Book Spotlight - Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: OUT OF MY HEART (Out of My Mind #2)

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Pub. Date:  November 9, 2021

Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 352

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

Melody faces her fears to follow her passion in this stunning sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling middle grade novel Out of My Mind.

Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is a year older, and a year braver. And now with her Medi-talker, she feels nothing’s out of her reach, not even summer camp. There have to be camps for differently-abled kids like her, and she’s going to sleuth one out. A place where she can trek through a forest, fly on a zip line, and even ride on a horse! A place where maybe she really can finally make a real friend, make her own decisions, and even do things on her own—the dream!

By the light of flickering campfires and the power of thunderstorms, through the terror of unexpected creatures in cabins and the first sparkle of a crush, Melody’s about to discover how brave and strong she really is.

 

Reviews:

"A deeply satisfying and worthy continuation of a beloved story." (Kirkus Reviews, STARRED September 15, 2021)

“Melody Brooks, a smart, determined 12-year-old diagnosed with cerebral palsy, returns in this sequel to 2010’s Out of My Mind. Longing for independence from her family and daily routines, she persuades her parents to let her attend Camp Green Glades, a summer camp for kids with disabilities in her home state of Ohio. With the help of her Jamaican American counselor Trinity and three cabinmates, Melody navigates new experiences—including zip-lining, horseback riding, and a first crush. Melody’s voice is as wryly funny as ever, and the supporting cast, which features kids and adults of various ethnicities and disabilities, treat her with respect and empathy… it’s impossible not to be charmed by the witty protagonist’s affirming, frequently ecstatic discovery of what it means to be part of a community that truly understands her.” (Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW* October 11, 2021)

Grab the first book in the series now!

 

About Sharon M. Draper:

Sharon M. Draper is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. She has received the Coretta Scott King Award for both Copper Sun and Forged by Fire, and was awarded the Charlotte Huck Award for Stella by Starlight. Her novel Out of My Mind has won multiple awards and was a New York Times bestseller for over three years, and Blended has also been a New York Times bestseller. She taught high school English for twenty-five years and was named National Teacher of the Year. She now lives in Florida. Visit her at SharonDraper.com.

Website  | Facebook  | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win a finished copy of OUT OF MY HEART, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/8/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
11/8/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
11/9/2021	bookblogarama	Excerpt
11/9/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
11/10/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
11/10/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
11/11/2021	Bri's Book Nook	Review
11/11/2021	Sparetimereader	Review
11/12/2021	More Books Please blog	Review
11/12/2021	OneMoreExclamation	Review

Week Two:

11/15/2021	Wilted pages	Review
11/15/2021	Don't Judge, Read	Excerpt
11/16/2021	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
11/16/2021	BookHounds YA	Review
11/17/2021	Eli to the nth	Review
11/17/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review
11/18/2021	Not In Jersey	Review
11/18/2021	@bookshelfmomma	Review
11/19/2021	Once Upon a Twilight	Review
11/19/2021	The Momma Spot	Review

Book Review - Hush Little Baby by R.H. Herron

 

Jillian Marsh has been a survivor her entire life. She escaped her toxic upbringing from her religious mother as a teenager and then she hit rock bottom in her twenties because of alcoholism. She has gotten her life together after getting sober and building a successful marriage and medical career. However, she is struggling to make amends for her past mistakes during her drinking days.

A decade later, things are going down hill for Jillian. Her wife, Rochelle, has cheated and left her for someone else while Jillian is pregnant with Rochelle’s biological child. Jillian feels unsettled being alone at home especially, when weird things are happening. Even the members of her mommies-to-be group are no longer offering the solace it once was especially, when secrets are being unraveled.

As missing items starts turning into threats, Jillian starts to question everyone around her. She is afraid that someone close to her wants to hurt her. The only thing Jillian knows for sure is that she is willing to do anything to protect her baby.

I thought the book was an okay read. The book was a bit slow but, the ending was a whirlwind and made it hard to seem believable. There wasn't anything in this book that set it apart from other book with similar premises. I would be opened to reading other books by the author but, I wouldn't be going out of my way to read them.

Book Review - Lights Out (The SNAP Agency, #1) by Natalie Walters

 

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor has created a new initiative to help fight terrorism. She collaborated with members  of foreign intelligence agencies to help foster cooperation between the countries. Everything was going as planned until an Egyptian spy Remon Riad goes missing.

Jack has been a member for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for nine years. He has the expertise to find a missing spy. However, when he finds out Brynn is involved, he is worried because he knows he can't trust someone who betrayed you once before.

The pair try to follow every lead they can get to solve the disappearance. However, they realized that they onto something bigger. Can the pair learn to trust each other before its too late?

The book was an action packed read filled with thrills and suspense. I didn't really care for any of the main characters and found them to be a bit annoying. However, I liked Kekoa and I hope he has a bigger presence in the next book. I also liked the friendly banter between the entire team. If you like high intensity novels, then you will enjoy this one.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Snotlings by Tarryn Mallick + Giveaway

 

Jackson Hart loves picking his nose but, that changes when he finds a tiny warrior in his booger. After finding the warrior, everything starts turning weird and dangerous. He finds out that he has a tiny civilization of snotlings and one of them is out for revenge.

Mucuszar is out for revenge and with the help of his germ army, he takes over both nostrils and is heading to take over Jackson's world next. Will Jackson be able to stop him?

I wasn't a fan of the book. I found it to be over the top gross and it was hard to keep track of the different creatures in the story. It was interesting to learn about the anatomy and the different roles things played but, I couldn't get over the ick factor. I did like that the author included a game to hunt for mini-snotlings across the pages. I had fun looking for them.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

 

About the Book:

Title: SNOTLINGS: The Boogie Monster

Authors: Tarryn Mallick

Pub. Date: October 25, 2021

Publisher: Tarryn Mallick

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 298

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

Can you survive the snotpocalpyse?

Jackson Hart loves picking his nose. But when he finds a tiny warrior in his booger, everything turns WEIRD and DANGEROUS! Not only does he have a civilisation of snotlings up his nose . . . one wants revenge.

Mucuszar and his awful germ army have conquered both nostrils and Jackson’s world is next!

Can Jackson and his friends stop the snotpocalypse? Or will Mucuszar’s deadly creation destroy the planet?

 

About Tarryn Mallick:

I became a writer because I had a story to tell. A story about snot! It may seem strange to write a book about boogers, but growing up, my little brother tormented me with his snot every… single… day!

I got my degree in Creative and Professional Writing and studied numerous courses and books, applying everything I had learnt to my book. It took me a short six years and now Snotlings is nearly ready to be shared with everyone.

To know that families around the world will squish together in bed and read my story and laugh- as I did with my Mum and brother- brings me so much happiness!

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a SNOTLINGS Book Box with fun goodies and finished copy of SNOTLINGS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/18/2021	Rockstar Book Tours	Kickoff Post
10/19/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Interview
10/20/2021	BookHounds YA	Interview
10/21/2021	Lily Luchesi's Blog	Guest Post
10/22/2021	bookblogarama	Spotlight/Excerpt

Week Two:

10/25/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
10/26/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
10/27/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
10/28/2021	Fyrekatz Blog	Review
10/29/2021	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review

Week Three:

11/1/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Review
11/2/2021	I'm Shelfish	Spotlight/Excerpt
11/3/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
11/4/2021	celiamcmahonreads	Review
11/5/2021	Don't Judge, Read	Guest Post

Week Four:

11/8/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
11/9/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
11/10/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
11/11/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review
11/12/2021	@curlygrannylovestoread	Review
11/13/2021	Jaime's World	Excerpt

November 2021 Haul!

 

October just came and went right like a blur! I got a few things this month and I am surprised I didn't get carried away like I normally do every time. I did end up spending a lot of money on food and experiences though.

There is a few things I got that I am excited for. I like L'Occitane and sometimes, have a love and hate relationship with their stuff. I got a huge brick of soap and their rich body cream that I am looking forward to using during the colder months. 

I am trying to use more facial sheet mask because my face gets so dry and dull during the colder months. I got this reboot mask from Baby Face and it reminds me of those baby foot mask that removes all dead skin and leaves my foot sooo soft. I hope this mask leaves my face soft but, I can do without the insane peeling on my face. I really love Facetory's branded face mask and they redid the formulation for the Ace that Face mask. I loved the original so, I am excited to try the new one.

I got a sleeping mask and the water cream from Laneige that I am excited to try. I have tried a few samples from them and thought they were good. I own several of their lip mask. I like the bubble gum scent but, I think there are better lip masks out there. I recently discovered cleansing balm and I bought a new one from Yadah. This one will be my third one and I am excited to see how it fares against the Glow Recipe and the Farmacy one.

Did you get anything this month that you are excited to try?

Book Review - The Retreat by Elisabeth de Mariaffi

 

Maeve Martin needs a new start and she arrives to the High Water Center for the Arts with the intention of starting her own dance company. The lodge is a beautiful retreat that is nestled between the Rocky Mountains. She is a mother of two and a retired performer who is trying to piece back together her life after her violent marriage. She is happy to rediscover herself as this is the first time she is on her own in years. Maeve feels that she can forget about her past by being surrounded by the beautiful landscape.

As Maeve starts practicing her routine, an avalanche traps her and six other guest in the lodge. They have lost all connection with the nearby town including power and the only road into town. At first, everyone tries to get along and pass the time. However, as the storm rages on, tensions start to run high indoors. They feel that help is coming and they just need to hold on.

Then a tragedy occurs and one guest perishes and then another shortly follows. Maeve must come to terms about how little she knows the people she is stuck with it. Will she be able to survive the storm if the darkness is already near her?

 At first the book started off interesting and then it became a boring hot mess. The book lagged and barely had any story and the ending felt like it was unrealistic and rushed. The motive behind the murders seemed trivial at best. I felt like the ending left more questions than it gave any answers. This was a disappointing read for me and I am in no rush to read other books by the author.

Book Review - The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

Natalie Curtis is a classically trained pianist and singer who has isolated herself for five years after having a breakdown before her debut with the New York Philharmonic.Natalie is filled with guilt and feels that she can't reclaim the joy of music. In 1902, her brother, George returns home and invites her to join him in the West to help her heal. In the West, she is able to find her love of music through the stories, songs, and rhythms of the Native Americans.

As Natalie finds herself entranced by their music, she is discouraged to learn that the US government has laws in place to erase the Native American's culture. The Code of Offenses prohibits them from singing, dancing, and even speaking their own language as it will help prevents them from assimilating. Natalie is determined to help document these songs and traditions to before they are erased and she appeals to President Teddy Roosevelt for help with her task.

I have read quite a few books by the author and I have mixed opinions about her novels. The author uses a true story to weave a story about a woman on a conquest to help protect the Native American's culture. I like reading about her journey but, I found the writing to be dull and boring. I didn't like the writing style and it felt like I was reading a textbook. The writing style made it hard to feel connected to Natalie. I found the book to be very slow and dull for my liking. I appreciate the author's efforts to educate readers on this remarkable woman and her cause but, I didn't like the execution.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Spotlight - The Clearing by Tom Deady + Giveaway

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BYX63QX
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vesuvian Books (August 10, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 10, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English 

Praise for THE CLEARING

“Downright creepy. Tom Deady brings the scares in this gripping novel of horror and courage.” —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author

“Tom Deady excels in creating a history and mystery that is engaging and action-packed. The Clearing's strong protagonists and their realistic concerns, beliefs, and choices creates a memorable and thoroughly engrossing read that is difficult to put down and impossible to predict—just the ticket for a superior horror novel and should ideally reach into adult reader circles, as well as mature teens.” —Midwest Book Review

“Deady shows an ability to switch from adult to young adult horror with the ease and confidence of a true wordsmith. The Clearing is a fast-paced supernatural tale, intelligent and sparkling with great characters, and more than a few chills. Superb.” —Dave Jeffery, author of Beatrice Beecham’s Cryptic Crypt and Ship of Shadows

When Hannah Green’s dog comes out of the woods carrying a sneaker that contains a partially decomposed foot, she thinks it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to her.

She is wrong.

Hannah and her best friend, Ashley, decide to play detective but find themselves in the middle of a decades-old mystery.

What is the strange old woman Mama Bayole hiding in her decrepit farmhouse? Why is the local librarian so determined to prevent them from researching town history? Who is following them around Hopedale, New Hampshire?

The girls make a shocking discovery about what has been happening in the woods behind Hannah's house. As they get closer to the truth, things take a dangerous turn, and they play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that may end up costing them their lives.

You can purchase The Clearing at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Tom Deady

Tom Deady’s first novel, Haven, was published by Cemetery Dance in 2016 and won the Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. He has since published a novel entitled, Eternal Darkness, as well as several short stories and novellas, his most recent being Coleridge.

His novel, The Clearing, is book one in a horror trilogy and inspired by true events. (Vesuvian Books, 2021) Tom holds a master’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University, is an Active member of the Horror Writers Association, and a member of the New England Horror Writers. He resides in Massachusetts where he is working on his next novel.

        

WEEK ONE

OCTOBER 25th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

OCTOBER 26th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST

OCTOBER 27th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

OCTOBER 28th THURSDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT

OCTOBER 29th FRIDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW

WEEK TWO

NOVEMBER 1st MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

NOVEMBER 2nd TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 2nd TUESDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW

NOVEMBER 3rd WEDNESDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW

NOVEMBER 4th THURSDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

NOVEMBER 5th FRIDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

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

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Book Review - Ice and Stone (Sharon McCone, #34) by Marcia Muller

 

Two bodies of Indigenous women are found in the wilderness in northern California. It's the latest grim discovery in a long line of similar crimes in the area. Contrary to the presented evidence, the officials still believe the deaths are isolated and the cases join the ranks of other similar unsolved cases that are dismissed by law enforcement.

The town is used to the callous behaviors of law enforcement and just tolerate the injustices. A few people though refuse to let more Indigenous people suffer the same fate. Sharon McCone is a private investigator that was hired to help solve the murders in Meruk county. Sharon must try to parse out who is telling the truth and who is willing to kill to keep it a secret.

This is my first book by the author and even though it's a part of a series, I found it easy to follow along. I thought the book was okay, it was a straightforward and easy read. I was able to guess most of the plot ahead of time. I appreciate that the author focused on the plight and harsh conditions that Native Americans face on a daily basis. Overall, the book was an easy going read but, I am not sure I would go out of my way to read another book by the author.

October 2021 Empties Part 2!

 

 

It's a day away from November! I can't believe how quickly time flies.  I finished a few things this month but, nothing really worth repurchasing again.

I tried a few masks from Facetory and thought they were all pretty good. They fit my face well and were a good value for the money. The company is no longer doing their $1 mask Mondays but, they usually have very frequent sales so, hopefully I can still snag some deals. 

I bought a few beauty items from TJ Maxx last month and most of them were great. I loved the lemon soap and it was creamy and provided a great lather. I got a tiny bottle of a royal icing mask but, didn't list the name as an empty because I am unable to locate the brand online. I am guessing the brand went out of business and sold everything to the closeout store. The Naturally LeLa Mask was interesting. It was made of all natural food grade ingredients but, it felt more like a home made recipe than something mainstream.  Most of the mask got stuck in the bottom of the bottle and it was hard to spread. It didn't really notice my skin being any different after application. 

I got a travel size container of the Naturopathica calendula cream. I like that it was thick and creamy but, it wasn't noteworthy enough for me to repurchase again. I seen many celebrities rave about the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream and I was excited when I got to try a sample. Honestly, I didn't care for it. Maybe I applied too much cream at once but, I found it to be too thick and greasy. I kept getting breakouts after application. 

Is there anything you finished this month that you loved?

Here is everything I finished -

Facetory Moon Velvet Moisturizing Cream Mask

Farm Skin Fresh Food for Skin Blueberry Energizing

Bling Pop Face Mask Aloe

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Honey Jarret Super Beau'tea Mask Rose

Generex Malegum Purifying Soothing Mask

Coastal Collection Lemon Soap

Naturopathic Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Neuma neuMoisture Instant Fix

The Beautiful Factr. Dual Probiotic Capsule Core Ampoule

Beauty Protector Protect & Volume

Feel Daily Hemp Oil Facial Cleanser

Glamglow Mud to Foam Cleanser