BOOK REVIEW: The Goblin Pitcher by Paul Lonardo

The Goblin Pitcher

Author: Paul Lonardo

Genre: MG Fantasy / Adventure / Sports
Publication Date: 11 April 2021

Book Description:

The one thing eleven-year-old Jake Lupo loves more than anything else is baseball. However, despite his father being a professional pitcher, Jake's fear of failing has kept him from competing against children his own age. When his father, who has recovered from a serious arm injury, is invited to pitch for an independent team, Jake and his parents move to Pine Barrows, a far flung forested mountain outpost. Jake is excited about his father's chance at a comeback, but he soon learns that he is not the only one in Pine Barrows who loves baseball. Goblins love to play baseball, too, and Pine Barrows happens to be chock full of them. Then Jake discovers that the region is occupied by two factions of warring goblins.

Seeking to take control of the goblin kingdom, the leader of the evil goblins kidnaps Jake's mother and bans baseball, a game which itself is a natural source of power for the goblins.

It turns out that Jake has a secret kinship with the legendary beings, and he is the only one who can save them, their kingdom and his mother. However, Jake must believe in himself and play a winner-take-all game against the best goblin players in Pine Barrows.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Jake Lupo is used to moving around due to his father being a professional pitcher. After recovering from an injury, his father is offered an opportunity to pitch for an independent team, which could be the kick he needs to get his career back on track, so the family pack up and move to Pine Barrows. But Jake has a secret he's been keeping from his family: he hears voices calling to him. And the move to Pine Barrows has made matters worse for Jake as the voices are no longer just voices anymore. Now Jake is starting to see things other people can't see. Who are these green creatures lurking around his new home, and what do they want with Jake? Was the move to Pine Barrows an opportunity or a trap?

Since moving to Pine Barrows, Jake finds himself facing off with a reality he couldn't he imagine let alone be apart of. Jake certainly learns a lot about his connection to the magical realm surrounding his family home in Pine Barrows, and the truth sends him on a time sensitive mission of finding a powerful object called the Sacred Amulet in order to save his family from the clutches of a powerful dark leader known as the Overlord, who wishes to possess the amulet so he can become the supreme ruler of his kingdom. The amulet can cause a lot of problems in the wrong hands, but with his family's life on the line, Jake has to make the right decisions or risk losing everything dear to him.

The Goblin Pitcher was certainly an enjoyable read. The ambience of the story put me on the mind of the Spiderwick Chronicles. I found it a little overwritten at times, more telling than showing, which kept pulling me in and out of the story and stopped me from being fully immersed in the story. Despite this, I liked the world building. The author brought certain scenes to life, which was rather magical. I had expected a little more baseball action given Jake's love for the game, but it was talked about enough to satiate one's hunger for the game. Apart from Jake, the other character I found very engaging was Lorcan. In terms of being trustworthy, he was a questionable character, but he was very likeable. The doubt I had about his character made me want to learn more about him.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable story, and I love the book cover, which exudes a youthful energy, just like the story. I definitely recommend this book for all, especially middle-schoolers.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4 Star

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: Everybody Poops by Justine Avery

Everybody Poops

Author: Justine Avery

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: 15 November 2019

Book Description:

Taking the taboo out of POO!

Everybody poops—it’s true! It’s time to blow the door right off the bathroom, and shine a light on what happens on the loo.

For the little ones just discovering the contents of their diapers and nappies, the bigger ones needing reassurance that their most mysterious bodily function is as natural as can be, and the biggest ones who still hold a fondness for toilet humor, Everybody Poops! is piled high with bold and audacious illustrations and the truth about who’s doing the pooing: every body is doing it!

Sure to incite giggling fits and all-ages laughter, Everybody Poops! exposes the least talked about fact we all have in common the world over and among all walks of life, benefiting the youngest of us by opening the discussion, promoting comfort with their bodies, and helping them feel included. Poo pride!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

The title of the book is the content readers are introduced to. No one wants to discuss pooping, but everyone does it. Children who are potty training will find comfort in knowing that pooping is a usual occurrence and that thought might help them with this period of their life. The book doesn't incite anything beyond this. I found some of the imagery inappropriate and uncomfortable, but the book overall does what it says on the tin: it showcases that everyone poops.

VERDICT:

Rating: 3 Star

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Weight of the Sky by Caroline Schley

The Weight of the Sky

Author: Caroline Schley

Publication Date: May 20th, 2021

Genre: YA Contemporary

Book Description:

For every important decision in her life, fifteen-year-old Chris Miller relies on silence rather than courage. In her rough Bridgeport neighborhood, Chris bites her tongue when her best friend gets sent to juvenile detention for a crime she didn’t commit. As a scholarship kid at St. Catherine’s Prep, Chris acquiesces to ‘drinkstagram’ at tony sleepover parties. At home with her overbearing mother, she swallows her questions about her father’s identity. Chris understands that quiet insecurity isn’t the most valiant approach to life, but it gets her through the day unscathed. Until she’s sexually assaulted.

In the aftermath, Chris’s tenuous happiness crumbles alongside her grades, yet she can’t find the courage to report the assault. At a crossroads, Chris is forced to volunteer at an afterschool program for low-income families to maintain her scholarship. Catapulted back to the very neighborhood she struggled to escape, Chris finds her family thrust into the crosshairs of a gang war. When one of the students from her afterschool program is put at risk, Chris discovers just how much damage her silence can cause. Ultimately, she must decide if she will remain quiet as others call the shots and remain a victim or if she can forge the strength to stand up, speak the truth and call herself a survivor.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Devil You Know by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman

The Devil You Know

(The Diavolo Crime Family, #2)

Author: J.L. Beck & C. Hallman

Publication Date: May 21st, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Dark Romance

Book Description:

Nic is so much more than The Devil.

The night of the auction changes everything.

I thought I knew who he was, and what was going to happen next.

I had no idea how wrong I was…

***This is a continuation of Devil You Hate and can not be read as a standalone. This book has a HEA***

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - You Are Cordially Invited by Jay Hogan

You Are Cordially Invited

Author: Jay Hogan

Publication Date: June 17th, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary,Romance

Book Description:

There’s a wedding in the air at Auckland Med, but Reuben wonders if they’ll survive the stress long enough to say, ‘I do’. Cam is directing the entire operation with his combat eyeliner in place, whilst the wedding party is doing its best to ignore him. The pressure is mounting and the cracks are beginning to show.

There’s a bachelor party to survive.

The paparazzi to outrun.

A wedding outfit to confirm.

A rugby game to win.

A jerk of a father to cope with.

A stunning opportunity to consider.

A relationship to untangle.

And a shocking event that could derail everything.

With the universe conspiring against them, Reuben and Cam will have to summon every scrap of belief they have in each other to make it to their vows.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author

I​ am a New Zealand author writing in m/m romance, and romantic suspense. I have traveled extensively and lived in the US, Canada, France, Australia and South Korea. In a past life I have been an Intensive Care Nurse, Counselor, and a Nursing Lecturer.

I'm a cat aficionado especially of Maine Coons, and an avid dog lover (but don’t tell the cat). I love to cook, pretty damn good, love to sing, pretty damn average, and as for loving full-time writing, absolutely… depending of course on the day, the word count, the deadline, how obliging my characters are, the ambient temperature in the Western Sahara, whether Jupiter is rising, the size of the ozone hole over New Zealand and how much coffee I've had.

Welcome to my world.

Author Links:

Website

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Cover Reveal - Midsummer Night's Dream by Anya Summers

Midsummer Night’s Dream

(Dungeon Singles Night #3)

Author: Anya Summers

Publication Date: June 29th, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Sylvie fell for the enigmatic Dom after a single night in his arms.

And she fell hard. Never before had she craved a man with her entire heart and soul. So when Fate unexpectedly tore them apart, she didn’t want to let him go.

But life didn’t ask what she wanted.

Sylvie rocketed into Dean Ryan’s world like a force of nature. Body and soul, his heart beat for her. He couldn’t stop the craving in his blood to claim her, dominate her, give her everything she needed. Yet when he least expected it, she disappeared, shattering his hopes and dreams for a future with her in his arms, his life… his bed.

Dean’s wretched heart has not healed, yet when Sylvie walks back through the doors of Eternal Eros, he will do anything to uncover her secrets and make her his.

She shattered his heart, but he knows her sweet surrender is the only thing that can save his soul.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Books2Read

About the Author

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram ¦ Newsletter ¦ Amazon ¦ Bookbub

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Catnapped by R.J. Blain

Catnapped

(Magical Romantic Comedies #14)

Author: R.J. Blain

Publication Date: May 11th, 2021

Genre: Adult Comedy / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

When someone steals Diana’s cat, a former lab animal rescued from death’s door, she calls on one of the most dangerous beings in the universe for help. Cutting a deal with the devil isn’t the smartest move, but there’s no way in hell she’ll abandon Mr. Flooferson the Magnificent to his fate.

Teaming up with the son of a demon, an angel, and one hell of a woman might push Diana to the limits of her courage and sanity. Unless she wants to sell her soul to the devil, she must cope with her new partner, make the most of a bad situation, and find out who stole her cat and why.

What she learns will forever change humanity–and lead to a battle destined to forever change the heavens and the devil’s many hells.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ Kobo ¦ iBooks

BOOK REVIEW: The Above-Average Adventures of Nicholas Herriman by Ken Sheldon

The Above-Average Adventures of Nicholas Herriman

Author: Ken Sheldon

Genre: MG / YA Fantasy / Action / Adventure / Humour
Publication Date: 9 October 2016

Book Description:

Nicholas Herriman is failing geography. He's a washout in gym class and the worst member of the chess team. In fact, he stands a good chance of being voted the Most Average Kid to Ever Attend Peabody School, until he stumbles on a trunk full of clothes that give him super powers. Unfortunately, most of the clothes are broken or came without instructions. Where did the trunk come from? Can Nick unravel its secrets without killing himself or getting creamed by his arch-enemy Harley Davison first? And who is the mysterious stranger following Nick around?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Nicholas Herriman doesn't have much luck when it comes to being great at anything. Even his best friend, Tony, is the funniest guy in school. For once, Nick would like to be the best at something instead of being just an average kid. Nick's hunger for greatnest comes in the form of a trunk he finds while visiting a Swap Shop one Thursday afternoon. What he finds inside the trunk changes his ordinary life into one with pure action, adventure and mystery. Nick discovers the contents of the trunk hold magical qualities and just might be what he needs to make him go from Most Average to Most Awesome kid to ever have graced Peabody School.

I knew right from the opening chapter that this book was going to be a fun ride. The author introduced us to a plethora of interesting characters with different personalities. Nick was a likeable protagonist who gets himself into quite the pickle with the objects he knew nothing about. For the fact that Nick had no idea about the power each object possessed, it was fun to discover his super powers at the same time he did. The author did well in making you feel what Nick is feeling: excitement, fear, sorrow, confusion etc. As a reader, you're able to get lost in the mind of a twelve-year-old kid who has to learn the difference between his wants and his needs and has to decide whether he will use his new-found abilities to help himself or to help others.

Although I liked the other characters, especially Tony, I found their characterisation lacking somewhat in depth. It also took a little long for the villain to be established and when it was finally revealed, the story suddenly felt somewhat rushed.

Overall, this was a funny and clever story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I recommend it to all children, particularly middle-schoolers.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4 Star

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: Lizzie's Dream Journal by Charlie King

Lizzie's Dream Journal

Author: Charlie King

Genre: MG Fantasy / Adventure
Publication Date: 12 December 2020

Book Description:

After the death of her father, Lizzie Barnes’ life takes an interesting turn when her mum brings home a journal.

Lizzie decides to use the journal to write short stories involving her beloved teddy bear Rodford and his arch-enemy Dr Ofdor, a villainous grizzly bear.

She soon notices it is no ordinary journal as people around her begin to have dreams based around her stories.

When Lizzie begins to experience the dreams for herself, she finds that as the creator, the rules of the journal can work against her.

Lizzie, with the help of Rodford and a rat named Ridgeley, must explore the different worlds while facing the dangers she created, including Dr Ofdor, to free herself from the workings of the journal.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Lizzie's father has just passed away, and she refuses to let anyone at her school know that he has died, including her best friend, Sophie. To help Lizzie cope with the passing of her father, her mother gifts her a journal for her to write down her feelings, but Lizzie isn't interested in sharing her thoughts about her father, so she instead decides to create stories. What starts off as a fun and exciting new hobby, however, soon start to invade Lizzie's life as her stories start to come to life, threatening to endanger not only her but also the people around her.

This was a fun, adventurous and magical story with a lot of emotional depth and delivery. The topics at hand, though heartbreaking at times, was handled with care. It will be hard for those who can relate to Lizzie's situation as it may bring up emotions and feelings that might have been or is still difficult to address, but I think a story like this can be therapeutic for those struggling with loss, especially young children who have lost a parent. I would have liked some of the characters to have been a little more fleshed out as they were rather one dimensional and some were significant characters in Lizzie's life, which should have made a little more memorable.

Loved the ending. Very moving and satisfying. Overall, it was a really enjoyable story with a very likeable protagonist who carried the story well.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4 Star

Source: Author

Blog Tour Spotlight - The Pilate Scroll by Michael Lewis

A quest to save the world . . . a secret that could change it. Forever...

By M.B. Lewis

The Pilate Scroll

Author: Michael Lewis

Publisher: SATCOM Publishing

Pages: 354

Genre: Christian Thriller

Book Description:

A quest to save the world . . . a secret that could change it. Forever.

Kadie Jenkins is a survivor. Now part of an elite group of scholars and scientists, their mission is to stop an impending global terrorist threat. But when a colleague is murdered in Egypt, Kadie finds herself pitted against a foe more terrifying than the one they were trying to stop. Teaming up with a renegade pilot and her younger brother, they find themselves in a race against time, greed, and certain death. Can they uncover a 2000-year-old legend to save themselves and possibly the rest of the world?

“WARNING: Sleep deprivation likely. This Christian thriller is a page-turner; more like a page burner. Think Indiana Jones meets God’s Not Dead! M.B. Lewis decided to “take a risk” and write a Christian thriller and he has hit a walk-off homerun with The Pilate Scroll. From the opening page, you’re captivated by the action, intensity and intrigue, and especially the emotional connections, good and bad, among the characters. Along the way, the gospel of Jesus Christ is wonderfully-woven into the story, without being preachy but also theologically-sound. The “fictional historical” and the factual references throughout the book are so well presented it’s hard to determine which is which. It’ll have you doing extra research! Mike has written a gem. I can’t wait to see this on the big screen; it is worthy of being made into a movie. “

– David Jeffers is the Amazon Best-Selling Author of Man Up! What the Bible Says About Being A Man, Losing Evangelicals: How Christians Are Leaving Jesusland, and the Eavesdropping on God devotional series. David has appeared on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Christian Television Network’s Homekeepers with Arthelene Rippy, and numerous radio interviews.

“If you took The Da Vinci Code and tossed it toward Raiders of the Lost Ark, you’d have this book! The Pilate Scroll is an exciting adventure from the very first page. It has everything—a strong heroine, a sweet younger brother, a true hero, and pesky villains who show up and wreak havoc. But it also has a strong faith thread that brings it all together. Katie, Brian and Duke are forced to search for a possible declaration from Pontius Pilate that could change history. I won’t give away the details, but it sure touched me! I highly recommend this book!”

– Lenora Worth, New York Times Best-Selling Author

“World-altering stakes meet sacrificial love in a story that lifts both the soul and the heart rate. M.B. Lewis handles a tough subject with sensitivity and grace while keeping the pages flying with realism only a been-there-done-that combat veteran can offer.” 

– James R. Hannibal, Award-Winning Author of The Gryphon Heist

“The many years that the author, Michael Lewis, has spent as a military and civilian pilot, flying internationally into fascinating cities and cultures all over the world, properly prepared him to write such an action-packed novel as The Pilate Scroll. If you love drama, mystery, and surprise, you will love this new book.  Amid all of the normal things that you would anticipate from this excellent author who is continuing to grow in popularity, Lewis adds a new spiritual dimension to this book. In sharing the drama of a team on a passionate mission, Lewis weaves into the story a spiritual dimension that is filled with the author’s excellent knowledge of the Bible, his deep understandings of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the virtues of Christianity found in forgiveness, redemption, transformation, and healing. He also exhibits a deep knowledge of the sacred sites so familiar in the life of Jesus, as well as keen insights regarding the teachings of church fathers through the centuries.”   

– Dr. Karl K. Stegall, Pastor Emeritus

First United Methodist Church

Montgomery, Alabama

“Lewis courageously steps away from the mainstream to answer a higher call to deliver this epic Christian thriller. Well done!”

– Gary Westfal, Life Coach and Best-Selling Author, Goal Mind

“The Pilate Scroll is an emotional rollercoaster that includes everything; from good guys with hyper-spiritual awareness and faith to bad guys with questionable ethics or lack thereof… and the perfect combination of action and moments that pull at your heartstrings. Indiana Jonesmeets Ted Dekker in this fun, realistic portrayal of a tale that, if it were true – the world might be better off not knowing it ever happened. But the best part is, the author leaves that for the reader to decide. Without ruining the ending, let me just say there haven’t been many action novels that moved me to tears. This one did. God bless those that read it. And the author that wrote it. A highly recommended novel for believers and nonbelievers alike.”

– Jason E. Fort is the creator and author of Fortress Books 

“M.B. Lewis has created a heart-stopping suspense novel with faith at the heart of its main character, Kadie. The plot is original and genuinely intriguing, and so are the characters, especially Kadie, who is strong yet vulnerable. I like the way Lewis has crafted this character to be flawed and relatable, not a super-Christian without problems. This woman hasn’t felt her faith in a long time, but the events that occur in her life shake her. As you read, you feel for her vulnerable position, and really become invested in the mystery and intrigue crafted by the author. I also like the relationship between Kadie and her special-needs younger brother, Brian. You don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy this story of forgiveness and healing, but it is brimming with biblical themes and knee-deep in history and culture. The Pilate Scroll by M.B. Lewis is a must-read for those craving a top-tier faith-based suspense novel. Fans of Dan Brown will love this book.”

-Tammy Ruggles – Readers’ Favorite

Samuel Jacobson was a dead man. Or at least he thought so. His phone call had been erratic, anxious—almost in a panic.

“Brian, we have to go.” Kadie Jenkins stood and slid her iPhone back in the cargo pocket of her tan 5.11 cargo pants. She grabbed her purse and rose from the table in the back of the tiny restaurant, dragging her nineteen-year-old brother out before they had a chance to order their dinner. The restaurant sat tucked between shops selling hookahs on one side and women’s clothes on the other. The aroma of fresh bread and grilled meats dissipated, replaced by the pungent scent of car exhaust and camel dung.

“It’s only a fifteen-minute walk back to the hotel,” Kadie said. “I bet we can make it in ten.”

Brian stumbled behind her as they hurried along dusty streets. They turned into the souk, or open-air market, the brick-laid section of the market that was pedestrian-only this time of night. While many of the shops had their “roll-up” metal security doors pulled down, the market bristled with life. 

Vendors waved items in their faces, children tugged on their pant legs, and beggars held their palms up hoping for a handout. Her eyes studied everyone who came close, gauging their intentions in a moment’s glance. She was one of only a few women in the market not wearing a hijab, thus identifying her as a tourist.

“Kadie slow down,” Brian said. His breathing came deep and awkward, despite being a regular participant in the Special Olympics.

“Sorry, Brian. We could get a cab at the other end of the market. But by the time we find one, describe our hotel, and negotiate a price, we could walk to the hotel.” While she relished the exercise, she worried her pace was too much for him. He was fit for a young man with Down syndrome, but she moved swiftly.

Their team had been in Egypt for almost three weeks. Starting in Cairo, the small group of seven from GDI, the Global Disease Initiative, had been scouring the city for clues to an ancient cure. Their quest had led them from the United States to Cairo, then to Port Said. Their four days here had not yet proven fruitful.

The goosebumps on her skin reminded her of Samuel’s phone call. His message was brief yet concise: his life was in danger because he knew what they were really searching for. What did he mean? Their team was one of four positioned across the Middle East in search of their goal. Now, for some reason, Samuel questioned what that was.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ iBooks ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo

  

About the Author

M.B. Lewis is an Amazon #1 International Bestselling Author, and his books have also been on the Bestseller lists on Barnes and Noble Nook and Kobo platforms. The author of the award-winning Jason Conrad Thriller series has been on numerous author panels at writer’s conferences such as Thrillerfest, The Louisiana Book Festival, The Pensacola Book and Writers Festival, and Killer Nashville.

A 25-year Air Force pilot, he has flown special operations combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the AC-130U Spooky Gunship. Michael is currently a pilot for a major U.S. airline.

A proud Christian active in his community, Michael has mentored college students on leadership development and team-building and is a facilitator for an international leadership training program. He has participated as a buddy for the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” and in his church’s Military Ministry program. Michael has also teamed with the Air Commando Foundation, which supports Air Commando’s and their families’ unmet needs during critical times.

While his adventures have led to travels all around the world, Michael lives in Florida with his wife Kim.

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Bookbub ¦ Goodreads

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