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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Blog Tour Feature and Giveaway: The Castle Blues Quake by Linda Covella


Tour Dates: October 14 - October 24, 2014
Blog Tour with Giveaway
I have not quite finished reading the book as I prepare this post but I do hope to post my review later today 10/23 - internet willing!

touraoutthebooka

THE CASTLE BLUES QUAKE by Linda Covella
Children's, Young Adult - Sci Fi / Fantasy

12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help.

While Pepper’s communication with Chrissie dwindles, her friendship with Corey grows. She tells Corey about her passion for writing songs, and throughout the story, she composes a song about Corey. Corey teaches Pepper to play the harmonica. Soon, she’s torn between finding Boppie and knowing when she does, Corey will certainly go back on the road with his traveling-musician grandfather.

Other characters help her on her quest: new classmate Ally Cressman, who dresses in an odd-ball, non-mall style; Sawtooth Sam, the mysterious saw-playing street musician; and Madame Mchumba, who performs her psychic readings at the Boardwalk amusement park.

Earthquakes, haunted house rides, poltergeists, and crystal ball readings propel Pepper toward the shocking conclusion of her search.

You can buy THE CASTLE BLUES QUAKE at:

Amazon


tourabouttheauthora
Linda Covella’s varied job experience and education (associate degrees in art, business and mechanical drafting & design, a BS degree in Manufacturing Management) have led her down many paths and enriched her life experiences. But one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing.
A writer for over 30 years, her first official publication was a restaurant review column in a local newspaper, and as a freelance writer, she continued to publish numerous articles in a variety of publications. But when she published articles for children’s magazines (“Games and Toys in Ancient Rome” and “Traveling the Tokaido in 17th Century Japan,” in Learning Through History magazine, and “Barry’s Very Grown Up Day” in Zootles magazine), she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She wants to share with kids and teens her love of books:  the worlds they open, the things they teach, the feelings they express.
Yakimali’s Gift, a historical novel for young adults published by Astraea Press, and middle grade paranormal The Castle Blues Quake published by Beau Coup Publishing are her first novels.
No matter what new paths she may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment.
You can find Linda at these links:

Linda’s Website     |     Facebook     |     Twitter

Goodreads     |     Pinterest

Excerpt

As I started to close the door, I looked down and gagged. On the doorstep lay a stiff dead rat, so big I pictured it running around the house slamming doors with its pointy nose or long tail. Its tiny black eyes stared at nothing, and its legs, stretched straight out, ended in open claws as if it had fought whoever or whatever had taken its life. The insides of my stomach were about to erupt when Dad looked over my shoulder and made me jump.

“Someone has a sick sense of humor,” he said. “The police are on their way. Now please, let’s go tell your mother and Sage everything’s okay.” He headed out of the kitchen.

Before shutting the door, I peered into the back yard. The fog had thinned a little. I could just make out the thick trunk of the tree and the swing hanging next to it. Then I froze. A face. A white face with black holes for eyes. Staring at me from behind the tree. I tried to call Dad, but my mouth and throat were dry. My voice wouldn’t work. I gripped the doorknob. Don’t run, I told myself. Don’t be afraid. Afraid, bade, fade...fade, fade, please go away whoever you are. Whatever you are. It hadn’t budged an inch. Maybe I was seeing things. Maybe it wasn’t a face. I squinted then blinked. And it was gone. Just the fog and the tree and the swing.

Then the hairs on the back of my neck prickled when I noticed the ropes and the seat swaying as if from a breeze.

The only thing was, the air was as still as could be. There was no breeze.
This tour is brought to you by


Giveaway:
This Giveaway is open Internationally. You must be 13+ to enter.

2 Winners - $5 Amazon Gift Card
1 Winner - $10 Amazon Gift Card

Rafflecopter link just in case:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3c79ce949/ 

Please check out the other hosts on the tour for chances to enter the Giveaway!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Audio Book Review: Jennings Books: According to Jennings (1954) by Anthony Buckeridge

This is a very enjoyable, old-fashioned, easy listening, story break.
Author:  Anthony Buckeridge
Narrator:  Simon Vance
Audio Book Length:  4 Hrs 29 Min
# of Audio CD's:  4
# of MP3 CD's:  1
Download ISBN:  978-1-926910-41-3
Genre: Middle Grade, Classic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


In this audiobook - the space-craze sweeps through Linbury Court School and the corridors reverberate with 'voom-voom' noises as rockets, piloted by "Butch Breakaway" Jennings and his "bald-headed scientist," Darbishire, take off for the moon. As Mr. Carter prophesies, the craze wears off, but not before Jennings has stuck his head into trouble; nor before he and Darbishire have helped General Merridew, that peppery but most distinguished of Old Boys, to recapture some of the wilder moments of his lost boyhood.


Review:
This visit to Jennings and his class mates shares more fun with “silly little boys” trouble (as Mr. Wilken’s would say). The boys are in a space craft minded phase with chases between sets of boys. They manage to ‘capture’ a visiting dignitary, General Merridew, by locking him in the library instead of another team of boys who were thought to be there. Mr. Carter and Mr. Wilkens are appalled espcially when the key has disappeared with Darbishire. They make a plan to go through a window. Meanwhile Jennings and Darby return and release the General who begins to remember his own days of play and shows them a trick that catches Wilkens ringing the bell.

The boys run into more trouble trying to make sure their team is ready for the upcoming swim meet. Sneaking into the closed pool area ends up leading to more trouble and ultimately a punishment that will keep them back at school when their mates head out to an anticipated soccor match with a big celebrity. Jennings and Darby finish their assignments and decide they must get to the game as they were instructed to deliver the assignments to Wilkens “as soon as” they were done. They manage to get a lift from the famous player and then stumble upon a bugalar in the locker room. During the following confusion and hunt Mr. Wilkens is detained as the thief due to miscommunication.

This is the second audio-book I have enjoyed in this series. This is a delightful tale of school boy pranks and missions gone wrong with unintended trouble that all turns out well. Thank goodness. Although this is not exciting reading it provides a pleasureable break and a look at older, gentler times with childhood fun.

Audio Notes: Once again the narration is perfectly fitting for the characters and subject. Gotta love listening to Simon Vance. :-) It is spot on and makes it smooth, easy entertainment.

Also see review for: Jennings' Diary by Anthony Buckeridge

I received this audio from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review..

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Mailbox Monday October 20, 2014

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.


I received one review title for a Book Tour this week.
I only purchased five $.99 Kindle books this week and I picked up many free kindle titles. :-)

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title from a publicist for blog tour
date October 23, 2014.

The Castle Blues Quake (The Ghost Whisperer Book 1)
by Linda Covella

12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help.




Won
None

Purchased
I purchase five titles for $.99 each, three of which are multi-title boxed sets.


Romance Super Bundle II: Second Chances
Dale Mayer, Donna Marie Rogers, Stacey Joy Netzel, Amy Gamet, Edie Ramer, Lois Winston, Pamela Fryer, Georgina Lee, Kate Kelly, Wendy Ely, Lyndi Lamont

Highland Shifters: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set
Michelle Fox, Red Phoenix, Tabitha Conall, Liliana Rhodes, Adriana Hunter, Sarah Makela, Arial Burnz, Lisa Carlisle, Victoria Danann, Ripley Sage, Selena Kitt, Skye Eagleday, Linda Barlow


Mission to Murder (A Tourist Trap Mystery Book 2)
Lynn Cahoon


Maid to Match
Deeanne Gist


WhiteSpace: Season One (Episodes 1-6 of the sci-fi horror serial)
Sean Platt, David Wright, Jason Whited



Free

I downloaded another 50 free Kindle titles this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? October 20, 2014

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We have been in four states in two days although we didn't stop in Tennessee. I've taken some pictures which I hope to get posted although the internet connection may not be strong enough. We did not notice too much in fall leave colors until we hit Kentucky. Still, it is not a lot yet.
I enjoyed my reading last week and what I have started for this week. I finished three books and posted three reviews. I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I only got to visit a few blogs early in the week as the first two nights were hindered by internet interruptions. I won't have strong internet this week as we travel so I'll see I can manage.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
    Finished Reading:
    1. Audible/MP3


    10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club
    Written by: James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
    Narrated by: Carolyn McCormick
    I really enjoyed stepping back into this series which I have always enjoyed. I wasn't disappointed. 
    I'll post a review this week.
    Click on book title for full description.



    2. eBook/Kindle


    Pumpkins in Paradise 
    (Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries Book 1)
    by Kathi Daley
    This is a nice small town, cozy mystery with just a hint of romance.
    I'll post a review this week.
    Click on book title for full description.



    3. eBook/Kindle



    The Kindness of Neighbors (A Short Story)
    by Matthew Iden

    This is oh so interesting with a twist at the end!
    I'll post a review this week.
    Click on book title for full description.



    eTreasures Publishing:
    Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs; to be released soon.


    Currently reading:
    1. Audio/MP3


    Unwritten: A Novel
    Charles Martin (Author)
    Kevin Stillwell (Narrator)
    I am well-engaged and wondering where this will go.
    I received this audiobook as a free download.
    Book Description
    Publication Date: May 7, 2013
    An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.
    When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.

    Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.

    He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.



    2. eBook/Kindle


    The Castle Blues Quake
    by Linda Covella
    I will start this Monday morning for tour blitz this week.
    Book Description
    Publication Date: July 20, 2014
    12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help.

    While Pepper’s communication with Chrissie dwindles, her friendship with Corey grows. She tells Corey about her passion for writing songs, and throughout the story, she composes a song about Corey. Corey teaches Pepper to play the harmonica. Soon, she’s torn between finding Boppie and knowing when she does, Corey will certainly go back on the road with his traveling-musician grandfather.

    Other characters help her on her quest: new classmate Ally Cressman, who dresses in an odd-ball, non-mall style; Sawtooth Sam, the mysterious saw-playing street musician; and Madame Mchumba, who performs her psychic readings at the Boardwalk amusement park. Earthquakes, haunted house rides, poltergeists, and crystal ball readings propel Pepper toward the end of her search as she learns about the give and take, the heartache and joy, of true friendship.



    3. eBook/Kindle


    What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series)
    by Grace Burrowes
    I started this and love the characters already.
    I received this from Sourcebooks through NetGalley.
    Book Description
    Publication Date: October 7, 2014
    The Best Gifts are the Unexpected Ones...
    To escape a scandal, Lady Joan Flynn flees her family's estate in the Scottish Highlands. She needs a husband by Christmas, or the holidays will ring in nothing but ruin.
    Practical, ambitious mill owner Dante Hartwell offers to marry Joan, because a wellborn wife is his best chance of gaining access to aristocratic investors.
    As Christmas—and trouble—draw nearer, Dante and Joan's marriage of convenience blossoms into unexpected intimacy, for true love often hides beneath the most unassuming holiday wrapping...



    I am caught up on my daily Bible reading.
    I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

    Line Edits:
    We are still finalizing formatting for two educational, non-fiction ebook releases which we sent back for a bit more polishing. We are also working on releasing several additional novels in print -- also polishing.

    I keep plugging away at the books carried forward and the added NetGalley titles as well as the publicist/Author requests. 
    I am one behind on posting reviews but it is written and I just have to be able to get online to post the reviews this week.  

    October Scheduled -
    Mid Oct: 
    10/23 The Castle Blues Quake by Linda Covella Blog Blitz

    NetGalley - To be read in October/November:
    Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
    The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate  (for Nov)
    What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series) by Grace Burrowes (Reading)

    Authors:
    Nov 7: Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery by Joyce Strand
    Nov. 12: Peace & Goodwill a Christmas Novella (The Minstrel Series Book 4) by Lee Strauss
    A Touch of Nerves by Dennis Hampton
    The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria
    We Are the Destroyers by D.K. Lindler

    From Story Bundle - I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these. There are Cyperpunk, Supernatural and Mystery Bundles available now - soooo tempting!
    Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
    Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
    The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

    Still many more requests to consider and reply to.

    AudioBook Jukebox
    I'll be looking for new titles to request this week.

    Post Hypnotic Press
    I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

    From TBR Collection - 10th Anniversary: The Women's Murder Club (reading)
    Won Book - TBD
    Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD for October

    Sunday Words of Encouragement October 19, 2014

    We didn't get to church this morning but we both read our Bible readings. Ever church we past I was mindful of and said prayers for our church family at home. We don't have internet while driving and spotty internet at the RV campgrounds.  I didn't have internet until later today and then we were caring for the dogs and eating dinner.  I felt the need to post a Sunday post before I worked on my Monday Reading post.

    Here is a song I set up a long time ago (as I have several in my draft files).
    Every day I am thankful that: Your Grace Still Amazes Me!
    Verses for today:
    (These are verses from today's daily readings in the NLT One Year Bible. How nicely they fit together!)
    Jeremiah 33:11
    ...the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, 'Give thanks to the LORD of Heaven's Armies, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!' For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the LORD.
    1 Timothy 4:8-10
    8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
    Psalm 89:1-2
    1I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever!
    Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
    2Your unfailing love will last forever.

    Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

    We are thankful for safe travel and nice weather on our trip so far. We are winding down and relaxing which is good. :-)

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