The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven w/ $25 Giveaway

A review copy was provided

THE CARETAKER'S GUIDE TO FABLEHAVEN

by Brandon Mull
illustrated by Brandon Dorman

This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive.

There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves.

Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth.

Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume and will give you the inside scoop about other magical preserves around the world, including the most magical and powerful creatures known to ever exist--dragons.

(You can click on the pictures to make them larger)

Excerpt from Introduction
If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. 

By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. 

Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create a Caretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. 

Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. 

The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. 

What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. 

Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. 

This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. 

One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. 

As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. 

Welcome to Fablehaven.

My Review

What an absolutely fascinating book!

Illustrations are FANTASTIC!

Information is SPELLBINDING!

You will read about:

* Artifact and Items

* Creatures

* Demons

* Dragons

* Locations

* and Wizards

Hand-written notes in the margins (often humorous) give you added insights from those who have been the caretakers before you-

Do not read this book right before bed--

Or better yet--maybe you should-- to be prepared for those that walk the night!

SUCH A GREAT BOOK!

Also includes clues to the sequel that will come in 2016-- DRAGONWATCH--

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash 

 Ends 10/28/15 

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series, travels the country visiting schools, promoting literacy, and sharing his message that Imagination Can Take You Places.

About the Illustrator

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in childrens books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War series.

Meet Artist Brent Borup

I had the great honor of meeting artist Brent Borup the other day!

BRENT S. BORUP was born in Boise, Idaho in 1975. The third of six children to Keith and Judy Borup, he loved growing up in the small treasure valley town of Meridian, Idaho. Attending Centennial High School, he developed a love for art and made it a life goal to pursue art as a career.

In 1994, Brent was called to serve as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Mexico, Monterrey South Mission. Upon returning home, he attended both Boise State University and the College of Southern Idaho, where he met his beautiful wife and fellow artist Jeanette.

Brent currently lives in Preston, Idaho with his wife and three children, fulfilling his dream of being an artist. He considers it a great blessing to be able to share his talents with the world.

You can find his artwork in Bed Bath Beyond, select Deseret Book Stores, and in Sam's Club throughout the western US.

Brent would love to hear from you at brentborup@hotmail.com
Or follow him on his--

Studio / Facebook / Pinterest / Blog

Brent specializes in Inspirational Fine Art-- 

Here are some of my favorites

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Title of Liberty

Bountiful Temple

Las Vegas Temple

The Prince of Peace

That They Might Have Joy

Monterrey, Mexico Temple

Greatest in the Kingdom

Treat your family to some fine art this season ~

Lord Fenton's Folly w/ $25 Amazon or PayPal Giveaway

A review copy was provided
eBook and Audiobook are free with Bookshelf Plus

Lord Fenton's Folly

by Josi S. Kilpack

Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt—and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him.

However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well.

Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton’s life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice. But can Alice risk her heart a second time?

Excerpt
Fenton groaned and put his saucer back on the tray, making an instantaneous decision that eased his mind quite a lot. To look at every woman he met as a potential wife was irritating, and after only two weeks he was quite tired of it. Perhaps the solution was to orchestrate a match that would not lay all aspects of matrimony at his feet all at once. Perhaps treating it as a business arrangement would help it to be exactly that, thereby freeing him from all the discomfiting realities he was not yet prepared to face. “I leave for Fentonview on Tuesday and shan’t be back for a week. Courting is such a boring prospect, and you yourself said that to become infatuated with anyone might become a complication.” He paused, considered one last time what he was going to say next, and decided he felt as good about it as could be expected. “You like Alice Stanbridge and feel she would make a good wife for me?”

Lady Chariton looked confused and perhaps a bit concerned. “I do, but-”

“Then that is good enough for me,” Fenton said, rising to his feet and smiling broadly at his mother, who stared back at him in surprise. “I do find her appealing and what’s more she is not a silly little thing without a practical thought in her head.”

His mother’s eyes widened and her eyebrows rose upon her forehead. Fenton struck a pose of consternation, with his thumb and forefinger on his chin as he looked toward the window a moment, then nodded crisply and turned back to his mother who still looked shocked by his pronouncement.

“Yes, I think that Alice Stanbridge is exactly what I should like in a wife, and so I shall see to it before I leave for Hampshire-I see no reason to wait until Michaelmas and might as well get it over with.” He leaned in and kissed his mother’s hand. “Thank you for your help, Mama. I shall let you know how she responds to my proposal.”

My Review

Another GREAT Regency Romance from Josi S. Kilpack!

I so feel for Lord Fenton--wanting to be his own man, harboring resentment towards his father, trying to please is mother, holding back feelings for Alice in case he takes after his father--thinking he knows what he needs to do and then wondering if he made the right choice--SUCH GOOD WRITING!

And Alice--I so adore her! She is in love and has been for a very long time and then HE chooses HER--can life be any greater?! But only to find out that it is all just a ruse--But she is not going to back down--She will become the woman that women will envy-----even if it breaks her heart.

But life and comforts get all turned upside down and question arise when Alice accompanies Lady Chariton to Foxcroft---

Such a fabulous story!

Curl up with this FANTASTIC READ to escape into another time and another place! LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/29/15

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Sheep's Clothing won the Whitney award for Mystery/Suspense in 207 and Wedding Cake, book twelve in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series won in 2014. Josi was also the Best of State winner in Fiction for 2012. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband, children and super-cute - but not very friendly - cat.

For more information about Josi or her books, please visit her blog, What is a Sundial In the Shade?

Played for a Fool w/ $25 Amazon + Book Giveaway

A review copy was provided

PLAYED FOR A FOOL

by Stephanie Black

Three years ago, the small town of Britteridge was rocked by the senseless murder of Gail Ludlum.

Now the people most affected by the tragedy have returned to the place where it all began, and the scene is set for the perfect revenge . . . 

Megan O’Connor’s life was shattered when she was unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that ultimately led to the murder of an innocent woman. 

Though the road to redemption has been long, she’s finally found happiness with her recent engagement to a wonderful man, a pillar of the community. 

But amid the chaos of wedding planning, the return of Gail Ludlum’s son to Britteridge sets in motion a disturbing sequence of events.

Soon Megan finds herself the victim of a series of cruel deceptions that indicate one thing: her past mistakes have not been forgiven or forgotten. 

As the mischief escalates to dangerous levels, it becomes clear that someone is determined to avenge Gail’s death. 

And they won’t rest until they’ve taken a life for a life.

My Review
What a GREAT BOOK!

Intense suspense and twists in the plot keep you glued to the pages until the very end! SO. LOVED. IT!

I cannot believe how quickly all that Megan has worked for comes unraveled...fun to read about...wouldn't ever want it to happen to me.

I love the title--such a perfect fit for the story!

I had a chance to work with Stephanie a few months back--she is a super nice person and a FANTASTIC author!

DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!
You will be absolutely mesmerized by it!

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

(Covenant Communications will notify winner by email)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

A couple of decades ago, I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in history and secondary education, but I am the most pitiful history major on the planet: I’ve forgotten nearly everything I learned. No, that isn’t an exaggeration. Go on, ask me what the Teapot Dome Scandal was about. I don’t know. See?

I never did end up teaching high school (or I’d be better at remembering history). One month after I graduated, I gave birth to my first daughter and entered into full-time motherhood and part-time writing-hood. I’ve been married to my husband, Brian, for twenty-six years and we are the parents of three daughters and two sons. Recently, we added a son-in-law to the clan; he fits right in and doesn’t seem disconcerted by our quirkiness. We also added a cat a few years ago, but the son-in-law is easier to get along with, since he doesn’t scratch at the door at four a.m.

I’ve enjoyed making up stories since I was a child, when my sisters and I would play long, strange Barbie games or write and direct plays for ourselves and younger siblings. I took a creative writing class in high school, but my stories stunk, since I hadn’t yet figured out that a story needs a plot. I finally got a fun idea, and an encouraging comment from the teacher got me rolling (thank you, Mrs. Owen!). I wanted to write a novel! After a few years of writing random scenes, I decided to try writing the novel start to finish, but that led to a failed, unfinished manuscript and the realization that there was a lot more to writing fiction than I’d ever understood. I began reading fiction technique books (my first was The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them by Jack Bickham. Love that book!) I started over with my novel project. After many years of reading technique books, writing, rewriting, more rewriting, submitting, and then—when I thought I was finished—major rewriting, my first novel, a futuristic thriller called The Believer, was published by Covenant Communications in January 2005. I turned to writing contemporary suspense, andFool Me Twice was released in 2008, followed by Methods of Madness (2009), Cold as Ice (2010), Rearview Mirror (2011), and Shadowed (2012). In 2013, a long-awaited dream came true for me with the publication of The Witnesses, the sequel to my first book, The Believer. In 2014, Traci Hunter Abramson, Gregg Luke, and I each contributed a novella to the suspense compilation Twisted Fate. In September of 2015, my eighth novel, Played for a Fool, will hit bookstores.

Four of my mysteries are Whitney Award winners for Best Mystery/Suspense, and The Witnesses was a Whitney Award Finalist for Best Speculative Novel.



Tour Schedule
*Sept. 28th: 

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, 

http://iamareader.com/ 

*Sept. 29th: 

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, 

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, 

http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, 

http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 30th: 

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, 

http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, 

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

*Oct. 1st: 

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, 

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 2nd: 

https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, 

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, 

http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, 

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/,
littlelightdesigncollective.com

Westly: A Spider's Tale w/ $25 Amazon or PayPal Giveaway

A review copy was provided

WESTLY: A SPIDER'S TALE

by Bryan Beus

This is tale of a caterpillar named Westly who is destined to be a Monarch butterfly and the next king of the butterfly kingdom.

But sometimes things don’t turn out the way we plan. 

When Westly emerges from his cocoon he is nothing like he expected. 

As a spider he must rediscover who he is. Adopted by the “dirt eaters,” Westly is determined to make a difference. 

He is determined to belong, to be loved, and most importantly, to become who he was born to be.

Excerpt Pages

My Review
What an AMAZING book!
I loved it!

Fun story line as a caterpillar emerges from his cocoon as a spider-- such a GOOD MESSAGE of "life does not always turn out as planned."

Fantastic scenes as Westly flounders while trying so hard just to fit in--

And when he so desperately needs a friend one shows up-- but is he really a friend? And how can Westly tell? And who ends up being his true friends?

So MANY GREAT LESSONS!

Plus it is simply just an AWESOME READ!

Adorable pictures adorn the book making it a PERFECT get-away read for the whole family!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon Gift Code or PayPal Cash

Ends 10/15

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Bryan Beus – which rhymes with Zeus – is the winner of the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from The New York Society of Illustrators. He works full time as an illustrator for magazines, book covers, film and game conceptual art, and more. When not writing and drawing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, mindful meditation, drinking root beer floats, and eating far too many Sour Patch Watermelons. Westly is his debut novel.

Dust Fairy Tales: Absolutely Aggie

A review copy was provided

DUST FAIRY TALES:

ABSOLUTELY AGGIE

by Michelle R. Eastman

illustrated by Kevin Richter

Fairies, music, and dust! Oh my!

Aggie is a little Dust Fairy with a big problem. She wants to join the fairy band, but they do not approve of her offbeat style.

Aggie is determined to impress them, but that turns out to be harder than she imagined. 

Just when she thinks she will never find a way to fit in, Aggie discovers it might be more fun to stand out. 

Lively, rhyming stanzas and vibrant illustrations come together in this magical tale. 

It is sure to delight boys and girls alike while imparting a positive message about embracing one's individuality.

My Review
You gotta see this book!
Absolutely adorable!

You will wonder and giggle and maybe even feel a tug at your heart--

And then you will clap and smile and give a little cheer as Aggie finds her confidence in who she is!

A fantastic read with some very creative rhymes and pictures!

Perfect story for all ages!

I am SO LOVING this author!

Excerpt Pages

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Michelle is giving away 2 copies of her book

on GoodReads -- Click HERE to enter

Offer ends 10/5/15

About the Author

Michelle began her career as an elementary teacher in the West Des Moines School District. At Iowa Public Television, she wrote educational content for teachers and students. Her work with children, and passion for picture books, inspired her to found the literacy initiative, Picture Book Pass it On. When she's not chasing dust bunnies, or her two cats, she likes to cuddle up with a good book and her son. Michelle lives with her husband and son, in Waukee, Iowa.

Michelle Eastman is the author of 'Dust Fairy Tales: Absolutely Aggie' as well as 'The Legend of Dust Bunnies, a Fairy's Tale'. Michelle's books take a lighthearted approach to the compelling desire kids have to fit-in. The stories validate the need we feel for acceptance, while imparting a gentle take-away message of the joy that can come from embracing one's individuality. The lively, rhyming stanzas and vivid illustrations appeal to boys and girls alike.

About the Illustrator

Kevin Richter has always drawn, doodled, painted and scribbled. He loves it so much that he makes a living doing it. He lives wit his wife and their two sons in the beautiful English town of Toyal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Visit Kev at www.kevtoon.com

In Spite of the Odds

A review copy was provided

IN SPITE OF THE ODDS

by Richie Contartesi

Ever wonder what it takes to earn a full D1 football scholarship as a walk-on?

Standing a stellar 5’7″ and weighing in at a magnificent 150 pounds you wouldn’t think Richie would be much of a football player. Instead, he looks more like a chess player.

Richie Contartesi is a small town kid who dreamt his entire life of playing big time college football in the SEC. He had the heart, passion, tenacity, and love for the game but there was a nagging problem that haunted him from youth football through college, his size. Standing at 5’7 150 pounds, he was never the biggest, fastest, talented, or strongest wide-receiver on the team.

Richie’s journey chronicles the trials and tribulation of a boy with a dream and the realities of Division I college football at Ole Miss. An inspirational story of hope, determination, and success that will fuel your inner desire to be the best you can be and defy the naysayers and odds to reach your dreams.

What happens next shocks the world and will most definitely shock you too. "It is like watching the movie Rudy, but with a machine gun"-- Pat Canuso.

My Review

Filled with determination and hard work Richie has made his dreams come true and he tells his story in a very compelling, even captivating, way.

I am impressed with all the accomplishments he has made just by putting his mind to it and his back into it :)

In one part he tells of how "the stars needed to align" in order for him to get what he wants--

And while it is true that it looked almost impossible-- he made it happen.

I also loved that when he had set-backs he didn't let it get him down-- he learned from it and moved forward with even more determination.

He jokes about his height and weight-- but when facing a coach those things really do matter--

And in "spite of the odds" Richie proved to them all that he had what it takes :)

A FANTASTIC book!
Richie's story is very motivational!
A PERFECT read for anyone!
Do not miss out on this one!

About the Author

Despite the odds and the naysayers, Richie walked on at Ole Miss and eventually received a football scholarship, started every game his senior year and earned the scholar athlete award twice. His inspirational book, "In Spite of the Odds" tells the triumph and determination.

After football and as a graduate of Ole Miss, Richie found himself sleeping on couches when he decided to start a business with only $700 in his bank account. That business has became successful and Richie now has a full-time staff managing operations. Born on December 10, 1987 in West Palm Beach, Florida, Richie is the only boy and has four sisters. He knew his athletic ability and resilience for success at a very young age by taking on the challenge of riding a 2 wheel bicycle at 3 years old and winning. His football career started when he was 10 years old and right away he found his passion. Richie was determined to play college football and from hard work in high school he had earned awards and accolades such as: Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Team Captain among others.

Currently, Richie speaks to Kids and Adults. He has realized through all of this that no matter how much he enjoys defying the odds, his true passion is in helping others defy theirs. As a youth motivational speaker, he helps teens and adults understand that their dreams are closer than they appear. Through all the noise and out of reach possibilities, speaking is truly his favorite way of communicating his passion.

In his spare time when Richie isn't challenging himself with CrossFit, he spends time with family, friends, golfing, writing, playing/watching football, learning, reading, and running.

You will find Richie a great source of motivation and inspiration for your next school assembly or youth conference. Richie is available for school assemblies in middle school, high school, leadership students, and talking to Parents and Community programs about helping their teen athletes reach the top of their sports and how to go about scholarships.

The Ring of Remaliha

A review copy was provided

THE RING OF REMALIHA

by Melanie Mason

When Egyptologist April Tanner is asked to translate the hieroglyphs on an ancient ring, she is unwittingly drawn into a world of danger and intrigue. Her colleague, Dr. Peter Scherril, believes the glyphs will lead to a treasure hidden nearly two thousand years ago by an Egyptian named Remaliha. The problem is the glyphs don’t make sense.

A week after Peter is killed in a suspicious car crash, the ring shows up in April’s mail. She vows to decipher the artifact’s code and figure out why someone wanted Peter dead. Her inquisitions put her in the path of dashing archaeologist Nathan Hayes and his mysterious friend James Reddingham. Nathan invites April to join his expedition near Luxor.

Once she arrives in Egypt, April aggressively pursues her investigation of the ring. But soon she suspects the motives of both Nathan and James and finds herself dodging thieves and assassins at every turn.

In the end, uncovering the secrets of the ring could lead to Remaliha’s treasure . . . or April’s own tomb.

My Review
I so LOVED this story!

Archaeological digs, ancient ring, hidden clues, unsolved codes, treasure, conspiracy, travel, secrets...It's all here!

Strong female character and an exotic location make this a very fun read!

Your heart will pound as you watch April get in and out of trouble, trust and then get betrayed, and ultimately solve the mystery--

GREAT! GREAT! STORY!
LOVE THIS AUTHOR!
Grab a copy of this one for the upcoming weekend!

About the Author

Melanie Mason is an author, designer, photographer, and flight attendant all rolled into one. She graduated from Utah State University with a degree in communications. She has published several articles and stories that are featured on HubPages.com.

Melanie has told stories all her life and finds her passion in sharing the plots that spin through her head. she now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her two dachshund-chihuahua dogs. She loves the beauty of the Pacific Northwest that feeds her imagination.

Melanie loves to belt Broadway songs in her living room and car when no one is listening. Someday she hopes to be on a flight where someone is reading her book.

Jamberry Nail Wraps

Have you heard of Jamberry Nail Wraps

Jamberry nail wraps are new to me...but I have fallen totally in love with them!

I used to paint my nails regularly when I was a teen and even kept it up as a young mother...

But then I had some health issues and stopped wearing makeup and stopped painting my nails.

And then it just became easier to not do it.

I now work at a job where I use my hands a lot and was often embarrassed by their appearance...

I was also always envious of my coworkers and customers who had really cute nails.

Well, I am no longer embarrassed-- and I am no longer envious--

In fact since using Jamberry I now look at my nails often and I smile :)

WHAT ARE JAMBERRY NAIL WRAPS?
Jamberry nail wraps are basically heat activated super cute stickers-- You heat them up and rub them on-- it is that easy!
Click HERE to view application instructions.

DO YOU WANT TO GIVE IT A TRY?
I am giving away TWO half sheets of nail wraps-- your choice-- Each half sheets has enough wraps for 1 manicure and 1 pedicure and you get 2 designs-- 
Go to https://verycutenails.jamberry.com/shop and see all the fun designs then enter the giveaway
If you fall in love with them like I did and can't wait for the contest to end they ALWAYS offer a Buy 3 Get 1 FREE deal-- a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some of my favorite wraps

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