Not By Sight ~ Review

Not by Sight
By Kate Breslin

Grace Mabry will do anything to aid the suffragette effort and help bring the war to an end.  And if shaming the wealthy, able-bodied men who refuse to enlist is what she needs to do she'll do it! But when her actions bring down the wrath of her father and Lady Bassett Grace finds herself confined to her home for the foreseeable future.

Jack Benningham, one of Grace's targets for shaming, has a secret of his own and Grace's white feather is merely an amusing diversion to his evening, at least until his plans go awry.  And unfortunately for him his evening is about to get considerably worse.

But when Grace and Jack again cross paths their circumstances have changed. Jack is no longer the carefree playboy Grace chanced to meet in London.  And Grace is in service with the Women's Forage Corps working as a farm laborer.  Two more unlikely people are about to be just what the other needs if only they can see from the heart and not the eyes.

Not by Sight is set in 1917 England as the country deals with the new world that is opening up and changing before them. Those who enjoy historical fiction will find much to like with this book.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover. 

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

About the Author:
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane ~ Review

The Ocean at the End of the Lane
By Neil Gaiman

This is quite simply an interesting book in a round about way of story-telling.  I have never read one of Neil Gaiman's works before and when presented with an opportunity to do so I did.

We are introduced to an unnamed main character who has been to a funeral in the hometown from which he spent his childhood.  When the funeral ended instead of heading to his sister's home he visited the site of his childhood home and that of a nearby farm.  Visiting the home that was Lettie Hempstock's awakens memories he has long forgotten. Memories that seem to fantastical to be true.

The pond that Lettie called an ocean brings to his mind the year, the summer he spent with Lettie and the events that his mind hid away.  Looking back across the decades he sees some of the events that so traumatized him. But are the memories he now remembers the truth or are those that he has carried with him over the years?

This is a book that crosses over the genre lines in that it is at times fantasy, mystery, horror, and realistic fiction.  This is a story of change and new awareness.  This is also a story of sacrifice and friendship. A story of trust.  It is not for young readers but rather for those who are in their later teens and beyond.  There is a thread of darkness running through this story that has an undercurrent of mythos to it. This is not lighthearted reading but there are moments that are.

I was provided a copy of this book by Pump Up Your Book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Author: Neil Gaiman
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Coming of Age
Format: Ebook/Paperback/Hardcover/Audio
UK National Book Awards 2013 “Book of the Year”
“Fantasy of the very best.” Wall Street Journal

A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral.
Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm
at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a
most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and
grandmother. He hasn’t thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he
sits by the pond (a pond that she’d claimed was an ocean) behind the
ramshackle old farmhouse where she once lived, the unremembered
past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening,
too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy.

A groundbreaking work as delicate as a butterfly’s wing and as
menacing as a knife in the dark, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is
told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows
the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside
and out.

“[Gaiman’s] mind is a dark fathomless ocean, and every time I sink
into it, this world fades, replaced by one far more terrible and
beautiful in which I will happily drown.” New York Times Book Review

About the Author:

Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett), The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains; the Sandman series of graphic novels; and the story collections Smoke and Mirrors, Fragile Things, and Trigger Warning.

He is the winner of numerous literary honors, including the Hugo,
Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy awards, and the Newbery and
Carnegie Medals. Originally from England, he now lives in the United States. He is Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Visit his website at http://www.neilgaiman.com
or conect online at @neilhimself     Facebook     Goodreads

Away in the Snow for Christmas ~ Review

Away in the Snow for Christmas
By Lisa Boehm Trumbore

When a snow makes an appearance just in time for Christmas, the family has an adventure as they experience a fun and unique surprise adventure as they make their to where MiMi is. But when they get a bit lost in the heavy snowfall and their GPS fails they have to rely on the original GPS - God's Prayer System.

This is a simple story with pictures that young readers and their parents will enjoy sharing together. This story offers a lesson in trust that parents and kids can discuss. And to add to the fun there are downloadable coloring pages that one can access with the web links at the end of the story.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Mimi’s Everyday Adventures … 
where every day is an adventure! 

Although the cousins are excited for Christmas, MiMi steps in and turns this Christmas into an extraordinary adventure no one will ever forget. 

* MiMi stories are sprinkled with teachable “MiMi Moments” 
* Inspired by six adventure-filled grandchildren and a niece 
* Motivates children to work together and rely on each other 
* Ignites your child’s imagination and creativity 
* Sparks a wondrous sense of adventure in your child’s heart

The Great Disney Scavenger Hunt Spotlight and Giveaway

About the book:

The Great Disney Scavenger Hunt

See the enchantment of the Disneyland resort in a whole new way with "The Great Disneyland Scavenger Hunt." From Main Street U.S.A. to New Orleans Square, Walt Disney lovingly designed every detail to immerse guests in the magic of his theme parks.

See Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure through new eyes when you discover fantasy, thrills, and dreams around every turn. Whether you’re perusing the shops, waiting in line, or riding attractions, there’s plenty to uncover for even the most knowledgeable Disney fan.

If this is your first visit or your five hundredth, you will discover something new with "The Great Disneyland Scavenger Hunt."

Buy the Book:  

~ Amazon  ~  Books-a-Million  ~ Barnes and Noble ~

~ Powell's Books  ~  Chapters.Indigo.ca ~

About the Author:

Catherine Olen has enjoyed a love affair with the magic of the Disney theme parks for as long as she can remember, counting herself among Disneyland pass-holders for the last twenty-five years. Previously, Olen owned and operated Hollywood Grave Hunter and is the proud author of The Final Curtain: Celebrity Deaths and The Upside of Undertaking, chronicling her previous career experiences. She has been a correspondent to Entertainment Tonight (US and France), The Biography Channel, Reelz Network, and the Mark and Brian radio show.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Pinterest  ~  Instagram

Giveaway:​

Win a Disney Prize Pack which consists of a print copy of
The Great Disneyland Scavenger Hunt,
a “Mickey” or “Minnie” Disney plush toy
and a $10 Disney gift card

(10 winners total, open to USA and Canada)

Ends July 30

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunborn Rising ~ Review and Giveaway

Sunborn Rising
Beneath the Fall
By Aaron Safronoff

Barra wants to know the father she never had a chance of knowing. But learning who he was may set her on the very path he was on when he was lost to them forever.

Something is wrong with the Great Forest, a darkness has been slowly working its way up through the treescape. The dangerous Creepervine that they had left behind in the Roots has spread. When Barra finds the journals that her father left behind that chronicled his discoveries she's determined to continue his search.

Her father's evidence was ignored by the Elders, evidence that he lost his life for and she's got a plan, with the help of her friends Tory and Plicks, Barra is determined to complete what her father started.  She just didn't realize just how far it would take her and what it would cost her.

Be prepared to enter a world unlike any you have ever experienced.  Dangers can lurk around any tree. And betrayal could come from anyone. An ancient truth has been hidden and forgotten, but sometimes one has to go to the beginning to ensure there is a future. And every choice has a price that must be paid it just a question of who and when.

This is a work of fantasy that though directed towards the YA reader will delight any fan of fantasy 12 and up in my opinion. Something about this book made me think of Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Spiderwick Chronicles, I believe it is the mystery of what lies beyond that gives this feel. The unknown has driven those who live in the loft to this upper level, but learning the truths of the unknown may be their only hope of surviving.

This is a highly recommended book that I would have no problem offering to both friends and family. I also feel that this book will appeal to both boys and girls and be a perfect family read-together selection. That the author already has a second book in the works is something for which all Sunborn Rising readers can anticipate.

Throughout this book there is artwork to help the reader imagine the world one now finds oneself drawn into.  There are simple black and white line drawings and even more impressive full color illustrations.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

"Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is the best vivid fantasy YA book of the year." 

--Entrada Publishing

On a distant world of forests floating on an ocean around a star,

a blight threatens to plunge all life into darkness.

But three friends seek the light.

Together, they will Fall and be lost.

And at the very Root of darkness, they will find themselves.

But will it be enough to help them find their way home?

The world of Cerulean

Light and water flow from the ocean into the roots of the Great Trees, up through the boughs, and out over the lush canopy. But the once vibrant treescape has grown dim over generations of arboreal life, and the creatures of the forest have forgotten the light.

Barra, a young, willful Listlespur, finds her late father's hidden journal, and reads about the old world and the mysterious plague her father believed destroyed it. He wrote that he warned the Elders. He urged them to take action. Those were his last words.

Together with her two best friends, Barra will explore every bark, wood, and leaf of the Great Forest to relight her world and complete her father's story, even if she has to travel beneath the Fall.

​

​Buy the book:   Amazon ~ Author Website

Author's Bio:

Aaron Safronoff is author of the Discovery Award winning science fiction novel, Spire. Since his debut, he's published a sequel, Fallen Spire, and a novella of literary fiction, Evening Breezes.

​

Safronoff's diverse background includes the formal study of computer science, bio-chemistry, and culinary arts. However, most of his career has been in the videogame industry in quality, production, and design.

Today, Safronoff is the co-founder and Chief Storyteller of Neoglyphic Entertainment, and is busy writing his fifth novel, the second installment of the Sunborn Rising series.

​Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Book Trailer:

You can also find more videos here. 

Giveaway Prizes: ​

1. Five winners will each receive a signed hardback copy of Sunborn Rising 

AND a free signed CD of the original musical soundtrack (open to USA only)

2. One winner will also win a 16’x20’ high quality (giclée) printed piece of the 

original art on canvas, signed by author Aaron Safronoff as well as Christopher 

Chamberlain the Art Director (valued at $100) – open to USA only

3. Ten winners will each get a gifted Kindle copy of Sunborn Rising with a 

$10 Amazon gift card AND a free digital download of the original musical 

soundtrack (open international)

Giveaway ends Aug 6, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunborn Rising was recently honored by winning an art award(more here). This picture is in the book and the art is stunning as you can see.

Lethal Harvest ~ Review

Lethal Harvest
By William Cutrer
    and Sandra Glahn

Tim Sullivan's unexpected death has rocked the life of his family and his business partners. That his death has followed so quickly after his business has had a lawsuit brought against it is unfortunate. As Tim's widow Marnie works with his business partners Ben McKay and Lucas Morgan to unlock the secrets Tim took with him unsettling discoveries come to light.

Tim left behind evidence of highly sensitive and morally questionable research.  Research that could potentially create international shock waves.  But was Tim's research the reason someone has taken an unusual level of interest in those Tim left behind?  Or is there another that they have yet to discover.

As Marnie deals with her loss, she has to come to the realization that the life she had and the future she wanted are gone.  This new chapter in her life has Marnie, with the help of Ben, exploring the spiritual and eternal aspects of her existence.

Lethal Harvest is a suspense-filled journey that delves into the question of how far is too far?  Is there ever too high a price to pay in the name of research?  As those left behind struggle with understanding what Tim was working on, someone is lurking in the shadows trying to determine the answers to questions of their own.  And everyone involved with Tim personally and professionally may be at risk.

Lethal Harvest is a book that will open your eyes to the potential benefits and detriments that medical achievements can yield.  If you are looking for a medical suspense that will keep you turning the pages this book will do this.  But this more than a medical suspense as it delves into lives of those involved and their faith or lack thereof.

These are characters whom I enjoyed (for the most part) and would enjoy getting to know better.

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


About the book:

In order to save the president's life, a brilliant embryologist-- the president's nephew--made a "devil's bargain" with a secret group of federal agents. But Tim Sullivan's illegal genetic manipulations of human embryos places everyone he knows at risk. Before he can finish his work, a freakish accident takes his life, leaving only troubling questions behind.

Now his partner, Ben McKay, and Tim's widow, Marnie, must uncover the hidden truth about Tim's research before more lives are swept away. In the process, they're forced to face their feelings for each other and the dark secrets in their own pasts. This story of love, loss, and danger crosses international borders from Mexico to the former Soviet Union in order to answer one searing question: if Tim's research is completed, what form will the strange and dangerous harvest take?

Ambition, jealousy, and the ultimate meaning of love move this riveting story through the dark labyrinth that may lie buried under breakthroughs in genetic research and cloning.

Hillsong - Let Hope Rise ~ Movie Trailer

Hillsong ~ Let Hope Rise

in theaters nationwide September 16, 2016

Directed by Michael-John Warren (Jay-Z's Fade to Black), HILLSONG - LET HOPE RISE chronicles the spectacular & miraculous rise of the Australia-based band, Hillsong UNITED, to prominence.

“HILLSONG-LET HOPE RISE is so much more than a film about a Christian band or even a
church. It is truly a theatrical worship experience,” said Michael Scott, chief production officer
and a founding partner of Pure Flix. “It is a dream come true for us, as a studio committed to
influencing the global culture, to partner with a church like Hillsong.”

“Anyone who regularly attends a church knows Hillsong’s music by heart. That’s how influential
they’ve become,” said producer Jonathan Bock. “And yet despite the fame and adulation, they’re
still just a humble worship band trying to do what tens of thousands of other worship bands try to
do every week -- glorify God through their music. How they balance that is a fascinating and
surprising story.”

From a single church in suburban Sydney, Hillsong Church now extends to cities on five
continents (including London, Paris, Sao Paulo, Capetown, Rio de Janeiro, and Phoenix) with
more than 100,000 weekly attendees, including thriving congregations in New York and Los
Angeles. In addition to its local church initiatives, Hillsong partners with international
organizations committed to ministry – examples include feeding and educating children in the
slums of India, building housing for those living with AIDS in Africa and rescuing victims of
human trafficking around the globe.

“We’re thrilled that Pure Flix, the No. 1 producer of faith films in the U.S., is our partner on this
project,” said Brian Houston, founding pastor of Hillsong Church. “It’s our hope that by sharing
an up-close and unvarnished look inside our music and lives, we can shatter pre-conceived
notions of what it means to follow Jesus in today’s modern world.”

ABOUT PURE FLIX

Founded in 2005 by Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Russell Wolfe, and Elizabeth Travis, Pure
Flix has become the largest independent faith and family studio in the world. With offices in Los
Angeles and Scottsdale, Pure Flix has produced, acquired, marketed, and distributed nearly 100
faith and family-friendly properties. Aligned with their mission to transform the human spirit
through values-based entertainment, Pure Flix is the industry leader in creating high-quality
inspirational feature film content. Pure Flix official website: www.PureFlixStudio.com.