Sunday, April 27, 2014

Orenda by Ruth Silver

ORENDA 
by Ruth Silver
Young Adult Fantasy/Adventure series
published by PatchworkPress
Orenda Join forceswith a parallel universe. Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knewcollide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda.Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger,Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds.Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can't exist, but a smallclue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With thethreat of her younger sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but itmay cost her even more than she bargained for. A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe cometogether in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that willkeep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.









Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing, in 2013. Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required, because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. Upcoming works include Royal Reaper, a young adult series about grim reapers, due for release  June 3rd, 2014. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Rock 'N' Roll Princesses Wear Black by Kelley Polark with Giveaway



ROCK 'N' ROLL PRINCESSES
WEAR BLACK
By Kelley Polark
Big Smile Press LLC
Middle Grade Contemporary
136 pages



Music class and recess totally rock, but being teased in school and ignored at home totally stinks. Stefani Lucas is a rockin’ sixth grader who loves music and dresses like a mini hipster in all black, but there's one thing cramping her style - her lame baby brother who manages to hog all the attention from her parents.

When classmates tease her about her clothes and even double dare her to (gasp!) wear another color, Stef decides a minor makeover may be in order.  Can Stef change for others and still stay true to herself?



MY TIDBITS


Stefani is a self-confident sixth grader, who knows what she likes: music and wearing black. Her look on life is very true to her age and a lot of fun to follow. She's spunky, spirited and even has a couple flaws. The biggest of these is the jealousy toward her baby brother. Although her feelings seemed a little extreme sometimes, I believe girls that age will totally feel for Stefani.

The beginning chapters focus mostly on Stefani's dissatisfaction with her brother, her parents and a bunch of girls at school, who just won't leave her alone. Yep, those girls are nasty, and I felt for Stefani as she faced their teasings. I really get to know Stefani well during first half of the book, so when her troubles started, I found myself excited to see how she solves her problems.

The scenes are very well done. I had no difficulty setting myself in her school or watching the moments with her parents at home. The other characters were also enjoyable and very realistic. Especially the boy from Wyoming added a nice touch, although his word usage wasn't always quite realistic. I had to smile at a few of his phrases. I especially enjoyed his special 'expertise' and would have enjoyed seeing more of him in the story.


SPOILER ALARM!!!
I'll admit, I was a little disappointed to see Stefani 'give-in' to the other girl's harrassment and change her style (even if it was only a bit.) However, this reaction was probably more realistic and a good middle ground. It was a little funny to see how the other girls reacted with their own styles.

All in all, this is a fun read for girls ages 8 to 12. They'll have no trouble feeling for Stefani and her problems, and love the way she deals with them.

In other words, I give this a big:


THUMBS UP!!! 


You can find it:

Barnes & Noble: coming soon!




And here she is. . .
Kelley Polark!!!


Kelly Polark is a married mom of three and educator/author from the great Midwest. ROCK 'N' ROLL PRINCESSES WEAR BLACK is Kelly's debut middle grade novel. She is also the author of the ABC picture book, ROCKABET: CLASSIC EDITION and two Meegenius books: BIG SISTER, BABY BROTHER and HOLD THE MUSTARD! In her free time, Kelly loves to hang with her fam, read books for all ages, and sing along at rock concerts.


You can find her:







Monday, April 14, 2014

A Shard of Ice by Alivia Anders


A Shard of Ice
The Black Symphony Saga #1
Release Date- April 14th, 2014
Genre- Young Adult (Fantasy/Romance) 

THEIR SOULS, REAWAKENED. 

When 13-year-old Lilix Morgan is found alive and floating on a bed of ice at sea, everyone counts it a miracle. Kidnapped nearly four weeks earlier, she remembers nothing of her mysterious abduction. When she tries to remember what happened, she hears only a melody - a faint and delicate set of notes, strung together in a tune she doesn't understand.  

THEIR POWER, UNMATCHED. 

A year later and desperate to put the lingering nightmares of her past behind her, Lilix crosses the country to enroll at Baelmorte Academy, aiming to become the violinist she once dreamt of. Things seem to be finally going well, and Lilix settles into a routine of sheet music and inspiration among new friends. 

Then the dreams start.

The melody and night terrors she thought she'd left behind return with a vengeance, threatening to ruin her fragile version of normalcy. Then an unlikely ally tells her that she isn't alone. That there are others just like her, fighting to hide their own shocking truths from coming to light. That they know who she is, and what she's been through. Now, accompanied by four other girls, Lilix discovers her nightmares are larger than a single trauma; they're a window to a hidden part of her soul, a place of immense power with a destiny that cannot be ignored.

THEIR BATTLE, IS ONLY BEGINNING.


With this knowledge comes a new and frightening reality. For Lilix has been reawakened to stop an age-old enemy, one thought to have been destroyed centuries ago. Trapped by her destiny, Lilix is torn between what feels right and what she remembers. Her memories tell her of a star-crossed love waiting to be reunited, of friendships and trust broken in the past. But can she save that love when reality brings her an enemy, and an evil that will be the undoing of them all if they don't destroy it?


 
  (Paperback)
 (Hardcover)


Friday, April 11, 2014

Mrs. D's Picture Books with Giveaway!


Carlo the Mouse Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse by Mrs D
Carlo the Mouse Book 1: 

Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse by Mrs. D 
Illustrated by Chanoa 
Published by Dog Ear Publishing
October 21, 2013 
33 Pages
For ages 4+








Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble



Good Morning World by Mrs D
Good Morning, World! 

by Mrs. D 
Illustratrated by Eladziem 
November 21, 2013 
Dog Ear Publishing
50 Pages
For ages 5+ 










Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park Thomas and his grandpa see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. Young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!

* Winner of a Mom's Choice Award, Honoring Excellence *

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 

The Buzz

Carlo the Mouse: "My son chose this book to read and really liked it. He rated it 5* and said it was "awesome". He's almost five. So that's a good fit. If I could make one recommendation, it would be to watch out for repeating the same sentence structure over and over. It's a minor thing but could improve overall flow. The pictures were adorable. Well done Mrs. D." ~ 5 Star Review, Simone B., Amazon
Carlo the Mouse: "Another gem from Mrs. D.! This is the first in a series of several books, and the titles of those are just as intriguing as this one. The interchange between the characters goes beyond just rules and regulations. Even small children will see just how caring and loving this family is with each other. There are definitely different personalities, and conflicts, as in every family. Carlo’s is one that answers those challenges with love and firmness. The pictures are adorable! Every facial expression, every nuance of action, is so well-thought-out. The colors are appealing, and the story’s lesson is simple enough for even the youngest of readers. There is a challenge here in some of the vocabulary used in the book. I welcome that. The youngsters who get this story read to them are privileged in this regard, for they can learn new words and what they mean. A child whose vocabulary is extended beyond his or her comfort zone is a child who will learn and grow into an intelligent adult. I highly recommend this story, and hope that I will get the chance to read more of Carlo’s adventures." ~ 5 Star Review, Kitty Muse Book Reviews, Amazon
Carlo the Mouse: "As a grown-up, I fell in love with this adorable character the moment I looked at the first illustration. I had as much pleasure reading this book as my son did. Sometimes, a sample book like this one, gives more to a child then books chosen by the school experts. Now we could hardly wait what the next book will hold. Thank you so much for making our children happy. Because of books like yours, our children will grow up happier, kinder, and smarter. Great story! Wonderful artwork! Astonishing children’s book! Because of books like yours, our children will grow up happier, kinder, and smarter." ~ 5 Star Review, Olga G., Amazon
Good Morning, World!: "What a charming book of comparing generations and reminding us how children see the world! The illustrations are bright, colourful and sweet, and the story is so well written that it feels as though I am walking right beside the baby and grumpy Grandpa who clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning! Thank you for a lovely book, Mrs. D!" ~ 5 Star Review, Multi-Testing Mommy, Amazon
Good Morning, World!: "This darling story of Baby Thomas and Grandpa was like I was taking a stroll along with them. The author must have pulled some of this story from a family experience. With her very creative imagination she must have been very tuned into actions and reactions of Baby Thomas. Then there was Grandpa who was very vocal and animated so she undoubtedly knew exactly what to write about Grandpa. Too funny! This book is a must read! I highly recommend this book." ~ 5 Star Review, It's Time to Read Mamaw, Amazon
Good Morning, World!: "This was a charming book. Following the differing perspectives of the Grandpa and the child, this book is a wonderful reminder about the importance of a positive attitude. I LOVED the joyful wonder in the child's perspective, and cringed as I recognized some of the grandfather's. What I love about all of Mrs. D's books is that they share a message. They teach the adults as much as the kids. This message in particular touched me. It is a reminder about seeing from the eyes of a child. Exploring the world with an open mind, an open heart, and enthusiasm. Life is full of blessings, and sometimes we forget to notice them. Thank you Mrs. D for another 5 star children's book." ~ 5 Star Review, Kirstin P., Sunshine, Bubbles and Books
 


 And here she is. . .Mrs. D!!!

Mrs D ~ Olga D'Agostino
Mrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College and worked in the food industry. In 1992, she immigrated to the USA with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011, she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World!, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, NJ, with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda. Published books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World!, and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse. Coming in 2014: Runaway Clothes,The Royal Palm, Carlo the Mouse, Book 2: Now We're Talking!, and The Little Girl Praying on the Hill. The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books, The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are (two connected stories): The Autumn Wind, and The Kitten and the Sparrow, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular electronic devices. For updates on Mrs. D.’s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net.

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: $50 Amazon Gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest ends: May 9, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Mrs. D and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services