~ Blog Tour 'The Burnheart Redemption' ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

'THE BURNHEART REDEMPTION'

BY CEDAR FORT AUTHOR CHELSEA CURRAN

-- POST INCLUDES: BOOK SPOTLIGHT, 

SNIPPET, TEN BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTS &

TWO GIVEAWAYS --

About the Book:

Genre:  Young Adult, Regency, Romance Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: April 10, 2018

Sixteen-year-old Adam Garrow ran away when he learned the truth about his father and his inheritance. After six long years away from his family’s estate, Adam returns to make amends with his parents and help his brother, Phillip, grow into his role as head of the estate. Before he even makes it to the door, a chance meeting with one Solana Rosenlund–his intend from before his self-imposed exile-sparks a fire in his heart that will not be quenched. But before they truly get a chance to explore their feelings for each other, Adam is devastated when ahead injury results in Solana forgetting that they had ever met.

Things only get worse when Phillip’s business venture to Morocco is commandeered by pirates. Adam and his friend Ian O’Connor leave England to rescue Phillip, and in doing so discover a sinister plot that threatens the Garrow estate and all those they left at home. Through conspiracy, sabotage, and kidnapping, can all three men survive what fate has thrown at them and find their way back to the women they love?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author:

Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates (now best friends) introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. And no matter how old she gets, that will never change.

Countless authors have inspired to her to write stories for those who seek the same ideas that brought her comfort, joy and hope for the future. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Behind the Scenes Facts About the Book:

1. I started writing “The Burnheart Redemption” at nineteen years old. It became the first book I ever completed, and tried to publish.

2. The story took me six years to write, mainly because my writing skills were still developing, and I knew very little about romance. Growing up a little, I gained more perspective and wrote a much better version of the story that I’m proud of.

3. My main character, Adam Garrow, is based on a very real man I had a huge crush on at the time. But after six years, all three of my leading men have taken on traits of chivalrous men I’ve met throughout the years, and the book is mostly dedicated to them.

4. The story is based on a short story I wrote for my friends in college as we were all in love with pure romance novels. They also inspired characters in the book.

5. While editing the manuscript, I asked my attractive guy friends to dress as my characters and act out a few of the scenes. They even let me take their photos and publish them on my site. But this helped tremendously in better describing scenes that needed more visual detail.

6. I chose my romantic settings to be an apple orchard because it was where I always pictured my first kiss to be growing. Turns out my first kiss never came close to it, but still fun to write about.

7. When I first decided to give Ian O’Connor Irish origins, it had to do with my friend insisting I’d find a tall, dark and handsome man with an Irish accent to sweep me off my feet. So if not in real life, definitely vicariously through my imagination. 

8. Solana Rosenlund is the leading heroine of the story, who has a younger sister name Faye. Though she’s a side character, she’s who I can identify with the most. Whereas Solana is who I’d wish more to be like as far as spirit and bravery goes.

9. Fun fact: The guy who dressed as Adam and took picture for the character profile on my website, I was actually dating at the time. During the editing process, a day before the submission deadline, I was no where near finished and stressed out of my mind. In my moment of need, he heroically rush over with a chocolate smoothie. After a much need hug and swoon-worthy kiss, I was inspired enough to crank out twenty more pages and hit “submit” just in time. Definitely one of my fondest memories. 

Snippet:

Slowly, her senses began to disappear one by one. First, her sight. Then sound, and then feeling. Though the taste of smoke lingered on her tongue, all she could comprehend was the sound of cries in the distance.
Then she felt two strong arms carry her away from the nightmare she fell into. She was weightless and at peace. Then all at once, her breath returned.
Her senses followed too quickly, but what stood out the most was pain. She opened her eyes and was not surprised at all to see who rescued her.
“Thank the Lord,” Adam said, pulling her tightly against his chest.
She gasped for air again, and he helped her to lean forward, relieving some of the pressure off her lungs.
“Adam!” a voice called. His brown eyes moved from hers to the distance. Then, gently, he laid her back down, pulling himself up.
“Don’t leave me,” she said, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper.
He hesitated, returning to his knees. Although her vision was dimmed, she could still make out the relieved look in his eyes.
He pulled her up so she rested against his side. Taking a deep breath, despite the smoke, she could smell the tangy citrus of oranges on his clothes. It was comforting. It smelled like home during the springtime.
“Adam!” someone screamed again, more desperately this time.
“We’re here!” he called back.
The sky was getting darker by the minute from the black stacks of smoke in the air.
The firelight’s glow became more prominent and cast a silhouette on a figure that hurried into view.
“She’s alive,” Adam said.
The other voiced cursed. “What happened to you?” She was also waiting for an explanation, but he ignored the question.
“We need to get her out of here, Phillip” he said.
She felt him shift his arms underneath her shoulders and legs.
“Wait,” Phillip said.
“We can’t wait! Now please help me.”
“Your hand, Adam! You’re burned.”
“I’m fine,” he said, but the coughing fit that followed contradicted what he said.
“She needs to be attended to first.”
“I will take her. Get to the stream and cool your skin.”
Without answering, Adam struggled to his feet with her still in his arms. She heard him grunt as her weight was transferred into another set of arms.
“Make sure she’s safe,” he ordered.
Those were the last words Solana heard until her senses dulled into dim voices and rough movements. Eventually it grew more difficult to separate reality from her dreams. And through all the fog, she attempted to hold onto the vision of the strange man holding the torch. She tried her best to hold onto it, fighting to stay conscious so she could tell someone what she saw. But like the rest of the world, the vision had slipped away, and she finally closed her eyes in blissful sleep.

Two Giveaways:

Tour Wide Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE

**********

Blog Stop Giveaway 

 

Instructions for blog stop giveaway:

Comment on this blog for a chance to win an e-copy of The Burnheart Redemption.

**********

Tour Schedule

April 16-Reading Is My SuperPower | Bookworm Lisa
April 17-Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations | Faery Tales Are Real
April 18-Singing Librarian Books | Remembrancy
April 19-Heidi Reads… | Locks, Hooks and Books
April 20-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic | Red Headed Book Lady
April 21-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette’s Papers

--TO READ MY POST ON CHELSEA'S FIRST BOOK FROM EARLIER THIS SPRING, CLICK OVER TO:
BOOK SPOTLIGHT & EXCERPT FOR 'UNSEEN ROAD TO LOVE'  
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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Monday, April 23rd: We're going retro on the blog for our Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday this week! I'll be featuring a book originally published seventy years ago, 'The Secret of the Mansion'. This is the first book in the Trixie Belden series. Book spotlight and review.

-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'.

-- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.

-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.

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~ Whitcomb Springs Trio April Blast ~

~ 'WHITCOMB SPRINGS' TRIO

BOOK BLAST ~
-- INCLUDES BOOK SPOTLIGHTS, 
EXCERPTS & GIVEAWAYS --
 

 

For a complete listing of all currently available and upcoming Whitcomb Springs stories, visit http://www.mkmcclintock.com/whitcomb-springs-series.

 

'RETRIBUTION ROAD' BY CHRISTI CORBETT 

Montana Territory, 1867 Graham Patterson, an accomplished veterinarian, is leaving Seattle and heading east to start a new life for himself. Opportunities abound for men who understand how to make the land work for them, rather than work the land. But after he overhears two scoundrels plotting to take advantage of a lonely spinster, his well-laid plans go awry. Willow Bennet lives just outside the town of Whitcomb Springs with only her beloved dog to keep her company. It’s a predictable life, until late one night when she foils an attack and her dog is wounded as revenge. Can she trust the mysterious stranger who insists he can help?  

EXCERPT FROM 'RETRIBUTION ROAD' -- 

Chapter One Friday, November 1, 1867 GRAHAM HID IN the shadows, his hand resting on his pistol while he considered the rising flames. Normally he’d take a wide path around a stranger’s camp, but the glowing coals promised warmth and the pot the two men had hanging over the fire smelled of beans. Eating nothing for three days made a man consider a lot of things. Even worse, he was lost. In Seattle, taking a wrong turn had meant simply backtracking or trying another street. Deep within the wooded and ankle-busting terrain of Montana Territory, it meant he could die. His stomach growled again, and he took another swig of icy water from his canteen to quiet the rumbling. Graham’s numb fingers fumbled with the metal cap and a clang broke the silence. The younger man leapt to his feet. “Pa, did you hear something?” The older man rose and swung a Henry rifle into firing position. “Who’s out there?” he demanded, his voice raspy from years of hard liquor and harder living. Graham sighed. Unless he wanted to start a fight with strangers, he’d best answer. “No need to get riled up. I’m just passing through.” “You alone?” shouted the younger man, planting his legs wide while shucking off his coat. “Yes,” Graham replied, his fingers lowering to test the knot securing his holster to his leg. They exchanged whispers, then the older man called out, “You cold?” “Yes.” Graham grimaced. Late fall out here was a lot colder than his brother’s letters had led him to believe. The frigid winds seemed to blow right through his clothes—a blanket-lined coat, flannel shirt, wool pants, long socks, and high boots—and settle deep in his bones. He’d been cold for the past month. “Better come in then. Keep your hands where we can see them.” 

   

'FORSAKEN TRAIL' BY MK MCCLINTOCK 

Montana Territory, 1865 Cooper McCord enjoyed a solitary life. When he first showed Daniel and Evelyn Whitcomb the beautiful mountain valley in Montana, he didn’t expect to stay. After the War Between the States began, Cooper remained close and helped build the town, not realizing he was building a home for himself. When an unexpected arrival to Whitcomb Springs makes him question his reclusive life, will Cooper retreat to his wilderness or allow himself to take a chance and risk happiness?

   

EXCERPT FROM 'FORSAKEN TRAIL'
Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory May 30, 1865 SHE NEVER imagined dying at the hands—or paws—of a bear. Either she’d end up dead like the poor driver she hired in Bozeman or find a way to escape unscathed. Considering the layers of skirts and petticoats she wore, Abigail wasn’t going to bet on her ability to outrun the great animal. She remained still in the low branches of a tree. Unable to climb higher unless she removed her skirts, Abigail controlled her breathing so as not to alert the animal. The past few years of her life had been in pursuit of an education. Her work in the war relief had kept her busy for four long years, but she found time in the evening hours to consume knowledge. The more she learned, the more she wanted to know. Abigail read most of the leather-bound volumes of work in her family’s library, from philosophy to geography to history, and everything in between. Unfortunately, not a single text had explained what to do when confronted by five hundred pounds of bear. Magnificent though the animal was, Abigail didn’t want to become dinner. Poor Mr. Tuttle had fallen from the wagon and broken his neck when the horses spooked and ran off. She’d been unable to drag him away, let alone pull him up a tree. Even now, she watched as the massive brown bear sniffed around the body. She dispelled a deep breath when she realized it wasn’t going to eat Mr. Tuttle. It looked around instead, smelling the air. Abigail swore it stared directly at her. Too late, she recalled that bears climb trees. Her first thought had been to escape, and unable to outrun the creature, she went up. She calculated if the bear stood on its back legs, it could reach the low-hanging branches where she hid and knock her from the tree with one swipe. She grabbed the nearest branch above her head and pulled herself up. Abigail ignored the loud rip in her skirt and the sudden gush of cool air that hit her legs and climbed higher. Two more branches put her out of swiping distance. The grizzly sauntered toward her and stood, staring and studying. She imagined it thinking of all the ways it could rip her apart and savor her like a delicious meal. The stays on her corset would be no match for those great claws, and the teeth . . . Abigail shuddered and reminded herself that most living creatures weren’t vicious by nature. Abigail knew the animal was aware of her location. It landed back on all fours and approached the base of the tree. The heavy breathing and snorting filled the silence. 

     

'TRACKING AMY' BY SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE 

Riley Buchanan knew he’d been in the mining camps too long when he mistook the pretty Amy Sutton for a boy. Why she kept her gender disguised puzzled Riley. Curiosity put him on her trail. Destiny placed him in her life. Would Riley become the missing piece to the puzzle that was Amy?




 

EXCERPT FROM 'TRACKING AMY'

WITH A SATISFYING “clunk,” the can flew up from the fence rail. Amy lowered the carbine and turned to smile at her daughter. “I think we may yet have some venison on the table.” Rose grinned at her mother and asked, “Do you want me to set them up again?” “No, I think that’s enough practice. Tomorrow, I’ll head back and see if I can find the deer I wounded. I’ll try find him before some cat or bear tracks him down.” “Can I come this time?” Amy looked down into her daughter’s imploring eyes. “Rose, you know the livestock need someone to care for them.” Rose’s face fell into a sullen pout. “I’m a good shot, too.” With a finger, Amy lifted her daughter’s chin and waited for Rose to meet her gaze. “I know you are, even better than me. But until we can hire another hand to help us, we are all we have—you and me. Besides, when you are older, I’ll send you out hunting. Agreed?” Her countenance lifting, Rose nodded. “Agreed.” 

  

   

-- $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway --

Ends 4/30/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

-- Monday, April 23rd: We're going retro for the Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post this week! Book Spotlight and Review of the first 'Trixie Belden' Mystery book published 70 years ago this year!

-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour for award-winning author Irene Hannon's newest inspirational romance release, 'Pelican Point'. Spotlight and review.

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~ 'Better With You'

~ BLOG TOUR STOP 

INCLUDING BOOK SPOTLIGHT,

EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY ~

-- 'BETTER WITH YOU' --

BY AUTHOR RACHEL JOHN 

 

     

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Better with You by Rachel John 

Paige Parker has no time for romance. She’s too busy building up her house-flipping business. But when a charming guy comes between her and the house she wants, Paige is a little more torn than she expected. For a girl who’s always gone with her firm business sense, she’s not sure how to trust her heart. When it comes to dating, Shaun Randall is not about to get serious with anyone. He has his mother to take care of and enough family secrets to keep him running from any girl who gets too close. Spending time with Paige starts out as a means to get the house he wants, but every time he thinks it’s time to bail, he finds himself drawn in a little more. When is it worth taking a chance on love? 

     

Praise for this book:  "I have to say this story was freaking awesome! I breezed through it in an afternoon." "I loved this sweet romance story. The characters were believable and there were some funny moments. I've also read (and loved) the first book in the series, but you could easily read this as a standalone."

    

EXCERPT:

She pulled out her phone, and Shaun rolled his eyes. “Oh, no. You’re one of those.” 

“I have a lifestyle blog. There’s a lot of curiosity about this place.” She turned the plate and took a few pictures. Then she adjusted the vase of roses next to it and messed with some setting on her phone. Their beautiful food was about to get cold while she let it sit untasted. When she held up her phone to take more pictures, he leaned his head in and opened his mouth, pretending he was about to devour the whole plate. 

“Ugh, stop.” 

She picked up an appetizer and shoved it into his open mouth. He would have been shocked, but the amazing flavors took hold and he chewed slowly, savoring it. 

“Oh wow. That is so good.” He wiped the corner of his mouth where she’d gotten him with blue cheese. “Am I supposed to feed you now? I wouldn’t want you to feel left out. We could link arms and feed each other at the same time. Maybe that waiter over there could take a picture for your blog.” 

She leaned back, but not before swiping a crostini off the plate. 

“I can feed myself, thanks.” 

He watched her nibble it, taking her time. 

 “It’s better if you get it all in one bite, you know, like if someone shoves it in your face without warning.” 

She shook her head, holding back a grin. 

“Your mouth was wide open, Shaun. You looked like some poor starved baby bird and instinct took over.” 

He’d just taken a bite and had to throw a hand over his mouth to keep from spewing it as he laughed. 

“Those darn mothering instincts.” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

      

Rachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her understanding husband, four crazy kids, and a desert tortoise.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

 



Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 4/30/18  
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
Blog Tour Schedule

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
 
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

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~ 'Julie' Blitz Tour ~

~ BOOK BLITZ FOR 'JULIE' ~

BY AUTHOR CATHERINE MARSHALL  

-- BLITZ INCLUDES SPOTLIGHT,

AUTHOR BIO, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY --  

 

Title: Julie

Author: Catherine Marshall

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

Reissue Date: April 17, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance Fiction


Links*: Goodreads l Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

 

*A New York Times bestseller*
-------------------------------
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will the dam hold?

Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could endanger the entire community.

Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested.

Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

EXCERPT:

Dean's eyes were studying me. "You have a way with words. What kind of writing do you want to do?"

"Articles for Dad's paper, to start."

"What do you want to write about?"

I paused, suddenly uncertain about how much to share. Dean's eyes were reassuring.

"When I know more, I'd like to write about deeper things."

GIVEAWAY:

(1) Winner will win: $25 Amazon Gift Card, Bookmark Swag, Antique Dark Brown Journal (exact or similar & *subject to change)
NOTE:  (Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

TOUR SCHEDULE:

JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page
All of a Kind Mom
A Baker's Perspective
Book Reviews by Steph
Maureen's Musings
Locks, Hooks and Books
Coffee Addicted Writer
Quilting Along Life's Way
The Power of Words
Book by Book
Mom 2 Mom Connection
Jami's Words
Moments
Lighthouse Academy
Remembrancy
My Full Cup
Singing Librarian Books
By The Book
Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
Edits and Reviews by Leslie
Cafinated Reads
Tell Tale Book ReviewsJust Commonly

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC': 
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
 
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
 
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

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~ MMGM STEAM Feature Impact: Asteroids ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE

MONDAY S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE ~ 

--  'IMPACT! ASTEROIDS AND THE

SCIENCE OF SAVING THE WORLD'

WRITTEN BY:  ELIZABETH RUSCH

PHOTOS BY:  KARIN ANDERSON --

LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}: 
Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact.
Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}: 
ELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities. 

MY REVIEW:
Besides oceanography, my favorite area of science to study when I was a middle-grade student was astronomy. My love for space is what prompted me to pick up this new book from the non-fiction shelves at the local public library.

The photographs and diagrams in this book are awesome! I learned so much about asteroids just by studying the photos and diagrams. They are detailed and colorful, and I felt as if they were a nice size for middle-grade readers.
 
The author has done a fantastic job of presenting complicated information in a reader-friendly manner. She shares some text from interviews she conducted with a geologist who studies craters and rock formations along with a NASA research scientist who is the curator of space rocks for NASA. There is also a passage about an astronomer who uses computers and high-powered telescopes to identify asteroids traveling through space. I feel this engaging material will be meaningful for young readers.

The enthusiasm these scientists exhibit and the excitement that comes through when they share about their various discoveries is a great example for middle-grade readers, I believe. It shows real-life examples of people who have followed their childhood passions when chosing what to study in college so they could attain work in their 'dream' career. It gives students hope that their future jobs don't have to be filled with drudgery. The individuals in this book are role models for youngsters interested in S.T.E.A.M. careers!

The back matter in the book includes a 'What You Can Do!' section which encourages youngsters to discover and track an asteroid, spot a fireball, and collect meteorites. There is a 'Learn More About Asteroids and Meteorites' section which includes print and online resources. The Glossary, which I wisely reviewed before I began reading the book, is thorough.

There is so much to like about this book! Highly-recommended for S.T.E.A.M. educators, parents/grandparents, middle-grade and higher grade students, and adults like me who enjoy reading about astronomy.

I borrowed a copy of this book from our local public library.

 ----------------------------------

***CURRENT GIVEAWAYS:  Don't forget to check out my Current Giveaways Page before you leave the blog! I have a non-fiction gardening book, 'Perennials', just waiting to be claimed by two lucky US e-book winners! So click on over to see what interests you.***

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':  
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
 
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
 
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
 
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

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~ A PLACE CALLED HOPE' SPOTLIGHT & SNIPPET ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

-- 'A PLACE CALLED HOME'

 by AUTHOR CATHERINE McGREEVY --

~BLOG TOUR STOP INCLUDES

BOOK SPOTLIGHT, SNIPPET,

AND TWO GIVEAWAYS~

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Genre: Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: March 13, 2018 
Prompted by her mysterious origins, young English heiress Letty Leighton seeks to establish a Utopian community called New Hope. To do this, however, Letty must marry African explorer Patrick Marlowe, an unconventional man who proves as hard to control as the residents of New Hope. Together they must confront an unknown enemy seeking to destroy both of their dreams. This inspirational romance novel belongs on the bookshelf next to books by Anita Stansfield, and Julianne Donaldson.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Catherine McGreevy
Author of clean, inspirational fiction

The daughter of a foreign-service officer, Catherine McGreevy attended international schools in France, Spain, and Morocco. During her time abroad she learned to appreciate other cultures as well as the ideals that make America special. A true book-worm, she dreamed seeing her own novels on a shelf next to those of her favorite writers, including Mary Stewart and Elizabeth Peters.

After majoring in Communications (Journalism) with a minor in English at Brigham Young University, she later earned her Secondary Education Teaching Credential at Cal State Fullerton, and taught high-school and middle-school English before moving to Northern California.

A history buff, Catherine lives in Northern California’s gold country, where she has been known to don a bonnet and petticoats to re-enact the past with the Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneers, appearing in parades and at Sutter’s Fort and the Gold Discovery site in Coloma.

Her first historical novel, Chance’s Bluff, was released by Cedar Fort Publishing in January, 2018. A Place Called New Hope followed in March.

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SNIPPET:
“Ye’ve found it then.” The deep, cracked voice made her jump. Letty twirled, clutching the locket closer. Henry chuckled. “Just now, ye looked as she did. Desperately crawlin’ on your hands through the reeds, as if everything depended on it. But ye’re the one who found it, while the other lass went home empty handed. But that be the way of things, ain’t it? Nothin’s fair, not in this life nor the next.” “She?” “One of yer new ones, there, what ye brought here.” He nodded his grizzled head toward New Hope. “The lively one with the red hair. Her gentleman friend did give the trinket to her, and no sooner had he left than she took it off to look at it and dropped it in the reeds. Careless of her.” Henry seemed to read Letty’s thoughts, as if her face was registering every emotion. “Yes, I saw them in this very spot, many a time, her and her fellow, but never did they know it. I’ve been watching you these ten minutes past, nor did you ever know it neither. Not till I wanted you to.”

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
 
--  Tuesday, April 17th:  'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
 
--  Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!

--  Thursday, April 19th:  'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.

--  Friday, April 20th:  'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

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