Down and Dead in Dixie ~ Review

Down and Dead in Dixie
By Vicki Hinze

Down and Dead in Dixie is the first book in the Down and Dead, Inc. series.  And this is quite the series debut.

Daisy Grant's life has been anything but easy and it just got a whole lot more complicated.  After witnessing a murder Daisy needs to die fast or she will be murdered.  So what's a girl to do?  Well, in Daisy's case botching up your own death is a good place to start.

With the police, FBI, and the mafia all looking for her Daisy needs to disappear fast and protect those she most cares about.  Daisy's not use to dying so she may take a couple times to get it right.  But when you're being hunted you don't get second chances to die right.

Daisy's neighbor Lester is just too much and the more he's in the book the wackier and more endearing he becomes.  Though Daisy has been alone all her life, she surprisingly finds herself not so alone as she thought herself.

If this book is any indication of this series and its direction it should be a very entertaining diversion for a long weekend or a warm summer afternoon.  I really hope to read more Down and Dead stories with Daisy/Lily/Rose and Mark/Matthew.  Read the book and you'll get it.

I was provided  a copy of this book by the author through BookFun.org/TBCN in exchange for honest review.


About the Book:
To live, sometimes ya gotta die! Daisy Grant is in a heap of trouble. She stumbles into a mob turf war and now somebody wants her dead. Daisy may be small-town to the bone, not at all the kind of woman to deal with the Southern Mafia, but she knows how to get creative fast!

Enters the way-too-attractive Mark Jensen… He didn’t mean to rescue anybody, and he certainly didn’t mean to go on the run because of a stubborn, sassy woman. Soon they are up to their ears in so many wacky characters they don’t know who’s on their side. Daisy and Mark decide that to live, sometimes ya gotta die. And sometimes to die right takes . . . practice.

Clean Read: This book is suitable for most readers.

Below the Surface ~ Review

Below the Surface
A Code of Silence Book
By Tim Shoemaker

Fear can be buried...

but that doesn't mean it's dead

This is the last summer before High School and Cooper just wants to hang out with his friends and enjoy it, but something won't let him. Something is Below the Surface of the water and this something is scaring Cooper.  The question is what exactly is down there?

When Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro think they witness a crime, a series of events is set into motion and the past and all its fears begin stalking them.  Cooper, Gordy, and Lunk want to ignore Hiro's concerns but Hiro is usually right.  And she isn't convinced that a murder wasn't committed. Something doesn't add up and she's is determined to discover the truth even if it means going out on her own.  

Someone is determined to keep them from discovering the truth, even if it means silencing them forever.  And he does mean forever...

Below the Surface is the third book in the Code of Silence trilogy.  You don't have to read the first two books to enjoy this book, but you will know about past experiences that are mentioned in this book.  And these past experiences have a direct bearing on the fears Cooper, Gordy, Lunk and Hiro are burying.  This summer will prove just how strong their bonds of friendship are.

I think part of the reason the kids got into trouble is because they really needed more adult supervision/interaction. They got into the biggest messes when there were no adults around and the fact that they didn't tell their parents the whole truth of what was going on was the issue.  The statement about silence being golden is so not true when there are problems.  And underlying fears were something that they needed to talk about, as was evidenced when Cooper's dad was with the boys.

I really enjoyed this book and the intensity and excitement level really held my attention.  I did not want to put it down until the very end.  And I have to say I was a little disappointed to learn that this is the last book
(well a lot disappointed if you must know).  These books should appeal to middle grade readers and even young adults who enjoy realistic heart-pounding fiction. 

I was provided a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description

In the third book in the Code of Silence series, a coming-of-age story that both boys and girls will enjoy, from prolific author and speaker Tim Shoemaker.

Buried fears don’t stay buried for long. Something is wrong with Cooper. He doesn’t understand it, and he won’t admit it, but after surviving the trauma of abduction, Cooper is plagued by a deep fear he can’t control. A vacation aboard the restored Getaway with his friends is just what he needs. No drama, no mysteries, just fun, relaxation, and a few well-planned pranks. But trouble follows this crew, and the idea of a carefree vacation soon disappears along with a missing woman. The police think she drowned, but Hiro has her own suspicions and starts investigating, while Cooper keeps busy and hides behind his practical jokes. But fear has a way of rising. A prank gone wrong, a dark water dive, and the four friends find more than they bargained for - just below the surface.

What Follows After ~ Review

What Follows After
By Dan Walsh

When Colt Harrison decides he's had enough - he didn't realize just how painful it would be.  His parents have been living a lie, forcing Colt and his younger brother Timmy to live it with them.  But Colt's plan to force the truth to come out go wrong and Timmy along with the rest of the family may pay the price.

But as the Harrison's world crumbles around them, an even greater threat is looming over the entire country and even the world as the United States and Russia threaten World War III.  As the nation hangs on every word spoken by President Kennedy, one family waits to hear anything about their missing 6 year old son.  But Timmy has gotten lost in a world on the brink of war - until a church full of hard working people decides to be on the look-out for Timmy and his abductor.

The crisis at home brings to light what is wrong within the Harrison family, but the question is is it too late to fix what is and has been broken?  What is sad is this is so often the case within families - something is wrong and yet our pride refuses to admit the truth.  We hide what is wrong instead of confronting it and fixing it.  That is what I like about Dan Walsh's books he portrays real life and real life can be messy.  And What Follows After is no exception, but with as is the case with all of Dan's books there is hope.  And the hope Dan offers is something that we can all put to use in our own lives and families.

Having heard people over the years talk about the Cuban Missile this is the first book I've ever read that is set during this period.  So this was also an enlightening book to read as it brought the realities of this period of unrest and fear to light in a way that brought it home, unlike most history text books.  So even though this book is being marketed as contemporary fiction, I think it could easily fall into the historical subcategory as well.

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

In 1962, life was simple, the world made sense, and all families were happy.
And when they weren't, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend.
For the past year, Scott and Gina Harrison have been living a lie. While they show up at family get-togethers in the same car, they've actually been separated for over a year. To keep up the charade, they've even instructed their sons, Colt and Timmy, to lie--to their grandparents, their teachers, and their friends.

Colt, for one, has had enough, so he hatches a plan. He and his little brother will run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents get back together. But when things go terribly, terribly wrong, Scott and Gina must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their marriage.

In this emotional story, bestselling author Dan Walsh takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life--love, truth, and family. With profound insight into the heart of a hurting child, he reminds us that a time will come to look back on hard times and smile, because we'll know that what follows after . . . is not what we expected at all.

"Dan is an artist and his canvas is the novel, where he uses different colors and hues of words to create a masterpiece. What Follows After is a story that will surely touch your heart and soul."--John M. Wills, New York Journal of Books
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion, as well as The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year (2011-2013). Dan lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more.

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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