Clod Makes a Friend ~ Review with Giveaway

Clod Makes a Friend
By David J. Pedersen

Clod Makes a Friend is a story that shows the importance of having a friend and the crushing power of the word of a bully. Clod is a somewhat clumsy large young boy who takes after his father. While those around him exhibit magic skills Clod seems to be lacking in both magic and intellect and his teacher lets him know just how worthless and unskilled he is. But even worse Clod has no friends and the other children make fun of him and let him know that they consider him the ugliest thing they've ever seen.

But Clod has a skill that has not been encouraged by his teacher - a skill that allows him to bring to life a friend. But Ada, who is made from clay, can only exist for a short time. But the brief periods of time are enough for Clod to finally have a friend. As the years go by Clod continues to carve Ada and awaken her for slowly extended periods of time.

Clod's skill as a carver is unique and declared evil with possible ties to dark magic. But when Clod's skills are needed in the war that has drawn ever closer to his town others begin to realize that he isn't as worthless as his teacher believed. Some still fear Clod but he has his small circle of friends and Ada.

This is a delightful story that will enchant readers and there is a most unexpected twist at the end that one will not see coming. At just under 170 pages this book is a good length for middle-grade readers. Friendship, bullying, and self-worth are at the heart of this story that has a glimmer of fairytale within its woven spell. Highly recommended reading that offers some important truths.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author through iRead Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title: Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction, 174 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Odysia Press
Release date: March 2018
Tour dates: March 26 to April 13, 2018
Content Rating: PG (There is no bad language, but there is one "boss fight" scene.)

Book Description:

Best Friend Ever?

Bullies love to hate Clod. Not just because he’s bigger, clumsier, and uglier than his classmates - he’s also the only student in his school without magic. In a world where all magic is possible and everyone else is born with great gifts to do amazing things, Clod is alone.

Living with his mum in a broken-down cottage on barely enough, the only thing Clod has to play with is the clay she occasionally brings him. Bleak is an understatement. More than anything, Clod wants a friend. The only way that’s going to happen, is to make one himself.

After an angry visit from the worst of the bullies, his teacher Learned Yugen, Clod’s clay sculpture of a little girl comes to life and introduces herself as Ada. For a clay girl barely the size of his hand, she has more confidence and courage than he knows what to do with. Every adventure she leads him on gets Clod into trouble. She may be the friend he wants, but is she the friend he needs?

After many years, and too many pranks, Yugen becomes convinced that Clod is tainted by the evil slowly infiltrating the Kingdom of Pag. Especially when Ada isn’t the only one Clod can bring to life.

Clod Makes A Friend is a bittersweet fairy tale for all ages from David J. Pedersen, author of the Angst series of fantasy novels.

To read reviews, please visit David J. Pedersen's page on iRead Book Tours.
​

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Google Play ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

David J. Pedersen is a native of Racine, WI who resides in his hometown Kansas City, MO. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has worked in sales, management, retail, video and film production, and IT. David has run 2 marathons, climbed several 14,000-foot mountains and marched in The University of Wisconsin Marching Band and written 4 fantasy novels. He is a geek and a fanboy that enjoys carousing, picking on his wife and kids, playing video games, and slowly muddling through his next novel.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Grand Prize:

Clod & Ada Gift Package, which includes:

1) an Ada Amigurumi Doll (book character)

2) a hardcover copy of Clod Makes A Friend

3) a $20 Amazon Gift Card

(open to USA and Canada / 1 winner)

2nd place prize:

Hardcover copy of Clod Makes A Friend with a $10 Amazon Gift Card

(open to USA and Canada / 2 winners)

3rd place prizes:

5 winners will get a paperback copy of Clod Makes A Friend

and

5 winners will get an ebook copy

(Open to USA and Canada / 10 winners total)

Ends April 21, 2018

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Chasing the Wind ~ Blitz with Giveaway and Excerpt

Welcome to the Chasing the Wind blog blitz and giveaway, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Chasing the Wind
Author: Paula Scott
Publisher: West Butte Publishing
Release Date:March 20, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

About the Book:

A beautiful, half-Indian girl raised by the Californios finds her fate intertwined with an American frontiersman haunted by his past in 1850 California.

As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.

Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.

*Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Paula began her writing career as a civilian contracted to write for the United States Air Force’s newspaper and magazines. Later, she wrote feature stories for a daily California newspaper. A fifth-generation Californian, Paula’s great great grandmother came to California in a covered wagon and married a California farmer. Paula’s family has been farming ever since. Paula works on her family’s farm, writes historical fiction, and blogs about life, love, and farming at psbicknell.com

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

Paula Scott is giving away a signed print copy of Chasing the Wind! (US Only) Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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March 28, 2018  

Launch @ JustRead  

ReadingIsMySuperPower  

Remembrancy  

She Lives to Read  

All-of-a-kind Mom  

The Christian Fiction Girl  

Robin's Nest  

The Mary Reader

March 29, 2018 

 Singing Librarian Books  

Edits and Reviews by Leslie 

A Baker's Perspective 

Faithfully Bookish 

Blooming with Books  

Reflections From My Bookshelves  

Radiant Light  

cherylbbookblog

March 30, 2018 

 Fiction Aficionado 

Among the Reads 

Cafinated Reads

Excerpt:

“I’m sorry for the man I’ve been. I feared and hated Indians all my life because of what I’ve seen them do. I treated you poorly on account of your Indian blood. I’d never have treated a white woman the way I treated you. I’m sorry.”

She was the first woman to see him shed a tear. It unleashed something in Peter he’d never felt before. Raw vulnerability. Never in his life had he been afraid of dying. But he was afraid of living honest and open this way before God and Belle.

“Dios will help us,” she said hopefully.

“Yes, God will help us,” he agreed.

A smile curved her lips even as she cried.

It was God who gave him the resolve to stand before Belle with tears on his face. His old self never would have stood for that. Never would he have let her or anyone else see that kind of softness in him. His heart swelled with gratitude. He knew something profound had just happened between God and them.

Mythical Doorways ~ Review with Giveaway and Party Invite

Mythical Doorways
A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology
By Katy Huth Jones, D. G. Driver, Lauren Lynch, H.L. Burke, Savannah Jezowski, A. J. Bakke, Laurie Lucking, Jenelle Schmidt, Arthur Daigle, Bokerah Bromley, and J.M. Hackman 

This is a delightful and entertaining compilation of fantasy stories that will take you to lands exotic and fantastical. With 11 stories one is sure to discover a new land one wants to visit again. All the stories were a delight to discover with some ranking higher in my personal preference than others but all were well written and I met a few new writers I'd like to again met over words and pages.

The first story Everwild by J.M. Hackman finds Flint North with hours to make a decision that will permanently affect his life. Leave the life he has always known for the unknown of Everwild - a fairy realm that a golden key he has been given will allow him to enter. But can a decision be made based on only a quick glance?

The Well of Fate by Savannah Jezowski finds Ratatosk, a squirrel, determined to change his destiny. But can a tale-spinner become a hero? Tosk is determined to try but facing the challenges that await him will take a courage that he may not possess.  And keep an eye out for an interesting identity reveal at the end (hint, hint)

Jericho and the Magician's Daughter by H.L. Burke finds Jericho Carver in an apprentice position to Magician Hedward Spellsmith. Jericho loves his work but he finds Spellsmith's daughter's thwarted desire to practice magic unfair. But if he goes against his master's wishes he could find himself let go. But Rill's desire to learn is one temptation he may have trouble denying. 

When a young man's desire leads to his banishment in Katy Huth Jones's Dragon's Oath a whole new world is about to open up to him. But new worlds with no one can be lonely and dangerous so when an unlikely rescuer comes to his aid Ethaniel makes a new friend who teaches him a valuable lesson about anger and extracts from him a promise that will lead to healing and a hope for the future.

When the self-recriminations about past decisions drive Seta to seek a better life in The Hallway of Three Doors by D.G. Driver she wants to never make a decision again. But choices are inevitable and Seta has one to make that will determine not only her future but that of the people she has let down in the past.

Door Number Four by Bokerah Brumley finds Cadet Rase Flannigan facing his fears of never achieving his life dream. Today is the day that he has to prove himself and his skills under pressure. If he can find the strength and determination within himself he will earn a place within the Creature Caretakers Corps (CCC). But can someone convinced they will fail, be able to rise to the challenge?

With days to decide where she will spend her life Heidi is on the Threshold (by Laurie Lucking). Can she leave behind her family for the magic and enchantment of Lockwood? Or will she give up her best friend Shawn when her sixteenth birthday? With decisions that no fifteen-year-old should have to make Heidi must discover what her heart is telling her.

In the Idiot's Graveyard by Arthur Daigle Sorcerer Lord Jayden and Dana Illwind find themselves battling an ancient evil that has been awakened by the greed of fools who don't know what they are dealing with. Can Jayden's skills and knowledge of ancient Elven history be enough to stop this threat before the land is ravaged and the people destroyed? With the help of Dana, they have a small hope of success.

The Cosmic Cravings by A.J. Bakke may be one of my favorites starring Bree a mouse-mage who now calls Deart home. Who couldn't love a mouse with a universal chocolate craving that can't be satisfied? But with chocolate only to be found on Earth Bree has a major problem as everyone knows portals can't connect to Earth. What's a mouse-mage to do? Why keep trying with a small mishap or two that just may prove helpful in the end!

Dragon Ward by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt is another one of my favorites in this book. Gwyna and the dragon Keltarrka find themselves in a unique and unexpected predicament when they enter a magical doorway at the same time. Since the war dragons and people have had a distrust and dislike of one another but that may soon change when a forbidden doorway offers a new understanding to both races.

What Lies Ahead by Lauren Lynch finds Roman slave Vassus on a search for what he most desires. But to get what he wants he must rely on a Greek guide and trust that an ancient doorway hidden into a cliff will grant him his desire. But the desire of his heart will take him into the past and offer him a glimpse of the life that he will fulfill.

If you want a sample platter of a clean fantasy reading get ready for some reading that will whet the appetite for more offerings from these writers! I enjoy fantasy reading that is clean and suitable for readers of all ages and this is one I would recommend as fitting this criteria.

I was provided a review copy of this book with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Anthology

Eleven Tales of Magical, Mysterious, Mythical Doorways! 

Step through portals and into adventure as the authors of the Fellowship of Fantasy take you on another journey into fantastic worlds. Travel through time, space, and realities to encounter monsters, mechanical foxes, and the Fates themselves. You'll fly with dragons, save implausible beasts, and perhaps find your true home. Choose your path wisely, for dangers lurk in the lands beyond. In the third anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy, eleven authors promise you journeys into fairylands hidden within the modern world, futuristic universities, and lands of ancient myth. So what are you waiting for? Cross through our Doorways for the adventure of a lifetime!

Download the ebook 

(free to download starting March 27^th) 

at your favorite digital store: https://www.books2read.com/u/bxq70e

Mythical Doorways Authors

- Katy Huth Jones - D. G. Driver - Lauren Lynch - H.L. Burke - Savannah Jezowski - A. J. Bakke - Laurie Lucking - Jenelle Schmidt - Arthur Daigle - Bokerah Bromley - J.M. Hackman 

(Click the author to learn more about them and their books!)  

Let's Party!

Fellowship of Fantasy is celebrating their third short story anthology release, Mythical Doorways! Whether they open onto new worlds or just new opportunities, doorways allow us to step through and uncover great adventures, discoveries, and risks.

Where will these Mythical Doorways take you? Grab your favorite drink and snack on March 29th at 8 PM EST (7 PM CST and 5 PM PST) and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with multiple authors, games, and giveaways!

RSVP Today

Giveaway Time!

The Fellowship of Fantasy and Deep Magic E-Zine have joined together to offer you an awesome paperback giveaway! Dive into eleven new worlds by entering to win a paperback of Mythical Doorways! (US only.)

About Deep Magic E-Zine: The name Deep Magic pays homage to C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Deep Magic is a quarterly e-zine dedicated to creating a safe place for minds to wander in the worlds and universe of SFF. We want all who visit to feel welcome and confident that they will encounter professionally written fiction of the highest quality that is safe for all to read.

Click here for more information: http://deepmagic.co/giveaway-fun/

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 27^th

• Author Spotlight: A. J. Bakke – Kandi J Wyatt—Where Fantasy and Reality Meet
• Interview: Katy Huth Jones – Dragonpen Press
• Interview: Laurie Lucking – Fearless Words in Fantasy Worlds
• Book Spotlight – Antrim Cycle
• Author Spotlight: Bokerah Brumley – Life is a Four-Letter Word: Encouragement for the Journey
• Book Spotlight – Deeply Shallow
• Book Review – Blooming with Books
• Review and; Interview: Lauren Lynch -- Fairies, Fantasy, and Faith

Wednesday, March 28^th

• Book Spotlight – Dolphin18cb
• Interview: Arthur Daigle – Heather Hadyen – Author of Science Fiction and Fantasy
• Review and Author Spotlight: H.L. Burke – Reality Reflected
• Interview: D.G. Driver – So Few Books
• Interview: H.L. Burke – Keturah’s Korner
• Interview: Bokerah Bromley – Supervise SF

Thursday, March 29^th

• Book Review – Lands Uncharted
• Interview: J.M. Hackman – Liv K. Fisher
• Interview: Jenelle Schmidt – Lu’s Reviews Take Two
• Interview: Savannah Jezowski – Unicorn Quester
• MYTHICAL DOORWAYS FACEBOOK PARTY

Beneath the Surface ~ Review

Beneath the Surface
Dive Team Investigations #1
By Lynn H. Blackburn

When a training exercise uncovers a murder victim in the lake behind her house Leigh Weston's life is about to take on a dangerous twist. Having returned to her childhood home after dealing with a patient turned stalker, Leigh had hoped for a return to normal.

A weekend training exercise in Lake Porter was about as relaxing as Ryan Parker could hope for while being on-call for the weekend. As part of the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team, he found this a relaxing way to work. But when the exercise turns into a homicide investigation his weekend and that of the dive team just went jumped to intense and frustrating.

The unknown victim has had his identification quite effectively stripped from his person. And due to the location of her home and dock Leigh is asked if the department can make use of it for the duration of their investigation. With Ryan being her brother's best friend and her secret girlhood crush Leigh agrees.

All too soon Ryan finds himself dealing with two cases - the unidentified murder victim and the attempted murder of Leigh Weston. Could Leigh's stalker be back? Or is it just a strange coincidence?
All too soon it becomes apparent that Leigh is indeed in someone's sights - the question is whose. As the murder investigation takes an unexpected turn, the danger Leigh faces grows. Will they be able to determine who is after Leigh in time to save her life? Or will she too become a victim with unanswered questions left at her death?

For those who enjoy books with a steadily growing level of suspense that branches off into different directions give this series debut a consideration. Fans of Lynette Eason, Patricia Bradley, or Terri Blackstone will want to try out Lynn Blackburn's work as she writes in a style that will appeal to these readers. The reader is effectively kept in the dark as to who, where, and why as the story progresses so one's attention is completely engaged throughout. And for those who like a dose of romance mixed in with their suspense - well you will be thrilled to know Beneath the Surface has that as well.

A word of warning the murder is rather gruesome and does not make me want to join this investigative team - if I saw it I would probably be very sick and having nightmares for a very long time (Just saying).

P.S. the excerpt from the next book in the series promises to be just as intriguing so don't skip it!

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

She thought she'd be safe 

when she moved

back home.

She was dead wrong.

After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.

Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.

If I Live ~ Review

If I Live
If I Run #3
By Terri Blackstone

In a word, one can sum up both this book and this series with WOW! Casey Cox is still on the run from those who have framed and want her dead. Meanwhile, Dylan Roberts, the man tasked with finding her, is on a search to uncover more evidence that will help clear Casey's name.

But with the years of corruption within the Shreveport Police Department, Dylan doesn't know whom he can trust with the information that he has in hand. And with time against them and Gordon Keegan's determination to bring Casey in and preferable dead-than-alive.

As the pages flip by the suspense and tension build as those hunting the innocent continue adding to their body count. This will be one book the reader will loathe to put down so a word of advice-  give yourself a long weekend in which to read this book.

If you haven't read the first two books If I Run and If I'm Found stop and get them first you have to read this series in order as each book takes up where the previous one ends. As both Casey and Dylan's stories progress and intersect the reader is drawn further into the story to its satisfying conclusion. And be prepared for a few unexpected twists. Of the books that I have read by Terri Blackstone this series is my favorite to date.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.

Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.

Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?

With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.

Imagine...The Ten Plagues

Imagine...
     The Ten Plagues
By Matt Koceich

Kai Wells is in trouble. Vivian Gold has decided that Kai is going to pay for her interference. When a sudden punch connects to her face Kai finds herself no longer in Florida.

Coming to Kai finds herself in a strange place but the truth is even more unbelievable. She is in Egypt at the time of Ramses and Moses! And she has come to the attention of a high-ranking Egyptian official which is not good for Kai or those who have befriended her.

Observing the ten plagues makes it so much more than just words on a page or a story told in Sunday School. As she experiences the plagues and sees how it affects the land and the Egyptians Kai fears she may never return to her home.

Imagine...The Ten Plagues is the second book in the Imagine series. At the end, there is an interesting twist that will be interesting to see where the series will go with this.

This book is 111 pages so a good length for middle-grade readers who aren't yet into longer books. Kids who enjoy adventure will enjoy this book. The common factor in this series is the unexpected trip back in time to a momentous event and this time it is the 10 plagues of Egypt.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

The Second Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids

The last thing fourth-grader Kai Wells remembers (before the world as she knew it disappeared) is being surrounded by bullies on her walk home from school. What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! 

Imagine. . .The Ten Plagues is the second release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.

A Chance at Forever ~ Review

A Chance at Forever
Teaville Moral Society #3
By Melissa Jaegers

Mercy McClain isn't about to be fooled by a name change - she'd know Aaron Firebrook for the school bully he always was all those years ago. Bullies never change and if she has any say about it he'll never get a chance to teach the children of Teaville and leave them with the pain she still carries from his cruelty.

Aaron Firebrook is a changed man and he is determined to make amends for all the pains he caused in the past when he struck out at others in an attempt to make them as miserable as he found himself. His past in his opinion makes him a more than qualified candidate to deal with children who may be similar situations. Unfortunately, Mercy apparently remembers him though it has been more than 10 years since he has seen her. But Aaron is not to be dissuaded he has a desire to right some of the pain he has caused and he is starting in Teaville.

As Aaron awaits the school boards decision he takes a job at the local orphanage as a math tutor and the gardener. But with Marcy working at the orphanage as well he may soon find himself out of a job with her high distrust of him. But Nicholas Loew doesn't feel the past defines a person forever and he is determined to give Aaron the chance he desires.

As Aaron and Mercy work together - Mercy begins to realize that people can change and for the better. Sometimes all it takes is someone taking the time to show that they care, giving them a chance at a better tomorrow, security, and love.

This is a lovely conclusion to this series. It is interesting to see how the attitudes of the different residents of Teaville changed or stayed the same. As with anywhere, there are those who feel that their benevolence should come with strings attached - while others give freely of what they have. Second chances are what we all have need of because no one is perfect and this story beautifully presents this.

Those who love historical fiction will enjoy this latest offering from Melissa Jagears. Reading the previous books in the series is not necessary to enjoy this book but it does provide the backstory for several of the other characters so be sure to at least give them a read through later. This would make an excellent book club selection for those looking for a suggestion. Now get ready for a cozy curl-up in your favorite space and read away the hours - you'll be glad you did.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?