Another fun adventure for kids... Bruce's Big Storm by Ryan T. Higgins (#Giveaway)


Welcome to my tour stop for this adorable and humorous children's
picture book! Check it out and enter the tour giveaway below ...

Bruce's Big Storm
By Ryan T. Higgins
Children's Picture Book
Hardcover & ebook, 48 Pages
September 3, 2019 by Dysney-Hyperion

Summary

Bruce's home is already a full house.

But when a big storm brings all his woodland neighbors knocking, he'll have to open his door to a crowd of animals in need of shelter-whether he likes it or not.

Readers will love this next installment of the uproarious, award-winning Mother Bruce series.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Ryan T. Higgins is a New York Times Bestselling author/illustrator residing in Southern Maine. He lives with his two dogs, two cats, one gecko, one tortoise, one son, one daughter, and one wife. As a child, he lived on a diet of cartoons, cheese sandwiches, and climbing trees. At the age of four he decided to become a cartoonist and he’s been making his own cartoons ever since.


Tour Schedule

Week One:
10/1/2019- Shortcake_bibliophage- Excerpt
10/2/2019- Cindy's Love of Books- Excerpt
10/3/2019- fictitious.fox- Review
10/4/2019- BookHounds YA- Review

Week Two:
10/7/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Review
10/8/2019- Do You Dog-ear?- Review
10/9/2019- Savings in Seconds- Review
10/10/2019- The Try Everything- Excerpt
10/11/2019- Starlight Reads- Review

Week Three:
10/14/2019- Treestand Book Reviews- Review
10/15/2019- Beagles and Books- Review
10/16/2019- Little Red Reads- Review
10/17/2019- Wonder Struck- Review
10/18/2019- Life Within The Pages- Review

Week Four:
10/21/2019- Fyrekatz Blog- Review
10/22/2019- Southern Girl Bookaholic- Review
10/23/2019- Two points of interest- Review
10/24/2019- Novel Novice- Review
10/25/2019- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

Week Five:
10/28/2019- YA Book Nerd- Review
10/30/2019- Nerdophiles- Review
10/31/2019- Wishful Endings- Review

Tour-Wide Giveaway

3 winners will receive a finished copy of BRUCE’S BIG STORM, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just in time for elections... Grace Goes to Washington by Kelly DiPucchio (#Giveaway)


Welcome! Learn more about this children's book and enter the giveaway below...

Grace Goes to Washington
By Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Children's Picture Book
Hardcover & ebook, 40 Pages
September 3rd 2019 by Disney-Hyperion

Summary

"Who's in charge here?"

When Grace learns about the three branches of the United States government, she and the rest of the student council put the lesson into practice as they debate how to spend the money from a school fund-raiser. Should they buy new sports equipment? Books for the library? Instruments for the music room? The arguments continue as they travel to Washington, DC, for a field trip. Exploring government buildings and national monuments, Grace feels closer than ever to her dream of becoming president someday. But she and her classmates have a lot to learn about what it means to serve the needs of the people, especially when the people want such different things!

In this follow-up to New York Times best seller Grace for President, Kelly DiPucchio not only introduces how our government makes decisions, but also shares what it takes to be a true public servant.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author

Kelly is the award-winning author of several children’s books, thousands of To-Do lists, and a few recipe cards. Two of her books, Grace For President and The Sandwich Swap, were New York Times bestsellers.

Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.

Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.


Tour Schedule

Week One:
10/1/2019- BookHounds YA- Review
10/2/2019- Paper Reader- Review
10/3/2019- Cindy's Love of Books- Excerpt
10/4/2019- Savings in Seconds- Review

Week Two:
10/7/2019- The Pages In-Between- Review
10/8/2019- Feed Your Fiction Addiction- Review
10/9/2019- Dazzled by Books- Review
10/10/2019- Wonder Struck- Review
10/11/2019- fictitious.fox- Review

Week Three:
10/14/2019- Life Within The Pages- Review
10/15/2019- Spoiled Girl- Review
10/16/2019- Beagles and Books- Review
10/17/2019- Avid Reader- Excerpt
10/18/2019- Nerdophiles- Review

Week Four:
10/21/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Review
10/22/2019- Book-Keeping- Review
10/23/2019- Two dogs and a book- Excerpt
10/24/2019- Little Red Reads- Review
10/25/2019- Two points of interest- Review

Week Five:
10/28/2019- Fyrekatz Blog- Review
10/29/2019- Southern Girl Bookaholic- Review
10/30/2019- That Georgia Gypsy- Review
10/31/2019- Wishful Endings- Review

Tour-Wide Giveaway

3 winners will receive a finished copy of GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out this urban fantasy series... The Journals of Octavia Hollows by Stacey Rourke (#Giveaway)


Do you like urban fantasy and snarky heroines? Then you'll want to meet necromancer Octavia Hollows and her sidekick Bacon.

We are celebrating the release of The Journals of Octavia Hollows by Stacey Rourke on Audio. This collection features all six journals in the series and was published by The Audio Flow. Come fall in love with this feisty heroine, her pet pig, and the brilliant narration provided by Brenda Scott Wlazlo.

The Journals of Octavia Hollows
(Books #1 - #6)
By Stacey Rourke
Adult Urban Fantasy, Cozy Mystery
Audiobook, 14 hrs 22 mins
October 22, 2019 by The Audio Flow

Summary

With a touch of her hand, Octavia Hollows can restore life. Yet, she couldn’t save the man she loved from the horrific accident that stole him from her. Octavia thought she could outrun the pain, but ghosts from the past refuse to be silenced. Out of options, she chooses to retrace her wayward journey across the country in search of answers. Surrounded by baffling mysteries of the undead, what she learns about herself along the way might become her greatest weapon.

This six novella series chronicles Octavia's adventures in:
Wake the Dead
Dead Man's Hand
Caught Dead
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Dead Ringer
Dead as a Doornail

(Affiliate link included.)

Listen to a Sample


About the Author


Stacey Rourke is the award winning author of works that span genres, but possess the same flare for action and snarky humor. She lives in Florida with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.


Blitz Giveaway



One lucky US winner will receive a signed paperback copy of the Journals of Octavia Hollows collection. The book will be signed by author Stacey Rourke and narrator Brenda Scott Wlazlo.


The threat keeps growing and the stakes are higher... Dragonwatch: Master of the Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull (Review)


Welcome! Check out my review for this third book in the Dragonwatch series below...

Master of the Phantom Isle
(Dragonwatch#3)
By Brandon Mull
Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 496 Pages
October 1st 2019 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

Cursed by the Key of Forgetting, Seth has lost all memory of his past—his relationships, his experiences, and who he really is. For now he will align with his new mentor, Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who takes him to the Phantom Isle, the secret gateway to the Under Realm. Though Seth is not formally a prisoner, Ronodin wants to use him and his shadow charmer powers for his own dark ends.

Kendra is frantic to find her missing brother, but the quest will take her and her companions, including Warren, Tanu, and Vanessa, far from Wyrmroost to Crescent Lagoon—a recently fallen dragon sanctuary made up of many islands and underwater domains. Its caretaker has regained a foothold on one of the islands. If Kendra and her friends can save that sanctuary, they might uncover the answers they need to rescue Seth.

With each sanctuary the dragons overthrow, Celebrant, the Dragon King, comes closer to the dawn of a new Age of Dragons. With the forces of darkness on the march, can Kendra and her allies gather enough power to win the epic dragon war?

Praise for the Series

“Fans of Mull's popular Fablehaven books will be delighted with this rousing opener to a new sequel series, which builds upon familiar characters and plot points from the original fantasy series. . . . The excitement of the adventure will sweep up existing fans and undoubtedly create new ones.” -Booklist

“Will intrigue young readers with a fondness for Tolkien's Middle-earth. With dragons on the loose and key characters missing, there's plenty of scope for sequels.” -Foreword Reviews

“Fans of the series will welcome a new story arc stocked with familiar characters, settings, and adventures.” -Kirkus

“Sure to please loyal Fablehaven readers.” -School Library Journal

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

MASTER OF THE PHANTOM ISLE is a book full of danger and adventure as these characters continue on their quest to keep dragons from destroying the world. Likable and familiar characters from the series as well as a few new characters join the story as the setting shifts from one dragon sanctuary to another. Multiple storylines and plenty of risks and action keep the story constantly moving, making for a non-stop read. Fans of the genre and of the series will find much to love!

This third book picks up right after the second and pulls you right back into the story. The characters are each on their own paths and journeys, sometimes meeting together and sometimes on their own. I still love Kendra and still get frustrated with Seth. Then there's Tess and Knox and other characters involved in the dragon war. Each of them face challenges and have to make some tough choices. There is a lot going on in this story and consistently. At the beginning I was worried that it might drag a little with a higher page count, but that definitely wasn't the case.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I think I enjoyed this book the most from this series so far. It's intense, but also has the humor and character development that readers have come to expect from this author. Definitely recommended in you're a fan!

Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

Dragonwatch
(Dragonwatch #1)
By Brandon Mull
Middle Grade Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 384 Pages
March 14th 2017 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens, but prisons and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies....

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the ancient order of Dragonwatch to gather again if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who originally confined the majority of dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help.

As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with superior supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.

How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it?

Read my review HERE.

(Affiliate links included.)

Wrath of the Dragon King
(Dragonwatch #2)
By Brandon Mull
Middle Grade Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 416 Pages
October 23rd 2018 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

Dragons have declared war on humanity

After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Kendra and Seth, Celebrant, King of Dragons, prepares to unleash his fury and take control of his native preserve. Two of the seven dragon sanctuaries have already fallen. Will Wyrmroost be next?

Armed with secret information from a new ally, Celebrant seeks a talisman that will guarantee victory in the war against the humans. With a cursed castle and traitorous creatures standing in the way, Kendra and Seth must attempt to foil Celebrant’s plan and beat him to his prize.

Will the two young caretakers rally enough support from the creatures of Wyrmroost to quell the uprising and protect the world from draconic dominion? One thing is certain—dragons are deadly foes, and one wrong move could bring swift defeat. It will take more than Kendra, Seth, and their current allies have ever given to endure the wrath of the Dragon King.

Read my review HERE.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.



Have you read the the Dragonwatch series yet? What did you think of my review?

I Can't Wait for... The King's Questioner by Nikki Katz & Diamond City by Francesca Flores (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) #CWW #WOW


Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

There are so many books I'm excited about coming out in 2019, so I'll be sharing two from January for the next month before I go back to one pick at a time. 🙂

I've read some really good books from Swoon Reads this year and my first pick looks and sounds like it's going to be fabulous! I've also read some really good debuts lately and I'm hoping my second pick will join that list... it's a fantasy with an assassin as the heroine and an intriguing plot, which is totally up my alley. These are my picks this week...

The King's Questioner
By Nikki Katz
YA Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 304 Pages
January 14th 2020 by Swoon Reads

Summary

From Nikki Katz, the author of The Midnight Dance, comes The King's Questioner, an epic YA fantasy featuring royal drama, dark magic, and a secret that could topple a kingdom.

Kalen is a mental picklock, able to access a person's memories and secrets by touch. His skills make him the perfect questioner to the king, and he spends his days interrogating prisoners of the crown.

But when Kalen's estranged childhood friend, Prince Cirrus, falls into a sudden coma, the king begs Kalen to intervene. By accessing Cirrus's mind, Kalen saves his life―and uncovers a terrifying secret. The prince has a sister, banished long ago, and she is the key to the destruction or survival of the kingdom.

With the help of Cirrus and a silver-haired thief named Luna, Kalen must find the princess and bring her home. Or risk death at the hands of his king.

(Affiliate links included.)

Diamond City
(Diamond City #1)
By Francesca Flores
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 400 Pages
January 28th 2020 by Wednesday Books

Summary

Diamond City is an action-packed young adult fantasy by debut author Francesca Flores about a girl who perseveres through poverty, violence, and loss to achieve a future for herself.

Good things don't happen to girls who come from nothing...unless they risk everything.


Meet Aina Solís. Pulled off the streets when she was twelve years old, Aina was trained to become one of the most powerful and dangerous assassins in Sumerand, a kingdom founded by immigrants, built by magic, and still reeling from an industrial revolution that’s led to all-out civil war. Fearless and willing to risk everything―and with nothing left to lose―Aina is ready to leave her wretched past behind and accept a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to kill a wealthy industrialist named Kouta. But this career-defining move won't come easy. She will have to act against her boss Kohl, who doesn't tolerate his assassins working against him. What will be the price for her betrayal? Meanwhile, the closer Aina gets to her target, the more she craves an answer to the questions an assassin is never meant to ask: Who wants Kouta dead? And why was Aina chosen for this mission?

Now, in a city full of dark forces and hidden agendas, old rivalries and a whole new world of enemies, it's up to Aina to unravel a conspiracy that could rewrite Sumerand's history and her own future. Is it too late to save her city―and herself? Is courage born or is it bred? And what must Aina sacrifice for a second chance to begin a better, brighter life?

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading either of these?

Top 10 Things to Bring on a Quest... Sword of Soter by Ralene Burke (Guest Post & #Giveaway) #SOSPrism


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

There's a really fun guest post and tour giveaway below, so definitely check those out...

Sword of Soter
(Sacred Armor Trilogy #2)
By Ralene Burke
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 275 Pages
September 25th 2019 by Elk Lake Publishing Inc

Summary

NEW KINGDOM. NEW FRIENDS.

NEW DANGERS.

NOT EVERYONE CAN BE TRUSTED …


Karina, Tristian, Rashka, and Sam venture forth into the wilderness of Soter on the next leg of their quest to retrieve the Armor of the Creator. With the ancient evil already affecting the kingdom, nothing in Soter is what it seems—from what skulks beneath the canopies of the woods to what lies within the sleek white and gold of the capitol city to the people Karina and Tristan have known since they were children.

Danger lurks around every corner. Discerning who to trust is paramount to staying alive and discovering the location of the Temple of Soter. Yet, to Karina’s horror, Faramos’s reach finds them time and again. The longer they are forced to dawdle, the more people are affected by the growing panic in Soter, and the closer Faramos is to taking over the Three Kingdoms. Can Karina retrieve the information they need while Tristan keeps his brother at bay? Or will the entire quest disintegrate before they even arrive at the temple?

(Affiliate links included.)
GoodreadsAmazon
Also available on KindleUnlimited.

Guest Post:
Top 10 Things to Bring on a Quest

We’re going on a trip…a journey…a QUEST.

First, we have to pack. Now, this ain’t a trip to the Bahamas—we can’t bring 3 suitcases on a plane to unload onto a cart and then into a car. If we’re lucky, we’ll have a horse to strap a couple extra small bags to.

But really, we have to carry everything on our backs. Especially since, in Sword of Soter, Karina and friends lose their horses!

Often times, though, it’s not the things that we carry on our backs that we need for a quest. A quest—the kind we find in epic fantasy stories like the Sacred Armor Trilogy—requires so much more. “Like what?” you may ask…

1. A Positive Attitude: No quest is without its ups and downs, overwhelming obstacles, and disheartening setbacks, so it’s no surprise that we questers would need to maintain a positive attitude. It helps us stay motivated and accomplish our tasks post haste!

2. A Sense of Humor: Every quest comes with learning experiences and sources of frustration. The ability to laugh at ourselves or at the situation will keep us from losing our mind and throwing ourselves off the nearest cliff. A surprising benefit of humor is the ability to diffuse some of the tensest situations.

3. Communication Skills: Clear. Concise. Communication. Talking in riddles and spouting off pearls of wisdom only confuses people. Vague plans and mistrust are breeding grounds for failure and death. We have to be able to communicate efficiently with those on our team. (But that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the Gandalfs and Dumbledores in our stories.)

4. Strong Willpower: In the face of those overwhelming odds that are inevitable with epic quests, a strength of character is key to success. Pushing through when all seems lost. Overcoming when we’d rather give in. Inspiring others when they want to give up. We can do it!

5. A Ragtag Group of Allies: Speaking of all these people… Perhaps one of the biggest keys to success for any quest is friends! They must have a variety of personalities, skills, and knowledge. They will be our greatest source of strength, our best encouragers when we want to quit, and at the last minute they will come through with that key piece that will save the day!

6. Wilderness Skills: We cannot travel across kingdoms and realms without the ability to start a campfire, fishing, knowing what plants are safe to eat, what clothes to wear for the environment, etc. I mean, we can’t catch a fish with honey or expect to wear sandals in the swamplands. Or can we?

7. Cooking Skills: To go along with those wilderness skills, we need to know how to cook! While we might be carrying dried meat and bread in our packs, we will tire of those quickly, and the quest can last for weeks or months! Knowing how to put together a proper stew is of the utmost importance. I mean, EVERYONE knows how to make stew in an epic adventure! And knowing how to cook up wild game is a perk as well.

8. First Aid Skills: It is the rare quest that comes to pass where no one is injured. And oftentimes those injuries are not even sustained in battle! Someone tripped and broke their arm. Or they ate the wrong kind of berry. Or they fell off a cliff… Okay, that might be a bit beyond the basic first aid. But still, some knowledge of first aid can only aid our journey.

9. Willingness to Learn: No matter how prepare we are for our adventure, we can’t know what will happen. We can’t prepare for every outcome. Our skills will not cover every possible obstacle. But if we are willing to learn, willing to try, then we can overcome even our lack of knowledge.

10. Our WHY: The most important factor needed for an epic quest? Knowing our WHY. Why are we going on this quest? Why is it important to us? What will we accomplish by completing this quest? Much as with our goals in real life, knowing the answers to these questions will help to motivate us and keep us focused no matter what the quest throws at us.

This is a list of quest necessities that stay with us, even if storm waters sweep away our pack of supplies or a villain kidnaps us in an attempt to waylay our journey or even if we find ourselves all alone in the middle of unfamiliar territory.

And in the world of reality that we live in, these traits and skills can be just as powerful. From helping us to embrace our calling, to learning to #SHINEBeyond our circumstances, to giving us ways to help others.

With these skills, there is not much we can’t accomplish. No quest we can’t see through!

For now, join Karina and friends on their quest in the first 2 books of the Sacred Armor Trilogy.

What would YOU take on a quest?

Other Books in the Series

Armor of Aletheia
(Sacred Armor Trilogy #1)
By Ralene Burke
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 268 Pages
August 29th 2018 by Elk Lake Publishing Inc.

Summary

The death of her king changes Karina’s life forever. Fleeing the royal house, she must leave her life behind to seek out the Armor of the Creator—to save the very people who now hunt her.

Faramos, the evil warlock waiting to unleash hell, knows the Creator has already chosen his warrior, so he sends his bounty hunter to retrieve her. After Tristan abducts her, he witnesses Karina’s gentle nature and strong independence, and he finds he can’t complete his assignment.

Together, they set out to retrieve the armor and defeat the hordes of creatures sent to destroy them. But is Tristan’s heart secure as he faces certain death for defending the queen? And will Karina have the courage to become all the Creator intends her to be? Failure will condemn the world to eternal darkness.

(Affiliate links included.)
Also available on KindleUnlimited.

About the Author


Whether she’s wielding a fantasy author’s pen, a social media wand, or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone #SHINEBeyond their circumstances! Her fantasy novels are available on Amazon.

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all-around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . . You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or at her website.


Tour Schedule


Tour-Wide Giveaway

One winner will win a prize pack that will include print copies of Armor of Aletheia and Sword of Soter, a plush blanket, a tumbler with candy, a journal, and a pen all inside a half-bushel basket inlaid with a gorgeous book print material.
US only
Ends November 6, 2019

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Answer the author's question and tell us what you would take on a quest!

Check out this new middle grade release... Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee (#Giveaway)


Maybe He Just Likes You
By Barbara Dee
Middle Grade Contemporary
Hardcover & ebook, 304 Pages
October 1st 2019 by Aladdin

Summary

Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh grader Mila, it starts with an unwanted hug on the school blacktop.

The next day, it’s another hug. A smirk. Comments. It all feels…weird. According to her friend Zara, Mila is being immature, overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?

But it keeps happening, despite Mila’s protests. On the bus, in the halls. Even during band practice-the one time Mila could always escape to her “blue-sky” feeling. It seems like the boys are EVERYWHERE. And it doesn’t feel like flirting–so what is it?

Mila starts to gain confidence when she enrolls in karate class. But her friends still don’t understand why Mila is making such a big deal about the boys’ attention. When Mila is finally pushed too far, she realizes she can’t battle this on her own–and finds help in some unexpected places.

From the author of STAR-CROSSED, HALFWAY NORMAL and EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice 

Praise for MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU

"The novel’s all-too-familiar scenario offers a springboard for discussion among middle schoolers about Mila’s experience, as well as her confusion, fear, and reluctance to discuss her situation with authority figures. Easily grasped scenarios and short chapters help make this timely #MeToo story accessible to a wide audience." —Publisher’s Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

"This timely exploration of a depressingly common experience should begin some useful conversations." —Kirkus Reviews
"Mila’s struggle between denying the intentions of her classmates and being self-aware and upset about their treatment of her is realistic and heartbreaking . . . an excellent choice to inspire conversations about the prevalence and scope of what’s considered sexual harassment, as well as help young readers identify what harassment could look like in their peers." —BCCB

"An important read with great potential for classroom use. Mila’s experience may resonate with young readers, who may need to follow up with a trusted adult." —SLJ
"Important for its relevance and examination of the otherwise little-discussed topic of sexual harassment among younger teens, Maybe He Just Likes You will appeal to middle-grade readers as well as parents and educators seeking to bolster a child’s awareness of this rampant problem." —Booklist

"The book is equally important for boys so that they might understand their own feelings and the feelings of those who might be victims of their adolescent humor. This title belongs in the school library as well as the classroom library." —School Library Connection

"Mila is a finely-drawn, sympathetic character dealing with a problem all too common in middle school. Readers will be cheering when she takes control! An important topic addressed in an age-appropriate way.” —Katherine Brubaker Bradley, author of The War That Saved My Life (Newbery Honor Book)

"In Maybe He Just Likes You, Barbara Dee sensitively breaks down the nuances of a situation all too common in our culture—a girl not only being harassed, but not being listened to as she tries to ask for help. This well-crafted story validates Mila's anger, confusion, and fear, but also illuminates a pathway towards speaking up and speaking out. A vital read for both girls and boys." —Veera Hiranandani, author of The Night Diary (Newbery Honor Book)

"Mila's journey will resonate with many readers, exploring a formative and common experience of early adolescence that has too often been ignored. Important and empowering." —Ashley Herring Blake, author of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World (Stonewall Honor Book)

"Maybe He Just Likes You is an important, timeless story with funny, believable characters. Mila's situation is one that many readers will connect with. This book is sure to spark many productive conversations." —Dusti Bowling, author of Insignificant Events in the Life of A Cactus

"In this masterful, relatable and wholly unique story, Dee shows how one girl named Mila finds empowerment, strength, and courage within. I loved this book." —Elly Swartz, author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take

"Maybe He Just Likes You is the perfect way to jumpstart dialogue between boy and girl readers about respect and boundaries. This book is so good. So needed! I loved it!" —Paula Chase, author of So Done and Dough Boys  

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Barbara Dee is the author of several middle grade novels including Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have received several starred reviews and been included on many best-of lists, including the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten, the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, and the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. Star-Crossed was also a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. Barbara is one of the founders of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. She lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound dog named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.  

PHOTO CREDIT: RANDY MATUSOW


Blitz Giveaway


- 5 Winners will receive a Copy of MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU by Barbara Dee.
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends November 18, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A new series from a favorite author... Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy (Review & #Giveaway) @Celebrate_Lit


I've been a fan of this author or a long time. Her books never fail to make me
laugh and always include some sweet romance and a little suspense. If that's your
kind of read, definitely check out my review and enter the tour giveaway below...

Aiming for Love
(Brides of Hope Mountain #1)
By Mary Connealy
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 320 Pages
October 2nd 2019 by Bethany House

Summary

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

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My Review

AIMING FOR LOVE is a story of a family of ranchers who invades three sisters' solitary lives up on a mountain in Colorado as they escape danger. It's full of complex family relationships, facing challenges and fear, and finding unexpected love. Christian historical fans and fans of the author will enjoy this one!

Connealy writes interesting and unique characters and these three sisters are definitely that. Each one has her own strengths and weaknesses and they work together seamlessly. It was interesting seeing how the Warden family invading their lives challenges each one of them and how they each reacted in their own way. Jo seemed the most open to change, but her younger sister Ilsa was also open to the strangers. Ursula was a whole other story. I really enjoyed Dave's and Jo's relationship and the instant attraction that grew into something more as they worked alongside each other. It's a sweet story of two families facing the challenges of a rough land and time. There is plenty of danger still coming and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed reading this one. There was plenty of moments that made me smile, a few tense moments of danger, and then others that pulled on my heart with a message of faith woven throughout.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and through NetGalley, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.


More from Mary

What it would do to someone to run wild from nearly their earliest memory?

What if three young girls had the basic skills to survive a rugged life but no adults to guide them?

Would they grow up to be a completely odd and untamed version of themselves, or the truest, in some ways most honest version?

I wanted to explore that idea: wild children, tough young women, afraid of the invading world, but lonely, too. So I created the plot for my Brides of Hope Mountain series by mixing the three little girls who’d grown up wild on the top of a mountain with some fairy tale ideas.

Book one, Aiming for Love, is Josephine Nordegren’s story. I had this vision of Ariel the mermaid seeing a man for the first time when strangers invade the high valley she lives in with only her two sisters. Curiosity is her besetting sin, or so she’s always been told. She has wilderness skills, mainly in the form of owning a bow and arrow and understanding wild animals, but for the first time, she is drawn to a man.

Jo needs to be tamed, or Dave, the man she can’t stop watching from in the woods, needs to learn the ways of the wild, because they’re out of place in each other’s worlds.

Tour Schedule

Among the Reads, October 25
Moments With Mercy, October 25
Bigreadersite , October 25
Emily Yager, October 25
Quiet Workings, October 26
Stories By Gina, October 27
Older & Smarter?, October 28
Betti Mace, October 28
Wishful Endings, October 28
The Becca Files, October 29
Mary Hake, October 29
Mamma Loves Books, October 29
Britt Reads Fiction, October 30
Hallie Reads, October 31
Connect in Fiction, October 31
Daysong Reflections, November 1
Splashes of Joy, November 1
Moments, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
She Lives To Read, November 2
EmpowerMoms, November 3
Remembrancy, November 3
Blessed & Bookish, November 4
Pause for Tales , November 5
Texas Book-aholic, November 6
janicesbookreviews, November 6
A Reader’s Brain, November 7
Leona J. Atkinson, November 7
Lukewarm Tea, November 7

Tour-Wide Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card, a copy of Aiming for Love, and a copy of Fairy Tales from Around the World!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.


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