Friday, March 22, 2024

Lone Star Book Blitz: FROWNS AND GOWNS by Amanda Thrasher ***Review & Giveaway***

 
FROWNS AND GOWNS
The Mischief Series, Book 5
By AMANDA M. THRASHER

Children’s Chapter Book / Fantasy / Fairies
Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
Page Count: 236
Publication Date: September 12, 2023



Embark on a Magical Adventure with Lilly, Boris, and Jack!

Get ready to join Lilly, Boris, and Jack on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, laughter, and a touch of mayhem. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of mishaps as these three fairies plan a magnificent magical ball, only to encounter an unforeseen disaster! Experience the magic of friendship with Lilly, the quick-witted and resourceful fairy, Boris, the mischievous fairy with a heart of gold, and Jack, the troublemaker with a curious, adventurous spirit on their latest adventure.

Throughout, Lilly, Boris, and Jack teach the true meaning of friendship and teamwork. Together with their friends, they'll overcome challenges, learn valuable lessons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this enchanting tale!

CLICK TO PURCHASE:



Frowns and Gowns by Amanda Thrasher is the fifth book in her Mischief series where Jack, Boris, Lily and their friends have to work together to plan a magical ball.  Of course the girls are more excited about the ball than the boys, but as a team they have to come together to make it happen. Planning a ball is not an easy task and the fairies have to solve many challenges along the way.

This was such a cute story that covers a lot of life lessons for young children. Perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of being kind to others just to name a few.  There is a fairy character that uses a “chariot” to get around because of her weak legs.  I thought this was such a unique way of including a disabled character, and I loved how the other fairies always included her in everything they did.  They didn’t treat her any differently because of her disability. And of course Boris and Jack bring comedy and "mischief" to the story with their stinky moss balls! I enjoyed the side characters that brought more depth to this magical world, especially Broadrick the spider who loves to bake and knit! 

Overall, Frowns and Gowns is a cute addition to the Mischief series that is perfect for your child to learn about friendship, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. Even though this is book five in the series, you don’t have to read them in order to understand the story. A magical chapter book series with life lessons that is perfect for readers ages 7-10 years old.

5 Stars!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐




Award-winning author Amanda M. Thrasher was born in England and moved to Texas, where she lives with her family. She writes YA, general fiction, middle grade, early reader chapter, and picture books. She is the founder and CEO of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press.


PROGRESSIVE RISING PHOENIX PRESS



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receive autographed, paperback sets
of all five books in The Mischief Series
+ $25 Starbucks gift card
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 03/28/24)


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Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Fiction Review: THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Laura Frantz

 

The Seamstress of Acadie 

by Laura Frantz

Published January 9, 2024
416 pages

Plot: As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

Review:  The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz is an intriguing historical romance that beautifully intertwines the history of the Acadian's past with a lovely slow burn romance between Sylvie Galant (an Acadian seamstress) and William Blackburn (a British Army Ranger turned ally). Sylvie is a skilled seamstress who cares deeply for her family and her home and William is a man determined to right some wrongs. It was heartbreaking to know the expulsion of the Acadians (present day Nova Scotia) was something that actually happened in 1755.  There was a lot of suffering and hardship that the Acadians had to endure and you felt every bit of it as the story unfolds. Sylvie was such a wonderful character and you couldn't help but root for her and William to get their happily ever after. The theme of having faith in God is present throughout the story.

Overall, The Seamstress of Acadie is one of those books you just sit back and enjoy over a cup of tea or hot chocolate.  At over 400 pages this is not going to be a quick read, nor do you want it to be. This is a take your time and live the story type of book that is worth every minute you spend reading it.  There is so much history and depth to this story that you feel transported to the time period and experience the story like you are living it too.  This is my first Laura Frantz book and I must say I will definitely be reading more of her stories as I just adore her writing style.  A captivating story of strength, faith, and resilience.  A must read! 

*I received an ARC for an honest review from the publisher.

5 Stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Friday, December 15, 2023

Lone Star Blog Tour: PAWS AND PLAYTIME by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada ***Book Blitz & Giveaway***

PORTER & MIDGE:
PAWS AND PLAYTIME
by
Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada


Children's Picture Book / Pet Care / Dog Training
Series: Porter and Midge series
Publisher: Raise the Woof Press LLC
Page Count: 32 pages
Publication date: December 12, 2023

****Scroll down for Giveaway!****


Discover the enchanting world of Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime - a rhyming children's book that follows the heartwarming bond between two furry friends, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their devoted companions, CJ and Lora.

On a sunny day, CJ's thoughtful idea sets the stage for a joyful exploration of new ways to make Porter and Midge's days even brighter.

Through rhythmic verses, follow their journey as they uncover imaginative games, canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports, all while strengthening their unbreakable connection.





Giselle Nevada has owned several mastiffs, acquired both from reputable breeders and via rescue. Fostering rescued mastiffs and helping them work through their issues led to a keen interest in socialization as a means of preventing future issues. She loves working with her dogs and has dabbled in carting, conformation, agility, rally, trick dog, nose work, and many other canine sports. Her puppy Porter is a testament to early socialization - he has achieved many performance dog titles and has done commercial work. He also has a role in a movie called Match Me If You Can directed by Marian Yeager.



Jennie Chen is a homesick Austinite who founded Keep Austin Dog Friendly. Over the last 20 years, Jennie has owned Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Lowchen. She has earned numerous titles in conformation, competitive obedience, rally, herding, animal assisted therapy, and more. She is passionate about the relationship people build with their beloved canines, and she has been an advocate for people living with disabilities who need a service dog to live independently. She is active in various dog clubs and can be seen on AKC.TV from time to time.

--------------------------------------
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ONE WINNER
Pawtographed hardcover copy of Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety
+ a series water bottle
(US only; ends midnight, CST, 12/21/2023)


--------------------------------------

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Friday, November 10, 2023

Fiction Review: INTO THE FIRE by Irene Hannon

 


Into the Fire 
by Irene Hannon

Christian Fiction/Romantic Suspense

Published October 1, 2023 by Revell

400 pages 

Synopsis: As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers. When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames? (2023, Goodreads.com)

Review: Into the Fire by Irene Hannon is book 1 of her new Undaunted Courage series. Fire investigator Bri Tucker is working on her new case when ATF Marc Davis is called in to help her.  As much as she wants to do it on her own, she realizes that Marc's help is valuable.  And if she's being honest with herself, she enjoys having him around.  But, strange occurrences begin to happen to Bri that are more than just coincidences, and having Marc around has been a literal life saver.  The chemistry between Bri and Marc is a slow burn romance that works really well and makes the progression of their relationship more realistic. The depth of the characters was great, as they both struggled with not wanting to start a new relationship due to past hurts. But, they also couldn't help but fall for each other despite it all. The multiple POVs between Bri, Marc, and the "villians" was a great way to understand what was going on from everyone's perspective.  Adding the antagonists side makes the story so much more interesting. We don't always get to see it from their side.  

Overall, Hannon does a great job juggling the romance, suspense and action of the story throughout the book. I love it when a story is so well written it really keeps the pages turning.  Such a great book to curl up with and enjoy with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. This was my first Irene Hannon book, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

5 Stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a copy of the book for an honest review from the publisher.