Review of Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus, Illustrated by Todd Wilkerson

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 34 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Tip Top Story Shop
Release date:   Mar 2024
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

This fantastical book of animals in unusual places will tickle your brain, leading readers of all ages imagining their own silly combos. You'll see a skiing seal in Switzerland, a pufferfish piloting an airplane, a sloth who runs a marathon (but isn't ever done), and so much more! With fun illustrations and an educational twist, this book encourages readers to embrace their limitless imagination, explore the world, and experience animals big and small in their not-so-natural habitats. Perfect for bedtime reading or as a classroom favorite, Squirrels in Antarctica sparks boundless imagination. So, come along on this epic journey and "Let your thoughts fly limitless like snails on shooting stars." Is it a book? Is it a word game? Can it be both?!

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Sari Karplus got her storytelling start as a comedian and filmmaker in Los Angeles. But when an improvised bedtime story to her three young children inspired her first kids' book, she officially joined the ranks of the book writing world. Sari loves to create stories with fun journeys and teachable moments... with a healthy side of humor. Sari has written all 3 books of the Robotastic! series. "Sari" rhymes with "Mary." Sari loves rhyming.

connect with author: website ~ instagram 

Sari Karplus Author Interview

 

What inspired you to write this book? Is there an actual game that goes with it?

Squirrels in Antarctica was inspired by a game we play at our house of the same name. My son invented it in second grade to help us keep his younger siblings at the dinner table (when they were known to wander off). The game worked like a charm and we were able to eat in peace. What’s even better, it inspired so much creativity and laughter. A win all around! I wanted to share this concept with the world in the most fun way I could, and thus turning it into a lovely, rhyming picture book. The best part about this game is you don’t need any single thing to play it– just your imagination. There’s no board. There’s no score. You can start or stop at any point. It’s convenient to bust it out anywhere or any time that you are with friends or family. The book is chock full of fun examples to get your brain thinking creatively.

 

There are so many fun animal and place combinations in the book. Do you have a favorite page?

My favorite might be the blobfish teaching English in Spain. But ask me another day, I’ll have a different answer for you.

Your other books are about robots. Why the departure with this book?

Ah yes, you’re referring to my Robotastic! book series. I love these books. They are super fun STEM picture books about robots and friendship that I started at the dawn of the pandemic. And while I have no doubt I will be adding to that series in the future, Squirrels in Antarctica was calling my name. The universe kept taking over my brain and handing me these hilarious combinations of animals and places that I really wanted to share. And I just had to say, “Ok, universe, you win. Game on!” While there are over 30 different animals in unexpected places in the book, there are probably another 100 that didn’t make the cut. But maybe those animals are just… hibernating?

 

Is that your way of saying that Squirrels in Antarctica is going to be a series?

I am very much implying that. However, we’re still in talks to see if a Squirrels in Antarctica series could be in the works. Each page was meticulously illustrated by the very funny and talented Todd Wilkerson. Does his iPad even have enough storage for another 30+ charming animals in unexpected locales? I’ll ask and get back to you.

 

What’s a tip for writers who want to get their books published?

This journey to publishing will undoubtedly be challenging. But if you have a story worth sharing, be patient! I guarantee you can bust through the roadblocks you may encounter. 

MY REVIEW

This is a fun-filled book that will challenge young children to use their imagination. The animals in the story are in unusual habitats and are well illustrated. The story will bring smiles and laughter from any child. Maybe adults too, as I found myself back to earlier days when I was young.

The brightly illustrated pages will get a child's attention and take them on a fun adventure. It would make a nice addition to your child's library and one they will pick up more than once. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Enter the Giveaway
Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus Book Tour Giveaway

Review of The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Mercy Seat
Series: The Urban Chronicles #1
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

Hells Canyon is a neighborhood in Richland, Tennessee where tourists never venture, and locals fear to tread. Maxwell Crane, former Marine chaplain and pastor of The Mercy Seat church, struggles to provide a beacon of hope. 

But others have their eyes set on Hells Canyon: power elites, robber barons, and street gangs seek their own gain at the cost of the beleaguered urban neighborhood. For the people who live there, it’s been a fight to exist their whole lives, and that fight is getting harder. 

Maxwell doesn’t have to stay in Hells Canyon. He and his family could leave to live a comfortable middle-class existence. Instead, Maxwell chooses to risk his life—and the lives of those around him—to stand against the oppressors. 

But what happens when this pastor crosses a line, taking justice into his own hands? Will his family, his community, and his God ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

My Review

The Mercy Seat is a book that takes you into the world of drugs and the people who are involved. Pastor Maxwell Crane, pastors the Mercy Seat Church right in the middle of a community of Richland's homeless, underprivileged, and dealers. Maxwell and his family live within the community.

The characters are well-developed and appear real. The setting used for the book worked well and the writing was easy to read. The story had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and hoping things turned out to keep the family safe.

There are lots of spiritual issues going on and I loved how the family grew in Christ. They were courageous. The Mercy Seat is a great read that will have you running the gamut of your emotions. I highly recommend it. I will be reading more of his titles.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

---

About the Author

Mr. Arnold's career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is The Hiding Place. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings. When not writing he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere on the planet. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Henry by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of The Mercy Seat & $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

New Release- The Sweetest Gift by J.E.Grace

 

Christian Contemporary Romance

Book 1 of A Lakeview Falls Romance

Available in Ebook (99c) and also Paperback

Description:

Becca Tate, a talented set designer for a Broadway company, finds herself at a crossroads when she unexpectedly inherits her grandmother's charming house in the quaint town of Lakeview Falls. Fueled by a sense of adventure and longing for a change, Becca courageously quits her job and embarks on a journey to start anew.

However, her fresh start takes an intriguing turn when she uncovers peculiar secrets hidden within the walls of her grandmother's house. Among these discoveries is a collection of enchanting Christmas ornaments.

Meanwhile, Grant Jacobs is confronted with turmoil as he inherits a house and a trove of belongings from a grandfather, he never had the chance to know. Wrestling with unresolved emotions and familial complexities, Grant's path intersects with Becca's, leading to unexpected twists and turns that neither of them could have anticipated.

Set against the backdrop of a charming small-town Christmas, this heartwarming romance explores themes of love, redemption, and the transformative power of the holiday spirit. Becca and Grant embark on a journey of self-discovery and romance that will warm the hearts of readers and leave them believing in the magic of Christmas.

Limited Time 99c

Purchase on Amazon

New Release- Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven's guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family's business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can't bear to lose like that again.

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

Landry Hutton and her daughter, Eliza, have moved to North Carolina to start their life over. Landry finds a job at The Havin, and runs a pottery class but also sells her pottery there.

Never Fall Again has a wonderful setting, lots of interesting characters, along with a family feud that has gone on for years. The storyline is exciting with lots of suspense, relationship tension, and mystery. I loved the playfulness of Eliza and her connection to Cal. A sense of trust, new beginnings, and a future is possible, but not without its pitfalls.

I couldn't put the book down. Always something happening, but with twists I didn't see coming.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Sam Says You Are Born to Shine by Sam Hirschmann

 

 

Join Us for This Tour from Feb 19 to Mar 8

Book Details:

Book Title:  Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine by Sam Hirschmann
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot
Release date:   February 2024
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Shine bright and don’t ever dim your light. These are the words Sam’s mom tells her every night.

When Sam begins at a new school, her classmates make fun of her colorful clothes and vivacious dance moves. Not letting her inner light dim, Sam shows them that the joy you exude when you’re unapologetically yourself is contagious!

In Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine, readers learn the power of expressing their true selves.

Buy the Book:
Mascot ~ Amazon 
B&N ~ BAM
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Sam Hirschmann is the creator and writer of Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine, and is a true dancer of life. After playing Division I volleyball and working on the trading floor in New York City, she decided to take an acting class, which Sam thanks for sparking her journey into seeing life in color.

She left finance to study acting at the William Esper Studio, which took her down the path of finding her true self and how to authentically let her light shine in every situation. While pursuing acting, Sam began teaching Breathwork classes and sharing her insight on social media in hopes of inspiring others to find their joy within and to let their inner light shine.

connect with author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1.      What was the inspiration for the story? The inspiration for this story came from a desire to teach young readers the power and gift in being themselves. This message of “letting your light shine” and never dimming it in hopes of fitting in and being “cool” was to inspire young readers that being themselves is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and to the world. This is a message that I learned the power of as an adult, and I wish I learned it more when I was younger.

2.      How many bookshelves are in your house? Not enough! Currently I have an entire closet filled with books that I would love to be on a bookshelf displayed in my home one day. I love being able to grab books and draw inspiration from them at any moment, so having books in my house is extremely important!

3.      Where do you draw inspiration from? My past. I love looking backwards into my past for inspiration. I find so much inspiration and insight from the life lessons I’ve learned and experiences that have shaped me.

4.       Favorite book when you were a kid. Love From Your Friend, Hannah by Mindy Warshaw Skolsky!!! I was never a big reader as a kid (as I found it hard to read with undiagnosed dyslexia), but this was the only book I read from beginning to end because I couldn’t’t give up on finishing it! Still to this day when I think about this book it brings back memories of tapping into my imagination as I always felt transported into the story line while reading this book. I always wanted to meet Hannah! 

5.       Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover. My illustrator Amelina Jones is extremely talented and was so easy to work with when it came to bringing my ideas for the energy of the illustrations to life. For the cover I really wanted it to feel bright, exciting, and joyful. I wanted whoever came across the book to feel the light and joy Sam was exuding on the cover. I think Amelina nailed it because every time I look at the cover of the book it puts a huge smile on my face. 

MY REVIEW

           This children's book is filled with joy, fun, and friendship. Sam has fun being herself without worrying about being accepted. The story shows that the fun of being yourself can be contagious.

               The inside illustrations are bright and colorful, showing interactions among children that make you smile when you view them. This would be a wonderful book to add to your children's library. It comes with a wonderful encouraging message.

      I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Enter the Giveaway:

SAM SAYS: YOU ARE BORN TO SHINE by Sam Hirschmann Book Tour Giveaway

Blog Tour- Allie's Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Allie's Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Allie's Amish Family Miracle 
Series: The Amish Women of Lawrence County #5
Author: Tracy Fredrychowski
Publisher: The Tracer Group, LLC
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Amish Fiction

Two worlds collide when true love enters an Old Order Amish community. Can this young woman go against tradition and find happiness in forbidden love? 

Allie Mast struggles to fit into her new community. Determined to prove her family wrong, she can't help but notice how her Mennonite background and Reuben's Amish roots are causing tension between their two families. Every family has hurts and deep wounds, but the constant conflict pushes her to a place where she will do anything to get what she wants. 

Reuben Raber has no desire to take over Raber Farms & Produce. When his overbearing mother, Saloma, is set to ruin any hopes of him making a life with Allie, his faith is tested beyond measure, and he experiences a crisis of conviction.  

Can this determined couple find the courage to step out in faith and pursue peace and healing even when persecuted for their unconventional union?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books In This Series

     

MY REVIEW

The setting on the Raber Farm brought the story to life. The story showed me that the Amish although they live a simpler lifestyle, can have family issues similar to ours.

I liked how the characters loved their families and jumped in to help out when they could. They were determined to work together to make the farm profitable. The story had some suspense included which kept me turning the pages.

The characters were well-developed and Allie was a delight, and I enjoyed seeing the change in her throughout the story. I also loved Reuben's growth. A well-written story with enough drama and action to keep it interesting. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly chose to review it. A positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

---

About the Author

Tracy Fredrychowski is a country girl, author, homesteader and everything simple living. She has a passion for writing about the simpler side of life, much like the life she lived growing up in rural Pennsylvania.

Her life has always been intertwined with the Amish, and it’s only fitting that she has a genuine passion for their simplicity, sense of community and God-centered lives. 

Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania she spent her childhood immersed deep in Amish Country. The clip-clop of horse and buggy woke her each morning as Amish men drove past her childhood home on their way to work. As a young woman, she was traumatized by an Amish murder that involved a family member and changed her life forever. 

Even though she currently lives in South Carolina her travels take her through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin’s Amish Country every year. During those stops, she researches the communities she visits and prides herself on writing Amish fiction that truly represents the Amish culture. She considers herself very fortunate to have made friends in those communities and values the information they share and wants nothing more than to represent their lifestyle as accurately as possible. 

Connect with Tracy by visiting tracyfredrychowski.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

What I Promise You by Liz Tolma

 

About the Book

 

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942
Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022
Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

What I Promise You is written in three different timelines from the past to the present time. Surprisingly, the author made it easy to switch back and forth seamlessly. They were all exciting, steeped in mystery and intrigue.

The characters in each timeline are exciting and have lots of layers. The descriptions of the countryside and the camps made me feel as though I was there. I had tears in my eyes while reading the heartbreaking events that took place but was inspired by the character's courage.

There was a twist at the end when everything was finally revealed. I enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it to those who like inspiring and uplifting WW2 stories. A great read overall.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

 

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

 

 

 

 

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

               Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of New Release by Carol J Post- "A New Beginning"

 

Sometimes tragedies are blessings in disguise…
Golden girl Holly Gunderson has always lived a charmed life. She has just finished college, has landed her dream job, and is looking forward to a bright future with her doctor fiancé. When a rape results in pregnancy, her dreams come crashing down around her. She returns home to Murphy, North Carolina, where her parents surprise her with an ultimatum she can’t live with.

Since his beloved boss committed suicide, construction worker Alex Shepherd has spent the past eight months living on his savings while finishing projects for his boss’s financially-strapped widow. He leaves Florida and arrives in Murphy almost broke, ready to move in with his aunt to remodel the fixer-upper she just bought. He’s hoping his stay in Murphy will bring him some peace after a harrowing few months and also help to replenish his bank account. What he doesn’t count on is his aunt’s involvement with the local crisis pregnancy center or her beautiful houseguest’s struggles. Both hit too close to home.

Though Alex and Holly are from opposite ends of the social spectrum, a friendship develops between them, and they find they have more in common than they realize, until deep-seated insecurities drive them apart. But maybe this unplanned stay in the mountains holds healing for both of them, with prospects of a bright future…a new beginning.

To Purchase

My Review

A New Beginning is a beautiful story about two people fighting different battles, but finding they are not so different.

Holly, a victim of a lifetime of bad circumstances seeks understanding and support when her fiance calls off their wedding due to a disagreement that can't be resolved. I loved the strength of Holly to stand by her decisions even though she suffered because of it.

It's a heartwarming and inspirational story of healing, forgiveness, and love. The story shows how God takes bad circumstances and turns them into something good. Loved the ending!

I received an ARC from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.