Book Spotlight - New Yorkers: A Feisty People Who Will Unsettle, Madden, Amuse and Astonish You by Clifford Browder

A quirky memoir by a longtime resident with bits of history and travel lore thrown in...

By Clifford Browder

A quirky memoir by a longtime resident, with glances at his city’s history and bits of travel lore all rolled into one.

Readers will learn how the Statue of Liberty almost didn’t happen; how the author found the sacred in the city, and learned the Charleston on You Tube; how  mobsters shared the corridors of the legendary Waldorf Astoria hotel with the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor and an ex-president; and how the author had an affair with a Broadway chorus boy (if the Cardinal Archbishop of New York could do it, so could he).

Plus Mohawks, hustlers, scams and cons, wigmakers and crematory managers, racoons in Central Park, Trump Tower, cholera, and the Beatles.  A fun book, but with some serious moments.

New York is the most exciting city in the world.  The author wants to share it with everyone.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Cover Reveal - The Worlds That Separated Us by Megan Jayne

The Worlds That Separated Us

Author: Megan Jayne

Publication Date: May 1st, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

University graduate Rosie is from Earth. At least she’s never had cause to question that before now. After a car accident and an oddly familiar stranger turn her world upside down, she is forced to question everything she thought she once knew. Thrust into a world of betrayal, loss, and love. Rosie faces an impossible choice between the two worlds she’s grown to love, or risk losing everything she’s ever cared about. All while an impending war is on the horizon.

About the Author

Megan Jayne is a debut author with her first YA Fantasy novel ‘The Worlds That Separated Us,’ due for release in Spring 2021. She was born in Northern Ireland and still resides there in a small picturesque village with her husband, two young children, and beagle Holly.

When Megan isn’t writing you can usually find her; playing with her two children, in the kitchen baking delicious cakes, deep into a novel, or settling down to a good movie with her husband.

Author Links:
Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Instagram ¦ Newsletter

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection

Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection

Authors: Devon Monk, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Faith Hunter, R.J. Blain

Publication Date: January 12th, 2021

Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong.

Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock; join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small — if the price is right.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - Immortals by Carissa Andrews

Immortals

(A Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery, #3)

Author: Carissa Andrews

Publication date: TBD

Genre: Adult Mystery / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

The World of Windhaven Crashes into the World of Diana Hawthorne!

Diana Hawthorne has practically been a one-woman show for more than two-thousand years. 

That all ended the day a set of supernatural Gemini Twins disrupted the sleepy town of Windhaven. With both of them on the verge of self-destructing, Diana has decided to take in the Twins, in hopes of giving them the kind of guidance she knows they won’t find anywhere else.  

You see, she’s immortal. 

And now, so are they. 

But controlling the growing power inside them both proves to be more than she anticipated. Plus, there are forces at work behind the scenes that would like nothing more than to tip the scales in their own personal favor. 

Having never had children of her own, can Diana learn how to get through to them? 

Or will the draw to the dark side prove more compelling than the world’s most powerful psychic?

About the Author

“An author emerges from the depths of Minnesotan waters. Sci-fi/Fantasy is my pen of choice.”

Carissa Andrews is a Minnesota-based genre-bending author who writes a combination of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia. When not writing her own books, she’s busy reading them.

Carissa’s internationally bestselling trilogy, The Pendomus Chronicles, is now in digital, print, and audiobook formats. She has hit the scene as an up and coming speculative fiction author who uses a mix of scifi and fantasy, twisted in modern mythology and alternative history. Check out The Final Five, Oracle, Awakening, and Love is a Merciless God!

Carissa has big plans for 2020. Check out her upcoming series, The Windhaven Witches.

For more information on their release, visit Carissa Andrews’ author website: www.carissaandrews.com and sign up for her newsletter notifications.

She lives in central Minnesota with her husband and brood of five kids. Not to mention, her insane husky puppies, Aztec and Pharaoh.

Carissa is also a freelance graphic designer, writer and content creator, social media manager, and marketing professional. She writes consistently on topics of science, technology, art, writing, photography, graphic design, health, self-improvement, and more. Her articles can be found published across the interwebs. Carissa is also a Top-Rated Freelancer on Upwork, and can be contacted for freelancing opportunities: http://bit.ly/UpworkCarissaAndrews

Author Links:
Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram ¦ Pinterest

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Book Blitz & Giveway - The Winter Heals by Marie McGrath

The Winter Heals

(Honey Cove, #2)

Author: Marie McGrath

Publication Date: January 12th, 2021

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

It was almost impossible to heal when everyone was out to get you.

Shelby Rowe was stuck between two worlds—the one she wanted and the one everyone else wanted for her. As the daughter of a prominent family in Honey Cove, Shelby’s life was out of her control. Her friends, interests, and even her love life was controlled by others.

When a new girl moves to town, Shelby’s life was turned upside down as she gets a glimpse of what life could be like—no obligations, no pressure. As the Christmas break begins, Shelby is left stuck between what is expected and what she feels is right. Split in half, Shelby has to make decisions to correct her life and heal her spirit.

Will she allow others to control who she is? Or will she finally go out on her own?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas, Mistletoe and You by Maggie Anderson

Christmas, Mistletoe and You

Author: Maggie Anderson

Genre: Holiday Romance Novella

Publication Date: 29th November 2017

Book Description:

Casey Munroe is certain Peter Taylor has no Christmas spirit... With Christmas right around the corner, Casey is in search of that special tree and just when she thinks she's found it, a very handsome man buys it right out from under her nose and drives away with it on the roof of his sleek, black BMW. ONE YEAR LATER On the way home to spend the holidays with her family, Casey is forced to make an unexpected detour and runs into the same man who stole her Christmas tree the year before. After spending time together, Casey realizes he has stolen her heart as well. But nothing is ever smooth sailing when it comes to love.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

A very quick and simple story about fate with a little twinkle of Christmas joy. Although the book didn’t have me jumping out of my seat, I did find it to be an enjoyable read with likeable characters.

Peter and Casey are two singletons whose fate keep intertwining ever since they ran into each other while shopping for the perfect Christmas Tree, but something just keeps getting in the way of them getting together. Where romance is involved, Peter has let a bad breakup get in the way of him meeting other people, but that hasn’t stopped him from constantly thinking about Casey, who thinks Peter is out of her league and isn’t sure he feels the same way about her as she does about him. The problem is that both Peter and Casey are afraid to take the leap in fear of having their hearts broken.

I hadn't expected the book to end the way it did due to the numerous missed opportunities of getting these characters together, but I did like how it ended. I did feel as though Casey was portrayed a little younger than she is. Sometimes, she came across as a teenager in her mannerism when she and Peter would interact. It wasn't a problem, it was just something that was very noticeable to me.

It was a good holiday romance novel with a simple storyline.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Own copy

BOOK REVIEW - B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings by

B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings

Author: Melissa Boyd

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 28th February 2019

Book Description:

From the letter A to the letter Z, B is for Breathe celebrates the many ways children can express their feelings and develop coping skills at an early age. Fun, cute, and exciting illustrations, this colorful book teaches kids simple ways to cope with fussy and frustrating emotions. This book will inspire kids to discuss their feelings, show positive behaviors, and practice calm down strategies.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

A simple ABC book garnered at teaching children how to express their feelings through the use of the alphabet. I loved the colourful illustrations. The book didn't captivate my attention as much as I would have liked, which made me wonder how well it would be received by those with a short attention span, especially as I found the delivery of the message was somewhat passive as it didn't have much explanation for anything. I did like the diversity in the illustrations even though we don't engage with any of the characters on a personal level.

It was a good read.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Own copy

BOOK REVIEW: Share A Little Kindness by Colleen Brunetti

Share A Little Kindness

Author: Colleen Brunetti

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 9th July 2020

Book Description:

If you could teach your child to be anything in this world, what would it be?

Brave? Bold? Kind? Compassionate? Full of imagination? This book sets the stage, and begins...

Share a little kindness, Love. Be the good that others see.

Look inside and you will find everything that you can be.

This book is a wish. A wish for every child. A wish for the world. 

Using gentle poetry and charming illustrations, snuggle up and bring your child through these choices with soft guidance, and sweet words to live by. 

Children will delight in the whimsical and colorful animal pictures. Parents will appreciate the solid life lessons woven throughout. With themes such as tolerance, diversity, active listening, and owning your own truth woven in, this is truly a book of life lessons and empowerment for children of all ages... and adults too! 

Special features include illustrated animals from each continent, and a final page of diverse and multi-cultural children. Perfect for classrooms, teachers, curriculum development around building character. 

THEMES COVERED:

Kindness

Generosity

Perseverence

Mending friendships after a fight

Apologizing

Forgivenness

Spending time in nature

Using your imagination

Getting lost in a great book

Listening to others

Standing up for yourself

Finding the light in dark times

Using your voice to make a difference

This book will be a favorite for boys and girls, teachers, librarians, and parents. Perfect for all children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and up. Most suitable for Pre-K, grade 1, grade, 2, grade 3, and parents and teachers who appreciate a well written and beautifully illustrated book to enhance a child's world.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This was a cute book with many different themes surrounding kindness, forgiveness and many other messages. It was a good read but for some reason the words didn't incite much inspiration and didn't paint any mental images to help build a connection to the messages expressed throughout.

The illustrations were just okay for me. I was expecting a little more in the way of the book evoking emotions, but I felt disconnected from the story, which was a shame as I liked the themes. Nonetheless, it was still a good read.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Witch Unexpected by Debbie Cassidy

Witch Unexpected

(The Thirteenth Sign #1)
Author: Debbie Cassidy
Publication Date: December 29th, 2020
Genre: Adult Romance / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

An ancient war, a tenuous truce, a delicate balance.

Sounds ominous right?

It is.

The tri-pack collective has existed for centuries—three dire wolf packs bound to the most powerful coven in the world through a single witch born under the thirteenth sign of the zodiac.

Through this covenant they keep an ancient threat unlike any other at bay.

At the next blood moon, I’ll be that witch—bound to the three leaders of the dire wolf packs. Responsible for keeping the peace.

That is If I make it to the blood moon alive, because someone is trying to kill me.

Now the hot-headed wolves are going to have to work together to make sure our inventive little murderer doesn’t succeed.

And me?

Well, I don’t take kindly to being targeted, so whoever’s gunning for me better watch out, because they just became the hunted.

An Urban Fantasy Romance filled with witches, shifters, warlocks, Gargoyles, Ghosts and Vampires.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

January Group Promo - FREE & Discounted eBooks

Happy New Year!

Congrats to the winner of the Deceber eBook of Choice Giveaway:
Jodi C.

The Christmas Giveaway and the January Giveaway, both offering the prize of a $10 Amazon Gift Card is ongoing, so pop over to my contests page or head straight over to CBY Book Club and enter for a chance to win.

Check out all the free and discounted ebooks and giveaways on offer below. Sharing is caring. I truly appreciate your support. Have a great weekend!

Happy Reading!

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Book Blast & Giveaway - Wild Open Faces by Jennifer G. Edelson (Book 2 in the Wild and Ruin Trilogy)

Wild Open Faces

Author: Jennifer G. Edelson

Publisher : Bad Apple Books (December 17, 2020)

Language: English

Paperback: 351 pages

ISBN-10: 1733514015

ISBN-13: 978-1733514019

Book Description:

Surfaces are deceiving . . .

After falling for Ezra and discovering a gateway to the Otherworld, it’s a truism Ruby knows to take to heart. But La Luna finally feels like home, and with graduation just weeks away and a cushy internship on a nearby archeological dig in her pocket, it’s easy to downplay the strange new events taking place in the Glorieta Pass. Even when Angel’s deadbeat father reappears after twenty years, stirring up questions about Angel, the ruin, and Ruby’s mother.

Uncertainty is bad enough, but when Ruby starts having inexplicable visions, and the archeological dig unearths mysterious artifacts connected to both a fabled Aztec city and the Pecos Pueblo, Ruby faces more than an uncertain future — she’s forced to accept the role of True of Heart. Will Ezra and her friends stand by her as she confronts the Otherworld? Love is enigmatic, especially in the heart of New Mexico, but the Otherworld may be the biggest mystery of them all.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - Black Water Magic by Leslie Scott

Black Water Magic

Author: Leslie Scott

Publication Date: January 12th, 2021
Genre: Adult Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:
Teagan Blackwater’s biggest problem used to be hiding her relationship with a demi-demon from her grandmother, Nola, the most powerful witch in all of Florida.

When Nola is murdered, Teagan learns how insignificant her secret really was. And how rare it is she only had the one. Firewater Springs is a small town, and every one of its residents seems to have secrets of their own. Including the friendly cop Teagan had a crush on in high school and the Demi-demon she’s been sleeping with.

But the person with the most secrets was Nola herself, and Teagan needs to unravel them to break a curse and solve Nola’s murder. It’s no secret Teagan doesn’t feel up to the task, but she is the new Swamp Witch of Firewater Springs, so what choice does she have? Everyone is counting on her.
No pressure.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author

Award nominated author of Two Hearts, One Stone and the Arkadia Fast Series, Leslie Scott has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. The happier the ending, the better. Currently, she lives and writes amidst her own happily ever after with her soul mate, son, and domestic zoo. http://lesliescottromance.com/

Author Links:

Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram

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