Young Knights of the Round Table #middlegrade #series

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade books, based on Arthurian Legend, "Young Knights of the Round Table" and "Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend" by Cheryl Carpinello.

About the Books

Title: Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom | Author: Cheryl Carpinello | Cover Art: Kaytalin Platt | Publication Date: May, 2012 | Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing | Pages: 120 | Recommended Ages: 7 to 12

Book Description:

Answer the hero's call to Adventure with the Young Knights of the Round Table on their Quest.

Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions.

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

iTunes * MuseItUp * Goodreads

Awards

2014 Gold Award Winner for Juvenile Fiction from Global eBook Awards.
2013 EVVY Finalist & EVVY Merit Award for Juvenile/Young Adult, Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc.
2013 Ariana Cover Finalist
2012 Silver Award Recipient for YA Fiction, Children's Literary Classics & CLC's 2012 Seal of Approval
2012 Finalist E-Book Children from USA 2012 Best Book Awards

Title: Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend | Author: Cheryl Carpinello | Cover Art: Kaytalin Platt; Rita Toews | Publication Date: March, 2009 | Publisher: Beyond Today Educator | Pages: 122 | Recommended Age: 7 to 12

Book Description:


Finalist Pre-Teen Literature: Dan Poynter's 2011 Global Ebook Awards

At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England's history.

She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted--all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage. For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits? However, the wizard Merlyn--her teacher and friend--knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

iTunes * Shelfari * Goodreads

Excerpts From Reviews

The King's Ransom:

"Cheryl Carpinello's middle grade adventure novel, featuring a visit from King Arthur and a few of his knights, is a wonderful introduction ~ to King Arthur, and to the lives of knights and others in a castle."

"I do wish the story had been a little longer, but as this book is aimed at a younger reader with a shorter attention span, I can understand why it was not."

"It's a great story about loyalty, friendship and overcoming obstacles."

"This was a delightful rollercoaster of a read, taking us on a journey with each of the characters. There were moments of great sadness, where I felt so wholeheartedly for the characters and their situations."

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend:

“I read this book to my son and daughter and they both loved it. It was a fast-paced book with a lot of excitement.”

“Will appeal to middle school aged readers, especially girls but boys too, who can relate to the idea of wanting independence yet struggling with the obligations that come with it.”

“Wizards, unicorns, and dragons are a few of the mythical creatures you will encounter in this enchanting book.”

“It is interesting and filled with enough Arthurian legend to keep young readers entertained. The questions at the end are great for comprehension and give the readers a chance to discuss their own take on the story.”

About the Author: Cheryl Carpinello

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello's Writing Pages where I interview children's/MG/Tween/YA authors; my home website Beyond Today Educator, and The Quest Books where I've teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

Beyond the Educator * Carpinello's Writing Pages

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter * Pinterest * Google+

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: December 24, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Cheryl Carpinello and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Goddess Girls: Hestia the Invisible #middlegrade #series @MDBookReviews

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for "Hestia the Invisible", the newest book in the "Goddess Girls" middle grade series by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams.

About "Hestia the Invisible"

Title: Hestia the Invisible (Goddess Girls #18) | Authors: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams | Publication Date: December 1, 2015 | Publisher: Aladdin / Simon & Schuster | Pages: 256 | Recommended Ages: 7 to 12


Book Description:

Set at Mount Olympus Academy where Zeus is principal, the Goddess Girls series (ages 8-12) puts a middle school spin on Greek mythology. Hestia, the 12-year-old goddess of the hearth, struggles to create a symbol or logo for herself in Crafts-ology class and realizes she wants to make herself more visible. Because most MOA students don’t even seem to notice she’s around!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Goodreads | Indiebound | iBook | Kobo

Goddess Girls Boxed Sets

Goddess Girls Boxed Set: Books 1-4
(Charm Bracelet Inside!)

The Goddess Girls at Mount Olympus Academy—Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis—give ancient Greek myths present-day personality! This deluxe box set includes the first four volumes of the popular series, along with a coordinating charm bracelet, and is ideal for new and old fans alike. Athena the Brain, Persephone the Phony, Aphrodite the Beauty, and Artemis the Brave.

Set 1-4 Buy links

Goddess Girls Boxed Set: The Glittering Collection Books 5-8
(Charm Bracelet Inside!)

Join Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis as they navigate the halls of Mount Olympus Academy—where friendships and adventures abound! This boxed set comes complete with a rhinestone “G” charm bracelet and includes Athena the Wise, Aphrodite the Diva, Artemis the Loyal, and Medusa the Mean.

Set 5-8 Buy Links

Goddess Girls Boxed Set: A Charming Collection Books 9-12 (Charm Bracelet Inside!)

Continue the mega amazing Goddess Girls adventures with Pandora the Curious, Pheme the Gossip, Persephone the Daring, and Cassandra the Lucky!

Set 9-12 Buy Links

About the Authors

Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams are co-authors of three series: "Goddess Girls" (for ages 8-12, Greek mythology with a middle school twist), "Grimmtastic Girls" (for ages 8-12, fairy tale adventure with a middle school twist), and "Heroes in Training" (ages 6-11, Greek mythology adventure chapter books).



Joan Holub is also the author of 140+ books for children including the acclaimed picture books Little Red Writing, The Knights Before Christmas, and the New York Times bestseller Mighty Dads, as well as This Little President, a board book for toddlers (January 2016).

Website | Author Blog | Pinterest | Goodreads

Twitter | Facebook | Facebook (Goddess Girls)

Suzanne Williams is also the author of over 40 books for children. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children’s choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.

Website | Blog

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: December 22, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Joan Holub and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Finn's Rocket #middlegrade #series @MDBookReviews #bookblast

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for "Finn's Rocket: A Surfer Catches Air", the third book in the "Finn's Fast Books" middle grade series by Serena Schreiber.

About the Book

Title: Finn's Rocket: A Surfer Catches Air (Finn's Fast Books, Book #3) | Author: Serena Schreiber | Publication Date: November 1, 2015 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 176 | Recommended Ages: 7 to 12

Amazon * Goodreads

Book Description:

Finn's summer vacation plans didn't include leaving the planet.

When his little sister gets kidnapped from space camp, Finn will do anything and go anywhere to get her back. Even the international space station.

The Buzz About "Finn's Fast Books"

Finn's Ship: "The story blends Finn's American upbringing with his German heritage, acquainting the reader with the many similarities and differences in food, culture, language, transportation and family values." ~ Candy 613, Amazon

Finn's Ship: "The author did a marvelous job bringing the characters to life and making the reader feel apart of each scene." ~ Glen G., Amazon

Finn's Car: "I really enjoyed reading this book! Very fun to read and it's something that teens will love to read. I recommend it to everyone!" ~ Jocelyn, Amazon

Finn's Car: "A well-paced, funny and highly infectious read!" ~ Bree W., Amazon

About the Author: Serena Schreiber

First published in Brooklyn in third grade, Serena Schreiber took a circuitous route through Europe to settle in Florida. When not writing for kids or scientists, she follows her other muse, fantasy. She's a happy co-conspirator of Florida Writers Association Youth Program and runs the Howl at the Moon Writers Jam. Serena has two amazing children, a handsome husband, and a turtle named Bolt.

Author Website | Book Website

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: November 29, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Serena Schreiber and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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The Ifs by J.D. Pooker @MDBookReviews #middlegrade #series

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade book series "The Ifs" by J.D. Pooker (November 12 to 14, 2015).

About the Books

Title: The Ifs | Author: J.D. Pooker | Illustrator: Frank Walls | Publication Date: April 22, 2013 | Publisher: Little Devil Books | Pages: 146 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12


Summary: Landon and Broden are brothers. And some days they DO NOT get along very well. They spend most of their days fighting, arguing and plotting ways to get revenge on each other. Then, strange things start happening…

Noises in their room that are not the cat.

Homework is mysteriously finished.

A broken shoelace repairs all by itself.

Clothes are put in the hamper on their own.

The brothers want to share their weird experiences, but they don’t know if they can trust each other. But when they find out who’s behind all the strange things around the house, they are called to battle. Battle? Whoa! Right there in the forest by their house! A battle with the most unusual creatures and wildest of beasts. And when the battle turns more dangerous than they imagined, Landon and Broden must face their fears, put their grudges aside and learn how to work together.





Title: The Ifs Return | Author: J.D. Pooker | Illustrator: Frank Walls | Publication Date: May 17, 2015 | Publisher: Little Devil Books | Pages: 131 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12


Summary: “Gage escaped.”

These are the worst words Broden could hear from his big brother Landon—just one day after they battled alongside Slade’s Ifs and his army of forest beasts.

Sure, the brothers had learned to work together to fight and capture the evil If Gage. But, now, Slade has informed them that Gage has escaped!
Fear and distrust have entered the boys’ world. Why should they help Slade if he can’t keep control of his prisoners? Will they be able to fight against a familiar foe? Plus, Landon has more news…

“Gage has magic.”

What kind of magic? Will he use it against them? As the boys are drawn into yet more adventure with the Ifs, they find out just how powerful, and dangerous, Gage’s magic can be.

The Buzz About the Books

CLICK HERE TO READ EXCERPTS OF REVIEWS FROM

"THE IFS" BOOK REVIEW BLITZ

The Ifs: "A good and exciting read for a middle school age child. I like the message this story projected, brothers no matter what!" ~ 1977 Books

The Ifs: "I am in love with this book!. Action packed, adventurous and thrilling!" ~ Naznin Azeez

The Ifs: "This book is packed full of mystery, adventure, action and some brotherly love. It’s a fun read and will be enjoyed by both girls and boys." ~ Stitch Says

CLICK HERE TO READ EXCERPTS OF REVIEWS FROM

"THE IFS RETURN" BOOK REVIEW BLITZ

The Ifs Return: "This book is very exciting.Children and up would absolutely love this book. I’m ready for book 3!" ~ Jane Ritz

The Ifs Return: "There is a lot of quick paced action which children enjoy. The characters are great and ones your kids can relate to as well. I recommend that you check out The Ifs books if your kids enjoy a good adventure." ~ Christy’s Cozy Corners

The Ifs Return: "Summed up, this is a fun adventure for kids ages 8+ which will send their fantasy on a wild ride and make the search for a hidden tiny fold adventure of their own." ~ Bookworm for Kids

About the Author: J.D. Pooker

J.D. POOKER lives in wonderful Wyoming with her husband and two sons, along with a black lab named Ryder and a sweet kitty named Alia. J.D. likes to spend time with her family and go camping, fishing, and snowmobiling. Her sons, Landon and Broden, were the inspiration for The Ifs and The Ifs Return. The brothers enjoy camping, fishing, and snowmobiling with their parents. They also enjoy wrestling, playing with their Wii, their toy guns and bows and arrows, and their pets. J.D. can’t wait until her boys get older. She is sure they will have many fabulous adventures.

Website

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: November 25, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by J.D. Pooker and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Through the Shimmer of Time #middlegrade #bookblast

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade time-travel thriller "Through the Shimmer of Time" by Jennifer Jensen (November 2 to 4, 2015). Grab an e-copy from Amazon for only 99 cents, November 2 to 4 and for $1.99, November 6 and 7, 2015 (regular price $3.99).

About the Book

Title: Through the Shimmer of Time | Authors: Jennifer Jensen | Publication Date: July 30, 2014

Publisher: Pangur Bán Books | Pages: 216 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12

Amazon | Goodreads

Book Description:


A little curiosity never hurt anyone, right?

When Jim ditches his little sister to search for a haunted cabin, he gets time-traveled nearly 200 years into the past - right into the middle of a swindler's cover-up. The criminals have murder on their minds now, but Jim is trapped in time.

Hannah's life of family and farm chores is turned upside down when a boy in strange clothes suddenly appears in the old trapper's cabin. Should she believe his wild tale? And how much will she risk to lay a friend's ghost to rest?

Jim and Hannah struggle to unmask a thief and solve a murder, but it will take all their courage and wits, plus the rocket motors in Jim's pocket, just to stay alive.

If you love time-travel, mysteries and the olden days, start reading THROUGH THE SHIMMER OF TIME now.

The Buzz About the Book

"40 years old and my child inside me could not put it down. This unique writing definately [sic] takes me back to some great stories I have read in my youth. I highly recommend this for anyone that loves time travel." ~ 5 Star Review, CRCurtis, Amazon

"The characters and the story are very engaging, and realistic. By the time I was halfway through it, I was a totally believing in time travel! Bravo, Ms. Jensen. Keep up the good work!" ~ 5 Star Review, Kassandra L., Goodreads

"This story made me feel like a kid again. I loved mysteries as a child, and even as an adult I gobbled this one up. It's middle-grade, and I think it's perfect for that age group. There's mystery, excitement, a hint of danger, and an annoying little sister (not really, but he thinks she is and don't ALL siblings think that?). It's real life, with time travel twists. Love it. If your child likes mysteries and time adventures, they'll love it." ~ 5 Star Review, Melinda V., Goodreads

About the Author: Jennifer Jensen

Jennifer Jensen is an award-winning writer who wouldn’t be without her computer or smart phone, but still dreams of living in the olden days. Until someone invents a working time machine, she lives in Indiana and makes do with plenty of imagination, loads of books and as much Dr. Who as the BBC will produce.

She’s a longtime member of SCBWI and has received two Indiana Arts Commission grants for her fiction. Through the Shimmer of Time was her first novel. The sequel, RESCUE Through the Shimmer of Time, will be available for pre-order soon.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: November 15, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Jennifer Jensen and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Special Guest Tuesday - Ann T. Bugg

I'm so excited to launch my special guest Tuesday blog with Ann T. Bugg, author of the Before Happily Ever After Series.  Welcome Ann!

Thanks for having me, Sara!

Even though I had been encouraged since grade school to write, it took a single encounter many years later to get that ball rolling. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, or in this case, a gift possum.

The first book in the Before Happily Ever After Series is Through the Mirror and Into Snow.  Valerie and Samantha, being the duo of double-trouble that they are, sneak out after bedtime to the barn to search for the possum that scared Valerie’s mother earlier that night. You guessed it; that was me. The fat pony, Leroy, is real as well and that is pretty much how things happened. I guess fear is a great motivator!

After the brief encounter, I booted up my laptop and began my tale. The main characters are based on my daughter and her best friend. They are very much themselves in the books, giving me great characters to build from. It was no surprise for the book to take on a magical twist since fairy tales re-told have always been my favorite stories. Once it was rolling, I asked my daughter to read it to see what she thought. I was greeted with squeals of glee and threats to hurry up and finish it. Offers to go outside and take care of the chores were not easy to come by, so I took that as she liked it.

What surprised me even more was that the one book turned into nine. I never outlined out or planned them, they sort of just happened. I wrote one then wrote a women’s fiction then went back to these again. After a few queries, I had given up getting them published, but I still enjoyed writing them as a sort of record of the girls and their antics.  I figured they were just for us, and that was okay.

When one of my publishers found the modest site I had set up and asked to see them, I still didn’t hold too much hope of anything becoming of it. To my surprise, they wanted them. With some fine tuning & the addition of my narrator, the series was now seeing print. It’s been many years since I wrote them so the editing process on them has been especially fun for me. I forgot some of the little “ditties” my daughter and her friend shared as well as some of their mischief and quirks. I hope that somewhere down the line, parents don’t want to beat me as Val & Sam’s  “loser loser double loser” routine and others like it… go viral. ;)

The series is geared at middle grade but it has been enjoyed from ages 5-85. Loving fairy tales, folklore, and all that is magical knows no age. I look forward to the rest seeing the light of day and maybe fitting in another… we’ll have to see what presents itself to me in my barn next. ;)

Visit my website for a synopsis on all the books: http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com/ and join my fanpage for updates on new releases: http://www.facebook.com/AnnTBugg

By the way, Valerie is the cover artist & illustrator for the series. She did the cover for book #1 when she was only 14.

Happy Reading!

Ann T Bugg (June Kramin)

Middle grade website: http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com/

Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/AnnTBugg

Women’s fiction website: http://www.junekramin.com/

Facebook fan page women’s fiction: http://www.facebook.com/JuneKramin