Witch Song Series by Amber Argyle

About Author

Amber Argyle is the author of the Witch Song Trilogy (Witch Song, Witch Born, and Witch Fall ((Fall 2013)) and the Fairy Queen's Trilogy (Winter Queen, Summer Queen (2014), Daughter of Winter ((2015)). She runs because she likes to eat chocolate and fit in her jeans. She has a thing for vintage inspired clothes. Also, she can't fathom why people eat tootsie rolls.

Slightly longer: Amber Argyle is the author of Witch Song Trilogy, (Witch Song, Witch Born, and Witch Fall, coming Fall of 2013). She grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters. 

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University. 

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

You can find Amber on:
Shelfari.
https://twitter.com/amberargyle
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Argyle/165661500156934?ref=hl
www.amberargyle.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15829917-winter-queen

Q&A with Amber 1. What made you decide to write about Witches?

I wanted to take something that was often portrayed as dark and evil and twist it into something beautiful and natural. So instead of satanic chanting, my witches sing to control nature. I also wanted to use resonance with the Salem Witch Trials, so though my world is completely fictional, it has many similarities in landscape and technology with seventeenth century New England. 

2. How did you get your book published?

After years of hard work and rejection, I finally found an agent. Dropped him after a year. Had a book contract (for a different book), but the contract was awful so I couldn't sign it. Had another publisher and other agents nearly take it, but it was always nearly. Rhemalda published Witch Song. They did a good job, but when I received my first royalty statement, I realized if I wanted a chance to make any money at this, I was going to have to try something else, so I published Witch Born under my own publishing house.

3. What type of readers will be interested in this series/book?

Readers who enjoy clean fantasy with a touch of romance. 

4. What is special about this series/book?

It's very different from anything else out there. When I first started, there wasn't anyone else doing YA high fantasy except Kristin Cashore. I haven't really heard of other books that use singing as a medium for magic. There's a few more now, but still not many. Also, I'm clean and lyrical. 

5. What differentiates this book from others in this category?

My characters are flawed and make mistakes (read: screw up). Also, I have lots of young girls who relate to Brusenna because she's very shy and unsure in the beginning. 

6. Have you published any other books?

Just these two so far. 

7. Do you plan to publish more books?

I have two coming out next year. Witch Wars, which is a short prequel to Witch Song and follows the events that initiated the Witch wars. 

Winter Queen is the beginning of a whole new trilogy. 

Mortally wounded during a raid, seventeen-year-old Ilyenna is healed by winter fairies who present her with a seductive offer: become one of them and share their power over winter. But that power comes with a price. If she accepts, she will become a force of nature, lose her humanity, and abandon her family.

Unwilling to pay such a high price, Ilyenna is enslaved by the one of the invaders, Darrien. While in captivity, she learns the attack wasn’t just a simple raid but part of a larger plot to overthrow her entire nation. 

With the enemy stealing over the mountains and Darrien coming to take her to his bed, Ilyenna must decide whether to resurrect the power the fairies left behind. Doing so will allow her to defeat Darrien and the other invaders, but if she embraces winter, she will lose herself to that destroying power—forever.  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15829917-winter-queen

Amber has a real life battle going on in her life. Her young son has a cyst on his femur that does not want to heal. Let us keep her family in our prayers.
http://amberargyle.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-sons-bone-cyst.html

A Soul's Kiss by Debra Chapoton ~ New Release

Creative Prose Publishing launched their imprint this year dedicated to representing all genres of clean fiction from middle grade through adult.

One of their first offerings is the paranormal romance A SOUL'S KISS by Debra Chapoton. Chapoton is a best-selling international author.

When a tragic accident leaves Jessica comatose, her spirit  escapes her body. Navigating a supernatural realm is tough, but being half dead has its advantages.

      

Like getting into people’s thoughts.

Like taking over someone’s body.

Like experiencing romance on a whole new plane - literally.

Jessica learns an amazing truth as she struggles to return to her body before the doctors pull the plug, only she can’t do it alone. Now the only two people willing to help Jessica’s splintered soul are the two she’s hurt the most. They must find a way to guide her soul back to her body ... before it’s too late.

A SOUL'S KISS - Chapter 1 excerpt

Here's what's being said about A SOUL'S KISS:

“Sensational, satisfying and surreal. A thrilling tale, beautifully imagined and carefully crafted. A must read 'coming of age' novel. I hope to see more of Chapoton in the future.”

~Lucy Morris, Lucy Reads

 “Very intriguing. With elements of friendship, romance, and the supernatural, A Soul’s Kiss is a fun novel with a good message and perfect for fans of Gayle Forman’s If I Stay.”

~Paola Benevides, Don’t Fold the Page

 “A unique novel filled with engaging characters that captivate our heart as well as the imagination. An emotional ride loaded with intrigue, secrets, romance, and the paranormal that hooks the reader till the very last page.”

~Mandy Sickle, The Reading Diaries

"A Soul's Kiss is a compelling story of a group of teenagers struggling to find their place in the world. It's a fresh reminder that what we think we want isn't always what we need and that sometimes what we need was right in front of us all along."

~Ashley Gafford, Wholly Books!

"Ms Chapoton created living characters and gave us a gripping story. One word: awesome!

                                                                 ~Hira Mushtaq, Views and Reviews

Get your copy today!

Kindle, Paperback, Nook

Debra Chapoton is an internationally published author who holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English. She resides at Big Pine Lodge with her husband, Paul, where she enjoys the company of friends and family. 

Find Debra at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

HEY, DADDY! Animal Fathers and Babies written by Mary Batten, illustrated by Higgins Bond

An excellent introduction to the varied and remarkable ways animal fathers care for their young.

In the vast animal kingdom, mommies are often solely responsible for the birth and upbringing of their young. But daddies can, and do, help in a variety of surprising ways. In this new natural science book for children, award-winning writer Mary Batten offers a fascinating and entertaining look at paternal behavior in the animal world.

From birds and amphibians to small mammals and primates, numerous examples of males caring for their young are presented in accurate and clear language. Among the featured fathers are the blue jay, the marmoset and the beaver, who share parenting responsibilities with the mother, as well as several animal daddies (such as the seahorse, the penguin, and Darwin's frog) that perform more extraordinary roles. Finally, the human father is singled out for devoting the most time of all to raising his young until they can survive on their own. Factual information on animal development and behavior is provided throughout the text.

Higgins Bond's realistic and detailed illustrations accurately depict the animal families in their natural habitats, and warmly bring to life the animal daddies interacting with their babies.

• ISBN-13: 9781561452729
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
• Publication date: 9/28/2002
• Edition description: 1ST
• Pages: 32
• Age range: 6 - 10 Years
• Product dimensions: 9.50 (w) x 10.50 (h) x 0.40 (d)

Where to purchase. here

Author Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children's Television Workshop's science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She lives in Virginia.

You can visit Mary Batten’s website here.

Illustrator Higgins Bond received a BFA from the Memphis College of Art and has illustrated many books for children. She lives in Tennessee.

You can visit Higgins Bond’s website here.

About Habitats: Forests, Written by Cathryn Sill, Illustrated by John Sill

About Book
 The latest book in this acclaimed series showcases the beauty and remarkable diversity of the forest biome.

Through simple, easy-to-understand language and beautifully detailed paintings, this guide describes the characteristics of different types of forests - from the cold boreal forests of the northern hemisphere to the warm tropical forests near the equator - and shows how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in these habitats.

Age 3-7

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.

Publication Date: 3/1/2014

Hardcover 

ISBN: 978-1-56145-734-2 

Total Pages: 48 

Size: 10 x 8 1/2 

Language: English

Where to Purchase: Peachtree Online, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Cathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.

John Sill holds a BS in wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. Combining his knowledge of wildlife and artistic skill, John has achieved an impressive reputation as a wildlife artist and received several awards. He lives in North Carolina.

You can visit John Sill’s website here.

The Grudge Keeper, written by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

About Book

No one in the town of Bonnyripple ever kept a grudge. No one, that is, except old Cornelius, the Grudge Keeper.

Ruffled feathers, petty snits, minor tiffs and major huffs, insults, umbrage, squabbles, dust-ups, and imbroglios-the Grudge Keeper received them all, large and small, tucking each one carefully away in his ramshackle cottage.

When a fierce wind blows through Bonnyripple, the residents are forced to rescue Cornelius and deal with their various disputes.

Ages 4-8 

• ISBN-13: 9781561457298
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
• Publication date: 4/1/2014

• Hardcover
• Pages: 32

Where to Purchase:  Peachtree Online, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Mara Rockliff is the author of several children's books, including Me and Momma and Big John, winner of the Golden Kite Award and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book. She lives in Pennsylvania.

You can visit Mara Rockliff’s website here.

Eliza Wheeler wrote and illustrated Miss Maple's Seeds, aNew York Times best seller. She lives in California.

You can visit Eliza Wheeler’s website here.

Blog Tour for Charlie Bumpers vs. the Really Nice Gnome

Charlie is ready to play the bad guy in the class play, but Mrs. Burke has other ideas!


Charlie Bumpers has his heart set on playing the role of the evil Sorcerer in the fourth grade play. He's even got the laugh down pat: Mwa-ha-ha-ha! But his dreams of villainous stardom go up in smoke when he finds out that Mrs. Burke has cast him as the Nice Gnome! Determined to rectify this terrible injustice, Charlie concocts one plan after another, but nothing seems to work.To make matters worse, his dad has assigned chores to all the kids in the family and Charlie's job is walking Ginger - the diggiest, sniffiest, and poopiest dog in the universe. Can Charlie deal with these challenges without causing havoc all around him?

Follow along the Blog Tour:

Monday, 3/24 Sally’s Bookshelf
Tuesday, 3/25 The World of Peachtree Publishers
Wednesday, 3/26 Shelf Media Group
Thursday, 3/27 Kid Lit Reviews
Friday, 3/28 Geo Librarian

I AM BACK FOR NOW

I know you must be curious as to why I have not been posting any book reviews.   My husband's health is failing and is at home on Hospice Care. It has been hard to concentrate on anything but him. 

I have managed to read several books and  now I will attempt to do a few blog posts and reviews on both of my blogs. 

I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding in my not meeting scheduled post dates. Also thanks for all the prayers.


Blessings to All,
Patricia aka Mamaw

CHURCHILL'S TALE OF TAILS written & illustrated by ANCA SANDU

About Book

Churchill couldn't be prouder of his perfect tail. And then one day it goes missing...

When Churchill the pig loses his precious tail, his friends help him hunt for a new one. But trying new tails is so much fun that soon Churchill has forgotten his friends completely. Can Churchill learn to put friendship first and solve the mystery of his missing tail?

• Published by Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
• Publication Date: 3/1/2013
• Hardcover
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-738-0
• Total Pages: 32
• Size: 10 1/4 x 9
• Language: English

Where to purchase: Peachtree Online, Amazon, Barnes & Noble 

About Author

Anca Sandu was born in Romania and studied children's illustration in England. Churchill's Tale of Tails is her first picture book. She lives in Oregon. 

You can visit Anca Sandu’s website here.

My Thoughts

Churchill is very proud of his tail and what a cute tail he had. Then one day his tail disappeared and he searched all over for his tail.  He decided to find a new tail because he did not like not having a tail.  He tried many tails. zebra, peacock, fish all kinds of tails. Some of the tails made him feel different. Strong, big, brave many different feelings and emotions. Then he began to ignore his friends and became very full of himself all because of his new many tails. 

Would Churchill ever be himself again? Whatever happened to his tail? His friends missed the old Churchill. 

This was a funny tale that turned into a sad tale. The author spun a tale about a very self centered pig.  The illustrations of Churchill trying on the tails was hilarious and will have children giggling over the silliness, as did I when I saw him with a fish tail. What an imagination the author and illustrator must have.  

Most importantly his tale teaches the importance of friends.  Be sure to make time for your friends.  Maybe you could read this tale of tails with them.

I highly recommend this book. 

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

LOST FOR WORDS written and illustrated by NATALIE RUSSELL

About Book

A gentle story about finding your creative spark

Tapir wants to express himself, but he can't find the words! He and his friends all have nice new notebooks, just waiting to be filled. Giraffe decides to write a poem, Hippo writes a story, and Flamingo composes a beautiful song. But poor Tapir can't think of anything to write - and the harder he tries the more upset he becomes! But everything starts to change when Tapir stops trying to write and begins to draw...

• Age 4-8
• Hardcover
• Published March 1st 2014 by Peachtree Publishers
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-739-7
• Total Pages: 32
• Size: 9 7/8 x 9 7/8
• Language: English

Where to Purchase:  Peachtree Online, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Natalie Russell is an author, illustrator, and printmaker whose work has been widely exhibited. When she's not in her studio creating books, she can be found at Dundee University in Scotland where she teaches illustration.

You can visit Natalie Russell’s website here.

My Thoughts

Tapir was so eager to write yet with pencil to paper he was as blank as the paper sitting in front of him.  All of his friends were creative writers. 

Giraffe was so very poetic in his writings. 

Hippo knew the beginning and the end to his stories before he ever put pencil to paper.

The words to Flamingo's songs come to her easily as she hums a tune.

He tried all the muses that inspired his friends to write.  His friends tried their best to encourage Tapir.  Nothing worked.  So he took off to find a place be alone and think.  Then something came over him and the beauty of the sun began to inspire him. 

What do you think was Tapir's muse? Did he have a hidden talent like his friends? Do you have a muse which inspires you?

Such a lovely story the author and illustrator has provided for our children!  Words to encourage and illustrations to stimulate their imagination. She encourage children to find their hidden talent. 

Friends and family can be a child's biggest cheerleader and sometimes unintentionally the cause for discouragement.  Are you in tune enough to your child to recognize their talents? 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.