Prophecy of the Flame Book Tour & Kindle Contest!

 
In a blinding flash of light, five nondescript strangers are yanked from this world and thrust into a land of sorcery. Transformed into the characters they were pretending to be; Archmage Reba, Jamison the healer, Jerik the dwarf, Charles the prince charming, and Allinon the druid elf blend twentieth century technology with the supernatural powers of this new world.

This band of wannabe heroes soon discovers that having the powers you have always dreamed of, does not make life a dream come true. The Crusaders of the Light struggle to form a cohesive band as they fight to liberate the kingdom of Cuthburan from the evil horde threatening humanity.

Battle is also waged within Reba, an ordinary housewife who has become the most powerful mage on the planet, as she struggles to remain true to her wedding vows. Drawn against her will to the arms of Prince Alexandros, Reba must choose between the prophesied marriage to a handsome prince in a
magical world or returning to the husband she left behind.

I had the opportunity to read Prophecy of the Flame this past month.  I do not typically read epic fantasies, but I was curious.  I was a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, so I thought I would give Prophecy of the Flame a try.  I was quickly drawn in to the story and I really liked Reba's strong character.  I found this to be a quick read and I'm glad I asked to review it.   

This book is being made into a MOVIE!! Hollywood Helps Charity! Proceeds from book sales and the movie will go to help the Homeless.  I was so happy to hear that this is happening.  Homelessness is such a huge problem in this country.  I wish there were more opportunities for people to contribute to support efforts.

Buy the Prophecy of the Flame on Kindle, and Paperback. Remember you are helping Charity too!

Give to KickStarter Hollywood Helps Homeless Families Event (& get the book!!)

Lynn Hardy is teaming up with Promotional Book Tours to give away a Kindle ($79 Amazon Giftcode).  Complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

World of Ink Book Tour: Good Table Manners Made Easy by Maryann Sawka

I have a student that I work with that displays extremely poor table manners. He chews with his mouth open, talks while he is eating, and opts to use his sleeve and the back of his hand instead of a napkin, to name just a few. I am constantly providing table manner tips to him; however, they do not seem to be having an impact. I also work with many students on autistic spectrum and they need life skills books read to them that provide concrete information about how they are to behave.

I was so excited to hear about the book Good Table Manners Made Easy, written by Maryann Sawka. I have students that would benefit immensely from reading or listening to a book on table manners, which is not a book that I have found in the past. Good Table Manners Made Easy is a book that comprehensively discusses table etiquette in a way that people of all ages can understand. The illustrator, Amy Rottinger, provides colorful illustrations to support the Sawka’s main points and give much needed visuals to individuals, such as my student. Numerous topics are addressed, including hygiene, conversation, and even what to do with your napkin when you need to excuse yourself from the table for a moment.

Regardless of the fact that I am an adult and believe that I display proper table manners, I found it interesting to learn a few facts. For example, I was not aware that there are two different positions for placing your silverware on your plate that indicate whether or not you have finished your meal. Sawka taught me about the “Resting Position” and the “Finished Position”. I will remember this the next time that I am out to eat!

This book will be a great resource to use with my elementary students as well as with my own children. It is comprehensive, yet brief enough to hold the attention of a child.

More details about the book:
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number(s): 978-1-61244-046-0
Genre of Book(s): Children’s, Self-Help, Etiquette
Publication Date(s): 2012

More About the Author:

As an educator and parent, Maryann has always embraced the notion that good manners are stylish and timely in every situation. She founded Charming Manners, a training company that educates all ages in the quest for civility and self-confidence. Maryann introduces good manners with a fun, engaging approach that makes the pursuit for knowledge an enjoyable experience. She resides in southwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Learn more at www.charmingmanners.net.

Good Table Manners Made Easy can be purchased from the following sites:
www.halopublishing.com
www.charmingmanners.net
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

As part of this book tour, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a copy of Good Table Manners Made Easy!  Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Moonlight Rises Book Tour

Book Details:
Genre:Adult Suspense, Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: StoneGate Ink
Publication Date: August 13,2011
Source: Partners in Crime Tours

Synopsis:
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”

Dick Moonlight is dead.

Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.

But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.

But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.

Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.

Life sucks, then you die.

But Moonlight rises.

My thoughts about the book:
I haven’t been riveted to a suspenseful book in a long time. I thought Moonlight Rises was a great action-packed book. I have read so many predictable books – why finish them if you have figured out the ending way back in the beginning of the book? Moonlight Rises kept me guessing all the way until the end. I found each of the characters interesting and a bit mysterious in terms of their motives, backgrounds, and relation to the story. I like Moonlight’s personality and the sarcastic humor used at times.

Overall, I believe Zandri is a clever author who has definitely found a new fan in me. I enjoy his writing and the “voice” of the story. I look forward to more Moonlight books – I want to hear what’s in store for Moonlight and what trouble will find him.

About the Author:


Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling Amazon Kindle author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL and the forthcoming MOONLIGHT RISES. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as "...gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting," while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, "Sensational...Masterful...Brilliant!" In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Books editions of his novels, and is rapidly closing in on the 200K mark all totaled. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri's work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he divides his time between New York and Florence, Italy.

Connect With Vincent:

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Website

Moonlight Rises can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

World of Ink Tour – Book Review: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

I have always been fascinated by Egyptian history. I can remember roaming the exhibits of the Smithsonian several times in utter awe. I love watching National Geographic specials and learning about the culture, artifacts that have been recovered, past rulers, and the belief system.

In The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, written by Fiona Ingram, Adam and Justin, two cousins from South Africa, are headed to Egypt for a family vacation with their aunt and grandmother. The boys are eager for adventure and they do not have to wait long before adventure and mystery find them. Once a peddler slips a sacred object into Adam’s pocket, a whirlwind of mystery and danger begins. Adam and Justin learn quickly that Dr. Faisal Khalid is willing to do anything to obtain the sacred scarab. As they travel to various destinations, Adam and Justin learn more about the scarab and why it is so important.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is a wonderful adventure and reminded me so much of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries that I read as a young girl. I believe this book could be used by teachers as a supplement to curriculum on Egypt. Educators know the importance of engaging learners, particularly through the use of books, and I definitely feel that this book will take hold of students’ interests. I was so pleased to learn that the author has completed the next book in the series. I look forward to reading more about Adam and Justin’s adventures.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow Fiona Ingram on Twitter and Facebook!

More about the author:
Fiona Ingram currently lives in South Africa. She has been a freelance writer for fifteen years. Fiona began telling stories at a young age in order to entertain her three younger brothers and their friends. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab was created after a trip to Egypt while accompanied by her two nephews. You can read more about Fiona Ingram’s background on her website and her blog.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free copy for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Reflections of Light for Daily Living: A Book of Affirmations for the Ambitious by Dr. Tiffany Brown - Blog Tour, Book Review, & GIVEAWAY!

Dr. Brown has an extensive resume.  It is quite impressive to say the least.  If you would like to read more about Dr. Brown's background you can visit her website here.
 I definitely consider myself an ambitious person. However, life can be tough and circumstances can affect my motivation and/or get in the way of me achieving what I want. I like thinking positively, but sometimes, that's just plain difficult. I was instantly drawn to reading "The Reflections Of Light For Daily Living" because I need that positive support whether it's from people or from reading materials.  I have also been attending religious classes and learning a ton, so the connections that Dr. Browns makes between the concepts and the church is very interesting to me. 

I absolutely love that each day is about something different.  For example, Day 8: Motivation - "Today is about motivation".  I think it is definitely easier for me to focus on one thing each day instead of EVERYTHING, which is just simply overwhelming.  With each day, Dr. Brown provides a personal story to help the reader understand the concept/affirmation better and share some information about herself.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have been feeling the pressure of my birthday coming and I am doing ALOT of reflection about my life and considering options for my future.  I love that this book gives me a structure to help me on my way!  I would strongly suggest reading this book if you are in search of inspiration and motivation in your life!

Dr. Brown answered a few questions for us:

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

The three things are business strategy, marketing and publicity. Each are incredibly important when you building yourself as a brand. I don’t think I really understood this component when I was younger.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

One do is to be to be strategic about selling your books. Hiring your own publicist may be a good idea to ensure you get your desired response. Don’t assume you’re a major priority just because you have book deal.

One don’t is similar to the do. Do not wait on the publicity department for your publisher . Do not rely on your publisher for everything. You can miss out many additional revenue streams by waiting on your publisher to act.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

That it is not as easy as it looks and it is a emotional experience. You are really putting yourself out there; good and bad. You are allow yourself to be complete transparent and it can be scary experience.

I love how you have included your life stories onto the pages and you are so relatable; what has been one of your biggest challenges in life and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was bouncing back from my failed mayoral bid that was a disappointment on a professional and emotional level. It was completely humiliating because I was marginalized and misunderstood throughout the campaign. I felt like people didn’t get me; they just stereotyped me.
There were many people that I had supported in the past that didn’t return the favor added to the humiliation. I was very disappointed in people that I had respected and loved in every facet of my life. It definitely changed the way I see the world.

“The Reflections of Light for Daily Living: A Book of Affirmations for the Ambitious” that has will be released on October 23, 2010. (ISBN number 978-1-4512-3143-4 Publish America) http://www.publishamerica.net/product119240.html  The E-Book will be offered for the low price for $9.95.  The books are also available through Ingram book distributor.

Win It: Dr. Brown is offering one of my readers a free, autographed copy of “The Reflections of Light for Daily Living” as well as a Smart Phone App !

To enter: Please leave your email address with each comment.

Mandatory Entry: You must follow me publicly through Google Friend Connect. This is required in order for the Bonus Entries to count.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow Dr. Brown on Twitter
2. Leave a comment on my review.
3. Leave a comment on any other review on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
4. Follow me on Facebook (2 entries)
5. Follow me on Twitter (2 entries)
6. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through email (3 entries)

This giveaway will close on November 3rd at 11:59pm EST. I will use random.org to choose a winner. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to confirm.

Disclaimer: I was not provided monetary compensation for this review. I did receive a free copy of Dr. Brown’s book for the purpose of review. All the opinions expressed here are my own.