Book Review - Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow by Gregory Funaro

Photo Credit - Amazon

After defeating the evil Garr, Lucy and Oliver have inherited the home of their dreams. The Blackford House is at peace now that the vicious tree monster is dead and the enchanted woods have returned to its original size. The Blackford home is still filled with new adventures especially when the Tinkers receive new visitors. 

A governess arrives from England with twins in her care. Algernon and Agatha are supposedly heirs to the house and have a rightful claim to the house. Upon the arrival of the Kojimas twins and their governess, a new force of evil enter the house and places a curse. The house trying to defend itself becomes a labyrinth. The two sets of siblings will need to join forces along with their magical clock animal friends to defeat their new evil foe before it destroys their home.

The second book in the series was just as fun to read as the first one. It was packed with humor, suspense, and thrills. Some of the mystery portions were predictable but, still exciting to read. If you liked this first book in the series, this second book will not disappoint.

**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.**

Book Review - If We Were Giants by Dave Matthews + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kirra and her family live with the rest of her clan inside a dormant volcano. She is curious about the world that exists beyond their own. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture out of their community. Kirra is training to become a Storyteller like her father. The pair travels from village to village to spread scary stories to keep people away from their homes.

On their last journey, Kirra hears a story about the "Takers". She is curious to know more and ventures out to learn more about them. However, she unwittingly leads the Takers back to her home. Kirra ends up losing everything she holds dear. In the aftermath, she is found by a child named Luwan. She is adopted by his family and becomes a part of their Tree Folk clan.

Afraid of the past, Kirra keeps to herself and hides her past from everyone. She no longers wants to leave the safety of home to find new adventures. Luwan loves to explore and he is captured when he went spying on a group of strangers. Kirra realizes the Takers have returned and she must face her inner demons if she wants to protect those she loves.

The novel was a fun and emotional read. I love the graphic photos that were included but, I wished they were included with the story instead of a section in the book. The main character was a fierce child who learned the values of loss, community, and forgiveness. I am hoping they turn this book into a series. I am excited to see Kirra grow and forge her own stories.

**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.**

 

About The Book:

Title: IF WE WERE GIANTS

Author: Dave Matthews & Clete Barrett Smith

Pub. Date: March 3, 2020

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 304

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

World-renowned musician, environmentalist, and humanitarian Dave Matthews, in collaboration with popular children’s book author Clete Barrett Smith, has conjured an exciting and poignant fantasy about a girl who must confront her past mistakes before she can save her peaceful community from a gigantic threat.

Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest. One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the “Takers,” Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear. A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore. One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned. To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life. This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.

Dave & Clete Talk about IF WE WERE GIANTS

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/L5qKjrApV_8

About Dave:

Dave Matthews has chronicled his life’s travels so often that when asked, he can rattle off the details without pause. It goes like this:

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1967. Moves two years later with his family to Westchester County, NY, where his dad, a physicist, goes to work for IBM. Then, in the early `70s, to Cambridge, England, before returning to New York — where his dad died in 1977. The family moved back to South Africa in 1980, where Matthews went to a few different schools and “got more wise about the evils of government, there and in general.” O.K.; pause for a breath.

The key move for Dave Matthews Band fans, of course, was when he relocated in 1986 to Charlottesville, VA, where his parents had lived before he was born. Though he also logged time back in South Africa and in Amsterdam, it was in Charlottesville where Matthews — who took piano lessons as a child before picking up the guitar at age nine — became part of the local music community and hatched the idea for his own band.

“I didn’t really have a vision, or a plan,” says Matthews, acknowledging that some of his musical sensibility came from spending time in so many different places as a child. “I’m sure it gave me a little bit of an openness. The most diverse music in the world is in America, ’cause there’s so many different cultures here, but what tends to be pushed to the top is often a narrow view of what there really is. So maybe (his travels) just gave me a wider pool of listening.”

Matthews says his principal goal with the band was to surround himself with the best players possible. To this day he remains “amazed” that he was able to recruit and retain the four musicians he rather modestly refers to as his superiors. “I was just looking for people that I liked,” explains Matthews, who feels he’s “gotten a bit better” over the years. “Could I play with them was more of the question, I think. We just ended up fitting together. The band wasn’t something that I was looking for; it was very much I loved the people I asked to play with me. There was a connection at the beginning, and I think what we’ve been about is not some grand scheme but more the spirit of everyone, which is why we ended up with this band and why it sounds like it does.”

Dave Matthews photo credit Brantley Gutierrez

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

About Clete:

Clete Barrett Smith’s first novel for teens, Mr. 60%, will be released by Crown Books in August, 2017. Smith has also written four humorous middle grade adventures: Aliens on Vacation Alien on a Rampage, Aliens in Disguise, and Magic Delivery. Aliens on Vacation was released by Disney-Hyperion Books for Children in May, 2011 and named an American Booksellers Council “New Voices” selection as one of the top middle grade novels of the year by a debut author; and AOV was nominated for state award lists in Texas, Florida, Washington, Pennsylvania and Nebraska. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Clete Barrett Smith taught English, Drama and Speech at the high school level for over twenty years. Clete received his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2010. He currently lives in Bellingham, Washington with his family.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

Three lucky winners will receive a finished copy of IF WE WERE GIANTS, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21062/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Five: 3/30/2020 Twirling Book Princess Excerpt 3/31/2020 Two Points of interest Review

Book Review - Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross

Photo Credit - Amazon

Camile Wynn is a dance teacher with a recent string of bad luck. She is excited to get a new student but, becomes wary when she finds out her new student is Rhys McGrath. Rhys McGrath is a reclusive man who lives with his orphaned niece. He wants to learn how to waltz so, he can take his niece to the father and daughter dance. Camile is surprised by Rhys's generous heart because of his cold personality.  When Camile finds out that he might lose custody of his niece, Camile takes matters in her own hands.

I have read a few of Carol Ross's books and have enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this book. I am not sure if it's being in the quarantine lockdown but, I got quite frustrated reading this book. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. I found that Rhys was cold, distant, robotic, and quite boring. I didn't like that Camile was complaining about how she wanted to do things on her own because of a falling out with her parents. She didn't want to accept help even from her sisters even though she was struggling and putting herself in danger. The idea that she spent so much time thinking that she forgot to eat, seemed ridiculous and absent-minded. I didn't like the fact that she complained that her friend had more free time because her parents paid for her bills. Camile could have more free time if she accepted help and not everyone has parents who are either generous or can afford to help their kids financially.

I found it odd that Rhys didn't notice Camile two years ago on their first date. Now, he's besotted for the first time after seeing her for two years. I felt like their relationship bloomed out of nowhere especially when he starts calling her sweetheart and she comments on how great he smells. It felt unnatural and that things were moving so quickly for a woman who didn't like him and a man who is cold to everyone. I can appreciate that the author is trying to include characters from previous novels into her book but, sometimes a scene had too many characters. It was hard trying to remember every character.  I am also disappointed that the author doesn't include any people of color.  I lost interest in the novel around the halfway mark. I think for the time being I am completely over heartwarming novels but, may revisit her books a few years later.

**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.**

BOOK SUMMARY:

She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│BookBub

 

Book Review - Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Photo Credit - Amazon

The beautifully drawn bedtime story will promote a sense of well-being, family, and love before a night of rest. The book explores a child's question on "How does God kiss us" while proclaiming he is too old and big for kisses and hugs before bedtime. The gorgeous illustrates show different animals embracing different forms of showing they care for their offspring. This is a cute book and perfect for little readers before bedtime.

**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.**

Yves Saint Laurent The Shock Mascara - Asphalt Black

The voluminous mascara promises dramatic results. It promises with one coat it will give you voluminous lashes. The mascara did go on smoothly at first but after a few uses, I got clumps. The mascara also took a bit longer to dry than other mascaras because I always ended up with smudges. I also noticed that this tube of mascara dried out quicker than my other brands. I don't feel like it was worth it for me.

Book Review - The Hidden Things by Jamie Mason

Photo Credit - Amazon

A home security camera captures an attack on fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell. The video also shows her heroic escape. The video appears online and becomes a viral hit. As the popularity of the video grows, the lives of four people will be forever changed by an object that is barely visible in the corner.

The object is a stolen four-hundred-year-old painting by a master of the Dutch Golden Age. Carly's stepfather is the only person in their house who knows the history behind the painting and how it came into his possession. An art dealer who was betrayed and had the painting stolen from her sees the chance to get her life back. An enforcer hired by billionaires to hunt and deliver priceless treasure will stop at nothing to get his prize. However, as Carly comes to terms with newfound fame, she uncovers the secrets behind the painting. Will these secrets destroy her family and everything she holds dear?

The book had an interesting premise. However, I couldn't stand the writing style. I found myself rereading several passages over and over again. I found the story to drag on and on. I didn't find myself relating or even liking any of the characters. Unfortunately, I couldn't be bothered to waste more time on this book and didn't finish the book.

**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.**

Book Review - Legends of the Lost Causes by Brad McLelland + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A group of orphans bands together to fight a horde zombie outlaws. Each of the orphans has their reason for revenge and decide if they stick together, they will have a better chance of getting their revenge.

Keech Blackwood's life changed when Bad Whiskey Nelson destroys Keech's home by burning it down. After losing his home and his family, Keech will have to rely on the lessons from Pa Abner to hunt down Bad Whiskey and the powerful Char Stone. Together with the band of orphans, they will stop at nothing to hunt down Bad Whiskey.

When I first read the summary, I thought this was going to be a modern-day story. Instead, the novel had a western feel to it. I was reminded of Huckleberry Finn and adventures that he might take. The book was packed with fast-paced action sprinkled with a few bits of humor. It has bits of Osage culture weaved in along with supernatural threats. Any young fan of western novels will enjoy this 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.**

About The Book:

Title: THE KEY OF SKELETON PEAK (Legends of the Lost Causes #3)

Author: Brad McLelland & Louis Sylvester

Pub. Date: March 17, 2020

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 464

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Dark magic meets the Old West in this third installment of the Legends of the Lost Causes, as a group of vigilante orphans go head-to-head against an outlaw sorcerer in pursuit of an ancient and powerful magical artifact!

Keech Blackwood and his fellow Lost Causes have won their share of battles, but the war against the ruthless sorcerer Reverend Rose still rages on.

This time, the Lost Causes face their most perilous trial yet: stopping Rose and his henchmen from retrieving an ancient, powerful object that would help return him to his full, frightening strength. As the vigilante orphans race to the dangerous depths of Skeleton Peak, the sight of the magical object, they’ll have to outmaneuver Rose’s most faithful—and menacing—ally: an inhuman creature spawned by darkness and shadow. But ever in pursuit of justice and vengeance for their fallen families, the Lost Causes won’t give up without a fight.

Grab the first 2 books in the series!

LEGENDS OF THE LOST CAUSES

THE FANG OFBONFIRE CROSSING

About Brad:

Born and raised in Arkansas, Brad McLelland spent several years working as a crime journalist in the South before earning his MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma State University. A part-time drummer and singer, Brad lives in Oklahoma with his wife, stepdaughter, a mini-Aussie who gives hugs, and a chubby cat who begs for ham.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

About Louis:

Louis Sylvester is a professor at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. He teaches courses on Creative Writing, Research Writing, Introduction to Film, Screenwriting, and The Ethics of Art and Censorship.

Together with his wife, he enjoys playing tabletop games from his collection of over 1,000 board and card games.

His two dogs are named Cake and Muse. They are the best.

His writing partner is the talented author Brad McLelland. Their first novel is titled LEGENDS OF THE LOST CAUSES.

Macmillan Website | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

Three lucky winners will receive finished copies of the LEGENDS OF LOST CAUSES SERIES, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21068/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/16/2020	Books,Dreams,Life	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/16/2020	Twirling Book Princess	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/17/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
3/17/2020	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/18/2020	Log Cabin Library	Review
3/18/2020	fictitious.fox	Review
3/19/2020	Nay's Pink Bookshelf	Review
3/19/2020	Locks, Hooks, and  Books	Review
3/20/2020	Savings in Seconds	Review
3/20/2020	Hurn Publications	Review

Week Two:

3/23/2020	Turning the Pages	Review
3/23/2020	Little Red Reads	Review
3/24/2020	momfluenster	Review
3/24/2020	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/25/2020	My Quirky Writing	Review
3/25/2020	Word Spelunking	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/26/2020	Two Points of interest	Review
3/26/2020	PopTheButterfly	Review
3/27/2020	She Just Loves Books	Review
3/27/2020	Preciousbooksworld	Excerpt/Spotlight