Book Review: Through the Mirror and into Snow By Ann T. Bugg

Through the Mirror and Into Snow by Ann T Bugg is the kind of story I love. This middle grade retelling of a age old fairy tale Snow White was endearing and so much fun. It is about a couple of friends, Samantha and Valerie who find a mirror that is unusal which leads them into a new world where they meet Snow. They recoginze her for who she is and try to help her. Thus beginning great adventures for the two girls as they discover all kinds of things, familiar and not so famliar.

Through the Mirror Into Snow is a fun story that I know my little girls will love reading as are the other two mashed up fairy tales that follow it. The main characters show they are fearless and willing to dive into adventure and show readers how to be brave and adventurous and go for things in your life without fear. I loved Through the Mirror and into Snow. I look forward to reading the other books in the series too.

Author Ann T. Bugg

Ann T. Bugg is the Queen of her castle in southern Minnesota where she lives with her Knight in shining armor (who has come to her rescue more than once) and her own little Princess Valerie. The pets in her magical kingdom come in all shapes and sizes, as do all the critters that make their way out of the enchanted forest. Horseback riding, long walks with her dogs (Otter & Dottie pictured above) and embroidering are on her list of hobbies, but writing will always be her first love.

Ann also writes Women's Fiction under the name June Kramin.

Links

Facebook * Website * Twitter

Book 1

Book 1: Through the Mirror and into Snow (Snow White)

When best friends Valerie and Samantha discover a magic mirror in Val’s 100-year-old barn in southern Minnesota, they eagerly go through it. Immediately they run into the young Snow White, who has just escaped the huntsman. The girls vow to help her find her father, knowing the dangers that await. On their journey, the fun-loving double-trouble duo quickly discover they are caught up in the middle of their favorite fairy tales.

Having the knowledge of the stories as their only weapon, Val and Sam help two other princesses, make a surprising friend and discover they have a fairy godmother of their very own.


Book 2

Book 2: Into the Forest and Down the Tower (Rapunzel)

It’s time for Samantha’s summer visit again. Both she and Val are anxious to see if they will take another magical journey through the mirror. After learning of a problem with one of the horses, Odette makes her appearance and tells the girls it’s up to them to help him.

What Charlie needs is something that can only be found in their magical land. It can’t be given to them; they have to solves riddles and discover the answers themselves. A family of elves guides them, but even elf powers are limited when it comes to what stands between the girls and what they seek.

Trolls and unicorns were everything they imagined and more, but rescuing Rapunzel from her tower was an added bonus they never saw coming.


Book 3

Book 3: Off to Camp and Discovering Art (King Arthur)

Valerie and Samantha are disappointed that their schedules were not allowing them to spend a week together this summer like they have done every year since they were young. Their parents are able to plan a weekend camping trip towards the end of summer. The girls are happy for the visit, but sad to think they can’t go through the mirror this year on another adventure. They discover the magic is not only within the mirror, but within themselves when they are together. Merlin the magician shows up to take them on their quest to help Arthur find his true identity and his place in Camelot.

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Publisher

Tour Giveaway

All 3 Books
Print available to US only, Ebooks available Internationally
Ends 12/12/12


Open to anyone who can legally enter. 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's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Tour Schedule

November 26th
Tour Kick Off - I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Musings of a Writer - Review

November 27th
3Ps in a Pod - Guest Post & Review
Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

November 28th
A Casual Reader's Blog - Review
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia - Tens List

November 29th
My Random Life - Interview
Bunny's Review - Tens List & Excerpt

November 30th
Books Complete Me - Review
Peace from Pieces - Interview

December 1st
Book Flame - Tens List
Sher A Hart: Writing As Art - Review & Guest Post

December 2nd
Fantasy Books - Author Interview

December 3rd
Debbie's Inkspectations - Review

December 4th
Mother Daughter Book Reviews - Review
GeoLibrarian - Review

December 5th
Jean Book Nerd - Excerpt
Cuzinlogic - Interview

December 6th
GeekeryDo - Review & Interview
Sher A Hart: Writing As Art - Review

December 7th
Oh, The Books You'll Read - Review & Interview

Book Review: Jeremy's Christmas Journey By Scott Johnson

My Take:

 

In Jeremy's Christmas Journey By Scott Johnson Jeremy sits watching the other kids play out the window knowing he will never have the same chance all because of an accident. It is Christmas time and frankly he doest really care too much about it. Why should he? He can never be a normal kid after all. But as Jeremy goes to sleep, he finds himself back in time and the witness of many amazing testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ and his divinity. As each person steps up, Jeremy is touched deeper and deeper. Songs lyrics set amongst the testimony lend an emotional impact that leaves you touched deeply by both the words and the music.

 

Book Blurb:

For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he'll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

 

Giveaway:

As part of the tour, Scott is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of a print copy of Jeremy’s Christmas Journey plus the CD.

To enter to win this prize, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).

• Open from November 1 to November 21.
• Must be 13+ years of age to enter
• US mailing addresses only

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

• Leaving a blog post comment
• Listening to a sample of the CD on Scott's website (http://optimallifecoaching.wix.com/authorscott#!media)
• Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)

Here is the Rafflecopter code for the giveaway. (Let me know if you need any help using this code.)

rc-0240cd27" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0240cd27/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book

· Author:Scott Johnson

· Release Date: October 2012

· Publisher:Cedar Fort

· Genre:Spiritual Holiday

Author Bio:

Author Scott A. Johnson spent most of his childhood in Utah, where he gained a love for creative writing. Recognizing his potential at a young age, his teachers and family encouraged him to explore his developing writing talents.

Scott continued to craft imaginative and original stories through his teenage years, including original short stories that are beloved by his family. He published his first book, "Nutrition: A Word of Wisdom," in 2009, and has published more than 200 health and fitness articles in various online and print publications.

Scott, his wife and four children reside in beautiful Utah County where they enjoy the mountains and outdoors. Scott is regularly asked by his children to share an original story, and he gladly obliges.

Tour Page: http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/jeremys-christmas-journey-blog-tour.html

Blog Tour Schedule:

November 1: The Book Bug - Kickoff + Giveaway
November 2: The Book Bug - Author Interview
November 5: Geo Librarian - Review, Interview, & Giveaway
November 5: LDS & Lovin' It - Review, Interview, & Giveaway
November 6: The Book Bug - Review
November 7: Bookworm Lisa - Top Tens List
November 8: Rachelle's Writing Spot - Author Guest Post
November 9: Monique's Musings - Review
November 12: Jinky Is Reading - Review
November 13: Brooklyn Berry Designs - Review
November 13: I Love to Read and Write Reviews - Review & Top Tens List
November 14: Debbie's Inkspectations - Review

 

 

 

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA6TjiPsQFQ

CD Slideshow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsLuchCashI&feature=youtu.be

Social Networking Links:

· Website:http://optimallifecoaching.wix.com/authorscott

· YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSs6arOr68ooFehnQeucXYA

Purchase Links:

· Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/146211122X?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=146211122X&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

· Barnes& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeremys-christmas-journey-scott-johnson/1110593728?ean=9781462111220&r=1%2c+1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1&

· Cedar Fort: http://cedarfort.com/kahuga/gallery.jsp?callMethod=newReleases#%7Bselector%3A%22.ldsba-body%22%2Cmodule%3A%22/ldsba/productDetail.module%22%2Cparameters%3A%7Bproduct%3A%2220072491%22%7D%7D

 

Give yourself  a special Christmas gift this year and add Jeremy's Christmas Journey by Scott Johnson to your Christmas Collection. It comes with a special bonus too. A CD filled with the music found inside.

Book Review: Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson

  My take:

In The Epic Tale of a Misfit Hero, by Matt Patterson, Andrew just became a deacon after reaching the ripe old age of 12. He is excited about passing the sacrament but super nervous and about his first big upcoming full on camp out as a real boy scout.  Things are changing fast for Andrew and as with any new adventure the unexpected is always a heart beat away. 

Then on the biggest adventure of his life, Andrew listens to the still small voice tell him there is danger. But if he listens to the still small voice he will be in direct rebellion against that of his scout master. What is a 12 year old boy to do? Read The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero and find out!

Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero  by Matt Peterson is a great middle grade story for any boy trying to figure out his way around passing the sacrament and handling epic camping adventures. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun exciting read, where one boy finds out he is made of sterner stuff than he ever imagined.


Book Blurb:
From passing the sacrament with his fly down to failing miserably at capture the flag, Andrew knows he'll never be able to fulfill his duties as a deacon. But when tragedy strikes on his Boy Scout backpacking trip, Andrew's whole troop must become stronger than they ever imagined. This hilarious coming-of-age story is bound to have you rooting for a "misfit" hero!

You can get your copy of The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero  here

Book Review: Texting Through Time by Christy Monson

 My take:
Texting through Time John Taylor by Christy Monson is such a fun way to help kids learn more about the prophet John Taylor and his life. They go back in time starting in England when President Taylor was a little boy and bring him to life. Then they go forward in time trying to find clues that will help them learn more about the prophet and his life and things they need to gather to help them return to their own time. It is a fun adventure that makes learning about Church History fun and exciting. It is an easy fast read that delves into the things that happened to the third prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Taylor. It is easy to come away feeling like you know him and what he went through to become the prophet of the Lord.

I really enjoyed reading this story and felt like I was on the same trip through time as Alicia and Micah. It was fun to travel through the different events as they decided which ones they wanted  to participate in. They learn a lot about who John Taylor is and they feel a personal bond with him that is conveyed to the reader who  then also feels that bond. I love this whole premise for learning about the prophets of the church. I had a great time reading Texting Through Time and would recommend it to everyone of all ages.

I would even recommend reading Texting Through Time as a family as part of family night activities. It will capture the attention of those listening and it will instill a desire to learn more about the history of the church and about the prophets.



Here is a brief description of the book:

Micah and Alicia are excited to meet John Taylor as a child in England. But when their phone won’t let them return to their own time, they’ll follow the prophet around the world, learning some important lessons along the way. Humorous, entertaining, and informative, this book is a wonderful introduction to church history that’s bound to be a family favorite!

Meet the Author:
My grandmother lived with us when I was young. She loved to read me stories. I would curl up in her lap or sit on the bed next to her and listen to the tales spin out before me. We cried together over Lassie Come Home and loved Madeline and her adventures. That was a magical time for me in my life. When my children were little, I loved reading to them because it kept the magic alive. Now my children are grown, I can keep the magic by writing stories for others to read.
I love to read and write stories about the pioneer prophets.
Pioneers live all over the world. I still have family in Switzerland and Poland. Where do you and your ancestors come from? Write and tell me.
I am like the pioneers because I love:

• Old fashioned cooking—making butter
• Pioneer games—button, button, who’s got the button?
• Crafts the pioneers enjoyed—drying wild flowers

To learn more about the author and her books and how to get your copy, you can visit her website at: www.christymonson.com

Book Review: Toby Gold and the Secret Fortune By Craig T Everett

 My Take:

 

Toby Gold and the Secret Fortune by Craig R Everett  is a fantastic middle grade book about a boy who has a special ability with money and numbers. He is a foster child and but has managed to make his life work out for him. I thought Toby Gold was a great book and an easy and fast read for anyone. It held my interest and pulled me into the adventure and made me want to know what would happen next.

 

What I loved about it was that Craig took the mysteries of the stock market and made it easy for anyone to understand it's basic workings. I personally have a deep interest in the stock market and love the way it works. It was fun to  see how Craig made it all kid friendly and there fore everyone friendly. He made the market seem less intimidating and down right intriguing. I loved the way he wrapped the markets workings into the story and made it a race to see if Toby could solve the problems set before him before it was too late and he was caught by those who would like to see him dead.

 

I also thought the fun and bit of magic that was part of the story made the story that much more wonderful and exciting to read. Toby Gold is a book I would highly recommend to everyone who wants to know how to manage their money and have fun and exciting basic introduction to the stock market. It is sure to get you wondering what else you can learn and how you can earn and keep your money always in a positive cash flow. Thanks Craig for writing a kid savvy fun adventure that incorporated a lot of learning disguised as a mystery to be solved.

 

"Unique children’s lit that cleverly tackles interest rates, endowments, fluctuating commodities, bullying and identity."

- Kirkus Reviews

Book Blurb:

An infant is discovered one night on a commuter train from New York City during a stop in the sleepy town of Wallingford, Connecticut. The local police are summoned, but are unable to locate the boy’s parents, despite painstakingly questioning each person on the train. For some strange reason, none of the passengers can remember seeing his mother falling from the train – after falling victim to an assassin’s bullet.

Assigned the name “Toby Gold” by social services, the mysterious child grows up in Wallingford, moving from foster home to foster home, not knowing who his real parents are - or why he was born with such freakish skills with math and money.

Now a teenager, Toby’s money skills are noticed by the wrong people, and thus he is unwittingly sucked into a high-stakes financial conspiracy that puts his life, and the lives of his two closest friends, in great peril. Ultimately, Toby solves the crime, saves his friends, and even saves his school—all in one harrowing afternoon.

"This fast-paced adventure weaves fundamental concepts in economics and finance seamlessly into the story. Toby Gold makes learning finance exciting."

- Francis A. Longstaff, PhD, Professor of Finance, UCLA - Anderson School of Management

About the Author: Craig Everett

Craig R. Everett was born and raised in Maine, spending his childhood summers digging along the shores of Bar Harbor for buried pirate treasure. Fortunately, he was able to remain blissfully unaware that pirates seldom, if ever, ventured that far north. He received his B.A. in Economics from Tufts University, an MBA from George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in Finance from Purdue University.

Dr. Everett is currently a finance professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he teaches corporate and entrepreneurial finance. Dr. Everett also volunteers in public schools teaching financial literacy principles.

You can learn more about Craig here:
http://craigeverett.com/
http://tobygold.com/
FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craig-Everett-author/128980444347?ref=hl
Twitter:https://twitter.com/craig_everett

Toby Gold and the Secret FortuneReading Level: 9 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Fiscal Press (October 18, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-936-21495-2
Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 1.0 inches 
You can get your copy of this great book