Tag Archives: read in 2021

Giveaway & Review – The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle @iReadBookTours

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Join Us for This Tour from November 26 to December 17

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle
Category:  Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Book
Publisher:  Mascot
Release date:   September 2021
Formats Available for Review: print-hardback USA, e-book (PDF)
Tour dates: November 26 to December 17
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

***** 2021 Family Choice Award Winner

AMAZON

MY REVIEW

The Living Christmas by Kristin Sponaugle is a magical story I think all kids will love, maybe some grown up kids too. It may have your youngsters trying to stay up late and spy on the Christmas Tree, waiting to see if…

The hardcover book is colorful with large, thick pages for those small hands that like to touch and share. I think any child will love the story and may want to help pack away the ornaments, being extra careful. Perhaps they will even be eagerly waiting to help unwrap them for next Christmas, looking for some Christmas magic.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Book Description:

During the day, the Miller family’s Christmas tree stands tall in their living room, sparkling with lights and ornaments. Little does the family know that their Christmas tree is anything but ordinary. Each evening, the magic of Christmas brings their tree to life—much to the delight of Hannah and William Miller. Follow along as Hannah and William experience the magic of Christmas in a whole new way.

Buy the Book:
Mascot
Amazon ~  Barnes and Noble ~ Target


Meet the Author:

Kristin Sponaugle was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and her master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Kristin had always dreamed of becoming an author, and made that dream a reality with her two published children’s books, The Princess Puppy and The Living Christmas Tree. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and playing with her Maltese dog, Rosie. Kristin lives with her husband, daughter, and Rosie, and resides wherever the Air Force sends them.

Connect with the Author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram
 
Tour Schedule:

Nov 26 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 26 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 29 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 29 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Nov 29 – My Bookish Bliss – book review / giveaway
Nov 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 30 – Triquetra Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / spotlight
Dec 1 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Dec 2 – @twilight_reader – book review
Dec 2 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
Dec 3 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 3 – Books for Books – book review
Dec 6 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 6 – Kam’s Place – book review
Dec 7 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Dec 8 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Dec 8 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Dec 9 – All Booked Up Reviews – Instagram – book review
Dec 9 – Older & Smarter? – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 10 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Dec 13 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
Dec 14 – Captive Dreams Window – book review
Dec 14 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 15 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Dec 15 – The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 16 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Dec 16 – I’m Into Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 17 – Cover To Cover Café – book review

Enter the Giveaway:

 THE LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE Book Tour Giveaway

 


 

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

No One Can Hear You Scream by A B Whelan @AuthorABWhelan

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I found A B Whelan when I came along a freebie. Who knows where it came from, a blog I visited, a giveaway I participated in, or maybe I just scrolled through Amazon and found it. Either way, I am glad I did, because this woman can write!

No One Can Hear You Scream

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love deep, dark, twisted novels and No One Can Hear You Scream fits the bill to a T. Warning! Brace yourself! Brutal. Graphic.

The animal sanctuary took in those pets whose owners didn’t want them any more. Sounds like a good story…right?

Jennifer Parker is a YouTube influencer and shares her time with the animal sanctuary, as does her son, Jayden. He even created an Instagram account for George, a cow, who is the star. I love that our social media world is making an appearance in novels, not always in a good way.

I immediately didn’t like Tyler, her momma’s boy husband. Looks to me like she has another child instead of a life partner. Good thing she ditched him. He might have made a good boy toy, but is not a keeper.

Again…I am furious, sickened, disgusted…If I were ever to meet someone like HIM I hope I would have the courage to take him out! The abuse is shocking, even for me and I love being shocked and sickened in a depraved thriller sort of way.

We have two plots going on, and, though I haven’t talked about Alex, I have a feeling I know what part his story will play.

No One Can Hear You Scream by A B Whelan may have you thinking twice about putting your life on line, for all the world to see.

OMG…I see it coming…so freaking twisted! I had to take a deep breath at 82%. The evil keeps on going. Well, I didn’t see that coming…and that is why I love A B Whelan so much. She gives and she teases. I figure out one thing, then, BAM, in your face.

This line really hit home: Our world has gotten so small it suffocates us.

I had moments where I wanted to shout out to Jennifer…and the police!

Mind blowing. Gut wrenching. I love this dark, gritty, horrendous story that others may shy away from, and A B Whelan took it to the max with No One Can Hear You Scream

A B Whelan has included book club questions at the end. I think they will create a lively discussion.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of No One Can Hear You Scream by A B Whelan.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A ruthlessly addicting and terrifyingly twisted story of a family stuck on a secluded mountain at the mercy of an obsessed fan of the woman.

It started as a vacation of a lifetime.

Jennifer Parker is a successful YouTube influencer living in a beautiful home outside Los Angeles with her three children. After divorcing her husband of eighteen years, Jennifer dives right into a new relationship despite her children’s disapproval.

Jennifer’s boyfriend, Tyler, is a middle school English teacher and a mama’s boy. To prove to Jennifer that he can be as outdoorsy as her ex-husband, he suggests going on an off-the-grid vacation in a yurt in Montana. The idea of not having cell phone reception and running water for days doesn’t appeal to Jennifer. Reluctantly, she agrees to the trip because she envisions this unique retreat as an opportunity for her children to connect with her new boyfriend.

Jennifer’s subscribers are excited about following their favorite online vlogger on an adventure in the wilderness. But one follower sees her vacation as the perfect opportunity to get close to her and act out his twisted and sick fantasies.

Alone on the mountain, where no one can hear her scream, Jennifer realizes that it wasn’t the deep, dark woods she had to fear after all.

ABOUT A B WHELAN

New release: No One Can Hear You Scream is a gripping, atmospheric psychological thriller about obsession, survival, and family bonds, releasing on October 20th.

A.B. Whelan

Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.

She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.

Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan

MY A B WHELAN REVIEW

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Review & Giveaway – Peacock, Pedestals and Prayers by Dina Rae @GoddessFish @PeacockPedestal

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Peacocks, Pedestals, and Prayers by Dina Rae

GENRE:   Horror, Paranormal

MY REVIEW

The first chapter of Peacocks, Pedestals and Prayers by Dina Rae made me sit up and take notice…and I wonder, if it starts out this horrendous, how low can we go?

Nephilim: the offspring of female humans and fallen angels.

Andel Palistokov: a fallen angel who uses advertising to promote Satan, the Evil empire Ad Agency.

Eva Easterhouse: just out of prison. She is a recovering addict and was going to live with her sister, Julie, since her mother passed away and the family home now belongs to them.

When Satan finds out about all the rules that are being broken, he gives Andel six months to find his replacement. It was time to come home. He takes the attitude, what’s the worst Satan can to do him? He’s already going to Hell.

Andel’s and Eva’s worlds collide and even though there were no earth shattering surprises, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it. The only real issue I had was with Bell. She is only six years old, yet the writing made her seem older. It kept hitting me wrong. BUT, we do have plenty of evil doings, and blood and guts.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Peacocks, Pedestals and Prayers by Dina Rae.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

BLURB

A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship… Andel Talistokov is a fallen angel who uses advertising as a form of propaganda for Satan. His growing power emboldens him to break Hell’s Commandments by soliciting worship from an ancient angel religion. He changes their rituals forever. Furious with his arrogance and betrayal, Satan commands Armaros to return to Hell after finding his replacement.

Eve Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother’s fatal accident. She and her sister, Julia, unravel their mother’s secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy.

Both worlds collide.

EXCERPT

Watchers: The term originated in the Book of Enoch. They were fallen angels who fornicated with human women.

Nephilim: Offspring of female humans and fallen angels.

And there was a war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough. And they lost their place in heaven. Revelation 12:7-8

The Bible and other sacred writings of Jubilees and Enoch reference a great war in Heaven waged by Satan. After his defeat, Satan was ousted from Heaven, but he was not alone in his betrayal. One third of all angels took his side in a feeble attempt to overthrow God. When these traitors were cast down to their new kingdom commonly known as Hell, Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna, Satan became their king. Determined to battle God on every front, he assigned his most talented warriors an earthly mission of collecting souls for his expanding army.

This is a story about Armaros, one of Satan’s Fallen. He once deceived God, and now that he lives on earth with a plan on deceiving Satan.

ABOUT DINA RAE

Dina Rae lives with her husband and three dogs outside of Dallas. She is a Christian, avid tennis player, movie buff, teacher, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. She has been interviewed numerous times on blogs, newspapers, and syndicated radio programs. She enjoys reading about religion, UFOs, New World Order, government conspiracies, political intrigue, and other cultures. Peacocks, Pedestals, & Prayers is her eighth novel.

List of Works:

  • Peacocks, Pedestals, and Prayers
  • Crowns and Cabals
  • The Best Seller
  • The Sequel
  • Big Agri, Big Pharma, Big Conspiracy (nonfiction)
  • Love, Lust, and Revenge
  • Halo of the Damned
  • Halo of the Nephilim
  • The Last Degree

Stalk Dina Rae:

Book Trailers:

The book will be Free during the tour. Amazon buy link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Follow the tour HERE.

MY DINA RAE REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Review – Styled For Murder by Nancy J Cohen @nancyjcohen

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Cozy mysteries have such fun covers and titles and Styled For Murder by Nancy J Cohen is a prime example.

Styled for Murder (The Bad Hair Day Mysteries, #17)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

“There’s a dead guy in our shower. You have to come right now.” And that is how Maria’s day begins.

Styled For Murder by Nancy J Cohen is a fun cozy mystery with plenty of suspects to put my puzzle solving skills to use. I love the cover and the play on words as I try to solve the mystery. Even though there is a dead guy, I find myself smiling as I read along.

Maria Vail owns the Cut N Dye Salon and has a wonderful husband, an adorable ten month old, Ryder Harrington Vail, a teenage daughter, Lucky, a Golden Retriever and Spooks, a poodle. That makes for a pretty Full House.

Her husband, Dalton, is a homicide detective and she loves to dabble in sleuthing herself, so we know where this is going…even though she gave it up when she had children. Sure…

It doesn’t surprise me when she opens an envelope and reads… stop asking questions or her family could be hurt.

Maria will find out many things and it confirms the saying, you can run but you can’t hide. Your past will follow you wherever you go. And secrets…they rarely stay buried.

Styled For Murder by Nancy J Cohen was a fun romp through the pitfalls of home renovation. Of course, most of us will never find a dead body in our bathroom, delays, shoddy work, and difficult people is the norm. I had a lot of smiles and chuckles as I investigated the death and there were plenty of culprits that could fit the bill.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Styled For Murder by Nancy J Cohen.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A dead body in her mother’s bathroom during a home remodel leads hairstylist Marla Vail to flush out the clues and nail the killer.

When hairstylist and savvy sleuth, Marla Vail, gets a frantic call from her mother that there’s a dead body in her shower, Marla realizes this wasn’t part of the home renovation plans. The victim turns out to be the project manager, who had an untrustworthy reputation in town. Disgruntled customers, unpaid suppliers, and the design company’s staff are among the suspects. Which one of them wanted the foreman to pipe down about their shady dealings?

Meanwhile, the lead investigator sets his sights on Marla’s stepfather, Reed, who’s keeping secrets from his family. Reed has a past connection to the victim and won’t come clean about what he knows. As Marla drills deeper, she’s showered with suspicions, but nobody’s willing to leak any information. She needs to hammer down the prospects, or time will drain away and the murderer will strike again.

To flush out the culprit, Marla taps into her pipeline of resources. Can she assemble the clues and demolish the alibis to nail a killer? Or has someone designed the perfect murder? Recipes Included!

ABOUT NANCY J COHEN

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won a Readers’ Favorite gold medal, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Nancy’s instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery, was nominated for an Agatha Award and won a gold medal at the President’s Book Awards from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys cooking, fine dining, cruising, visiting Disney World, and shopping.

Author Links

MY NANCY J COHEN REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

I Have Been Waiting For Dragon Clan by Kristie Clark #KristieClark

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I am excited to be sharing Dragon Clan by Kristie Clark. I want to thank Kristie Clark, Delphi Imprint and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review a copy.

Don’t ya just love that cover?

Dragon Clan (Order of the Dolphin, #3)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

It is fantastic to be back in Roatan with Eva and the gang to find out what happens next in this creature feature. No slow start. Action from the getgo.

Now, they are being moved from Roatan, Honduras to Hawaii, courtesy of DARPA and the US Navy.

Kaili is the guardian spirit of the Dragon Clan. She is a Komodo Dragon like no other.

Eva is worried about her dolphins. They have dealt with a mutant Tylosaurus, drug lords, mutant CobiX fish ad Julian Gulliver. It’s hard to tell which is the most dangerous. As if that isn’t enough, now we have to deal with tsunamis.

Kristie Clark does insert ecological, climate change as it applies to the events in the story. She doesn’t get preachy, just includes the pertinent data, just like any other part of the story. I find, when an author does that, it adds that real element and makes the story richer.

You may wonder how someone can write a series with dolphins as the stars. Ask Kristie Clark. She has managed to keep me eager for more and surprises me with how quickly I become involved. She blends fact and fiction seamlessly.

I caught the hint, but was still surprised when she hurt her arm.

I am soooo loving this series. Kristie Clark does her due diligence when it comes to research, sharing the rich history, myths and legends of Hawaii.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dragon Clan by Kristie Clark.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A dragon will kill her creator to protect her family.

Dr. Eva Paz wants only a peaceful life on Roatán for herself and her dolphins, continuing their research in dolphin communication and educating children on the importance of caring for the reef.

But when the Navy reactivates Taffy and Finn for exercises in Pearl Harbor, that all changes. For she finds Julian is there as well, and he is armed with yet another genetically modified creature. This time, it has the spirit of an actual dragon.

Thankfully, Eva has her friends and her family—and Thomas—on her side. Not to mention a whole host of new friends: the members of Dragon Clan.

Join Eva as she works with Thomas and her dolphins to save the Hawaiian Islands from an environmental disaster that could destroy them all.

For fans of Michael Crichton, Dragon Clan is book three in Kristie Clark’s Order of the Dolphin series.

Book club questions included. May be read as a standalone, but Dragon Clan is best enjoyed with the other Order of the Dolphin series books: Killing Dragons and Dragon Gold.

ABOUT KRISTIE CLARK

Kristie Clark

KRISTIE CLARK, a pediatrician, lives on the High Plains with her husband, sons, border collies, and a cat named Bonsai. An avid scuba diver, she holds a Roatan Marine Park Bay Islands Lionfish Spearing License.

You can see more about Kristie on her WEBSITE.

MY KRISTIE CLARK REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Shade and the Castle by the Sea by Marilyn Peake @marilynpeake

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Woo Hoo. Shade and the Castle by the Sea is Marilyn Peake’s third novel in the Shade series and I am enjoying watching the character grow and develop throughout the series.

Shade and the Castle by the Sea (Shade Series, #3)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

My name is Galactic Shade Griffin and I am a ghost whisperer.

It has been a while since I have been in Shade’s world, but I am looking forward to be with her on her grand adventure. She is off to college on a full scholarship. Her mother says all the right things, but Shade knows she has to make her own way in the world. Bye Bye trailer park, hello Ocean View College

She is off to train to be a ghost whisperer. Her neighbor and best friend, Kai, is going with her. Even better, Kai is her rooommate. Shade’s major is Ghost Whispering and her minor is Journalism in a Broken World. She is being trained to make the world a better place.

Of course, this is school, so there will be the normal problems when you throw a bunch of teenagers together, but for her it meant freedom from her mother. Although her mother will still try to guilt her into doing what she wants, she was going to take advantage of everything available to her.

From the mouth of Shade, “…when someone’s in a lot of trouble and I understand what the problem is, I play Guardian Angel.” Shade is giving, trusting, and loyal.

Marilyn Peak went where I have never been before and that is saying a lot. The Shade series keeps getting better with each book I read and, lucky me, I have the next one ready to go!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Shade and the Castle by the Sea by Marilyn Peake.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Semi-Finalist, Young Adult category, 2020 Kindle Book Awards.

With all the other fish in the sea, your first crush needn’t be human.

Shade and her best friend, Kai Zahnii, begin their freshman year at Ocean View College. Located on a secret island off the coast of California, Ocean View is a special place specifically designed to train students with magical abilities. Shade is a ghost whisperer. Kai is an empath and healer with the innate ability to become a Navajo shaman. On campus, their worldview is expanded as they meet witches, faeries, selkies, shapeshifters and others like themselves.

Ocean View has incredible facilities and buildings that look like castles. Down by the sea, merpeople interact with students. In the waters off a remote stretch of beach, Shade meets a merman with whom she falls deeply in love. Everything seems idyllic and magical. That is, until Shade discovers a horrible secret about the college, one that will haunt her dreams and waking moments.

SHADE AND THE CASTLE BY THE SEA is Book #3 in a YA Paranormal Mystery / YA Urban Fantasy series.

ABOUT MARILYN PEAKE

Marilyn Peake

From Goodreads:

Marilyn Peake is the author of both novels and short stories. Her publications have received excellent reviews. Marilyn’s one of the contributing authors in BOOK: THE SEQUEL, published by The Perseus Books Group, with one of her entries included in serialization at THE DAILY BEAST. In addition, Marilyn has served as Editor of a number of anthologies. Her short stories have been published in seven anthologies and on the literary blog, GLASS CASES.

Awards: Silver Award, two Honorable Mentions and eight Finalist placements in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards, two Winner and two Finalist placements in the EPPIE Awards, Winner of the Dream Realm Awards, and eight Top Ten Finisher Awards in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll.

Stalk Marilyn Peake:  Website  /  Twitter

MY REVIEWS FOR MARILYN PEAKE

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Tis The Season – A Christmas Kindness by Cheryl C Malandrinos @ccmalandrinos @pumpupyourbook

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A Christmas Kindness

MY REVIEW

5 Stars? An emphatic yes! Two thumbs up? No doubt!

A Christmas Kindness by Cheryl C Malandrinos and illustrated by Caroline Mabey is a wonderful story depicting one of life’s lessons, the value of a gift, no matter how big or how small.

Eight year old Robert wants nothing more than to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas. He even wrote it down so he wouldn’t get it wrong. What a wonderful time to share in the innocence and wonder of a child.

A Christmas Kindness by Cheryl C Malandrinos may have been written for children, but I loved it. Not only do we get a fabulous story that will put a smile on a parent’s face as they read it with their child, but it has interactive projects that anyone can do and the cost is minimal, sometimes repurposing some of those items that may have been tossed in the trash. I see many subjects that could come up as parents share this marvelous book with their children.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Christmas Kindness by Cheryl C Malandrinos.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

ABOUT CHERYL C MALANDRINOS

Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd, A Christmas Kindness, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving, and Amos Faces His Bully. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.

Website / Twitter

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Tis The Season – Toymaker by Tony Bertauski @tonybertauski

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HAPPY HOLIDAZE AND A NEW RELEASE

Toymaker: Return of the Lost Toys (A Science Fiction Adventure) (Claus Universe Book 9)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Is there a Santa Claus? Elves? Reindeer? Do they live at the North Pole? Why haven’t humans ever found them? If you have been following the series, you may have some of the answers already.

Avery Neva (Snow) Tannenbaum was born on her Nana Rai’s birthday and they celebrated it together every year. This year is different. Her Nana has passed away and left a last request.

Toymaker is all about him, and the Hunt for him. But there is so much more going on the just a game and there is more to the Hunt than win or lose.

I love the unique characters and the world they live in. Dangerous and magical, good and bad…and TOYS. Thank you Santa.

Tony Bertauski has a way with words and has written of a fantastical, magical fantasy world, filled with imagination and creativity, weaving the real world, the future, the past, and the present into a present (?).

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Toymaker by Tony Bertauski.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

The 9th standalone novel in the Claus Universe.

One Christmas morning, a mystery gift appeared under trees around the world. It was the exact same gift, inscribed with the maker’s initials in tiny letters: BT and Company. It was months before anyone knew exactly what the gift did.

Avery Tannenbaum’s brother was one of the lucky few to receive one. It was on her birthday when the mysterious gifts came to life. A contest was announced. It was also on that very same day Avery’s grandmother passed away.

An eccentric, wealthy woman, Nana Rai left detailed instructions on how to commemorate her passing, a celebration to be held on Christmas morning, which just so happened to be the same day the contest was set to end. Avery’s family travels to a cold and snowy land to honor her grandmother’s wishes. And it’s here she uncovers the true purpose of the mystery gift, and why the makers launched a global contest.

As Nana Rai’s celebration nears, Avery follows clues her grandmother left behind. BT and Company are searching for the Toymaker. And Avery knows what they’ll do when they find him. She becomes part of her grandmother’s plan to stop them. The real mystery isn’t where the Toymaker is hiding.

It’s why he’s hiding in the first place.

REVIEWS FOR THE CLAUS UNIVERSE

  • “Amazing rewrites that will astound you!” –Ruth Jackson, Amazon Reviewer
  • “Best Santa Story Ever!” – Bob, Amazon Reviewer
  • “Simply lovely.” –jl, Amazon Reviewer
  • “MY HEART GREW THREE SIZES…” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Couldn’t Put It Down.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Fantasy at it’s [sic] finest.” –Carol, Amazon Reviewer
  • “Absolutely phenomenal!” –JayFly, Amazon Reviewer
  • “A++” –TKJ 131, Amazon Reviewer
  • “Absolutely Awesome.” –Dee greusel, Amazon Reviewer
  • “I absolutely love this series…” –Kara McCabe, Amazon Reviewer
  • “Tony is an excellent story teller!” jjjlake, Amazon Reviewer
  • “I want MORE!” –J. Bunch, Amazon Reviewer
  • “Awesomely engaging!” –Janice Everett, Amazon Reviewer

ABOUT TONY BERTAUSKI

Tony Bertauski

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My grandpa never graduated high school. He retired from a steel mill in the mid-70s. He was uneducated, but he was a voracious reader. I remember going through his bookshelves of paperback sci-fi novels, smelling musty old paper, pulling Piers Anthony and Isaac Asimov off shelf and promising to bring them back. I was fascinated by robots that could think and act like people. What happened when they died?

I’ve written textbooks on landscape design, but that was straightforward, informational writing; the kind of stuff that helps most people get to sleep. I’ve also been writing a gardening column with a humorous slant. That takes a little more finesse, but still informational for the most part.

I’m a cynical reader. I demand the writer sweep me into his/her story and carry me to the end. I’d rather sail a boat than climb a mountain. That’s the sort of stuff I wanted to write, not the assigned reading we used to get in high school. I wanted to create stories that kept you up late.

Fiction, GOOD fiction, is hard to write. Having a story unfold inside your head is an experience different than reading. You connect with characters in a deeper, more meaningful way. You feel them, empathize with them, cheer for them and even mourn. The challenge is to get the reader to experience the same thing, even if it’s only a fraction of what the writer feels. Not so easy.

MY TONY BERTAUSKI REVIEWS

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Inferno Rising Review – The Cursed King by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks

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It is a pleasure to be back with the dragons in Abigail Owen’s latest novel in the Inferno Series, The Cursed King. Want to know why he was cursed? Gotta read the book. LOL

The Cursed King (Inferno Rising, #4)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Angelika: A phoenix with no flame.

Airk: a dragon afraid to shift, king of the White Clan

I am sure sparks will fly in the conclusion to the Inferno Rising series and it sure has been one wild ride with the characters as they find their destiny.

High King Pytheios wants Angelika.

Angelika Amon’s three phoenix sisters are happily mated with their dragon counterparts. She wonders if she will ever find her mate? It seems she has spent her whole life waiting for this or that and she was done with it. She wants something. In this case, it s Airk and she was going after him. Their innocence in the sex department is sweet, sexy, and HOT, as they discover each other.

Abigail Owen has a way with words and this was only one of Angelika’s comments that cracked me up:

“Oh, Gods, do not think about fucking the hot, lonely, dangerous dragon shifter.”

I have spent some time with the dragon clans in their world and loved every minute of it. Not only do we have dragons, but we have many other wonderful supernatural characters that are well represented: phoenix, werewolves, gargoyles, hellhounds, witches, trolls…and when one is taken I mourn them.

I am so happy that I was there at the beginning for the Inferno series by Abigail Owen. She did a wonderful job of wrapping up the series in a spectacular fashion. Do I want a happy ever after? You bet! Did I get it? Yes, but it came at a cost. Even you may shed a tear or two or three.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Cursed King by Abigail Owen.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

He will burn. She will rise.

Airk Azdajah, the rightful King of the White Clan, spent half a millennium being tortured by the false High King Pytheios. The only reason he’s alive is a curse— the man to kill Airk will be consumed in his own fire. Which is why Pytheios kept Airk alive, barely, unable to shift in his prison cage, driving the creature half of him into madness. Airk escaped, but he’ll never be truly free. What good is a king who can never let his feral dragon loose, never fly, and never lead his people? He’s better off dead.

Angelika Amon is the last unmated phoenix. The problem? She has no powers. Zip. Zilch. Angelika hates being dormant, especially now that her three sisters are blissfully mated to powerful dragon shifter kings and are very much part of the fight to take down the rotting king Pytheios, their parents’ killer. What good is a useless runt of a phoenix in a battle to save the dragon kingdom?

Desperate to find some way to help, she offers herself to Airk as a mate — just for political leverage. But a dormant phoenix is no damn use to him just like a dragon who can’t shift is no use to her. Until Pytheios sets his sights on Angelika for himself…

ABOUT ABIGAIL OWEN

Multi–award-winning paranormal romance author, Abigail Owen, loves plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, alpha heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of sexy shifters! Other titles include wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, spreadsheet lover, eMBA, organizational guru, Texan, Aggie, and chocoholic. Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it. Abigail currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero (who she totally married!) and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.  

Website & Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bookbub

MY REVIEWS FOR ABIGAIL OWEN

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Halloween Horror – Golem by P D Alleva @PdallevaAuthor

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Horror for Halloween

Golem

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I read the blurb for Golem…for fans of Silence of the Lambs, Clive Barker….and had to read it. I love the dark side and reading about the demons who walk there.

Newly pinned Detective John Ashton is on his first case and he is following up the lead for the District Attorney’s missing daughter and the criminally insane Alena who swears she has seen her.

John has his own secret. He has psychic abilities and he will need them.

Alena…Annette…

A battle between good and evil, humans and demons. The humans…their goodness… does it give them a chance against a crafty and evil Golem?

P D Alleva has no qualms about putting his characters through hell, suffering and torture.

I would have hope that thing were going well, standing strong, then something would kill it and I would wallow in despair with P D’s characters. I do like villains, but…

I love that P D Alleva was able to give me some of those spine tingling moments where I was afraid to read on,afraid to see what would happen next…and it sure didn’t end the way I thought it would. That is worth a star and solves the problem I had flipping back and forth between a three and a four.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Golem by P D Alleva.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“Excellently written, with a twisted, spiraling, unexpected end that will leave you speechless.” ~ TBM Horror Experts

Detective. Angel. Victim. Devil.

A haunting tale of suspense, loss, isolation, contempt, and fear.

On November 1, 1951, war hero John Ashton was promoted to detective. His first assignment: find the district attorney’s missing daughter. But his only lead is Alena Francon, a high society sculptor and socialite committed to Bellevue’s psychiatric facility.

Alena has a story for the new detective. A story so outlandish John Ashton refuses to heed the warning. Alena admits to incarnating Golem, a demonic force, into her statue. A devil so profound he’s infiltrated every part of New York’s infrastructure. Even worse, he uses children to serve as bodily hosts for his demonic army, unleashing a horde of devils into our world.

When Alena’s confidant, Annette Flemming, confirms the existence of Golem, John is sent on a collision course where fate and destiny spiral into peril, and the future of the human race hangs in the balance.

The Devil Is In The Details!

Fans of The Silence of the Lambs, Clive Barker, John Connolly, old Stephen King, and Anne Rice will be fascinated by this edge of your seat psychological horror thriller with a story that tears out the heart of humanity and throws it on a slab to be feasted on.

ABOUT P D ALLEVA

“This ambitious novel plays unashamedly in the pulp-SF sandbox. . . A conspiracy mavens dream, packed with gory alien-vampire action.” ~ KIRKUS REVIEWS

P.D. Alleva

“An action packed no holds barred adventure with cinematic flair. Great for fans of Jeff Vandermeer’s Annhilation, L. Ron Hubbard’s Battlefield Earth, and John Ringo’s A Hymn Before Battle.” ~ Booklife Reviews

“Forget what you know about vampires and prepare to get a new bite from the tastefully different rules in The Rose Vol. 1. Bringing a new twist to a well-known genre is usually a riskWebsite, but PD Alleva has found a brilliant way to make it work. The Rose Vol. 1 is a fantastic recommendation for fans of vampire, fast-paced action, heart-racing, and dark-themed novels.” ~ Readers Favorite

Born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Westchester County, New York, living in South Florida since 1992. A child of the 90’s PD has coined a new genre, Alternative Fiction. Why? Because Multi-Genre Author sounds like you’ve got marbles between your cheeks.

An avid reader who loves to talk books, PD will write short reaction reviews for the books he has finished and has not one issue answering questions from readers as they come.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Instagram / Bookbub

MY P D ALLEVA REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!