Cover The Tale of Willaby Creek‏

I am very happy to share this cover reveal!  It's for The Tale of Willaby Creek by Victoria Lindstrom! This is a middle grade adventure fantasy that releases in June 2015. Looks so great!!

About the Book:

A magical tale of amazing sacrifice...

When a violent windstorm strikes an enchanted rain forest many of the woodland creatures of Willaby Creek are stranded, injured, or lost forever to the frenzied force of the tempest. Basil, a black bear full of doubt and fear, becomes the unlikely leader to head the woodland creatures' rescue. He is joined by Daphne, a spunky blue dryad; Oliver, a wise horned owl; Elbert, a noble elk; and a host of other creatures that inhabit the enchanted rain forest.

Dangerous twists and turns in this animal adventure fantasy cause Basil to discover a courage, and a conviction, he never knew he had. The answers to the ancient mysteries in this magical tale emerge in an extraordinary finale under the tall timbers of the hidden hinterland.

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About the Author:

VICTORIA LINDSTROM is a full-time writer, a voracious reader, and the author of the children's picture book, The Scandinavian Santa. She loves to wander through the woods, capture the beauty of Nature in photographs, and visit museums and fine art galleries. She and her husband, Michael, live near the shore of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. You may visit Victoria at: www.victorialindstrom.com

Facebook | Twitter @AuthorLindstrom | Goodreads | Pinterest 

Giveaway:
One hardcover copy of The Tale of Willaby Creek (US) and an ebook of The Tale of Willaby Creek (INT)
(Books will be delivered upon release, or shortly before.)
Ends May 19, 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Disclaimer: Glutenfree+2 is not responsible for the giveaway!

Wicka-Review

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About the Book

Title: Wicka: The Chronicles of Elizabeth Blake | Author: Christy Deveaux | Publication Date: May 28, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 224 | Recommended Ages: 12+ Book Description: While mourning the loss of a mother figure, Elizabeth Blake, a smart but socially introverted seventeen-year-old girl from Ann Arbor, Michigan, enrolls in an international school in the south of France to finish her final year of high school. Here she meets her true love, finds out that she is a witch from an ancient family, and discovers that her life is in danger. Meanwhile, the Elders—the most powerful coven of witches in the world—have been tracking Elizabeth since her birth. According to an ancient legend, a battle led by “One barely born existing to lead” will cause the downfall of the Elders. Fearing that Elizabeth is the heir to this legend, the Elders try to destroy her before she can fulfill the prophecy. With the help of her new friends, Elizabeth must travel to Greece to try and prove to the Elders that she is not a threat and to ask for their permission to exist in peace. With the prospect of having to leave each other once the school year ends and return to their homes on opposite sides of the world, Elizabeth and her new love have to find a way to stay together. However, a rival love interest discovers their plan and causes the Elders to act against Elizabeth. As time runs out, Elizabeth must learn to use the powers she possesses to protect herself and the people she loves most.

Amazon * Smashwords * Kobo * Goodreads

 

The Buzz About the Book

"I truly enjoyed Wicka, a paranormal fantasy with love, jealousy, betrayal, and of course, magic. Young adult-friendly, the book contains its own mythos that really added to the interest in the story for me. It has a truly original take on witch lore, with its own quirks and novelties, that enrich the existing idea of witchcraft. The interpersonal story here is also compelling, and it’s perfect for teens. All in all, fantastic." ~ Sam G.

"Not only did I find the overview captivating when reading the description, but the story caught my attention right from the start. It takes a lot for a story to do that as I am easily bored - I may as well just be honest about it. This book had me reading it from start to finish and I couldn't put it down until it was complete. The story was well written and I look forward to reading more novels by this author!" ~ A. Drewes

"Mystery, suspense, love and a fascinating main character. I couldn’t put it down!" ~ Patricia Martin

 

About the Author: Christy Deveaux

Christy Deveaux is the author of The Chronicles of Elizabeth Blake series. Her highly anticipated first book in the series, Wicka, was just released this spring (2014). Inspired by traveling across Europe solo at a very young age, and many travel adventures since, the character and story line behind Elizabeth Blake was born. Christy majored in political science and earned a cross-disciplinary degree from the University of Western Ontario. She lives in Toronto, Ontario with her husband, three children and a fish named Cow.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

 

My Review 

Elizabeth comes from a very strong witch family. It is fascinating that the witch gene only presents itself in the females.  I wonder why because in other witch families the males can have witch power. 

Elizabeth and William are a cute couple. They work well together. Elizabeth's lack of witch knowledge is nuanced further by Sophie. Sophie who was bought up in the traditional witch way has many negative beliefs about humans. In many ways, it makes Sophie act like a terrible person. However, it is not quite what it seems. 

The story is very cute and family oriented. Families are a big part of the story.  Elizabeth's and William's connection gets deeper as the story progresses. William is close to his family, who accept Elizabeth and try to protect her. 

Elizabeth finds out more about her family, which is the crux of what is happening to her in the present. It is amazing how much family history affects people in the future. That happens in real life too, even if it shouldn't. Blood ties are important. 

Also, there is a bit of suspense and adventure in this novel, it fits in with the fantasy element. This novel is perfect for young readers.  It is detailed but not extremely gory or sexual, if you do not like reading about those things. Additionally, the characters are good role models.
I really enjoyed the ending- everything was tied together and it made you consider Elizabeth's future and be right there with her. 

[Giveaway] Microsoft Surface 3 Giveaway Contest

What to Feed an Asperger's- Review

This book is perfect for parents and caregivers of children on the Spectrum or with Sensory disorders. Even if your child is just a picky eater, there are several adaptable tips.

The format is great! It is broken down into breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks. You can easily open to where you need the most help. Also, there are great recipes interspersed through the book.


At the end of the book, there are meal planning tips and charts. This is a great visual way to help you organize meal times. I also liked how Patton tells you about her son's experiences throughout the book.

5 stars

Thanks Netgalley! 

ZombieSaurus Rex- Review and blog tour

Tour Page & Schedule

About Zombie-saurus Rex:

Rex Morton, a seventeen year-old zombie, has arrived in the small farming town of Plain View, Nebraska; just another stop in a long string of small towns left behind in their rear view mirror. Unlike the zombie stereotype, Rex is bright and friendly - as long as he doesn't get hungry. He hopes this time he can manage to stick around long enough to get his diploma.

Rex’s fiercely protective mother has strong armed yet another school district into accepting her son by threatening a discrimination lawsuit. At Plain View High, a dismal pattern of fear, prejudice, and bullying steers Rex down a familiar path toward expulsion. The difference this time is that Rex has fallen for fiery Goth girl, Ariella Klopenstein, the daughter of the Police Chief, and decided he will make his stand in Plain View.

As the Z-virus spreads west and the country panics, Rex and Ariella must find a way to overcome Rex’s mother who wants to break them apart and flee town, a school principal who wants Rex expelled, Ariella’s father, the Police Chief, who thinks Rex is dangerous, and a government zombie round-up aimed at solving the zombie problem once and for all.

Zombie-saurus Rex is a story about perseverance, overcoming prejudice, stereotypes and adversity. What it isn’t is a story about dinosaurs. The title is inspired by a nickname a school bully hangs on Rex due to his size, posture, and slow plodding gate.

Goodreads | Amazon

About the Author:

Author Mark Souza has always been a storyteller, whether explaining who filched the ice cream, or what happened to the cat’s tail. He learned most of life’s lessons from the business end of a wooden spoon, and the rest from public schools spanning the breadth of North America, all of which were overjoyed to be rid of him. He became an author of short stories and novels in the horror, mystery, thriller, and young adult genres later in life, after time and a desk job had softened his edges, transforming him into the round, doughy shape Big-&-Not-So-Tall shops crave.

Mark was the proud recipient of the 2013 Indie Reader Award for Best Science Fiction for his debut novel Robyn’s Egg.

He now resides in Western Washington with his wife (also an author), two daughters, and their dog of questionable heritage, Tater. Visit his website; http://www.marksouza,com. There you’ll find a multitude of ways to make contact. Mark enjoys cordial correspondence and will write back. He’s always on the lookout for that next victim reader.

Website | Twitter @souzawrites | Facebook

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

Ends 5/21

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

My Review

Zombiesaurus Rex is a fabulous tale.Rex is almost your average teenager.  All he wants to do is fit in.  He wants to go to school and be a normal teenager. However, as a zombie, that isn't possible.  I really liked Rex and his friends Ariella (Stacey) and Howie. Rex was an interesting character. He wasn't just an empty headed zombie. But he was the mix of new kid/ lowest kid on the totem pole that most people can relate to. 

Rex's mother wanted to keep moving. To keep her son safe. Which is something any parent could relate to. There are a lot of great role models in this book. Rex's teacher, who takes an interest in him, for example.

This book is a wild ride of adventure that tells with prejudice. It shows how people's attitudes and beliefs skewer their perception of events. 

Rex is a zombie but also cognizant. He can speak and doesn't attack humans. Which goes to show when fear and misunderstanding gets in the way of empathy, people get stuck in their way of thinking. In the book, that leads to zombie camps. In real life, that can cause political problems and even war. 

There are only a couple issues with the book. First. when did the zombies come from? The Z virus but what caused it? Why did Cecelia know her son could be kept alive through eating organ meat? Other than that, I enjoyed it~

4 stars~

The Calloways - Tour and Review

My Review

On a Night like This gave me chills. The first chapter was not what I was expected, but I was  quickly drawn into the story. You care about every single person in this tale. It's amazing!Amazing! Yes, I wrote amazing twice! You feel so much for Sara and Aiden. 

Sara is a very strong character ( and would have to be to match Aiden lol). Her rocky relationship with her father reminded me of my own lackluster relationship.  Problems with relationships spill into all parts of your life.  As for Aiden, he was also having issues after a major work incident. 
Very intense! A story at its core about family. This is the type of novel you curl up in your favourite chair with a blanket and cup of tea to read. I am so grateful the novel is part of a series! Furthermore, I really enjoyed the ending.
5 stars!

About the Author: Barbara Freethy has been making up stories most of her life. Growing up in a neighborhood with only boys and a big brother who was usually trying to ditch her, she spent a lot of time reading. When she wasn’t reading, she was imagining her own books. After college and several years in the P.R. field, she decided to try her hand at a novel. Now Barbara is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author loved by readers all over the world. Her novels range from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women’s fiction. Learn more on her website, Facebook page, or in her Street Team.

Check out this excerpt from #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy's first book in the Callaway family series…Then Read on for more information about this blog tour and all its great prizes!

Her father stared back at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Why are you here, Sara?"
"I wanted to be here for your birthday. It's been a long time since we've shared more than an email. We should talk, catch up with each other."
"Why on earth would you want to talk to me?"
The confusion in his eyes made her realize just how far apart they'd drifted. "Because you're my father. You're my family. We're the only ones left."
"Do you need money?"
"This isn't about money. Mom would not have wanted us to end up like strangers. We need to improve our relationship."
He stared back at her for a long moment, then said, "There's nothing left for you here, Sara. I wish you well, but we both need to move on. If you stay, it won't go well. We'll only disappoint each other."
Her chest tightened, the finality of his words bringing pain as well as anger. Her father was like a brick wall. She kept throwing herself at him, trying to break through his resistance, but all she ever achieved was a new batch of emotional bruises.
"You're a grown woman now," he added. "You don't need a father."
"Not that I ever really had one," she countered, surprising herself a little with the words. She was used to holding her tongue when it came to her dad, because talking usually made things worse.
"I did my best."
"Did you?"
A tickle caught at her throat and her eyes blurred with unwanted tears. She had not come here to cry. She sniffed, wondering why the air felt so thick. It took a minute to register that it was not her emotions that were making her eyes water, but smoke.
The same awareness flashed in her father's eyes. "Damn," he swore. "The kitchen—I was cooking—"
He ran out of the room, and she followed him down the stairs, shocked by how thick the smoke was in the entry.
She was on her dad's heels when he entered the kitchen. The scene was unbelievable. Flames shot two feet in the air off a sizzling pot on the stove. The fire had found more fuel in a stack of newspapers on the counter that had been left too close to the burner, those sparks leaping to the nearby curtains.
Her father grabbed a towel and tried to beat out some of the flames, but his efforts only seemed to make things worse. Embers flew everywhere, finding new places to burn, the heat growing more and more intense. Moving to the sink, she turned on the faucet and filled up a pitcher, but it was taking too long to get enough water. She threw some of it at the fire, but it made no difference.
"Move aside," her dad shouted, grabbing two hot pads.
"What are you doing?" she asked in confusion.
He tried to grab the pot and move it to the sink, but she was in the way, and he stumbled, dropping the pot in the garbage. She jumped back from an explosion of new fire.
"We have to call 911," she said frantically. But there was no phone in the kitchen, and her cell phone was in her bag by the entry. "Let's get out of here."
Her father was still trying to put out the fire, but he was getting nowhere.
"Dad, please."
"Get out, Sara," he said forcefully, then ran into the adjacent laundry room.
"Wait! Where are you going?"
"I have to get something important," he yelled back at her.
"Dad. We need to get out of the house." She coughed out the words, but she might as well have remained silent because her dad had vanished through the laundry room and down the back stairs to the basement. She couldn't imagine what he had to get. There was nothing but gardening tools and cleaning supplies down there.
She started to follow him, then jumped back as the fire caught the wallpaper next to her head, sizzling and leaping towards her clothing.
"Dad," she screamed. "We need to get out of the house."
A crash echoed through the house. Then all she could hear was the crackling of the fire.
Sara ran through the flames and down the stairs into the basement. A single light bulb dangled from a wire over the stairs, showing her father in a crumpled heap on the cement floor.
She dropped to her knees next to his still body. He was unconscious, blood under his head, and his right leg was twisted in an odd position. She put a hand on his chest. His heart was still beating.
"Dad," she said. "Wake up."
He blinked groggily. "Sara?" he asked in confusion. "What are you doing here?"
"The kitchen is on fire. We need to get out of the house." A glance back over her shoulder revealed smoke pouring through the open door at the top of the stairs. There was no way out of the basement without going through the kitchen.
Her father tried to sit up, but quickly fell back, groaning with pain. "My leg is broken. You go."
"I can't leave you here. That's not an option."
"You can't carry me. Go. Get help."
"I'll be right back," she promised.
 She ran up the stairs, shocked and terrified when she saw how much worse the fire had gotten in literally minutes. The heat was intense. She could barely breathe, and there was a wall of flames between her and the only way out. She couldn't afford to be scared. Grabbing a towel off the top of the nearby washing machine, she covered her nose and mouth, and prepared to make a dash for it.
Before she could move, a figure appeared on the other side of the flames—a man.
A wave of relief swept through her. Help had arrived.
He barreled through the fire and smoke, batting away the flames as if they were troublesome bees. When he stopped in front of her, her heart jumped again.
"Aiden?" She lowered the towel from her face. He was the last Callaway she wanted to see.

About the Callaway Blog Tour & All Its Great Prizes!

This is the week you finally meet the Callaways! Not only are they all over the web as part of their extraordinary blog tour, but they are also out and about in your neighborhood. That's right; we're celebrating the print launch with Ingram by throwing a party all over the world! Make sure to follow this tour closely for your chance to win gift cards, swag, autographed books, and other incredible prizes.
All the info you need to join the fun and enter to win amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment—easy to enter; easy to win!
To Win the Prizes:
Purchase any of the Callaway novels by Barbara Freethy (optional)
Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity (go here)
Visit today’s featured social media event (that's where the HUGE prizes are)

Or enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer- Ashleigh's Books is not responsible for the giveaway. I was given a copy of the book but  that didn't affect my review.