BACKCOVER PROMOTIONS LAUNCH

Backcover Pomotions Launch February 1st 2014 1pm to 11pm GMT!!! Backcover Promotions are very excited for tomorrow!! There will be a LOT going on. They will be celebrating with a Facebook party and there will be going on their website too!!! So check both regularly through the day to get the most out of it with them =) They have lined up some amazing prizes. They have an extensive list to giveaway from their sponsors!! 24 merchandise bundles are lined up to giveaway through the day. Plus there will be some amazing discounts on their tour packages and some of their other services. To make the day even more fun they have set up a loyalty card for the event. If you enter 6 contests through the day you will get an extra 20% on any discounts giveaway. If you don't win any of the main contests but still enter 6 contests through the day you will get the 25% towards any package you would like. How cool is that? Everyone is a winner during the Backcover Promotions Launch Day Party!! Please feel free to print the loyalty card and check off your entries or you can check the entries off in any image programme. Once you have a filled card please email your completed card, name, what contests you entered and if you have won any other prize and we will be sure to keep a note of the completed cards through the day!! Email: kate[at]backcoverpromotions.co.uk

Let It Snow

 

 

 

 

 

 

KIDZ KORNER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

 Read about the man who photographed snowflakes for the first time.  This delightful book is really a biography.  There’s fascinating science too.  The pictures really tell the story but there are a lot of little extras for the older kids.  I would read this book to kids 5-8.

 In the Snow by Sharon Phillips Denslow

 Meet the woodland animals as they come to eat the seeds left by a certain someone.  Science and beauty together.  I would read this book to kids 2-6.

 Snow by Cynthia Rylant

 There are different kinds of snow falls described in this lyrical and beautiful book. Once again, science and literature walk hand in hand. I would read this book to kids 4-7.

 The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

 Go on a magical journey with the snowman and his friend.  There are no words in the book so you can make your own story together. Amazing illustrations enhance the story.  I would read this book to kids 1-8.

 I know it’s snowing and blowing,  but until next week, keep on reading!

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

 Rated 4.5 STARS

 

Well, Tris and Tobias (Four) are once again in a horrible, mixed up power struggle where they don’t know who is the enemy or who is trustworthy.  They join the group called the Allegiant who are convinced a team should leave the city and travel into the unknown outside the fence. Of course our two heroes are part of that team.

They are taken to a facility that is clean and has plenty of food and clothing and also watches the goings on in their home city.  Are these people friend or foe?  The teens find out that their town was part of a great experiment to improve mankind. The facility’s leaders say their intentions are honorable, that they are trying to clean out the bad DNA that makes people do horrendous things so the world can be a peaceful, better place.

All is not quite as it seems and Tris and Tobias end up having different ideas of how the situation should be handled so they go their separate ways.  Painful as it is for both of them, they seem to have problems that can’t be overcome.

When Tobias’ actions cause the death of many including a close friend, he has to come to terms with what he has done.

Tris is convinced that the problem doesn’t lie in their old city but in the new facility.
How all these problems come to their conclusion is the crux of the story.

I thought the story started out a little slowly and my interest began to wane but sure enough Roth pulled me back in and I read to the end.  I can’t say I enjoyed this book because that doesn’t seem to be the right word and doesn’t do justice to the story.  Just trust me that is a great conclusion to the trilogy and it is worth finishing.

Tris is back to her brave and strong self and Tobias is as desirable as ever.  Their core group of friends is back as well as Tobias’ evil parents.

This was a trilogy I was really glad I read.  It had a little something for everyone.

Old Man Winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KIDZ KORNER

 

 

 

 

Cuddle up, it’s cold outside!!  In these frosty temperatures why not sit down with the kids and read some good books?  The snow in these books won’t make you any colder.  I promise!

 

The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming

 This book is remindful of that old favorite, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Each day a boy adds something new to the snowman he has built. A lot of woodland animals come out to take a peek too.  Lots of things to talk about and darling pictures.
I would read this book to kids 2-6.  P.S.  You could probably even sing it if you really wanted to do so.

 

Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker

 The brother likes the outside and is dying to get out there with his sister. He is winter’s biggest cheerleader.  Sis, on the other hand, wants to be indoors with brother!  What are two siblings to do?  The answer is a lovely compromise.  Kids will relate to the brother/sister dynamic.

I would read this book to kids 2-5.

 

Chaucer’s First Winter by Stephen Krensky

 Chaucer, the baby bear, doesn’t want to take that winter nap with his parents.  He wants to see winter.  He sneaks out and spends all winter playing with his friends and even surviving a storm with his own cunning.  When spring comes and mom and dad wake up, Chaucer can’t wait to tell them all about winter except for one thing, he falls asleep.

I would read this book to kids 2-5

 

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

 

Peter spends his day enjoying the snow.  He makes foot prints and other kinds of things a little boy would find to do on a snowy day in the city.  I love his bright red snowsuit. This book is a classic. I would read it to kids 1-5.

So make some cocoa and bundle up and until next week, keep on reading!

New Year, New Books 2

KIDZ KORNER






 Again, I went scouting for books that looked interesting and worth your time.  I had some more success and I hope you’ll  find these books as great as I did.

 Press Here by Herve Tullet

 Just press the dot and see what happens when you turn the page. .  The dots change color move around and go back where they belong.  It’s a pretty powerful feeling if you think you are the one who made the changes.  I just loved it.

 How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan

 What a cute book.  The little one explains all the things that a kid should do to entertain Grandpa when he is babysitting.  They include dancing and eating and yes, no worrying the parents always come back.  So adorable!  PS  There is a How to Babysit a Grandma too.

 Chick “n” Pug by Jennifer Sattle

 Chick loves adventure.  Pug loves to sleep.  Chick is convinced that Pug wants to have adventures too.  He pesters and begs him and tries to get him to do something daring.  In the end, guess who saves the day?

 The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz

Who wouldn’t love a book where the driver of the bus is a baby?  This is a new twist on the classic song, The Wheels on the Bus.  The illustrations are just adorable and each baby has a personality of its own.

Book Spotlight The Charlatan's Crown by Amy Lignor

 

Series: Tallent & Lowery

Author: Amy Lignor

Publisher: Suspense Publishing

Formats Available In: Digital and Print

Publication Date: MARCH 2014

 

Blurb: Fans across the globe jumped on board when the ‘best action/adventure tale since Indiana Jones’ arrived. In 13, the puzzle that no one could solve was revealed, and led everyone to race to their computers in order to discover how on earth this incredible author figured it all out…

 

In The Sapphire Storm, Leah Tallent & Gareth Lowery took on a new case – a spider web of evil and deceit that would have them piecing together a mystery that began in an old London college; an institution that harbored secrets of a fraudulent author the world still celebrates today, and connected that man to a strange shop in Cairo…exposing the real story of a legend that all knew but no one could ever solve…

In The Hero’s Companion, Tallent & Lowery were given seven days to figure out a puzzle of mammoth proportions in order to save the father Leah dearly loved. But as the web unfolded from Athens to Cleopatra’s Mines, more secrets erupted of a personal life Leah knew nothing about, and unveiled an evil man who wants nothing more than to destroy the Tallent & Lowery team in order to bring back an army that was the worst the world ever saw…

 NOW, Tallent & Lowery are headed into a castle that serves tourists every day in order to make their way through a maze to find the parent Leah never even knew existed. She and Gareth will reveal secrets that were embedded in the Third Reich’s reign – secrets that date back to a time far before the evil Hitler had attempted to reign.

Reviews:

Reviewers and Fans Agree: Tallent & Lowery is Action/Adventure/Romance/Suspense – GOLD!

 “Snappy dialogue, fast pacing and attention to detail complete the formula for this successful novel!!” 4 ½ Stars (RT Rating) — Romantic Times

_____

"Amy Lignor is a truly amazing and gifted author. Tallent & Lowery "13" immediately grabs the attention of the reader. Infused with emotion and "edge of your seat" adventures, the spider web of this plot is entirely believable!” – Mad Hatter Reads

_____

Fact: Amy Lignor ROCKS! I absolutely adored 13! I loved the smart plot and how cleverly it unfolds. The originality of it all is breathtaking – I could NOT stop reading! — Literary Circle

_____

"Indiana Jones meets DaVinci Code!!! Amy produces a book with locations, plots, webs of deceit interwoven perfectly! Escape the drab, dull books with THIS series!!! Massive THUMBS UP.  — ROMCOM

_____

“Get ready for a thrill ride with Amy Lignor’s “13” – the Tallent & Lowery adventure series! Sharp writing, witty dialogue, and a quest that rivals everything you have EVER read!” — Susan Fleet, author of “Natalie’s Revenge”

_____

 “Amy Lignor’s storylines are AMAZING!” – Tiffany’s Bookshelf

_____

“A flat-out, slam-dunk, no-questions-asked-terrific-adventure. Try not to turn the pages too fast because the wonderfully complex characters deserve your time! This is truly a magical story that had me in its thrall from the very first page. It’s so exciting to discover a new talent like Lignor and have more books to look forward to.” — International Bestseller, M.J. Rose

_____

“Full of mystery, wrapped up in just enough historical fact to make it all seem so real, and with plenty of sizzle between the two main characters, “The Sapphire Storm” is a definite winner!” — Ellen Feld, The Feathered Quill

_____

“This masterfully told page turner is fresh, innovative, descriptive, and intense but I must warn you, prepare to stay up late because it’s not a story you can easily put down. I was blown away by Ms. Lignor’s knowledge and imagination and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I want more!!!!”— Cat Kalen, author of the RT’s ‘Top Pick’ Pride Series

_____

“After the brilliance of “13,” book one in the series, it would take a jewel to outshine it. Amy Lignor finds that jewel with “The Sapphire Storm.” It is a storm of brilliant writing and amazing characters. I cannot wait for the next installment of the Tallent & Lowery series. Encore!” — J.M. LeDuc, author of “Cursed Days” 

_____

 The Big Thrill Magazine Feature (November Issue)

 

About Amy Lignor:

 

The daughter of a career librarian, Amy Lignor’s first love has always been books. She began her career in publishing as the Editor-in-Chief of Grey House Publishing. Working in the industry for twenty years, she is now the Owner/Operator of ‘The Write Companion’, an editorial house offering authors a range of services.

 Appointed the Editor-in-Chief of a brand new traditional publisher–Hallowed Ink Press–Amy somehow finds the time to do it all while still putting out the most amazing series that has received every ‘Top Pick’ readers can think of!

 

Her popular YA Series: The Angel Chronicles (Until Next Time, Gilded Wings & A Privilege), introduced her to fans who now wait with bated breath for the next ‘Tallent & Lowery’ suspense/thriller to arrive.

 

Inducted into the International Thriller Writers Organization, Amy is also a writer/contributor for various magazines, companies, and review organizations; Authorlink, The Feathered Quill, Suspense Magazine and more.

 

www.tallentandlowery.blogspot.com

 

AMY’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

 

Facebook
Twitter
Website
GoodReads

 

Check Out Amy Lignor’s HIT YA Series at:

 

The Angel Chronicles website
The Angel Chronicles Facebook page

New Year, New Books

 

I know I told you I’d never recommend a book I hadn’t read but since it is so freezing and snowy I didn’t go and do research as I intended so I went and did some on line searching.  I found some books that piqued my interest so I thought I’d share them with you for the next two weeks.

 Pete the Cat series by Eric Litwin

 Ok, these look like so much fun.  Pete the Cat is just singing his way through life, going with the flow.  If his new white shoes turn red from stepping in strawberries he just sings about his new red shoes.  I love his carefree attitude and who wouldn’t love a singing cat?  Try it out with your youngsters.

 What Does the Fox Say? By Ylvis

 Oh, yes they did.  This book is based on the popular song that you have probably heard and if you haven’t you can find it on YouTube.  Dogs woof.  Cats meow.  But what does the fox say?  I know, do you?  Looks like it would be fun for kids.

 Snowflakes Fall by Patricia Maclachlan

 Illustrated by Steven Kellog, this book is dedicated to the children of Sandy Hook, Connecticut.  The book embraces the uniqueness of all of us.  It is beautiful and inspiring.  Kellog’s usual great illustrations only enhance the story.

 Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore

 

Nobody draws cozier, warmer or homier pictures than Holly Hobby and she has illustrated the familiar poem.  Enjoy the story but pay special attention to the pictures.

 

I hope this gives you some new ideas to share with the kids.  Don’t forget to make snowflakes out of white paper.  Just have a wastebasket near by for all the scraps!

Keep on keeping warm and until next week, keep on reading.

Why I Love YA Books

 

Everyone should read.  Especially teens.  It gives them a chance to escape from their real world into a world where kids like them have power and solve problems and rise above their shortcomings.

A good novel can make them laugh or cry and it’s always good to get those emotions out in an acceptable manner.  A book lets one do that.

I have been reading some independent and boutique publishers’ authors and there is some really good stuff out there.   Some of it is even free.

I really suggest you spend the money though.  You know the old saying “you get what you pay for”?  Well, usually that holds true.

I was a teen once (believe it or not) and I remember how it felt.  How mixed up I was and confused about my own identity.  How great it would have been to get lost in a book where the heroine is brave and strong.

Teens have to read a lot of books for school that turn out to be boring or hard to read.  Ever try A Tale of Two Cities?  That was my nemesis.  Anyway, they should have the option to read something for fun whether it is about vampires, dystopia or romance.

Teens can read about a romance that is based on friendship and mutual attraction and not just sex.  I really like that because they get inundated with enough superficial sex on television or whatever device they watch shows on.

When my kids were teens it was really hard to get one of them to read and one of them to stop reading. Wish we had some young adult books then. Whichever kid you have, buy them books.  You won’t regret it.

 Here are some books I would suggest:

 The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

 Divergent series by Veronica Roth

 Waiting for Dusk series by Nancy Pennick

 Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

 Shamrock Stables series by Shannon Kennedy

 The Giver trilogy by Lois Lowry

Read Around Sue will be  back on January 9,2014.

Until then, keep on reading!