Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Book Review - Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Photo Credit - Amazon

Delsie loves storms, rainy weather, and tracking the weather. However, lately, there seems to be a storm brewing in her life. She has lived with her Grammy her entire life but, lately, she wishes she had a "regular family". And her best friend recently became friends with someone else. Delsie feels left out because she no longer fits in.

Ronan recently moved to live with his father at Cape Cod. He struggles to fit in and feels like an outcast. When he tries to make friends, he feels like his questionable past follows him around.  When he meets Delsie, he feels a connection with her. Together, the duo navigates their feelings on being abandoned and what they have lost but, also what they have gained.

When I first started reading the novel, a few times I was wondered (sometimes, out loud) how could kids be so silly and inconsiderate. And then I realized I know quite a few adults that say things and don't realize how hurtful their comments can be (myself included).  Some parts of the story reminded me of my own experiences with "best friends" that all of sudden decide your friendship is no longer cool or wanted.  Overall, it was an interesting book and I can't wait to read more books by the author.

 **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 Description
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Fish in a Tree comes a compelling story about perspective and learning to love the family you have.
     Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.


Author Bios
Lynda Mullaly Hunt is the author of New York Times bestseller Fish in a Treeand Bank Street Best Book One for the Murphys. She's a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat.

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Book Review - So Much the Better by Megan Means

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ari is a lion cub that was separated from his pride after a terrible storm. He embarks on a journey to return to his homeland and be among his family. However, Ari must overcome a few challenges that are thrown his way.  After an exhausting journey to return back to his pride, Ari faces a new difficult situation and realizes his quest is far from being over.

The chapter book is a short read and perfect read for elementary age children. Each chapter Ari is faced with a new challenge. Personally, I would have liked the challenge to be more developed instead of being resolved so quickly. However, I understand children of a certain age might not have a long attention span. The book was a  very quick read that teaches many valuable lessons such as patience, honesty, empathy, and love.


 **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.**

Friday, May 3, 2019

Book Review - Children of the Fifth Sun by Gareth Worthington + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

There are many different belief systems on Earth. However, they each have a common thread of belief, that thousands of years ago a great flood devastated Earth. From this natural disaster, a race of beings dwelled in the oceans and emerged to share its knowledge and culture with humanity. They hope to help save humans from our own selfish need. What are these mysterious creatures? Would they be able to help us?

Kelly Graham is an overly confident egotistical freelance photographer. He specializes in underwater and free diving photography. While on assignment in the Amazon with his best friend, Chris D'Souza, Kelly crosses path with a beautiful woman named Freya Nilsson. She works for a secret deep cover part of the government and enlists Kelly and Chris to help her retrieve an item on the bottom of the sea floor. Kelly agrees to help the seemingly simple request only to be thrown into an international conspiracy.

The novel was an action-packed read. I thought the storyline of ancient species helping humanity to be interesting. I enjoyed reading parts of the story with the K'in and his adventures. Does anyone else think that his photo on the cover looks like a Pokemon? On a side note, I felt like the book was a bit longer than it needed to be. I felt the last 175 pages or so should have been left for another book. Overall, it was a good read for people who like sci-fi and action books.



 **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.**








Series: Children of the Fifth Sun (Book 1)
Paperback: 414 pages
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (July 25, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1944109404


Praise for CHILDREN OF THE FIFTH SUN

"An action-packed, globe-hopping science fiction thriller... pedal-to-the-metal pacing and relentless action make it easy to turn pages..." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Insane! What Gareth did here was incredible! This author took a global look at America, China, and Russia, and added a species from another era into the mix, to create a well-researched novel of suspense, intrigue, with dashing individuals. The characters travel the world on a unique mission while trying to stay out of the line of fire as rogue government agencies from several different countries try to stop them. It's a wild ride from California to Peru, from Egypt to Siberia. The amount of research put into this novel is on par with a Michael Crichton novel. The main character, Kelly Graham, reminded me of Dirk Pitt from Clive Cussler's novels. Overall, an incredible read and a book I'm recommending." ―Jonas Saul, Best-selling author of the Sarah Roberts Series, April 2017

Suspend disbelief and let yourself travel on a downriver, undersea, and overland adventure in this well-constructed novel. The author takes you on a fast paced journey full of intrigue, government secrets, unusual creatures and just a tad of romance. Superlatives abound and the literary illumination paints an image so clear you feel you are there with the characters. For those who know the author, there are bit of his personality revealed which makes reading the novel even more enjoyable. A bit Tom Clancy, a hint of Dan Brown -- authentically Gareth in his debut work. ―Charity Scripture

"Scientist Worthington's understanding of the complexities and possibilities of marine biology and endocrinology are evident." ―Publishers Weekly, May 2017

***WINNER, SCI FI CATEGORY, 2017 LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL***
***2018 SILVER FALCHION AWARD FINALIST***
***2018 CYGNUS AWARD SHORTLIST (WINNER TBD)***



Genre: “Science Faction” - science fiction, action and adventure with fact-based science, theories and mythology

IN ALMOST EVERY BELIEF SYSTEM ON EARTH, there exists a single unifying mythos: thousands of years ago a great flood devastated the Earth’s inhabitants. From the ruins of this cataclysm, a race of beings emerged from the sea bestowing knowledge and culture upon humanity, saving us from our selfish drive toward extinction. Some say this race were “ancient aliens” who came to assist our evolution.

But what if they weren’t alien at all? What if they evolved right here on Earth, alongside humans . . . and they are still here? And, what if the World’s governments already know?

 
Kelly Graham is a narcissistic self-assured freelance photographer specializing in underwater assignments. While on a project in the Amazon with his best friend, Chris D'Souza, a mysterious and beautiful government official, Freya Nilsson, enters Kelly’s life and turns it upside down. Her simple request to retrieve a strange object from deep underwater puts him in the middle of an international conspiracy. A conspiracy that threatens to change the course of human history.
You can purchase Children of the Fifth Sun at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Gareth Worthington

Gareth Worthington is a trained marine biologist and also holds a doctorate in comparative endocrinology. Currently, Gareth works full time for the Pharmaceutical industry helping to educate the World's doctors on new cancer therapies. In his spare time Gareth has a number of passions, including: martial arts - he trained in Muay Thai at the prestigious EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and currently trains in MMA at Phoenix Sportkampf, Switzerland; playing acoustic guitar; studying ancient history; drawing; and most of all writing fiction.

An award winning author, he hopes to one day hang up the pharma hat and write full time.

You can visit his author page and blog at www.garethworthington.com

        

PART THREE
MAY 1st WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW 
MAY 2nd THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 
MAY 3rd FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
MAY 3rd FRIDAY Taking It One Book at a Time REVIEW 
MAY 4th SATURDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
MAY 5th SUNDAY Casia's Corner TENS LIST

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

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Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Book Review - The First Mistake by Sandie Jones


Photo Credit - Amazon

Alice has a perfect life. She has a loving and doting husband, two wonderful kids, a successful business, a spacious home, and a best friend, Beth. Alice knows her life could have ended up completely different after her first husband died. With her second husband, Nathan, Alice feels happy and is in love again. She thought that she would never be able to love again after her husband died. Alice's best friend, Beth has been with her through thick and thin. Beth has always been willing to lend a sympathetic ear. However, when Nathan starts acting strange, Alice turns to Beth for help. She soon discovers her trust might have been misplaced.

After reading 'The Other Woman", I couldn't wait to read this book as well. The novel was a quick and entertaining with a few twists thrown in. I didn't like is that it took too long for Alice to take hold of her life and put herself first.  I do understand that when your life is thrown into confusion that, you need some time to think but, I felt like Alice mostly tried to run away from her situation or bury it than face it head-on. I would have liked to see her more in charge. Overall, it was a good read and look forward to reading more books from the author.


 **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.**

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Book Review - The Gillespie County Fair by Marc Hess

Photo Credit - Amazon

The oldest fair in Texas is the Gillespie County Fair. The fair is well regarded and everyone loves to participate in the fair. The old German farming community is struggling to keep it's original charm alive, while rampant land developers are trying to buy up family homesteads.  Two families are torn apart over the sale of their homestead. Will the community be able to survive?

When I first read this book, I thought it was going to be about a community that is struggling and how they able to come together. However, I made it 75% through the book before I found it rather pointless to say the very least. There were a lot of characters and many of them felt just throw into the story. It was very hard to keep track of how all these characters played a role in the story. To be honest, I still don't know what role they played. And, I am not really interested in finding out more about the characters. Overall, I found the book very hard to get into and the characters unrelatable. I wish the author focused on a few main characters and built a concise storyline.


 **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.**

Friday, April 26, 2019

Book Review - Wonder Walk by Ilham Alam + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Johnny and his mommy go out for a walk. Johnny is excited over all the beautiful, scary, and new things he sees. Why is the bug out so late? What is that yellow flower? Why is that bird unfriendly?

The book  is a very short read which perfect for the little ones with very short attention spans. It was a fun read especially with rhymes and the colorful artwork. Overall, a perfect read for bedtime!


 **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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**





Title: WONDER WALK
Author: Ilham Alam
Pub. Date: April 16, 2019
Publisher: Iguana Books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Pages: 20
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NTBD

Get out there with the curious Johnny and his patient Mommy, in this colourful, rhyming book, celebrating all the wonders of the everyday world. What do they see? What do they hear? What do they talk about?

About Ilham:



My name is ILHAM which is pronounced the way its spelt. As a kid, I hated my name and did get teased for being a “ham”. But now that I’m an adult, I love the unique-ness and the strength that my name conveys. I definitely have not met another Ilham for sure.

It means inspiration in Arabic, by the way.

I live with my 2 sons & my husband and my 20lb kitty, Beauty, within a house thats booby-trapped with Lego. My crazy family are my inspiration for story writing and story-telling, And I love to travel with them as well and earning new memories through adventures abroad, some of which I have documented in this blog.



Giveaway Details:
3 lucky winners will win WONDER WALK Swag Packs, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

Tour Schedule:

Week Three:
4/22/2019- D. Books and ReviewsReview
4/23/2019- She Dreams in FictionReview
4/24/2019- ❧Defining Ways❧Review
4/25/2019- Twirling Book PrincessExcerpt
4/26/2019- Two points of interestReview