iRead Book Tours

Spotlight on Murder on Safari by Peter Riva & Giveaway (Int’l)

November 6, 2015 by Darlene

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s spotlight is on Murder on Safari by Peter Riva which is touring right now with iRead Book Tours. This is one African safari you don’t want to miss. Check out the details on the book and be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a copy for yourself!

About the Book

Only a reality TV producer and an expert safari guide can stop a terrorist attack.

Every adventure starts at the fringes of civilization. For expert safari guide Mbuno and wildlife television producer Pero Baltazar, filming in the wild of East Africa should have been a return to the adventure they always loved. This time they’d be filming soaring vultures in northern Kenya and giant sea crocodiles in Tanzania with Mary, the daughter of the world’s top television evangelist, the very reverend Jimmy Threte.

But when a terrorist cell places them in the crosshairs, there is suddenly no escape and they must put their filming aside and combine all their talents to thwart an all-out al-Shabaab terrorist attack on Jimmy Threte’s Christian gathering of hundreds of thousands in Nairobi, Kenya.

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About the Author

Peter Riva spent many months over thirty years in Africa, many of them with the legendary guides for East African white hunters and adventurers. He created a TV series (seventy-eight 1-hour episodes) in 1995 called WildThings for Paramount TV. Passing on the fables, true tales and insider knowledge of these last reserves of true wildlife is a passion.

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GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

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Source: Post info obtained from the iRead Book Tours website. Giveaway via iRead Book Tours. No compensation was received.

Her Sister’s Shoes by Ashley Farley & Rafflecopter Giveaway (US/Canada)

June 30, 2015 by Darlene

Her Sister’s Shoes by Ashley Farley was such a great read for me and I literally flew through the pages of this book. This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up in your favorite chair and read all day. Set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Her Sister’s Shoes is a beautiful story of the love, loyalty, and healing power of family.

The novel is told through sisters Samantha, Jackie, and Faith. They are all very different from each other but all agree that Sam is the one who holds their family together at all times.

What happens though when that person hits their limit and can’t deal with another thing. That’s where Sam finds herself. She’s a single mom, her son is in a wheelchair, and life and Sam’s sense of self are spiraling out of control.

Jackie is the oldest sister and she’s always held herself at a distance from everyone including her own husband and sons. Then something happens that makes Jackie take a hard look at who she has become and she finds that she doesn’t like that person at all. She’s been so self-absorbed and she hopes that she’ll have a chance to make it up to everyone.

Faith is the youngest sister and in an abusive relationship with an out-of-control jerk. When she finally shares her troubles with Sam she of course wants only to help Faith. However in doing that Faith puts her whole family in danger and that’s one thing she can’t live with.

On top of it all it appears that their mother Lovie is showing signs of Alzheimer’s and now the sisters have to figure out what’s best for their mother. With everything else going on in their lives the sisters are overwhelmed with this and obviously can’t agree on what to do.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked all of the sisters and could easily see sitting down with a tall glass is iced tea with any of them. All of the sisters had struggles but they were all able to look inside themselves and try to put themselves into the others shoes and and move forward. The message: until you’ve walked in another person’s shoes you can’t really place judgement – you just have to be patient, understanding, and do the best you can to help.

Her Sister’s Shoes is a wonderful story of the deep love of family that I thoroughly enjoyed. For fans of women’s fiction this is one you don’t want to miss. Highly recommended!

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Author links: Website, Facebook, Twitter
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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & CANADA

Prizes: Enter to win one of 3 prizes: 1st prize: Beach bag with goodies that includes a beach towel, Stay Calm and Buy more Shoes t-shirt, set of cosmetic bags with samples, and an insulated cup. 2nd prize : $25 Amazon gift card, 3rd prize: $25 Amazon gift card (Open to USA & Canada) Ends July 25

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Source: Digital copy received from the publisher for an honest review. Giveaway via tour company. No compensation was received.

Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning & Rafflecopter Giveaway (Int’l)

January 30, 2015 by Darlene

How could you not love a book that has such an adorable cover! Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning is a charming and sweet tale about an old woman, a young boy, and of course dogs. I listened to the audiobook of Almost Perfect narrated by Caroline Miller and I thought her narration suited the story being told. I found the story delightful and I think listening to it on audio just added to my enjoyment of it.

Bess Rutledge is seventy years old and most of her life has been about dogs. Her dream has always been to win the Westminster Dog Show but at her age now she realizes it isn’t likely to happen anymore. But then fourteen-year-old Benny comes into her life and shakes things up. Benny hasn’t had an easy time in life so far. He suffers from mild autism and ADHD and he struggles. Bess’ old dog McCreery does wonders for him as pets so often do and he loves the dog. Needless to say it isn’t long before Benny gets the notion to compete in the Westminster Dog Show himself and with none other than than McCreery – the aging standard poodle he loves so much!

Both Bess and Benny have different reasons for wanting to win at Westminster. Obviously for Bess it’s been her dream but for Benny it’s a way to hopefully impress his mother who is no longer with him and his dad and doesn’t seem to want to have much to do with Benny either. He needs his mother and if he can finally prove himself worthy of her love maybe she’ll come back. The journey Bess and Benny take on their way to and at Westminster is one that will change both of them.

Almost Perfect was a really enjoyable story for me and it touched my heart in all the right places. If you’re like me and you love dogs and the Westminster Dog Show then you’re sure to enjoy this heartwarming tale. For me the audiobook really brought the story alive in my mind and enabled me to almost feel as though I was right there with everyone.

Recommended for dog lovers and those who just enjoy a good story! In addition this book is on tour at the perfect time since the Westminster Dog Show will be taking place on February 16/17 of this year. Visit the website for more information!

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Author Links: Website, Facebook, Twitter
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

Giveaway ends February 20/15. Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter.

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Source: Audiobook copy received from the author for an honest review. Giveaway sponsored by the Tour Co. No compensation has been received.

The Verona Trilogy by Lory S. Kaufman & Giveaway (International)

May 16, 2014 by Darlene

From iReads Book Tours: The Verona Trilogy is an adventurous series that takes readers along on the life-changing journey of three 24th century teens. Travel in time to 14th century Verona Italy with them and get lost in this exciting sci-fi, historical fiction tale.

Be sure to check out all the other tour stops running from May 1 to June 30 over at iReads Book Tours!

The LENS and the LOOKER
BOOK #1 of The Verona Trilogy:

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s), have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradation. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N, Book Depository

The BRONZE and the BRIMSTONE
Book #2 of the Verona Trilogy:

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th-century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention of the rich and powerful.

But standing out can get you into unexpected – situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move.

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disastrous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone. Do they have a future in this past?

Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N, Book Depository

The LOVED and the LOST
Book #3 of The Verona Trilogy:

A quest for lost love. An adventure of many lifetimes.

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln are three 24th-century time travelers desperate to return to 14th-century Verona and reclaim their medieval family’s shattered lives. It is a mission fraught with danger and the risk of unexpected consequences for themselves and their worlds. For all three, it is a matter of the heart. For one, though, it is truly the only thing that matters, as the fate of his eternal love and the life of their unborn child is the prize to be won – or lost forever.

In this, the final book of The Verona Trilogy, our three time travelers go on the boldest adventure of their lives. They will face hardship, tragedy, and threats from sources they couldn’t have imagined – all in an effort to wrestle a future from the steely grip of an unforgiving past.

Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N, Book Depository

Praise for The Verona Trilogy:

“I was beyond impressed with The Lens and the Looker. Kaufman did a wonderful job setting up the world of his story and creating dynamic characters… The Loved and the Lost is a perfect end to an achingly beautiful story. Kaufman’s writing is stellar, as is his imagination. He brings readers into his story with such ease and makes reading a gratifying experience. Readers cannot help but laugh and cry along with Hansum, Lincoln, and Shamira as their journey comes to a close.
— Geek on the Brink

“Lory Kaufman did such a wonderful job with this novel and I really recommend this to anyone who is even remotely interested in history, time travel, post-dystopian or just a really good book! I am excited for the next in this series!”
–JacketFlap

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. The books of THE VERONA TRILOGY are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman

On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.

Author website: www.lorykaufman.com
Connect with Kaufman on Twitter and Facebook.

GIVEAWAY (International)

I have one set of ALL THREE BOOKS – The Lens and the Looker, The Bronze and the Brimstone, and The Loved and the Lost up for grabs and best of all it’s open Internationally! To enter…

Leave a comment entering the giveaway for 1 entry.
Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.

Open Internationally
Draw Date May 31/14

Hypocrisy by D.M. Annechino & Giveaway (US/Canada)

May 12, 2014 by Darlene

Hypocrisy by D.M. Annechino is a murder mystery and a great way to spend a few hours curled up in your favorite chair with. I felt like I was watching one of my favorite shows Law & Order but in book form.

Research scientist Dr. Lauren Crawford has discovered a breakthrough treatment for cancer enabling patients to live longer and sometimes even becoming cancer free. On the evening before she is to attend a press conference announcing this treatment to the world she ends up dead. Was it just a random killing or something much more sinister?

Detectives Amaris Dupree and T.J. Brown are on the job and it becomes clear early on that there are many suspects in this case. There was Dr. Crawford’s on and off again boyfriend who didn’t seem to have much going for him but he adamantly denies any involvement. There is also Maggie, an employee who had been employed by Dr. Crawford and also fired – unjustly according to Maggie. No surprise that she denies any involvement as well. Amaris and T.J. find both of them suspicious and even more so when it seems the two have decided to move in together. Then there is the big question – who stands to lose the most if this treatment is successful? The drug companies of course. Cancer drugs are a multi-billion dollar business and if there is a cure for cancer quite obviously they are going to suffer big time. As Amaris and T.J. sift through the clues and begin uncovering more layers Amaris begins to receive threats. Soon enough it becomes a race to solve this mystery before Amaris herself ends up a victim!

Sometimes I find with books like this that I don’t form any connection with the characters but that wasn’t so with this one and it’s because the author took the time to give a back story on both Amaris and T.J. and as a reader that likes that connection I appreciated it. They became not just detectives, but human beings. To uncover why they became police officers and what drives their passion for the job added to the story for me. I thought the two had a great chemistry both on the job and off and I’m hoping that there will be more books to come featuring Amaris and T.J.

If you enjoy a good murder mystery be sure to give Hypocrisy a try! I enjoyed it a great deal and the pages flew by quickly in my desire to get myself to the end to find out what really happened and why. For my readers who are uncomfortable with bad language there is some in the book so be aware of that. Other than that I recommend this one as a fast, easy, and enjoyable read!

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Daniel’s Links: Website, Facebook, and Twitter
Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of Hypocrisy by D.M. Annechino to share with my readers. To enter…

Leave a comment for 1 entry to the giveaway.
Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.

Open to US and Canadian residents.
Draw Date May 27/14.

Source: Digital review copy provided by the publisher. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.

The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli & Giveaway (International)

May 7, 2014 by Darlene

The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli is a wonderful trip back in time to Renaissance Venice.

Luca Vianello is the heir to his father’s very successful gondola-making business. When a family tragedy occurs Luca’s temper flares at his father and the incident results in Luca not only being on his own for the first time in his life but also fleeing the only home he’s ever known.

Luca is lucky in that he finds a job doing errands for an artist. While there he discovers that the artist has an antique gondola that had actually been built by Luca’s own grandfather and he gains permission to restore it. The process of restoring this gondola is like a balm to Luca’s soul and gives him a new perspective on his life. Even though he was set to inherit his father’s business Luca was never allowed to touch a lot of the materials for building the gondolas because he was left-handed. Back in those days you were considered to be marked by the devil if you used your left hand for writing or anything else. So building this gondola all on his own showed him that he could indeed do it and do it well.

Luca is a great character and narrator of this story. He is young but smart and really only wants to discover what his true destiny in life is. When he sees a painting of a beautiful woman that the artist is working on he is entranced and feels quite sure she is supposed to be a part of that destiny. Yet this woman, Guiliana, is of a completely different class than he so it just can’t be but still Luca strives to meet her. His dream is of one day taking her on a ride in the gondola that he has rebuilt with all the passion and love he carries in his heart.

Renaissance Venice comes alive at the author’s hand and the vivid descriptions of the craftsmanship that goes into the building of gondolas is nothing short of fascinating. The Gondola Maker is a novel of love, loss, and fulfilling one’s destiny. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction!

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Laura’s Links: Website, Facebook, and Twitter
Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N, and Book Depository

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (Open Internationally)

I have one paperback copy of The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli up for giveaway. To enter…

Leave a comment entering the giveaway for 1 entry.
Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.

Open Internationally
Draw Date May 22/14