Category: iRead tour

January 10, 2022

Gideon’s Grandchildren

In Gideon’s Grandchildren, author Bill Jaquette weaves his own thirty-plus years’ experience in public defense and provides readers with an intimate look at the day-to-day lives and struggles of public defense attorneys.

About Gideon’s Grandchildren

Steve Cole is a young public defense attorney with a long list of clients: Among them is Jeff Harris, who is facing a life sentence under a law that Steve believes is cruel and unfair. When Harris is presented with a plea bargain that would spare him a life sentence, Steve urges his client to accept. Steve is shocked when Harris turns down the plea bargain in favor of going to trial. Steve quickly finds himself in the most difficult case of his career, in addition to all his other clients. Nevertheless, Steve grows to respect Harris and the decision he made, compelling him to work tirelessly for a not-guilty verdict for Harris.

Throughout the novel, author Bill Jaquette weaves his own thirty-plus years’ experience in public defense and provides readers with an intimate look at the day-to-day lives and struggles of public defense attorneys. The result is a compassionate portrayal of some of the most critical figures in the American courts, their clients, and the arduous and complicated role of maintaining justice.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, BN and Book Depository.

About the Author

Bill Jaquette practiced law for over forty years. During that time, he served as a deputy prosecuting attorney and was also in private practice. A substantial part of his career, however, was as a public defender, including thirty years with the Snohomish County Public Defender Association, of which he was also director. In addition to his JD from the University of Washington, Bill holds a PhD in philosophy from the University of Missouri and, prior to his career in law, served as a tenured member of the philosophy faculty at Southwest Missouri State University.

Gideon’s Grandchildren is his first novel.

You can connect with him on his website.

The Giveaway!

Enter to win an e-book of Gideon’s Grandchildren here.

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

January 10, 2022

James Dreadful and the Tomb of Forgotten Secrets

James Dreadful’s Epic Adventure Continues in Book Two of the Dreadful Series, James Dreadful and the Tomb of Forgotten Secrets.

About James Dreadful and the Tomb of Forgotten Secrets

After narrowly escaping a contract with his father’s evil servant Rekenhowler, James reluctantly decides to return home to the Cades Isles to live out the rest of his youth training to become a sorcerer. The only problem: James and his companions are adrift on the boat Persephone in the Realm of Shadows without a crew.

When a stowaway aboard Persephone informs James that his father—the Dark Lord—might have been mind-slaved by the mysterious, evil Cowl, James is shocked. The only proof that he will accept is the soul of his father, which he learns is lodged deep in the Tomb of Forgotten Secrets. In confronting his father’s soul, James can learn the truth about the Dark Lord—and if he is destined to become one himself.

But before he can reach the Tomb, James must travel to Sarvelok, an island protected by raiders, to retrieve the key his uncle Oskar stole from him. Attacking the island would be suicide—but possible with the help of Rekenhowler. The price James will have to pay, however, is too high, but without it, will he ever learn the truth of his father—and his own fate?

You can purchase this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Alan Creed fell in love with storytelling after seeing Star Wars for the first time as a child. When he was ten years old, his tutor asked him to write sentences containing three words: Ocean, Desert and Jungle. Instead of sentences, Alan wrote a 103-page story entitled Journey through the Desert. That’s when he knew he wanted to be a writer. His 103-page story served as the source material for the Dreadful Series. Alan is currently working on the next installment in the James Dreadful series.

You can connect with Alan on his website.

The Giveaway!

Enter to win an e-book of James Dreadful and the Tomb of Forgotten Secrets here.

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.