"Night Sky" Book Trailer and Contest!

"Night Sky"
By Suzanne and Melanie Brockmann
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: Oct 7, 2014

Summary from the publisher:

Sixteen-year-old Skylar Reid is thrown into a strange world when she discovers that she has unique telekinetic and telepathic powers.  After Sasha, the child she babysits, is kidnapped and believed to be murdered, Sky and her best friend Calvin are approached by Dana, a mysterious girl who has super-abilities similar to Sky’s.  With the help of Dana and her sidekick Milo, the four teens embark on a quest to discover who killed Sasha, and to bring the killers to justice.

With Dana as Skylar’s surly and life-toughened mentor, Sky attempts to harness her powers to aid them in their quest. Complicating an already complex relationship with the older girl, Skystarts to fall for the dangerously handsome and enigmatic Milo – and begins to suspect that the attraction is mutual. But then Sky realizes that Sasha might still be alive, and the unlikely foursome’s mission becomes one of search and rescue, pitting the heroic teens against a very deadly enemy.

About the authors:

Suzanne Brockman, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, has won 2 RITA awards, numerous RT Reviewers’ Choice, and RWA’s #1 Favorite Book of the Year three years running. She has written over 50 books, and is widely recognized as a “superstar of romantic suspense” (USA Today). Suzanne and her daughter, Melanie Brockmann, have been creative partners, on and off, for many years. Their first project was an impromptu musical duet, when then-six-month-old Melanie surprised and delighted Suz by matching her pitch and singing back to her. Suzanne splits her time between Florida and Massachusetts while Mel lives in Sarasota, Florida. NIGHT SKY is Mel’s debut and Suzanne’s 55th book. Visit Suzanne at www.SuzanneBrockmann.com.

Book Trailer:





GIVEAWAY RULES

This giveaway is provided for my readers by Sourcebooks Fire. The publisher is responsible for the running of the Rafflecopter and the prizing, I am simply posting the Rafflecopter with permission from the publisher! Contest ends 10/13, please see Terms and Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget for details! Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, the publister will provide prizes for the giveaway winner.

Giveaway and Review: "Mini Myths: Play Nice, Hercules!"

"Mini Myths: Play Nice, Hercules!"
by Joan Holub, Illus. by Leslie Patricelli

Publisher: Abrams Appleseed

Release Date: Sep 16, 2014
Source: sent by author


My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.

My Review:

I recently reviewed the first book in this new board book series for little ones, "Be Patient, Pandora!", and like the first book, this story is based on a Greek myth, retold for toddlers of today. In this installment, little Hercules isn't playing nice. He's being rough with his toys, and even knocks over his little sister's castle of blocks! He's kind of bad, really! But never fear, because Hercules realizes he wasn't playing nice, and helps to fix his mistakes. I think that I may have enjoyed Pandora's story a little bit more, but I think little ones will have fun reading (listening to) this one.

Like the previous book, the illustrations are bright and fun to look at! I think it's cute that Hercules' dad looks a little bit hipster, that makes me smile. Little Hercules and his sister have such expressive faces. You can easily see how they are feeling.


Bottom Line: This is another fun and lively installment of the Mini Myths series of board books. It's great to read a retelling of Greek myths for little ones, which will hopefully spark more interest in classics for childrens in the future.

GIVEAWAY RULES

The author has generously provided an AUTOGRAPHED copy of this book for TWO lucky readers of my blog (one book each for two winners).

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

• US only
• Prizes will be mailed out by the author
• Must be 18 or over 

• Ends Oct 7

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While you're here, check out my giveaway for the first book in this series, "Be Patient, Pandora!"

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway and Review: "Mini Myths: Be Patient, Pandora!"

"Mini Myths: Be Patient, Pandora!"
by Joan Holub, Illus. by Leslie Patricelli

Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Release Date: Sep 16, 2014
Source: sent by author


My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

Ages 1-4, board book. First in series.

When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.

My Review:

What an adorable board book for little ones! The story is based on the Greek myth of Pandora, here little Pandora just can't stand not opening a tempting box even though her mother has told her not to. The beginning is so cute, when she tells the reader that she isn't 'opening' the box, she's just leaning or sitting on it. I can just see little readers (listeners) in this age group doing the exact same thing and testing their limits. The moral of the story is great for kids, that parents will love them unconditionally, even if they make a mistake.

The illustrations are so fun and colorful. Little Pandora  is so expressive. The book itself is a great size, not too big, and not too small for little hands to flip through the pages. I love that the story is based on a classic myth, so children can learn about the classics, and hopefully spark more interest in these stories later on.



Bottom Line: This is such a sweet, fun, and colorful book for toddlers. I think they will identify with Pandora and learn from her as well.





GIVEAWAY RULES

The author has generously provided an AUTOGRAPHED copy of this book for TWO lucky readers of my blog (one book each for two winners).

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

• US only
• Prizes will be mailed out by the author
• Must be 18 or over 

• Ends Oct 7

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While you're here, check out my giveaway for the second book in this series, "Play Nice, Hercules!"

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday 258

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!

This week I chose: 

"The Accidental Highwayman"

by Ben Tripp
Tor Teen
Release Date:  Oct 14, 2014

The Accidental Highwayman is the first swashbuckling adventure for young adults by talented author and illustrator, Ben Tripp. This thrilling tale of dark magic and true love is the perfect story for fans of William Goldman’s The Princess Bride.

In eighteenth-century England, young Christopher “Kit” Bristol is the unwitting servant of notorious highwayman Whistling Jack. One dark night, Kit finds his master bleeding from a mortal wound, dons the man’s riding cloak to seek help, and changes the course of his life forever. Mistaken for Whistling Jack and on the run from redcoats, Kit is catapulted into a world of magic and wonders he thought the stuff of fairy tales.

Bound by magical law, Kit takes up his master’s quest to rescue a rebellious fairy princess from an arranged marriage to King George III of England. But his task is not an easy one, for Kit must contend with the feisty Princess Morgana, goblin attacks, and a magical map that portends his destiny: as a hanged man upon the gallows….

Fans of classic fairy-tale fantasies such as Stardust by Neil Gaiman and will find much to love in this irresistible YA debut by Ben Tripp, the son of one of America’s most beloved illustrators, Wallace Tripp (Amelia Bedelia). Following in his father’s footsteps, Ben has woven illustrations throughout the story.

This sounds so fun! I can't wait!

What are you waiting for this week???

Sunday Shout Out 55

Recently, I introduced a new feature here at In the Hammock on Sundays. It's called "Sunday Shout Out" and it's a place where I can give a special shout out to those publishers and authors who have sent me books over the week, as well as those bloggers who have hosted contests that I've won! I'll also be giving shout outs to any other cool books, blogs or bookish news that I've spotted during the week.

For Review

 "Steampunk: A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens and illus. by Zdenko Basic

 "Reluctantly Royal" by Nichole Chase

"The Governess Club: Sara" by Ellie MacDonald

"Little Bird, Be Quiet" by Kirsten Hall, illus. by Sabina Gibson

While you're here, don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of "Destined for Doon" by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon!

Win "Destined for Doon" Ends Sep 22

What books did you receive this week?

Giveaway and Review: "Destined for Doon"

"Destined for Doon"
by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Publisher: BlinkYA
Release Date: Sep 2, 2014
Source: sent by publicist


My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

The second book in the popular new Doon YA series that takes on a classic story, Brigadoon, and spins it in a new way to give readers a fresh, modern experience.

In this sequel to Doon, Kenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake-choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. Worse, she's received proof she and Duncan are meant to be, along with torturous visions of the prince she left behind. So when Duncan shows up and informs Kenna that Doon needs her, she doesn't need to think twice. But even if Kenna can save the enchanted kingdom, her happily ever after may still be in peril.

My Review:

I have been waiting (and waiting and waiting!) for the sequel to "Doon", since it was one of my favorite books of 2013. "Destined for Doon" did not disappoint! I absolutely loved it, in fact, as much as I enjoyed Doon, I enjoyed this one much more.

In this installment, we get to revisit Veronica and Mackenna, the two leads from the first book, as well as their handsome Scottish suitors, Jamie and Duncan. I really loved Mackenna in the first book and I was thrilled that the sequel focuses on her story, while Veronica takes on a supporting role. Duncan was one of my favorite book boyfriends the first time around, and he is just as fantastic in this book. The story is soooo romantic, I was absolutely swooning on the first few pages. I loved reading about Mackenna and Duncan's journey back to Doon and possibly back to each other.

There are darker forces at play in the second book. There is a dark plague taking over Doon that only Mackenna can see. This definitely adds a spooky and creepy element that was not there in the first book. I really liked this additional facet though, it made the book that much more intense.

Bottom Line: This sequel was definitely worth the wait! It's rare that a sequel is more fantastic than the original, but this is one of those rare gems!





GIVEAWAY RULES

The author has generously provided a copy of this book for a lucky reader of my blog.

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

• US only
• Prizes will be mailed out by the author
• Must be 18 or over 

• Ends Sep 22

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.