Book Review: The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones

The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones is a helpful picturebook for readers of all ages. Once upon a time there was a Princess. She had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was happy. That is, until the fog came. It came slowly and unnoticed, but as it built it changed the princess. Soon she did not want to do her favorite things, or anything really. A persistent friend offered to listen, and soon the princess was able to share with others about the presence of the fog and how it made her feel. They banished the fog, at least for now, and have a plan to keep it from taking over again.

The Princess and the Fog is a wonderful book to help explain how depression can sneak up on children and adults alike, and how it can feel. It really can feel like a heavy fog that takes the wonder and joy out of things we once loved. The princess in the story is talented, smart, and well liked before the fog hit, but loses interest in the world around her once it surrounds her. this metaphor is just about perfect for depression, and the illustrations do a great job of capturing the emotion and thickness of that fog.

The Princess and the Fog is very helpful book for the many children and families that are dealing with depression. It can help the children and adults understand how it feels, give them understandable vocabulary to use, and find paths to breaking through the barriers that depression can raise. It is a wonderful discussion starter and tool that everyone can use to foster understanding and find tools to work toward solutions. The book also includes an essential guide for parents and carers by clinical pediatric psychologists, Dr Melinda Edwards MBE and Linda Bayliss.

Book Review: When Santa was a Baby by Linda Bailey

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet picturebook by Linda Bailey. Here is a delightful answer for every child that has wondered what Santa was like as a baby or child, and the adults that have fielded those questions. This book shows how strong, smart, and unusual Santa was as a baby and young child. It shows the beginning of his gift giving, home at the North Pole, and more. Most importantly it shows readers of all ages that it is the things that made Santa unusual and different that turned out to be the very best of him.

While Christmas seems awful far away, I have to recommend When Santa was a Baby. This picturebook tries to answer an age old question, what was Santa like as a child? While I am a huge fan of the Christmas movie that answers most Santa origin question, this one handles it slightly differently with a focus on his youngest years. Did you know that Santa first Ho Ho Ho'd as an infant, or that he made friends with a rather short fellow that shared his love for toy building? 

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet and beautifully illustrated picturebook that has a lighthearted look at Santa's earliest years, but a deeper message that is one we can all appreciate. Santa's parents worried for him, but supported him and the things that made Santa so different from others turn out to be the very things that the world seems to love and cherish about him most.

Early Book Review: I Know Sasquatch by Jess Bradley

I Know Sasquatch is a picturebook by Jess Bradley which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015. Everyone knows that Bigfoot, or Sasquatch are big, creepy creatures with razor-sharp teeth, long claws, and stinky fur. At least, thats what most people think. But nobody's actually ever met one, except Jess Bradley!

I Know Sasquatch is a quirky and colorful picture book that combines photographs and illustration to tell Sasquatch's real story. The result is a creative and fun picturebook that just might jump start your reader's own creativity. The author shares her experiences with meeting Bigfoot and what she learned from him. He is not scary or dangerous, he is sweet and apparently smells like blueberries and enjoys chewing bubble gum. For instance, he is not a big fan of all those blurry pictures that make him look mean and scary.

I Know Sasquatch is a book that will capture the imagination of both young readers, and the adults that share the book with this. This would be a great story time book or summer reading starter for even the youngest of readers. 

Early Book Review: Wolf Trouble by Paige Tyler

Wolf Trouble is the second book in the SWAT series by Paige Tyler. It is currently scheduled for release on August 4 2015. There's never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way, but only because a woman might through the group of alpha werewolves into a tailspin. Thankfully, Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.  When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn't know what the heck to do. Worse, she's put under his command and Xander's protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it's almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other.

Wolf Trouble is a solid follow up to Hungry Like the Wolf. Xander is a gruff but good hearted guy. He knows woman can do anything guys can, but the instant attraction he feels for Khaki sends him reeling and acting like a chauvinistic pig, Khaki is just trying to fit in and prove her meddle while ignoring her attraction to Xander.  As you might have guessed, this attraction denial does not go well, it never does. Add in some on the job training, tough assignments, and an insane ex and we have a wild ride and some serious action. I liked the characters, and the mythology of this werewolf series. I like that while it holds some familiar ground (serious alpha males and paranormal skills) there is a learning curve for the participants of the story as well as the reader.

If you enjoyed Hungry Like the Wolf then you will like Wolf Trouble. If you have not read the first you could still enjoy this book, but reading in order gives you a better grasp of the pack and secondary characters. A solid, fun read for a weekends enjoyment.

 

Young Adult Adventure Novels: Tales of Survival and Adventure for Teen Readers

Young Adult readers have many different media sources marketing to them today. Getting them to read can become increasingly difficult if they do not already enjoy reading. Adventure and survival stories are often the genre of books that will capture the imagination and interest of the more reluctant readers of this age group. Here are five of the best adventure books to offer your reluctant teen reader.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi offers readers a female lead on the high seas. The story that takes place during an 1802 transatlantic journey that turns mutinous and even more dangerous than expected. Thirteen-year-old Charlotte must decide whom to side with and find her courage in order to survive. This is a fantastic historical novel with a real feel for the time and place of the story as well as the emotions of the lead character. Thankfully, if your reader enjoys this book Avi is a prolific writer of quality historical and realistic fiction.

Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt is the first book in the Tillerman series. Four siblings must find a way to survive when they are abandoned by their mother in the middle of Connecticut. They struggle to find their great aunt in Bridgeport only to discover that she has past away and the home is not the safe haven that they had hoped to reach. This is a story of survival, family and discovering the history of where you have come from. If your readers enjoy this book, they can continue reading about these siblings in the six books that follow.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen focuses of thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson. He is riding in a two person aircraft when the pilot haws a heart attack and dies. Brian must crash land the plane then survive in the Canadian wilderness alone. He must plan ahead, survive and find his way home with only the hatchet his mother gave him as a gift, a tattered windbreaker and clothing. Life and death situations are frequent and Brian discovers how to move past self-pity and survive. Paulsen is a master of description and shows his skill in Hatchet. He also wrote several other books that fans of Hatchet would enjoy, such as Dogsong.

The Island on Bird Street by Uri Orlev brings World War II to life. Alex is on his own in a ruined home in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw. He must find a way to stay hidden and survive. The book is an easy but enthralling read that really gives readers a human connection to the holocaust. Alex is a courageous and resourceful character that holds on to his faith that his father will somehow return. The Island on Bird Street is inspiring and everyone should have an opportunity to read it. Do not cheat and just watch the movie, the book is well worth adding to your permanent collection.

The Cay by Theodore Taylor is a historical novel that tells the story of eleven-year-old Philip fleeing his home when war comes to close to comfort. The ship is torpedoed and he is left blinded from the blast and adrift with a cat and black ship hand. They eventually make it to a deserted island where Philip learns to deal with his lost eyesight and grow to realize who unimportant skin color is. Philip grows as a person and becomes able to fend for himself despite his blindness. Survival, unexpected friendship and adventure on the ocean make the book a great read for young adults especially.

Early Book Review: Even Monsters Say Goodnight by Doreen Mulryan Marts

Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a picturebook written and illustrated by Doreen Mulryan Marts. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015.  Avery hates bedtime, and she just knows that there are monsters under her bed.  After a thorough discussion with her mom about the monster situation, Avery finally goes to her room. Does she dare check under the bed?

Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a sweet picturebook that most families can relate to. Whether a child is really frightened, or just stalling because they do not want to go to sleep, the notion of monsters has arisen in almost every home There is a nice use of story text and speech bubbles through the story, which paired wonderfully with the illustrations. I really liked those illustrations, they blended fantasy and reality very well.  I loved the mother's description of how all monsters need to sleep too, and as Avery asks more questions mom comes up with the perfect answers. In fact, I might use some of them myself during bedtime arguments in the near future.

I think Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a wonderful book for bedtime and for sharing at any storytime, group or one on one. It might just be a good tool to quell you favorite kiddo's bedtime fears.

Book Blog Tour with Author Message and Giveaway: Hell or High Water by Jullie Ann Walker

Did you see my 4 star review of Hell or High Water? Well, here is a special message and giveaway from the author!

Message From The Author

Hi everyone!  My name is Julie Ann Walker and I'm tickled pink to be here today talking about my BRAND SPANKING NEW romantic suspense series, Deep Six!  It revolves around six newly retired Navy SEALs who just can't seem to shake their past and the Navy SEAL motto that "the only easy day was yesterday."  Set in the Florida Keys, the series is filled with sun, sand, danger, intrigue, adventure, and plenty of half-dressed alpha hotties.  LOL!  Sound like a good time?  I guarantee it is!  And I guarantee you're going to fall in love with these six men. 

Take Leo "The Lion" Anderson.  With his sun-streaked, sandy blond hair and perpetual tan -- not to mention those hazel eyes and beard stubble -- he's sure to win your heart.  And that's before you get to his no-bullshit, take-command-of-any-situation attitude and the fact that he's trying to fulfill his father's dying wish. 

Then there's Brando "Bran" Pallidino.  A native New Jerseyan, Bran grew up on the mean streets of Newark.  He's rough.  He's tough.  And his Italian-American heritage means he comes complete with soulful brown eyes, a face that belongs on billboards, and a love for good food and good wine.  (That last part means his beer-loving teammates give him a lot of grief. *wink*)

You won't be able to resist Mason "Monet" McCarthy.  As a boy from Beantown, Mason learned to use the F-bomb in really colorful ways.  He's big.  He's burly.  He's not the kind of guy you'd like to meet in a dark alley.  Yet his thick black hair and crystal blue eyes soften what would otherwise be an entirely intimidating appearance.

Who doesn't love a country boy?  Dalton "Doc" Simmons was born and raised in Montana.  He's a lean, mean, fighting machine, with a face that's all angles as if it's been carved down to its barest essentials by a hot, stinging prairie wind.  Doc has a tragic past.  And he's fighting to come to terms with it.

Next up is Ray "Wolf" Roanhorse.  Wolf's Cherokee heritage makes him strikingly handsome, with a blade of a nose, high cheekbones, flashing black eyes, and a lush, beautifully-shaped mouth.  Born into poverty on a reservation in Oklahoma, Wolf has more than himself to worry about.  He has his whole family depending on him.  But if anyone can shoulder that burden, it's Wolf.

And last but certainly not least, we have Spiro "Romeo" Delgado.  Romeo likes to play up that whole Latin-lover thing.  And with his swarthy skin, precisely trimmed goatee, and honed physique, he does a pretty good job of it.  But that's just what's on the surface.  Underneath it all, Romeo is desperately trying to make up for the mistakes of his past.

See?  What did I tell you?  You love them already, don't you?  Read on for a bonus scene from HELL OR HIGH WATER where you get to meet all of the Deep Six heroes!

Book Information

Title: Hell or High Water

Author: Julie Ann Walker

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Deep Six, Book #1

Summary

Only two things could make former Navy SEAL Leo Anderson return to the world of weapons and warfare. First, a capsule of chemical weapons lost on the ocean floor, and second, a plea for assistance from the one woman he can't seem to forget-CIA Agent Olivia Mortier.

Now, working together to race against the clock and a deadly terrorist faction, Leo and Olivia must find the missing capsule, all the while battling the intense desire burning between them. If they can survive, can their growing attraction become more than just a momentary flare?

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23510148-hell-or-high-water

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1IUaIAl

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1HFf0IK

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Hrplph

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1BP774y

Author Biography

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as "alpha, edgy, and downright hot." Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://julieannwalker.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JAWalkerAuthor

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAWalkerAuthor

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Early Book Review: The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox by Nigel Quinlan

The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox by Nigel Quinlan is a middle grade book that is currently scheduled for release on July 28 2015. Neil and Liz Maloney have a secret; their father is the keeper of the Weatherbox, a magical phone booth that rings four times a year, signaling the changing of the seasons. But this summer when the family gathers to send off the season, the phone doesn’t ring and autumn does not arrive. Instead a mysterious tourist of magic shows up at their doorstep, along with two nonsensical hags and one cat-shaped bog beast. The only one not taken by surprise is their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald, who seems to be able to make the elements of weather itself do her bidding.  Now it’s up to Neil and Liz to discover the source of Mrs. Fitzgerald’s power and restore order to the climate.

The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox is a story that has adventure, some mystery, and plenty of character development. The story alternates between viewpoints, which bothers some readers, but I think the transitions work well here. The Maloney siblings and parents are all interesting characters with much more to them than you expect when you start the book. In fact, even the most innocent and basic character (such as a cat) are much more than they appear. I loved the layers of each and enjoyed the discovery of their more unique aspect. The action and adventure of the story starts out like an expected fantasy novel, but as the story continued and we learn more about their world and how important each character is in the big picture it just expanded more and more. While there was a solid resolution, I would love to return to this world and have another adventure with the Maloneys or their friends.

The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox was a great middle grade novel that can appeal to the older children and adults can also enjoy. THe characters and the story are quite dynamic with several layers and simply so much going on that it should have been overwhelming, but it wasn't. I love the world Quinlan created here, and hope that there will be further adventures here, even if it is unrelated to the Maloneys. 

Book Review: Omega by S.M. Reine

Omega is the first book in the War of the Alphas series by S.M. Reine. Ten years ago, Deirdre Tombs died. When she was reborn the next day, Deirdre had become a shapeshifter who can't shift shapes. Nobody knows what animal she's supposed to be. She's definitely not a werewolf. The Alpha, Rylie Gresham, can't force her to transform like other members of her pack. Now Deirdre is considered an omega, the weakest shapeshifter in the pack, a vulnerable position. When Everton Stark publicly begins his efforts to be the new dominant Alpha, the only Alpha. Stark can make every shapeshifter obey him by force of will alone, except for Deirdre. Now she is the only chance to defeat Stark, by surviving undercover in his den. But can an omega's will be stronger than that of a charismatic, deadly Alpha like Everton Stark? 

Omega is a strong opening to a series that promises high action, plots, and subterfuge. Deirde has been treated as a throw away since the Genesis that changed so many into shifters and other paranormal creatures. She has no love for the current system, but does not like that Stark is compelling innocent shifters to kill indiscriminately.  Her ability to withstand the compulsion makes her the only hope in a fight against a violent and relentless Stark taking over. Even when his charismatic words hit the right cords, his ruthless nature leave readers and Deirde alike knowing that he is not quite right. Add in a partner from Riley's pack as a partner, and old friend that has fallen into Starks fold, and a right hand man with more violence in him than Stark and Deirde really has her work cut out for her. The danger and tension is high throughout the entire book. My only complaint is in the very end of the book. While two things that happened were fairly expected based on the build up, one shocked me and not in a happy way. I know I do not need to agree with every plot turn, and the fact that it effected me so deeply means that I was very involved in the story and characters, so the author was doing their job and doing it well. 

Omega is a solid beginning to a series that promises well developed characters and heart rending action. I am not sure what the long game will end up being for Deirde, but discovering where she going from here promises lots of action, tough choices, and high tension moments. If these sounds like a good thing, and you are not looking for a lightweight book to keep you smiling on a weekend or beach trip, then I would pick it up. I think I will need some recovery time before picking up Beta or Alpha ( the next two books in the series) but I am sure I will follow this through to the end.

Terry Spear’s Spotlight Tour for SEAL Wolf Hunting

Did you see my 4 star review of SEAL Wolf Hunting? 

Well, here is some more information with an excerpt and giveaway!

Title: SEAL Wolf Hunting

Author: Terry Spear

Series: Heart of the Wolf, #16

Pubdate: July 7^th, 2015

ISBN: 9781402293825

Paul Cunningham has eluded many traps in his long career as a Navy SEAL, but there’s no way out of this one. On a rare visit home, he gets “volunteered” for a local charity bachelor auction, and the community is counting on him. Then he discovers that the sexy she-wolf with the winning ticket is Lori Greypaw—the one woman he could never resist. And she has plans for Paul that go way beyond a simple date. For the first time in his bachelor life, this alpha wolf SEAL is going to have to prove his worth…

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over fifty paranormal and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world and is raising two Havanese puppies. She lives in Crawford, Texas.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cH0BAK

BAM: http://bit.ly/1F4wz0A

B&N: http://bit.ly/1JzDfLV

Chapters: http://bit.ly/1cH0LYK

Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1cH0N2Z

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MiUT4f

Meet the Bachelors of Cottage Grove

Full Name: Allan Rappaport

Occupation: SEAL and now Special Undercover Operative

Height: 6 ft

Hair Color: Dark brown hair

Eye Color: Green

Age: 30

Wolf: Gray

Originally from: Northern Montana

Where is your go-to spot in Cottage Grove to relax and unwind? I love diving—for treasure, lost items. It’s another world under the water. It’s like a new, unexplored wilderness. Now, if I could just find a she-wolf who loved diving as much as I do, that would be even more perfect.

An Excerpt:

Allan was next up, and the bidding was going strong as he got into the fun of the auction, flexing his muscles and smiling brightly.

“Way to go, SEAL!” Lori and Rose shouted.

“Take off your shirt!” Emma shouted.

Catherine whooped and whistled. Paul had to smile at Emma and Catherine.

Lori’s face reddened a bit, probably because her own grandma had shouted out the recommendation.

Allan began unbuttoning his shirt slowly and the crowd went wild.

Paul laughed. He hadn’t thought that a honey-do bachelor auction would be anything like this. Then again, Emma was a wolf and they could change the dynamics of a situation in a heartbeat. The ranch hands made a big deal of jerking their shirts out of their waistbands and then starting to unbutton them.

A woman shouted, “Just the shirts, gentlemen.”

And that had everyone laughing.

Stripper music began to play, and Paul removed his shirt to the beat like the others did.

Clapping hands, wolf whistles, and shouts indicated the women were just as excited to bid for the SEALs as they were for the cowboys.

Paul tossed his shirt to Lori for safekeeping. When she grabbed the shirt and held it close, he smiled at her.

Allan went for two hundred and fifty dollars to a lady wearing a pink cowboy hat…

a Rafflecopter giveaway