Friday, October 30, 2015

"Magelica's Voyage" Series by Louise Courey Nadeau

REVIEWS
Magelica's Voyage Series
by Louise Courey Nadeau


Louise Courey Nadeau's Magelica's Voyage series is recommended for children ages 5 to 10. There are currently two books - Magelica's Voyage and The Rescue - with a third book planned. The books are also available in French and Spanish. This review opportunity is brought to you by Mother Daughter Book Promotion Services.


Magelica's Voyage
(Magelica's Voyage Book 1)


Description
Who ever heard of a girl being hatched from an egg the colour of sapphires?
Magelica doesn’t know where she came from or who she really is. But when she’s transported to the Isle of Dreams in a flying bathtub, she launches into an adventure of discovery, and learns that wonderful things can happen when she uses her imagination, believes, opens her heart and trusts in love.
Come fly with her and discover for yourself the power of imagination, gratitude, believing in yourself, and love! In this special first voyage, fantasy, adventure, magical illustrations, empowering messages, and a wonderful cast of enchanting characters come together as Magelica takes young girls and the special people in their lives on a fun, inspiring voyage about making your life magical.


Book Video


My Review


By Lynda Dickson
Magelica has been raised by Gri and is unaware of her heritage. Twelve years ago, she was hatched from a sapphire-colored egg and has wings like her pet dragon Tris. In fact her name is derived from the words "magic" and "angelic". Magelica invokes the help of her Guardian Angel when she's in trouble, and this becomes a recurring theme throughout the series. One night, Magelica learns that she is the only one who can help someone else out of trouble. Odin the warblegrif uses Magelica's magic feather necklace to find her, and together they travel to the Isle of Dreams in her bathtub! There she meets Queen Raya, Wally the Wizard, and the Turtle who carries of the Isle of Dreams on his back. As a reward for Magelica's help, the Queen agrees to help her find out who she really is. This, too, will become a major story thread in the series.
After the story, the author explores some of the major themes in the book. She encourages the reader to "use your imagination and believe" and to "open your heart and trust in love" because, as Magelica herself discovers, if you truly believe in something, you can make it happen.
This book is a promising start to a new series for 5 to 10 year-olds, and - with a strong female lead like Magelica - it will appeal especially to girls.

Book Links

The Rescue
(Magelica's Voyage Book 2)


Description
When Magelica dreams of the prince lost on a deserted island, she realizes that it could lead to his rescue. She returns to the Isle of Dreams to tell Queen Raya what she knows. Can they save Prince Will before it’s too late? Will the power of laughter and love be enough?


Book Video


My Review


By Lynda Dickson
The Rescue follows on directly from the first book, with Magelica setting out to rescue Prince William after dreaming he has been stranded on an island. We meet up with old friends Odin, Queen Raya, and Wally Wizard, and we meet some new ones in Prince Will and Goldy the goldaron. The story is filled with laughter and an uplifting song, and we again encounter the recurring theme of a Guardian Angel. Magelica gets one step closer to finding out where she came from. Hopefully, we'll all discover the secret of her origin in the next book.
Once again, the author finishes by recapping some of the important messages of the book: "Laughing brings joy, and makes you feel good and positive." "Believe in yourself and never give up." And, as Prince William jokes, "Where there's a Will, there's a way."
With gorgeous illustrations, cute characters, and affirming messages, this series is sure to be a hit with both parents and children.

Book Links

Praise for the Books
"Magelica’s Voyage is an inspiring, magical tale of a world that I did not want to leave. The author’s imagination takes off with vivid magical characters transformed into beautiful illustrations that your child will love. At the Isle Of Dreams anything is possible including Wally the wizard, the benevolent queen, Odin and even a Warblegrif. In the Festival Of Cheer the message is clear; just be yourself and let love be your guide. When you open this book you’ll instantly discover that magic is indeed in the air." ~ 5 Star Review, StevieV, Amazon
"This is a wonderful, enchanting book! The story is so imaginative and the illustrations are beautiful! It is delightful to join Magelica on her adventure to the Isle of Dreams, and it is great to see such a positive, confident heroine. I highly recommend this book!" ~ 5 Star Review, Laurie J., Amazon
"Magelica is easy to love; a child who accepts herself as she is but who questions the very world around her, is someone many children will be able to relate to. Give this wonderful story a try - you won’t be sorry you did." ~ 5 Star Review, Shelley V., Amazon
"Magelica’s Voyage by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautifully written enchanting tale filled with alluring adventure. The story is magnificently illustrated, from the winsome depiction of Magelica to the creative Isle of Dreams, the authors gifted imagination is prevalent on every page. I found Magelica’s Voyage to be a charming story with a very special message for all. I highly recommend picking up a copy." ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T., Amazon
"I recommend it to every kid between the age of 3 until 9 whether it is a girl or boy. The energy when reading it is indescribable. Both [books] are well made and I recommend it to every parent that cares about how their children should be raised!" ~ 5 Star Review, Hassan, Amazon
"The Rescue is a beautifully illustrated and beautifully written children’s story with an important message about being happy and staying positive, even in very difficult circumstances. Louise Courey Nadeau presents this gentle lesson in a light-hearted and brilliantly illustrated manner that draws in readers young and old." ~ Bil Howard, Reader’s Favorite, 5 Star Review
"Magelica’s Voyage: The Rescue by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautiful story that will teach kids valuable lessons pertaining to staying true to their heart." ~ 5 Star Review, Jeff, Amazon

About the Author
Passionate about empowering and inspiring children around the world, Louise Courey Nadeau, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and mother of two girls and two boys created her first fairy tale Magelica’s Voyage, with the second book in the series, The Rescue, launched June 2015.
"Through life’s trials and tribulations, I always believed I could. With the Magelica book series my goal is to take young girls and their parents and teachers on empowering adventures and to inspire and encourage them to believe that they are amazing just the way they are, and to discover the power of love, positivity, and believing in themselves.
"Magelica’s Voyage is inspired by my life, my family, and the special people and places I love", says Courey Nadeau. "All of the characters in the story, including Magelica are reflections of the person I am- the wacky part, the funny part, the philosopher, the teacher, the caretaker, the chosen mom, the giver, and of course the dreamer. What would Magelica do, I often ask, and I get the answer. When you fly with Magelica, the possibilities are endless and there is magic all around."

Author Links



Thursday, October 29, 2015

"The Memory Chair" by Susan White

GUEST POST
The Memory Chair
by Susan White


The Memory Chair is currently on tour with Worldwind Virtual Book Tours. The tour stops here today for a guest post by the author. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.


Description
Thirteen-year-old Betony has always hated going to her cranky great-grandmother’s house. It’s old and stuffy and boring and the woodstove in the kitchen is always burning too hot. But her Gram doesn’t have any other family living close by on the Kingston Peninsula, so Betony ends up being dragged along all the time.
She’d rather be pretty much anywhere … until one day Betony sits on her Gram’s favorite chair. She is suddenly transported into the past, and is experiencing her Gram’s life as if it were in her own memory. At first Betony is excited and curious, and begins to develop a close relationship with Gram, even learning to cook and quilt. But after she has experienced a few more of her great-grandmother’s memories, she realizes she is slowly uncovering a terrible, shameful family secret.

Praise for the Book
"This was a fast but sweet and great read. I liked the idea of experiencing your family history as it was your own. But of course not everything was so great, there were a few things Betony learned that were less pleasant. The book was well written and took you straight into Betony’s and her family’s world and you can’t help to see it as she does. It was very easy to read and follow and it a great book for all ages. The characters were easy to relate to and likable." ~ Snoopydoo on Amazon
"Such a great book that took me back to my own grandparents' home next to the river where we fished as kids. A book of love, acceptance, age and memories." ~ Bonnie on Goodreads

Guest Post by the Author
I am a Story Teller
I am a story teller. Something propels me to take that storytelling to the page. I believe I have had that desire for as long as I can remember. For a long time something else always got in the way. It would resurface and I would claim that desire again believing that I could find the time and the dedication required to make it happen. My first book, The Year Mrs. Montague Cried, got written because that force within me was much too strong to ignore. I cannot completely explain that, and part of me resisted going to the place necessary to let that story out, but I did go there and in so many ways it gave me the opportunity and permission to finally do what I had been running from. I finally allowed myself to write. In thinking about why I write I narrowed it down to one word.
Truth. Writing for me is a search for truth, a way to claim a truth, or question a truth. I believe art of any kind is doing that. Truth sometimes comes in small morsels, sometimes in quick flashes and sometimes like a hammer blow. It can be painful to stumble on the truths of life but I believe it is always worth it. We need to keep writing, painting, making music, creating so that we get a chance to see the wonderful and frightening truths life holds.

About the Author
Susan White was born in New Brunswick and moved from one New Brunswick city to another. As a teenager her family moved to the Kingston Peninsula and she only left long enough to earn her BA and BEd at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. Settling on the peninsula, she and her husband raised four children and ran a small farm while she taught elementary school. Since retiring she is grateful to now have the time to work on her writing and the freedom to regularly visit her new granddaughter in Alberta.

Links



My Book Cave

WEBSITE LAUNCH and GIVEAWAYS
My Book Cave


Congratulations to My Book Cave on their Grand Opening! Find out more about this innovative website below, and don't forget to enter the giveaways!


Description
Movie-like Ratings for Books?
Have you ever started reading a book, only to be shocked at the content? Or have you ever read a book that bored you to tears with its lack of heat or action? Well, someone has finally created a site for you, taking the guesswork out of finding a good read that hits your comfort level. The best thing is that the books are always discounted and there is no cost to subscribe.
My Book Cave is the company behind this ingenious idea. The concept is simple.
Just sign up for the genres and ratings you want to see, choose your heat, violence, and swearing comfort level, then My Book Cave delivers ebook deals to your inbox. Rating include All Audiences, Mild, Mild+, Moderate, Moderate+, and Adult.
If you’re an author and have a fantastic book you’d like to feature for free on My Book Cave, come on over. They’re always looking for great books.


Giveaways
My Book Cave is having a huge giveaway with two ereaders and three cash gift cards. Just for signing up, you’re entered to win one of the ereaders. Visit My Book Cave to sign up or check out their blog for the rest of the prizes.
Plus, enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

Links




Wednesday, October 28, 2015

"LUX" by Courtney Cole

NEW RELEASE and EXCERPT
LUX
(NOCTE Book 3)
by Courtney Cole


LUX is the third and final book in Courtney Cole's New Adult dark psychological NOCTE trilogy. Also available: NOCTE (ON SALE for $0.99 for a limited time; read my blog post), VERUM (ON SALE for $0.99 for a limited time; read my blog post), and Initium.




This release day blitz is brought to you by Badass Marketing Blog Tours.


Description
My name is Calla Price and I’m broken.
My pieces are all around me, floating on the wind, even as I desperately try to grasp them.
Who is dead? Alive? Insane?
What is the truth?
I don’t know.
I do know this: The darkness is strangling me. With every breath, I choke on another lie.
My mind has protected me, but that shield will soon be lowered.
All will be revealed.
Every answer to every question.
It’s all been leading to this.
Don’t be afraid.
Be terrified.


Book Video
You can view the book video here.


Excerpt
“Finn?” I ask hesitantly, but there is no answer.
He’s truly gone.
The room is empty and cold and stark.
My entire life, my brother has been my other half. He’s loved me unconditionally, completely, with everything he has.
And now he’s dead, and he’s asking me to do something.
Something hard.
To exist without him.
To figure out, once and for all, what is true,
What is real.
I have to do it.
And to do that, I have to re-trace my steps.
If Finn is gone,
There’s only one thing in my life that is true.
One true point of reference.
One important thing.
Dare.
With shaking hands, I close my eyes,
and try to think about Dare.
Because it’s always been about Dare.
I try to focus on his dark eyes, and his bright smile, and his swaying shoulders … but thoughts of him won’t form. They’re stubborn and elusive, and all I can think of is the beginning.
The beginning
The beginning.
With a start, I remember scratched words from Finn’s journal.
Mars solum initium est. Death is the beginning.
The beginning, the beginning.
I NEED TO START.
My breathing catches then quickens, because maybe once again, like always, Finn is telling me where to go.
Maybe the beginning is exactly where I need to be.


Praise for the Book
"If you have not read this series yet, you definitely need to check it out. It will blow your mind in so many ways. I myself loved every single, twisted, crazy part of this series. Courtney did a simply amazing job writing this story and it will forever remain one of my all time favorite series." ~ Chris blog emporium
"If you are reading this review, you have probably already read the first 2 books in this series, and are wondering about the last one. I would whole heartedly say read it now! This story was absolutely gripping, every single page, and I was literally reading and holding my breath. The atmosphere, tension, and fantastic mystery made this book so entertaining. And if you happen to have read this review, and haven't read Nocte and Verum first, seriously do not even wait, go grab them now, this series is incredible!!! Psychological, at times dark, at times sad, and all round mystery, plus an epic love story that seems to have lived through pretty much everything and anything. Definitely read!!" ~ Seraphim Book Reviews
"I loooooved it - and I won't say more than that - everything more I could and would want to say about the book would be a spoiler!!!! You need to get yourselves to amazon and one-click the hell out of this book!!!!!!" ~ BJs Book Blog
"These characters are so complex, it's like peeling an onion, one layer at a time, one book at a time ... to get down to who they really are. This was the perfect conclusion, I was captivated, enthralled, and saddened to know the madness has come to an end; however, I think Courtney created enough inner madness to sustain me for a while." ~ Resch Reads and Reviews
"Spellbinding, riveting, out of this world AMAZING!! This was one of my most anticipated books this year, with every single book in this series I was blown away. Courtney Cole takes you on this crazy out of this world journey where you question absolutely everything. [...] I can't say much without ruining it but I can say I am sad that it had came to a end. I cannot even fathom how much I loved this series and how Calla and her journey will always stay with me. FOREVER! One of the best series EVER!!" ~ Tarah Hodges-Wilkins


About the Author
Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling novelist who would rather write than eat chocolate. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, but no amount of working in the corporate world could quell her urge to write.
Courtney was born and raised in Kansas, home of incredibly friendly people and the most horrendous weather on the planet. Because summer days were so hot, she grew up reading stacks of books ... and when she didn't like the ending, she wrote her own.
Courtney has relocated to Florida where she writes beneath palm trees.


  
Links
Barnes & Noble