Thursday, November 21, 2019

Book Spotlight - Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen + Giveaway + Guest Post



Ten Ways your Get Inspired to Write
1.      Take a bath.
2.     Go on a walk along the shore.
3.     Skim through magazines and newspapers (not online, but paper!)
4.     Tell yourself that you can do this!
5.     Drink.
6.     Drink some more.
7.      Think about the last time you really cried…and write it all down.
8.     Hang out at a coffee shop and pretend to read, but really listen to what others are sayings.
9.     Re-read a book you wish you had written.
10. Remind yourself that inspiration comes when it comes. You can’t force it. Let it find you.




Print Length: 268 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (November 18, 2019)
Publication Date: November 18, 2019
Language: English
ASIN: B07XSB35SS
 

Praise for GREGG OLSEN'S NOVELS

“Gregg Olsen's Envy is a riveting page-turner that I could not put down. Like Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, Envyexplores a serious topic--cyberbullying--in a fantastic, well-crafted story. Can't wait for the next Empty Coffinnovel!” ―Nancy Holder, New York Times bestselling author of the Wicked saga, Dear Bully contributor

“Gregg Olsen's Envy offers an interesting view on the devastating effects bullying can have, not only on the individuals involved from both sides, but on the community at large.” ―Bree Despain, author of The Dark Divine trilogy

"Sure to spice up your reading repertoire!" ―GirlsLife.com

"Olsen's characters jump to life and his plots are so intricate you never see the killer coming….a definite hit!" ―RT Book Reviews

“Dark and addictive…” ―Jordan Dane, critically acclaimed author of In the Arms of Stone Angels

“Olsen writes with authority, drawing inspiration from actual headlines and crime…” ―Publishers Weekly

"WICKEDLY CLEVER! TWISTED." ―Lisa Gardner

"OLSEN WRITES RAPID-FIRE PAGE-TURNERS." ―The Seattle Times

"GRABS YOU BY THE THROAT." ―Kay Hooper


Footprints were scattered about like fallen leaves. She looked down into the ravine, and once more her lungs filled with fear. A body, blackened and motionless lay splayed out in the bushes.

Detective Megan Carpenter is no stranger to evil. Escaping the horrors of her old life, she’s vowed never to let anyone hurt her or those she loves ever again. Joining the small police force in Jefferson County’s Port Townsend, Megan is determined to get every victim of a crime the justice they deserve.

So when Ruth Turner walks into the Sheriff’s office claiming her sister Ida Watson has been missing for over a month, Megan’s instincts tell her that she needs to do more than just file a report.

Arriving at a secluded farmhouse in the hills above Snow Creek, she finds Ida’s teenage children alone and frightened.

Then a few days later, close to the Watsons’ home, the blackened body of a woman is discovered in an abandoned pickup truck.

Megan must unravel the disturbing secrets of the isolated Snow Creek community if she is to catch the killer.

But Megan has dark secrets of her own too…

Hidden in the back of her closet is a box of tapes containing every single recording of her therapy sessions with Doctor Albright over thirteen years ago. As Megan begins to play the tapes, she’s taken straight back to her terrifying childhood, back to the time she was a kid called Rylee, fighting to survive.

Can Megan finally confront the past she’s spent years trying to block out and will listening to her own painful story help her solve the complex case she is now entangled in?

From the Number One New York Times and Amazon Charts bestselling author, comes an absolutely heart-stopping and completely unputdownable crime series, introducing Detective Megan Carpenter.


You can purchase Snow Creek at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Gregg Olsen

Throughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.

New York TimesWall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Olsen has written nine nonfiction books, nine novels, a novella, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.

The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Dateline NBC, William Shatner's Aftermath, Deadly Women on Investigation Discovery, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News, CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen's Snapped, Court TV's Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E's Biography.

In addition to television and radio appearances, he has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People,Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.

The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington's Secretary of State for the book's contribution to Washington state history and culture. His Young Adult novel, Envy, was the official selection of Washington for the National Book Festival.

Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife, twin daughters, three chickens, Milo (an obedience school dropout cocker spaniel) and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).


        
WEEK ONE
NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 12th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 15th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

WEEK TWO
NOVEMBER 18th MONDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 19th TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th WEDNESDAY Book Queen Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th WEDNESDAY Port Jericho REVIEW
NOVEMBER 21st THURSDAY Two Points of Interest GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 22nd FRIDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW & GUEST POST


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Book Review - The Runaway Princess by Johan Troïanowski

Photo credit - Amazon


Princess Robin has a knack for wandering away from her castle into her whirlwind adventures.  Robin doesn't act like other princesses who stay at home and follow the rules. Instead, she wants to go on adventures involving monsters, magical creatures, and pirates. Where will Robin go to next for her great adventure?

The graphic novel was a fun and entertaining read. I love the puzzles that were included in the book. I love that each adventure is whimsical and unpredictable. It's the perfect graphic novel for any middle grader.



 **Disclosure -  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.**

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Book Review - Witchlight by Jessi Zabarsky

Photo Credit - Amazon

Lelek is a witch on a mission. As she makes her way through the city, she kidnaps a peasant girl, Sanja. As they continue to travel together, the pair becomes closer. The duo travel to different cities to find the missing half of Lelek's soul so, she can regain her magical powers. As they continue the journey together, they both search for ways to be whole again.

The graphic novel was beautifully illustrated.  I thought the storyline was interesting but, I felt like the writing was a bit choppy. I found myself lost a few times while I was reading. I wish the characters were a bit more developed.



 **Disclosure -  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.**

Friday, November 15, 2019

Book Review - The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

The highly opinionated Moxie McCoy has the biggest challenge of the century! Someone kidnapped their beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl and Moxie is on the case. However, Moxie has to fly solo on this case because her crime-solving best friend has moved away.  As Moxie interviews her classmates as possible suspects and potential best friends, she discovers a few new things about the people in her life. Will Moxie be able the solve the disappearance of Eddie?

The book was a cute read with fun illustrations. I love the relationship between Moxie and her brother, Milton.  The mystery behind Eddie's disappearance was an emotional rollercoaster as Moxie tried to figure out who the culprit was. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

**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.**




Title: THE REAL MCCOYS (The Real McCoys #1)
Author: Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr (Illustrator)
Pub. Date: November 7, 2017
Publisher: Imprint
Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook
Pages: 336
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksKoboTBD

Her name's Moxie. Moxie McCoy.

Bold, opinionated, and haplessly self-confident, the world's greatest fourth-grade detective faces her biggest challenge! When someone kidnaps beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl, Moxie is on the case--but she's forced to fly solo now that her best friend (and crime-solving partner) has moved away.

Moxie must interview her classmates--both as potential new best friends and as possible suspects. She finds clues and points fingers but can't save the owl on her own. Enter Moxie's little brother, Milton. Quiet, cautious, and boring as a butter knife, he's a good listener.

Can the Real McCoys form an unlikely alliance and solve the crime of the century?



"A marvelous standalone sequel that will inspire random acts of kindness." —School Library Journal, starred review

"An outstanding, truly unique reading experience." —Booklist

Praise for The Real McCoys:

"Readers will breeze through this ingenious combination of text and art, eager for Moxie and Milton’s next case." —School Library Journalstarred review

"Swanson’s witty text is enhanced exponentially by Behr’s bold, original artwork to create a uniquely told whodunit with wide appeal ... An exceptional book." —Bookliststarred review

"Delightfully topsy-turvy...readers will hope to see more of both siblings soon." —Publishers Weeklystarred review

"An exceptional middle-grade read packed with giggles for young sleuths who love to explore a little off the beaten path." —Kirkus Reviews

“An ingenious new series…an innovative reading experience that surprises and delights. Wordplay, witty descriptions and visual jokes abound.” —The Washington Post

"Swanson and Behr have created a gem with this hilarious elementary-level read with graphic novel tendencies." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This clever, funny, delightful book is just what this crazy world needs. The surprising and inventive interaction between text and illustration shows that two brains are, indeed, better than one--especially when they belong to Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr." —Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ada Twist Scientist

A Junior Library Guild Selection
 
 


WE ARE MATTHEW SWANSON AND ROBBI BEHR—
A WRITER/ILLUSTRATOR, HUSBAND/WIFE, TASKMASTER/LOAFER DUO
WE LIVE AND WORK AND MAKE STUFF TOGETHER IN THE HAYLOFT OF AN OLD BARN ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND.

Combining Robbi’s illustrations and Matthew’s words, we run two small presses— Idiots’Books (illustrated picture books for adults) and Bobbledy Books, (a picture book and music club for kids). Together, we have published more than 60 volumes, including titles with Macmillan, Chronicle Books and LB Kids. We speak, teach, and run workshops on collaboration and creative entrepreneurship (with appearances at TEDx, Mom 2.0,Alt Summit, and ICON7). And we blog about our ongoing adventures in creative mishap.

ROBBI BEHR
is an illustrator/print maker/commercial salmon fisherwoman who earned a BA from Williams College and an MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design. When she is not drawing stuff or eating ice cream or watching sappy late-90s chick movies, she is, in all likelihood, fast asleep.

FOLLOW ROBBI:

MATTHEW SWANSON
is a writer/art director/blues harmonica player who has so far failed in every attempt to be swashbuckling. He managed to secure a BA from Williams but was summarily rejected from every MFA program to which he applied—thus emboldening Robbi to remind him almost daily that he is a master of nothing.
FOLLOW MATTHEW:

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE REAL MCCOYS SERIES, US Only.


Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
11/4/2019
Review
11/4/2019
Review
11/5/2019
Review
11/5/2019
Excerpt
11/6/2019
Review
11/6/2019
Excerpt
11/7/2019
Review
11/7/2019
Review
11/8/2019
Review
11/8/2019
Review

Week Two:
11/11/2019
Review
11/11/2019
Review
11/12/2019
Review
11/12/2019
Review
11/13/2019
Review
11/13/2019
Review
11/14/2019
Review
11/14/2019
Review
11/15/2019
Review
11/15/2019
Review