Welcome to my June Favourites.
Here, you will find a list of the movies and books I watched and read in June and my favourite among them.
Books Read:
Favourite:
Saturday 30 June 2018
Friday 29 June 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman
Jake, Lucid Dreamer
Author: David J. Naiman
Publication Date: May 4th, 2018
Genre: MG Magical Realism
Book Description:
12-year-old Jake has been suppressing his heartbreak over the loss of his mother for the past four years. But his emotions have a way of haunting his dreams and bubbling to the surface when he least expects it. When Jake learns how to take control in his dreams, he becomes a lucid dreamer, and that’s when the battle really heats up.
Using his wits to dodge bullies by day and a nefarious kangaroo hopping ever closer by night, Jake learns about loss, bravery, the power of love, and how you cannot fully heal until you face your greatest fear. This uncompromising novel is a magical yet honest exploration of emotional healing after a devastating loss.
Buy Links:
MY REVIEW
The story is pretty straightforward, and it's a quick read. It explores the trials and tribulations of Jake, a 12 year old who is overcome with the loss of his mother four years ago and also frustrated with just about everything in life - from school bullies to family drama.
Initially, I was very excited to read this book as it sounded very intriguing, and while it started off great, pulling me in right from the get-go and making me feel a lot of compassion for Jake and his family, the story soon started to drag, which made the book seem a lot longer than it actually was. It just felt as though I was experiencing the same incidents again and again without much development. There were some beautiful moments where I felt very connected with the character, and then the story would lose my interest, and I would disengage from it.
I think the biggest problem for me was that the character felt as though he was lacking a purpose - a goal, so to speak. I loved Jake as a character. He was likable and flawed. I liked how he handled the struggles that came his way. Some good lessons to be learned here. As a character, Jake had potential to grow, which made me want to know more about him. Unfortunately, I wasn't too much of a fan of the plot. Certain situations were extended for too long and Jake never seemed to drive the story. He merely appeared to be going through the motions.
Despite me not enjoying the story much, I did enjoy the author's writing style. I thought he brought out the characters' emotions effectively, and I certainly felt a connection to Jake and his family.
I wanted to love the story as much as I loved Jake, but it just wasn't meant to be. It was still an okay read.
VERDICT
Award: Silver
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Source: Author
BOOK REVIEW: Short or Tall Doesn't Matter At All / Part Of The Rainbow by Asaf Rozanes
Short or Tall Doesn't Matter At All
Author: Asaf Rozanes
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2018
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Book Description:
This is a story for all those who feel a little different or have been left out.
With bravery, kindness and determination, Mia shows her friends that everyone, no matter how small or different, has talents and skills too.
Every child and grown up goes through struggles to fit in or find their place in a world that is often confusing and sometimes cruel.
Each and every one of us has something which makes us different, unique, special - and that's a GOOD thing!
In this insightful and inspiring book, children will learn what is really important in life by focusing on the following values:
Kindness
Acceptance
Learning to be themselves
Friendship
Kindness
Buy Links:
MY REVIEW
I really enjoy a good picture book. They just fill me with joy. Mia gets a lesson on the importance of difference and how being different can be a great advantage. She learns not to worry about the little things in life - no pun intended. There are important things in life one should focus on and other things that you shouldn't really worry about - such as whether you're short or tall.
Why worry about what you can't change instead of thinking about what you can change? As much as the kids made fun of Mia because of her height, she soon came to realise that she's perfect just the way she is and that the world needs both tall and short people.
It was a good lesson to learn, and I really liked the example used to demonstrate the importance of being different and accepting who you are.
VERDICT
Award: Gold
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Source: Author
Part Of The Rainbow
Author: Asaf Rozanes
Publication Date: May 5th, 2018
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Book Description:
Mia’s story is one we can all relate to, the differences between us and learning to accept our own unique traits.
As Mia struggles to find her place in a class devoid of green, she learns how special she is and how all of us, together, make the best rainbow of all.
In this insightful and inspiring book, children will learn what is really important in life by focusing on the following values:
Accept yourself and what makes you unique
Accept others and what makes them different
Together we all create the amazing rainbow of life
Buy Links:
MY REVIEW
Another joyous story about being different and accepting who you are. Loved the rhyming scheme. What I enjoy most about these books is that they don't feel preachy. Some kids don't like reading because they feel they're being pressured to be a certain way. This isn't the case here. You completely forget you're learning because the story is portrayed in such a joyous manner. Reading can sometimes feel like a chore, but this book is just pure fun.
We are all unique because we are all different. A wonderful read.
VERDICT
Award: Gold
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Source: Author
Thursday 28 June 2018
Book Blitz & Giveaway - Superhero High by T.H. Hernandez
Superhero High Author: T.H. Hernandez
Published by: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication Date: July 5th 2018
Genre: YA Adventure / Science Fiction
Book Description:
Sixteen-year-old Annarenee Stevens is the sole member of her family without a super power. The only time she feels powerful is in the pool. With her sights set on swimming for U.C. Berkeley, she’s ready to win it all at the State championship and secure her future.
When the government unexpectedly ends the secret Genetically Enhanced Asset (GEA) program, Annarenee is uprooted from Dayton, the only home she’s ever known, and relocated to San Diego with all of the other GEA families. Queen of her public school, Annarenee is just another zero at Superhero High, a school without any sports teams.
With the end of the program, her hero older brother now needs a college education, too, meaning the only way Annarenee is getting into Berkeley is on a scholarship. Her dream is slipping through her fingers, no matter how tightly she clings to it. To make matters worse, super hot superhero, Ren Gonzalez, is paying too much attention to her. The kind of attention that has Ren’s ex-girlfriend intent on making Annarenee’s life even more miserable.
Wednesday 27 June 2018
Book Blitz - Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga
Kiss of the Royal releases next week! Pre-order your copy today!
Kiss of the Royal
Author: Lindsey Duga
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: July 3rd 2018
Entangled Teen
Book Description:
In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.
Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.
With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.
Entangled Teen
Book Description:
In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.
Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.
With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.
Pre-Order Links:
Monday 25 June 2018
Book Blitz & Giveaway - Go Home, Afton by Brent Jones
Go Home, Afton
(Afton Morrison, #1)
Author: Brent Jones
Publication Date: June 25th, 2018
Genre: Adult Thriller
Book Description:
We all wear masks, and Afton Morrison is no exception.
A small-town librarian with a dark side, Afton, twenty-six, has suppressed violent impulses her entire adult life. Impulses that demand she commit murder.
Blending her urges with reason, Afton stalks a known sexual predator, intending to kill him. But her plan, inspired by true crime and hatched with meticulous care, is interrupted by a mysterious figure from her past. A dangerous man that lurks in the shadows, watching, threatening to turn the huntress into the hunted.
Go Home, Afton is the first of four parts in a new serial thriller by author Brent Jones. Packed with grit and action, The Afton Morrison Series delves into a world of moral ambiguity, delivering audiences an unlikely heroine in the form of a disturbed vigilante murderess.
Book Description:
We all wear masks, and Afton Morrison is no exception.
A small-town librarian with a dark side, Afton, twenty-six, has suppressed violent impulses her entire adult life. Impulses that demand she commit murder.
Blending her urges with reason, Afton stalks a known sexual predator, intending to kill him. But her plan, inspired by true crime and hatched with meticulous care, is interrupted by a mysterious figure from her past. A dangerous man that lurks in the shadows, watching, threatening to turn the huntress into the hunted.
Go Home, Afton is the first of four parts in a new serial thriller by author Brent Jones. Packed with grit and action, The Afton Morrison Series delves into a world of moral ambiguity, delivering audiences an unlikely heroine in the form of a disturbed vigilante murderess.
Buy Links:
Cover Reveal - Butterfly Blood (Metamorphosis #2) by Rebecca L. Carpenter
Butterfly Blood
(Metamorphosis #2)
(Metamorphosis #2)
Author: Rebecca L. Carpenter
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Release Date: August 2018
Lakewater Press
Book Description:
A sixteen-year-old girl who cheated death continues her fight for survival as she goes up against real-life monsters, desperate for her unique blood, while risking everything to reunite with the love of her life, who is battling his own soul-sucking demons.
Pre-Order Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK
Pre-Order Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK
The first book in the Metamorphosis series, Butterfly Bones, has a redesign!
EXCERPT from BUTTERFLY BLOOD:
Darkness consumes him.
Choking.
Suffocating.
His lungs burn as if they’ve been lit on fire.
He reaches out for something.
Anything.
But nothing is familiar.
The smells.
The sounds.
The voices.
And he can’t feel anything.
Except numbness.
Someone speaks.
But it’s a foreign language.
Foreign and muffled.
Light enters his brain, blinding and as painful as staring into the sun.
The brightness grows, with it the sharpness of a thousand needles.
He wants to scream.
He opens his mouth to scream.
But only a weak cry slips over his parched lips.
So dry.
So dry.
The light retracts.
Darkness slithers toward him, coiling up his leg …
Moving ever so slowly until it reaches his mouth and slips inside.
And all he wants to do is drink it up.
So thirsty.
So thirsty.
About the Author
Rebecca Carpenter is a native of western Colorado. She is married with two grown children and has been blessed with four amazing grandchildren. She owns and directs a large childcare center where she shares her love for books. In her spare time, she freelances as a copy editor, helping others attain their writing dreams. She finds solace and clarity while spending time with her husband exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
Author Links:
Cover Reveal Organised By:
Saturday 23 June 2018
Release Day Sale & Giveaway - Narcissistic Tendencies by Jennifer Peel
Narcissistic Tendencies
Author: Jennifer Peel
Book Description:
"*Warning* Clear all plans before you start this book, because I promise you will NOT want to put it down until the last page has been read!" -Kathy Jo from KJ's Book Nook ★★★★★
"Waiting for that first kiss was sweet torture but was it worth it? Yumma yes! Nick makes fanning yourself a necessity." - Aimee from Getting Your Read On ★★★★★
He wants her future. She can’t forget her past. Psychologist Kate Morgan loves her job evaluating clients for the matchmaking service Binary Search. That is, until the one and only Nicholas Wells becomes a client and the new face of the company. Now Kate must take on a new role as his relationship manager to “fix” the actor-turned-writer-and-
Friday 22 June 2018
Book Blast & Giveaway - The Girl with More Than One Heart by Laura Geringer Bass
The Girl with More Than One Heart
Author: Laura Geringer Bass
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (April 17, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1419728822
ISBN-13: 978-1419728822
Book Description:
There are times we all feel we need more than one heart to get through. When Briana’s father dies, she imagines she has a new heart growing inside her. It speaks to her in her Dad’s voice. Some of its commands are mysterious.
Find Her! it says. Be Your Own!
How can Briana “be her own” when her grieving mother needs her to take care of her demanding little brother all the time? When all her grandpa can do is tell stories instead of being the “rock" she needs? When her not-so-normal home life leaves no time to pursue her dream of writing for the school literary magazine? When the first blush of a new romance threatens to be nipped in the bud? Forced by the loss of her favorite parent to see all that was once familiar with new eyes, Briana draws on her own imagination, originality, and tender loving heart to discover a surprising path through the storm.
Buy Links:
Thursday 21 June 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Tomorrow is Near but Today is Here by Asaf Rozanes
Tomorrow is Near but Today is Here
Author: Asaf Rozanes
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2018
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2018
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Book Description:
The stress, worry and anxiety our children face is greater than any generation before. This tale can help soothe the anxiety that fills your child's mind, allowing gentler thoughts to take root "" thoughts that leave no room for worry and remind them that "Yesterday has passed, today is a gift and tomorrow is brand new."
Building a better tomorrow means being present today.
In this insightful and inspiring book, children will learn what is really important in life by focusing on the following values:
Mindfulness
If you want to change tomorrow, act today!
Enjoy and experience life here and now
˃˃˃ This lesson is universal and applies to both children and parents alike.Kids are not the only ones to experience some sort of Anxiety, Stress, Worry, Over-thinking or feeling different in their daily environment, whether its at work or even with family and friends.
Buy Links:
MY REVIEW
This is my kind of book. It's not every day you read a story that centres on a young character suffering with anxiety, and I just loved the message told throughout the book. It's one I often use myself: think only about now and not about yesterday or tomorrow. Live in the moment and enjoy it or you might miss out on the wonders life has to offer.
This is a much needed book today, particularly with the rise in depression in young children. It's a good reminder - not only for children but for adults too - to smile and push worrying thoughts aside. Here today, gone tomorrow, so why worry about the negative. Think positive and just smile.
It was a good read. I really enjoyed it.
VERDICT
This is a much needed book today, particularly with the rise in depression in young children. It's a good reminder - not only for children but for adults too - to smile and push worrying thoughts aside. Here today, gone tomorrow, so why worry about the negative. Think positive and just smile.
It was a good read. I really enjoyed it.
VERDICT
Award: Gold
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Source: Author
Tuesday 19 June 2018
Release Day Promo - Between the Sea and Stars by Chantal Gadoury
Between the Sea and Stars
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Publisher: Parliament House Press
Book Description:
A Legend,
A Magical Shell
A Girl Who Dreamed Of Something More...
Lena, a Merrow girl, lives in the Skagerrak sea with her father, Carrick and her brother, Javelin who tells her of the legend of the Merrow Queen murdered by her human lover when greed takes over. But what’s worth spilling the queen’s blood? Gifted from Poseidon, himself, a magic shell gives any human the ability to control both land and sea.
When Javelin is called to join a clan of Merrow soldiers bent on protecting their waters from human invasion, Lena resists Merrow law and ventures to the shore with no choice but to swim to land.
With newfound legs, Lena is whisked away on a new adventure with new friends and new trouble. Everyone seems to want something from her as intrigue lurks around every corner.
Trying her best to hide who she is and remain safe from the dangers of the human world, will Lena finally find where she belongs, or will she be swept into a strong and stormy current by lust, greed, and jealousy?
Buy Links:
Monday 18 June 2018
Book Blitz & Giveaway - Escape Forbidden by Ruth Silver
Escape Forbidden
(Aberrant Prequel)
Author: Ruth Silver
Publication Date: June 15th, 2018
Genre: YA Dystopian
Book Description:
Publication Date: June 15th, 2018
Genre: YA Dystopian
Book Description:
Fight to stay alive.
The Gravelands are a dangerous place.
In a world of uncertainty, Cora Manning knows one thing without a doubt: getting into Genesis will offer her a brighter future.
When the intake coordinator agrees to let her in because of her genetic makeup, Cora discovers the promised city of utopia is nothing like she imagined.
The rebellion has begun.
Buy Links: