December 9, 2021
Gallant: The Call of the Trail
Gallant: The Call of the Trail is a gripping journey of a young girl and a foal who are raised together in The Valley of Hearts Delight.
About Gallant: The Call of the Trail
A gripping journey of a young girl and a foal who are raised together in The Valley of Hearts Delight. Gallant and Gracie have a special bond, rarely seen between a human and a horse. Separated by a bad accident when Gallant is five, each gets a second chance of happiness pursuing the long-distance sport of endurance riding, neither knowing they are leading parallel lives. Will Fate bring them together again? Gallant’s arch nemesis, The Almighty Flash, threatens to destroy all that Gallant has worked for. His misguided ambition and greed, developed at the hands of an abusive owner, has created a darkness in his soul that turns to blind fury when his endurance career is threatened.
My Thoughts
I fell in love with this touching story of a youth and her love and deep connection with her horse, Gallant and their trials.
From a very young age, Gracie developed a special bond with Gallant. They were more than just a human girl and her horse, they were family. A bad accident separates the two of them and both must struggle through this loss and pain, learning how to move forward and heal (which feels almost impossible at times). We are there as each of them must learn methods to cope and heal through their grieving. While a part of them is healed, it is when they are brought together by chance that you realize how strong their bond is and their reunion was heart warming and anxious all wrapped in one. But how do they move forward? They have both gained new people/animals in their lives, and while those bonds are not quite the same, they are still very much loved. I also loved the story that developed at the same time around Flash. Who on the surface is a mean, ambitious horse but when you really look at his past, his treatment and his lack of love in his life – your heart goes out to him. He has never known any different.
Gallant: The Call of the Trail is a well written novel for both youths and adults – I loved the story myself and could not put it down. It was such a special story of love and nurture – how this affects our growth and development, and our connections to the world around us. It is also a story of grief and loss, and the healing that occurs after this. I loved that we read the book from the perspective not only of Gracie but of the horses as well! I also learned a lot about endurance riding, something I had no idea existed but sounds incredible. This novel is a definite must read.
You can purchase a copy of this book on the author’s website, Amazon and Target.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Award winning Author Claire Eckard combines her love of writing with her passion for animals to create memorable children’s books that are fun to read, but also include valuable life’s lessons. Claire grew up in England and moved to Hawaii in her early twenties where she married her husband of thirty-four years. Together they raised two sons, Mitchell and Matthew. Claire is inspired by her two Granddaughters Mila and Ella, as well as the beautiful backdrop of the Arizona mountains where she lives. Claire has a farm full of animals, and has spent many years as a board member and volunteer of her local animal shelter.
You can connect with Claire on her website and Facebook.
The Giveaway
Enter to win a signed copy of Gallant: The Call of the Trail here.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 29, 2021
Three May Keep a Secret: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure
It’s a deadly game of cat-and-mouse in Three May Keep a Secret, that finds Holmes and Watson attending underground auctions, using rare and priceless artifacts as bait and holding a late night vigil in anticipation of deterring a theft, all the while trying to understand how a priceless antiquity fits into their investigation.
About Three May Keep a Secret
When a meeting with a client goes disastrously wrong, Sherlock Holmes soon finds himself involved in a case of murder with two dead bodies and too few clues.
From some clear pieces of glass and a raven’s feather, the Great Detective must divine exactly who the client was and what prompted him to seek assistance at 221B. Fortunately, Holmes has a number of experts upon whom he can rely as well as his own vast store of esoteric knowledge.
Treading a twisted path, Holmes soon finds himself matching wits with an unseen criminal, who appears to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty. At the same time, he is tasked with sparing the monarchy any possible embarrassment that may stem from the investigation.
It’s a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that finds Holmes and Watson attending underground auctions, using rare and priceless artifacts as bait and holding a late night vigil in anticipation of deterring a theft, all the while trying to understand how a priceless antiquity fits into their investigation.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, BN, Kobo and Book Depository.
About the Author
A lifelong Sherlockian, Richard Ryan is the author of “The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure,” “The Stone of Destiny,” “The Druid of Death” and “The Merchant of Menace,” and “Through a Glass Starkly,” all from MX Publishing. “Three May Keep a Secret” is his sixth Holmes pastiche, and he is currently at work on his seventh.
He has also written “B Is for Baker Street (My First Sherlock Holmes Book),” an alphabet book he penned for his grandchildren.
Among his other credits are “The Official Sherlock Holmes Trivia Book,” a book on Agatha Christie trivia and the well-received murder mystery “Deadly Relations” that has been produced twice off-Broadway.
He pursued his graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in medieval literature. To this day, he remains a die-hard fan of the Fighting Irish.
You can connect with him on his website, Twitter and Facebook.
The Giveaway!
Enter to win a signed copy of Three May Keep a Secret here.
Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 26, 2021
Mother’s Love: Animal Moms and Their Babies
Mother’s Love is a lyrical celebration of the unconditional bond every mother has with her child.
About Mother’s Love: Animal Moms and their Babies
A mother’s love is like the air;
you may not see it, but it’s there.
A mother’s love is universal; and yet the way each species shows its love is unique.
In a cloud, I’ll build a nest.
For you, I want the very best.
My love is fierce and very bright.
It makes the world feel safe and right.
Mother’s Love is a lyrical celebration of the unconditional bond every mother has with her child. The book is written from the point of view of ten different animal moms, ranging from elephants to eagles and depicts the various sides of motherhood, including joy, resilience, and sacrifice.
Our Thoughts
A mother’s love for her child is precious and special. They are nurtured and developed before they are born and each mother protects and grows her child in a different way.
I loved learning about the special bond between mother and their baby in this beautifully told story. While we learn about all different animals and the bonds they share, at the heart of the story – we are all the same regardless of what we look like on the outside. We love, care, protect and guide our babies the best way we know how to. We all want to see our babies soar, be safe and be ready for the future. We see the story told through the eyes of an octopus, a koala, a penguin, a cat and so much more. The story flows so well and was a treasure to read aloud. The illustrations were soft and warm, and worked well to bring the story of love and strength to life.
This is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book celebrating the special bond and love between parent and child. It is a welcome addition to your child’s home library and would make a beautiful gift to a new Mom.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository and Indiebound.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Born and raised in Bulgaria, Diana Aleksandrova moved across the ocean in pursuit of the American dream, only to realize that her dream was not limited to any one country, or even continent. Rather, it was within her all along.
Diana finds joy in creating stories that make kids of all ages laugh-out-loud, open up their minds and hearts, and let their imaginations run freely.
“Books are our tickets to adventure. They let us explore fascinating places, and join charming heroes, crooked villains, and magical creatures through unforgettable journeys. My job is to create the itinerary.”
You can connect with Diana on her website, Twitter and Facebook.
The Giveaway!
Enter to win a signed copy of a Mother’s Love here.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own.
November 22, 2021
Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats
Halloween is here, and it is Alicia’s favorite time of year. What’s not to like about dressing up in a costume and getting free candy? But there is something even more exciting happening this year – learn more in Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats!
About Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats
Halloween is here, and it is Alicia’s favorite time of year. What’s not to like about dressing up in a costume and getting free candy? But there is something even more exciting happening this year. For the first time, Alicia and her friends are throwing a virtual party in TullyTown!
Putting together a party in TullyTown isn’t easy, and Alicia and her friends want to do the best they can to make sure it is enjoyed by plenty of avatars in TullyTown. For one of Alicia’s friends, getting ready to throw a TullyTown party leads to looking for easy treats. But what if it’s a trick?
Alicia has been using her tablet for a while and is getting more used to how to use the technology. However, there is always something new for her and her friends to learn.
Our Thoughts
Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats is an excellent introduction for young readers into the world of technology, gaming and the dangers that are lurking out there.
Alicia and her friends love the game TullyTown – they have created a whole new world of fun, where they can hang out, throw parties, earn reward money and so much more. One of Alicia’s friends gets a little carried away in her excitement and uses a free website to earn rewards and points for free stuff, what could go wrong?
Young children and adults alike love our technology and how easy it has made for us to keep ourselves on track, connect with others and share information. The only downfall? How easy it is for this information to be stolen, hacked or used by others to hurt us. For young children, it is so important to warn them about the dangers of the online world, in a way that they can understand the content and without terrifying them. This book did a great job of this. It showed young readers the fun and the important connection we make with others through technology but also the dangers of oversharing and how this information can be stolen. I also loved how the author incorporated lessons on how to protect yourself online (passwords, etc..) in such an unique manner!
Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats is a great read for young readers and their parents as it introduces a difficult but important topic to young children. It is a great way for adults to speak with children about both the positives and the dangers of technology and online gaming, as well as how to protect themselves online. It would also be a great starting point to ensure that your child is taking all steps that they must to protect themselves online and if certain changes may be needed to protect their privacy.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, B&N and Indiebound.
Rating: 4.5/5
About the Author
Fish
Fisher is an award-winning author who has spent decades in the computer engineering field, with the last 10 years in cybersecurity as a leader, speaker, and instructor. His passion has been to take complex security topics and make them simple and easy to understand. He holds several security certifications and teaches cybersecurity at Temple University, where he is also an external advisory board member to the cybersecurity program. Alicia Connected: Tricked With Treats is the second book in the Alicia Connected series. The first book, Alicia Connected: The Big Gift, was a second-place recipient of the prestigious Purple Dragonfly Award in the STEM category.
Also, ALICIA CONNECTED: TRICKED WITH TREATS has won a 2021 Family Choice Award.
You can connect with him on his website and Facebook.
The Giveaway!
Enter to win a copy of Alicia Connected: Tricked with Treats here.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 17, 2021
Mia and the Hummingbird
Mia and the Hummingbird is the story of a young girl who immigrates to a new country and learns to accept a new life.
About Mia and the Hummingbird
Mia and the Hummingbird is the story of a young girl who immigrates to a new country and learns to accept a new life.She sees the hummingbird building her nest for her babies and thinks that she and the bird are similar as they learn to adapt to their new homes. Mia and the Hummingbird includes information about environmental and social reasons for immigration, the struggle to adapt to a new home and information about hummingbirds.
Included is a glossary about these issues, a bibliography, and references.
You can purchase this book on Amazon.
About the Author
Nancy Carlisle is an author, illustrator and retired architect and manager. She writes hopeful books for kids that interweave facts and fiction about the environment and global responsibility.
During her 38 year career, as an architect and researcher, her focus was on the environment. She led work nationally and internationally on sustainable and energy efficient buildings and communities and won awards for collaboratively designing award-winning sustainable buildings, a laboratory campus, and as part of a team to develop a program to improve the energy efficiency of laboratories in the U.S.
You can connect with her on her website.
The Giveaway!
You can enter to win a signed copy of this book and a $25 Amazon gift card here.
Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
