Needles the Forgotten Christmas Tree by Richard Wagner Book Tour, Author Interview & Review

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Needles the Forgotten Christmas Tree by Richard Wagner
Category:  Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Mascot
Release date:   Mar 7, 2023
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

***** MOM'S CHOICE GOLD AWARD WINNER *****

Book Description:

The world is not always perfect. A scraggly little tree named Needles must endure taunts, criticism, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree.

This is a story of hope, dreams, desires, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder . . . and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect!

Buy the Book:
(release date March 2023)
(pre-order now)
Mascot Amazon ~ B&N

My Review

5 stars

The concept for Needles the Forgotten Christmas tree is magical. The storyline is one that teaches a lesson that we all have worth regardless of what we look like on the outside. To never give up.

The story is easy to read and would hold the attention of any child due to the wonderful illustrations in bright colors. The drawings add lots of life to the story. 

Even when things weren't working out and Needles didn't seem to be getting a family to take him home, he never gave up.  The lessons a child could learn from this well-written story could inspire them to be the best they can be.  Very inspirational and inspiring children's book.  I agree with the author.  The illustrator nailed it and the collaboration between the author and the illustrator created a wonderful book with a beautiful message that all children need to hear.

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

Julie

Meet the Author:

Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was 14-years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday.

Author's Website

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What made you write this book?

       When I was  14, a business associate of my father's delivered a small Christmas tree to our home as a thank-you. However, we already had a large tree decorated in the living room. We tried to find someone to take the tree but to no avail. That little tree sat by itself by the side of the house for the remainder of the holidays. I always felt sorry for that little tree, and for many years I wanted to write a story about what might have been.

Is the story based on real people in your life?

   Not really. As the story unfolded, the characters in the story just sort of fell into place to make the story work.  My goal was to create a situation that was uplifting in the end.

Your book seems to have several messages to children?

     Yes. I believe a children's book should constitute life lessons and be inspiring. The teachable lessons in this story deal with hopes and dreams, determination in the face of great odds, and the virtue of never giving up. In addition, the idea that what one person or group may not find appealing, another person may find beautiful.

Is this your first book?

     Yes.

Have you enjoyed the process?

     To some extent. Writing the initial story was not complicated. Deciding on a publisher was more effort. However, the hardest part was finding a good illustrator that was willing to buy into my concept of the book.

What was that concept?

      I wanted illustrations that were elegant, not cartoonish. It was important that Needles look like a real tree, and that his emotions be defined by how the tree looked, whether it was standing tall or drooping, etc.  I think that Sydni Kuger nailed it.     

Enter the Giveaway:

NEEDLES THE FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS TREE Book Tour Giveaway

Are You a Pineapple by Kathryn A. Zolman Book Tour

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   May, 2022
Content Rating:  G. Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Kevin has a beautiful new puppy! But what should he name her? He wants to find a name that is unique, just like her. Kevin knows the puppy is special, but he’s about to find out just how smart she is when she helps Kevin choose her own name!

My Review

Are You a Pineapple is a good book for very young children. The storyline is all about a new puppy that Kevin desperately tries to name. After many tries, the puppy finally responds to his name.

The illustrations are well-drawn and the bright colors would catch the eye of any young child. It's an easy-to-read story that a brother or sister could read to a younger sibling. The simple message is one any child can understand.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N 
BAM ~ indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
Mascot Books
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Kathryn A. Zolman never expected to write a children’s book, but when Pineapple came into her life and she heard the story of how this sweet, smart dog got her name, she thought it would make a fun book for parents to read to their children. Pineapple is a Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd, Chow mix, and much like a real pineapple, she knows how to stand tall and is very sweet on the inside!

Kathryn is an avid dog lover. Along with her husband and daughter, they have raised three Doberman Pinschers, each with their own unique personality and character. Kathryn is an advocate for not only raising children to respect all animals, but also to be thankful for the pure joy that they bring to our lives. In writing this book, Kathryn seeks to spread a positive message and hopes it will help children express more gratitude in their lives.

Q&A Author Interview

 

Q: What made you write a book about Pineapple?

               A: When I heard the story from Kevin, Pineapple’s owner, about how he came up with her name, I fell in love with the tale! I loved everything about it! I could visualize the story in my head and thought it would be such a fun book for parents to read to their children. That it’s based on a true story, makes it even more special!

Q: How long did it take you to write the story?

               A: It took approximately two months to write, edit, and format it in a manuscript style that I felt comfortable sending to publishers. Since the book is based on a true story, the bulk of the content wrote itself. I did try to add positive words or phrases in my writing. I wanted the book to be fun to read, but also convey positivity.

Q: How did you decide on an illustrator for your book?

               A: Mascot Books works with some very talented artists! I reviewed the work of several of them and narrowed it down to three that we sent photos of Pineapple to for a rendering. I absolutely loved the way Walter Policelli depicted Pineapple! I feel like he was able to capture her personality perfectly and the way she holds her ears out away from her head. He did a phenomenal job with all the illustrations!

Q: How would you explain your journey of becoming a published author?

               A: Exciting! Overwhelming at times! The process from initial concept to book in hand was a fantastic learning experience. Mascot Books and Foreward Publicity have been great partners in the journey! I never expected to be a children’s book author, but I am very thankful the publisher liked my story!

Q: What advice would you give budding writers?

               A: My main advice would be to not give up! If you have a great idea for a book and can visualize the pages before writing it, give it a try! Do some research on typing manuscripts and finding the right publisher, but anything is possible!

Q: What is your next project?

               A: I’m being urged to write a second Pineapple book. Some people say it should be a book series. Pineapple was extremely smart and very adventurous, so the content practically writes itself, but I just don’t know if I’m up for the challenge. At the moment, I don’t have any plans to write another book.

 

connect with the author: instagram  

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Enter the Giveaway

ARE YOU A PINEAPPLE? Book Tour Giveaway

Review of A Daughter's Courage by Misty M. Beller & Blog Tour

 

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Courage

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2022

Her quest to repair what’s been broken leads to imminent danger–and soon it’s more than her own life on the line.

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can’t leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains—or it could be the downfall of them both.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Damien, a trapper, finds Charlotte alone on the mountain. Determined not to let her travel alone, he agrees to escort to the fort. Charlotte's not sure but decides to let him accompany her.

The story is about a budding romance between Damien and Charlotte. They learn to lean on and trust one another. There are times of unexpected peril which need strength from God and prayers for them to pull through. There is forgiveness, disappointment, unconditional love, and increased faith. Lots of mystery and a very unexpected ending which wrapped everything up nicely.

Another great read from Misty Beller, who never lets her readers down. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

Behind the Scenes of A Daughter’s Courage

I always love stories where the characters are on a journey, and I knew that’s exactly what the characters in this book would be doing. Our heroine, Charlotte, is the younger sister of the heroine in book 1 of this series, and we’ve gotten to know her a little better with each book. Her mother died when she was young, and she’s been the homemaker for their little family for over a decade now, never straying farther from the village than the berry patches in the next valley over. So I knew it would take something big to get her away from Laurent for the journey I had in mind for this story. Something lifechanging.

Our hero is a trapper who left the larger group he’d been traveling with to strike out on his own. I knew it would take a considerable amount of tragedy to make a man seek such complete aloneness. Damien has his trusty mule Gulliver with him, so I guess he’s not completely alone, but he’s definitely hoping to stay far away from people. As I uncovered the pain that brought him to this point, my heart broke for him and all the loss he experienced.

I love the way Charlotte’s need and the fierce mountain snowstorm drew Damien from his grief and gave him new purpose. Watching him come back to life and grasp onto God’s love for him was so inspiring!

Blessings!

Misty

                    Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 5

Holly’s Book Corner, December 5

Book Looks by Lisa, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 6

deb’s Book Review, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Betti Mace, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 9

Remembrancy, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 12

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 13

Splashes of Joy, December 14

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Through the Fire Blogs, December 15

                     Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/22ec7/a-daughter-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spotlight for Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder

 

 

About the Book

Book: Beneath His Silence

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. 

She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 

More from Hannah

People always ask me what inspired a story. Where did I get the idea? Who was my inspiration? What true-life event motivated these characters into existence?

And the truth is, I don’t know. I’ve never known. When I was younger, I’d look clueless and shrug my shoulders. A few years ago, I would have probably answered “people”—and maybe there’s truth in that. People do inspire me. The way they walk, the places they go, the things they do, the way they dress.

But lately…well, I think it’s more than that. I don’t think it’s people so much as feelings. The nitty-gritty. The raw emotions, caught deep in someone’s chest, at the most pivotal points in their life.

Like the old man seated at a booth, alone in a restaurant, with his veiny hands cupping a mug of coffee. It’s not his shabby fedora that inspires me. Or the knotty cane leaned against his seat. Or the envelope stuffed into the pocket of his woolen overcoat.

It’s the look on his face. The slow blinking, the red nose, the flash of moisture as he takes another sip of coffee. Why does he sit alone? Who left him? Who caused the tears? What emotions render that lost, helpless, longing expression—and how will he cope?

If you would ask me what inspired Beneath His Silence, I probably wouldn’t have much of an answer. No concrete idea or moment would rush to remembrance. If anything, inspiration for Beneath His Silence was nothing more than a small thought. A feeling. 

I wanted to write about a girl who learned to love someone she hated. I wanted to explore every aspect. The poison of her hate. The weight it pressed into her heart. The process—slow, startling, and healing—that sucked out that poison and replaced it with something unexpected. Love.

I guess that’s what I love about writing. Not the people. The characters. Not even the storylines and the plot twists and the fun settings.

I love the emotion. That’s what inspires me.

And if you find yourself in the pages of Beneath His Silence, I hope it will inspire you too.

                Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

To Everything There Is A Season, November 29

Where Faith And Books Meet, November 30

Inklings and notions, November 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 30

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 1

Betti Mace, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 4

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 5

Rebecca Tews, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 7

Through the Fire Blogs, December 8

Holly’s Book Corner, December 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 9 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Blog, December 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, December 9

Pause for Tales, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 11

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a 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/22ccf/beneath-his-silence-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Christmas Crime CoverUp by Dana Mentink

 

 

About the Book

Book: Christmas Crime Cover-Up

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre:Inspy Suspense

Release date: November 29, 2022

From USA TODAY bestselling author Dana Mentink…

A violent attack

Isn’t the homecoming she expected.

When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it’s a sign she never should have returned. Now she’s stuck on Seth Castillo’s ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey—and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer’s twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay…if they live through the holidays?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Book 5: Christmas Crime Cover-Up
Book 6: Targeted in the Desert

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts on the Book

Another great story from Dana Mentink. The storyline is exciting, filled with suspense, danger, and romance. I loved the growing faith that Nora finds as she gets to know Seth.

The family ties between Seth & Nora's family showed how they pulled together in good as well as bad times. The ending was even more than I expected and wrapped up everything nicely. This author has never failed to provide and exciting and inspirational suspense. This is no exception.

I received a ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.) Her monthly newsletter features plenty of goodies, gab and giveaways. https://www.subscribepage.com/b8q0y5

 

More from Dana

Well here we go! Book five in the Desert Justice series features Nora (Chief Jude’s estranged sister), a wild donkey who needs rescuing, and a crime from the past that intrudes into the present. Twisty, right? I was inspired to write this story after visiting Death Valley and learning about the feral donkeys which inhabit the region. They’re cute, visitors love them, but the burros can encounter health problems and cause environmental damage if they aren’t settled into a safe area. It’s amazing to me that wild donkeys are adept at detecting underground water sources. They dig “wells” which can benefit many thirsty animals. Fascinating, right? Hope you’ll enjoy meeting Bubbles the donkey and the helpful humans who rescue her in this novel. God bless and thanks for reading!

                Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

deb’s Book Review, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

Texas Book-aholic, December 4

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 4

Betti Mace, December 5

Genesis 5020, December 5

Bizwings Blog, December 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 6

Bigreadersite, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Daysong Reflections, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Empowermoms, December 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

For Him and My Family, December 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Blogging With Carol, December 13

Vicky Sluiter, December 13

For the Love of Literature, December 14

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 14

Cover Lover Book Review, December 15

Simple Harvest Reads, December 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Labor Not in Vain, December 16

                     Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! 

Click the link below to enter.

tps://promosimple.com/ps/22ec8/christmas-crime-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway