Honoring Ann McGovern and Her Stone Soup

On occasion I just can't resist popping in my usual approach to letting authors, reviewers, and readers talk about the books they want to share with others.  Here is a little blurb from my newsletter about the death of a favorite writer and one of my favorite books:

I loved the children’s book Stone Soup. I always thought it was a traditional fairy tale. You know, like Grimm or Perrault or Hans Christian Andersen. Though it may have sold darn near as many books as those authors, it was written in 1968 and the author, Ann McGovern, recently died of cancer at the age of 85. Just knowing she is gone . . . well, I shall miss her. I have a love affair with fairy tales—new or old—and with nursery rhymes. Readers of my poetry find allusions to them sprinkled throughout. Now, perhaps I shall write something with at least a nod to Ann and the fairy tale that really wasn’t. Or was. Does a genre ever really die?

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Reviewer Who Loves Epilogues Loves "Allure"

Allure of the O'Neal Sisters

Genre: romantic suspense
B01577WNFU
Available at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com//dp/1517198399
Amazon ca: http://www.amazon.ca//dp/B01577WNFU
Amazon Au: http://www.amazon.com.au//dp/B01577WNFU
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01577WNFU
Itunes/apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1037619820

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/allure-of-the-o-neal-sisters

Reviewed by Melissa Feist, originally for Goodreads.com

"I loved this story. It grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let up. The interplay between the characters added to the romantic mystery. There was lost love, found love, betrayal, murder and intrigue. What more could you want in a romantic suspense.? Oh, yes.... Some steamy sex, yummy sexy men, gorgeous successful women and a fantastic epilogue. I love epilogues, I know I can imagine by own....but I always find the authors point of view interesting and a nice wrap up. Emily Bowie did a fantastic job as a debut author, I will be looking for more from her. I highly recommend this book, very entertaining" Melissa Feist, goodreads

Learn more about the author and "Allure" at https://www.facebook.com/Author-Emily-Bowie-480241512148677/. 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Linda Barnett-Johnson Finds Frugal Book Promoter a Help with Her Book Tour

The second edition of my The Frugal Book Promoter was recently reviewed on Amazon by Linda Barnett-Johnson and I thought I'd use it as an occasion to remind subscribers and visitors to this blog that this multi award-winning book makes a lovely gift for any author or aspiring author because it's a gift that keeps giving, keeps contributing to his or her writing career. This review makes it clear that it is one of those books one can keep referring to again and again.

Title: The Frugal Book Promoter

Second Edition

Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Author's Web site

Available as paperback or e-book on Amazon

Awards: USA Book News, winner business category; Global E-Book Awards, honorable mention; BPSC Irwin Award

Cover by Chaz DeSimone

Reviewed by Linda Barnett-Johnson, originally for Amazon

I am always in the market for books on helping my author clients in promoting their books.  The Frugal Book Promoter is one of those books that I bought. What I like about this book is the easy format; table of contents; easy to find categories; how-to’s and much more.

I love the word “frugally” because that in itself is what I am. I don’t have the big bucks to buy ads or other marketing strategies. I like giving my authors reliable information and tactics without them having to pay high dollar for it.

I was interested in the social marketing and blog marketing and “The Frugal Book Promoter” was there to help. Since I have never done a “book tour” before, it was easy to read and follow. I had my first book tour in March.

There are many interesting subjects:

Amazon - How to set up your books and much more;

Blogs;

Book launches;

Book tours;

Contests;

E-mail marketing;

Resources and Reviews;

And don’t forget “writing”

 

Anything from A-Z. She has researched and used her methods and it shows.

 

There are many quotes and anecdotes from other authors and writers.

 

If you want your book promotions to go easier, I would recommend her books. I have them all and will use them over-and-over.

 

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Linda Barnett-Johnson

Editor/Virtual Assistant for Authors

www.lindabarnett-johnson.com

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Hard to Read But Loving It! Rarity from the Hollow

• Title: Rarity from the Hollow
• Author: Robert Eggleton
• Web site link: www.lacydawnadventures.com  
• Genre: Literary Science Fiction
• ISBN: 9781907133060; 1907133062
• Name of Reviewer: Melody, Flower To The Rain
• Review Site: Diamante Lavendar
• Link:  https://flowertotherain.wordpress.com/
• Purchase Links:

                        http://www.amazon.com/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton-ebook/dp/B007JDI508

                        http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton-ebook/dp/B007JDI508

http://www.doghornpublishing.com/wordpress/books/rarity-from-the-hollow

Reviewed by Melody, Flower to the Rain, originally for Diamante Lavendar

4 of 5 stars: I Loved It

Rarity from the Hollow was so hard for me to read through that I frequently had to put it down. Not because that the writing was hard to read, because it was so well-written and easy to go through, and not because it wasn't interesting because that is the complete opposite. It was simply very dark. Especially at the beginning of the novel. It opens up to talks of abuse and very dark themes that I wasn't completely expecting after I'd received the novel from the Novel/Publisher. I had read a resume of it and known that it would approach it, but I didn't know how. The reason why it was difficult to read through was because the connection with the main character is so well-established at the beginning that it was what made me feel too much to read it in one go; but I wouldn't have this book any other way.

But (as there is always a but), it was hard in some places to follow what the author was trying to say. A lot of the time I could follow along very well, but other times it was hard to catch onto what was passing, certain things seemed to appear in the rearview and then disappear all too quickly. However, this could be said for typical children's book, so it may simply be that the style was meant to recapture that feeling.

Rarity from the Hollow was an amazing ride throughout, touching fantastic themes and continuing toward sci-fi, to create a beautiful and dark novel. However, this is not for the faint of heart. If you are easily triggered by themes such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, any type of abuse really, then I would suggest to stay away from this book altogether because it goes into those subjects very deeply and doesn't let you forget that it's there. Otherwise, I would suggest everybody give this book a try as it is such an amazing journey.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Family Relationships: Perfect Gift for Father's Birthday of Father's Day

Title: Fathers’ Wisdom –

[A Powerful Collection of Stories from Fathers around the World.]

Author: Jennifer Karin Jordan

Genre: Family Relationships

Publisher: Square Tree

Release Date: June 15, 2015

ISBN-13: 978-0990319054

Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Wisdom-powerful-collection-stories/dp/0990319059 

Reviewed by Marlan Warren

"I view all my children as angels of God whom He has entrusted to my care."

 —Darwin Bicknell ("Wisdom from a Stepdad") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

 

I could not read Jennifer K. Jordan's “Fathers’ Wisdom” without thinking of my own father. He took his parenting role very seriously, and would have appreciated a book like “Fathers’ Wisdom, ” which sets out to honor all fathers everywhere, and was inspired by Jordan's love for her father. Both her parents were no longer alive when she interviewed her first dad. Now, fourteen years later, “Fathers’ Wisdom” has emerged with over 50 fathers' stories. The California author spoke not only with American-born dads, but sought out men whose roots ranged from Germany to Afghanistan to Japan.

What I expected were sugar-sweet tales told by fathers who would want to put themselves in the best light possible. What I got was impressive honesty, and a nearly anthropological study of what makes good fathers tick.

"It's incredible to see my heart in someone else's body."

 —Gabriel Hall ("Yoga Dad") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

Fathers include a yoga teacher; golf entrepreneur; magazine editor; artist; actor; Holocaust survivor; pastors; as well as Japanese Americans who experienced World War II "internment" and battle. On board are also fathers outside of the nuclear family paradigm: foster dad, divorced dad and stepdad.

One of the most moving moments is when Holocaust survivor Bernard Sayone must explain to his son what happened to his own father at the hands of the Nazis. In a world that often values machismo in all its various forms, it's refreshing to hear tales of male sensitivity, longing and heartbreak.

“I teach my kids to be honest, whether they are alone or someone is watching.“

—Bob Gilder ("Integrity") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

All the fathers speak with admirable candor about their relationship to their children, and their view of fatherhood itself. As different as they are, they all seem to agree on one thing: lead your children by example.

“There isn’t just one way to be a father.”

—Pastor Bayless Conley, Cottonwood Church ("God in All") “Fathers’ Wisdom”

Each chapter concludes with an uplifting author suggestion of how to honor the wisdom shared by each dad, such as: “Today let’s be people that others can count on.”

If I were packing a Time Capsule, “Fathers’ Wisdom” would be one of the first items I'd put into it. For if the world should almost end in fire or ice, it would be nice to show future generations the good that men were once capable of doing.

========================================================================MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Website: http://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Wisdom-powerful-collection-stories/dp/0990319059

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fathers-Wisdom-Book-1468257520134855/

Twitter: @jkjwisdomseries

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Marlan Warren

Roadmap Communications

Book Publicity by Marlan

1831 Winona Blvd., #104

Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 347-6762

roadmap.girl@hotmail.com

Roadmap Girl's Book Buzz

http://roadmapgirlsbookbuzz.blogspot.com/

Book Publicity By Marlan

http://bookpublicitybymarlan.blogspot.com/

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Literary Contests: Off Focus With a New Focus on Great Beginnings

I rarely wander from my mission of presenting readers of The New Book Review with great new or overlooked reading opportunities and of extending the opportunities for authors and publishers who want to extend exposure of their books.  But, because the beginnings of books are so important and because so many of the followers of this blog are authors, here is an interesting and accessible contest that authors will love and readers might find very interesting. (-:

Enter Writer Advice’s Fourth SCINTILLATING STARTS Contest. Grab and hold us with your opening paragraphs. Submit up to 1500 words by 11/10/15. Details at www.writeradvice.com

If you’re opening is shared on Writer Advice, you’ll be able to tell prospective agents, publishers, and book buyers that you were one of the winners of Writer Advice’s Fourth Scintillating Starts Contest. Cash awarded to those whose work is shared. This contest is open to anyone who has not signed a contract for the book submitted. Additional details and link to Submittable at www.writeradvice.com. 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Midwest Reviews Hopeful Book Set in Alabama

Letter from Alabama
Subtitle: The Inspiring True Story of Strangers Who Saved a Child and Changed a Family Forever.
Publisher is Workman & Associates, Inc.
Author is David L. Workman,http://www.workman-inc.com
Genre include Biography / Memoir and History 
Categories include Family Relationships, Extended Family, Parenting
Pages: 204 in ebook, 212 in paperback
Information: www.workman-inc.com and www.facebook.com/letterfromalabama
 Available most anywhere you buy books, including: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQIIODK
Available as:

    An Amazon Kindle ebook (ISBN 9780996230902). $2.99
   An Amazon paperback (ISBN 9780996230919). $8.99
   A second paperback (ISBN 9780996230926) available from Ingram Books and bookstores supplied    by Ingram. $8.99
   A second ebook (ISBN 9780996230933) available from several major and independent booksellers.   $2.99

Review originally from Midwest Book Review

Synopsis: David's life could turn out very, very badly. His mother dies suddenly when he is an infant. Then at age two, he is gone. Vanished, with his father, and abandoned in a far-away place. His future hangs on a letter from Alabama, a piece of paper that must travel hundreds of miles in an envelope. Then it must land in exactly the right place in a busy office where nobody is under any obligation to read it or pay any attention to it. "Letter from Alabama: The Inspiring True Story of Strangers Who Saved a Child and Changed a Family Forever" is the true story of that letter, and all that will transpire because of it. It's the story of human failure, and human triumph. Forgiveness and redemption. It is a testament to, and a prayer of thanks for, good and decent people everywhere who stand up for a child when they don't have to -- when they have nothing to gain and perhaps much to lose. It's a tribute to those who see the potential in a young person and give that person a chance to be the best that he or she can be. They are the heroes for whom this story is now committed to writing.

Critique: Impressively well written, organized and presented, "Letter from Alabama: The Inspiring True Story of Strangers Who Saved a Child and Changed a Family Forever" is a compelling and inherently fascinating read from beginning to end. An extraordinary and heartwarming account, "Letter from Alabama" is very highly recommended for community library American Biography collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Letter from Alabama" is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).

ABOUT MIDWEST REVIEW

This review is from the Biography Shelf of Small Press Bookwatch dated August 2015. James A. Cox, is Editor-in-Chief of the Midwest Book Review, 278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Workman is author of "Letter from Alabama," a true story of two children saved by grace and a family's love -- and by a letter. Friend him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/letterfromalabama. 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.