#Review of My First Travel Book (the Anna Othitis Travel & Learn series #1) by Anna Othitis! w/a rafflecopter giveaway #Travel&Learn @aothitis @BooksOnFireTour

Nov 2, 2016

#Travel&Learn with Author Anna Othitis

 

 

The Series

Are you ready to take to the skies? Welcome Aboard Children! Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and his flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First
Travel Book series.

The Cookbook:

Have Fun and Enjoy These Greek Recipes “LET’S GET GREEK COOKING NOW”

Natural Traditional Healthy Cooking with flavors from natural herbs.
Nutritional home cooked Greek food has been proved by researchers to lessen health problems. The answer is to cook and eat a wide variety of minimal processed foods to cover all the nutritional bases.
The beauty of genuine Greek cooking and eating is using a good amount of extra virgin olive oil rich in oleic acid. Legumes are rich in vitamins, vegetables high in vitamins and fibres, the probiotics in yogurt, cheeses, antioxidants in red wine, whole wheat breads, cold-pressed vegetable oils along with good exercise such as walking all increase “good” cholesterol and a healthy heart.
Eat moderate portions and now and again spoil yourself with a Greek desert, baked with nuts and semolina.

As served aboard “Angelic Airlines”

 

AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE BOOKS-A-MILLION BOOKTOPIA

 

Anna Othitis lived and was raised in the beautiful land and country of Zimbabwe, Africa (home will always be home. She left all of her life long memories, endless charity work and good people behind vowing that she will continue supporting the needy children in her land Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond.

Her husband George, sons Johnny, Elia and Frankie encouraged her to write her first children’s book titled “My First Travel Book”, inspired by Frankie (Captain Frankie), who is graduating
from his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science and beginning his career as a professional pilot. Anna’s favourite saying is “Be Bold Be Brave”.She was inspired to write her children’s books with a vision to link up the children of the world with magical flights to so many beautiful places of interest and popularity on our wonderful planet Earth with all its beautiful some natural and some man made creations and resources. One of the beautiful natural wonders featured in her books is in her birth land of Zimbabwe “The Mighty Victoria Falls” All of her books educate our children and widen their scope of interest in the amazing surroundings, creations and nature to appreciate and look after our environment for many
generations still to come.

So come along and fly these magical flights with Captain Frankie and Anna!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

 

Why did you decide to write a book? (Why do you write?)

I decided to write because I love teaching young children and giving them my knowledge. Children have to be taught to read from a young age and they love books, they have curious little minds.

 

How long have you been writing? (Did you write at school? Did you start recently?)

 

I started writing at a young age, but I only published a few years ago when I came to the USA children were curious and had questions of the world beyond them, they did not realise and know that there was a world bigger than theirs.

How do you think you’ve evolved as a writer since you’ve started? (what have you learnt?)

I have learnt to be patient when it comes to selling and learnt that a lot of tweeting and push is needed to get my work and books known. We did not have this technology in Africa, so this was all new to me. Self publishing is also something I learnt to do.

Do you do a lot of research when writing a book? (if so, explain how or what you did)

Yes I do as I like and have to get my facts right as I am writing for children that are absorbing interesting information in my books.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? (what drives you creatively)

I draw my inspiration from our son Captain Frankie who is the main character in our children’s travel books and from my family in general as well as my autistic student children that I love to teach and read to.

The Real Captain Frankie!

Can you relate to any of your own stories? (Give a personal explanation if you can!)

Yes when I travelled to Greece at a young age I was curious and fascinated that one could see other parts of the world and fly in the sky with an aeroplane. I loved discovering and being adventurous, curious about other cultures around the world.

What draws you to this genre? (why do you prefer to write the stories you do?)

I love to teach the children of the world and especially the unfortunate children of Africa who are unable to travel to the rest of the world due to poverty. They love to learn and hear about the world and beyond them. They love to watch aeroplanes flying above and wonder where they fly to and their purpose of being in the deep blue skies.

How many books have you written?

I have written 4 children’s books and two Greek recipe books.

 

What is your favourite quote from a book?

 

Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t who don’t believe in magic will never find it. – The Minpins by Roald Dahl”

 

Any tips for aspiring authors?

 

Be proud of your work and never let anyone bring you down you have a unique talent and work on it. “Be bold and be Brave” my favourite quote in life.

 

WEBSITE GOODREADS FACEBOOK TWITTER PINTEREST LINKEDIN GOOGLE+

 

 

 

 

 

Zimbabwe

Greece

Montreal

Toronto

Paris

New York

South Africa

England

Mexico

Mauritius

 

Okay, it took me no time to read this book but I truly did enjoy it.  I am a substitute teacher and ironically, I was in a 1st grade classroom today.  This book would have been perfect to read to the class.  It’s short, beautifully illustrated and teaches so much in a short period of time.

Captain Frankie doesn’t dumb it down for the children either.  He’s to the point and gives the cool highlights of each landmark.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to any classroom and/or library.

Review by Books On Fire Tours

I thought I knew everything and so did my son. That is until we read this book! Filled with interesting places and educational facts, we got to learn more about places we had visited. We also learnt about places we had never been to before. Now we want to visit those places desperately! What made this book even more special was the poems, quizzes and the beautiful illustrations. Together with the facts, poems, quizzes and the friendly pilot, this is a highly educational and entertaining read!

This is the perfect children’s book for bedtime with a kid that LOVES to procrastinate going to sleep. It took us less than 5 minutes to read and it was mentally stimulating enough to make him sleepy.

But more than that! This little book inspires our little dreamers to one day travel the world. If enough kids read, and open their minds and hearts to new cultures and experiences, perhaps they will have a better chance of making this world a peaceful and better place. Maybe they will look after our beautiful world better than we ever could. Perhaps our future generations will succeed where we have failed.

Review by Nick Vee

Excellent book for younger children!! I was able to show my kids some of the different wonders of the world without leaving the comfort of my living room! It was entertaining and educational and I would recommend it to all parents trying to immerse their kids in educational and fun reading. I am really looking forward to the next book.

 

Review by Robin Leigh Morgan

After reading/reviewing a slew of adult books I felt the need to start reading/reviewing books intended for the inner child in me; books which would allow my inner child’s imagination to blossom and flourish, while at the same time educate my mind with interesting new places and facts.

After perusing Amazon for children’s books I found three books written by Anna Othitis which would satisfy my desire to be a child again, reading a book intended for me.Being a child of the 1950’s when I wanted to play with my friends; besides playing all the regular games we loved to play, we would ultimately wind up playing pretend or make believe sometimes for hours.

In “My First Travel Book” not only did I get, or any reader will get, is to pretend we’re on a plane with Captain Frankie who will take us to several places around the world so we can learn about them.

The book begins with showing the flags of the various places its readers will be taken to. Arriving at each of the planned destinations readers will be given a poetic description of the place/site, followed by information about is being seen. And to make sure everyone reading the book understands what they’ve been taught, Captain Frankie then asks questions about it.
I, as I’ve already said, found this book to have a twofold purpose; to turn on a child’s imagination while at the same teaching them something in an enjoyablemanner so their minds will remember it. For having done this so imaginatively, I’m giving Ms. Othitis 5 STARS

Review by Jessica Cassidy;

Little traveller best book buddy to carry anywhere in a trip.

My summer babe who’s 8 loves to read this book. I let her read the book and tell me the story. We were happy that our famous tourist spot Niagara Falls is mention in the book. We lived about 45 minutes drive from the famous waterfalls in the world. She also learnt different countries and continents aside from USA. This book is amazingly beautiful. The illustrations are so beautiful. I know that all kids will LOVE reading this book.

My First Travel Book by Ms.Anna Othitis is now part of her book collections in her room. It is now part of her bedtime story to read. I highly recommend this book to all the kids who only not loves to travel but would love to explore the world by reading each pages. There are many beautiful places to learn and explore about this travel book.Frankie the pilot is very friendly. All the kids will have a fun ride and travel with him. You will also love the name of the airlines. It is one of the sweetest airlines my summer babe reads.

Kids before you travel and maybe your first time in an aeroplane, do not forget to tell your parents to grab this book. It will help you to enjoy your plane ride and explore places you never imagine.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY & GET YOUR KIDS THEIR PASSPORT TO ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION!

 

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The two (2) people with the most tweets will be chosen as the winners!
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2 x Kids I-pad Air 2 TO BE WON!

 

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Review of For Love or Money (Family Secrets #1) by Tara Taylor Quinn w/a rafflecopter giveaway! #HarlequinMyRewards @PrismBookTours @HarlequinBooks @tarataylorquinn #FreeBook

Aug 11, 2016

For Love or Money
(Family Secrets #1)
by Tara Taylor Quinn
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can’t afford to lose this…or him

There’s no way that struggling single mom Janie Young is going to lose Family Secrets. Not even to Dr. Burke Carter. The prize money and media exposure from the cooking-competition show will secure the future for her and her son, who has special needs. Sure, Burke is a talented chef with his own reasons to win, but he already has so much: wealth, a beautiful daughter, great looks…and definitely her attention. As their families become closer, Janie is beginning to care too much about him. But she can’t afford to get involved. Not when everything is riding on beating him.

Harlie here…I know, I’m at Pink’s blog.  Let me explain why.  Sometimes when I pick a book to review from Harlequin, I need to put it over here on the “sweet” blog.  I know, I have the Harlequin/category spotlight on Harlie’s Books but sometimes either the author/publisher/tour company would rather it be featured over here.  No biggie to me or my readers.  Pink is doing…I honestly don’t know so that’s why I’m here.  The review will be a bit shorter but no worries.  No spoilers…

I really liked this story.  It had all the feels that a typical Heartwarming story has.  Emotions, family dynamics, a slow build romance and a tightly paced story that anyone could read.

Janie and Burke are trying to win a cooking contest.  Each has a different reason to win it and I liked that aspect of the book.  Janie needed the money and Burke didn’t want to disappoint his daughter Kelsey.  I won’t spoil how it turns out but in a way, I was kinda surprised.

Janie and her son Dawson will forever hold a special place in my heart.  Dawson has Down Syndrome and Janie needs to prize money for his therapies and school.  Naturally, she has an ex-husband that hasn’t even met his son.  Of course, once she is on television he comes sniffing around.  I hate fathers that do that.  I have a cousin that has cerebral palsy and my uncle is the best father.  Janie never gives up and with the help of her friends Cor and Joe, she has a great support system.

Burke and Kelsey have some big secrets that they have kept from each other.  I really felt for Kelsey.  Growing up without a mother and having to go to therapy AND being 13!  No wonder at times, Burke was at his wit’s end.

I really enjoyed how the contest and romance built up until the end of the book.  Unfortunately, I did have some issues that weren’t addressed.  Burke never really totally interacted with Dawson; at least not like Kelsey.  Kelsey has a dream with Dawson.  They bonded instantly and they helped each other in ways that no adult could ever do.  Also, I felt like the thread with Janie’s ex was left hanging.  There is some resolution but I felt like it was undone.  Also, the ending felt a bit rushed.  I would have liked an epilogue but then I had to remember that this is the first book in the series and it centers around the contest and some of the contestants.  I’m patient…I can wait.

Overall, I loved the book and the characters.  Ms. Taylor Quinn is one of my all time favorite Harlequin authors and she never misses with me.

FREE BOOK ALERT

 

Pick up THE GOOD GIRL for FREE in August from Wattpad!

Grab your copy here:
The Good Girl Wattpad Link

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.

Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.

Website│Goodreads│Amazon│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram│Wattpad

Check out the other releases and events part of this promotion HERE!

Tour Schedule

August 7th: Launch
August 8th:
Lady Amber’s Reviews
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
deal sharing aunt
Ali Williams
August 9th:
underneath the covers
Becky on Books
To Read or Not to Read
August 10th:
EskieMama Reads
Mel’s Shelves
Brooke Blogs
Books & Spoons
August 11th:
Beck Valley Books
Thoughts of a Blonde
Getting Your Read On
Love, Laughter, Friendship
Book Reviews & More by Kathy
Maya’s Musings
August 12th: Grand Finale
August 13th: Harlequin Junkie

Heart Stopping Tara Taylor Quinn Giveaways

FOR LOVE OR MONEY TOUR GIVEAWAY

$10 VISA gift card and winner’s ebook choice of one of TTQ’s Superromance Where Secrets Are Safe Series
US only
Ends August 17th

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TTQ PRE-ORDER/PURCHASE KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY

ENTER HERE

Kindle Fire with Six Pre-loaded TTQ Books (books 1-6 from Where Secrets are Safe series)
US only
Ends August 31st

To Enter: Submit your receipt online for your pre-order or purchase the soon-to-be-released Heartwarming compilation: A Heartwarming Holiday: 15 Connected Sweet Holiday Romances and/or of any of Tara Taylor Quinn’s six releases being promoted on her Heart Stopping Tour (Love By Association, His First Choice, The Promise He Made Her, Strangers in Paradise: Sheltered In His Arms, Sheltered In His Arms Audiobook, and For Love Or Money). Enter as many times as you purchase. One book purchase equals one entry (one receipt or invoice/order number per entry and must be entered at time of entry).

TTQ HARLEQUIN MY REWARDS POINTS GIVEAWAY

1st Place: 25,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 5 free books, reader’s choice of any book published by Harlequin/MIRA/Carina Press.
2nd Place: 15,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 3 free books, reader’s choice
3rd Place: 10,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 2 free books, readers choice
Open internationally
Ends August 31st

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Review of Coming Home, a Werewolf Story by Melissa Frost w/a rafflecopter giveaway! @EvernightTeen

Jan 21, 2016

 

COMING HOME

Melissa Frost

20K, Evernight Teen Publishing

Paranormal/Shifters/Romance

As a foster care child, Andi never stays long in one place. She doesn’t have a chance to connect with anyone—until sexy, blue-eyed Devon walks into her life.

Devon claims to have known her birth parents. He’s even got a photograph to prove it. He shows up offering her everything she could ever want—a friend, a connection to her family, and answers.

The only problem is Devon’s friendship comes with a few complications attached. There’s the fact that he’s a werewolf, and then there’s the territorial clan out to start a war with Devon’s pack. What started as a simple journey to learn about herself turns into a dangerous road trip that could get her killed.

If she can survive, Andi just might get the answers that have been plaguing her, and she might just fall in love with her new furry pal along the way.

Buy Links:
Evernight
Teen     Amazon

Excerpt: 

“I’m still not convinced.” She informed him of this in a tone that stated quite clearly
she thought him to be a liar. “You’ll have to try harder than that.”

At her skepticism, Devon gave a grin that could only be described as devilish. Climbing to his feet, he yanked the zipper down on his coat and shrugged out of it. He tossed the coat into the snow before lifting his shirt over his head. 

As if they had a mind of their own, her eyes drank in the sight of his bare chest. He was amazingly sculpted, his arm muscles bunching with every movement. His abs, which appeared rock solid, mirrored the action. He even had an interesting scar along his left shoulder that only seemed to add to his sex appeal. She cleared her throat uncomfortably, willing her body to settle down. She didn’t usually get so affected by boys.

When his hands went to his belt buckle and began unfastening it, she gave a squeak of objection. “What are you doing? Stop taking your clothes off!”

He grinned over at her. “You wanted to see a werewolf, didn’t you? I’m just obliging.”

 

But … but…”

He stripped out of his jeans with ease. “Werewolves aren’t freaked out by nudity, Andi. If
you remembered even the slightest bit about your history, you would know that.”

As his briefs came down, her eyes lifted hurriedly to the sky. She gazed at the clouds as if they were the most intriguing thing in the entire world. Which was a complete farce. Standing before her was the first naked boy she’d ever been in the presence of. She desperately wanted to sneak a peek, yet she was too freaked out by the idea to even lower her gaze a fraction of an inch.

“Sheesh, you’re such a human,” Devon said in complaint. “You’re such a prude that you’re about to miss all the fun.”

Andi scowled, but her gaze was still lifted skyward so she had no idea if he saw her or not. As she stood awkwardly gazing at the clouds, she realized how absolutely absurd this situation was. She was standing in the entrance to a public park. With a naked boy. In the snow.

“This is so—” Her protests broke off as an odd popping sound filled the air. She couldn’t quite place it, but it felt so familiar. It was a noise she’d heard before, but she couldn’t remember where. Her eyes lowered to Devon’s bare shoulders to find them shifting and cracking. His flesh moved in such an unnatural way, she nearly cried out in alarm. Her own hand pressing to her lips was the only thing that stopped the sound from escaping.

She watched with morbid fascination as Devon’s body repositioned and changed itself into something new. Before her very eyes, his entire being altered, and he transformed into the shape of a wolf. It took no more than a minute or two, but the time seemed to stretch on forever.

She witnessed soft puffs of cream fur appear that seemed to burst right out of his skin. His fingers elongated, the nails growing out into sharp claws. The urge to run lasted a mere second before she was stepping forward in fascination.

Her fingers outstretched toward the furry muzzle that had once been Devon’s nose. She wasn’t frightened by him in the least. How could she be? He was the wolf! The one she’d seen outside the school staring into her classroom window.

She knew instantly he’d been there for her, watching over her as he awaited their reunion. She bet he had seen it playing out quite differently. Closing her eyes, she allowed her fingers to brush over the soft fur between his ears.

The sensation of it shook her to the core. Her body remembered it, recalled it like it was yesterday. Werewolf fur. She wasn’t sure if it was his fur in particular that felt so much like home, or if it was werewolf fur in general. Either way, it startled her just how much she longed to be near him in that moment.

Her eyes snapped open, and she stumbled back, unsteady on her feet. This was far too much to absorb in one afternoon. Her mind was racing, and she didn’t even know where to begin. As a result, she simply plopped down into the snow, stunned.

 

 Pink here.  I know, I’m reviewing again.  Harlie’s on a break.  She’s tired and working with the kiddies again.  So the reading and reviewing for the next couple of months is my job.  Woo Hoo!  Harlie hasn’t given me a lot to do and I’ve been busy.  But hey she needs help and happy to be here for her.

As you know, Harlie doesn’t “do” shifters stories.  In fact its rare that she even reads PNR but I love it.  Especially YA PNR.  Of course I have to agree with my sister, my vampires don’t sparkle but I do love a good shifter story.  Ms. Foster hits one out of the park for me on this one.  I did, however, have to get over Andi’s sudden “of course I believe you” was a bit of a stretch for me but in the end I could understand it.  She never fit in and after being bounced around, it felt good to finally have some closure when it came to her family.

Devon was a dream for me.  He was patient with Andi in the beginning.  He helped her to understand what truly had happened to her parents and ultimately to her.  In fact, calling her human all the time was funny.  It was kinda like a pet name for her.  In the end though it was up to Andi to fully embrace who she was a child and to what she could become.

I loved this book.  In fact, I might have to bug Ms. Foster to write more about Andi and Devon.  Their story isn’t finished by a long shot.  Just a feeling.  Another reason why I loved this story is that it didn’t over load with all the pack stuff.  You got to know Andi and Devon as characters.  The politics and other stuff can come later.

A tender love story about find your mate and not realizing it.  At least from Andie’s POV.

And Harlie said that I can use them. 🙂

About the Author:

 

Melissa Frost grew up loving young adult novels and continues to immerse herself in the current authors on the market.

In the fifth grade, she won a writing competition to work with children’s author Colleen O’Shaughnessy Mckenna, and it inspired her to write stories of her own.

She never looked back.Google:   AuthorMelissaFrost

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaFrost/?ref=bookmarks

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Giveaway:   $10
Evernight Teen Gift Card

 

 

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Review of When Love Matters Most by Kate James w/a rafflecopter giveaway! @KateJamesBooks

Jan 15, 2016

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Now More Readily Available in Print

This is an exciting time for Harlequin Heartwarming. Thanks to the loyalty of our readers, for the first time, our January releases, including When Love Matters Most, are available as mass-market paperbacks through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com. Also, When Love Matters Most will be available in select Walmart stores in the United States in February! Please check the Harlequin website for the location nearest you. Thank you to all our readers who made these advancements possible for us!

— Kate

When Love Matters Most
(K-9 Trilogy #2)
by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Keeping her safe at all costs

Could their backgrounds be any more different? Rick Vasquez, a K-9 unit sergeant with the San Diego Police Department, fled drug-related violence in Mexico as a boy. Madison Long, who recently became primary veterinarian to the SDPD’s canines, is the privileged daughter of a judge. Rick has dedicated his life to curtailing cross-border drug trafficking and preventing other young boys from being drawn into the dark world of the cartels.

But everything Rick and Madison value, and the growing love between them, is threatened by the dangers of Rick’s job, and the risks he’s determined to take…

As Harlie’s little sister my first romance books were Harlequins.  And yes, she knows.  LOL!  Of course, she doesn’t know that I also read her Blaze books, too.  Don’t tell her.  Anyway…

What I truly like about a Heartwarming book is that there is plenty of character development and story.  This might come as a surprise but I really like the “clean” reads.  I have a mind and I use it.  I’m not so dumb to think that I don’t know what goes on behind a closed door.  Do I need it shoved in my face?  No and this is why I love this line.  Great stories, awesome writing and characters that I can relate to.

Take Rick and Madison.  They have real jobs with real life issues that surround those jobs.  Rick goes out every day and might not make it back.  Madison is the woman that has to decide if her love for Rick is strong enough for both of them.  It was interesting how Madison confided in Jess and Cal about her thoughts and fears.  I felt like the author did justice to the men and women surrounding our police officers.

I would be remiss if I don’t mention the dogs in the story.  Sniff, Zeke and Nitro…I love those names and Ms. James did her homework when it comes to the different types of dogs and their specilities in police work.  I got a real feel for what they do and why.  It only enhances the story between Rick and Madison.  Do they take over the story?  No but they play an important part in it.

Would I recommend this book?  You bet.  Anyone can read it and I think that they should.  Crisp writing, great characters and a plot that is revelant today.  Plus, its just a great romance.  *sigh*  And it makes me want to go back to San Diego to visit.

And Harlie said that I can use them. 🙂

 

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin

Kate James spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Her writing has been recognized with a number of awards, including first place honors for Silver Linings in both the First Coast Romance Writers’ Published Beacon Contest and Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her November 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release, A Child’s Christmas, received first-place honors from Southern Magic, the Birmingham Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, for the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, placed second in the Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, and was a finalist in RWA’s Desert Rose Chapter’s Golden Quill Award and the Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence. Finally, her October 2015 release, When the Right One Comes Along, the first book in her K-9 trilogy, has received a Best Book of 2015 award in the contemporary category.

She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by e-mail, through her website, her Facebook page, Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.

Tour Schedule

January 4th: Launch
January 5th: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
January 6th: Becky on Books & Sunrise Avenue
January 7th: Reading Is My SuperPower & Singing Librarian Books
January 8th: Getting Your Read On & deal sharing aunt
January 10th: Colorimetry & I Am A Reader
January 11th: Mel’s Shelves & Slice of Life
January 12th: Thoughts of a Blonde & Falling Leaves
January 13th: underneath the covers & Teatime and Books
January 14th: Rockin’ Book Reviews
January 15th: Enthralling Dimple & Love, Laughter, Friendship
January 17th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– $40 Amazon eGift Card & signed copies of The Truth About Hope and When the Right One Comes Along
– 3 winners of signed copies of When the Right One Comes Along
Open US/CAN only
Ends January 23rd

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Review of Secrets & Lies (book #2 in the Cassie Scot Mystery series) by Christine Amsden

Nov 19, 2013

Book BLURB:

Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness. Book 2 in the Cassie Scot Mystery series.

Review:

Have I mentioned how much I respect and admire Cassie?  Well I do.  Talk about dealing with the family from hell and now, having to deal with Evan and the life debt?  I mean Evan’s a dreamy and all but talk about a guy that needs to step into the right century when it comes to treating a woman.  Its 2013, not the 1800’s dude.  🙂  But in the world that Ms. Amsden has created, its how it is.

All that aside about Evan, he does what he can to protect Cassie and its endearing to me.  Cassie is independent and trying so hard to make a life for her own in a world that is magical and she’s not.  I liked her even more in this book.  Dealing with deep betrayal by her family and now, she and Evan are getting closer in the romance department.  Cassie never loses sight of what she had to do in her job, solve mysteries.  And she good at it, too.

But this is much as Evan’s book as it is Cassie’s.  They overall arc of the book isn’t even near completion and I can’t wait to find out even more about Cassie’s family and their decisions will continue to affect Cassie and Evan.  Let’s not forget that Evan is supposed to be the enemy to Cassie’s family.  Ooooo, good stuff and I love it when an author has this kind of arc in a book.  Plus, don’t forget the romance burgeoning between them.  *thud*

Cassie is an intelligently written “non-paranormal” character in a paranormal/urban fantasy series.  Yes, if you remember, she has no powers of anything.  Nada, zip, not one twitch of the nose.  I think that’s why I like her so much.  She’s a real person.  I can relate to her and her problems.  Not to mention that she works as a detective in her own agency.  She has “balls”, just not when it comes to Evan at times.  But hey…who would?  🙂

This series just keeps getting better and better.  I can’t wait to see how book #3 will turn out.  Bring it, Ms. Amsden.  🙂

BIO:

Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

ONLINE LINKS:

• Website http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/
• Blog http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/?page_id=200
• Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Amsden-Author-Page/127673027288664
• Goodreads ttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030664.Christine_Amsden
• Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/117845642477854934607/posts