Blog Tour and Giveaway: Falling for a Real Cowboy by Karen Baney

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Real Cowboy

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release Date: November 21, 2023

She’s trying to resurrect her career. He’s sworn off women. Will this city-meets-country duo find love where they least expect it?

Dalton J. Vargas the fourth has sworn off love. Women are just a distraction that keep him from running his family’s multi-million-dollar guest ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona. After his father announces an early retirement, the full burden of the ranch rests on his shoulders. When a city-slicker romance author stays at the ranch, Dalton’s perfect world turns to chaos.

River Sloane’s last workplace romance novel flopped—big time. Now her publisher wants her to write a modern-day cowboy romance, which she has resisted for years. When her publisher sends her to a dude ranch in the middle of nowhere Arizona, she must learn about cowboys and ranching to get her career back on track. One hunky cowboy stirs her heart and unexpectedly becomes her muse.

Will she let herself fall in love with the real cowboy or will she return to the life she left behind? Will Dalton open his heart to a new, lasting love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

 

More from Karen

Inspiration Behind the Vargas Ranch Series Brand

How many books about ranches and cowboys have you read, whether historical or contemporary and you wondered about their brand?

Hardly anyone describes the brand. Me either. In my historical series, I don’t think I’ve mentioned the brand for my ranch that appears in eleven books!

Well, for the Vargas Ranch Series, the brand plays a central role in describing both the family and their faith. In many of my series, I start with a theme verse, and the Vargas Ranch Series is no exception. When I read these verses in my morning devotion time, I knew this would be the anchor for the series.

With regard to the works of man,

by the word of your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.

My steps have held fast to your paths;

my feet have not slipped.

—Psalms 17:4-5 ESV

Then the family motto formed based on the second verse:  I do not deviate from the Lord’s plan.

Immediately, I latched onto the word “deviate” and how it might be represented in a brand: “dV8”. I sketched out the design, and then I had to back into how else the letters “d” and “V” might relate to the series.

Then next thing I knew, I was searching for Spanish last names beginning with a “V”. As soon as I saw Vargas, I knew it was the perfect name for my Arizonan ranching family. The idea to make all the men’s name begin with a “d” also took shape. I scanned through my running list of cowboy names and quickly settled on the five brothers’ names: Dalton, Dylan, Derin, Devon, and Drake.

Now, I could have probably stopped there, but I love developing a rich family history for series like this. So, I decided to set the founding of the ranch in 1952 with Dalton J. Vargas, Senior. His son, Junior, named his son, Dalton J. Vargas the third, and Diego Vargas. The third or “Tres”, is the father of the five sons in the series.

I’ve really enjoyed weaving the family’s “dV8” brand, family motto, and theme verses into the first book in the series. They will make an appearance in all five books. So, I’ll leave you with:

“I do not deviate from the Lord’s plan.”

Blessings, dear readers!

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, December 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 13 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 18

A Reader’s Brain, December 19 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 21 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 22

For the Love of Literature, December 23 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, December 24

Holly’s Book Corner, December 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and a signed paperback copy of the book!!

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/293d2/falling-for-a-real-cowboy-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Falling for a Real Cowboy is the beginning to Karen Baney’s Vargas Ranch.  I enjoyed reading this sweet romance. Dalton and River’s story was one that was fun and entertaining. They had wonderful chemistry together. I thought that was a delightful read full of adventure, love, forgiveness, and hope. I found it to be an overall great read.

I give Falling for a Real Cowboy four and a half stars. I believe readers who love to read clean romance will want to give it a read. I am looking forward to the second installment from the Vargas Ranch series, Falling for a Shy Cowboy, to see what else Karen Baney has in store for her characters. 

I received a copy of Karen Baney’s Falling for a Real Cowboy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Gilded Curse by Marilyn Turk

 

About the Book

Book: The Gilded Curse

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Suspense

Release Date: July 31, 2023

In early 1942, a mysterious telegram draws Lexie Smithfield back to the island her mother thought was cursed. Now the only heir to the dwindling family fortune, Lexie plans to sell the family’s vacation “cottage” in the Millionaire’s Village on Jekyll Island. But someone else is interested in the cottage and is getting more desperate to find what they’re looking for, even to the point of murder.

Lexie’s childhood friend, Russell Thompson, is now the Jekyll Island Club’s superintendent and the keeper of members’ secrets, especially one that would shatter Lexie. When he learns Lexie is in danger, he stays close to protect her, but soon discovers an attraction to Lexie he didn’t expect.

Could the danger be from someone they know or is it possible that the threat of Nazi invasion on their coast is a reality? Or is the island really cursed?

Russell and Lexie must work together to discover the real danger and keep from getting hurt or killed in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts, Walking in Grace, and contributes to other Guideposts publications. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys reading, walking, boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, and playing with her golden retriever. She also sings in the choir at her church and leads a women’s Bible study group. Marilyn and her husband have a combined family of four sons, one daughter, and four grandsons. She’s still hoping for a granddaughter someday.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Word Weavers International, and the United States Lighthouse Society.

Marilyn is also the director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference.

More from Marilyn

When my agent told me a certain publisher was looking for Southern Gothic novels,

I wondered what those were.  What I found out was that they were gothic-style novels set in the South, usually an old antebellum mansion, for example, “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte.” Think “Jane Eyre” or “Wuthering Heights” set in the southern United States. I had just visited Jekyll Island, Georgia and toured the Millionaires’ Village there, so those mansions came to mind.  These homes, which were actually vacation “cottages” of the rich and famous, were built in the Gilded Age of the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is said that the 100 members of the club represented most of the wealth in America at that time. However, the members aged and passed away, leaving their wealth or debt to their descendants, the Great Depression caused many to lose their fortunes, then two world wars wreaked havoc on the country, so most of those homes were abandoned. Thanks to ongoing renovation efforts by the state of Georgia, many have been rebuilt. My main character in The Gilded Curse, Alexandra Smithfield (Lexie), inherits one of those abandoned mansions right at the start of World War II. The family fortune gone, she intends to renovate and sell the mansion she hasn’t seen since childhood since her mother believed the island cursed, due to some tragedies that happened to their family while there. So Lexie is “cursed” in two ways – by inheriting something she can no longer afford to keep and by the imagined curse her mother believes. When suspicious events happen around her cottage, she wonders if her mother was right.

Today, you can take tours of the Millionaires’ Village and see the former “cottages” of Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, etc. You can also stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, renovated and now part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Some of the characters in my book were real people who lived in 1942, particularly the Maurice sisters, two single sisters who loved the island and never wanted to leave it, even when the President of the United States wanted the island vacated during the war. One interesting thing about the Maurice house: efforts to renovate it have met one obstacle after another, leading some people to believe the sisters’ spirits are still there and very particular about what they want done to their house.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11

Pause for Tales, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Mary Hake, December 13

Betti Mace, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Min Reads and Reviews, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 18

Holly’s Book Corner, December 18

Blogging With Carol, December 19

Cover Lover Book Review, December 20

For Him and My Family, December 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 22 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the prairie, December 22

Connie’s History Classroom, December 23

Lily’s Corner, December 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/293d1/the-gilded-curse-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review:

The Gilded Curse begins the series, A Suspicious Shores series by Marilyn Turk. After reading it, it is my favorite book I have read by her. I enjoyed reading this story of mystery and suspense. I loved the setting of the beautiful Jekyll Island. I adored the main characters, Lexie and Russell, and had to keep reading on to see what would happen in the end with the two. Overall, I thought it was a fabulous read. I loved it. 

I am giving The Gilded Curse a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical mysteries. I can not wait to get my hands and eyes on the second installment from A Suspicious Shores series, Shadow of the Curse. 

I received a paperback copy of Marilyn Turk’s The Gilded Curse from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: HE IS! Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations by Mark R. Worden

About the Book

Book: HE IS! Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations

Author: Mark R. Worden

Genre: Devotional – Personal Growth, Devotional Theology

Release Date: July 27, 2022

HE IS! Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations is devotional theology that is inspirational in nature, coming right out of the Scriptures.  The devotionals are practical and relatable as the author shares from his own stories of life and ministry like a grandpa would share with his grandchildren.  Other edifying features at the end of each devotional are the reflection questions, Scripture verses for further reading for personal meditation and spiritual growth, and space for the reader’s own thoughts.

Through a decade-plus of his life, the author took on the challenge of Hebrew 11:6 to seek God purposefully by looking for all the “God is…” statements that he could find in the Bible. He discovered that God clearly reveals who HE IS throughout the history and stories of the Bible. Each chapter is a HE IS statement about God that helps us to know Him better as we meditate on each attribute or work of God.

The author suggests a slow reading of HE IS throughout the year to have time to pause and think about who God is by taking one chapter each week. However, many readers are choosing a daily read and finding the devotionals enlightening as they are exposed to approximately 800 quoted verses of Scripture through the fifty, HE IS meditations. Each chapter can be read independently; however, there is a flow to the order of the chapters with some chapters building upon the preceding ones. After reading the book post-publication in preparation for a speaking engagement, the author realized that there was an unplanned sub-theme of God the Heavenly Father and we, His children through faith, that runs like a thread through the chapters, tying the truths about God together. The crescendo of the book is Chapter 47: “HE IS OUR FATHER.”

The writing of the book HE IS was part of God’s healing and growing process in the author’s life as he encountered faith-challenging trials. He shares his spiritual journey briefly in the Preface of the book. He is thankful for the promise of Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mark R. Worden is a lifelong learner and a student of the Bible. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Bible and Teaching Bible. He has served as youth pastor, missionary, professor at a Bible institute in Manaus, Brazil, and pastor of a local Montana church for six years. Along with being a licensed property manager, he is a self-employed handyman and a fly-fishing guide. Mark also enjoys woodworking in his home shop in Dillon, Montana.

Book Awards:

• American Writing Awards 2022 Finalist in the Religion Category
• Readers Views, Reviewer’s Choice Award 2022-2023, Bronze Medal Winner
• Ames Award Winner 2023, for courageous faith in Devotional – Personal Growth
• Christian Indie Awards, 2023 Finalist – Devotional

More from Mark

God’s Providence in some of the History of HE IS!

Do you read the Acknowledgements and the Preface of books you read?  I do! They often give the reader insight into the life of the author and possibly more understanding of his or her message.  God’s grace and providence are thick in my life.  Read about it from the Preface to the last page of the book, “HE IS!”
We know that God intervenes in our lives when we have a heart to recognize His work.

Providence in my salvation story!

In the Acknowledgement and the Preface of “HE IS!” I mention a friend by name.  He was a fellow classmate in High School whom God used to encourage me to think about God. I didn’t really like it at the time because I was running away from God during those days.  However, presently, I am eternally grateful for Jim’s life, for God used him to turn my life around to run towards God.  Read more of the story in the Preface.

Providence in rewriting chapter 10, HE IS LOVE!

About three years ago, when I was rewriting each chapter of the manuscript, I was stuck on chapter 10, HE IS LOVE.   Taking a break from writing to drive out to my hometown of Roseburg, Oregon, I participated in a Memorial Fun Run in honor of Jim who had months earlier passed into eternity.  Sunday, I attended a worship service and sat with Jim’s widow by her invitation and heard a Bible message where the messenger defined love.  I took notes. With his permission, I used his definition in Chapter 10.  God providentially gave me the help I needed to get past some writer’s block.

Providence in the publication date!

Jim’s widow became a precious sister in Christ since his passing into eternity and she posted a comment on Facebook that shocked me into a big smile. I was in awe of God’s timing in the publication date of “HE IS!” She pointed out that the “HE IS!” paperback publication date of July 27, 2022, printed in the actual book, was Jim’s Birthday!   I remember at one point in the publication process having to surrender my expectations to the timing of the publication where I said, “Lord, I give up; it’s in your hands!” Then I was surprised how quickly it got published and, unbeknownst to me, perfectly timed on Jim’s Birthday!  Simply amazing!  Jim had been one of God’s major human instruments in bringing me to faith in Jesus Christ!   Seems so fitting! Providential!

Providence to come!

Before my mom passed into eternity to be face-to-face with her Savior in September of 2022, she told me, “Mark, don’t worry about this book you have written; God will get it into the hands of those who need to read it!”  What trust and what peace those words brought me.  While I am working on letting others know about “HE IS!” I can let go and let God take control.  Amen!  I look forward and expect to hear some more stories of God’s providence in regard to this book He led and helped me to write.  All glory be to God because HE IS!

Providence in 2023!

It was through the publication and my offering of a free PDF of “HE IS!” in an online Christian author group on Facebook that a single, attractive, and fascinating author, by the name of Connie Cook, asked for a copy, saying, “This looks good!”   I wondered who would say my book looked good and read her insightful apologetic work, Look Around! Ten Observations that Leads to one Conclusion. We were soon writing emails back and forth to each other, author style, and had a budding friendship started. By the time I had finished reading a self-autobiographical mixed with historical fiction work about Connie and her mother, entitled, Mae and Me, I had totally fallen in love with Connie. But would she choose me in return as I had chosen to lover her for as far as she would love me?   Of course, there is a lot more to the story which we plan to tell in a sequel to Connie’s book, Mae and Me entitled, Mark and Me. I won’t leave you hanging too long; we do believe that God is calling us together in marriage to coauthor some books in the future.  Yes, we believe in the providence of God and answers to prayer.

Blessings, Mark R. Worden

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 13

It’s Mama Safe, December 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 15

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 16 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Texas Book-aholic, December 18

Fiction Book Lover, December 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Artistic Nobody, December 21 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 21

Cover Lover Book Review, December 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 24 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, December 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 25

Lily’s Corner, December 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Mark is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of HE IS! and a signed paperback copy of Look Around: Ten Observations that Leads to One Conclusion by Connie Cook!!

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/293d3/he-is-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

He Is!: Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations is a wonderful devotional by Mark R. Worden. It is broken down into fifty devotions. Each one includes scripture, commentary, questions, reflections, recommended Biblical verses to look up for further meditation, and space for notetaking. I found the book to be inspiring and encouraging to read. I thought all fifty devotions were great. Each one can be easily fit in to a busy and stressful life.

I am giving He Is!: Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who were looking for more ways to find some encouragement and motivation. I believe it would, also, make for a great gift.

I received a paperback copy of Mark R Worden’s He Is!: Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Book Tour and Giveaway: And the Trees Talked Back by Frederick J Burns

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  And the Trees Talked Back by Frederick J. Burns
Category:  Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 48 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Frederick J. Burns
Release date:   Nov 4, 2023
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Meet Amanda, an extraordinary child with a unique gift — she can talk to trees.

Living in a quaint village with a mystical forest, Amanda's life takes an enchanting turn when she seeks out her inquisitive cat, Daisy. As the sun sets and the moonlight casts its glow, the duo embark on a thrilling night-time adventure.

As Amanda encounters ancient trees, she uncovers a world she never knew existed, where wisdom and acceptance coexist with fear and hatred. Amidst the rustling leaves and haunting shadows, she confronts the duality of nature, discovering the true meaning of good and evil. Her bonds with nature deepen and she learns to navigate the world where choices shape destinies.

​And The Trees Talked Back is a heartwarming tale of wonder, friendship, and self-discover that will captivate readers of all ages.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Burns, always an artist on the inside, breaks through his trial attorney exterior at age 63, to write and illustrate his first children’s book, AND THE TREES TALKED BACK. Three years in the making, Burns strives to convey a world where commonalities are more important than differences, where empathy is more important than distain and where making friends is more important than creating enemies. With no formal art training, Burns enjoys working in and learning new mediums and styles. His art has won awards in juried competitions, been displayed on billboards, in government offices, the D’Amour Museum of Fine Art, and now graces the cover of Dave Brinnel's second CD, ALONE. His detailed illustrations of trees using pen and ink with washes of watercolor have been compared to the fantastical illustrations of Arthur Rackham and Maurice Sendak. Burns lives in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Heather and two dogs, where he is developing ideas for his next book.
​
connect with author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Guest Post: 

My writing schedule is not consistent at all. I might write for fifteen minutes at a time just to jot down a phrase or idea or write for five hours straight to work and rework a scene. I might write in the early evening or wake up at 2 a.m. to write. I might write on several consecutive days and then skip one or more days to do some illustrations.

Writing and illustrating this book was done in my spare time after my full-time job working as an assistant district attorney in court, which is a high pressure and stressful, though fulfilling job. I did not set deadlines for completion of writing a scene or drawing an illustration. The writing and illustrating were for my relaxation and enjoyment.

I can’t say I had any kind of rituals that I adhered to when writing. I didn’t write at the same time or in the same place. Sometimes I wrote on my phone and sometimes I would use my tablet. I don’t snack while writing, nor do I wear a favorite shirt or hat. Before my kitty passed away, she would often, but not always sit sin my lap and watch me type.

Sometimes, I might take a break from writing to play guitar on my front porch if the weather was nice. I would visit with my neighbors and perhaps also with their dogs out for a walk. Then I would return to writing with new ideas. This type of schedule extended the time it took to complete the book to three years, but for me, the entire process was enjoyable.

Enter the Giveaway:

AND THE TREES TALKED BACK by Frederick J. Burns Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

And the Trees Talked Back is a cute little book from the new to me author, Frederick J Burns. It was a delight to read and meeting Amanda. I loved this magical tale as she goes into a new world to her as she tries to find her beloved kitty, Daisy. I loved the lessons she learns from the start to finish. A wonderful that teaches good vs evil.

I loved the illustrations all throughout And the Trees Talked Back. They truly show how talented 

Frederick J Burns is. I was amazed that not only does he provide a wonderful story, he was able to beautifully illustrate it. The pictures are a perfect addition to the story. They follow the book and match the written text. I thought they were great for helping the youngest of readers to continue to stay engaged in what is going on. 

Five plus stars is what And the Trees Talked Back deserves. I would love to see it placed on the shelves in public libraries, as well as, shelves in elementary classrooms. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of three and eight. I would love to see more of these type books from Frederick J Burns in the near future to be released. 

I received a hard cover copy of Frederick J Burns’ And the Trees Talked Back from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Wild Asses of the Mojave Desert and Gobbledy by Lis Anna-Langston

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WILD ASSES OF THE MOJAVE DESERT & GOBBLEDY by Lis Anna-Langston Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Books:

Title: WILD ASSES OF THE MOJAVE DESERT & GOBBLEDY

Author: Lis Anna-Langston

Pub. Date: October 20, 2023

Publisher: Mapleton Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 302

Find it:  Goodreads, https://books2read.com/WILD-ASSES-OF-THE-MOJAVE-DESERT

A modern girl caught in the chaos of the modern world, Skye takes a drastic turn when she escapes a toxic relationship. Driving across country she seeks solace at her sister's house in the low desert reuniting with her best friend Dylan, whose discovery of a mysterious rock sparks a belief in its magical properties. With the help of a psychic, her sister, her ex, a phantom dog and a little Ho’oponopono Skye weathers the unexpected twists and turns during the course of a summer that changes her life forever. 

…a journey away from the familiar and into the desert of discovery…As relationship quandaries, marriage possibilities, and good and harmful emotional connections emerge against the backdrop of the desert environment, readers receive a multifaceted story that connects via both emotional and landscape twists of perspective. 

“Wild Asses of the Mojave Desert is a novel that pulls at heart and mind alike. Through Skye's journey and process of letting go everything she's held tightly throughout her life, readers receive a compelling saga…”-D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

 

 

Title: GOBBLEDY

Author: Lis Anna-Langston

Pub. Date: October 20, 2023

Publisher: Mapleton Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 233

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/GOBBLEDY-LANGSTON

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership! 

Ever since eleven-year-old Dexter Duckworth and his brother, Dougal, lost their mom, everything has been different. But “different” takes on a whole new meaning when, one day just before Christmas (or Kissmas, as they call it), Dexter finds a golden rock in the forest that hatches into an adorable alien. Gobbledy is smarter than he seems and is lost on planet Earth. Before long, Gobbledy takes Dexter, Dougal, and their best friend Fi on an adventure of friendship, family, and loss—one that requires them all to stay out of trouble, protect Gobbledy from a shadowy group called the Planetary Society, and prepare for their school’s Winter Extravaganza Play, where Dexter has to be a dreaded Gingerbread Man.

Gobbledy is a fun-filled holiday story that adds up to two brothers, three friends, unlimited jars of peanut butter, a ketchup factory, and one little alien far, far from home.

“Hugely entertaining as well as emotionally moving." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"This charming alien-in-the-attic story boasts engaging characters, witty storytelling, and a furry little beast that will eat anything, all wrapped up in a warm holiday package." ~ Booklife

My Reviews:

Gobbledy is a fun and entertaining middle grade children’s book from Lis Anna Langston. I thought it was a wonderful book to end. To me, it was a little emotional at times but I greatly enjoyed going on this adventure. I loved every single page.

Five plus stars is what I am giving Gobbledy. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of seven and thirteen. I believe it would make a perfect placement in children’s public libraries. I would love to read more like this one from Lis Anna Langston in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Lis Anna Langston’s Gobbledy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

I adored reading Lis Anna Langston’s novel, Wild Asses of the Mojave Desert. It is a story that I could easily be able to connect to the characters and feel as though I was part of it. I was instantly able to relate to Skye. I admired her bravery and courage all throughout and watching her grow. I had no problem reading the whole book in one sitting. I thought it was great.

I am giving Wild Asses of the Mojave Desert a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading contemporary fiction. I would love to read more novels like this one from Lis Anna Langston in the near future. 

I received a digital copy of Lis Anna Langston’s Wild Asses of the Mojave Desert from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

 

About Lis Anna-Langston:

Lis Anna-Langston was raised along the winding current of the Mississippi River on a steady diet of dog-eared books. She attended a Creative and Performing Arts School from middle school until graduation and went on to study Literature at Webster University. Her novels have won the Parents’ Choice Gold, Moonbeam Book Award, Independent Press Award, Benjamin Franklin Book Award and NYC Big Book Awards. A three-time Pushcart award nominee and Finalist in the Brighthorse Book Prize, William Faulkner Fiction Contest, George Garrett Fiction Prize and Thomas Wolfe Fiction Award, her work has been published in The Literary Review, Emerson Review, The Merrimack Review, Emrys Journal, The MacGuffin, Sand Hill Review and dozens of other literary journals. 

Hailed as “an author with a genuine flair for originality” by Midwest Book Review and “a loveable, engaging, original voice…” by Publishers Weekly, you can find her in the wilds of South Carolina plucking stories out of thin air. 
Sign up for Lis’s newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win their choice of a finished copy of WILD ASSES OF THE MOJAVE DESERT or GOBBLEDY, US Only.

Ends December 19th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

12/4/2023	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Blog Spotlight/IG Spotlight
12/4/2023	Writer of Wrongs	Excerpt
12/5/2023	@darkfantasyreviews	Excerpt/IG Spotlight
12/5/2023	@anitralovesbooksanddogs	IG Spotlight
12/6/2023	GryffindorBookishnerd	IG Review
12/6/2023	mythicmelancholy	IG Review
12/7/2023	@evergirl200	IG Review
12/7/2023	The Momma Spot	Review
12/8/2023	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
12/8/2023	Confessions of the Perfect Mom	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

12/11/2023	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review
12/11/2023	FUONLYKNEW	Review
12/12/2023	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post
12/12/2023	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
12/13/2023	paws.read.repeat	Review/IG Review/LFL Drop Pic
12/13/2023	@froggyreadteach	IG Review
12/14/2023	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
12/14/2023	@pineshorelittlefreelibrary	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic
12/15/2023	@enthuse_reader	IG Review/TikTok Post
12/15/2023	@pagesforpaige	IG Review