March 2012 Reading Challenges Update

Challenges signed up for: 62
Challenges Completed: 4 (.065%)

2012 Challenges (All Blog Challenges)
An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 29/24 – COMPLETED March 2012
First in a Series Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/3
Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 2/12
Merely Mystery Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 2/12
2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/5 (94 so far 59)
2012 Self-Published Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 16/50
2012 Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 2/12
2012 Men in Uniform Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/5
2012 100+ Books in A Year Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 59/100+
2012 Read Your Own Books Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 2/21+
2012 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 5/37+
Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 41/30+ COMPLETED March 2012
2012 Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 2/12
2012 Women's Murder Club Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/11
Crusin Thru The Cozies Reading Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 2/12
Getting Lost in a Comfortable Book Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/5
The 2012 Memorable Memoirs Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/6
2012 E-Book Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 23/100
2012 Reading Challenge Addict (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/46+
50 States Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 5/50
Audiobook Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 4/25
Go Indie 2012 Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/5
Reading Romances Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 3/12
2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/6
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/12
2nds Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/6
Global Reading Challenge 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/7
Just For Fun Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/12
Narnia Reading Project 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/7
Off The Shelf (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/5
Read Your Own Name 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 1/7 (SueFitz)
Southern Literature Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) COMPLTED March 20121/1
Unread Book Challenge of 2012 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/6
What's in a Name 5 (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/6
Pages Read Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 3407/15,000
2012 100+ Books Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 52/100+
Free Reads 2012 Reading Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 17/5
Excellence In Reading 2012 Challenge (January 1 – December 31, 2012) 0/60
What An Animal Reading Challeng V (January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012) 1/6
2012 Read to Me Picture Books Challenge (January 1, 2012 – December 31,2012) 30/72 & 30/1000
2012 The Color Coded Reading Challenge (January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012) 0/9
2012 Short Story Reading Challenge (January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012) 0/??

Perpetual
The Naming Convention Challenge (October 20, 2008 - ???) 5/9
Book Around the States Challenge (October 22, 2008 - ????) 26/50
US Presidents Reading Project (November 5, 2008 - ???) 5/44
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge (September 28, 2010 – June 23, 2013) 101/101 – COMPLETED 1/2/12
1001 Childrens book Before I Grow Up (June 1, 2010 - ???) 43/1001
Stephanie Plum Challenge (January 1, 2012 - ???) 0/18
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge (January 2, 2012 – September 29, 2014) 31/101

GoodReads
50 States Challenge
Louisana
Maryland
New York
Washington
Minnesota


12x12 in 2012
1 First In A Series 1/12
2 Cozy Mysteries 2/12
3 Biography/Memoir 1/12
4 Library/Borrowed Books 1/12
5 Freebies (ebooks, gifts) 1/12
6 Romance 2/12
7 Children’s 10/12
8 Young Adult (YA) 0/12
9 Chick Lit 0/12
10 Mt. TBR from before 2010 0/12
11 Giveaway Wins 0/12
12 Harlequin/Silhouette 0/12

March 2012 Monthly Recap

March 2012 Monthly Recap
Books Read: 11
YTD: 59

Posted in March
Reviews:
Frill Kill by Laura Childs (Scrapbooking Mystery #5),
1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber (Cedar Cove #12),
Bird Pictures - Volume 1 by G Alexander (ebooks),
Bird Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander (ebooks),
Jo MacDonald Saw A Pond by Mary Quattlebaum ,
Butterfly Pictures - Volume 1 by G Alexander (ebooks) ,
Butterfly Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander (ebooks) ,
Cute Animals by G Alexander (ebooks) ,
Horse Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander (ebook) ,
Cute Animals by G Alexander (ebooks) ,



Discussion Posts:
Book Excerpt (Novel Publicity): Sheryl Steines’s Day of First Sun (March 19) ,
What Are You Reading Monday? #10,
What Are You Reading Monday? #11 ,
What Are You Reading Monday? #12,
What Are You Reading Monday? #13 ,


Author Interviews:
Author Interview (Novel Publicity): Sheryl Steines’s Day of First Sun


Author Guest Posts:
Blog Tour (WOW): Author Guest Post – Lisa de Nikolits(West of Wawa) (March 8),
Blog Tour: Author Guest Post/Giveaway – Bryan Cohen (The Post-College Guide to Happiness) (March 9),
Author Guest Post (Novel Publicity): Sheryl Steines’- A Strong Female (March 23)
Blog Tour (WOW): Author Guest Post/Giveaway – Ruth Kaiser (The Smiley Book of Colors) (March 28)


What’s coming in April?



Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Hop (April 6 – 12)



Showers of Books Hop (April 20 – 25)

Blog Tour : Author Guest Post/Giveaway – Ruth Kaiser (The Smiley Book of Colors)

In every moment,
All the day through:
Smile or frown?
It’s up to you.
From A child’s book of Optimism, A SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS


www.tinyurl.com/3c2qyd6


You Deserve a Pep Talk!
Who’s Your Go To for this Important Role?
Today I was kind of floundering through a bunch of tasks and not really feeling like much was getting accomplished. Procrastination was getting in my way.

I know, I’ll bake some SMILEY COOKIES instead of getting back to work.

While I’m waiting for those cookies to bake,
how about a little snack with the SMILEY BROTHERS, RAY AND ZIN?!
As one of a long list of tasks I was doing instead of settling into work, I called my mom. Surely, a pep talk from mom will get me motivated. But, when my mom answered she seemed pooped out and in need of her own pep talk. So no pep talk from mom . . . What to do?

ME IN THE MIRROR SMILEY
This got me thinking. Maybe I should be able to give myself a pep talk. Don’t worry. I didn’t go into the bathroom and start talking to myself (Cute, little Jessica with her daily affirmations YouTube video* can pull it off. Me, not so much!). Instead, I whipped out a letter of encouragement to myself. Just sitting there at my desk, fingers flying over the keys, and 5 minutes later I was focused and back to work.

Writing my pep talk, even a BROKEN KEYBOARD is a reason to SMILE!
Sure, maybe this started out as just another manifestation of procrastination. And, yeah, I was kind of just goofing around. But what I discovered is that it worked. I gave myself permission to say to myself all the encouraging and pump myself up things my mom would have said. AND in that same vein, I did not allow myself to say all of the beat-myself-up stuff that my mom would not have put up with. In fact each time I started being negative about having spent the day spinning my wheels, I imagined saying those criticisms into the phone and my mom saying, “Now, Ruthie, you stop that!!”

CELL PHONE SMILEY
This was a cool exercise. I think I’ll use it in the future. We don’t all have a mom or friend to call for a pep talk, but we do all have ourselves.
Smile. Be happy! Be happier!
Ruth
P.S.: If you can give yourself a pep talk, then you can also write yourself a Report Card: http://blog.spontaneoussmiley.com/?p=8586
P.S.S.: Just F.Y.I.: Petting your kitties never qualifies as procrastination!

KITTIES SMILEY
* Jessica’s in the mirror affirmations video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg


About the Author:

Ruth is proud to be a self-proclaimed, happy-go-lucky, cockeyed optimist. Also known as a Pollyanna, a goofball, and little Miss Sunshine, Ruth is an easy breezy, cup runneth over, top of the world, outgoing, people loving, fun seeking gal. This perky gregarious, cracking herself up child at heart is filled with gratitude every minute of every day!

She is mom to three of the greatest kids ever who, even though they are all out in the world pretending to be grown-ups, will always be her babies. To pay for all those kids’ college tuitions, Ruth owns a small chain of preschools called TOT DROP where for 18 years she has been known and loved as “Teacher Ruth” by hundreds of preschoolers and their parents. To quote one of her mommies, “Everyone should have a ‘Teacher Ruth’ in their life!”

Although completely allergic to cats, she is also completely enamored with them. So Philbert, Noodle, Rooster, and Mr. Simon have the run of the house and Ruth sits on a plastic chair and washes her hands a hundred times a day.

Ruth studied art at the University of California at Berkeley, but really believes that everyone is an artist. With excitement she proclaims, “How cool is it that the Internet has given us all an avenue to share our art!”

What Are You Reading Monday? #47

Books I completed in the last week are:
*Reading a lot of children’s book – I’m going to make a challenge of the titles found in 1001 Children’s Books to Read before I Grow Up (just need help with a button)


Airplane Car by Cinda Lee (ebook)

Bookmarks are still living in the middle of:
*Reading a lot of children’s book – I’m going to make a challenge of the titles found in 1001 Children’s Books to Read before I Grow Up (just need help with a button)



Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George (p50)
Death Threads by Elizabeth Lynn Casey (P135)
Devil’s Food Cake Murder by Joanna Fluke (Audio) (CD8)


Up Next:


A Spoonful of Poison by M C Beaton (audio)
1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber (audio)


Reviews posted this week:




Author Guest Posts/Interviews:


Blog Tour: (WOW): Author Guest Post/Giveaway – Ruth Kaiser (The Smiley Book of Colors) (March 28)
Blog Tour: (Novel Publicity) The House of Order by John Paul Jaramillio (April 11)
Blog Tour (WOW): Author Interview & Giveaway - The Whip by Karen Kondazian (May 8)


Special Blog Hop Giveaways



Fool For Books Hop (March 31 – April 3)
Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Hop (April 6 – 12)
May Day Hop (May 1 - 7)

Books still needing to have reviews written (as opposed to the ones that are simply awaiting posting):


January Brings the Snow by Sara Coldridge
Hercubear vs. The Cyclops Rabbit by Lesley Williams (ebook)
Caterpillars Don’t Check Email by Calee M Lee, illustration: Jacob Lee (ebook)
My Friend the Bear by J J Ley (ebook)
Animals At The Zoo – Volume 4 by G Alexander (ebook)
My Lucky Life In And Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke (audio)
Easter Bunnies Everywhere by Ranae Rea (ebook)
Airplane Car by Cinda Lee (ebook)

Author Guest Post: Sheryl Steines’s - A Strong Female

Please enjoy this guest post by Sheryl Steines, author of the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

 

The Strong Female

I am always amazed to hear that, in the year 2012, women are still talking about strong female characters. It’s funny that we’re always surprised when one comes along. Even in Hollywood, actresses still can’t find roles to sink their teeth into. As a reader, I look for characters that I can relate to in some way; a character who is more than a damsel in distress but less than an unfeeling, mean, witch. I’m putting it gently, but I’m looking for someone, who when facing a problem, doesn’t necessarily need a man to bail her out--a woman who can take care of herself in spite of her vulnerabilities. Because in reality, women are multi-layered and complex. We don’t fall to one end of an extreme or the other.

When I was younger, I started reading Danielle Steele, but I couldn't read her for long. Her female characters were far too needy and always put themselves in a position of requiring a savior. Even as a child, I couldn't help but wonder why these characters always needed a man to improve their lives. Why couldn’t they simply take care of themselves? It seemed as though female characters fell into two camps, and only two. They were either villains, witches, someone to be hated and despised, or they were weak, pathetic, your classic damsels in distress. Why is fiction lacking real women, women who can simply be human and celebrate all that they are?

As I got older, I found myself drawn to shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I saw in Buffy a strong character. Yes, she could kick ass, kill the vampires and fight the demons. She also had a brain, could plan, and could save the world each week. But she wasn't uni-dimensional. She also has a side that liked clothes, shoes and boys, a side that was feminine, a little vulnerable; a side that, okay, sometimes needed to be saved. She was a complex female character, real and human, a character with whom I could definitely relate.

The strong female character isn’t a caricature or stereotype. She’s not a total wimp like Snow White, and she’s not a total monster like the evil queen. She falls somewhere in the middle. She’s reactive, emotional, human, sexual, confident and sometimes unsure of herself.

When I originally wrote my character Annie Pearce in The Day of First Sun, I wrote her as a no-nonsense person, strong and smart, the girl who could survive on her own. But she didn’t feel genuine. As the story unfolded and changed, I rewrote her, gave her friends and family with whom she could interact. I gave her feelings, gave her stress. I let the other characters take charge once in awhile and offer some support. I melded two halves into one woman--a strong woman, who can take care of herself and ask for help when necessary. We’re not perfect, so why should our characters be? Instead, why can’t we make them simply authentic?

Charlize Theron made a really compelling comment regarding her character in the movie Young Adult. She said, "Women are usually either really good prostitutes or really good mothers. Maybe women are finally getting the chance to play more honest characters," Theron said. "We usually don't get to play bad hookers or bad mothers -- or anything in between."

Maybe it’s time to be a little more real and a little more honest.

 

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of The Day of First Sun for just 99 cents
2. Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
3. Visit today’s featured social media event

Help my blog win:

The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.

About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.

About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Book Review: Jo MacDonald Saw A Pond by Mary Quattlebaum

Title: Jo MacDonald Saw A Pond
Author: Mary Quattlebaum, Laura J. Bryant (Illustrator)
Publisher: Dawn Publications
ISBN: 1584691506
Release Date: September 1st 2011
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher for Review

GoodReads:
Blurp. Croak. Quack. What is making those sounds? Come along with Jo MacDonald and learn about the wild creatures at the pond on her grandfather's farm. You'll find fish, frogs, ducks - and a few surprises. This delightful riff on "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" playfully introduces youngsters to the concept of ecosystems. Author Mary Quattlebaum engages little ones with rhythm, repetition, wordplay, and onomatopoeia and illustrator Laura Bryant charms them with lively watercolors of a pond community. And check out the outdoor activities and games in the back, sure to encourage young naturalists at home and school.

Mine:
What a wonderful book (anything with a frog is alright with me). This nice thing about this book is it is teaching the youngster about nature and what can be found on the farm. The ecosystem message is easy to understand and can be understood my many age ranges. The rhythmiing is great and makes the book fun to read aloud.

Reading challenges:
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge
2012 100+ Books in A Year Reading Challenge
2012 100+ Books Reading Challenge
2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge
Free Reads 2012 Reading Challenge
Pages Read Challenge

Book Review: Horse Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander

Title: Horse Pictures - Volume 2
Author: G Alexander
Publisher:
ASIN : B0076Q34ZY
Release: February 6, 2012
Pages: 30
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook
Source: Amazon.com

Amazon.com:
Horse Pictures – Volume 2 is a collection of Horse pictures.


Mine
This is definitely a quick view ebook. Considering I’m not a horse fan (will happen if you practically got bucked off once). The horses, folt are great looking. The ones in the fields are wonderful looking, since they look so natural and wild.

Reading challenges:
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge
2012 100+ Books in A Year Reading Challenge
2012 100+ Books Reading Challenge
2012 E-Book Reading Challenge
2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge
Free Reads 2012 Reading Challenge
Pages Read Challenge
Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge 2012

Book Review: Cute Animals by G Alexander

Title: Cute Animals
Author: G Alexander
Publisher:
ASIN : B00756T058
Release: February 2, 2012
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook
Source: Amazon.com

Amazon.com:
Fluffy animals. From babies to adults, these pictures will warm your heart. You’ll want to pet these animals right on your kindle.


Mine
This is definitely a quick view ebook. There are some nice pictures of bears. Most have been taken at zoos, but boy there was a nice lens on the camera. Panda bears, brown bears, grizzly bears with their long claws, polar bears with their cute faces and my all time favorite – koala bears.



Reading challenges:
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge
2012 100+ Books in A Year Reading Challenge
2012 100+ Books Reading Challenge
2012 E-Book Reading Challenge
2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge
Free Reads 2012 Reading Challenge
Pages Read Challenge
Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge 2012

Book Review: Butterfly Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander

Title: Butterfly Pictures - Volume 2
Author: G Alexander
Publisher:
ASIN : B007AJOV86
Release: February 16, 2012
Pages: 30
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook
Source: Amazon.com

Amazon.com:
Butterfly Pictures – Volume 2 - is a collection of 50 butterflies pictures.


Mine
This is definitely a quick view ebook. The butterflies are gorgeous and plentiful. I’m not sure that some of them can be found in my region (CA). We do have Monarch they actually come yearly to the same place to breed. It’s great to see these trees full of them. I’m not sure how someone got such good nature pictures with the butterflies, but I am envious of the great pictures.



Reading challenges:
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge
2012 100+ Books in A Year Reading Challenge
2012 100+ Books Reading Challenge
2012 E-Book Reading Challenge
2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge
Free Reads 2012 Reading Challenge
Pages Read Challenge
Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge 2012

Book Review: Butterfly Pictures - Volume 1 by G Alexander

Title: Butterfly Pictures - Volume 1
Author: G Alexander
Publisher:
ASIN : B007AJD876
Release: February 16, 2012
Pages: 33
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook
Source: Amazon.com

Amazon.com:
Butterfly Pictures – Volume 1 - is a collection of 50 butterflies pictures.


Mine
This is definitely a quick view ebook. The butterflies are gorgeous and plentiful. I’m not sure that some of them can be found in my region (CA). I’m not sure how someone got such good nature pictures with the butterflies, but I am envious of the great pictures.


Reading challenges:
101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge
2012 100+ Books in A Year Reading Challenge
2012 100+ Books Reading Challenge
2012 E-Book Reading Challenge
2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
An Illustrated Year: 2012 Picture Book Reading Challenge
Free Reads 2012 Reading Challenge
Pages Read Challenge
Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge 2012

Author Interview: Sheryl Steines’s Day of First Sun

Please enjoy this interview with Sheryl Steines, author of the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

 

If you could travel in a time machine, would you go back to the past or into the future?

I would go to the past, meet famous people, see history as it happened. I’d be afraid to go to the future. I’m not sure I really want to know when I die.

If you could jump into a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

This might be to expected, but I would love to live at Hogwarts, stroll through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, play with all the magical stuff, and visit the Weasleys at their house. I saw the Harry Potter exhibit at the museum a few years ago, and it just seemed so fun.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?

Sandra Bullock. Since she became a movie star, people all over the place tell me I look like her. She’s also funny. I can only imagine how much more interesting and funny my life would be if she were the lead.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always knew I wanted to be a writer. There were times that I thought I wanted to be an interior decorator, but in the end, I was always much happier writing and creating.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?

I have two. The first would be Stephen King. I was always amazed by the detail and imagination he used in his books, especially the earliest books. I watched him on an interview many years ago and he was talking about the things he was afraid of, one of which was sleeping with his feet outside the covers at night. He would always cover his feet so that the monsters under the bed wouldn’t get him. I laughed so hard because I do the same thing. J.K. Rowling is also a favorite. Her life story and Harry Potter reminded me that I wanted to be a writer when I was seven. She reminded me of the genre that I loved. It got me thinking about what stories intrigued me. I watched her interview on Oprah and cried through the entire thing. It got me thinking of ways to take my personal experiences and hide them in the fantasy world.

What do you do in your free time?

I read, a lot. In the winter, I spend time at museums and go shopping. In the summer, I love to go to flea markets. You could never have too many fleas. I love to travel. I spend most of the summer driving my 1966 Mustang convertible.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I’m a huge fan of Ninja Warrior. Yeah, the Japanese obstacle course. On one side, it’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. On the other side of it, the obstacles are so challenging, and the participants are so revered for making it through each stage that it is a huge honor to win.

Favorite places to travel?

I love Europe, London being my favorite city. I’ve been to Scotland, France, Italy, Germany and Austria. The Austrian/German Alps are some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.

Favorite way to spend a rainy day?

In front of the television watching my favorite movies. Who doesn’t love Ferris Buehler’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles.

If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?

Telekinesis! Then I could clean my house without actually having to do anything.

 

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of The Day of First Sun for just 99 cents
2. Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
3. Visit today’s featured social media event

Help my blog win:

The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.

About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.

About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

What Are You Reading Monday? #46

Books I completed in the last week are:
*Reading a lot of children’s book – I’m going to make a challenge of the titles found in 1001 Children’s Books to Read before I Grow Up (just need help with a button)



Bookmarks are still living in the middle of:
*Reading a lot of children’s book – I’m going to make a challenge of the titles found in 1001 Children’s Books to Read before I Grow Up (just need help with a button)



Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George (p25)
Death Threads by Elizabeth Lynn Casey (P83)
Devil’s Food Cake Murder by Joanna Fluke (Audio) (CD5)


Up Next:


A Spoonful of Poison by M C Beaton (audio)
1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber (audio)


Reviews posted this week:




Author Guest Posts/Interviews:


Book Excerpt (Novel Publicity): Sheryl Steines’s Day of First Sun (March 19)
Author Interview (Novel Publicity): Sheryl Steines’s Day of First Sun (March 21)
Author Guest Post (Novel Publicity): Sheryl Steines’s - A Strong Female (March 23)
Blog Tour: (WOW): Author Guest Post/Giveaway – Ruth Kaiser (The Smiley Book of Colors) (March 28)
Blog Tour (WOW): Author Interview & Giveaway - The Whip by Karen Kondazian (May 8)



Special Blog Hop Giveaways



St. Patricks Day Hop (March 16 – 22)
Spring Cleaning - Clearing Your Shelf Giveaway Hop (March 18 – 25)
Kick Butt Characters Hop (March 23 - 28)
Fool For Books Hop (March 31 – April 3)
Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Hop (April 6 – 12)
May Day Hop (May 1 - 7)

Books still needing to have reviews written (as opposed to the ones that are simply awaiting posting):


January Brings the Snow by Sara Coldridge
Jo MacDonald Saw A Pond by Mary Quattlebaum
Hercubear vs. The Cyclops Rabbit by Lesley Williams (ebook)
Caterpillars Don’t Check Email by Calee M Lee, illustration: Jacob Lee (ebook)
My Friend the Bear by J J Ley (ebook)
Animals At The Zoo – Volume 4 by G Alexander (ebook)
Butterfly Pictures - Volume 1 by G Alexander (ebooks)
Butterfly Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander (ebooks)
Cute Animals by G Alexander (ebooks)
Horse Pictures - Volume 2 by G Alexander (ebook)
My Lucky Life In And Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke (audio)
Easter Bunnies Everywhere by Ranae Rea (ebook)

Spring Cleaning - Clearing Your Shelf Giveaway Hop (March 20 - 25)

Do you have books sitting on your bookshelves that you've read but will never read again?

How about books you've started but just couldn't get through?

Review copies you've accepted but have never read?


It's time for some spring cleaning!

This is your chance to clear out your overflowing bookshelf and pass some of your books on to other booklovers. Time to pass on those books that just weren't for you or the review copies that you are never going to get read.

March 20th is the first day of spring, the perfect time to remedy an overflowing bookshelf.


Spring Cleaning Giveaway Hop - March 20th to 25th


I think I will enjoy this hop. I’m hoping to pass on (not get rid of) some books that need to move on to good homes.
I have a variety of genre, since some I had gotten for my dad to read (westerns) and some I mine. There will be a winner for each book as long as someone chooses it.

Due to shipping cost I will only be shipping in the US.

I hope to get organized before the next one some I can have a better choice of books and some ARCs and review books to pass on.

Thanks for joining this hop and hope you fine some nice books.

Book Excerpt: Sheryl Steines’s Day of First Sun

Please enjoy this excerpt from the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

 

Sturtagaard chose not to speak, though it was he who had called for the meeting. They both checked their watches and realized they had been sitting across from him for ten minutes, watching him sniff the air. If he wanted to play this, they would play along at least for a little while longer, though both were tired of the leering. As the vampire sniffed again, Cham finally figured out why.

"You know, you called us. We really don't have anything to say to you, so if you're just playing games, we're happy to leave. I've got other, more important things to do than watch you sniff and leer," Cham finally said, and stood up.

Sturtagaard smiled as he watched Cham open the door because he much preferred dealing with Annie, but when she stood up, too, he realized he'd overplayed his hand.

"If I talk, my employer will have me staked. I'd like some assurance that you won't do the same," he said rather quickly, before they left.

They turned and looked at him, both rolling their eyes.

"I'll have you staked if you don't talk," replied Cham, as he stood by the door.

"You're out of options if you ever hope to get out of here again," Annie said calmly, focusing on his face.

Sturtagaard squirmed a little in his seat, as Annie's expression was somewhat disquieting and unemotional. He looked at Cham, whose face was expressionless, and then back to Annie, who hadn't moved a muscle. The vampire sighed.

"You heard right. I was hired to create a zombie army to overthrow the Wizard Council," Sturtagaard said. His voice remained steady and calm with resignation.

"Who wants to overthrow the Council?" asked Cham, his hand still clutching the door.

"My employer. I've told you, I don't know who he is. I always dealt with his associate. He'd show up, leave notes, or send others with messages. I've never contacted him." He looked from one to the other, but they both remained stony and detached. "Come on, now. I can't give you information I don't have." Sturtagaard was charming.

Annie rolled her eyes again. "You really don't have any idea who the employer is?" she asked with sarcasm.

"Really, I don't," he said.

"So you're building an army of the dead. How long did you have to get this done?" Annie took out her phone and pulled out her calendar.

"He wanted it ready for September first."

Annie looked up with a grimace, and Cham looked surprised. She didn't need to mark the date on her calendar or research its significance, though neither could figure out why a zombie army had to be created for that day, the Day of First Sun. It was a very powerful and ancient day for good magic.

"So, your employer wants an army of the dead on that day? Why?" Cham asked in a flat, emotionless voice.

"He's a black wizard. What do you think he wants? He wants to overthrow the Council, take over the world, practice magic in the open. You know, the typical magical fantasy." Sturtagaard grinned because he believed that would benefit the entire supernatural world.

"Wipe the smirk off your face, Sturtagaard. Having free reign won't be as good as you think, with all the angry mobs, torches, and stakes through the heart."

Annie smirked at Cham, who shook his head and laughed. He waited to compose himself before looking back at the vampire.

 

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of The Day of First Sun for just 99 cents
2. Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
3. Visit today’s featured social media event

Help my blog win:

The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.

About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.

About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Lucky Leprechan Giveaway Hop (March 17 - 22)

2nd Annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop
March 17th to 22nd
Co-Hosted By Books Complete Me & Author Cindy Thomas


My Giveaway - There will be 2 (two) Winners:

Giveaway #1

Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts (rish Rebel & Sullivan's Woman)

"Irish Rebel"
She was practically royalty--the daughter of a rich, renowned horse-breeding dynasty. He was just a hardworking horse trainer. But Brian Donnelly was in America now, where even he might aspire to possess the breathtaking Keeley Grant. Her wealth and position didn't deter Brian...for it was the innocence Keeley offered him that beguiled the wild Irish rebel and threatened to corral his restless heart.

"Sullivan's Woman"

Fired from yet another job, captivating model Cassidy St. John hardly expected the solution to her difficulties to come from an absolute stranger. When handsome, charismatic Colin Sullivan offered her a job modeling for one of his paintings, it seemed her troubles were over--but one look at his blue eyes and Cassidy knew they were only beginning....

Or.......
Giveaway #2

Irish Hearts by Nora Roberts

Two complete novels.

Adelia Cunnane. Her hot temper sent the heart of Travis Grant aflame. Now the proud, powerful owner of Royal Meadows horse farm resolved to make this wild Irish Thoroughbred his own.

Erin McKinnon. A bold beauty, she accepted Burke Logan's loveless proposal and his cool promise of security and wealth. But could this ravishing Irish Rose win her hard-hearted husband's love?

Good Luck May The Luck of the Irish Be With You