life would be something you would never experience.  How do you recover from something like that and what's more how do you recapture what should have been?

On August 30, 2002, Lindsey gave birth to her daughter.   But what should have been a time of joy and celebration soon becomes an long and lingering battle.  Complications from pregnancy send Lindsey into a 47 day long coma.

But awakening from the coma was not the end of her ordeal - she needed to relearn basic functions.  What you or I would take for granted was lost.  And worst of all Lindsey seemed to have a detachment from her emotions.  This is Lindsey's journey to recovering what she had lost and to reconnect with her family as both wife and mother.

When one hears about someone in a coma waking-up one doesn't necessary realize what the recovery after awakening is like.  Lindsey can't even breathe on her own.  I think when she compares having a bit of a memory arise being similar to coming to the end of a chapter in a book and not beimg able to continue on an interesting comparison.

Take a journey of awakening when you read The Long Awakening.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and as a result of this the publisher Revell has provided me with a copy of this book in exchange with my honest review. 

About The Long Awakening

The riveting true story of a life-threatening coma, a miraculous awakening, and the long quest to regain what was lost.
The day our baby came into the world was the day I left. A day that began all smiles and excitement and anticipation and joy ended with running and panic and blood and tears. And then coma.

I lay suspended in the deep, my newborn unknown. Nothingness. Layers where dark pulled from below, light called from above, and me, trapped in between, longing to break the surface. 

To live.

Forty-seven days later when I first saw my husband's face leaning close to me, I knew where, and who, I was. But other things took much longer to know. Learning to restitch life--and love--when everything's changed, and finding who we are afterward, can be the longest journey of all.

I'm Lindsey O'Connor, and this is the story of my long awakening.