Animals Have Feelings Too ~ Review with Excerpt

Animals Have Feelings, Too!
Exploring Emotions from A to Z
Written by Karen Lee Stevens
Illustrated by Teri Rider

Have you ever wondered what your pet is feeling?  If so you need to read Animals Have Feelings, Too! which explores the different emotions that you and your favorite pet just might be sharing.

Working through the alphabet from A to Z this is an excellent educational and entertaining book. The adorable illustrations of Sandy and Willow will delight children as they work their way through the alphabet of emotions.

This book is recommended for ages 4 and up.  One could almost view this book as an emotional dictionary for kids, for example R is for Relaxed -- Free of worry or anxiety.  The soft rumbling of Willow's purr helps me feel relaxed.

You now have a new tool to help your little reader learn their ABCs while they learn to understand their favorite pet at the same time.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Author:

Karen Lee Stevens is the founder and president of All for Animals, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a compassionate world for animals and children through humane education and literacy programs that nurture the human-animal bond.

Karen is also an author and a Certified Humane Educator who, for the past 14 years, has given presentations to thousands of elementary school children and has helped them learn how to treat animals with love and respect.

In February, 2013, Karen launched ARF! (Animals + Reading = Fun!), a unique literacy program that gives children from all walks of life an opportunity to improve their reading skills and inspire them to become life-long readers by reading aloud to specially trained therapy dogs.

Her latest children’s picture book is Animals Have Feelings, Too! Exploring Emotions From A to Z.

For More Information:
Visit Karen Lee Stevens’ website.
Connect with Karen on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Karen.

About the Book:
Title: Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z
Author: Karen Lee Stevens
Publisher: All for Animals
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Filled with humor and whimsical illustrations, this enchanting and educational A to Z guide takes young readers on a journey through the alphabet with a lovable Labrador retriever named Sandy, who shows kids that animals and people share many of the same feelings. From A is for Affectionate to Z is for Zonked, Animals Have Feelings, Too! helps children to understand and express their feelings and to treat animals with kindness and respect.

For More Information:
Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z is available at Amazon.
Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

Hi Kids,

My name is Sandy and I’m a yellow Labrador retriever. Most of the time, I’m a happy-go-lucky pup, but once in awhile, I feel lonely or grumpy, too. Just like you, I experience lots of different emotions (that’s a BIG word for feelings).

When I’m happy, I wag my tail and let out a soft ruff-ruff-ruff as if to say Let’s play!  When I’m annoyed or frightened, I may grumble and growl, meaning Back off, buddy! Stay away!

My feline friend, Willow, likes to remind me that I’m not perfect, but I love her anyhow.  And that’s why I’ve asked her to help me introduce you to my very favorite feeling words. I hope you’ll share them with your human family and, of course, your furry and feathered friends!

Love,
Sandy

Murder at the Courthouse ~ Review

Murder at the Courthouse
A Hidden Springs Mystery # 1
By A.H. Gabhart

Michael Keane returned to Hidden Springs, leaving behind the stresses of life as a big city officer. But when a murdered stranger is discovered in front of the courthouse Hidden Springs may never be the same.

Hidden Springs is the perfect small town, one that fans of Mayberry would love to move into.  But Hidden Springs isn't quite what it appears on the surface.  And the search for a killer is about to expose answers to long forgotten questions.  But what do these discoveries have to do with the current investigation?  Or is this discovery merely a coincidence?  Michael is convinced someone knows something - but the questions are who and what?

Meanwhile Michael reaches out to a troubled teen who is on the road to trouble.  Anthony's life has been troubled and turbulent since his mother disappeared years ago.  Michael's own loss makes him reach out to Anthony, but how do you help someone who doesn't want your help?

Small town life has a unique charm and Hidden Springs is no different.  How they react to the shattered illusion of their perceived safety and tranquility is about to redefine them. This is a town where everyone knows everything about everyone and what they don't know they make up and embellish.  I like how Hidden Springs has a weekly local paper where the news is old news by the time it comes out.  Living in a small town myself I know how true this is - the big news events always happen the day after the paper comes out.

I really enjoyed my visit to Hidden Springs and am looking forward to a future visit - which is hinted at in the back of the book.  Though it has a contemporary setting Murder at the Courthouse doesn't read like a contemporary fiction.  The mystery element is strong throughout and should please clean mystery fans (though there is a bit of blood sullying things up a bit).

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell through their blogger program.



About the Book:

Welcome to Hidden Springs

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Michael Keane's stressful days as a Columbus police officer are done. He's ready to relax into his new position as deputy sheriff in his sleepy hometown. Nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky--and that's just fine with Michael.

Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. As Michael works to solve the case, it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep you guessing.

About the Author:

A. H. Gabhart is Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of many novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, andLove Comes Home, and several popular Shaker novels such as The Outsider, The Believer, and The Innocent. Ann grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky much like Hidden Springs, but she is happy to report nobody was ever murdered on her hometown's courthouse steps. Ann and her husband still live on a farm near that same little town in Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

A Nobel Masquerade ~ Review

A Nobel Masquerade
Hawthorne House
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Miranda Hawthorne has a secret - she's been secretly corresponding with brother's schoolmate the Duke of Marshington.  No one knows that she has been writing these letters and if her mother found out she would tell her "Miranda, a lady never corresponds with a man who is not a family relation."  

For 12 years this has been her emotional outlet, a means to act the part of a lady and yet let her emotions out without embarrassing her family.  But she has never posted a single letter - hiding them away from prying eyes.  

That is she has never posted one until her brother's new valet comes across one and posts it for her.  Miranda will be ruined if word of her breach of social etiquette is revealed.  Fortunately the Duke has not been heard from nor seen for nine years, so there is little chance of him receiving her letter.  But when a reply is sent Miranda's world is about to crash in around her if this is discovered.  How can she ever explain this if her mother, brothers, or sister find out what she has used her precious blue paper for?

Griffin's new valet - Marlow is not who he appears to be.  Slipping in and out of rooms.  Always everywhere it seems.  He is searching for something or someone within the Hawthorne Estate and he is very good at what he does.  England's war with Napoleonic France has been going on for years and the Duke of Riverton has access to information that could aid the French cause if properly relayed.

With the London season about to begin Miranda finds herself torn - she is entering her fourth season while her sister Georgina is about to enter her first. Miranda has never attracted the admiration of the eligible of London, her only draw has been as the sister of the Duke of Riverton.  A less than flattering compliment and one that has kept Miranda from accepting any of the offers of marriage that have come her way.  And now the eligible are seeking her out to inquire after her sister!  Is it any wonder that she seeks a forbidden correspondence with a person she never expects to meet.

Lady Miranda doesn't not fit the mold of a perfect refined lady.  Yes, she can appear so, but when she is unable to vent her frustrations through pen and paper you don't want to be the person who sets her off!

If you love historical fiction, with generous dashes of romance, intrigue, danger, and humor mixed together in one delightful story you have to pick up a copy of A Nobel Masquerade you won't regret the time spent reading!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review - which is I loved it!  

About the Book:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

The World's Best Story Writing Contest

2015 CONTEST!
Writers submit your Story
Enter for a chance to join the House of transmedia stories company

What is World's Best Story?

"This is not just a literary contest, we're looking for stories that will be consumed in multiple media formats – from books to the big screen and beyond," says Vincent Salera, founder of World's Best Story. "Our goal is to revolutionize the traditional literary contest and identify a story with blockbuster appeal. We're looking for a story that audiences will love and help authors turn that story into trans-media franchises, which is why we're empowering readers to judge the contest."

How does it work?

Readers will vote for stories and awarded judges will declare the final Top 10 winners.

2015 Judges: Warren Adler, Victor Malarek, Tamarra Kennelly, Brooke Burgess, Samreen Ashan, Alistair Cross, Rhonda Hayter

Timeline:

Entry Period Closes/Public Voting ends. (November 8)

Top 10 Winners Announced! (November 8)

Professional Review/Voting (November 8 - December 8)

Winner and Top 10 Ranking Announced (December 8)


What are the prizes?

The top 3 winners will receive a full publishing package by FriesenPress, trademark protection in the U.S. and Canada by IP agency Benoit and Cote, a virtual book tour by Laura Fabiani of iRead Book Tours as well as consulting/marketing services with book expert Anne Chaconas of BadAss Marketing. Busbud and YoDough will be providing lots of goodies for both writers and readers.

How do I submit my story?

To learn more about World's Best Story, including how to enter, please visit World's Best Story.

World’s Best Story : info@worldsbeststory.com

See what's buzzing at World's Best Story:

How to Get Readers Buzzing About Your Book: Secrets from the World of Book Blogging

Viral campaign with famous characters:

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The Hive ~ Review Blog Hop Stop

The Hive
The Ministrix # 2
By John Otte

Her ship was no longer functioning.  It's last act was giving her the means to survive and escape.  But when she was disconnected from the Hive (a cybernetically enhanced society) and isolated with her own thoughts she discovered a disturbing and perplexing truth.  Zain was pregnant - but why or how was not information she could access.  A fragmented, corrupted file gave her a clue, a single name - Scorn.

Is this Scorn a way back to her people?  Zain is determined to track down this lead, but the world outside the Hive is something she has never experienced.  And Zain is about to get a sudden and confusing crash course on the Ministrix, the Praesidium, and humanity in general.

Matthew Nelson (aka Scorn) is known for his skills in the unseen realms of the cyber world.  If you've been hacked Scorn or his friends are probably involved in it.  But Scorn is determined to leave this life behind, and hopefully before he gets caught up in a game that becomes even more dangerous. But one of his games had an unexpected result and he is about to be visited by this mistake.

It was all a little harmless fun, until he had to face the results of his fun.  And now his life and the life of Zain and her unborn child are on the line as well.  Can they find a safe haven until they can plan their next step?  What follows is a chase with Zain and Scorn as persons of interest and if they aren't careful they may find themselves at the mercy of the Praesidium, the Ministrix, and anyone interested in the possible reward being offered.

The Hive is the second book in The Ministrix series.  If you haven't read the first book (Numb) yet don't worry this book can stand alone so you can go back and read the first one next.  Fans of Science fiction will enjoy the science elements woven throughout.  If you enjoy Dystopian, Star Trek, and Star Wars give this book, this series a try - I think you will be well pleased with your experience.

But a word of warning don't let the Ministrix or the Praesidium know that you've glimpsed some of their closely guarded secrets - you may not enjoy the experience when they discover your whereabouts.  And they will discover you if you divulge what you've discovered.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book in PDF form, which I devoured within four hours, from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Join me on October 16, 2015, anytime after 6 pm CT for a fun interview with the author - John Otte.   And thank you for stopping by and let me know what you think - Have you checked out the cover?  I'm thinking Borg...

ON THE RUN TO SAVE HER BABY

A pregnant cyborg and a teenage boy fight against intergalactic governments to protect the unborn in this novel from a Christy Award-nominated author. Why is Zain pregnant? She belongs to the Hive, a collective of cyborgs who choose to live apart from the rest of human society. At times, the Hive rent out some of their females to produce tailor-made children for paying couples. But Zain is an engineer, not a breeder. When she finds herself separated from the Hive, she decides to find the person who she thinks ordered the baby. Surely they’ll help her find her way home.

Matthew “Scorn” Nelson has spent the better part of his teenage years cracking computer systems, causing mischief and havoc wherever he can. But the night of his greatest triumph turned into a painful memory, one he wants to erase. But that night was also his first step on a road to faith. When Zain arrives on his doorstep, Scorn is horrified. What’s he supposed to do with a pregnant teenage cyborg?

Unfortunately, he’ll have to answer that question on the run. Zain’s people want to reclaim her and terminate her pregnancy. And both the Ministrix and the Praesidium, two intergalactic governments in a constant state of cold war, want Zain’s baby for their own reasons. Will their enemies run them down? Or will Zain find a new Hive for both her and her child?

The Methuselah Project ~ Review

The Methuselah Project: A Novel
By Rick Barry

For more than 70 years Roger Greene has been living through the nightmare of World War II.  But it isn't merely memories that he is reliving, he is a POW and has been since 1943.

But Roger Greene is more than a POW shot down over Germany - he is the living, breathing embodiment of an experiment authorized by the Fuhrer himself.  Roger is the only proof that the Methuselah Project was, is a success.  And when the man who designed this procedure becomes a casualty of war Roger becomes even more valuable and more isolated.

Interspersed throughout is a second story which follows Katherine Mueller.  Katherine wants to live outside of her uncles demands and pressures, yet she seeks his approval at the same time.  

While Katherine's story takes place over several months, Roger's takes place over 70 years.  These two seemingly separate stories are on a collision course though they are on different continents and when the collision occurs lives are on the line.  Can Roger convince this stranger that his story, though implausible, is true?  And will she help him search for the answers he seeks - something to prove he is whom he says he is?

It is amazing to see Roger's reaction to the changes that have occurred during his isolation.  It is difficult to imagine facing this type situation - everyone one had known had continued living their life, people have aged, cities have grown, technology had completely changed. 

Eternal youth has been something long sought after throughout history.  Wars have been waged over the possibility of possessing this power.  If such a power could be achieved through scientific manipulation how many would jump at the chance of living for hundreds of years?  What would be the cost?  And what would one hove to give up in exchange for such a gift?  I would love to read a sequel should the author decide to continue Roger and/or Katherine's story,

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

About the book:

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a new-found faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis ~ Review

The Surprising Imagination of C. S. Lewis:
            An Introduction

By Jerry Root and Mark Neal

C.S. Lewis has captured our attention and our imaginations for more than half a century with his mastery of word craft.  But his stories and books are not cookie-cut mirror images of one another. Each has a distinctive flavor that entrances the reader.

C.S. Lewis did not typecast his writing style - he crossed the genre lines with a style and skill that to the reader seems almost effortless.  But how did he accomplish this feat - one that eludes many a writer? 

This book examines the various means C.S. Lewis employed to share his thoughts with readers.  Lewis is, was unique in his ability to cross lines of genre and the various vehicles of imagination. Lewis drew on what he knew, what he had experienced, and adapted it in such a way that he was able to reach out and connect with a greater audience.  Lewis did not allow himself to become trapped within a single mode of conveyance.  He used any and all means to share what he knew and believed. 

Lewis could reach the scholar and yet be understood by the common person on any street, while delighting his youngest readers.  How did he accomplish this?  He spoke to the reader by establishing a commonalty in thought, belief, and experience.  By focusing on the shared experiences of loss, hope, and joy he was able to create a connection and build upon this.

If you have ever wanted to delve into a personal study of C.S. Lewis and his works this book is an excellent way to start out.  There are twelve chapters and each focuses on a different work exploring how Lewis shifted his style in the creation of each.  Get ready to rediscover Lewis and his works.

I was provided a copy of this book through Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

A fresh look at this Christian champion and master storyteller through his varied uses of imagination.

Narnia, Perelandra—places of wonder and longing. The White Witch, Screwtape—personifications of evil. Aslan—a portrait of the divine. Like Turkish Delight, some of C.S. Lewis’s writing surprises and whets our appetite for more. But some of his works bite and nip at our heels. What enabled C.S. Lewis to create such vivid characters and compelling plots? Perhaps it was simply that C.S. Lewis had an unsurpassed imagination. Or perhaps he had a knack for finding the right metaphor or analogy that awakened readers’ imaginations in new ways. But whatever his gifts, no one can deny that C.S. Lewis had a remarkable career, producing many books in eighteen different literary genres, including: apologetics, autobiography, educational philosophy, fairy stories, science fiction, and literary criticism. And while he had and still has critics, Lewis' works continue to find devoted readers.

The purpose of this book is to introduce C.S. Lewis through the prism of imagination. For Lewis, imagination is both a means and an end. And because he used his own imagination well and often, he is a practiced guide for those of us who desire to reach beyond our grasp. Each chapter highlights Lewis’s major works and then shows how Lewis uses imagination to captivate readers. While many have read books by C.S. Lewis, not many readers understand his power to give new slants on the things we think we know. More than a genius, Lewis disciplined his imagination, harnessing its creativity in service of helping others believe more deeply.