Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Welcome to the Luminis Triplex Triplex Tour!

Welcome...

...to another exciting publishing house spotlight tour from Novel Publicity. Join us as three new titles from Luminis Books--we're calling them the Luminis Triplex Tour—tour the blogosphere in a way that just can't be ignored. And, hey, we've got prizes!

Book Blitz: Red Stone By Gabriele Goldstone Presented by Rebelight Publishing - Excerpt and Giveaway

Red-Stone-Blast-Cover


Hello everyone and welcome to the book blitz for

Red Stone By Gabriele Goldstone

presented by Rebelight Publishing!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!


Red-Stone-Cover


Katya knows all about Stalin’s big plans; she learned of them in school. But those plans mean little to her until the secret police arrest Papa and seize their family farm. With Mama and her younger siblings, Katya is shoved into a crowded train headed for a forced labour camp in Siberia. Torn from everything she has ever known, Katya faces cold and hunger, and the ever-present threat of lost hope. As she clings to a single red stone from the fields of her homeland, she questions life. Where is Papa? Will she ever see him again? And what will become of Katya’s family?

Inspired by a true story, Red Stone explores the trauma and heart¬break suffered by many families in the Soviet Union during the 1930s when Stalin seized individual property and villainized property owners as kulaks.

Excerpt:

“You own land and livestock, and you hire outside help. That makes you a kulak,” says Marissa’s father.
“Humph,” Papa grunts.
“They call us rich peasants,” says another man.
“Rich?” Papa shouts. “True, we have enough to eat. The children have shoes on their feet, but rich?”
I squirm and scratch in my hiding spot, while thinking about Papa’s words. He is right. There is no money for more than one Sunday dress in my closet—the green velvet one with the satin ribbon—and the only reason I own new shoes is because I’m the oldest. Don’t rich people have lots of dresses and no hand-me-downs? I pull at a piece of straw tickling my nose.
“I’m immigrating to North America before it’s too late,” says another man. “I’ve got relatives there.”
“You need a passport,” someone else says.
“My papers are ready and I have money for the boat. I’ll send for my family as soon as I’ve arranged us a place. There is cheap land over there. I’ve had it with this Bolshevik nonsense.”
That must be Peter’s father. Peter talks at school about his father’s plan. Sometimes it sounds like he’s bragging, but other times he sounds scared. I think I’d be scared to move away from all my friends.
“I’m not leaving my land,” Papa says. “My father worked hard to make this into a prosperous farm. My brother, Reinhold, he walked away from it all. Sure, he’s doing good in East Prussia. The grass is always greener on the other side.”
I don’t remember Uncle Reinhold. He moved away when I was just a baby and Papa never talks about him. I peek out at Papa. In the kerosene light, his face looks hard.
“Franz, take my advice. Maybe you should follow your brother.”
“No! I’ll not let strangers take over my land.” Papa stands up. His voice grows louder. “I’ll not let Stalin cuckoo his way into my life.”
Cuckoo? I cover the gasp that escapes my mouth. What does Papa mean? Does he think Stalin acts like a cuckoo? How silly!
“Calm down,” someone tells him.
Papa lowers his voice, but it’s still forceful. “This was my father’s farm. I grew up on this land, like the wheat. And I’ve dreamed about building this very windmill since I was a young boy.” As he shakes his head, light and shadow dance on his hard face. Papa waves his arms, like the windmill during the storm. “No one can have it! Not even Stalin!”
“It’s a fine windmill, Franz,” a voice agrees. “You should be proud.”
Papa’s voice warms with pride. “It’s a solid piece of workmanship.” He raises his lantern upward, highlighting the notched timbers. Thank you all for helping me with the construction.”
There’s a general murmur while an annoying tickle grows in my nose.
“Listen, men...neighbours. How bad can things become? Let’s ride out these hard times. We’ll survive. We can cooperate, make deals. I’m a reasonable man.”
I cover my nose, willing the tickle to stop.
More murmuring. Someone laughs. But it’s not a happy sound.
Whether it’s the dust or just being wet from the rain, the sneeze growing in me will not go away.
Like a dog running after an auto, the sneeze rises in me and will not be stopped. “Haa, haa, haa...choo!” In the silence that follows I stand up, and covered with shame and straw, show my bedraggled self.
The men all laugh and this time, they sound happy.
I bow my messy head, expecting Papa’s tongue lashing. Instead, he lifts my chin and says, “This is why I’m staying—for the children. This is their land, too. It’s their future.”
Papa pulls a stray piece of straw from my hair, as the men all shuffle out.
“Let’s go home, Katya,” he says to me. “Your mama is worried about you.”
I’m relieved he’s not angry.
“Did you learn something tonight?”
“Yes, Papa. I learned that you and Comrade Stalin will never agree.”
Papa chuckles. “Yes, we can agree on that.”

add to goodreads

Title: Red Stone
Author: Gabriele Goldstone
Publisher: Rebelight Publishing
Middle grade/Historical

Available for Purchase:
amazon B&N kobo TBD indigo

about-the-author

Gabepic2

GABRIELE GOLDSTONE, the oldest daughter of Euro­pean immigrants, always looked for stories about her parents’ past. She majored in 20th century German literature at university but was disappointed that she could not find the stories she sought. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, her mother’s anecdotes and history began to click together. In 2004, Gabriele traveled to Ukraine and searched through former KGB files to find more missing pieces—and Katya’s red stone. Gabriele lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba and has three adult children along with a silver-grey cat and a golden-haired dog.

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Goodreads


Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter for a chance to win!




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Friday, June 26, 2015

Feature and Follow (#5)







Happy Friday everyone!

Parajunkee and Allison Can Read are the two hosts of Feature and Follow. The goal of the Feature and Follow is to meet new bloggers in the world of book blogging and earn some new followers :)

Thursday, June 25, 2015




Title: Untimely (An Untimely Romance #1)
Author: J & L Wells
Release Date: 4 January 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Time - Travel

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

No More Confessions 

Author: Louise Rozett
Series: Confessions #3
Average Rating: 3.96/5.0
Personal Rating: 3.5/5.0
Page Count: 152
Publisher: Stonesong
Release Date: 25 January 2015

Monday, June 22, 2015

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest Review!

I Am Princess X

Author: Cherie Priest
Average Rating: 4.03/5.0
Personal Rating: 3.5/5.0
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Release Date: 26 May 2015



According to Goodreads:

Once upon a time, two best friends created a princess together. Libby drew the pictures, May wrote the tales, and their heroine, Princess X, slayed all the dragons and scaled all the mountains their imaginations could conjure.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

Daughter of Deep Silence

Author: Carrie Ryan
Average Rating: 3.71/5.0
Personal Rating: 5.0/5.0
Page Count: 375
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Release Date: 26 May 2015


According to Goodreads:

I’m the daughter of murdered parents.
I’m the friend of a dead girl.
I’m the lover of my enemy.
And I will have my revenge.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Feature and Follow (#4)


Happy Friday everyone!

Parajunkee and Allison Can Read are the two hosts of Feature and Follow. The goal of the Feature and Follow is to meet new bloggers in the world of book blogging and earn some new followers :)

The Stories We Don't Tell by Melissa Thayer Blog Tour and Giveaway!

The Stories We Don't Tell 

Note from Meredith:

Happy Thursday! Today we have The Stories We Don't Tell by Melissa Thayer visiting A Book Lover's Corner. You can access my review my clicking here. We will also have two giveaways at the end of this post for one e-copy of The Stories We Don't Tell and one signed copy of The Stories We Don't Tell. Thank you to Melissa Thayer, Booktroping Publishing, and Xpresso Reads for allowing me the opportunity to help promote The Stories We Don't Tell. Enjoy!

Author: Melissa Thayer
Average Rating: 4.27/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.0/5.0
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Release Date: 15 May 2015 

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History

Author: Art Spiegelman 
Average Rating: 4.34/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.0/5.0
Page Count: 159
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Release Date: 1 November 1991

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Tilt by Ellen Hopkins Review!

Tilt

Author: Ellen Hopkins
Average Rating: 4.19/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.5/5.0
Page Count: 608
Publisher: Margaret F. McElderry Books
Release Date: 11 September 2012

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Read This Round Up (#2)



20150613_191207_resizedPhoto courtesy of Karen Blue

Welcome to Read This, a collection of book reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of book reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.
Want to read more reviews? Check out Read This for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. Read This is now accepting photo submissions for each edition.

The Flappers: Ingenue Review!

Ingenue

Author: Jillian Larkin
Average Rating: 3.85/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.0/5.0
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: 1 January 2011


According to Goodreads: 

Power . . . love . . . scandal . . .
There’s never enough to go around.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel Book Review!

Charlie, Presumed Dead

Author: Anne Heltzel
Average Rating: 3.36/5.0
Personal Rating: 3.0/5.0 
Page Count: 272
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: 2 June 2015

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Feature and Follow (#3)



Happy Friday everyone!

Parajunkee and Allison Can Read are the two hosts of Feature and Follow. The goal of the Feature and Follow is to meet new bloggers in the world of book blogging and earn some new followers :)

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Very Good Lives by J.K. Rowling Book Review!

Very Good Lives

Author: J. K. Rowling
Average Rating: 4.28/5.0
Personal Rating: 5.0/5.0
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release Date: 14 April 2015

Secret of the Sevens by Lynn Lindquist Blog Tour and Giveaway!


Author: Lynn Lindquist
Average Rating: 4.38/5.0
Page Count: 408
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: June 2015


According to Goodreads:

Everyone at Singer, a boarding school for underprivileged kids, knows the urban legend of the Society of Seven. Decades ago, the original members of the secret guild for elite students murdered the school's founder and then perished in the fire they lit to hide the evidence. Or so the story goes.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Fabled by Vanessa K. Eccles Book Blitz and Giveaway!


Note from Meredith:

Good morning, afternoon, and evening to you! Today we are welcoming Vanessa K. Eccles and her novel Fabled. We have an excerpt, an interview with Vanessa, and a giveaway where one winner will win an e-copy of Fabled! Thank you to Vanessa K. Eccles and Xpresso Book Tours for providing the opportunity to share all about Fabled. 

Title: Fabled
Author: Vanessa K. Eccles
Average Rating: 4.70/5.0
Page Count: 263
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Bound and Brewed
Release Date: 5 May 2015

Read This Round Up (#1)



IMG_20150525_165223_resizedPhoto courtesy of KissinBlueKaren

Welcome to Read This, a collection of book reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of book reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.
Want to read more reviews? Check out Read This for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. Read This is now accepting photo submissions for each edition.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella Review!

Finding Audrey

Author: Sophie Kinsella
Average Rating: 3.91/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.0/5.0
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Release Date: 9 June 2015


According to Goodreads

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shopaholic series comes a terrific blend of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery in a contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and entertain.

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.
 

Sunday, June 7, 2015

The Body in the Woods by April Henry Review!

The Body in the Woods (Point Last Seen #1)

Author: April Henry
Average Rating: 3.52/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.0/5.0
Page Count: 263
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Release Date: 17 June 2014


According to Goodreads:

In this new series told from multiple perspectives, teen members of a search and rescue team discover a dead body in the woods.

Alexis, Nick, and Ruby have very different backgrounds: Alexis has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness, Nick’s bravado hides his fear of not being good enough, and Ruby just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her. When the three teens join Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own.

Friday, June 5, 2015

The Broken Hearts’ Society of Suite 17C by LeighAnn Kopans Blog Tour

The Broken Hearts' Society of Suite 17C 

Author: LeighAnn Kopans
Genre: Upper YA/lower NA contemporary romance
Page Count: 318


According to Goodreads:

Friends don’t let friends make the same horrible relationship mistakes twice. 

Rion, Amy, and Arielle, the three occupants of first-year dorm Harrison Tower’s Suite 17C have never met before the first day of school, but they soon discover they have one thing in common – being on the wrong end of an epically awful breakup. 

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Feature and Follow (#2)

             

Happy Friday everyone!

Parajunkee and Allison Can Read are the two hosts of Feature and Follow. The goal of the Feature and Follow is to meet new bloggers in the world of book blogging and earn some new followers :)

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

No Parking At the End Times Review!

No Parking At the End Times

Author: Bryan Bliss
Average Rating: 3.32/5.0
Personal Rating: 3.0/5.0
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Release Date:  1 January 2015


According to Goodreads:

Abigail’s parents have made mistake after mistake, and now they've lost everything. She’s left to decide: Does she still believe in them? Or is it time to believe in herself? Fans of Sara Zarr, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell will connect with this moving debut.

Abigail doesn't know how her dad found Brother John. Maybe it was the billboards. Or the radio. What she does know is that he never should have made that first donation. Or the next, or the next. Her parents shouldn't have sold their house. Or packed Abigail and her twin brother, Aaron, into their old van to drive across the country to San Francisco, to be there with Brother John for the "end of the world."

Last Siege of Haven (Undertakers #4) Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Last Siege of Haven (Undertakers #4)

Note from Meredith:

Hello! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. It's Wednesday, so we are halfway to the weekend! I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ty Drago and his book Last Siege of Haven (Undertakers #4). Thank you to Ty Drago and Chapter by Chapter for allowing A Book Lover's Corner to help promote the novel as well as host one of the giveaways. 

Author: Ty Drago
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Release Date: May 2015

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Nominated for Beautiful Blogger Award!


I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Casey at LittlePinkCrayon for nominating me for the Beautiful Bloggers Award!

The Rules:

~ Please link back to the individual who nominated you for the award
~ Share with us seven random facts about yourself
~ Nominate 7 bloggers that you believe are beautiful and want to share their beauty with us
~ Let your nominations know that they have been nominated 

7 Random Facts About Me :)

Monday, June 1, 2015

Modern Monsters by Kelley York Review!

Modern Monsters

Author: Kelley York
Average Rating: 4.08/5.0
Personal Rating: 5.0/5.0
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Release Date: 2 June 2015


According to Goodreads

Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He’s the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went…

And wished he hadn’t.

Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler’s life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic is responsible. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie's best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon.

But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened at the party, they realize that while the truth can set Vic free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life…