Tuesday, September 27, 2016

My Review Of Stone Faces

BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade fantasy Stone Faces: An Alice and Friends Book by Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks. The tour will run September 19 - October 3, 2016.

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About the Book

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Title: Stone Faces: An Alice and Friends Book | Author: Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing | Publication Date: July 12, 2016 | Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Number of Pages: 66
 
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Book Description: Stone Faces is the story of a ten-year-old girl named Alice who notices one day that her parents’ faces have turned to stone. Soon afterward, they tell her they are going to get divorced and, in reaction, she allows her own face to turn to stone because she doesn’t want anyone to know how much this hurts her. It is easier to deal with her friends when her stone face is in place, but she also begins to find herself alone more and more. While on her summer vacation at her aunt’s house on Cape Cod, she sees a stone on the beach in the shape of a laughing man’s face (called Mr. Happy Man). She soon discovers that this stone can talk and that it has friends among the other beach stones, who play games in the sand when people aren’t around. Together with Mr. Happy Man and his friends, Alice develops an ingenious scheme to help her parents resolve their differences. Their plans are thrown awry when a woman finds Mr. Happy Man in the sand and walks off with him. Alice decides to rescue the stone and sneaks into the woman’s house where she learns that the woman is actually a witch.

Read an Excerpt


Hi. My name is Alice, and this is the story of the worst summer of my entire life. 

The trouble actually started way before the summer. In fact, it was early spring when my parents and I took that long walk in Central Park. We all should have been in a really great mood because (finally!) the sun was out and it was nice and warm. But I remember glancing over at my mom and dad again and again as we walked, thinking that both of their faces had changed. It’s tough to describe. Their features had gotten sort of hard. They looked a lot like the carved stone faces on some of the buildings in our neighborhood.

Anyway, I pretended that nothing was wrong and forgot about it until it was time to start planning our summer vacation.

Here’s the thing—I love going to the seashore more than almost anything in the whole world. Every summer for as long as I can remember, my mom and my dad packed up our car with all our beach stuff (and snacks for the long ride). Then, we drove the five and a half hours from New York City to visit my aunt in a place called Provincetown on the very tip of Cape Cod.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love New York City. My mom and I can take the bus to my dance classes, and a subway to where I belong to a kids’ theater group on Saturdays. We can walk to my school, to the field house where my soccer team plays, and to the gym where my dad and I shoot hoops. So, yeah, I love New York City.

There’s just one problem. Until I’m older, I pretty much have to stay glued to an adult’s side whenever I leave our apartment. When I’m twelve, my mom says I can take the bus by myself to certain places. When I’m thirteen, I’ll be able to go on the subway. Depending. 

Depending on what, you might ask. Just depending my mom says back. Gag! I hate the word depending. Anyway, here’s the point—in Provincetown I’m free. I can take walks by myself all over town. The only catch is that I have to stay within a block of Commercial Street, which is like the Broadway of Provincetown. It is usually so crowded that people can’t even fit on the sidewalks and so they walk in the street. It’s like a big pedestrian mall.

And best of all, I can go out to the bay beach by myself and swim, so long as there’s a lifeguard on duty. I love to be tossed by the waves and paddle through the swells in the deep water. I love to make sand castles and look for shells and stones and beach glass and driftwood. The beach is pretty much my idea of paradise.

So, maybe you can understand why I was really upset in early June when my mom and dad sat me down in our living room late one afternoon for a talk. It was getting dark outside. Thunderstorms were predicted, and the sky was almost black. I sat on the sofa by myself. They were each in their own chair across from me, and they were each trying to smile. But it was no use with those stone faces of theirs. I was so nervous I almost couldn’t hear what my mother was saying.


My Review:  Great book on how a ten year old Alice learned to deal with the divorce of her parents. Alice has a real active imagination when she discovers a stone named Mr. Happy Man on the beach. Alice tries to save Mr. Happy Man from a witch. Great fun characters ten year old readers can relate to.

About the Authors


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When Anne Rothman was a student at Bryn Mawr College and Kenneth Hicks was a student at Haverford College, they began writing together in an independent-study course with one of Ken’s professors. A brief interlude ensued while Anne wrote wonderful poetry and Ken wrote a book about hitchhiking (The Complete Hitchhiker Tobey Publishing, Dell Distribution), but they soon got back together as writers when Ken was in law school at Columbia University and Anne was paying the rent by working in publishing. They have continued to write together for about forty years and in that time have published four adult novels, eleven non-fiction books for children, two fiction books for middle readers, and two photography books. They also produced three children whom they love even more than writing.

Between projects, they started a web site www.randh71productions.com. In case you were wondering about the address, “ R” is for Rothman, “ H” is for Hicks, and “ 71” is the year of their marriage. No secret codes or numerology anywhere.

Blog Tour Giveaway


Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: October 3, 11:59 pm, 2016
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

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Monday, September 26, 2016

Book Blast For Pickled Pumpkin Pie

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's picture book written by Deb Troehler & illustrated by Jaime D. Buckley, Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat. The blast will run September 26 - September 28, 2016.

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About the Book

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Title: Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat | Author: Deb Troehler | Illustrator: Jaime D. Buckley | Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 38 | Publication Date: March 9, 2016

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Book Description: Thanksgiving is almost here and Dillon can’t wait to see his lovable Uncle Pete once again. Uncle Pete’s visits with his peculiar penchant for pickled pumpkin pie always bring an extra helping of laughter to the dining table. Join Dad, Mom, Uncle Pete, Dillon, and their dog, Baxter, for togetherness, laughter, and a dill-icious meal. Pickled Pumpkin Pie is a read-aloud book for children ages 3-7.

Pickled Pumpkin Pie will be FREE on Amazon September 27 & 28


Review by BeachBoundBooks


Pickled Pumpkin Pie is a charming picture book, told in delightful rhyme, and filled with colorful and fun illustrations.

It's Thanksgiving and Uncle Pete can't wait to eat, but it's not turkey, potatoes, or cranberries he's after. Uncle Pete is waiting for dessert and not just any dessert. He wants pickled pumpkin pie. As the scrumptious meal comes to an end Uncle Pete's excitement builds. Will he finally get his Thanksgiving wish?

Pickled Pumpkin Pie is well written, engaging, and highly entertaining. The book also contains several activities and of course gives readers a chance to create their own pickled pumpkin pie. This is certain to become a fast holiday favorite among children and adults.

I recommend picking up a copy.

About the Author: Deb Troehler

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Deb Troehler has worn many hats over the years—teacher, fabric artist, author, illustrator, gardener, mother, and grandmother. Although each hat is unique, they are all stitched with a common thread—Deb’s connections to her loved ones and the world around her.

Mrs. Troehler was a special education teacher for 15 years. After leaving the classroom due to a recurrence of cancer, her family moved to West Michigan to spend time with her husband’s family. To help make ends meet, Deb wrote instructional material and stories for several trade magazines such as Doll Crafter, Doll Reader, and Soft Dolls and Animals. Eventually, the magic of West Michigan motivated Deb to put pen to paper and record the stories inspired by her treks up and down the shores of Lake Michigan. Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat is Deb’s third book for children.


About the Illustrator: Jaime D. Buckley

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Jaime Buckley is an author, illustrator, father of 12 and the creator of wantedhero.com, which has been entertaining youth and the young at heart for over a decade.



Book Blast Giveaway


Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice. Giveaway ends: October 10, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Deb Troehler and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

My Review Of Daughter of Deaths By Christopher Mannino

 
Tell us about your book and how the story came to be. 

Daughter of Deaths is the final book in The Scythe Wielder’s Secret trilogy. The series as a whole emerged from a trip I took while studying at Oxford. During a side-trip to Tintagel, Cornwall, the supposed birthplace of King Arthur, I became stranded. I had no car or phone, and no way back to Oxford, since the next bus arrived the following day. I ended up finding a pub that let me spend the night, but it was a noisy place and I got little sleep. At 4 am the following morning I walked out onto Barras Nose, a rocky outcropping that juts out into the ocean. I crawled on all fours, fighting fierce winds from every direction. There were no railings and I could’ve easily fallen off the fifty foot cliffs into the ocean. I watched the dawn rise over the castle ruin and Cornish coast, with no people visible. I imagined a character completely alone, whose life was in danger, attacked from every side much like the winds were attacking me. However, the character wasn’t afraid. Susan emerged from that moment.


  What three words best describe your main character?

Leader, Motivated, Brave


Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

At first I started picturing the situations and imagining who would be there. Many of the names have meanings, such as Plamen, which is a Slavic name meaning “fire.” In the prequel Cauldron of Fate, the process that led to both Sindril’s name and Cronk’s name is discussed in the plot- since Deaths take a new name when they are certified.


 Do your characters follow your plot path or do they take on a life of their own? Do you keep them in check?

Daughter of Deaths is the first novel I outlined in detail. Tying up all the threads in the trilogy took a lot of planning. The characters evolved and changed a bit during the writing, but the plots were already laid out.


 Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, how did you over come it?

Not really. I work full time as a teacher, and writing is my second full-time job. I also have a new baby, which means time management is absolutely necessary and very difficult. I make a concerted effort to write 200 words minimum every day. That’s a small amount, less than this interview, but enough to keep me writing at least a little every day. 


What types of books do you like to read?

I enjoy all types of novels. I especially enjoy books with interesting worlds and vivid characters.


What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

Spend time with my wife and baby son, and read. Honestly “free time” is something I haven’t had much of in a long time.


What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I am currently querying agents with an adult mystery/thriller with sci-fi elements. The novel combines elements of Dan Brown and Michael Crichton.

Beyond that, I am currently working on an adult high fantasy series that I am extremely excited about, and will likely be a number of novels.


What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?

            Never give up.


Where can readers find you and your books?

http://www.ChristopherMannino.com
  



 My Review:  Of course, I loved Daughter of Deaths. I have had the pleasure of reading all three wonderful books. Great, vivid characters that a reader can connect with. I know I did. Christopher builds a whole new world a reader can get lost in. I know I did many times. Will I ever be free from this hell? Susan thought. "You are a daughter of three worlds, Susan. You are a human born in the Mortal World. Now you live in the World of Deaths with traces of ancient Elemental blood flowing in your veins. A child of yours could become a Dragon Key. With a single act you and I both gain our freedom." Susan's friends try to rescue her. Thanks, Christopher, for an awesome read.


Monday, September 19, 2016

Beyond The Lines Blog Tour

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade fiction Beyond the Lines by Claudia Whitsitt. The tour will run from September 6 - September 27, 2016.




About the Book


Title: Beyond the Lines | Author: Claudia Whitsitt | Publisher: Claudia Whitsitt Publication Date: February 27, 2016 | Genre: Middle Grade Fiction | Number of Pages: 260




Book Description: The Dream Girls—Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly Jo—are back with the same determination and resolve they displayed in Between the Lines. This time, it's Crackers who has a dream. She has oodles of talent, can outshoot any guy, and she wants to be the first girl on the boys' basketball team. Everybody knows she's the best player at school. The problem is, the rules say: No girls allowed on the team. Ever. But the Dream Girls have challenged old-fashioned notions before, and they're not about to give up now. Beverly Jo rocks the world with an ingenious plan, Hattie sets the wheels in motion, and Crackers gives her all. For this threesome, nothing is impossible.

What others are saying...

"BEYOND THE LINES is a refreshing story of true friendship." - Lori (Amazon)

"A delightful story of true friendship" - David (Amazon)

"Great characters, superlative writing and the sense of being dropped into the mist of a Dream Girls meeting makes "Beyond The Lines" a wonderful book." - DJ (Amazon)

"Beyond the lines is a beautiful story of friendship." - (Amazon)

My Review:  Great book. Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly Jo are great characters the reader can connect with. These ten year olds have a way of solving problems and overcoming adversity. To me this story took me back to my childhood when life was simple. Entertaining and delightful story of friendship. A must read.

About the Author


Claudia Whitsitt spent a lifetime teaching special education and writing before becoming a full-time author. She believes in the power of friendship, small acts of kindness, and paying it forward. Nothing makes her happier than spending time with her children, which includes not only the five she raised but the countless students who touched her life over the years.

 

Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: September 27, 11:59 pm, 2016
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Claudia Whitsitt and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

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Tuesday, September 13, 2016

My Review Of Rice And Rocks

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the charming children's book written by Sandra L. Richards and illustrated by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, Rice & Rocks. The tour will run from August 23 - September 13, 2016.




About the Book



Title: Rice & Rocksl | Author: Sandra L. Richards | Illustrator: Megan Kayleigh SullivanPublisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing | Publication Date: August 23, 2016 Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 32

 

Book Description:  Tradition takes flight in Rice & Rocks, a picture book celebrating culture and diversity. Giovanni's friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed he does not like 'rice and rocks' and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni's pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together.

Take a look inside the book...






My Review:  A fun story celebrating family, friends, and traditions. The illustrations were colorful and lively. I really like the title. 

About the Author: Sandra L. Richards


Sandra L. Richards is the debut picture book author of Rice & Rocks. With Rice & Rocks, Sandra brings a unique contribution to the world of children’s books. An American-born daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents, she hopes the book will serve as an educational resource for families seeking to teach their children the value of their heritage and the importance of cultural diversity.

Learn more about Sandra at www.sandralrichards.com.


About the Illustrator: Megan Kayleigh Sullivan


Megan Kayleigh Sullivan graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 2012 with a degree in Illustration. She is currently working as a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist, and aspires towards a career in the film and animation industry as a concept artist, character designer, or visual development artist (or d., all of the above). She enjoys traveling, writing, telling stories, and hula-hooping.

Visit her at www.357meg.com.


Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choiceGiveaway ends: September 13, 11:59 pm, 2016
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Sandra L. Richards and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

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