Book Spotlight with Excerpt: The Changing Season by Steven Manchester

The Changing Season 

by Steven Manchester 

Hardcover: 276 pages
Publisher: Story Plant (February 16, 2016)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 2003 KB
Print Length: 349 pages
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (February 22, 2016)
Publication Date: February 22, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

About the book:

This was supposed to be a simple summer for Billy: one more lazy expanse of time before college began. He'd fill the hours playing with Jimmy—his canine best buddy—going camping and doing all the things he promised Jimmy they'd do before Billy left. But that was before the accident that shook the entire town. It was before the summer job that turned into something so much more than a way to get a paycheck. And it was before Vicki. This summer was destined to be many things to Billy, things he didn't truly understand until now. But it was definitely not going to be simple. 

An enormously touching, richly textured, deeply moving novel of new adulthood, The Changing Season is an experience to savor—with special appeal to dog lover’s. 

Excerpt

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About the author:

Steven Manchester is the author of four #1 bestsellers: Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island. His long-anticipated novel, The Changing Season, is currently available for pre-order. Steve is also the author of the award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian. He has written A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Wilbur Avenue (novelette), Just in Time (novelette) and The Thursday Night Club (novella), while his work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series and he is the produced playwright of Three Shoeboxes. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. 

Visit: www.StevenManchester.com / Facebook 

Recommended Read: Clumsy Girl's Guide To Falling In Love by Karen Wiesner

Clumsy Girl's Guide To Falling In Love 

(Friendship Heirlooms Series Book 1)

by Karen Wiesner

About the book: 

Zoë Rossdale is the clumsy girl who always has her elbows, feet, eyes, and brass-red hair going in the wrong directions. She floats around in her own world, comfortable there alone, only to be jarred back into the real one when her obliviousness gets her in trouble again. After a lifetime of being evaluated critically—first by her own father, and then by everyone around her—and found wanting, she’s trying to change…for her own good. She’s reaffirmed her commitment to Christ and vowed not to do any of the stupid, possibly illegal, things she’d done for years on the pitiful excuse of surviving. After nearly being fired from the only job she could get to keep her from starving and living on the streets, she’s going to school once more and trying to do better for her über-patient boss. And she’s allowed her best friends to talk her into getting contacts, some new clothes, and a more flattering hairstyle. They tell her she looks beautiful, but she feels more like a dodo bird than ever before—until she literally runs into the only man she’s ever gone loopy over. 

Curt Bertoletti has spent years trying to forget the seriously messed-up Zoë and her embarrassing ways. The only person who’d ever approved of the ditzy klutz was his mother, and his mother has become relentless in her cause to get him married and settled down. Surely that’s what conjured the appearance of Zoë... Zoë, who looks so little like the girl he remembers. Even as he vows that he won’t stray again—out of weakness or whatever it was that had him stone-gone over her before—he can’t help remembering how well he and Zoë fit together. They’d truly been two abnormal peas in an even stranger pod. But no other woman had ever gotten that misty look in her eyes when she looked at him, or kissed him like she’s forgotten anyone or anything else existed. No other woman made him so happy, so mad, so sad, and so content. Though he’s walking stronger in the Lord than he ever has before and he finally knows what he wants in life, he’s convinced Zoë Rossdale is not it—matchmaking mother or no matchmaking mother. So why can’t he forget her and be done with it? 

For better or worse, Zoë will always be Zoë—the clumsy girl with her dress tucked into her pantyhose, toilet paper stuck to her shoe and trailing in her wake, the girl whose idea of falling in love is to stand at the edge of the precipice, throw out her arms and confidently jump into a free-fall. If Zoë will always be Zoë, the only question left is, can they both live with that fact? Forever?

Book review originally posted in March 2013

The book tells the story of Zoe Rossdale and Curt Bertoletti. Curt left Zoe for another girl and Zoe couldn't let go even after three years. They met again while Zoe's walking her cat just after she had her hair cut off and suddenly, Curt realized his mistakes (actually after seeing her new straight hair!) and found himself wanting to reconnect with Zoe. It's an "ex-lover" story, the usual ex stuff, but really a good one (oh well, except the last part - explanations below).

It took me a loooong while to finish the book because every time I pick up this book, I couldn't control my emotions and tears would stream down my face. I usually take my books everywhere I go and this was the one book I couldn't read in public. The last time I read this book in public was in my doctor's clinic. I couldn't hide my red eyes to my doctor and I had to explain everything to her, like giving her the synopsis of the story *lol*. It was such an embarrassing day for me! After that, I vowed to never read romance in public ever again!

Past the first quarter of the book I was sobbing, makes my heart ache, literally. When Curt left Zoe (broke up with her on the phone), it's like the whole world came crashing down at her. She was fired in her first job, she caught her father having an affair with her mother's sister, she stopped school, lost her apartment, and it came to point where she can't even buy her own food! Who would not cry reading that kind of story? Anyway, it's all about forgiveness. I know the feeling. You've been hurt and even if you can forgive him, you can never forget those bad things he did to you. ;( This is such a heart touching emotional story....

Another thing I loved in the story was Curt and his family. They're Italian and they're very sweet. There are too many Italian things to learn while reading this book. That's something I immensely enjoyed reading!

The only thing I didn't like in the story was the christian theme, it was there all along but I failed to notice it in the first few chapters. It became a "hardcore christian" the last 50 or so pages. I've read a lot of christian-romance books but more often I knew the content before reading. In this book, I didn't know about the Christian thing, and I found the lines a little "preachy". All in all, I loved the book and this one's gonna get 4-stars from me!

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(Picture) Book Spotlight and Sneak Peak: When You Give an Imp a Penny by Henry Herz, Harrison Herz, Josh Herz, and Abigail Larson

When You Give an Imp a Penny

by Henry Herz  (Author), Harrison Herz (Author), 

Josh Herz (Author), Abigail Larson (Illustrator)

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. (February 1, 2016)

About the book:

Before you lend an imp a penny, there’s something you should know—such a simple act of generosity could set off a side-splitting chain of events! A colorful picture book full of mythology, mischief, and magic, WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY shows us just what happens when an accident-prone—but well-intentioned—imp comes along asking for favors! The same writer/illustrator duo that brought you MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES brings to life a comedy of fabled proportions.

Sneak Peak 

Read more about Imps HERE

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Guest Author: All About Imps by Henry Herz

All About Imps by Henry Herz 

According to German mythology, imps are lesser goblins who often seek humans on whom to commit mischievous, not evil, acts. Imps are described as small, wild and willful; in some cultures they are synonymous with fairies. They are sometimes depicted as unattractive small demons. Although immortal, imps could be harmed with magical weapons or kept out of one’s house with magical wards.

There’s a certain pathos associated with imps, as their mischief is meant to attract human attention and friendship, but typically produces the opposite effect. Even in “successful” situations, the imp remains true to its nature, and continues to play pranks on its human host. Hence the term “impish” is often used today to describe someone who is a trickster or practical joker.

Given their quasi-demonic appearance, some believed that imps were servants of witches and warlocks, sometimes known as familiars. Such familiars, in the form of the all-too-common black cat, black dog, or toad, were considered proof of witchcraft during the era of witch hunts. Science!!

Imp legend in some cases associates imps with an object. Some imps were kept within a container, like a bottle or lamp. Others were not contained within, but magically bound to an object like a sword or jewel.

Imps could be considered the alter-egos of the far more helpful brownies (not to be confused with young girl scouts or a delicious chocolatey treat). According to Scottish and English folklore, brownies are small humanoids that inhabit unused portions of houses, such as attics, basements, or within the walls. Brownies help with the household chores, but because they don’t like to be seen, they work at night. They appreciate gifts of food, particularly honey, porridge and dairy products. But brownies may depart the home if their gifts are referred to as payments, or if the human occupants mistreat them. It seems like a brownie would be a natural solution to an imp infestation.

Imps appear in the games Forgotten Realms and Dungeons & Dragon, and in the books THE BOTTLE IMP by Robert Louis Stevenson, LIVES OF THE NECROMANCER by William Godwin, THE IMP AND THE CRUST by Leo Tolstoy, The Oz series by L. Frank Baum, and MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES by Henry Herz.

Henry Herz's latest picture book, published by Pelican (32 pages), is WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY. Before you lend an imp a penny, there’s something you should know—such a simple act of generosity could set off a side-splitting chain of events! A colorful picture book full of mythology, mischief, and magic, WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY shows us just what happens when an accident-prone—but well-intentioned—imp comes along asking for favors! The same writer/illustrator duo that brought you MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES brings to life a comedy of fabled proportions.

From tracking mud on the floor to setting the broom on fire, this clumsy little imp causes accidents wherever he goes, but he’s determined make things right again. The only thing it will cost his host is a little patience—and maybe a bit of time cleaning up some messes! It won’t be long before this troublemaker has won over the entire family (except for the cat) with his irrepressible charm. Herz’s whimsical prose and Larson’s bold illustrations make this tale a laugh from beginning to end—and then again!

Follow Henry Herz 

Blog /  Facebook / Twitter / Amazon 

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(Picture) Book Spotlight with Excerpt: The Boy That Grew Teeth in His Ear by Roni Kennedy

The Boy That Grew Teeth in His Ear

by Roni Kennedy

Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Idea Creations Press (December 30, 2015)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 12865 KB
Print Length: 28 pages
Publisher: Idea Creations Press (December 29, 2015)
Publication Date: December 29, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

About the book:

Has someone you care about experienced bullying in their life? When Aaron is teased and bullied in his new neighborhood, he feels left out, so he decides to join the crowd of bullies hoping for a better life.
But Aaron soon learns a valuable lesson - about forgiveness and what it takes to be a true friend.

The Boy That Grew Teeth in His Ear, isn't just about bullying, it's about friendship and respect - about being fair and not making fun of others - no matter how different they may appear on the outside.

Excerpt:

Once there was a boy whose name was Aaron. He liked to play just like all of the other boys and girls in the neighborhood. They would skate together, eat ice cream together, and even have fun play-time activities together. One day Aaron had to move to a new house because his dad got a new job in a different city. Aaron packed all of his belongings and sadly said goodbye to all of his good friends. 

Some of the boys and girls in this town were not as friendly ...

... Aaron wanted to be liked so much that he would go out of his way to make himself fit in with these boys and girls. One day he even stuck a wad of chewing gum on the teacher's chair and made the whole class laugh. He finally had found a new way of making friends in the town where he now lived.

... One morning when Aaron woke up to start his day, he went to the mirror to fix his hair and look at himself. He noticed something quite different about his face. He was not cool and popular this morning. Aaron was growing a tooth in his ear!

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Recommended Read: Challenging Andie by Sally Clements

Challenging Andie 

by Sally Clements

Amazon Ratings: 4-star 52%

About the book:

Is loving Ryan a challenge too far?

Jaded war correspondent Ryan Armstrong reports terrible events without letting them pierce the armor covering his heart. When his colleague Emily Harte is murdered, he feels responsible for her death, and travels to England to return Emily’s effects to her daughter.

Bereaved, primary school teacher, Andie Harte has set herself a list of challenges to prove she can be as brave as her recently murdered mother, but when she’s hounded by the press the need to escape means she must accept help from Ryan. During their time in seclusion, attraction blossoms into an affair. Their relationship was only supposed to be a fling. When the time comes for Ryan to return to Bekostan, can she risk loving a thrillseeker, or is that a challenge too far?

Ryan avoids love, knowing the pain losing it can bring. A life without Andie is sensible, but is it possible.

Book Review originally posted in September 2012

It's been a while since the last time I've read  a pure romance book. For the past months, it's always been paranormal-ish romance books and reading this makes me want to buy more "normal romance" books.  Challenging Andie is a story of two people, Andie and Ryan, who don't believe in love. 

Andie grew up with her grandmother. She never had the chance to bond with Emily, her mother, as she is always away working as a war correspondent in Bekostan. As for Andie's father, he left them even before she was born and her mother never told her his identity. With no parents to care for her, she swore not to fall in love. Especially not with Ryan, who, like her mom, works as a war correspondent in Bekostan.  

Ryan also doesn't believe in love. When his father left them for another woman, he saw how it crushed his mother's world. Depression claimed his mother's life. Because of this, he avoids getting into a serious relationship until he meets Andie. He wants Andie but he can't do it since he doesn't want to go through the pain of losing someone close to him - ever again.

I think the author wove a very realistic love story of two people who don't believe in love. I can relate with the main character's dilemma. Falling in love isn't easy when you've been hurt before. I can feel their pain, though if I have to choose who gets hurt the most, it'd be Andie. You know that feeling when someone tells you straight in the face that what you have is just a "fling"? Ouch!

It was such a heart breaking story, one that I can't easily forget. I only have one comment on this book. The story is told in third person POV.  Knowing what they both feel somehow spoiled the story for me. It would have been better if this was written in first person, preferably Ryan's POV as he has so much issues going on. . .

I loved the story. I'll look forward to reading more from the author, Sally Clements.

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Recommended Read (Amish): Letters to Katie by Kathleen Fuller

Letters to Katie

by Kathleen Fuller

Amazon Ratings: 5 star 45%

About the book:

Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.

Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since the two were children, but he’s never returned her affections.

Now Johnny is trying to forge a new life for himself by purchasing a farm and building a business of his own. But times are tough, and he soon learns that he can’t take anything for granted—especially Katherine.

Before Johnny has the opportunity to tell Katherine his true feelings, she’s struck by a serious illness. While Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor comes back into her life, claiming that his letters speak of a history and a future for the two of them.

With the two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so torn. But will the solutions to both Johnny’s and Katherine’s problems lie in places neither one has ever considered?

Book Review originally posted in August 2013:

Letters to Katie is the third book to the Middlefield Family Series. This book centers to two Amish young couples, Katie and Johhny + Sawyer and Laura.

Initially, it was a little dragging. Didn't like Cora's (Sawyer's grandmother) ways of showing love to Sawyer and I admit there's sometimes a feeling of unease to Sawyer's constant mention of his faith to the Lord. As for Johnny and Katie's story, liked it better than Sawyer and Laura's. The conflict seems better/real to me. I liked their story, painful to very sweet ending. If you are into clean romance books, go out and grab yourself a copy of this book. 

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The Middlefield Family Collection: Treasuring Emma, Faithful to Laura, Letters to Katie

Blog Tour and Giveaway: COGLING by Jordan Elizabeth

COGLING

Young Adult Steampunk-Fantasy

The beautiful cover is thanks to Mandie Manzano.  

When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.

Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors. 

Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.

Excerpt:

Green smoke snaked up the side of the tenement and drifted over the sill of an open window. A breeze blew the vapor into a column before it solidified into the shape of a stout, young hag. She shook her crimson curls away from her face and straightened the hood of her cloak to keep her kohl-lined, silver eyes shadowed. 

The scent of lavender clung to her robes, washing over the small room. Two brass-framed beds crowded the floor. Blankets covered sleeping children. A little boy wheezed against the head of his stuffed bear, drool dripping onto the wool. 

The hag squinted to see the goldenrod dream cloud above his head—a dream about seeing his father again. She frowned at the other bed, where a sleeping teenager lay with a threadbare blanket tugged around her chin. Even squinting, the hag couldn’t make out a dream cloud. The girl was too old to be of any use. 

The hag slithered to the boy’s bed and, from the folds of her cloak, drew out a rectangular box four inches long, with a circular indentation on one side. She set it on the floor to remove a vial and rag from her skirt pocket, the rough wool of the rag irritating her fingertips. 

“Do it, Simone,” the hag muttered to herself as she willed her hands not to tremble. “Make the Dark Mother happy.” She couldn’t fail at her first mission. 

Holding her breath, Simone dribbled three drops onto the rag, yanked the teddy bear away, and shoved the drugged cloth against the boy’s mouth. His eyes opened, his gasp muffled, and his body jerked. Simone stiffened. 

The girl moaned. Her mattress rustled as she rolled over to face the wall, brown curls shifting over her pillow.

Simone’s heart thudded. By the seven Saints, she should’ve cast a sleeping spell over the girl. The Dark Mother preferred humans to think hags were harmless healers, not thieves who kidnapped children. 

The boy writhed, squeaks emerging from behind the rag. Simone pressed harder. She needed his breath in the wool to disguise and fuel the machine. 

The potion took hold and the boy collapsed. Simone’s thick lips curved over her broken teeth. She lifted a pocket watch from around her neck and positioned it into the crevice in the metal box. As the two pieces connected, a chime rang out. She set the box beside the limp little boy and draped the rag over it. Even though she should wait to make sure his breath stuck in the machine, she couldn’t risk waking the girl. 

The metal stretched to become his replica as if it were made of putty. With a second chime, the metal shimmered and dulled into the pale peach of his flesh, becoming an exact duplicate of the child. 

“Mine.” Simone hefted the little boy into her arms, leaving the duplication on the bed, and transformed to smoke before the chimes awoke the girl. 

###

Check out COGLING on GoodReads and Amazon.

About the Author

Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, writes down her nightmares in order to live her dreams. She is the author of ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, TREASURE DARKLY, and BORN OF TREASURE. 

Check out her website, JordanElizabethMierek.com, for more information on her books, contests, and bonus short stories.









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