Posts Tagged ‘review’

Review And Giveaway ~ Deep Blue Murder by C. S. McDonald

Posted: April 24, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
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Book Title:  Deep Blue Murder (A Fiona Quinn Mystery)
by C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 268 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 2022
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald’s books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults–no bad language or sexual content.

Book Description:

Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation. Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landry’s and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body.

​A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
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MY REVIEW

I’m known to jump into a series anywhere and I’ve been wanting to try this one for a while. I did struggle a bit to get each character straight on who they were and how they related to each other as I’d not read any of the other books. Once I got that, it was an exciting mystery upon mystery right up to the end.

You know that saying, “If it sounds too good to be true…it is?”  That holds up here. Rita and Nathan are tagging along with her mother-in-law, Rita and her assistant, Hal, for a short vacation on a private, tropical island. Sounds great, right? But, there’s the less than welcoming staff, monkeys bombarding you with coconuts ad stealing your lobster and……. murder.

With several mysteries and a bunch of suspects, I was hard pressed to sort things out. And that’s how the author sprung her surprise on me. I really didn’t see some things coming. And thinking back on all I’d read, I couldn’t recall any missed clues. She sold me on this one and now I want to go back and read all of the previous books and get to know the characters better. I bet there’s more twisty mysteries to solve too.

4 STARS

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Doctoroo & The Case Of The Picnic Pirates ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: April 20, 2023 in Children's books, giveaways, Guest Post, reviews
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​Book Title:  Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates
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by ​Rachel B. Wellner
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Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 43 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Wellner Media
Release Date: January 9, 2023
Content Rating:  G – No profanity, sex or violence
 

Book Description:

​Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team Kirby Koala, Louie Llama and Terence Toad may live in Australia, but they travel the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates, they fly to the United States to find out why bear cubs in the Tumbling Potomac Pirates won’t practice their somersaults, cartwheels, or handsprings. Will Doctoroo discover what is wrong? Will she have the answer in time for the cubs to perform on the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day?
 
Buy the Book
Amazon
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MY REVIEW

Oh no. Dr. Marsha Roo gets an urgent call from Mayor Bernie Bear. The Potomac Pirates Fourth Of July picnic might have to be cancelled. The cubs who are supposed to perform are very sick. Can Doctoroo come and investigate? Assembling her team, off they go to try and save the day.

So, what was Doctoroo’s diagnosis about the bear cubs woes? I had a sneaking suspicion, and I was right! Tickled my funny bone as I’d been there, done that. I’m sure many will agree when they enjoy this fun adventure.

Learning about proper nutrition was entertaining and the colorful illustrations had so much to see. I kept peering at the pages, taking everything in. There were so many delightful characters and it looked like they might start moving and speaking at any moment.

I sure hope this is a series as I’m eager for more adventures.

5 STARS

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Author Guest Post
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Teaching Your Children to Make Healthy Food Choices

By Dr. Rachel Wellner

It is important to teach your children how to make healthy food choices. Developing this lifelong habit will help them stay physically and mentally healthy. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Parents should strive to maintain an open dialogue about what foods are beneficial, as well as what types of food should be eaten in moderation or even avoided. They can also set a positive example by modeling responsible dietary habits themselves, preparing meals with nutritious ingredients, and avoiding processed snacks or unhealthy treats. Additionally, parents should get their children involved in grocery shopping so they learn how to read food labels. By teaching children the importance of making healthy food choices early on, parents can ensure that their kids have the information they need to lead happy and healthy lives.

A balanced diet should include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and can be found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Proteins are necessary for growth and repair of tissues and muscles; they can be found in lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Fats are also needed by the body for energy and to help absorb certain vitamins; they can be found in dairy products such as milk or yogurt and plant-based sources such as oils or nuts. In addition to including all these food groups in your diet, it is important to add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber and phytochemicals that help protect against disease.

By using these tips, parents can provide their children with the knowledge and foundation needed to make healthy food choices in the long term.

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Meet the Author:

Dr. Rachel Wellner is a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Society of Surgical Oncology-trained breast oncology surgeon.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads
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Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Little Shop Of Murders ~ Collected Cozy Mysteries ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: April 13, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
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THE LITTLE SHOP of MURDERS (COLLECTED COZY MYSTERIES)
By Millie Ravensworth, ACF Bookens, Geraldine Byrne, Rachel McLean, Diane Kelly, Nikki Knight, London Lovett, Lise McClendon, Flora McGowan, Kathryn Mykel,  J. New,  Eryn Scott, Debbie Young, Victoria Tait, Carlene O’Connor

 

 

The Little Shop of Murders (Collected Cozy Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery Anthology
Pigeon Park Press (April 1, 2023)
Number of Pages – 260
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BVG2LM9H
GoodReads is down – Link Coming Soon 
Book shops, boutiques and small businesses are the lifeblood of small towns but what secrets lie behind those pretty display windows and in the alleyways behind these charming streets?

 

Step inside for a personal retail experience like no other!

 

‘The Little Shop of Murders’ collects together fifteen superb cozy mysteries written by some of the finest authors in the genre.

 

All author and publisher profits from the sale of this book go to children’s charities, helping those most in need.

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MY REVIEW

I love book bundles. I get to read more from authors I’ve enjoyed before and find some new ones to follow.

The Little Shop Of Murders was such fun. I adore cozies and there were so many here. I’d only tried a couple of the authors before and was thrilled to enjoy many new ones and now I have more to follow.

Not one to play favorites, there were a couple stories here that particularly tickled my fancy, though I enjoyed all of them. So many quirky, original characters, so many ways for the culprits to kill and try to get away with it and lots of amateur sleuths to stumble through the clues with. And plenty of laughs and snorts and some fun romance.

With so many books in this bundle I managed to read all of them in three days. They were that fun.

5 STARS

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Stories include:

Don’t Toy with Me by Diane Kelly
A Man With No Imagination by Millie Ravensworth
The Forget-Me-Not Antiques Mystery by Victoria Tait
It Was Our Song by Nikki Knight
Always and Furever by Eryn Scott
Wild Irish Dreams by Lise McClendon
Architect of a Murder by Carlene O’Connor
Blooms and Blackmail by London Lovett
Secondhand Murder by J. New
The Lady of the House by Flora McGowan
Requiem for a Violin by Geraldine Byrne
Nightly Nuisance by Kathryn Mykel
The Gift of Dragons by ACF Bookens
Nowhere to Hide by Debbie Young
Murder in the Bookshop by Rachel McLean

About the Authors

Victoria Tait

Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, UK, and never expected to travel the world.  She’s drawn on her experiences following her military husband to write cozy murder mystery books with vivid and evocative settings.  Her determined female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and you’ll experience surprises, humour and sometimes, a tug on your heartstrings.

Link to My Dotty Sayers series:– https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TMJFL7L

Carlene O’Connor

Carlene O’Connor is the USA Today bestselling author of The Irish Village Mysteries, Home to Ireland Mysteries, and the new County Kerry Mystery series. Her mysteries have been translated into German, Estonia, and UK markets thus far and the Irish Village Mysteries have been optioned for television. Readers are encouraged to get in touch via Facebook, Goodreads, Book Bub, or through the contact form on CarleneOConnor.net. An admitted wanderer, Carlene spends as much time in Ireland as possible while currently residing in California and Chicago. She is always up for joining events via Zoom or in person.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Carlene-OConnor/author/B01BJ1KOFY

Eryn Scott

Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her Whiskers and Words cozy mystery series features deep friendships, strong families, a tight-knit small town, twisty mysteries, and a whole lot of adorable cats. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest with a handful of beloved animals. She enjoys knitting, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and reading.

Link to my series: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LTWVPTG?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks

Flora McGowan

Flora McGowan is the author of the Carrie and Keith Mysteries, novels and short stories. Her stories combine a mix of mystery with the mystical and supernatural, often with an historical element as well as a touch of humour and a dash of romance. Flora was born in Dorset and has spent most, but not all, of her life there, and many of her stories are based in this locale. Flora enjoys travelling, taking inspiration from the places she visits.  You can catch up with Flora via Goodreads, her blog, Facebook, Instagram or BookBub.

Flora McGowan on Amazon

Nikki Knight

Nikki Knight describes herself as an Author/Anchor/Mom…not in that order. An award-winning weekend anchor at New York City’s top all-news radio station, 1010 WINS, she writes mysteries including LIVE, LOCAL, AND DEAD, a Vermont Radio Mystery from Crooked Lane, and as Kathleen Marple Kalb, the Ella Shane and Old Stuff series. Her short stories appear online and in anthologies, and have been short-listed for Black Orchid Novella and Derringer Awards. She, her husband and son live in a Connecticut house owned by their cat.

Book link:  Live, Local, and Dead (A Vermont Radio Mystery): Knight, Nikki: 9781643859453: Amazon.com: Books

Diane Kelly

Diane Kelly writes funny stories that feature feisty female lead characters and their furry, four-footed friends. Diane is the author of over three dozen novels and novellas, including the Death & Taxes white-collar crime series, the Paw Enforcement K-9 series, the House Flipper cozy mystery series, the Busted female motorcycle cop series, the Southern Homebrew moonshine series, and the Mountain Lodge Mysteries series. Find Diane online at DianeKelly.com, on Twitter and Instagram @DianeKellyBooks, and on Facebook at her Author Diane Kelly page.

Link to the first book in my House Flipper series – Dead as a Door Knocker: https://amzn.to/2oE3Epb

J. New

J. New is the author of The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries. Immerse yourself in country house murders, dastardly deeds at English Church fetes, daring escapades in the French Riviera and the secret tunnels under London, in the award-winning series readers call, ‘Miss Marple’ meets ‘The Ghost Whisperer.’ She also writes two contemporary mystery series: Tea & Sympathy featuring Lilly Tweed, former Agony Aunt now purveyor of fine teas and Finch & Fischer with mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer at the helm. Jacquie lives in the North of England with her partner and an assortment of rescue animals.

London Lovett

London Lovett is a cozy mystery author and connoisseur of delicious baked goods.

Many readers have called her Port Danby Cozy Mystery series a ‘new favorite’. Port Danby features a small town florist with a powerful sense of smell. Lacey ‘Pink’ Pinkerton uses her impressive nose to help solve crimes as an amateur sleuth alongside her detective boyfriend, James Briggs. Blooms and Blackmail is a Port Danby short story.

You can keep up with London’s books and access some delicious recipes on her website: www.londonlovett.com

Link to Marigolds and Murder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NB3B54

Debbie Young

Debbie Young writes two popular cozy mystery series featuring Sophie Sayers, set in a Cotswold village, and Gemma Lamb, set at a girls’ boarding school. One book in each series was shortlisted for the Bookbrunch Selfies Awards for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. She is founder of the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival, UK Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors, and a course tutor for Jericho Writers. She writes in the Plotting Shed at the bottom of her cottage garden. Her novels are now published by Boldwood Books and she is represented by the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BBQHC2G1

Here’s the Amazon UK link for the whole series (the 8th book is up for preorder and will be published on 15th March):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BGQHG246?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks

Here are the links for my website and social media:  www.authordebbieyoung.com

Facebook: @AuthorDebbieYoung

Twitter: @DebbieYoungBN

Instagram: @debbieyoungauthor

ACF Bookens

ACF Bookens lives in Virginia’s Southwestern Mountains with two hound dogs and a very energetic preschooler. When she’s not writing, she enjoys watching shows with teenagers who are way cooler than she ever was and cross-stitch.  You can find her books at acfbookens.com

Link to my first book on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XVQDQ58/

Kathryn Mykel

Kathryn Mykel is the author of the Award-Winning Sewing Suspicion – A Quilting Cozy Mystery. Kathryn is inspired by the laugh-out-loud and fanciful aspects of cozies. Kathryn Mykel aims to write lighthearted, humorous cozies surrounding her passion for the craft of quilting. Born and raised in a small New England town—Kathryn is an avid quilter.

Sewing Suspicion – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HVC4K2N

Lise McCLendon

Lise McClendon is the author of numerous novels of crime and suspense. Her bestselling Bennett Sisters Mysteries continue to charm readers worldwide. Her first mystery series was set in Jackson, Wyoming, featuring art dealer, Alix Thorssen. When not writing about foreign lands and dastardly criminals, Lise lives in Montana with her husband and has recently become a fan of sunny winters in the desert. She enjoys fly fishing, hiking, picking raspberries in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. She has served on the national boards of directors of Mystery Writers of America and the International Association of Crime Writers/North America, as well as the faculty of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference.

Books: Bennett Sisters Mysteries:  https://amzn.to/3Iyijt8. Alix Thorssen series: https://amzn.to/3W05kmY

Geraldine Byrne

Geraldine Moorkens Byrne is an Irish mystery writer, poet and educator. She lives with her family in Dublin where many of her stories are set, especially The Caroline Jordan series. When not dreaming up modern murder mysteries, she knits, crochets and teaches classes on Irish folk traditions. Until 2021 she owned Ireland’s oldest family owned music shop, the basis for “Requiem for a Violin.” Mrs. O’Brien and friends will return in their own series in 2023, The Music Shop Mysteries.

She also writes a magical cosy mystery series, The Old Bat Chronicles under the pen name Nina Hayes.

Geraldine Moorkens Byrne   Author@celebratingwords.com Www.CelebratingWords.com

Millie Ravensworth

Millie Ravensworth has been writing (and sewing!) for years, and it seemed like a natural step to combine the two things in a series of cozy mysteries. She lives in England and has an adorable dog who likes to be at her side when she is sewing / writing, but he’d much rather she played fetch with his favourite toy!

Izzy King and Penny Slipper who appear in the story in this collection can also be found in the Cozy Craft Mystery books that are available to read now.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Millie-Ravensworth/e/B0BP2T4SV3/

Rachel McLean

Rachel McLean is an award-winning crime author who writes UK-based police procedurals. She is best known for the Dorset Crime series and the DI Zoe Finch series set in her home city of Birmingham. Book 1 in the Dorset Crime series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the Kindle Storyteller Award 2021. Her new McBride and Tanner series is set around Loch Lomond in Scotland. Link to Zoe books: https://geni.us/zoefinch

A full bibliography and reading order can be found at rachelmclean.com/bibliography

Purchase Link – Amazon – The Little Shop of Murder

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 3 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

April 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST  

April 4 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

April 5 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 5 – Nadaness In Motion – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 6 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

April 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 7 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

April 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

April 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 9 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

April 9 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

April 10 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

April 10 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 12 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

April 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

April 13 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

April 13 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

April 14 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

April 15 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

April 15 – Rebecca Douglass, Author – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 16 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

 

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Review And Giveaway ~ Aqua Paws by Patricia Alleiri

Posted: April 11, 2023 in Action/Adventure, Children's books, giveaways, reviews
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Aqua Paws

 by Patricia Allieri

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Category:  Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 39 pages
Genre:  Children’s Book
Publisher:  Aqua Kids Books
Release date:  Apr 4, 2023
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Splish! Splash! MEOW! Most cats hate water, but not Aqua Paws. He loves it! There’s just one problem: he’s terrified of crabs!

​Then Aqua Paws finds himself in a sticky situation, and the only one around to help is a crab. Can Aqua Paws push his feelings aside before it’s too late? Full of whimsical sea creatures beautifully illustrated by Stella Maris, Aqua Paws also warns of the dangers of ocean pollution. A story that your child will fall in love with, that helps teach a valuable lesson at the same time.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
​add to goodreads
 
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MY REVIEW

Aqua Paws is an adventurous cat who loves to swim and discover all the exciting creatures and plants in the ocean. There’s only one hitch. He’s terrified of crabs and there are a lot of them beneath the surface. This is where the story starts and where I became enamored by the adventure and characters in the book.

Each turn of the page is a new adventure or creature and there’s the suspense of when the cat will meet a crab. You know it’s coming. When the two finally cross paths, it’s momentous.

One thing I noticed after a couple of pages was that there was a small red crab that appeared throughout the book. It’s not mentioned and the cat seems unaware. I found myself searching for it on each new page. It was a fun addition to the adventure.

Aqua Paws is an adorable children’s picture book filled with fun adventure and beautiful, colorful illustrations. I had such fun reading it and imagine parents reading it to their kids will have fun too. As will the children who can read it themselves.

5 STARS

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Author Guest Post:
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Experience 

By: Patricia Allieri

As I look back many years ago, my educational experiences started as a child.  They are

still developing now.  In my education community, I have learned to become a lifelong learner.

Life offers so many opportunities to be successful at any age.  This process will make me grow

stronger every day.  My determination and lessons I have learned over the years will help me

to be a great teacher.  As you read on, you will know what I am talking about.

My past, present, and future triumphs will mold me into a well-rounded educated person.

My experiences were positive. These experiences reflect how I do as a college student.  There

are many lessons over the years that I learned about myself.  I remember when I was in

elementary school that my teacher used to complement me often.  Almost every day.  This

impact was positive then and now.  My elementary school teacher made me feel good about

myself.  I learned that I could be successful in school.  When I was in middle school, I was a

 cheerleader.  We went to competition and came in second place.  I felt so proud that we did that

well.  It was all because of my coach Mary, who gave us the courage to do great!  My good

attitude and beliefs helped us win.  The most important lesson that I learned is that success in

some areas made me believe in myself and to try even harder.  With a positive attitude, I know I

can do anything. My goal is for a better life, to graduate, and to become a great teacher, and

after I graduate, that I can find a teaching job.  Sometimes this worries me because of my age.

However, with my life experiences and knowledge, I can make this happen.

Now with a diverse population in the educational community, it makes it more

challenging to be successful in any career. “What is the biggest challenge in education today?”

Schools need to focus and try to provide for today’s students the skills, attitudes, and

knowledge they need to be successful in our world.  We need diversity of all children.  I believe

that each student will have the ability to be successful. We will learn from our students and they

will learn from us.  Every student in the classroom is such an individual.  Every time you plan an

activity, you need to plan in a way that the task can be done by everyone in the room.  That is

where it gets challenging.  This can be modified so each student can take it always and do it at

their level.  This is planned based on the student’s strengths and weaknesses.

My life experiences have reflected that teaching is my calling.  I feel more certain that I

am on the right career paths.  I am excited to become a certified elementary school teacher and

focus my energy and enthusiasm on educating my future students.

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Meet the Author:

Patricia writes stories about the ocean, cats, and friendship. With beautiful illustrations and heartfelt characters, she aims to entertain and inspire readers to feel brave, adventurous, and appreciate the environment. Patricia’s memorable characters include Aqua Paws and Purple Beak with many more on the horizon. Her fiction picture book, AQUA PAWS, has subtle hints of pollution in our oceans and children can help by collecting the harmful trash. Patricia lives in Texas with her husband. She treasures time with her two grown daughters and her grand babies Tate (Tater-Tot) and Pierce. Her love of animals, the beach and the environment is undeniable.

connect with the authors: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram 

 

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Enter the Giveaway:

 

AQUA PAWS Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Fade To Blue by Hank Scheer ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 31, 2023 in giveaways, Guest Post, thriller
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Book Details:

​Book Title:  FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  288 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date:  Mar 2023
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA), and ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF).
Tour dates: Mar 14 to Apr 3, 2023
Content Rating: ​PG-13 for some bad language

“Fade to Blue kicks off with shocking twists and attention-grabbing characters. The ongoing discussions between cat and mouse are tense, especially as the lines between terrorists and anti-terrorists working undercover become blurred. The stakes are high but also personal—Marcel’s monologues, while not likely realistic, are a lot of fun. Filled with vivid characters and a fast moving plot, Scheer has written a winning page-turner.” -BookLife, Editor’s Pick
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“Hank Scheer’s debut novel offers readers an engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller. Sarah is a capable and appealing protagonist, and a canny plot twist gives the narrative geopolitical heft and spurs interest in what might happen next.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The secondary cast is vibrant and varied; their personalities are distinctive, and their conversations have a charming effect. Sarah’s combative exchanges with René, a French inspector whose penchant for sarcasm matches hers, add particular color. And the well-described settings further flesh out and ground the otherwise dizzying, swift-moving story. Working toward an open-ended but triumphant conclusion, Fade to Blue is an exciting thriller in which a scientist tries to stay alive after creating a brain-destroying drug that others want.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews

“The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading suitable for book club discussion, contrasting nicely with other standout medical thriller genre reads.” – Midwest Book Review

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MY REVIEW

Character driven stories are a favorite of mine and I really liked Sarah. I’m also a fan of suspense that builds in intensity and endings that aren’t clear and worry me about the outcome. In Fade To Blue I got all of that.

Sarah thought she was an ethical researcher and person. Not one to break the rules. But she gives in to temptation and that’s where the trouble really begins. The author showed me a clear picture of how this could happen to Sarah. Why she did what she did and thought the ends justified the means. But what comes next is something else entirely. This is where Sarah’s true colors show and she uses that talent for seeking answers to solve her own dilemma. I enjoyed how she thought out different scenarios, sometimes acting too quickly and trying again and again.

The opening scene had quite the hook and the plot rolled out quickly .I had to know how it ended and read the book straight through. A very satisfying ending and I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author.

4 STARS

 

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Book Description:

Will Dr. Brenalen’s unauthorized experiment lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s, or will it be used for bioterrorism?

Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss’s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer’s drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah’s brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.

Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn’t count on is that two can play this game.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads
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Author Guest Post:
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Fade to Blue trims down and gets a new ending

My first version of Fade to Blue featured a 37-year-old man who’s diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I liked the eighty pages I’d written about him, but realized his saga was a diversion from the main story. I deleted his character altogether (a year’s worth of writing), came up with a new motivation for Dr. Sarah Brenalen to create an Alzheimer’s drug, and finished another version of my novel. It was time to solicit a critique.

I called author/editor Leslie Schwartz and asked her to give Fade to Blue a read. She agreed. I printed out the 327 pages, sent them to her, and waited with bated breath.

Leslie called me two weeks later.

“Did you like it?” I asked.

“When I finished reading it, I was so mad I threw the entire manuscript against a wall,” she replied.

I took that as a “no.”

“Sarah dies halfway through the book! And it has a dystopian ending. You can’t do that. She has to survive and beat the bastards.”

“Thrillers don’t require a happy ending,” I countered.
We debated for twenty minutes, neither of us budging an inch.

Just before ending the call, Leslie said, “I don’t understand why you hate Sarah.”

I was incredulous. “What are you talking about? I really like Sarah.”

“Then why do you want her to die?”

Her question shook me. I had no answer, and realized I didn’t want Sarah to die. “But . . . for her to survive and beat Marcel, I’ll have to rewrite a hundred and fifty pages of the book.”

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Do it!”

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Meet Author Hank Scheer:

Hank Scheer’s writing journey began during a work break when a coworker said, “Hey, let’s write a short story.” They were working for a steel mill in Pittsburg, California, so brainstorming ideas became a fun way to pass the time.

At one point the following week, after the manufacturing process caused a computer to crash, Hank had his idea: an evil scientist creates a drug that destroys a person’s brain.

Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it. Fade to Blue is the result of three trips to Paris, France, and long weekends spent driving around the San Francisco Bay area.

It doesn’t involve steelmaking, but the science is just as real and the potential for trouble exponentially more terrifying.

Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.

connect with the author: website ~ goodreads

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FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer Book Tour Giveaway

 

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The Adventures Of Lefty And Righty ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 20, 2023 in Children's books, giveaways, reviews
Tags: , ,
0

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City by Lori Orlinsky
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Mar 7, 2023
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Do you ever wonder what happens to socks that get lost in the dryer? Join Lefty and Righty for the adventure of a lifetime as they sneak out of the laundry room with a destination in mind: a White Sox game! But with so much to do in The Windy City, will they make it to the game in time? Through their fun-filled day, they’ll discover the sights, sounds—and even the tastes—of Chicago, all while encountering a few surprises along the way!

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
Mascot Books
add to goodreads
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MY REVIEW

I’m sure many of you have put pairs of socks in the washer or dryer and when you took them out, one or more were missing.  Have you ever wondered where they went? I have. And I loved how the missing socks in this charming children’s book raced to get back home before their absence was noticed.

Lefty and Righty escape from the dryer and head off to see the amazing city of Chicago, with the ultimate goal being to see the White Sox play. Along the way they visit many famous sites and taste some yummy hotdogs. I had as much fun as these socks learning about Chicago.

Imagine their surprise when they get to the ballgame and discover it’s not socks playing but humans. They still enjoyed the game and enjoyed many of the usual traditions while there.

Then it’s the race back home. Will they be caught out?

What a fun, clever story to educate children about Chicago. The illustrations are delightful and the adventure super fun. I can’t wait to see where these socks go next time.

5 STARS

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Meet the Author:

Award-winning children’s book author Lori Orlinsky lives in. . . you guessed it . . . Chicago! Lori is the mother of three little ladies, who are small but mighty. At 5’1”, she wishes her children’s picture book, Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up. Lori also wrote The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache and Balloons for Tiger. Her latest book, The Adventures of Lefty and Righty: The Windy City, was inspired by her daily struggle to find matching socks when they come out of the dryer.
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connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ youtube ~ goodreads
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Lori Orlinsky’s ADVENTURES OF LEFTY AND RIGHTY Book Tour Giveaway

 

~~~~~

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 15, 2023 in giveaways, reviews, thriller
Tags: , ,
2

 

 

 Book Details:
Book Title:  Fool Her Once (A Novel) by Joanna Elm
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 416 pages
Genre:  Thriller
Publisher:  CamCat Books
Release date:   Feb, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M. There’s adultery, language, some sexual content, and violent crime, but no explicit descriptions of the crimes.

Book Description:
​
Some killers are born. Others are made.

​As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair made a tragic mistake when she outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer. So she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career—and returns to the city she loves.

When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside Jenna’s NYC apartment building, Jenna suspects that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. She knows she must track him down before he can harm his next target, her daughter.

Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack, fears that her investigative reporting skills will unearth his own devastating secret he’d kept buried in the past.

From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover the terrible truth about a psychopath and realizes her own investigation may save or destroy her family.

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop
BookBub
add to goodreads
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MY REVIEW

This story takes place in the present, with flashbacks to twenty years ago when, as a rookie reporter, Jenna gets the scoop of a lifetime and, despite her misgivings, runs with it, causing turmoil and damage to so many.  Now, with one relationship ended and another on shaky ground, she returns to her shelved career, not knowing that by coming out of the shadows, a predator stirs. One with vengeance on their mind.

I was pulled in at the beginning and was intrigued by a premise that was addressed by this story. But, things moved a bit slowly. I was expecting more action and thrills. I did get some of that later. Along with an intriguing glimpse into the motivations of some of the characters and a big secret. I rather enjoyed this one and would like to try more books by Joanna Elm. I imagine she has some more interesting ideas that would have me asking questions, just like Fool Her Once did. By the way, the title really fits this book.

4 STARS

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Meet the Author:

​Joanna Elm is an author, journalist, blogger, and attorney. Before the publication of her first two suspense novels (Scandal, Tor/Forge 1996); (Delusion, Tor/Forge/1997), she was an investigative journalist on the London Evening News on Fleet Street in the U.K. She also wrote for British magazines like Woman’s Own.

Then, she moved to New York where she worked as a writer/producer for television news and tabloid TV programs like “A Current Affair.” She was also the researcher/writer for WNEW-TV’s Emmy-award-winning documentary “Irish Eyes.” In 1980, she joined the Star as a reporter, eventually becoming the magazine’s news editor and managing editor before moving to Philadelphia as editor of the news/features section of TV Guide.

After completing her first two novels while living in South Florida, (Nelson DeMille described Scandal as “fresh, original and unpredictable”) Joanna returned to New York, enrolled in law school, graduated summa cum laude, passed the NY Bar exam, and worked as a principal law clerk for an appellate division justice in the prestigious First Department. She has been married to her husband Joe for 35 years and has one son.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

FOOL HER ONCE Book Tour Giveaway

 

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

When The Smoke Cleared by Bill Powers ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 10, 2023 in giveaways, reviews
Tags: , ,
7

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  When the Smoke Cleared (A Murder Mystery in Malden) by Bill Powers
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18 +),  400 pages
Genre:  True Crime
Publisher:  PowersCourt Press
Release date:  Oct, 2022
Content Rating:  PG-13 Some violence some profanity

Book Description:

There is no greater distinction or responsibility for a law enforcement officer than to be selected to investigate homicides. The same is true for a prosecutor. It is analogous to a call up to the big leagues where the curveballs or slapshots are frequent and more challenging, the lights are brighter, the audience larger and louder, and the scrutiny and demand for perfection can at times be a bit overwhelming.

This story follows an extraordinary murder investigation from the crime scene through to the arrest and into the courtroom. It is narrated by retired Detective Lieutenant Bill Powers, the former commander of the State Police Detective Unit for the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts:

“When the smoke from the fire cleared and the water level receded, it was visually evident that a violent struggle, quite possibly a homicide, had preceded the fire. But where was the victim? The waterlogged bloodstains in the function room told us it wasn’t likely they stood up and walked out the door. We were confronted with an unusual dilemma. We not only had to investigate what happened and develop probable cause to make an arrest, but we also had to locate the poor soul who had spilled so much of their blood.”

​Walk the path of the investigation with Bill and his team, and then follow in ADA Adrienne Lynch’s footsteps as she guides the trial from opening statements through to the final verdict; a truly unique accounting with a bird’s eye view.

Beyond a police and courtroom procedural, this story is about the personal struggles in the victim’s life and how her death impacted her family’s lives in ways no one could have foreseen. It is a love story that grew from unspeakable tragedy.

​Bill Powers writes from the heart because he spent twenty years living the life of a homicide investigator. He went to literally hundreds of death scenes and, while each made its mark, none had more of a personal effect on him than this case.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
​add to goodreads

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MY REVIEW

I enjoy streaming crime shows like CSI: Las Vegas and Criminal Minds. It’s a challenge for me to guess how the crime occurred and who did it and why. I’m also big on true crime shows. Following the detectives as they also follow the clues leading to the capture of their suspect. I know catching their culprit doesn’t happen in an hour or two like it does on the shows. It takes hard work, intuition and luck.

Reading When The Smoke Cleared didn’t take just an hour or two. The suspect wasn’t easy to recognize. The reason for the crime wasn’t either. From when the fire department put out the fire and realized they were standing in a crime scene until the verdict was read in the courtroom also didn’t happen in an episode or two. The author took me through it step by step. I don’t think I’ve ever read a true crime book where there was so much detail and it was so captivating. The way Bill Powers showed me the inner workings of solving the crime, through the trial and finally the sentencing was so thorough and never boring, I didn’t feel an urge to skip ahead. I read it straight through. I wanted every detail.

5 STARS

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Meet the Author:

​Bill Powers has been active in the Massachusetts law enforcement community since he joined the Massachusetts State Police in 1974. Over time he rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Detective Lieutenant. He commanded the State Police Detective Units (SPDU) in both Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, where he had direct oversight and involvement in more than one hundred homicides. His State Police career came full circle when he was named Commandant of the Recruit Training Academy. He retired as the director of the Media Relations Section. Following his retirement, Bill was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the graduate program for forensic sciences at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). For the next seven years he lectured on criminal investigation and expert testimony to the graduate students. In addition, he produced training seminars for police investigators covering a wide variety of topics. Following his tenure at the BUSM he returned to the law enforcement profession as the Director of Public Safety at Wentworth Institute in Boston. Bill earned an undergraduate degree from Northeastern University with a major in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctorate degree from the New England School of Law.

He resides South of Boston with his wife Jane. Their two daughters and their families live nearby. He has been blessed with five remarkable grandchildren who sparkle like bright stars in the night sky.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

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WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED by Bill Powers Book Tour Giveaway

 

~~~~~

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Chris Crossed Murder by Lauren Carr ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 9, 2023 in giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: , ,
4

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Feb 22, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

“Carr is a master at creating unique, complex plots and colorful characters, both evident in her latest cold case mystery featuring  Chris Matheson and the geezer squad. The plot is twisted, the mystery unique and the ending a surprise. A must-read!” – Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Marilyn R. Wilson, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer

“Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. …I would give Chris Crossed Murder one hundred stars if I could. I believe readers who enjoy reading well-written and clean cozy mysteries will most definitely want to read it. I have no doubt they will enjoy it as much as I did. The fifth installment from A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series is on my radar for when it releases.” – Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books

Book Description:
​It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson’s body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned—especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris’s federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad’s latest case is not only a whodunit but who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.
​
With Christmas days away, join the Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
B&N ~ BAM
BookBub
add to goodreads
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.

MY REVIEW

Chris is dead. What? That sure caught my attention. I was very relieved to find out it was a case of mistaken identity. But why did the dead guy have Chris’s identification? And why is the suspected killer leaving bread crumbs for Chris to follow? Crumbs that lead to an old unsolved murder case? I was hooked.

The troops rally to get to the bottom of things. And their are plenty of suspects who want Chris dead, including the Russian Mafia and a Mexican drug cartel.

The Geezer Squad. They might not be in their prime physically anymore, but their combined intellect and skills at deduction are phenomenal.

The family and close friends. Most are connected to law enforcement in one way or another and when one of their own is threatened they combined their talents and get to work.

And lets not forget our furry friends. They seem to have a knack for pointing out clues the humans might have missed. I love how Lauren can use just a couple of words in a sentence and give you a fully fleshed out personality for each of the animals in her books. And they are every bit a part of the story.

It was a late night of reading for me as I couldn’t stop reading and the book was over 400 pages of intrigue and fun. It had been a while since I read the last book in this series. Lauren managed to draw me right back in and my worries about not remembering who was who were for nothing. I hardly needed to use the cast of characters list she conveniently provides in each of her books. They were still clear in my memory. Chris Crossed Murder was a thrilling read and well worth the wait for it’s release.

5 STARS

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Race Against Time by Claire Eckard ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 8, 2023 in giveaways, reviews
Tags: , ,
1

 

 

 
Book Details:

​Book Title:  Race Against Time by Claire Eckard
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  192 pages
Genre: Creative Non-Fiction 
Publisher:  Cedar Fort Press
Release date:  Jan 10, 2023
Content Rating: G for all readers 
 
 

Book Description:

Flash was a pony that had fallen between the cracks-too small for most to ride, even for a Hackney pony, and too feral to be shown. What he needed was a person as small as he was-who had the guts and the patience to give a wild pony a chance. Then along came a little girl with a sensitive soul and a big heart.

Kyla Law was just nine years old when she met Flash, and neither of them could have anticipated that their partnership would make history.

In an inspiring true story of family, faith, and perseverance, Kyla and Flash’s relationship mirrors the journey we must all take in life: one of highs and lows, successes and failures-theirs just happens to be along a hundred-mile historic trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains-the setting for the most famous endurance race in the world. From the moment they met, to the moment they crossed the finish line, their tenacity exhibits pure spirit: the human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the fire-in-the-soul kind of spirit that helps us climb mountains and cross rivers, literally and figuratively.

This story is about a girl and her pony, and how in one amazing day they inspired an international community, as Flash became the smallest horse to ever finish the Western States One-Hundred-Mile, One-Day Ride-the Tevis Cup.

 
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MY REVIEW

Doesn’t every young girl dream of having their very own pony? I sure did. My walls were covered with images of horses. I drew them from every angle. I had my own herd of statues. And my imagination took me on many adventures with my equine friends.

Now, imagine a young girl, a confused pony and a daunting opportunity to grow together and overcome their obstacles. The biggest being a 100 mile trail ride in the Sierra Nevada mountains to be completed in one day. The Tevis Cup.

This is a true story of strength, courage and trust between a girl and her horse. Flash was small, even for a Hackney pony. Kyla was only nine when she first met Flash. What they did for each other was a true success story. I read this book from start to finish without a break. And I was so inspired by it that it had me wondering what I could do. What dreams I’d shelved as not attainable. It’s never to late. You’re never too young or too old.

  I have so many books. They are crammed in everywhere I can fit them. Race Against Time is one I plan to read again and it will be placed prominently on my bookshelf for easy access.

5 STARS

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Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an award-winning author and songwriter who lives in Arizona. Claire loves to write inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction that have an impact on the reader. Often her books revolve around the amazing bond between animals and humans. She grew up in England and is obsessed with clotted cream teas and the tranquil English countryside of her youth. Claire is a frequent speaker at schools, events, bookstores and on various podcasts. More information on Claire and links to her latest projects can be found at www.claireeckardauthor.com.
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connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub
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RACE AGAINST TIME Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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