Seven Sorcerers by Caro King

Little brothers are always a pain, but what would you do if you woke up one morning and he wasn't there?  Especially if no one else even remembers him ever being there?


Alladin will be publishing this book in hardcover on May 1st.  They graciously sent me an ebook for review (thank you).  If you're into good fantasy tales, you will definitely want to make a note of this book and pick up a copy.


Ms. King has a fantastic imagination and writes a roaring good tale.  There are sorcerers, magic, bogeymen, and another world involved.  The action is fast, the danger is huge, and Nin will not stop until she saves her brother.  But is she already too late?  And what will happen when she steps into The Drift?


The two main characters are strong, willing to take awful risks to accomplish their goals, and have a bit of a romantic interest in each other.  Their adventures are amazing.  There is just enough horror to keep your young ones reading madly.  You can't wait to see what's going to happen next!


It's written for ages 8-12, but this adult is going to buy herself a copy when it comes out.  I love good fantasies.  And even the bogeyman isn't too bad.  You just read it and see for yourself.


Happy reading!  

Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

This is very interesting story about a boy and his wishes.  He wants to join his mother in London...


David Fickling Books has published this book in hardcover, and sent me a copy for review (thank you).  The story is written for ages 10 and up.


I found this a very different read from the others I normally review.  It was a refreshing change and focuses on a separated family and how one child is very tall and the other very short.  Andi is short and she wants to play basketball badly.  Bernardo is very tall and is instantly a basketball hero.


The author does a good job of showing the interplay between the two children.  Andi wanted her long-lost half-brother to join the family, but didn't have long to adjust to the fact that he was coming.  They'd spent years talking about it, but now it was happening.  Bernardo was thrilled to come to London, but doesn't know how to fit into the lifestyle here or how to deal with Andi.


The message here is that it's OK to be different; everyone is special in their own way.


Check with your local bookstore to get a copy.  And happy reading!

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

It's seventeenth century Scotland and Maggie finds herself accused of being a witch.  Her grandmother is a bit odd and she curses people, but she's no witch.  When they are both tried, convicted and sentenced to death, Maggie can't believe it...


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will be publishing this book in mid-April in hardcover.  I got my copy for review from Net Galley (thank you both).  


With help from a friend, Maggie escapes.  She's never lived anywhere except the small island she's on now and has never even visited all the villages there.  Now, she must leave the island and start a new life.


Ms. Laird does an excellent job of making you feel her fear and insecurity on the trip.  And she makes Maggie a strong person who will do what it takes to survive.


The worst part of the story is that Maggie gets betrayed TWICE.  Once would be enough to break the spirit of most people, but not Maggie.


This book provides an excellent look at the historical events of that time period.  Witch trials, religious trials, and hardship were common then.  Reading about this makes you want to search out more about that historical time period.


There's plenty of action, danger, and adventure in the story.  Why not pick up a copy at your local bookstore and take a trip back in time?


Happy reading!

The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter by Kristen Tracy

Bessica is feeling adventurous at the hair salon. She's going into sixth grade and wants a new hair style.  Unfortunately Sylvie's Mom is not impressed when Sylvie gets the same style...


Delacourte Press Books for Young Readers sent me a copy of this book for review.  It's currently available at your local bookstore and is written for ages 10 and up.


Bessica thought a pixie cut was a good idea, but she sure didn't expect to start middle school A-L-O-N-E!  Sylvie doesn't seem as upset about it as she is and that makes it worse.  She knows no one at the new school.  And now her grandmother is going on a road trip and won't even be there to help her adjust...


This is a story about growing up and learning how to fight your own battles.  It's done in a non-threatening, fun way and your middle schooler ought to recognize the challenges and relate to Bessica's problems.


Why not share a copy of this book with a child who is in middle school?


Happy reading!

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris

Sir Gawain was originally known as Sir Gawain the Undefeated.  But that didn't make him the most respectful or likable person.  Oh no, it sure didn't...


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is publishing this book in mid-April and I got my copy from Net Galley for review (thank you both).  It will be published in hardcover.  Aaron Renier is the illustrator.  This is the third Knight Tales book, but the first I've read.  Ever since I saw the movie Camelot, I've had an interest in Authurian tales.


Mr. Morris writes a rollicking, fun tale about a proud knight who saves a princess but is disrespectful to her.  The Green Knight comes to challenge him, and he cuts the knight's head off.  But when the knight picks it up and carries it out into the night telling Gawain they will have one year until they meet again and then it will his turn to strike first, everyone is in shock.  Especially Gawain.


The tale is fast, fascinating (he meets many challenges during that year), and fun.  The illustrations are strong and forceful and make the story come alive.


If you have a young adult who hasn't met the knights of the round table yet, this is a great book to introduce them.  Check it out at your local bookstore and grab a copy.


Happy reading!

Sweet Jiminy by Kristin Gore

Jiminy Davis is attending law school, but feeling lethargic about it.  She decides to go home to Grandma's and see if it helps her attitude.  


Hyperion will be publishing this book at the end of April.  I got my copy from Net Galley for review (thank you both).  It will be coming out in hardcover.


When Jiminy arrives home, she notices everyone is a bit reserved around her, but her trip home was unexpected so that's not unusual.  The story is set in Mississippi and there are old secrets buried there.  Once Jiminy gets a scent of an old unsolved mystery, she's not about to let go.  After all, there once was another Jiminy...


There is inter-racial love, memories of the past that don't want to resurrected, and prejudice by pound in this story.  The young Jiminy is bound and determined to find out who killed the victims and how they got away with it.  


As that old saying goes:  Be careful what you wish for, you might get it...


The story has a nice flow and discusses the issues factually. Jiminy finds herself alright, but does she like what she found?


Happy reading.

Run by Blake Crouch

What if your world was turned totally upside down and people starting acting mean and crazy.  Would you be able to survive?  Jack Colclough is about to find out...


Blake Crouch has sent me other ebooks of his work (sometimes in conjunction with other authors) to read.  His work always fascinates me.  He has a way of getting inside my fears.  Mr. Crouch writes a good horror tale.


The story begins quietly.  A family of four, living in Albuquerque, not exactly happily ever after.  Then things begin to turn unusual.  Unexplained, senseless deaths are beginning to turn up everywhere.  And it doesn't take long until the danger is running the streets of Albuquerque, too.  If it's the end of the world as you knew it, what do you do?  Jack decides all they can do is RUN!

Running means grabbing what they can in five minutes and then hitting the road.  But the human predators are not willing to let them get away.


This has the feel of an end of the world novel, and the challenges the family face are horrendous.  Once you read this book, you won't quit thinking about it.  Instead you'll be saying, "What if..."


You can get a copy of it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords in ebook form right now.  A print copy is planned in the future.  Here's a link to the author's website with more info about the book:  http://www.blakecrouch.com/news.shtml


Happy reading - and thinking...

Nemesis by L J Martin

He fought in the Civil War and now was a mountain man living with his animals and he was content with that.  Until they killed his family down in Nemesis...


Mr. Martin gave a copy of his ebook for review (thank you).  You can purchase of copy of it in your local bookstore or on Amazon in print or in Kindle form.


This is a good old-fashioned western story.  Tag's sister and her family are killed on their farm and a Mexican worker sends Tag a letter about it.  By the time Tag gets there, the Mexican is dead, too.


Tag is tough, bent on vengeance and wants to make the killers hurt before they die.  Imagine his surprise when he rides into town, stops a robbery, and is suddenly made sheriff!


I enjoyed reading this western.  It has a touch of Zane Grey flavor.  Tag is a hard hitting cowboy with a few beautiful women in his life and he's trying to right a wrong.


If you enjoy action, adventure, or western stories, this one should appeal to you.  If you're not sure, here's the book trailer to tempt you further:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQHRM_WanpQ

Happy reading!

Title and Cover for Final Book in Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

ALFRED A. KNOPF BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS REVEALS

TITLE AND COVER FOR FINAL BOOK IN CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI’S

#1 BESTSELLING INHERITANCE CYCLE

 

BOOK FOUR IN THE INHERITANCE CYCLE WILL GO

ON SALE NOVEMBER 8, 2011

 

New York, NY (March 23, 2011)—Eagerly awaited by millions around the world, the triumphant conclusion to Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle will arrive this fall, it was announced todayby Nancy Hinkel, Vice President, Publishing Director of Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books (www.randomhouse.com/teens). Following the #1 bestselling novels Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr, the fourth and final book in the series will be titled INHERITANCE, a fitting designation for the concluding novel in Paolini’s epic fantasy.

 

“The burning questions asked by fans around the world will finally be answered in this last installment,” said Christopher Paolini. “All will be revealed!”

 

INHERITANCE will have a first printing of 2.5 million copies and will be published on November 8, 2011, in the United States and Canada, and simultaneously by Random House in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. It will carry a suggested U.S. retail price of $27.99. INHERITANCE will also be published by Random House in Germany; the publication date has yet to be announced.

 

“The publication of INHERITANCE brings a dramatic and satisfying close to one of the best-loved fantasy series in recent publishing history,” commented Hinkel. “Now, both new readers and established fans can enjoy the full story without interruption for the very first time.” Michelle Frey, Executive Editor with Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, who worked with Paolini onEragon, Eldest, and Brisingr is also the editor of INHERITANCE

 

INHERITANCE will be published simultaneously in the United States as an ebook. It will also be available as an audiobook from Random House’s Listening Library division. Publication will be supported by a major marketing and publicity campaign that includes movie theater advertising, national television advertising, national print advertising, and a 10-city author tour that will launch in New York, New York, on November 8, 2011. The stunning green dragon on the cover of INHERITANCE was illustrated by the renowned John Jude Palencar, illustrator of the Eragon, Eldest,and Brisingr covers.

 

All #1 New York Times bestsellers in the United States, Eragon Eldest and Brisingr have been international sensations. To date, there are 49 foreign-language licenses for Eragon alone, and together the first three books in the series have sold 25 million copies worldwide. In its first day on sale in North America in September 2008, Brisingr sold more than 550,000 hardcover copies in one day, making Brisingr the greatest single-day sale ever recorded for a Random House Children’s Books title—hardcover or paperback—and the fastest-selling title in the publisher’s history.

 

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers is an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, (www.randomhouse.com/kids), the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.

 

I love this series and have acquired the first three for my own personal collection, so I'm pleased to see another one is coming out.  I'll be reviewing it on my blog later this year, so keep an eye out for it.

And happy reading!

The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

About the only way you wouldn't be familiar with this book is if you hadn't read it before.  I can't believe anyone would forget it!


This is another Golden Baby board book from Random House Kid's Books that was provided to me for review (thank you).  Of this series so far, this one is my favorite.  You can get a copy at your local bookstore right now, it's already been published.  It's for ages 0-3 and is cute as cute could be.


Gustaf Tenggren has done the illustrations and the puppies are round and fluffy and their tongues hang out.  Ms Lowery's story about the puppy who is always the last, whether they are on adventure or going home, has a lesson for the little one.  You need to follow the rules.


I'm very fond of animals and dogs touch my heart, so that may be why I like this book so much.  But whether you are an animal lover or not, this book should make your little one laugh and want to hear the story again and again.


Happy reading!

Amos Daragon The Mask Wearer by Bryan Perro

Amos just wanted to help the dying mermaid, but when she gives him a mask and a quest, he gets a lot more than he bargained for...


Delacorte Press for Young Readers  published this book in February and sent me a copy for review (thank you).  This edition was translated by Y. Maudet, and is the first in this twelve book series.  It's written for ages 8-12.


Four masks were endowed with elemental powers and Amos holds one.  He doesn't understand what he holds, but he knows the mermaid gave him a task and he tries to accomplish it.


My favorite part of this story is when Amos meet Beorf, who is a humanimal.  He can shapeshift into a bear.  And having Medusa in the story makes it more interesting, too.


This is a good fantasy and action tale for young ones.   It will get their imagination flowing.


Visit your local bookstore for a copy and let your child take a walk on the wild side...


Happy reading!

Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Martin

I see that tonight HBO will be hosting a documentary:  Triangle: Remembering the Fire


I have reviewed the above book, Flesh & Blood So Cheap and would like to suggest that if you are going to watch the program, you might check the book out.  With all the photos and details in it, it will make your heart hurt.  It's an unpleasant part of our history here in the US during the industrial ages.


This book would make an excellent home schooling lesson or it can simply be further reading about such an unnecessary disaster.


The actual review is located here:  Triangle Fire

Don't forget our past...

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Salina Yoon

My Mom and I used to say this rhyme when I put my shoes on while I was small.  Made no different if they buckled or not.  We'd recite it together and smile at each other...


Robin Corey Books has published this board for book for ages 0-3 and sent me a copy for review (thank you).  The author was born in South Korea and moved here at age 4.  She couldn't speak English then, but quickly learned.


This is a book of bright colors, windows in the pages to give it depth, with circus animals and geometric figures to help the child learn how to count.  Just the colors should keep your child returning to the book.  It's a delight for the eyes.


Why not visit your local bookstore and pick up a copy of an old rhyme represented in a brand new look?  Create some memories for your young one, too.


Happy reading!

Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Margaret Wise Brown has published numerous children's books and they've all been wildly successful.  She knows just the right tone to take to talk to little ones...


This is a Golden Baby Book published by Random House in the new board book editions.  Thank you for the opportunity to review it.  Gustaf Tenggren does the illustrations and they are sweet and colorful.


Bunny is looking for a home, but he can't live in a tree or in a bog.  And the groundhog won't share his log.  Poor bunny...


How about an Easter gift for a little one?  This is well bound, sturdy book the little ones can handle and it's set in spring with a bunny.  Share the love of reading with your child.  Check with your local bookstore for a copy.


Happy reading!

Kickers Book 4: Game-Day Jitters by Rich Wallace

They're heading into the semi-finals.  Can they win?


Alfred A Knopf Books for Young Readers sent me a copy of this book for review.  I had read Book 3 (Benched) and was ready to see what new adventure the soccer players went on this time.  Thanks for the opportunity.


Mr. Wallace writes well about soccer action and the trials and tribulations of game days.  The stories have lots of action, there is always a lesson to be learned, and the characters are real.  They have worries, anger, injuries, and a fear of failure, just like all people do.


Ben's trying to pretend it's just another game, but he has the jitters.  As he tries to overcome this, he learns a few other lessons along the way.


There is a strong family theme in these stories and even reluctant readers should be drawn in with all the soccer action.  Competition, action, and lessons on growing up all in one place and fun to read.  The book was released in January, so why not visit your local bookstore and check this series out?


Happy reading!

Baby's First Book by Garth Williams

Another Golden Baby board book with classic illustrations and text by Mr. Williams.  Just lovely!


Random House Children's Books has brought the Golden Books of the past back to life in board books for the young ones, ages 0-3.  Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.


This book is sturdy, sized for little hands, and filled with suggestions for young ones activities.  The child will have fun identifying the various animals and toys as you read the story together.


Any of this series would make a wonderful baby gift.  You might even want to give more than one and help that new baby discover the joy of reading.  Visit your local bookstore and check them out.


Happy reading!

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat by Wendy Henrichs

Have you ever heard the legend from Japan about Tama, the lucky cat?  If not, you're in for a treat!  If you have, this is a beautiful rendition of this old folktale.


Peachtree Publishing and Net Galley offered me the opportunity to review this book.  I love Peachtree's children's books and was anxious to see how they did this tale.


It's a simple story and I've read it in more than one picture book, but the illustrator, Yoshiko Jaeggi, uses her artwork to bring new life to the old tale.  Her pictures are colorful, magical and to the point.  The author writes in a direct style that tells the story succinctly and completely.


This author/illustrator combo has created a beautiful story about the cat who moves in with a monk and brings him luck.  


Check it out at your local bookstore and pick up a copy for the young one in your life or even for your picture book collection.  It's worth a look and you may find yourself going home with a copy.


Happy reading!

Baby Farm Animals by Garth Williams

Remember the Golden Books of your youth?  Now there are Golden Baby Books!


Random House Children's Books sent me this board book for review (thank you). I was very pleased to see the beauty of the old Golden Books done in a new format that babies will enjoy.


The fuzzy fluffy farm animals are fun to look at and the book is sturdy.  There is a bit of text about each animal you can read to the child.   


A little one should enjoy the colors and the sweet animal pictures.  See how long it takes them to identify the animals by themselves...


This series is for ages 0-4.  Why not share some memories with your young one?

Ain't No Sunshine by Leslie DuBois

This is a story of racism, love, and secrets from the past all colliding in one couple's lives.


This eBook is available on Smashwords and Amazon Kindle.  The author was kind enough to share a copy with me.  I'd previously reviewed Secrets of Eden and enjoyed her work.


This story contains a lot of pain but leaves you with hope at the end.  Not necessarily justice, but definitely with hope.


The author holds no punches in her writing.  She writes about ugly subjects most people would prefer to hide, including the characters in this story.  The father is abusive, the son is in love with the mulatto neighbor girl, and the passion and anger in the book grow until it explodes.


Ms. DuBois knows the subjects she writes about, and her stories touch me.  If you have never tasted her words yet, do give her a try.  She writes honestly and imbues her words with angst and suffering.  You won't forget her message easily.


The title of this story comes from the Bill Withers song:  


Ain't no sunshine when she's gone. 
It's not warm when she's away.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long anytime she goes away. 

Read this story and you'll see how appropriate the title is.

Animal Rescue Team: Show Time by Sue Stauffacher

A squirrel crisis and stage fright are two things Keisha doesn't need during jump rope competition...


Alfred A Knopf Books for Young Readers sent me copy of this book for review.  It's currently available for sale and is written for 8-10 year olds.  I'd previously read Hide & Seek and was looking forward to seeing Ms. Stauffacher's new work.


The author does a very nice job of working a veteran's rehabilitation facility into the story.  The squirrel problem is at St. Mercy College, but right next door is the veteran's facility.  Keisha meets a friend there who encourages her in her jump roping competition and she learns a little about Iraq war veterans and how they are rehabbed with new limbs, etc.  It's a way for children to learn a bit out how artificial limbs work in a non-stressful manner.


Ms. Stauffacher doesn't hesitate to approach some tough issues and deal with them directly.  I admire that in a person.  Even Keisha's jump rope competition is not without complications, but Keisha and her family take that in stride, too.


Your young one will learn a few life lessons reading this book.  They are presented positively and it takes team work to make it work.


This is the fourth book in this series.  Why not visit your local bookstore and check them out.  They have humor, minor troubles, and lots of love in them.


Happy reading!

Dust by Arthur Slade

Everyone knows you don't accept rides from strangers.  Don't they?


Arther Slade sent me a copy of this ebook for review.  It's available on his website:  http://arthurslade.com/frontpage/ .  You can scare yourself today if you want.  Just buy a copy and immerse yourself in the tale...


The story is set in Saskatchewan.  This is a fantasy tale about a young boy who goes missing on the day evil comes to town.  Matthew is not the only child to go missing, but the adults don't seem to notice.  Abram, new to town, has come to build a rainmaker which would be a miracle for their small town of farmers.  Robert, Matthew's older brother, is the only one who can see through Abram.  He's not what he seems.


Mr. Slade weaves his words magically around an unusual tale of imagination.  The story flows well, there's no clue about how it will end, and the touch of horror feels like it's in the room with you.  There was one spot in the story that grabbed me so much I found myself holding my breath!  That doesn't happen often.


This is written for young adults, but I found it intriguing and a very good read.  I'd recommend it for adults too.  Especially those who like Ray Bradbury's work.


Why not visit the website and grab a copy for yourself?  You can also check out his other works.  I love his Hunchback Assignment series.  If you haven't seen those yet, do check them out.  Mr. Slade has a way with words.

Clackers: Crocodile by Luana Rinaldo

How about a crocodile?


Robin Corey sent me this board book for review also (thank you).  It's another "clacker" book that makes noise and will fascinate little ones.


This is the story of crocodile looking for her Mommy and she discovers different animals on the way.  It's charming and should fascinate young ones.


The author has also written Bee, Fish, Bunny and Duck in the same clacking board book series so be sure to check them all out.


I can just see those baby hands making this book "clack" and talk to them, can't you?

Clackers: Monkey by Luana Rinaldo

Does your little one like monkeys?  This book will delight them!


Robin Corey Books sent me a copy of this chunky board book to review (thank you).  It's the cutest thing I've seen in a long time.  It's die cut and has a handle that the little one can use to shake the book and make it "clack".


You can read them the story of monkey swinging through the trees playing with his friends.  They can grab the book handle, shake the book, and listen to it clack.


This novelty book is for ages 0-3, so even the young ones can enjoy it.


Check with your local bookstore for a copy.  This would make a very nice baby shower gift.

Compact with the Devil by Bethany Maines

Laura Croft, Tomb Raider, has nothing on Nikki Lanier...


Simon & Schuster sent me an eGalley of this book for review (thank you).  It will be published in trade paperback at the end of April.


Nikki works for the Carrie May Foundation.  The Foundation has a front as cosmetics firm, but it's really a group of women mercenaries.  They have varying skills, there are international branches, and they go where they are needed.


Ms. Maines has written a story that rivals men's adventure novels.  There's lots of action, the story flows well, and the plot is intertwined in many interesting ways.  She also throws in a romance in trouble and gives Nikki a new love interest to complicate the issue, so the story isn't boring.


I enjoyed this read a lot.  Nobody follows the rules, the girls are rough and ready for action, and the tangled web unfolds slowly.  I read it in one evening.  Why not get yourself a copy in April and go on the same wild ride?


Happy reading!

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

Ginny had always been different from the other kids but she was still normal, wasn't she?


Simon & Schuster provided me with an eGalley of this book for review (thank you).  The book will be published in the middle of April in hardcover.


Ginny took her refuge from the world in food.  She loved cooking in the kitchen and used thoughts of food to calm herself when people got too close or tried to touch her.  Her life was doing just fine until her parents went on vacation and died in an unfortunate accident.  That turns her life upside down.  Her sister wants her to sell the house she's grown up in and move in with her.  She also wants her to visit a doctor.  Ginny doesn't want to do any of this, but isn't sure how to make her sister see it would be OK.


The author does an excellent job of expressing Ginny's feelings and showing how a disability does not mean one can't function; it just means the person has to learn ways of coping with those feelings and fears.


The story is emotional and part fantasy.  Cooking old hand-written recipes doesn't usually mean a visit from ghosts.  But somehow that all fits well with this tour through Ginny's mind.


I enjoyed this read.  It's about family, loss, and a new beginning.  Get a copy at your local bookstore and check it out.


Happy reading!

Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing Blog Tour

Grand Central Publishing sent me an ARC for review of this book that will be published this week and invited me to be part of the blog tour (thank you).  I had previously read Waking Up in the Land of Glitter and was looking forward to reading M. Cano-Murillo's new book.


The author's main character is a practical woman who wants to move to New York but knows she can't do it without more money.  She decides to open an after-hours sewing school and teach a unique sewing technique she learned from her grandmother for extra income.  


The best part of Ms. Cano-Murillo's stories is the fact that her characters may be bruised or misguided, but working on a common craft and bonding at the work tables soon has them working on each other's problems in a positive way.  Everyone grows stronger in her books and that's a good thing.


This book was another good read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading books about family or crafts or is just looking for a pleasurable read.


I was allowed to ask Kathy any question I wanted and here it is with her response:  Have any form of crafts had an impact on your life?

Sewing and painting. Sewing because my Nana Cano loved to sew and I never took the time to sit and have her teach me. I cried when she passed away, I was so mad at myself. My husband comforted me and told me “All she wanted was for you to sew.” And he went out and bought me a $99. Machine and I haven’t stopped since! Every single time I put my foot on that pedal, I think of my Nana Cano. In Miss Scarlet’s School of Patternless Sewing, Nana Eleanor is named after my Nana Cano!

Painting because every so often I have people put me down and say things like “You just do crafts, you don’t do art, you can’t paint.” Well, I end up thanking them because it fuels my ambition! I challenge myself to learn new techniques, and I practice a lot to help me grow stronger in my skills. I love it so much, it feels wonderful to bring an empty canvas to life!

As you can see by her comments, it's no accident that her woman characters support and encourage each other.

Here is the book trailer for you to view:  http://www.youtube.com/craftychica  That ought to entice your interest!

I will be giving my ARC away this week to a lucky winner.  To enter the contest, just leave a comment here on the blog and then email me at info @ bookfaerie.com and give me your name AND address and tell me why you would like to read this book.

Here's a list of some of the tours before my post and after my post.  There are giveways on other sites, so be sure to check them out.  There are also more interview questions.


Happy reading!

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Tues March 8	http://www.michellemach.com/blog/
Tues March 8	http://ourwhiskeylullaby.blogspot.com/
Tues March 8	http://www.conestogo.blogspot.com
Tues March 8	http://cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com
Tues March 8	http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com
Tues March 8	http://creativeclown.com
Tues March 8	http://livinlavidalatina.blogspot.com
Tues March 8	http://www.thereviewbroads.com
Wed March 9	Colorful Chick Lit Challenge
Wed March 9	http://andreasternart.blogspot.com
Wed March 9	http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/
Wed March 9	http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com
Wed March 9	http://onebookshy.blogspot.com
Wed March 9	http://amusingreviews.blogspot.com
Wed March 9	http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com
Wed March 9	http://alteredbelly.blogspot.com/
Wed March 9	http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
Wed March 9	www.skiptomylou.org
Wed March 9	www.liveteachcreate.com
Wed March 9	http://www.bkfaerie.blogspot.com
Wed March 9	http://www.lisalizalou.com/
Thurs March 10	www.thecraftaholic.com/
Thurs March 10	www.latinabookclub.com
Thurs March 10	http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com
Thurs March 10	http://jo-jolovestoread.blogspot.com/
Thurs March 10	http://marthalama.wordpress.com/
Thurs March 10	http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com
Thurs March 10	http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com
Thurs March 10	www.tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com