Monday, November 30, 2015

Review: Return Once More by Trisha Leigh with Giveaway



RETURN ONCE MORE
by Trisha Leigh
Bloomsbury Spark
YA Fantasy
289 pages





If you could learn the identity of your one true love—even though you will never meet— would you?

Years have passed since refugees from a ruined earth took to space, eventually settling a new system of planets. Science has not only made the leaps necessary to allow time travel, but the process engineered a strange side effect—predicting your one true love.
If you could save your one true love from an untimely death, would you be able to resist?
Sixteen-year-old Kaia Vespasian is an apprentice to the Historians—a group charged with using time travel to document the triumphs and failures of the past—and she can’t resist a peek at her long-dead soul mate in Ancient Egypt. Before she knows it, she’s broken every rule in the book, and the consequences of getting caught could destroy more than just her new romance.
Or would you have the strength to watch him die?
But when Kaia notices a fellow classmate snooping around in a time where he doesn’t belong, she suspects he has a secret of his own—and the conspiracy she uncovers could threaten the entire universe. If her experience has taught her anything, to changing history means facing the consequences. The Historians trained her to observe and record the past, but Kaia never guessed she might have to protect it— in a race across time to save her only chance at a future.





MY TIDBITS


There's nothing better than opening a book only to get lost in the pages, and this one swept me away.

The book starts in ancient Rome and immediately brings not only the scene but the tastes, emotions, smells and everything around it to life. . .and that with a futuristic girl standing on the sidelines with the simple task to observe. Although the story takes place between a very far future and a (for the most part) very far past, the two extremes both seem familiar and natural. Even the characters come across so authentic that it's no problem to sympathize with them no matter what  year they come from.

Kaia's training as an observer made her a little stiff at first, but when she slips back to her 'time' we learn that she's under quite a bit of pressure to not mess up. I was quickly drawn in by her wit, good nature, and willingness to take risks...which often left her in trouble. Kaia is seventeen and not only does she tend to get distracted easily, but sometimes reacts without thinking or simply decides the moment is more important than the outcome. In other words, she acts like a slightly impulsive teen.

This is a fast-paced story, which gains layers as the plot grows from Kaia's simple inability to always follow rules to an outright, time-travel intrigue. I enjoyed the leaps to interesting (and not always well-known) moments of history, while they wove into a larger and unexpected threat in Kaia's true world. The deeper Kaia digs, the more dangerous things become. But what these dangers are and how they really all fit together is something which kept me guessing until the last pages.

It's not only the plot and the characters which pulled me in, but the questions of fate, destiny, and right vs. wrong. The scenes chosen in history are done with the intention to leave an impression on Kaia and the other students, but each one also left an impression on me, the reader. Basic questions dealing with moral, ethics and human nature are constantly brought to life. While Kaia is affected by these, it still doesn't bog the story down and make it feel depressing or dark. The teenageness of it all and lighter writing style keep it from growing too heavy. Of course, the idea of time travel and the question surrounding the results of changing history are also brought up...questions that have been explored numerous times. Still, I found the way these were handled refreshing and didn't feel like the message was being regurgitated in any way.

This was a pure joy to read, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys time travel, science fiction, mystery and intrigue. I think fans of YA Dystopian would fall for this one as well.



And here she is. . .
TRISHA LEIGH!!!


Trisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales, and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies, reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.

Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who are numerous, loud, full of love–the kind of people that make the world a better place. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories–made up, of course, but true enough in their way.

Trisha is the author of THE LAST YEAR series and the WHITMAN UNIVERSITY books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

To learn more about Trisha Leigh, please visit her at trishaleigh.com.

If you enjoy New Adult books or a good contemporary romance, please check out my pen name, Lyla Payne!

Author links:




a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Scarlett Legacy by K.N. Lee


The Scarlett Legacy
Woodland Creek Shifters
By- K.N. Lee
Genre- YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

Woodland Creek Series.
30 Authors. 30 Shifter Stories.

Wizards. Shifters. Murderers.
Welcome to Woodland Creek where one family of wizards gives new meaning to organized crime.

Evie Scarlett wanted two things: marry Parker Drake and leave Woodland Creek.
But when Hugh Prince, a dangerous crime boss, is mysteriously murdered while awaiting trial for her father's murder, all eyes turn to the Scarlett family.

The arrival of Hugh's youngest son, Avalon brings a century-old feud to a dangerous climax. This vengeful wizard gives Evie's older brother a choice: die or give Evie to him.

When Evie's plans for escape are broken by familial duty, she must find a way to protect those she loves and win back her freedom. What she finds is an ancient power that she never knew she had.

A power that might change everything she thought she knew about her family.




Crystallum by Laney McMann

25649108

CRYSTALLUM
The Primordial Principles
by Laney McMann
Booktrope Editions
YA Fantasy
363 pages





Kadence Sparrow wasn’t born a devil’s child—she was turned into one. Now, she’s hiding from the truth, and running for her life.
For years, Kade’s true nature has lurked behind an illusion, so when her dad gets another job transfer, she knows the drill: no close friends, no boyfriends, and most importantly: don’t expose what she is. Ever. Keeping secrets is easy. Lies are second nature. So is the loneliness—and the fear, but when the Shadows attack, and Kade meets Cole Spires, she could expose everything she’s trying to hide.
As one of the Celestial Children, Cole lives by an oath: defend the Ward, protect the Primordial race, guard the gateways, and stick to his own. Everything else is a distraction, and besides, he’s lost enough. Cole’s job is clear, and no one his age does it better. So, when he meets Kade in a club downtown, he assumes she just wants his attention. Most girls do, but Cole soon realizes … Kade isn’t like most girls.
The children of heaven and hell are living among us, fighting an age-old war. And falling for someone from the opposition is not an option. But a chance encounter between Kade and Cole will blur the rules, as Kade’s journey to keep her truth hidden catapults them together and into a web of lies, forcing her to not only face the demon inside her, but to answer the hardest question of all.
Which is thicker—blood or water?

Author Bio

Laney McMann is the author of The Fire Born Novels (TIED, TORN, & TRUE) and The Primordial Principles series (CRYSTALLUM, book #1 ~ Fall 2015).
She is the product of very creative parents and the most imaginative grandmother ever. With an untapped passion for the supernatural and all things magical, her voracious appetite for reading fantasy started really young ~ and so did her love of words. She writes young adult dark urban fantasy novels mixed with a spike of romance, a hint of history, a dash of mythology, and lots of paranormal. On the non-writing side of life, Laney is a former classical dancer, music snob, chef, and a right-brained thinker to a fault. When she's not dreaming up new dead ends to torture herself with, she spends her time running. Laney is published by J. Taylor Publishing and Booktrope Publishing.

Buy the Book

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Sons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello with Giveaway

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the young adult book "Sons of the Sphinx" and "Tutankhamen Speaks", The Quest Books companion to "Sons of the Sphinx" by Cheryl Carpinello.

Cheryl Carpinello Egypt Legend


Sons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello


Sons of the Sphinx
 by Cheryl Carpinello 
 Beyond Today Educator 
 Pages: 192 
For ages 10+










Armed with what she considers her grandmother’s curse, 15-year-old Rosa agrees to help the ghost of King Tut find his lost queen Hesena. Though Hesena’s ba inhabits part of Rosa, finding the whole spirit of Hesena so that she and Tut can be together for the first time in over 3000 years proves to be a harder task than Rosa first thinks. Thrust back into Ancient Egypt with Tut, Rosa discovers that finding Hesena is not all she must do. She must keep out of the reach of the living Horemheb - who crosses mortal boundaries using Seth’s evil magic - if she is to stay alive to make it back home.  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * iTunes * Goodreads

Awards

2015 Readers' Favorite Finalist YA 2015 IAN Book of the Year Finalist YA 2015 CAL Book Award Finalist YA Fiction 2014 Literary Classics Silver Medal for PreTeen/Tween 2014 Literary Classics Seal of Approval


 




Tutankhamunfinal2 copy
Tutankhamen Speaks
 (The Quest Books Companion to Sons of the Sphinx) 
by Cheryl Carpinello
Beyond Today Educator 
Pages: 80
For ages 10+









2014 EVVY Finalist & Merit Award for Historical Fiction from Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc. Long ago the old texts of ancient Egypt alluded to scrolls in which King Tut spoke to the people from beyond the tomb. Many archeologists put this down to an incorrect translation of the ancient Egyptian texts. Others swore to the accuracy of the translation. None of that mattered because the scrolls in question could not be found. Scholars labeled it a hoax, something that never existed. It was ludicrous to imagine someone speaking from the grave. They were wrong on both accounts.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * iTunes * Goodreads

 

BOOK BUZZ

Sons of the Sphinx:
"Sons of the Sphinx is a time-travel thriller featuring a race against time with the stakes being King Tut being separated from his beloved Queen Ankhesenamun for all of eternity as well as the history books forever portraying King Tut's family as traitors to the people of Egypt. I recommend this exciting story to children ages 11 and older who enjoy reading stories about ancient Egypt or who are just looking for their next great adventure." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"The author has done a marvelous job of negotiating the disputed points of this era and woven them into a seamless time travel historical adventure for middle grade, teen readers and adults. Her characters are well-developed and manage to appear authentic in both the ancient and modern time periods." ~ Amazon, Barbara Ann Mojica

"I am a fan of historical fiction and I really enjoyed Sons of the Sphinx. It is a well written tale that gives readers a glimpse of ancient Egypt and the lives of Pharaohs who reigned thousands of years ago. The author does a wonderful job of filling in details, where historians are uncertain, that add to the believability of this captivating story." ~ Amazon, Stacie T.

"Carpinello is masterful in her descriptions of ancient Egypt and makes this time travel fantasy very enjoyable indeed. Sons of the Sphinx is highly recommended." ~ Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite

"Full of adventure, self-discovery, and packed with historical facts, this novel is a perfect read for any girl who's going through puberty. If I were still there in my life, I would have given it 5 stars for sure!" ~ Amazon, Erika G.

"Sons of the Sphinx is an engaging work of fiction that incorporates many fascinating historical facts that are skillfully intertwined within the pages of a truly terrific read. Sons of the Sphinx comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval." ~ Literary Classics Book Reviews

Tutankhamen Speaks:
"A delightful way to bring history to children. The author, Cheryl Carpinello, reveals the young ruler’s feelings. The same feelings any of us may have had. We are also shown an interesting way of life peaking anyone’s curiosity to read on. Highly recommend for any age." ~ Sharon, Amazon

"Young adult author Cheryl Carpinello has created an imaginative yet historical retelling of King Tut’s full life story in her new novel Tutankhamen Speaks." ~ Tyler T., Amazon
 

About the Author: Cheryl Carpinello


Cheryl Carpinello Author


I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds. Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello's Writing Pages where I interview children's/MG/Tween/YA authors; my home website Beyond Today Educator, and The Quest Books where I've teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

Beyond the Educator * Carpinello's Writing Pages

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter * Pinterest * Google+

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 12, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Cheryl Carpinello and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Review: The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool by PJ LaRue

The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool Cover  
The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool
 by PJ LaRue
Illustrated by Aristides Rodriguez
Chapter Book
Pages: 63
For ages: 5 to 10








 Join Exciting Princess Adventures and Learn Life Lessons Along the Way Have you ever wanted to ride a dolphin or dreamed of playing on a rainbow as if it were a waterslide? How would you feel if someone tried to kidnap you, and you were forced to move to Hawai'i to hide and live with people you don't know? That happened to Harmonie. Come meet Harmonie, her new Mystic Princess friends, and find out what happens when her enemies, the Children of Ares, find her again.

Purchase * Goodreads

 

MY TIDBITS

This story starts out right in the middle of an action scene. Harmonie is almost kidnapped, but saved by her brother Eros in the last moment. We learn right away about the secret behind Harmonie and Eros' parents as well as the danger Harmonie finds herself in. As beginnings go, it's captivating and launches the story full force. Still, I would have enjoyed having just a bit more time to learn to get to know the characters.

This isn't a only a story about Harmonie but envelopes an entire rainbow of characters. Although the 'bad' guys are mentioned, the story shifts to Harmonie's protectors. Living on Hawaii, these girls are special in their own right, each possessing a 'super' power. t's a lovely group of girls (with respectable parents). They mold together seamlessly, forming a wonderful bond of friendship--and it's exactly this which makes this story so warm. I love the trust the parents put into the girls, and the way the girls work together. There are many good messages in here.

This isn't a complex story but set just perfect for lower readers. The author never goes into heavy descriptions or explanations but lets the plot unfold. It's not an especially tense or dangerous plot, either. Although Harmonie is the target of the God of War and his children, the danger is kept fitting for the intended age group. I think that especially children ages 6 to 8 will enjoy this and get their first glimpse into myths and Greek gods.


BOOK BUZZ
"The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool has a delightful plot. P. J. LaRue uses mythological characters to tell a lively story of bravery and friendship. The book teaches important lessons on strengths and weaknesses, conservation and safety. This is the first book in the Mystic Princesses series, and I cannot wait for the next princesses' adventure to come. Young girls will love The Mystic Princesses adventure on their bedside table." ~ Kelly Santana, Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

"A lovely book for children with colourful pictures and any child who reads it will be looking for a sequel." ~ 5 Star Review, Diane, Amazon

"'The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool' is a confidence boosting book for children, giving them important information. It is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about Harmonie and her friends." ~ 5 Star Review, Mary C., Goodreads

"This early chapter book is perfect for children ages six through ten. It does not portray wimpy princesses, but strong, respectful and independent female role models involved in many adventures in which they learn to overcome their weaknesses, act against bullying, and cooperate with friends and family to promote human welfare and peace. Short chapters interspersed with illustrations will maintain interest if the book is read aloud for younger children. Introduce your little princess to this one." ~ 5 Star Review, Barbara M., Amazon

"The short chapters would make this ideal for younger girls who are newer to reading Chapter Books. The colourful illustrations are excellent, and compliment this warm story nicely. A new series for girls, offering a fun way to learn valuable life lessons." ~ 5 Star Review, M.J. Kinsmen, Amazon
 

About the Author: PJ LaRue

PJ LaRue


PJ LaRue wrote poetry in high school, but she discovered writing children’s books and short stories later in life. Her writing inspirations are hiking, photography and environmental consciousness, but she links these interests to much larger social issues. A person very close to PJ was molested as a child, making PJ passionate about providing child safety tips. And, PJ was bullied in the third grade by girls much larger than she, who demanded that PJ give them her lunch money. As a result, PJ is committed to spreading the word that bullying must be stopped.
One of PJ’s goals is to help educate children, parents and caregivers, in a fun way, using her children’s book series, The Mystic Princesses. Because PJ loves to travel, the princesses will visit many locales, learning about environmental concerns along the way.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

 

Friday, November 27, 2015

Review: Acne, Asthma, and Other Signs You Might be Half Dragon by Rena Rocford



ACNE, ASTHMA, AND OTHER SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE HALF DRAGON
by Rena Rocford
Contemporary Fantasy
Curiosity Quills Press
Cover Artist: Amy Chitulescu




Find Online: Amazon US | Goodreads





Allyson fights acne, not trolls. As an inhaler-carrying member of the asthma society, she just wants to meet the father who turned her mother into a paranoid, move-across-the-nation freak. Now she’s trying to fit in at yet another school, but for the first time in her life, she has a best friend, Beth. When Allyson accidentally spits fire at kidnappers in the mall, she realizes why her father isn’t in the picture: she’s half dragon. Her acne? Emerging scales. Her asthma? The side effects of her dragon's fire breath. Instead of freaking out, unflappable Beth reveals her own troll heritage and explains how things work with the supernatural creatures hiding within the modern world of smartphones and skyscrapers.

When trolls kidnap a unicorn, Beth gets blamed. Allyson is determined to prove Beth’s innocence and keep her friend off the unicorn chopping block. When they start looking for the kidnappers, they get a call from the last person they expect: Allyson’s father. He tries to warn them off, but he's been put under a spell by the kidnappers to keep the victims from escaping. Nothing short of death can stop him. Now Allyson must choose between killing the father she’s always dreamed of, or letting her best friend die for a crime she didn’t commit.




MY TIDBITS


Although I loved the cover on this one, after I read the blurb, I wasn't sure I'd like it or not. . .but since I already had it, I figured I might as well give it a go. And I'm so glad I did!

This is a modern day fantasy, grounded in the every day world as we know it. Well, except that humans aren't alone. Fantastical creatures--unicorns, dragons, trolls, and so many others--live among us but look so human, no one except for their kind can tell the difference. Allyson is just about to turn fifteen and has never given a second thought to fairy tales or anything of their kind, but when she spits fire and grows scales, her eyes are opened.

This is such a fun tale. Within the first pages, a normal, teenage shopping mall excursion turns into an attempted kidnapping with dragons and trolls. Not much time is spent on getting to know Allyson first, but it's not necessary. Her character is sympathetic from beginning on, and her shock about life unfolding around her is a delight to experience right along with her.

The plot is stuffed full of action, and poor Allyson not only struggles with her new-found dragonness, but fights off all sorts of creatures who are out to get her. It was easy to get caught up into the story, but hard to put it down. Especially since every time it appeared she and her best friend were getting somewhere, luck would seem to blow up in their faces. But then, the two are a bit reckless and although their intentions are always good, their plans aren't always as solid as they could be. It makes their decisions very believable...well, in so far as a teenage dragon and troll going up again other fantastic creatures in disguise can be considered believable. But there's tons of chases, lots of precarious situations and just the right amount of snippy humor thrown in.

Summed up, this is a thrilling and fun ride into a world which is very familiar, but full of fantasy. Anyone into a little more light-hearted but still adventure filled urban fantasy is sure to love this.




And here she is. . .
RENA ROCFORD!!!



Like most mad scientists, Rena Rocford’s early works were largely met with scorn and mockery, but she bided her time. After all, what did her fellow kindergarteners know about literature? From that day forward, Rena kept her writing on the mythical back burner as she pursued more logical goals. Today, crayons. Tomorrow, the world. She moved on to essays and egg drops, followed by experiments in shady laboratories. She tried her hand at everything, learning from anyone who would teach her. She even moonlighted as a horseback riding instructor.

Admittedly, living as a muggle brought Rena some levels of success such as completing her master’s degree, but always the stories returned, calling her to the keyboard in the dark of night. Now, having built armies from words, Rena has set her sights on world domination, one book at a time.

From her secret base in the wine country, Rena has enlisted the help of her cats, her loyal dogs, and her family―who can be relied upon to hide the launch codes at a moment’s notice. You can find Rena at her blog, follow her on Twitter, or find her on Facebook.

Find Rena Rocford Online:






Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, there’s never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.
Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Review: The Delilah Dusticle Series by A.J. York




DELILAH DUSTICLE
by A.J. York
Middle Grade Fantasy
ages 8+
102 pages

  



Delilah Dusticle has special powers. She can completely eradicate dust. With her quiver pouch of special dusters, Delilah can run up walls and reaches places others just can’t. As a maid in the Fenchurch-Whittington house, Delilah’s unusual skills soon lead to her being promoted to Chief Dust Eradicator and Remover. Until one day, a broken heart leads to her powers taking an expected turn. 

This is the first in a series of touching and funny stories about Delilah Dusticle. Follow her on a journey of self-discovery, friendship and adventure.


Excerpt 

A suit of armour standing beside her in the hall coughed and shot out a puff of dust from its helmet. “Staff are not permitted to fraternise with the family and any shenanigans would lead to instant dismissal,” wheezed the armour. 

“Don’t I know it,” said Delilah who then waved her duster at the falling dust cloud making it vanish in mid-air. For good measure she selected her dandelion duster and polished the armour, who was very ticklish and kept giggling. She then made her way to the staff kitchen for dinner.



MY TIDBITS

Firstly, I wish Delilah Dusticle was real because I'd be more than willing to hire her! Delilah is a maid, and not just any maid, but one with the talent of dusting. Of course, she doesn't dust like any other person would. Delilah is able to run up walls, has dusters of all sorts and colors and does a perfect job. Best yet, she's a loving, fun character, who's hard not to like from the first moment on.

Unlike many books for children, this one brings Delilah (an adult) to center stage and talks about her woes of the heart as well as new found friendships. Although this might seem like a big topic for kids, the author brings Delilah across in a such a whimsical way that kids will have no problem sympathizing for her and her troubles. 

Although there are several important messages presented in this story, fun is never far behind. Delilah's dust follows her like snow and the mouse in her apartment is simply cute. Even the scheme she makes with a new found friend to solve their troubles will have kids smiling.

The only thing I would have liked to see in this story is simply more illustrations. The text opens up to fantasy pure, and I believe kids could really fall into this if a few whimsical picture would accompany it. 

But this is a cute tale with a lot of heart, and I'm sure kids ages 8+ would especially appreciate it if read aloud to them.



DELILAH DUSTICLE'S TRANSYLVANIAN ADVENTURE
by A.J. York



In this illustrated instalment, Delilah and the Dustbusters are invited to Transylvania to cater for the Hallow Eve Ball. All is not what it seems and Count Dracula has a very unusual request for Delilah.



MY TIDBITS


After reading the first book in this series, I was curious where Delilah could go from there. And this story surpassed any expectations I might of had.

Where in book one, we learn to get to know Delilah, how she develops friendships and she wins over our hearts, this book brings her to a new level. Delilah isn't only good at dusting, it's now formed into a sort of super power--and a fun one at that. Delilah has come a long way from being simply a maid and now, helps her best friend, Abi, with a feather duster/duster business, a very successful one. During her daily dustings, she discovers that dust 'listens' to her...but after her dust problems in book one, this shouldn't be completely surprising.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one. Delilah now has a purpose, and it's a fun one. There are times which made me laugh and others which had me leaning back to think, but the entire time, I was engaged in Delilah's story.

The fantasy behind this is a delight--whimsical and just obscure enough from reality that it gains it's own form of brightness. In a way, it reminds me of Mary Poppins, but with a entirely different air of lightness and fantasy.

Summed up, I really enjoyed this and believe kids ages eight and up will cheer Delilah on as she overcomes whatever is thrown at her with loving ease.


Excerpt

There was also an ugly brown sponge that looked like a grumpy gargoyle with a squished face. Delilah called him Grumpy Sponge. He would suck up dust on contact, or, if Delilah was feeling sad, he would throw-up dirt on every surface.
Delilah wiped every book in the library with Grumpy Sponge, who would stick out his tongue and lick up any grime, and then she would do a quick sweep with Abi’s dusters to remove any small dust flakes. Delilah was leaning into the fireplace with Grumpy Sponge, who instead of licking up soot was now sucking up coal dust, when the lady of the house appeared. She looked about the room to ensure they were alone and then handed Delilah a letter. 
“It is from a very distant cousin of mine. He wishes to acquire your services for his annual event."
Delilah turned the letter in her hands. It was very strange indeed. It was an old, yellowed piece of folded cartridge paper with her name written in spindly pink writing on the front. On the back was a red wax seal, imprinted with the image of a winking bat.




And here is A.J. York!!!





A. J. York is the author of the middle grade fantasy series called The Delilah Dusticle Adventures. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised in the UK, A.J. York's first love was telling stories through drama. 

"I have always enjoyed making up characters and their life stories, therefore I jumped at the chance to study theatre at the University of Brighton.  I later trained as a drama teacher and I have a Master's degree from Goldsmiths. I have gone back to my roots and I now live in Gothenburg. People have told me they love reading my stories and I hope you have fun reading them too!" A.J. York


Website: www.ajyork.com
Facebook: wwwfacebook.com/delilahdusticle
Twitter: @delilahdusticle













Mice and Spiders and Webs. . .Oh My! by Sherrill S. Cannon with Giveaway

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the picture book "Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My!" by Sherrill S. Cannon.

Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My! Title: Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My! | Author: Sherrill S. Cannon | Illustrator: Kalpart | Publication Date: March 19, 2015 | Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC | Pages: 30 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: Is your child a good listener? Rosemary is a little girl who is worried about returning to school after her teacher warns the class that they would soon have some mice, spiders, and webs in the classroom. Could Rosemary have misunderstood something? How can mice and spiders and webs belong at school? Full of "Computer Speak," this story introduces young readers to basic computer terms in a delightful way! See if your child can discover the mystery of the misunderstood words, and learn about the fun of computers with Rosemary. Get it Now Amazon button

Please note that 50% of the cost of Sherrill Cannon's books go to the following two organizations: http://sbpra.com/curejm and http://sbpra.com/imbullyfree. Here are Ms. Cannon's other books:

Macintosh HD:Users:skcannon60:Dropbox:iPhoto Library:Masters:2014:03:15:20140315-145024:IMG_1139.JPGMy Fingerpaint Masterpiece deals with perspective, perception and self-esteem as a child fingerpaints artwork in class, and later discovers it as part of the town’s Art Contest.       Macintosh HD:Users:skcannon60:Dropbox:iPhoto Library:Masters:2014:06:12:20140612-155332:IMG_1287.JPGManner-Man is a Superhero who helps children cope with bullies, and teaches them how to look within themselves for their own superhero.       Macintosh HD:Users:skcannon60:Dropbox:iPhoto Library:Masters:2014:08:20:20140820-114042:IMG_1390.JPGGimme-Jimmy is about how a bully learns to share. His “New Polite Rule” helps him learn to make friends.       Macintosh HD:Users:skcannon60:Dropbox:iPhoto Library:Masters:2012:09:10:20120910-174324:TheMagicWord-6lg copy.jpgThe Magic Word helps Elisabeth learn the magic word “please”, and to use it every day. Please and Thank you are words that everyone needs to use!       Macintosh HD:Users:skcannon60:Dropbox:iPhoto Library:Masters:2013:11:06:20131106-210036:IMG_0871.JPGPeter and the Whimper-Whineys, helps parents cope with whining, disguised as a fun story. Peter is a rabbit who whines all the time, and might have to join the Whimper-Whineys.       Macintosh HD:Users:skcannon60:Dropbox:iPhoto Library:Masters:2013:11:06:20131106-210036:IMG_0873.JPGSanta’s Birthday Gift includes Santa in the Christmas story. (After reading a story of the nativity to her granddaughter, she was asked “But where’s Santa?”)      

The Buzz About the Book

"Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My! features a wonderful rhyming tale with an important underlying message about "being a good listener". As an added bonus, the book also features bright and kid-friendly illustrations with cameo appearances of characters and covers from previous books. I highly recommend this (and other books by Sherrill S. Cannon) for children ages 4 to 8 years." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
"I adored this fun story and know it will become a fast favorite among readers." ~ Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks
"This book is educational, while entertaining too, and is a great teaching tool on being a good Listener." ~ Lu Ann, Rockin' Book Reviews
"This is a very fun book for both children and adults. It carries an important message, but at the same time introduces computer terminology that perhaps not every child will be familiar with." ~ Crsytal @ Castle View Academy
 

About the Author: Sherrill S. Cannon

Sherrill CannonSherrill S. Cannon is a former teacher and a grandmother of ten, who is also an Award-Winning Best-Selling Author! Her multi-cultural books have received thirty-six 2011-15 National and International awards. Most of her books try to teach something, like good manners and consideration for others. All of her books are part of two fundraisers, one to help find a cure for Juvenile Myositis, an incurable children's disease at http://sbpra.com/curejm/ and another for the anti-bullying campaign at imbullyfree.org at http://sbpra.com/imbullyfree 50% of the cost of her books on these sites will go directly to each organization! Sherrill is also the author of seven published and internationally performed plays for elementary school children, She is a resident of New Hope, PA and travels with her husband of 55 years throughout North America in their RV, sharing her books along the way!

Website * SBPRA Website * CureJM Website

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** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 9, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Sherrill S. Cannon and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services