“You know that nightmare you’ve always had? The one where you wake up one day to find yourself fat, frumpy, fifty and alone? I’m living it.”

Maddy Nelson has an idyllic existence: a handsome husband, great kids, a comfortable, affluent lifestyle. One morning soon after she turns fifty, however, she wakes up in her San Francisco home to find her husband Steven announcing that he’s leaving her for a woman half her age. And a third of her size.

Ouch!

Feeling totally unmoored and grieving for her married life and husband, Maddy finds herself thrust into an unfamiliar and uncomfortable world of middle-aged singledom. There, she must come to terms with her situation and embark on her new life: divorce proceedings, single parenting, internet dating, and trying to earn a living. It’s enough to drive her over the brink. To help her cope, she shares her struggles in a smart, wry blog named The Blasphemy Box, after her ex-husband’s obnoxious habit of having her drop a quarter into a wooden box every time she said something off color. Her madcap middle-aged adventures find her devoted readers who identify with her challenges.

In time, Maddy recreates herself and finds happiness in the arms of a good man, and a fulfilling new career as a novelist.

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About Author Mandy Behbehani

Mandy Behbehani grew up in England and now lives in California. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is a professional journalist whose work has appeared in a variety of publications from the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle to W magazine, Town & Country magazine and Travel & Leisure magazine.

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Review:

A fantastic read!

This book is chalk full of emotion for the main character, Maddy, as she has her world turned upside down by the very person that she trusted the most, her husband. After she finds out that he is leaving her for a woman half her age, she is forced to pick up her life and put the pieces back together.

Even though the book takes you along Maddy’s journey, you can’t help but relate to her as a character, especially if you have ever been through a breakup. The author incorporates humor that will have you laughing out loud at times, making Maddy a 3D character that you love right from the start.

The book flowed very nicely and was a very enjoyable read. I sat down and read it all in one sitting because the story pulled me in and I just had to find out what was going to happen.

I would say that the genre of this book is chic-lit, but anyone looking for a good read about relationships would love this. I highly recommend!

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Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

A Book Encouraging Self Esteem for Readers Young and Old

A book inspiring lessons about self love, Veggie Bunnie learns something that all readers need to know…. Love yourself, no matter what others may say! Filled with colorful illustrations, this book follows Veggie’s relationship with her friends Carb Monkey and his Uncle Bear. Throughout the book, ‘Carb’ wants to get even with the bully that is bothering Veggie, whereas ‘Uncle Bear’ wants her to take a different approach. This book encourages readers to be the best person they can be, regardless of how people may act around them.

About Author C JoVan Williams

Clarice Williams was born and raised in Chicago, IL, but now resides in New Jersey as an Air Force spouse, with a blended family of six. A freelance writer as seen in Military Spouse Magazine, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, she tries to find cost effective family friendly ways to entertain her loved ones. Her self-published works include children’s book that are available on Amazon under the pen name, C. JoVan Williams.

Follow Author C. JoVan Williams:
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Review:

This is a cute book for kids. It tells all about the importance of staying on your own path, no matter what others say. The message is to do what you like to do and what makes you happy. My daughter loved looking at the illustrations and enjoyed that the character’s names were Veggie and Carb. She loves rabbits, so she enjoyed following Veggie’s story.

As an adult, this book resonated with me also. So many times we become concerned with other people’s perceptions of us that we lose focus. As long as we stay true to ourselves and the best decisions for us, that is all that should matter.

A great book with a great message!

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The author is giving away a Basket filled with promotional goodies, which include Uncle Bear, Carb, The next book in the series & The Little Chefs Cookbook, an inspirational coffee mug, & fruit candle, and a $25 Amazon GC!

Disclosure: I received this book for free in order to conduct my review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and are that of my own. This post includes affiliate links.

A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest

A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest is a no-holds-barred fantasy brawl. It begins when the God of Justice and Retribution opens The Abyss and unleashes a vengeful demon upon the mortal realm of Therra.

Now it is up to scholar Penndarius Greyson and his tormented protector, martial artist Soren Luna Mortalitas, to stop a crisis that would send shockwaves through the very fabric of creation. In addition, Penndarius is waging an internal battle with a disembodied presence attempting to possess his mind. The two heroes must avoid death or capture, but there is a catch: They have only one day to solve a riddle older than history before a dark host of unstoppable demons is released into the world.

The Divine Tempest includes warring factions, betrayal and redemption, and of course, Herrick Erickson-Brigl’s trademark: epic fight scenes. This is the lean, hard-hitting first installment in a series that follows Penndarius’s growth as the avatar of the God of Creation and Soren’s reclamation of his lethal family’s humanity.

Purchase A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest on Amazon.

About Herrick C. Erickson-Brigl

Herrick Erickson-Brigl has been reading fantasy since he first learned to read and writing it nearly as long. While in college, Herrick’s passion for writing culminated in his first novel, entitled *A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest*. He is currently completing his second book in that series.

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Kickstarter Campaign

Herrick is also kickstarting the editing for his second book “A War of Lies”
*Book Two, A War of Lies:* Three nations stand divided by a devil’s trick that will spark a war between the elder gods and their daemonic children. Penndarius and his fierce protectors travel to the fertile land of Utopia to delve deeper into Therra’s hidden past. Will the answers they find be what they are seeking, or will they reveal something much more sinister?

View Herrick’s Kickstarter Page here!

Review of A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest

What a great fantasy book! The author has done an amazing job of building up the world that everything takes place in throughout The Divine TEmpest and the book flows very easily – I was able to sit down and devour it all at once.

The characters in this book were very unique. They went through both external and internal struggles, which I felt made the story. My favorite characters were definitely the twins, they were firey and really made the story. The entire book took place within one single day, but Herrick definitely packed a punch in that day and told a fantastic story.

Like many fantasy books, we are along the ride with the characters searching for the truth. The battle scenes were well written and had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for his next one to come out. The author is a fantastic new face to the fantasy genre!

The author is giving away a Kindle, a $20 Amazon GC, and an ebook. Fill out the form below

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Disclosure: I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

In the late 1940s, the minor league Milwaukee Brewers are foundering yet again and manager Arthur Murphy is desperate. When he sees seventeen-year old Mickey Tussler throwing apples into a barrel, he knows he has found the next pitching phenom. But not everyone is so hopeful. Mickey’s autism—a disorder still not truly understood even today—has alienated the boy from the world, and he is berated by other players and fans. Mickey faces immense trials in the harsh and competitive world of baseball while coping with the challenges inherent to his disorder. An honest and knowledgeable book about overcoming adversity, and the basis for the television movie A Mile in His Shoes, Mickey’s powerful story shows that with support and determination anyone can be triumphant, even when the odds are stacked against him.

Purchase The Legend of Mickey Tussler on Amazon.

Sophomore Campaign

It’s 1949 and eighteen-year-old pitching phenom Mickey Tussler is back with the rejuvenated minor league Brewers in the sequel to The Legend of Mickey Tussler (the basis for the television movie A Mile in His Shoes). Despite Mickey’s proclamation that he will never play baseball again after last season’s violent conclusion, his manager—and now surrogate father—Arthur Murphy cajoles the emotionally fragile, socially awkward boy with autism into giving it another shot. Mickey reluctantly returns to the field and must once again cope with the violence and hatred around him. When a young African American player joins the team, the entire team is subjected to racial threats and episodes of violence, one of which Mickey witnesses firsthand. Struggling to understand such ugliness and hatred, and fearful of reprisal should he tell anyone about what he has seen, the boy’s performance on the field suffers. Mickey now must deal with a side of human nature he scarcely comprehends.

Purchase Sophomore Campaign on Amazon.

About Author Frank Nappi

Frank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, Echoes From The Infantry, received national attention, including MWSA’s silver medal for outstanding fiction. His follow-up novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, garnered rave reviews as well, including a movie adaptation of the touching story “A Mile in His Shoes” starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder. Frank continues to produce quality work, including Sophomore Campaign, the intriguing sequel to the much heralded original story and the just released thriller, NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, which received an endorsement from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille. Frank is presently at work on a third installment of his Mickey Tussler series and his next thriller. He lives on Long Island with his wife Julia and their two sons, Nicholas and Anthony.

Follow Frank Nappi
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The Legend of Mickey Tussler Review

I am an avid baseball fan, so when I first heard about this book, I knew that I had to read it. Frank Nappi does a wonderful job of painting the visual picture of the era that this story took place in. Mickey Tussler is a 17 year old autistic boy who comes with his own set of family struggles. I would have loved to see Mickey out on the mound pitching fastballs because to me, the pitcher is one of the most exciting parts of the game. But, you don’t have to be a fan of baseball to enjoy this book, because the underlying messages actually has little to do with the game.

At times, my heart wrenched for Mickey. as so many of the people in his life didn’t appreciate him. Frank Nappi does a phenomenal job of making me feel like I was inside the story and knew the characters well. This story is just as much about the behavior that humans exhibit during different scenarios as it was about baseball. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down and I am very excited to read the second one next.

I feel like Nappi knows a great deal about baseball and really enjoyed his narrative skills during the games. After all, it is baseball season right now and I have been catching every game I can on the radio, because that is how I grew up listening to them with my Grandfather. This story became special to me because I felt I had a personal connection to it. I can’t wait to see what happens in Book 2! I highly recommend any novels that Frank Nappi write. He is a wonderful writer and can really tell a great story.

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and that of my own.

“The World’s Toughest Book Critics” have weighed in, and it’s high praise for Trellah!
“An excellent choice for readers eager for a suspenseful, emotionally satisfying fantasy adventure.”
-Kirkus Book Reviews
Fourteen-year-old Sophina Murray will be the first to tell you: Bad luck comes in threes. First, her father is lost at sea. Then, the rains start . And don’t stop. And finally, her little brother
is taken from his bed by a monster straight from her worst nightmare. A glimpse into the parallel universe of Trellah – a land of giant trees, bizarre creatures, and a glowing red mineral with mystical properties – convinces Sophina that all may not be lost. But first, she’ll have to survive in a hostile world where her darkest fears live and breathe.
Trellah is an original and realistic fantasy for ages 12 to 112. Parental guidance suggested for advanced readers ages 10-11 for moderate elements of horror.
The upcoming deluxe edition of this book will include illustrated paintings by artist Ryan Penney. Below is a sample of this talented artist’s work.

Purchase this book on Amazon.

About Author T.S. Graham

T.S. Graham was born and raised in midcoast Maine. He has worked as a sea urchin diver, fish monger, home renovator, and in several group homes for children and adults with disabilities. His original screenplay, Stone’s Point, written as Clint Elliott, has won multiple awards. He studied English Literature at the University of Southern Maine, where, despite developing a strong dislike of the traditional curriculum focused on old, dead (and boring) scribes, he somehow managed to graduate with honors. His greatest influences are writers like Stephen King and Michael Crichton, whose talents would have allowed them to write more literary fare, but they chose to thrill and entertain instead. He now lives on a horse farm with his beautiful wife and five daughters, two poodles, two cats, two happy turtles, four playful ferrets, three fish, a corn snake named “Tiger,” dozens of chickens, and, of course, four awesome equines. The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain is his debut novel.

Follow T.S. Graham
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Review:

This book was fantastic and I finished it very quickly. It is a young-adult fantasy that is suitable for adults who love fantasy as well. The story line pulled me in quickly as I read about Sophina and her journey. This character was very strong despite everything that has occurred in her life.

T.S. Graham did an amazing job building this fantasy world. I felt like I was there. The town was mystical and I enjoyed meeting several of the creatures within it.

I’m very excited that there is going to be more books in this series because I want more! Highly recommend!

Please visit Promotional Book Tours to read more reviews and to enter the contest!

Disclosure: This book was provided to me in order to conduct my review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and that of my own.

Book Blurb:

When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving a warring suburban family during the 1950s and ’60s.

Written as a memoir, each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her family. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.

Told in breathtakingly beautiful prose, this is a powerful and timeless story of a dying woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it.

My Review:

The Tale of Luica Grandi is a story written in the format of a memoir told by a 110 year old woman. She recounts events throughout her life that were deeply emotional and that also shaped her into a survivor.

As I became deeply immersed in the story, I began to really feel for Lucia because it seemed like she could never catch a break.

I really liked Lucia’s grandfather because he seemed like the one in her family that had unconditional love for her. Her own parents were horrible to her and it was just a heart-wrenching story to read.

I enjoyed Susan Speranza’s writing style in this novel. Although the book is long, it flowed nicely and the characters really came to life. I also liked how each chapter covered an event in Lucia’s life.

To read more reviews of The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years, please follow the tour at Promotional Book Tours.

Purchase this book on Amazon.

Disclosure: I received this book for free to conduct my review and this post contains my Amazon Affiliate Link. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and that of my own.

925 Ideas to Help You Save Money, Get Out of Debt and Retire A Millionaire So You Can Leave Your Mark on the World

Devin Thorpe has collected over 150 essays on personal and family finance to help you learn how to be happier with your money, to live more frugally and investment more wisely.

925 Ideas… is an easy and readable guide to help your family find financial peace. Author Devin D. Thorpe explains:

1) how you and your spouse can find agreement on money matters,
2) how to teach your kids about money,
3) how to pay for your children’s college education,
4) how to live like a millionaire (spoiler alert! Frugally)
5) how to come up with $25,000 in a crisis
6) how to make ends meet on one income
7) how to get out of debt and stay out of debt
8) why home ownership should be your family’s top financial priority
9) how to ask your boss for a raise
10) how to use your finances to do more good in the world.

And much more!

Devin D. Thorpe is the author of the highly regarded book, Your Mark on the World and is the founder of the Your Mark on the World Institute, championing social good. The Your Mark on the World Institute believes that everyone, no matter their level of income, can give more and do more to make the world a better place. The empowering lessons of 925 Ideas will enable you to leave your mark on the world.

Book Excerpt

There are opportunities to volunteer everywhere

If you and your family would like to find ways to volunteer but aren’t sure where and how, the answer is just a Google search away. There may be no better family activity than serving others together. When you can’t volunteer as a team, remember you set an example for your children whenever you serve. Leverage your skills, talents and training to do the most good.

Here are some ideas to get you started either as a family or individually:

1. Teach seniors, the disabled, or children about your favorite family hobbies.
2. Help seniors or other low income people with tax returns.
3. Volunteer at the local food bank.
4. Serve dinner to the homeless in your community.
5. Perform your talent for seniors in your community.
6. Help teach homeless kids to read.
7. Volunteer at the school your children attend.
8. Play games with children at the local homeless shelter.
9. Volunteer at a museum for children.
10. Tutor immigrants and refugees, helping them to learn English.
11. Deliver food to the hungry and homeless.
12. Volunteer in the office of your favorite charity.
13. Volunteer as an outreach advocate for your favorite cause.
14. Entertain intellectually challenged adults.
15. Volunteer with refugee and immigrant women to help them understand their rights here.
16. Volunteer to help with the medical care for uninsured families.
17. Become a care giver in a crisis nursery where parents take their children when they are at their breaking point.
18. Volunteer in an animal shelter to help care for the animals.
19. Help raise money for a cause by running in a 5k as a family.
20. Join a service organization like Rotary International.
21. Become a foster grandparent.
22. Become a foster parent.
23. Help grow food for the needy.
24. Volunteer legal services to the poor.
25. Become a volunteer writing coach at the library.
26. Translate at the hospital for immigrants who speak your second language.
27. Tutor children living in shelter situations.
28. Help families with children receiving treatment for serious health problems.
29. Help with children at your local elementary school in the before or after school programs.
30. Volunteer to help cancer patients with emotional or transportation support.

Whatever you choose to do will make the world a better place and will make you a bit happier, too.Your children will learn from being involved with you and from watching you serve. Your impact will be exponentially larger than you imagine.

Purchase the book on Amazon.

Be sure to stop by the Book Tour blog postt to enter the contest and follow along with the rest of the tour!