Showing posts with label storm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label storm. Show all posts

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Book Review - After the Worst Thing Happens by Audrey Vernick + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon
Army Morand feels like her world has changed overnight when after an unfortunate accident, her beloved dog passed away. Army feels terrible because it was her fault that her beloved dog, Maybe got sick. She is having a hard time coming to terms with his death and she is hiding from her best friend, JennaLouise.


One day, Army sees the new girl that moved in across the street, Madison wandering around the street by herself. Army sees that Madison is also climbing a tree and goes out on the roof by herself. Army finds herself wanting to help Madison's family and making sure nothing happens to them. However, when a big storm is headed their way, will Army be able to find Madison when she goes missing?


The novel was an interesting read about a young girl dealing with sorrow and coming to terms with dealing with death and loss. She decides to use her energy to help a young family in need as a way to help her grieve her beloved dog. I thought the novel was an okay read. I didn't bond with any of the characters. I thought it was odd that the mother relied on Army without consulting Army's mother first. I feel like that she was stressed out and wanted Army to feel useful but, she should have talked to Army's mother first. I felt that some of the dialogue felt forced. I did like that there was some humor sprinkled throughout the story and that the author showcased one of the different spectrums of Autism.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

About the Book:

Title: AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS
Author: Audrey Vernick
Pub. Date: July 7, 2020
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Formats:  Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 224

Left reeling after her thoughtless mistake causes a terrible accident, 12-year-old Army Morand channels her grief to help someone in need.

Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise.

But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town.

"The subjects are heavy, but Army’s young voice infuses them with humor and warmth, even when her path forward seems uncertain. 'Just go with it and make things happen before you totally understand how to do all of it,' Army suggests, a hard-won lesson that young readers will take to heart." —Booklist

"this is fundamentally the story of small moments of growth and insight. Army’s first-person narration feels particularly authentic as she navigates her intense feelings"—The Horn Book

"In short chapters told from Army’s earnest first-person perspective, she finds new ways to negotiate with her caring but emotionally reserved parents and steps out of her own comfort zone; this exploration of family dynamics is where the novel shines."Kirkus Reviews

"With moments of humor, Vernick (Two Naomis) weaves together a well-paced story that explores grief in all its raw pain, as well as the power of friends, family, and community to help heal." —Publishers Weekly


About Audrey:
Audrey grew up in Whitestone, New York, where she lived with her parents and two sisters and a not very bright small white dog. She has a freaky memory about the names of the kids in her class at P.S. 184Q, and even remembers where most of them stood in size order. 

She always loved to read and still rereads Harriet the Spy on a regular basis.  She was not one of those children who always knew she wanted to be a writer; she didn't love to write until college. She's been writing ever since. 

In addition to writing for children, Audrey has published more than a dozen short stories for adults in magazines and literary journals. She received an mfa from Sarah Lawrence College.

Audrey divides her time between writing (which is mostly spent revising) and visiting elementary schools to talk about writing and publishing. (For school visit info, click here.) She also speaks at conferences around the country. 

She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family, and one fairly intelligent medium-sized black dog.

Audrey Vernick received a 2019 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.


Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS, US Only.



Rafflecopter link:


Tour Schedule:
Week One:
8/3/2020
Review
8/3/2020
Instagram Stop
8/4/2020
Interview
8/4/2020
Review
8/4/2020
Excerpt
8/5/2020
Review
8/5/2020
Instagram Stop
8/5/2020
Excerpt
8/6/2020
Review/Instagram Stop
8/6/2020
Review
8/6/2020
Interview
8/7/2020
Excerpt
8/7/2020
Instagram Stop
8/7/2020
Review
8/7/2020
Instagram Stop
8/7/2020
Instagram Stop

Week Two:
8/10/2020
Review
8/10/2020
Instagram Stop
8/11/2020
Excerpt
8/11/2020
Excerpt
8/11/2020
Instagram Stop
8/12/2020
Excerpt
8/12/2020
Instagram Stop
8/13/2020
Review
8/13/2020
Review
8/14/2020
Review/Instagram Stop
8/14/2020
Review
8/14/2020
Instagram Stop

 

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Book Review - Claiming the Drakos Heir by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway




Photo Credit - Amazon

Popi Costas just lost her sister to a tragic boating accident. Now she is faced with raising her late sister's unborn child alone. That is until the baby's wealthy uncle decides he wants custody of the child. Apollo Drakos is charming, handsome, but has a reputation for being selfish. Popi is determined to keep Apollo away from the baby. However, as Popi gets to know Apollo, she realizes there might be a soft interior under his hard shell. Will Popi and Apollo be able to put aside their differences? 

The novel follows the basic formula for a good romance novel: two people who do not communicate with each other and assume the worst of each other. However, the novel does have a few emotional rollercoasters, especially when dealing with a custody battle of a young child. I enjoyed reading and finding out the backstory of each character especially the mysterious Apollo. A definite must-read for anyone who loves romance novels.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Claiming the Drakos Heir (Greek Island Brides #2) By Jennifer Faye Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages June 1st 2019 by Harlequin Romance
The rebel bachelor is back…
To claim her baby!
In this Greek Island Brides story, pregnant surrogate Popi Costas is faced with raising her late sister’s child alone, until the baby’s wealthy uncle arrives to take charge! Apollo Drakos is distractingly handsome, but Popi won’t let that stop her from fighting to keep the baby. Yet as she gets to know the man behind the wild card reputation, Popi’s reconsidering welcoming Apollo into her new little family…
Freebie
Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!
The Greek Island Brides Series Finding love that lasts to infinity!
All marriages that take place on renowned wedding destination Infinity Island are guaranteed to last forever!
And the picturesque Greek island is about to weave its magic for friends Lea, Popi and Stasia. They dream of finding their own happy-ever-afters... And they’re about to meet three billionaires who will sweep them off their feet—and down the aisle!
Follow Lea’s journey from surprise pregnancy to dream proposal in...
 

Book #1 - Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby
From one night…
To nine months!
In this Greek Island Brides story, for jaded tycoon Xander Marinakos, renowned wedding destination Infinity Island is just another opportunity to expand his empire. Until he’s captivated by its beautiful owner, Lea Romes… When their one night together has unexpected consequences, Xander must negotiate the deal of a lifetime, and put his guarded heart on the table to convince independent Lea they can be a family…for infinity!
And coming September 2019…
Book #3 - Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring
A convenient engagement…
An inconvenient attraction!
In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon Roberto Carrass is a pleasant surprise—until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family from matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?
About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.
Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will receive a copy of Carrying the Greek Tycoon's Baby (print if US, ebook if INT) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card Open internationally Ends June 12, 2019