Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Book Blast and Giveaway: The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Eighty-four seconds can change your life. Or destroy it. Josie Nickels is an Emmy-winning news anchor, poised to rise through the ranks of television journalism. On a bitter March evening on live TV, the pressures and secrets burbling behind the closed doors of her ridiculous Victorian mansion explode and the overwhelmed journalist spills family secrets like a Baptist at altar call. The aftermath costs her much more than a career. It robs her of a beloved son—a preppy, educated millennial trapped in the deadly world of addiction. Desperate for a new start and a way to save her son, Josie packs up her pride, her young daughter, and accepts a new job slinging cosmetics at a department store make-up counter with other disgraced celebs. In the gorgeous mountains of Asheville N.C., known for hippies, healings, and Subarus, Josie is faced with a choice for her son: Take a chance on a bold, out-of-the-ordinary treatment plan for her son or lose him forever. This heart-wrenching and, at times, hilarious novel, will delight fans of book-club women’s fiction and inspire and give hope to those with addicted sons and daughters.

Read an Excerpt

She’d felt the bump of her lower abs, firm with life as she stood from the vanity and twirled in the fitted, beautifully cut gown, its swishy A-line skirt floating beneath her waist. In the mirror, the iridescent beads shimmered against the sun drifting through her bedroom window.

Her parents’ fifteen-room Beaux Arts mansion spoke Southern elegance at its uppity best. As she admired the gown, she heard staccato raps at the door. Without invitation, her mother burst into her pink-and-cream bedroom with its billowing canopy bed that made Josie feel protected. “You look beautiful,” she said, scanning her in her entirety. Josie waited for the “but.” “Turn around and let me see you from the side.”

Katherine looked striking—and intimidating—in her ruby mother-of-the-bride gown, its ruched waist showing off her incredible figure and a front slit opening to reveal a long, tanned leg. “The dress is deliciously posh. However…” she said, hands on Josie’s shoulders as she angled her in the light. She rubbed her forehead. “I’m having second thoughts about you wearing white. Anyhow, too late now, isn’t it?”

Josie inhaled sharply, refusing to let her mother ruin this day. “Can’t you wear a support garment? Around your middle?”

“I’m four months pregnant, Mother. It’s not exactly a secret.”

“Secret or not. We’re not the bloody sort to display our premarital lust at the altar.”

Josie flushed but said nothing. Her mother’s barbs and put-on British jargon would not get to her today. She had nothing to hide. It was 1994, for heaven’s sake, and not puritanical times when young women like her had been shuttled away to stay with “beloved relatives.”

About the Author:
Susan Reinhardt grew up in LaGrange, GA. and Spartanburg, S.C.where most girls twirled batons, entered beauty pageants, and became debutantes.

Bucking the norm, Susan spent her free time water skiing almost every day, fishing, and pining for a ragamuffin boy who was always up to no good.

Earlier in her college years, she pursued nursing, but most of her patients were terminal and her mastery and frequency of giving enemas had her questioning this line of work, though she adores nurses and often wishes she’d have stuck with the field.

She recently took a part-time job caring for adults with disabilities and loves the work, figuring it would at least make up for past misdeeds and get her a better shot at the Pearly Gates.

Writing has always been her first love. And she became good enough at it to earn many dozens of awards, including three Best of Gannetts for her feature stories and columns. Along with a bunch of other junk that really doesn't matter in the end.

What matters to Reinhardt is making people laugh. And think. And love others.

She is married to her second and final husband, country and genius lawyer Donny Laws who is bald but has a ponytail and loves to ride a bike. She has two adult kids, three steps, and a granddaughter.

She’s been on national TV, has modeled for one glossy magazine, and was the subject of a British documentary on aging and body image. She hopes that the documentary is lost and never resurfaces.

She once had a radio show called Susan Uncensored; a sold-out one-woman show called “From Hilarity to Insanity and Back.”

She no longer water skis but performs fairly decent front and backflips from a diving board and half-ass rides a unicycle and twirls a baton simultaneously.

Her hobbies include a vintage camper obsession and she’s owned three. Recently she’s settled on her 1968 Scotsman, which she hopes to paint pink and teal with polka-dots and haul on book tours.

She has two rescue cats who vehemently hate each other.

In her next life, she’d like to be a figure skater.

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Book Tour and Guest Post: Fade to Blue by Hank Scheer

 



Book Details:

​Book Title:  FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  288 pages
Genre: Thriller 
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date:  Mar 2023
Formats Available for Reviewprint-softback (USA), and ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF).
Tour dates: Mar 14 to Apr 3, 2023
Content Rating: ​PG-13 for some bad language

"Fade to Blue kicks off with shocking twists and attention-grabbing characters. The ongoing discussions between cat and mouse are tense, especially as the lines between terrorists and anti-terrorists working undercover become blurred. The stakes are high but also personal—Marcel’s monologues, while not likely realistic, are a lot of fun. Filled with vivid characters and a fast moving plot, Scheer has written a winning page-turner." -BookLife, Editor's Pick 

"Hank Scheer’s debut novel offers readers an engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller. Sarah is a capable and appealing protagonist, and a canny plot twist gives the narrative geopolitical heft and spurs interest in what might happen next." - Kirkus Reviews

"The secondary cast is vibrant and varied; their personalities are distinctive, and their conversations have a charming effect. Sarah’s combative exchanges with RenĂ©, a French inspector whose penchant for sarcasm matches hers, add particular color. And the well-described settings further flesh out and ground the otherwise dizzying, swift-moving story. Working toward an open-ended but triumphant conclusion, Fade to Blue is an exciting thriller in which a scientist tries to stay alive after creating a brain-destroying drug that others want." - Foreword Clarion Reviews

"The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading suitable for book club discussion, contrasting nicely with other standout medical thriller genre reads." - Midwest Book Review

Book Description:

Will Dr. Brenalen's unauthorized experiment lead to a cure for Alzheimer's, or will it be used for bioterrorism?

Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss’s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer’s drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah's brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.

Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn't count on is that two can play this game.
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N 
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:

Hank Scheer's writing journey began during a work break when a coworker said, "Hey, let's write a short story." They were working for a steel mill in Pittsburg, California, so brainstorming ideas became a fun way to pass the time.

At one point the following week, after the manufacturing process caused a computer to crash, Hank had his idea: an evil scientist creates a drug that destroys a person's brain.

Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it. Fade to Blue is the result of three trips to Paris, France, and long weekends spent driving around the San Francisco Bay area.

It doesn't involve steelmaking, but the science is just as real and the potential for trouble exponentially more terrifying.

Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.

connect with the author: website goodreads
Guest Post:

Creating Sarah and Marcel


When I began writing Fade to Blue, my protagonist was an evil scientist named Edgar Brenalen, who concocts a brain-destroying drug to use against his enemies. I quickly decided there are enough evil people in the world and changed him to a well-meaning scientist who accidentally creates a horrific drug. That evening I told my wife I was going to write a book. To my surprise, she didn’t laugh.


“Really? What’s it about?” she asked.


“It’s about a scientist who’s working on a cure for Alzheimer’s. One day he accidentally creates a brain-destroying drug, and he . . .”


“Why does your scientist have to be a man? Why not a woman?”


Realizing she’d cut me off, she offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I interrupted you. Go ahead.”


Thank you. Anyway, as I was saying, it’s about a scientist. One day she accidentally creates a brain-destroying drug.”


And just like that, Dr. Edgar Brenalen became Dr. Sarah Brenalen.


Sarah’s nemesis in Fade to Blue is a professional assassin named Marcel. While creating his character, I remembered the movie Three Days of the Condor, in which Max von Sydow plays a hitman named G. Joubert. Unlike the vile killers I’d seen in other movies, Joubert was a gentleman—well-dressed, articulate, and soft-spoken. He was an artist, listened to classical music, and just happened to kill people for a living.


I stole G. Joubert from Three Days of the Condor and made him Marcel Joubert in Fade to Blue.


Enter the Giveaway:
FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer Book Tour Giveaway



My Review: 

Fade to Blue is a fabulous debut for the new author Hank Scheer. I found this book to be one that held my attention from page one until all the way to the end. The mystery and suspense often had me sitting on the edge of my seat. With all of the twist and twists, I could feel my head was spinning, making it seem as though I was on a scary roller coaster. Whew, what a ride! This is one of those books I could never be able to predict as to what would happen on the following scenes, forcing me not to put it down. Sarah was a character that had me wanting to keep rooting for her. Her tale is filled with action, danger, adventure, mystery, and suspense. All of it had me thinking "what if", and if it could be something that could really happen.  It looks like Hank Scheer has earned himself a new fan, and his talents have truly shown through in this book.

I am giving Fade to Blue five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled mysteries. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hank Scheer to find out what other thrilling reads he will release in the future. This one is most definitely not one to be missed and is worth reading. Readers will not be disappointed.

I received a paperback copy of Fade to Blue from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Book Blast and Giveaway: Bells and Bombshells by Trixie Silvertale



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Trixie Silvertale will be awarding a $75 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other hosts on the tour.

A pattern of murder. A threadbare case. Can our psychic sleuth pick out the guilty before time spools out?

Mitzy Moon is finally tying the knot. And she’s loving the whole town’s excitement for their upcoming big day. But when their tailor is found buttons up behind a jazz lounge, the almost-newlyweds will have to hem in a murderer before their dreams rip apart at the seams.

Knowing they’ll get no help from the new sheriff in town, the couple embarks on a tightly woven undercover assignment. But Mitzy fails to heed ominous warnings from her mentor, Ghost-ma, and her entitled feline. When another body drops, she could be the next target erased by the mounting powers in the darkness…

Can Mitzy and Erick unravel the twisted clues, or will their wedding be eclipsed by a funeral?

Bells and Bombshells is the first book in a hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s wedded whodunit.

Buy Bells and Bombshells to stitch up a killer today!


Read an Excerpt

“Once you wake up, head over to the station for a going away party. I wouldn’t want you to miss it.” A wonderful text from my fiancĂ©, Sheriff Harper.

A thrill of excitement rockets up my spine. A going away party? Dear Lord baby Jesus, it can’t be true. Is my arch-nemesis and resident bully, Deputy Paulsen, finally leaving the force? I never thought I’d see this day. Now I have two amazing things to celebrate this week!

I place my dishes in the bus bin behind the counter, wave to my grandfather, and practically run out of the diner.

When I burst into the station, I’m not surprised to find the front desk abandoned. The deputy I’ve nicknamed Furious Monkeys is usually in residence, deep into said video game by this time of the morning. However, it seems the entire force has shown up to celebrate the end of Deputy Paulsen’s reign.

I glance around the overflowing bullpen, and several familiar faces toss smiles my way. All the local deputies, of course, but there are also a number of deputies from the nearby town of Broken Rock. Including the sharpshooter, Boomer. He’s helped out on a few previous cases. Not surprising he’d be here. However, the presence of two of the FBI agents that assisted Erick and me in nabbing an interstate train robbery gang seems highly out of place.

Sheriff Harper was the one who worked with them and —

It’s at that precise moment I see the makeshift sign flapping in the breeze near the overhead heater vent. The handmade signage reads:

“You’ll be missed, Sheriff Harper!”

What the —?

About the Author:
USA TODAY Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Harper and Moon Investigations series, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

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Monday, March 27, 2023

Review: In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.



My Review: 

The multi author Pink Pistol Sisterhood series, starts off with a bang with a Karen Witemeyter’s In Her Sights. It is just what I would expect from this author. I adored the character Tessa. Especially in her scenes with Jackson. There were a few scenes that made me giggle. Their story was sweet, fun and delightful. With just at about one hundred pages, I had no problem taking a short break and read it in one sitting. I loved it.

I am giving In Her Sights a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical and western romance novellas. I am looking forward to reading the second installment from the Pink Pistol Sisterhood series, Shanna Hatfield’s Love on Target.

I received a digital copy of In Her Sights from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Book: The Last Chance Cowboy

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 14, 2023

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she’s failed one too many times in finding true love. When she’s accused of a murder she didn’t commit, she’s forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient’s dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he’s doing his best to prove to the town he’s a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn’t know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan’s son, Catherine doesn’t want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn’t bargain for is how easily she’ll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats.

 

More from Jody

What drew you to Colorado as a setting for your latest historical romance series?

When I was a child, I lived up in the high country in Granby in Middle Park. Then my husband and I lived in Denver for a few years while he went to grad school. So in some ways, Colorado feels like home.

I was also drawn to writing about Colorado because of the ruggedness of the setting, especially in the 1800’s. It was difficult for those first settlers to survive in such a harsh and unforgiving place, especially without all the modern conveniences we’re used to.

Not only that, but I’m truly astounded by the beauty and majesty of the West. There’s nothing quite as stunning as the Rocky Mountains!

Why do you think readers always enjoy cowboy heroes?

I actually asked that question of readers and here are a couple of answers I received:

One reader said: I like their endurance and steadfastness. Their innate ability to deal with animals and athleticism to work in an outdoor environment that is many times unforgiving.

Another reader said: Cowboys protect each other, provide for their animals, help neighbors, and celebrate life. No matter how hard it is. They find happiness in the simple things of life. Determination, grit, are words to describe them. And love … oh yes how fiercely they love and protect their one and only.

I think the love of cowboys has to do with their reputation for their integrity and hard work ethic. Of course it doesn’t hurt that we think of most cowboys as hunks. Right

Are readers always promised a “happily ever after” in your novels? Why or why not?

As an avid reader of romance myself, I not only expect a HEA, it’s what I love! Since, I’m writing the books I would love to read, I wouldn’t ever be able to write anything but a HEA! I’m of the opinion that there are too many bittersweet and mediocre endings in real life. So with fiction, I want a book to inspire me and give me courage that I can be a better person. I hope readers feel the same with my novels!

 

When did you first begin writing stories?

I’m pretty sure I was born with a pen in one hand and a notebook in the other. Since my earliest days, I loved making up stories and writing them down. The passion followed me into adulthood. And after many twists and turns along the path, I’ve finally been able to channel that passion into a full time writing career.

 

What was the name of your first book?

The Preacher’s Bride was my first published book.

 

How did you get into the Christian/historical fiction genre?

I love reading historicals, so naturally that’s what I’m drawn to write. I’m fascinated with all of the things that happen in other times and places that seem so foreign to us now. I really appreciate when historical facts are woven into books seamlessly so that I’m learning but don’t really realize I am. And I hope that I can do that in my books too.

 

Who was your favorite author when you were younger?

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was one of my favorites as a child because it played a role in developing my creativity as a writer. (Followed closely by A Little Princess and Little Women because they also featured strong, creative girls.)

How would you describe your writing style in three words?

Sweet, clean, with sizzle

 

How many books have you published so far?

Over 40

 

Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

When I’m in first draft mode, I give myself a daily word count six days a week, and then I make myself write until I hit my goal even if that means I have to write all day and into the evening (most days that doesn’t happen though, thankfully). I’m pretty tough on myself about making my daily goals!

 

What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

I believe every writer should set realistic goals for whatever life season they’re in. For example, when my kids were younger and I was in the thick of homeschooling, I set my daily word count goal at 500 words a day. That was realistic for me at that stage. I made myself write that amount every day so that I built good habits of self-discipline and focus.

 

What do you snack on or drink while writing?

Coffee all the way! Black and lots of it!

 

How do you overcome writer’s block? Because of my stringent daily word count goal (and not allowing myself to veer from it), I push through writer’s block by simply writing whatever comes to mind, even if it’s not particularly inspiring.

 

Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

I start my writing day by re-reading a portion of what I wrote the previous day. I edit that lightly before moving on. But mostly I wait until the end to turn on my internal editor.

 

What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

It’s normal and natural to get excited about finishing a first book. But I’ve seen many writers eager to publish (and even rush into publishing) that first book. It’s almost always wise to wait to seek publication (or indie publish) until you have completed several books, taken classes, read writing craft books, and had critique partners.

 

How can readers connect with you?

To stay up to date, I invite readers to join my Facebook Reader Room where I post the most relevant book news and interact with readers. Or readers can visit my website at jodyhedlund.com

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

For Him and My Family, March 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

Karen Baney Reviews, March 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 28 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 28

Connie’s History Classroom, March 29

Remembrancy, March 30

Holly’s Book Corner, March 30

By the Book, March 31

Back Porch Reads, March 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 1

Mary Hake, April 1

She Lives to Read, April 2

Book Looks by Lisa, April 2

Daysong Reflections, April 3

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

EmpowerMoms, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 5

SusanLovesBooks, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 6

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Vicky Sluiter, April 7

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of all five books in the COLORADO COWBOYS series: A Cowboy for Keeps, The Heart of a Cowboy, To Tame a Cowboy, Falling for the Cowgirl, and The Last Chance Cowboy!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24ff8/the-last-chance-cowboy-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Colorado Cowboys series has become among my favorite series written by Jody Hedlund. The Last Chance Cowboy is the fifth and final installment from it. I adored this book so much. I loved the chemistry between Catherine and Dylan and it was so heartwarming how much they bonded over precious Austin. I had no problem devouring their whole story in one sitting.  Such a beautiful tale of love, hope, faith and forgiveness.

I am giving The Last Chance Cowboy a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. As always, I am looking forward for more by Jody Hedlund in the future. I am so excited for the next series to release later this year.

I received a paperback copy of The Last Chance Cowboy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Movie Review and Giveaway: His Only Son



Angel Studios, who brought you THE CHOSEN, is releasing a 
new film, HIS ONLY SON, which is a film about Abraham and Isaac!

Moms, this is a movie you won’t want to miss! There are few things more powerful
than a mother's love for her son. Take your family to see this film, and be inspired
by Isaac and Sarah's relationship in His Only Son, coming to theaters March 31.

For the first time in a feature film, the controversial account of Abraham and 
Isaac will be brought to life, one that everyone can draw inspiration from.

Synopsis: 

His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—
when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain 
of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two
servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent
longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.

Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st!

Movie Website: LINK

Buy Tickets: LINK

Trailer: 


 


My Review:

I enjoyed watching His Only Son. I have always been fascinated by Abraham from the Old Testament. I loved seeing him being brought to life and getting a visual of his time with his family. The performers did an amazing job with this story and helped give me a better understanding of the emotions that Abraham, Sara and Isaac had gone through. I could just feel the turmoil they felt as their faith and bonds were tested. I found it to be a beautiful, inspiring, important and a must see film to watch.

I am giving His Only Son a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for families of all ages and for those who enjoy watching movies based Biblical events.

I received an early screen link of His Only Son from Angel Studios, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 


Disclosure:

Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway: 

$10 Amazon Gift Card


Leave a more than two word completed sentence telling me who will be watching His Only Son with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Winner’s name will be drawn on April 4, 2023.


Giveaway Rules:   


Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Two word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Winners will have to reply to email that is sent to you to let you have won within 24 hours.
If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days and those who have won a PureFlix subscription in the last 6 months, will be disqualified. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Smell of Spring by Mary Ann Hake

About the Book

Book: The Smell of Spring

Author: Mary Ann Hake

Illustrator: Marina

Genre: Picture Book

Release date: December 15, 2022

In The Smell of Spring, April, a blind girl, enjoys the world around her and discovers spring scents. Join April and her menagerie of pets in their springtime adventures. The Smell of Spring shows children how we experience the world around us through the sense of smell. Kids will enjoy her many interesting pets and can have fun with the activities at the end using the sense of smell.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Ann Hake has loved learning and writing for as long as she can remember. She has been scribbling stories and poems since she first learned to write and has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, and more for both children and adults plus written hundreds of book reviews. She loved working in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She has also taught writing to children and at writers’ conferences. In addition to writing, she continues to work as a freelance editor. Visit her website, www.maryannhake.com, and subscribe to her newsletter for activities for children and updates on future books. Also find her on Facebook at Mary A. Hake author, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057370041720.

 

More from Mary Ann

I have always loved books and reading, and even as an adult I still enjoy picture books. I had tried writing my own in the past, but The Smell of Spring is the first picture book I have published. The online classes I took during the pandemic and all the years of writers’ conferences, particularly Oregon Christian Writers conferences, have helped me learn and polish my craft. I have published hundreds of pieces, for both children and adults, in a variety of periodicals and a dozen compilation books plus some curricula.

 

I chose to present this concept book in rhyme because it came out more appealing and fun for kids than straight prose. The Smell of Spring shows how a blind girl uses her sense of smell to experience life around her. Along with her menagerie of pets, April explores her world. The story includes elements that would make it a handy companion text for connection to science: senses, the weather, nature, animals—domestic and wild, flowers and trees, and food. It also models responsibility as April cares for the animals. The Smell of Spring is the first book in the four-book series of Smells of the Seasons.

 

Readers of all ages are enjoying this fresh look at springtime.

Comments from early readers:

“In sweet, simple prose, with lovely illustrations, this book shows a child how they can appreciate their sense of smell.”

“A delightfully whimsical book that invites children to become mindfully aware of the many smells, both pleasant and unpleasant, that accompany the spring season.”

“A charming way to encounter the season for all children.”
“This was a very delightful book! I loved all the places she found smells in. I also loved how you made the book rhyme. It flowed very smoothly.”
“So well done, from the rhyme to the message.”

“Mary Hake gives the reader insights into what the world is like to a blind girl, who perceives the world through other senses besides sight. The focus on smell may encourage young listeners/readers to pay closer attention to the smells they like or dislike and to be more aware of different aspects of their world. It may also make them more understanding of children with disabilities.”

“Teachers, parents, and children will appreciate the activities at the end of this book.”

“The whole book is full of delightful images and easy-to-read phrases that describe all the many smells. Including some fun relatable parts. I think children will get a kick out of a few of the smells.”

 

Sign up for updates on my website, https://maryannhake.com/, and received a PDF of activities for children using the sense of smell. Further fun things will be coming in the future.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 27

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Lots of Helpers, March 29

Walking Fruitfully, March 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 1

Simple Harvest Reads, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Blossoms and Blessings, April 4 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, April 4

Guild Master, April 5

Vicky Sluiter, April 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a signed hardcover copy of The Smell of Spring and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/25253/the-smell-of-spring-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

The Smell of Spring is the start of a new children’s book series by Mary Ann Hake called Smell of the Seasons. I thought it was a cute little book. It is in a rhyming verse format that flows well all throughout the book. I enjoyed each page and it was a delight to read. 

The Smell of Spring is beautifully illustrated by Marina from Get Your Book Illustrations. The pictures were a perfect addition to the book and visually appealing for the young readers eyes. 

I am giving The Smell of Spring five stars. I recommend it for readers between the ages of three and eight. I would love to read the next book from the Smells of the Seasons series. 

I received a copy of The Smell of Spring from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.