On April 12, 2016, join the pound puppy pals in Pound Puppies: Showstopping Pups, on DVD everywhere from Shout! Factory Kids and Hasbro Studios.
About Pound Puppies: Showstopping Pups
The Pound Puppies are in the spotlight for this brand-new collection of adventures from Shelter 17! Join Lucky, Niblet, Cookie, Squirt and Strudel as they display their song-and-dance skills, solve a mystery, become superheroes and encourage a faded TV star to return to glory!
Winner of the 2012 Humanitas Prize in Children’s Animation, the Pound Puppies series stars the voices of Eric McCormack, Yvette Nicole Brown, Michael Rapaport, John DiMaggio, Alanna Ubach, René Auberjonois, and M. Emmet Walsh.
The Episodes
The Accidental Pup Star
It’s Elementary, My Dear Pup Club
Hot Dawg!
The Watchdogs
Back In Action
Our Thoughts
The adorable pups are back in five new episodes. These adorable little characters are sweet, funny and get into just the right amount of adventure that your child will love. The episodes in this DVD had me hooked (although it doesn’t take much to get me hooked to children’s cartoons!). Our favourite episode had to be The Accidental Pup Star. I like how the episodes have something for every range from preschool to primary school age children, they have elements that children in both age groups can appreciate. The characters are loveable and well animated in bright colour, which really helps to draw your child into the shows.
The Giveaway!
My Canadian and American readers can now enter to win their own copy of Pound Puppies: Showstopping Pups via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
In The Cadence of Gypsies, on her 18th birthday Carolina Lovel learned that she was adopted and was given a letter written by her birth mother in an unknown language.
About The Cadence of Gypsies
After years of research she travels to Italy, on a mission to find the truth about her past. Carolina is accompanied by three gift but mischievous students (the FIGS) from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women. In an effort to help their favourite teacher, the FIGs will have to use their special abilities to decipher the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world, and the one thing that is strangely similar to what Carolina had been given. Their search will take them into the mystical world of gypsy tradition and magic, more exciting and dangerous than any of them could have imagined.
My Thoughts
An intense and mysterious story of a young gifted woman who sees so much of herself in the young, talented but often misunderstood FIGs. It is with the help of these young girls, that Carolina sets out on a trip to discover her past, her story and in turn her future. Each FIG has been blessed with a special skill that is essential to uncovering Carolina’s past but it is Carolina’s love for them which helps give guide and motivate them to help her.
We have this tied into the mystical and misunderstood world of gypsies and their traditions that really takes this novel to a new level. Carolina’s Mom is a powerful yet gentle and kind woman who would do anything for her daughter. Each one of the characters in this story you feel as though you get to know them intimately and the way their lives and paths cross is amazing.
I loved the history in this novel, the look into the gypsy culture from a place of understanding and appreciation, as well as the wrong fear that many had of gypsy cultures. The story itself was very unique in the way it was told, it was just not a simple adopted young girl searching for her birth mother, instead it was layers of history and story telling of lives that brings the story to life. The Cadence of Gypsies is a truly unique and special story that you will love over and over.
Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels for both adults and young adults, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. In addition to her own writing, she is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency, established in 1995, representing authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan.
In 2014 Barbara became a partner in Strategic Media Books Publishing, an independent publishing house that specializes in true crime and other cutting-edge adult nonfiction.
Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with her husband and three dogs who adopted her.
Author Interview
How did you do research for your book?
The Cadence of Gypsies was a fun and interesting book to write. It involves gypsies, the Voynich Manuscript (the most mysterious manuscript in the world), and three young women – all three orphans, and each considered a genius. In order to write about gypsy customs and practices, I found old documents, out-of-print books and herbal guides used by gypsies throughout time. Since the Voynich Manuscript really does exist, I was able to get a copy in order to study it. The three young women, or F.I.G.s (Females of Intellectual Genius as they call themselves) were completely from my imagination.
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
Probably the hardest character to create was Lyuba, the gypsy mother. She is a choovihni—a wisewoman—for her tribe. The easiest character was Carolina, the F.I.G.s’ teacher and mentor.
In your book you make a reference to the Voynich Manuscript – how did you come up with this idea?
I had read about the Voynich a few years ago and was fascinated by its mystery and history. I knew that one day I would have to write a book that included it.
What made you write a book about orphans?
When I attended the university in Raleigh, NC, I used to live near an orphanage. I think I must have started creating a story than about the children who lived there and the people who worked there on the campus.
We sure are! Jen from Ninjamommers.com, Kelly from Citymom.ca and a group of fabulous Canadian bloggers have come together to bring you a chance to win $260 PayPal cash! Because what better way is there to celebrate the beautiful weather than with some extra spending money in your pocket. Maybe update the patio sets, a new barbecue, new clothes – the possibilities are endless. I know I would definitely upgrade my non-existent patio set in order to lay out in the backyard more (hint-hint hubby dear!).
So if you are ready to win $260 USD cash, scroll a little bit lower to the entry form and get those entries in.This giveaway is open worldwide so spread the word using the hashtag #SpringIntoCash and let’s celebrate together the coming of the nice weather with a giveaway. Good luck friends!!!
Giveaway is open to Worldwide. All entries will be verified. Winner will be contacted via email when giveaway has ended. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Once winner is confirmed, the winner will be announced via this form. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media Network including PayPal.
When Caterina Rosetta inherits a cottage in the countryside of Italy from a grandmother she’s never known, she discovers a long-buried family secret — a secret so devastating, it threatens the future of everything her mother has worked for.
About The Winemakers
1956: When Caterina Rosetta inherits a cottage in the countryside of Italy from a grandmother she’s never known, she discovers a long-buried family secret — a secret so devastating, it threatens the future of everything her mother has worked for.
Many years before, her mother’s hard-won dreams of staking her family’s claim in the vineyards of California came to fruition; but as an old murder comes to light, and Caterina uncovers a tragic secret that may destroy the man she loves, she realizes her happiness will depend on revealing the truth of her mother’s buried past.
From author Jan Moran comes The Winemakers, a sweeping, romantic novel that will hold you in its grasp until the last delicious sip.
Jan Moran is a Rizzoli bestselling and award winning author. She writes historical women’s fiction for St. Martin’s Press (Scent of Triumph, The Winemakers), contemporary women’s fiction (Flawless, Beauty Mark, Runway), and nonfiction books (Vintage Perfumes, Fabulous Fragrances). Her stories are smart and stylish, and written with emotional depth. Jan often draws on her international travel and business experiences, infusing her books with realistic details.
The Midwest Book Review and Kirkus have recommended her books, calling her heroines strong, complex, and resourceful. She likes to talk to readers at website and on social media. She lives in southern California and loves lattes and iced coffee, anything chocolate, and Whole Foods Double Green smoothies to balance it all out.
As an artisanal agricultural craft often elevated to art and associated with luxury, winemaking shares many similarities with perfumery, which was the industry backdrop of my last historical novel, Scent of Triumph. And I hardly have to say that the research for The Winemakers was thoroughly enjoyable.
How did you conduct your research for The Winemakers?
I’ve always been fascinated by winemaking and the history wine in Italy and America. Long before I began writing The Winemakers, I had visited Tuscany and spent time in the wine regions of California: Napa and Sonoma valleys, the Russian River valley, Paso Robles, and Temecula. I called on winemakers and producers in the industry and had the pleasure of meeting with luminaries such as Mike Grgich, the legendary co-founder of Grgich Hills in Napa; MaryAnn and Larry Tsai, co-founders of Moone-Tsai wines; and Elizabeth Vianna, the winemaker for Chimney Rock in Stag’s Leap.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
I often begin with the period of time and the industry I want to feature. At the center of the saga, I place a smart woman with an enormous, heartbreaking problem to solve. After that, the characters come to life in my mind and the story begins to spin itself.
Many books feature strong female protagonists. What is different about your writing?
My characters are highly multifaceted and readers tell me they readily identify with the women I write about. As women, we often juggle love, careers, children, parents, friends, businesses, and so much more. The characters I include are smart, savvy, and stylish, though perhaps untested in life. I like to follow characters who discover themselves and what they’re truly capable of. Resilience is also a common theme in my work—I believe we are all capable of great things, no matter what challenges life throws at us. I write from the heart and, like a method actor, I’m often crying or laughing as I write scenes.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Never give up on your dream. Everyone has a story, and that story deserves to be heard. Many people might not want a career in writing, but they do want to leave a legacy for their family. With today’s technology it’s easier than ever to do just that.
In Uneven Exchange, Alexandra Callet’s life runs hot and cold. At the age of thirty-three, Alexandra owns a stunning home and a successful interior design company. But she is in love with her business partner, Jake Taylor, and he doesn’t even seem to realize she’s a woman. She decides to take a trip to Mexico where all seems to fall apart.
About Uneven Exchange
Like fire and ice, Alexandra Callet’s life runs hot and cold. At the age of thirty-three, Alexandra owns a stunning home and a successful interior design company. But she is in love with her business partner, Jake Taylor, and he doesn’t even seem to realize she’s a woman. She should be on top of the world, but instead she feels dragged down by the void in her heart. Hoping for answers, she decides a trip to Mexico might soothe her soul.
Jake Taylor only pretends to be a confirmed bachelor. Jake has been entranced by Alexandra’s determination and exotic beauty since the moment they met, but she has no idea how he feels. He considers confessing his love, but fears jeopardizing their friendship and business. He’s caught in a web of pretending he doesn’t care, and doesn’t see a way out of it. Alexandra is recruited for a dangerous mission. Following her trip to Mexico, her resemblance to a member of an assassin’s family leads Alexandra to be recruited by the DEA. Her training leaves her distracted, and her business begins to suffer. Jake notices her sudden change, and feels her slipping both personally and professionally beyond his reach.
Should he finally take the chance…before it’s too late? After all, he has nothing to lose. However, when Alexandra returns to Mexico for her mission, things go terribly wrong. Will she be able find the strength to fight and escape the peaceful haven that has now become her prison?
My Thoughts
Romance, suspense, action and more all in Uneven Exchange!
Alexandra is a quiet, beautiful young woman with a great career working in her own company with the man she has had a crush on for a while. She is also timid to let him know how she feels or how to even approach the topic with him. When she escapes for a mini getaway to Mexico she is spotted by the DEA, as she resembles very closely a vicious assassin’s sister. They pull her into a plot to capture this man but this proves to be more adventure then what she was counting on. She definitely rises to the occasion in this story! The timid, young woman becomes bold and fearless as she takes on this new persona. Jake can sense this change in her but is powerless to stop it. He tries to reach out to her but is left wondering if it was too little, too late.
I loved every turn of this book, by mid-way through the adventure is unbelievable and forces you to not stop reading (you can’t just leave this book at one chapter without finding out what happens next!). The ending is incredible and will you leave you craving just that little bit more of what happens next. This novel is a fantastic read for both mature young adults to adults that love adventure, suspense and action with a little twist of romance.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the second world war. Derban’s mother, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, Derban’s life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries. S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing, and is thrilled to finally share her work with others.
Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts.
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