August 2, 2014

Book Blast - Hero's Blast by M.E Sutton

About the Books

Book 1:

Summary: All Jaycee Hiller wants to do is survive eighth grade. Mostly that means hanging with her friend, Stu, avoiding the cheerleading squad, secretly crushing on Nate Fletcher, and playing her favorite video game, Hero’s Sword.

When she receives a new video game controller, Jaycee finds herself magically transported into the Hero's Sword video game world. Survival takes on a whole new meaning. No longer battling with a plastic joystick, Jaycee picks up a real sword and bow & arrow and readies herself for battle. Can she save Lady Starla's rule in Mallory, keep herself in one piece, and maybe even learn something about surviving middle school? Kids will love this fast-paced adventure novel and will cheer along with Jaycee's thrilling adventures. What kid hasn't dreamed of actually fighting and battling the villains in their favorite video games? Jaycee finds out if she has what it takes - and what she learns in the fantasy realm of Mallory impacts her mundane, middle school life in unexpected ways. Purchase:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iBookstore * Goodreads

Book 2:

Summary: Eighth-grader Jaycee Hiller is beginning to fear she only imagined her trip to Mallory. But when a rainy afternoon leaves her with hours of playing Hero's Sword, her favorite video game, she finds herself drawn back into the game - literally.

STORM CLOUDS is the exciting second volume of the HERO'S SWORD saga - chronicling Jaycee Hiller's trials in eight grade, and her exciting adventures in Mallory, the setting of her favorite video game. Jaycee enters the video game realm via a special controller and is caught up in the action of this fantasy realm. In STORM CLOUDS, a valuable jewel belonging to the neighboring estate of Devin, the Sapphire Star, is missing, stolen at the Spring Consortium. Lady Starla stands accused of the theft. Devin's demands are clear: return the Star or they will take it back by force. Now it's up to Lyla Stormbringer to find the Star and the thief. before Mallory finds itself at war. Purchase:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo

iBookstore * Createspace * Goodreads

Book 3:

Summary: Jaycee Hiller (aka Lyle Stormbringer) has long sensed that Roger and Lady Starla belong together. When handsome and noble Perry Goodhaven shows up and wins Lady Starla's affection, at first glance it seems a more fitting match.

However, those close to Lady Starla notice alarming changes after Perry's arrival - Starla sleeps more often, is often lethargic when she is awake, and begins to defer important decisions to Perry. With Roger falsely imprisoned, it's up to Lyla Stormbringer to uncover the truth about the man positioning himself to rule Mallory with an iron fist. WEDDING BLISS is the exciting third adventure of the HERO'S SWORD saga - chronicling Jaycee Hiller's trials in eighth grade, and her exciting adventures in Mallory, the setting of her favorite video game. Purchase:

Amazon

The Buzz About the Books

Book 1: "Power Play: Hero’s Sword (Vol. 1) features a relatable main character, fast-paced action, devious enemies, and an exciting plot that will absolutely capture the intended audience’s imagination. I think (and my daughter fully agrees!) that M.E. Sutton has hit on a winning series. I highly recommend Power Play: Hero’s Sword to all tweens, but to reluctant readers in particular, due to the ease of language, the video game setting, and the fast pace and physical length of the book at 64 pages." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Book 1: "This is a fantastic read to inspire kids against giving up as well as keep their imaginations going because I totally see my son imagining this happening to him as he runs through the house with his sword (could be anything from wrapping paper roll to a stick) noises like he is in a sword fight. I can't wait to finish reading it with him & continuing the series." ~ Cassandra Lost in Books

Book 1: "This is a quick and fun read. The language is simple, so it is perfect for the intended audience of a middle grade child. It is full of action and I think kids will love the concept of falling into their favorite video game and living out the fantasy. "~ Bookworm Lisa

Book 2: "This second installment is even better than the first. The storyline has more depth, and more imagery to go along with this tale of adventure, drama, and even a little bit of fairy tale romance. I became more fascinated by the main cast of characters, cementing my interest in this awesome series. The writing style is spot-on for a middle grade adventure, and there is enough action, suspense, and mystery to keep the reader flipping the pages to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this series to fans of middle grade fantasy and video games. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author. " ~ Toni @ My Book Addiction

Book 2: "This is such a fun series! My ten year old and I thoroughly enjoyed reading these together. I think it’s really special when you can find something worthwhile to read together. " ~ Brooke Blogs

Book 2: "I think many middle grade kids will enjoy reading about a kid their age falling into their favorite video game and living out the fantasy. It is perfect for kids who enjoy using their imaginations to escape the real world at times (and better to read about video games than to spend all day playing them!)" ~ Susan @ Mom Loves 2 Read

About the Author: M.E. Sutton

Mary Sutton has been making up stories, and creating her own endings for other people's stories, for as long as she can remember. After ten years, she decided that making things up was far more satisfying than writing software manuals, and took the jump into fiction. She writes the HERO'S SWORD middle-grade fantasy series as M.E. Sutton and finds a lot of inspiration in the lives of her own kids. A lifelong mystery fan, she also writes crime fiction, including THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS MYSTERIES, under the pen name Liz Milliron. Her short fiction has been published at Uppagus.com, Mystericale.com (Fall 2013), and in LUCKY CHARMS: 12 CRIME TALES (December 2013).

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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 29, 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. The 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 a 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, Mary Sutton 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.

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August 1, 2014

Book Cover Reveal - Twelve by T.M. Franklin

PRESENTS. . .

A Cover Reveal

for

Twelve

by T.M. Franklin

Release Date: October 9, 2014

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Ava Michaels is gifted, powerful, and—whether she likes it or not—part of a plot to take over the world. It’s only been a few months since Ava Michaels discovered she has ties to an ancient people living in the shadows of the human world, despite their superior gifts and abilities. A select few don’t like hiding, however, and think it’s time to take control. Now Ava’s caught up in a conspiracy in the works before she was even born. In fact, her birth was an integral part of the plan. She’s one of the Twelve, the most powerful Race ever created, and they were created for a purpose. Ava, however, doesn’t like being told what to do. All she wants is to start a new life with Caleb Foster, the Protector who once put his own life at risk to save hers. Before they can even think about that, however, they need to figure out exactly what the Twelve and their power-hungry leader are up to—and find a way to stop them. Along the way, they’ll have to forge alliances with former enemies, seek out powerful new friends, and infiltrate the heavily fortified enemy stronghold in an attempt to get some answers. In the end, Ava must decide if her destiny lies in her DNA or in her conscience. If she can turn her back on what she was born to do and do what is right. If she will save the ones she loves or save the world. Or if her ties to the Twelve mean she has no choice at all. She sat up suddenly and grabbed Caleb’s hand. “Do you feel that?” “What?” He instinctively checked the mirrors, but there was nobody behind them. “Someone . . .” Ava’s eyes glazed over. “Someone’s coming. Fast.” Caleb stepped on the gas, searching the horizon. “Who? Anyone familiar?” “What’s happening?” Sophie asked. Ava shook her head. “I can’t tell. Not yet anyway. You think it’s Protectors?”

Caleb’s jaw tightened. “Or Rogues.” “You think they know?” Ava glanced at Sophie. “We don’t know. Not for sure.” “Would somebody please tell me what’s going on?” Sophie shouted from the backseat. The temperature in the car dipped as frost formed along the edges of the windows. “You’ve got to calm her down,” Caleb muttered, taking a turn too fast and swerving to correct. “Now.” Ava didn’t argue, instead scrambling over the seat to take the girl’s hand. “Sophie, listen to me. You need to stay calm, okay? Try to breathe with me.” “But—” “I’ll explain everything, but first you need to calm down. You see what’s happening?” Through the mirror, Caleb saw her glance up at the roof of the car as snowflakes began to drift through the interior. “I . . . I don’t understand,” Sophie murmured. “What’s—why is it snowing?” “It’s you,” Ava said quietly. “You’re upset, and your gift is reacting.” “I don’t understand what’s happening to me.” Sophie choked on a sob, and Caleb felt the telltale prickle of another Race signature along the edges of his consciousness.

“I feel them now,” he said, sitting taller in the seat and leaning forward as if willing the car to go faster. Ava didn’t respond but remained focused on Sophie. Caleb felt Ava’s gift and knew she was letting it flow into the girl a little, helping calm her. “We’ll help you.” Ava sounded so calm and soothing. “We’ll help you learn to control it, but for right now, you need to calm down. Breathe with me, okay?” Sophie nodded and swallowed tears as she tried to match Ava’s inhale and exhale. The snow stopped. “That’s good.” Ava nodded encouragingly. “Keep breathing. I need you to stay calm. Someone’s coming, and I’m guessing they’re after you.” Sophie’s breath caught, and the ice gathering on the dashboard cracked. “It’s okay,” Ava hurried to say. “Keep breathing. Stay calm. We’re going to keep you safe.” Sophie gripped Ava’s hand, but she kept breathing slowly in and out. “How?” Ava smiled. “You asked what I could do? Well, I’m about to show you.”

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

T.M. Franklin started out her career writing nonfiction in a television newsroom. Graduating with a BA in Communications specializing in broadcast journalism and production, she worked for nine years as a major market television news producer, and garnered two regional Emmy Awards, before she resigned to be a full-time mom and part-time freelance writer. Her first published novel, MORE, was born out of a challenge to write a novel in thirty days issued during National Novel Writing month. MORE was well received, selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, and won the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader’s Choice Awards. In addition to MORE and its sequels, The Guardians and TWELVE, Franklin has penned the Amazon best-selling short stories, Window and A Piece of Cake. Her new YA romance How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You is Franklin’s first love story without traditionally recognized paranormal or fantasy elements. Although . . . T. M. is the first to argue that love is the best kind of magic.

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July 31, 2014

Sweet Pretties Challenge August 2014

Feel free to play along to the Challenge - there are some fantastic ladies playing along

Want to know how to play?

It is as simple as following the daily sweet prettie and taking a photo tagging #sweetpretties365

Here are the August Prompts

July 30, 2014

Book Review - The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Choosing novels to read for Book Club is one of my greatest joys! I literally have multiple books I think will be great to read together and sometimes need to sideline a book I am dying to read so I can share the experience with our Book Club.

The Collected works of A.J. Fikry is one of those novels I have been dying to read, and if you haven't read it add it to your list as it is one of my favourite books of the year.

A.J. Fikry has had a hard life and is not the most pleasant man to come across. His wife has recently passed away, his book store making money very slowly and whilst he loves books he loathes the book choices of some of his customers. A.J. does not have any shame and will tell a person exactly how he feels.

A.J.'s life is turned upside down one day when a small toddler is left in the book shop with a note and an Elmo Toy. Her mother can not provide for her but would like the small girl to be brought up with a love of books. A.J. is not impressed and tries to hand her over to the police because he could not possibly look after a young child, when he suddenly decides that he will look after Maya for the weekend until the department can come collect her.

Two Days with Maya and A.J. has started to become a different person, so much so that he has decided to adopt Maya and become the father she never had. A.J. will go through many life changes and become a family with Maya that he never thought was possible.

A.J will endure the ups and downs of life but he will have a supportive network of friends who are family to help him through.

The collected works of A.J. Fikry has really captured my heart, not only as an avid book reader but just the story of the change from negative to positive when he was so down was really inspiring.

I loved this book and its literature jokes and opinions throughout the novel, especially the scene when A.J. is gifted an e-reader - he had a personal excuse and a professional excuse as to why they would ruin books and the industry.

"We are all collective works"

July 29, 2014

Coconut and White Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

50 grams Raw Sugar

40 grams Shredded Coconut

85 grams White Chocolate Melts

65 grams Butter, softened

250 grams Plain Flour

1 x Egg

1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence

1 teaspoon baking powder

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees and line a baking tray with paper

2. Place Shredded Coconut into the Thermomix - Press the turbo button seven times to break into smaller pieces. Place Coconut into a bowl for later.

3.Place White Chocolate melts into the Thermomix. Press the turbo button seven times to break into small pieces. Place White Chocolate into the bowl with the coconut for later.

4. Place Raw Sugar in the Thermomix and place on Speed 10 for 3 seconds.

5. Add butter to the mixture and blitz on Speed 2 or 25 seconds

6. Add Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vanilla and the Egg to the mixture and mix for 1 minute on speed 3

7. Add Chocolate and Coconut to the mixture and select the stir button for 15 seconds

8. Roll mixture into small balls, about the size of a 20 cent piece and place on the baking tray and flatten slightly

9. Place cookies into the oven and bake for 15-20 minute or until golden

10. Place cookies on a wire rack to cool then enjoy

Makes 18 cookies

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