Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Diamonds and Toads A Modern Fairy Tale by K.E. Saxon






Once upon a time, there were two sisters, one blessed,and one cursed by fairy magic....

So each sister's story begins.
Delilah Perrault is blessed with riches beyond her wildest dreams and the man she's had her eye on for ages--even though he secretly has designs on her newfound wealth instead. Delilah's half-sister, Isadora, is cursed with having her every utterance come out as an obscene and humiliating quip, just when the gorgeous hunk she dumped years before under pressure from mama swaggers back into her life.

If you like Bewitched, Sex and the City and Gossip Girl, try out this modern girl's fairy tale.











My Thoughts:
If you haven't read a fairy tale lately, you are going to want to pick up this book.  It will have you wanting more to read more and renew your belief in a great fairy tale. This is a more modern, today kind of fairy tale about two sisters Delilah and her half sister Isadora. 

This really is a great story, it pulled me in from the very first page and kept me turning the pages pretty fast right to the very end of the story.  The fairy godmother such a fun character, very quirky I loved that about her. Now the two sisters stories are told separately but in one story.  To look at the cover you would never guess how this story unfolds, it will make you laugh out loud, I know I did, and when you read sitting on the bus, you get some very weird looks lol, it had some great steamy scenes in it, and just when you think you have Isadora's character all figured out, you find how wrong you really are. I like Delilah's character as well, you would think you wouldn't like her, but you really do, and the villain couldn't have been more perfect for this book, very well done!!

You really have to go and get your copy of this book, you will not be dissapointed at and like I said at the beginning and leave you wanting more.  This was a great new spin on an old classic tale, so if you like a story with the good and bad sister and the wicked stepmother and the fairy godmother, this will book will not let you down.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!!   Enjoy everyone. :)



























Two Moons of Sera by Pavarti K Tyler

In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one? 


My Thoughts:


Well I have to say Fantasy is not my usual genre, but the more Fantasy I read the more I'm finding I like it.  It's out of my comfort zone, but, I am very glad I went outside of my zone for this one. 
Length of the book is only 41-pages, and for a short book it really grabs your attention and pulls you in to keep reading right until the very end.  I'm also starting to really like the smaller books more and more each one I pick up, it's nice to have a 300++ page book as you get all of the story all at once, but with the smaller books they leave you wanting more, as is the case with this small book. 
I love the world and characters Pavarti K. Tyler has created, such a different set of beings so different than most.  Serafev the main character is in exile, she is a half and half, not a full Sualwav or a full Erdlander. The book is so descriptive and I love that in a book, it really allows you to put yourself right into the story. You really have to read the book slowly, even though its small you must read slowly so that you don't miss out on anything, the twists and turns are absolutely amazing and the cliffhanger at the end has left me wanting more......right now lol.  I can't go into to many details for a small book as I will ruin it for you, and nothing I hate more than spoilers. :)
I really recommend this book to all, you will all enjoy it very much.  I hope you all pick up your copy and enjoy it as much as I did!!!!    Enjoy everyone!






















Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Young Writers' Society of Nova Scotia Canada

I have to tell you about this society I happened upon, and I'am so happy I did stumble upon it.  I was watching the new one night at supper time and saw this piece that I only caught the last minute or so of and didn't catch all the information I needed. So a few days later I had posted on my facebook that I'am going to attempt to write my own book!!  A very good friend of mine commented that her daughter just wrote her own book with the Young Writers' Society of Nova Scotia, well I was so happy to hear her say that, it was exactally the piece I was watching on the news the other night and couldn't get all the info I needed.  So, my friend put me in contact with the founder and Executive Director of the Society.

It turns out she only is a hop, skip and a jump away from where I live, she we contacted each other and met for coffee.  I can't tell you how excited I was to meet Carolyn Hockley, she is the nicest person, funny, smart and has such a passion for writing and helping the kids in her club with their writing, it's a true passion like I have never seen, it's all about them, she has even turned her basement into their clubhouse, you should see the paintings and murals she has done to help the creative juices flow.  

So I am here today to promote and ask that you all go and visit her main website to learn more and help support by purchasing one of these amazing books from this absolutely fantastic society and the amazing work Carolyn does with and for these kids, she is a true champion, not enough is done I find these days to encourage kids to take their writing seriously and coach them, help them, this is such an important society that she has going here, hats off to her and thank you Carolyn for caring!!!


Carolyn has been so kind to me and has given me some of the books by a few of the kids in her club, so over the next few weeks you will see reviews from them on my blog, I hope you will all help me in promoting and supporting Carolyn and her society, so we can get the word out so she can help as many new young authors as possible, too many kids hide their work because they don't think adults will take them seriously, and Carolyn helps them and encourages them to follow their dream.   Thank you everyone!!! 




Young Writers’ Society of Nova Scotia                                youngwritersns@gmail.com     (902) 452-3310
www.youngwriterssociety-ns.ca 



The Young Writers’ Society of Nova Scotia (YWSNS) is a new endeavor initiated to support the many talented, young writers across our province. Like many people in Nova Scotia, the volunteer board members believe creative writing plays a crucial role in the literary development of our youth today.

The YWSNS is now open to youth between the ages of 10-17.  The society offers guidance to all writers whether they enjoy poetry, short stories, songs, plays, magazine articles or books.  The society has the following programs and plans on its agenda: weekly book writing workshops, links to writing contests, weekend writing contests, website events, a writing rewards program, a book store with the completed works of local young writers, a resource library and a casual, creative environment to write in.  The finished works of the young writers will eventually be printed, displayed and for sale in numerous locations across Nova Scotia.  All writers will receive a portion of the sales of their works which will be placed in an RESP for their future education.

Integrating social media with its programs and workshops, the YWSNS will be a hands-on organization where the writers will, in many cases, take the lead.  A Teen Committee will spearhead many exciting initiatives across the province.
Literacy is vital to the growth and success of our young people.  There are many ways for you to help young writers in Nova Scotia celebrate the power of their written words.

Behind every word is a writer. Please pass this flyer along to young writers you know!

So, what will you get in return for your yearly membership fee of $25?
1.  Access to writing professionals across Nova Scotia.
2.  Bi-monthly emails informing you of contests, workshops, writing tips, advice on website searches, skills advice, and more...
3.  Writing Rewards points for participating in writing activities/contest.
4.  Link to Online Classroom writing sessions.
5.  Discounts on workshops and writing events.
6.  Access to the Teen Committee so your writing can get recognized both in print and online.


Biography 
Carolyn Hockley



Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1966, Carolyn began writing at the age of 10.  She attributes her love of the written word to her grandmother Winifred G. Hockley, who often encouraged her to write poems and short stories.  A graduate of Acadia University, NS (BA English) and of Humber College, Ontario (Public Relations), Carolyn has many years of writing experience.


Carolyn has two children; a son and a daughter; whom she has raised on her own for the past eight years.  Everyday life of single parenthood led her to the decision to open her own business in 2007:  Miz Biz Creative Clubhouse for Kidz.  Determined to bring a little extra fun and adventure to the lives of young children (including her own), she opened her home to enthusiastic young writers, dancers, chefs and musicians between the ages of 7-13 years.  The book writing aspect of her business soon moved to the opportunity to visit the Clubhouse once a week during the school year.  The children wrote and illustrated their own chapter books and novels.  As young authors, the children experienced many wonderful events such as book readings, book sales, local radio and television interviews, and, best of all, a sense of pride in their accomplishments. 


Carolyn is now the founder and Executive Director of the Young Writers' Society of Nova Scotia (YWSNS), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing guidance, coaching, resources and creative writing fun for young people between the ages of 10-17 across Nova Scotia.  In addition to founding the YWSNS, Carolyn has spent the past two years writing Y/A fiction-fantasy novels.  A group of her young writers and avid readers have coached her writing along the way.  Carolyn has enjoyed the past few years being a positive role model in the communities of Cole Harbour and Dartmouth.  


Here is the list of the books the young writers have out for sale so far.


1.       Harcon:  The Two Planets
2.       Earth:  Attack of the Antikons
3.       Project One
4.      Project Two:  Boardgames
5.     Fairy Guardians:  Book 1
6.    Fairy Guardians:  Book 2
7.    Fairy Guardians:  Book 3
8.    The Lat Hearthryn
9.    Curse on Taliwesta:  Book 1
10.  Mystery of Mola :  Book 2
11.  Gwendalian's Search for the Truth
12.  Star Spirit:  Book 1
13.  Refira:  Book 2
14.  Phantom of Distortion:  Book 3
15.  Persona:  Book 4
16.  Abigail's Adventure
17.  Genetic Cover-up
18.  Apples & Dinoraffes
19.  Paradise Mountain:  Saving the Fairians
20.  Paradise Haven:  Saving the Seamaidens
21.  Reactive Recipe
22.  Tales of Aron
23.  The Skye's The Limit
24.  Soccer to the Extreme
25.  The Part of Me I Never Knew
26.  The Rediscovered:  Book 1
27.  The Revealed:  Book 2
28.  Trapped in Travel
29.  Catnip Lane
30.  Desert Lagoon
31.  Skyrael
32.  Oatmeal
33.  MissFortune
34.  Kayo
35.  Kayo:
36.  Camp Wild Dreams
37.  Imagining Reality:  Ariella and the Professor
38.  February Air
39.  Pretend
40.  Stuck on Mars
41.  Countries & Cousins:  Sequel to Apples & Dinoraffes
42.  The Truth Lies
43.  All Demons Rise:  Sequel
44.  The Mind Artist:  Book 1
45.  Page 13:  Sequel to The Mind Artist
46.  Water :Lilly
47.  Mystical Island
48.  The Quest of the Stolen Sapphire
49.  The Wastes
50.  Dinoraffes & Dogs:  Book 3 in Apples & Dinoraffes series
51.  The Midnight Realm
52.  Green Bin Nation ( Carolyn's Book)


If you would like to purchase one of these books please visit The Young Writers' Society's Website.  





                                                                                                                     
       

Thursday, November 10, 2011

I HAVE BEEN HACKED

Hi Everyone,
Well I am in total Internet HELL, my email account has been hacked and I have lost absolutely everything, my contacts, I had over 1000 emails with ebooks attached to them with the covers, blurbs and dates of up coming reviews that are due.  I know have no idea when my reviews are due, they even wiped out my calendar.
I am totally lost, it's a nightmare for me right now.  They even got my facebook account, now I did manage to gain back control of that but I cant access it for 24 hours, so hopefully when I get there everything will be okay.

I am here to ask a favor from all of you, I have my new email address that I will be posting here, I am asking and pleading if you all could please email me as I have lost ALL of my contacts, if you could please email me so I can start adding back my contacts and gather my dates for my upcoming reviews.  If I miss any please please forgive me and email me so I can post it right away, the last thing I want to do is let down anyone, and I am working very hard to get everything sorted out.

Thank you to everyone for your help at this very stressful time right now for me. I am so blessed to have you all as my friends.  :)
Natalie
nataliejhillier@yahoo.ca
or nataliejhillier@gmail.com   (new email)
I had to add the new gmail account as blogger would not let me take away the old hacked email addy, so you can get me at either account. Thanks again. 

Monday, November 7, 2011

JournalJabber Radio Show and some great friends!!!!!

Hi Everyone, 

If you don't already know about this, then I am extremely please to bring this radio show to your attention.  My very good friends Amy and Cambria and awesome reviewers as well host a Blog Talk Radio Show, yup you got it a Blog Talk Radio Show, cool eh!!!  and my other very good friend and Author Angel Haze is being featured November 8th @ 9pm. 
 
For those of you who follow me or may have just stopped by to check out my blog (thank you by the way) might remember 2-reviews I did for Angel oh and I must not forget Angel's husband Slade (now tell me that's not a hot name lol)  just kidding Angel :)  Slade is also a co-author with Angel, and JournalJabber is featuring this dynamic duo and you won't want to miss out on this I know I'm not going to miss out. For those of you that might have missed my reviews here are the covers and the blurbs for their books.

So here is the link to catch my wonderful friends on JournalJabber Radio Show November 8th @ 9pm


Thou shalt not kill.

A contradictory message written in blood at the scene of a young woman's murder. Within days, another body surfaces with a similar calling card and, to Detective Ramon Faust and Criminalist Kelly Garret, it's clear a deadly game is underfoot.

As the rash of horrific crimes continue, a phone call unearths a shocking revelation: Nakeita isn't the first city the elusive killer has left his mark. The Bloodletter, as dubbed by the media, has played his deadly game before.

Delving deep into the most terrifying case of Kelly's career, threatening phone calls and flashbacks of a forgotten near-death experience challenge her sanity and the lives of everyone she loves.


Debonair, a witch from the Unspoken Lands, has meddled in the forbidden practice of magic and created an army of nightmarish proportions. When sixteen-year-old Astanyx and his two best friends return from a hunting trip to find their small town of Polca reduced to smoke and ash, they find themselves thrust into a battle for which they haven't been trained.

With the help of his comrades, including an esteemed warrior, one of the last great wizards and a princess they've sworn to protect, Astanyx must fight to unite the kingdoms of the humans, dwarves and elves. He must ask forbidden questions that no one wants to answer, questions about Talimura's dark history. As Debonair's brutal warriors lay siege to the kingdoms, Astanyx is driven to pursue a fateful quest for a blade powerful enough to defeat the malevolent witch before she destroys the three kingdoms and unleashes an unspeakable ancient evil.


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Review: Cankered Roots by G.G Vandagriff


Cankered Roots – New Edition: Book 1 of Alex & Briggie Series
Alexandra Campbell, a spunky young widow, partnered with Brighamina Poulson, an even spunkier, rifle-toting grandmother thinks that as they have begun a genealogy business (RootSearch, Inc.), it is high time she finds out her family secret. Something went wrong in her family during her adolescence, changing her mother from a Chicago North Shore matron into an alcoholic and a doting father into a workaholic. The moment she graduated from High School, she was sent to the Sorbonne in Paris with a generous bank account and instructions not to return.
It is now fifteen years since she has seen her parents, and she intends to lay the ghost that has separated her family for good. However, as usual in Alex’s unpredictable life, things do not go as planned. After an acrimonious fight with her once beloved father, she leaves with only a wallet-sized photograph of a woman she knows nothing about.
That night, Alex’s father is killed. Bewildered and grieved that her family can never be whole again, she soon finds out that she is the chief suspect in the murder. With the unflappable Briggie at her side, she uses all her new genealogical skills, and (with the help of Briggie’s deer rifle) discovers a secret so bizarre that she finally understands why her parents wanted her far away and safe.
Join Alex and Briggie in the first of their hair-raising adventures!
Buy Cankered Roots on Amazon. (paperback and Kindle versions)
Buy Cankered Roots for your Nook


My Thoughts:
This is a new Author and genre for me, I wasn't to sure how I would like this book as it's got a lot of geneology to it. I was pleasantly surprised as it was filled with mystery as well, the blurb of the novel peeked my interest and I'm very glad it did as I was thrilled reading it. 

Having not read this type of book before I took a little bit for me to get into, but, once I did it took off like a bullet and I could not put it down. I loved GG's style of writing, I really loved how she mixed mystery with history and geneology, it really made for a fantastic mix along with the character's she has created and also adding in the LDS religion that Briggie introduced to Alex, only added more to the mystery. I found it interesting with trying to figure out the family history, I related to that part, with my own quest to try and figure out my mom and dad's family history/tree to see where I come from in the geneology aspect of things. 

Alex is my favorite character. I am really looking forward to reading more of these characters and what is in store for them next. I am happy to recommend this book to all and I can't wait for the next book. 

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!!  Enjoy!!!


There will be a premium for anyone who takes advantage of our low prices during the tour and buys books on Amazon or BN.com. (Remember Christmas is coming up).  You will get a signed bookplate for each book or e-book purchased, if you send me your address via the contact page on this site.
 There is a variety here that should tickle anyone’s fancy!  The Only Way to Paradise is a women’s fiction/romance–the tale of four women who ditch their therapist and journey to Florence for hope and healing. The award-winning historical epic romance The Last Waltz: A Novel of Love and War embraces the period 1913-1938 in Vienna. A genealogical mystery,Cankered Roots is the first in a series featuring the off-beat team of two wacky widows who have started RootSearch,Inc. The Arthurian Omen is psychological suspense at its height, taking place among the ruined castles and monasteries of Wales. (For more detail, see Books on this site)
Below is the tour schedule.  There will be interviews, blog posts, and giveaways, so be sure to follow along.  It’s going to be fun! Click on the blog’s name to visit.