Review & Giveaway: The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani

From the bestselling author of Trail of Broken Wings comes an epic story of the unrelenting force of love, the power of healing, and the invincible desire to dream.

Nothing prepares Jaya, a New York journalist, for the heartbreak of her third miscarriage and the slow unraveling of her marriage in its wake. Desperate to assuage her deep anguish, she decides to go to India to uncover answers to her family’s past. Intoxicated by the sights, smells, and sounds she experiences, Jaya becomes an eager student of the culture. But it is Ravi—her grandmother’s former servant and trusted confidant—who reveals the resilience, struggles, secret love, and tragic fall of Jaya’s pioneering grandmother during the British occupation.

Through her courageous grandmother’s arrestingly romantic and heart-wrenching story, Jaya discovers the legacy bequeathed to her and a strength that, until now, she never knew was possible.

Category: Adult Fiction, 399 pages

Genre: Literary

Publisher: Lake Union

Release date: September 2018

Tour dates: June 3 to July 12, 2019

Content Rating: PG-13 (There are some non-explicit sex scenes)

I was attracted to this book not just because of the cover but the location as well.  India is a place that I rarely venture and with my self proclaimed goal to read outside of my usual neighborhoods I jumped at the chance to be part of this blog tour.  I was not disappointed.

The Storyteller's Secret is a dual time period story.  Beginning in the summer of 2000 Jaya is a mess, her life is not going in the direction is hoped and I could feel her despair as she suffers yet another miscarriage.  I have never experienced that so I can only imagine the disappointment and heartache, I felt for Jaya. Add in the mystery of family estrangement where very little is ever said of the reasoning had me intrigued.

Then we have Amisha beginning in the 1930's India, occupied by the British.  Her story was equally captivating where women's role is to serve her husband - who she will meet for the first time at their wedding.  Amisha was a woman ahead of her time but living in a place where they are only valued to service her husband and bear children.

I loved the setting and got a true picture of the country, both the good and the bad. Definitely the author's research showed in her writing, it was atmospheric along with some interesting characters.  They rounded out the story nicely, especially Ravi, he was a favorite of mine.

My thanks to IRead Book Tours for the invite to be part of this blog tour - in exchange for an honest review.

To read more reviews, please visit Sejal Badani's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon.ca ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Amazon.com

Books-a-Million ~ Book Depository ~ Indiebound

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Meet the Author:

A former attorney, Sejal Badani left the law to pursue writing full time.

She is a USA Today, Washington Post & Amazon Charts bestselling author, Goodreads Fiction Award Finalist and ABC/DISNEY Writing Fellowship Finalist.

Connect with the author: 

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

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Ends July 20, 2019

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Review: Inspector Dewey by Kristen Heimerl, illustrated by Irene Bofill ​

My name is Dewey--Inspector Dewey.

I live in the big green house on Hampshire Avenue with my family: Thumper, Lily, and Anna. I am the Big Cat—responsible for keeping everyone safe and in order. I do this quite well, in spite of the fact that managing my family is like, well, herding cats!

Mostly our life is peaceful. But one night it wasn’t. That was the night the bad guy showed up on our block. Of course, I knew exactly how to outsmart the outlaw, but—miserable mullet!—would Anna and the police understand my instructions?

To find out how the adventure ended, you’ll have to read my book. But I’ll give you a hint: there’s a reason I’m called Inspector Dewey.

Fifty percent of the profits from the sale of this book will fund veterinary care for pets whose families are in financial need, so that the animals can remain in their homes and out of the shelter system.

Category:  Children's Fiction,  32 pages Genre:  Mystery Publisher:  Orange Frazer Press Release date:  September 2015 

paperback - from author (thank you)

*****

This is a delightful  book, sure to tickle any child's imagination.  As you can see from the cover above, Inspector Dewey is an interesting cat.  He lives with 2 friends, Lily and Thumper as well as a human friend Anna.  When awoken in the middle of the night by unusual noises Dewey dawns his inspector cap. 

This book is written for the young reader and also makes a pretty good book to read (over and over) to younger ones as well.

The illustrations are bright, colorful enhancing the story perfectly.  The font side is just right with just enough words on each page without feeling crowded or overwhelming.

The authors love of animals is evident with 50% of the proceeds going to pet care for owners in need of financial assistance.

BECAUSE PETS BELONG WITH THEIR PEOPLE™

To learn more, visit threenorwegians.com

Buy the book:   Amazon  ~  Barnes and Noble

Marketing Officer, Strategy Expert, Innovator and Brand Builder, Kristen’s business career spans 20+ years serving the biggest brands in industry and the biggest hearts of start-ups and entrepreneurs. Kristen revels in bringing compelling products and services to life and helping leaders and individuals with big dreams realize their big goals.

Kristen’s life joys include her 2+ year obsession creating the most beautiful self-published picture book possible, the breathtaking forests and lakes of her Minnesota birthplace, the family that really does love her no matter what, and her three magnificent Norwegian Forest Cats who together, with Kristen, helped catch the bad guy on their block that inspired her upcoming book (stake out and high speed chase included!)

She holds a master of science in eCommerce from Carnegie Mellon University, an MBA from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, and a BA from the University of St. Thomas. As the great transformer in her life, Kristen supports others’ education and literacy as an adjunct professor of business and strategy and, more recently, through her children’s book, Inspector Dewey (Available September 2015).

Kristen’s site for her work “Inspector Dewey” will be premiering on May 31st, 2015. In addition, you can read more about Kristen’s work at threenorwegians.com, also live on May 31st.

Connect with Kristen:   Website  ~   Facebook Author  ~   Facebook Inspector Dewey  

Aug 31 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

Aug 31 - Christy's Cozy Corners - review / giveaway

Aug 31 - Tragically Dull Adventures of an Almost Librarian - review

Sept 1 -  View from the Birdhouse - review / giveaway

Sept 2 -  A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway

Sept 3 -  The Cheshire Cat's Looking Glass - review / giveaway

Sept 4 -  Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway

Sept 7 - Tales of the Marvelous - review / guest post

Sept 8 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway

Sept 9 - Roughseasinthemed - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 10 - Collecting Moments - review / author interview

Sept 11 - A Splendid Messy Life - review / giveaway

Sept 14 - Kimber Leigh Writes - review / giveaway

Sept 15 - Book Loving Hippo - review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 16 - Bookworm for Kids - review / giveaway

Sept 17 - Tea and a Book - review / author interview

Sept 18 - Thoughts in Progress - review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 21 - Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers - review / giveaway

Sept 22 - Experiencing Parenthood - review

Sept 23 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway

Sept 24 - Mochas, Mysteries and Meows - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 25 - Create With Joy - review / giveaway

Sept 25 - JBronder Book Reviews - review / guest post

Sept 26 - Writers and Authors - review

Sept 28 - One Frugal Girl - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 29 -  Just One More Chapter - review

Sept 30 - Jessica Cassidy - review / author interview / giveaway

Oct 1 - Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews - review

Oct 1 - The Pen and Muse Book Reviews - review / author interview / giveaway

Oct 2 - Jorie Loves a Story - review / guest post

Oct 2 - Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! - review

Review/Giveaway: No Poverty between the sheets: A Memoir by Pauline Kiely

 This book documents the strong ties that bind generations together. When the author poses the question to her Irish Granny, "If you were so poor why did you have ten children?" Says she, "To be certain, there was no poverty between the sheets!" This sassy saga of a large family that is half Irish and half French Canadian captures hilarious voices and comical antics of a vibrant family that is cloaked in love. A horse theme and song lyrics are neatly knitted throughout the layers of generations. 

229 pages Published August 27th 2013

 by Stone's Throw Publication Services  

print copy provided as part of tour

*** (I liked it)

No Poverty Between the Sheets is a memoir of life in Ontario, a half French Canadian and half Irish family spanning 4 generations and traveling between Ireland and Canada.  Living in Ontario myself it's always fun and interesting to read these types of books.  Places I can visualize and others I can say 'hey I've been there'.

With 10 kids there are lots of stories to tell.  The author has displayed her enjoyment in retelling these tales, the pictures dispersed throughout were a nice touch and added much to this book.  Very nice to read about a large close family, the fun and laughter even during hard times

There were spelling and grammatical issues that I found distracting, but all in all an entertaining read.

Pauline Kiely has been an avid student of Creative Writing her entire life. This author has consistently taken various courses and workshops offered at University of Toronto and Trent Universities. A year long memoir course with Susan Reynolds brought out this witty honest voice that shoots straight from the hip aiming for the heart.

Connect with the author:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

 











Aug 10 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway
Aug 11 - Life as Leels - review
Aug 12 - I'd Rather Be at the Beach - review / giveaway
Aug 13 - 100 Pages a Day - review / giveaway
Aug 14 - Book and Ink - review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 17 - Girl with Camera - review / giveaway
Aug 18 - Just One More Chapter - review / giveaway
Aug 19 - The World As I See It - review / giveaway
Aug 20 - One Frugal Girl - review / giveaway  
Aug 21 - Deal Sharing Aunt - review / giveaway
Aug 24 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review
Aug 25 - 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 26 - Cheryl's Book Nook - book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 27 - prettypandareads - review 
Aug 28 - Laura Fabiani - Top 500 Amazon.ca Reviewer - review

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Her Sister’s Shoes by Ashley Farley (review & giveaway)

Set in the South Carolina Lowcountry and packed with Southern charm and memorable characters, Her Sister’s Shoes is the story of three sisters—Samantha, Jackie, and Faith—who struggle to balance the demands of career and family while remaining true to themselves.

Samantha Sweeney has always been the glue that holds her family together, their go-to girl for love and support. When an ATV accident leaves her teenage son in a wheelchair, she loses her carefully constructed self-control.

In the after-gloom of her dreaded fiftieth birthday and the discovery of her husband’s infidelity, Jackie realizes she must reconnect with her former self to find the happiness she needs to move forward.

Faith lacks the courage to stand up to her abusive husband. She turns to her sisters for help, placing all their lives at risk.

In the midst of their individual challenges, the Sweeney sisters must cope with their mother’s mental decline. Is Lovie in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or is her odd behavior normal for a woman her age? No one, including Lovie, understands her obsession with a rusty key she wears around her neck.

For fans of Elin Hildebrand, Her Sister’s Shoes is a contemporary women’s novel that explores and proves the healing power of family.

Paperback, 380 pages

Published June 24th 2015 by Leisure Time Books 

paperback provided as part of this tour

****

Her Sister's Shoes is a story revolving around the lives of three sisters.  It's a book about relationships not just between sisters but mother/son, wife/husband and mother/daughter.  Each of these sisters are unique with their own secrets and struggles.

Sam, the oldest, tries to be the strong one, helping everyone while dealing with her own issues.  The single mother of a troubled teenage is hard enough but add his own emotional issues is sending her over the edge.

Faith doesn't want to admit how bad her life is until she has no choice.  The repercussions put the whole family in danger, how did it get so out of hand and how will she cope?

Jackie has the picture perfect life, but does she really? 

Each of these sisters is portrayed in a realistic and believable manner.  What I liked about this book was the fact the issues being dealt with here are what happens in real life, making it easy to relate.  The author wrote a book that I had a hard time putting down, she made me care about not just these 3 ladies but the rest of the family as well.  I liked the added mystery to this story, the rusty key hanging around their mothers neck.  Is there really meaning to it or just an obsession?

Ashley Farley is a new author to me and I liked her writing style.  Even though this book jumped from different points of view it was done in a manner that flowed nicely without disrupting the story.

Thank you to iRead Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to be part of this tour.

Ashley Farley is a wife and mother of two college-aged children. She grew up in the salty marshes of South Carolina, but now lives in Richmond, Virginia, a city she loves for its history and traditions.

After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of releasing her pent-up emotions. She wrote SAVING BEN in honor of Neal, the boy she worshipped, the man she could not save. SAVING BEN is not a memoir, but a story about the special bond between siblings.

When she's not working on her next novel, HER SISTER'S SHOES, scheduled for release in July of 2015, she can be found book blogging at www.chroniclesofavidreaders.com

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Giveaway:​

​

Prizes: 

Enter to win one of 3 prizes: 1st prize: Beach bag with goodies that includes a beach towel, Stay Calm and Buy more Shoes t-shirt, set of cosmetic bags with samples, and an insulated cup. 2nd prize : $25 Amazon gift card, 3rd prize: $25 Amazon gift card (Open to USA & Canada) Ends July 25

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Tour Schedule:

June 29 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway
June 29 - The World As I See It - review / giveaway
June 29 - Story Matters - review / giveaway
June 30 - Peeking Between the Pages - review / giveaway
July 1 - Mary-andering Creatively - review / giveaway
July 2 - A simple Life, really!? - review
July 2 - 3 Partners in Shopping - review / giveaway
July 3 - Kritters Ramblings - review
July 6 - From Isi - review
July 6 - Deal Sharing Aunt - review / giveaway
July 7 - A soccer Mom's Book Blog - review / giveaway
July 7 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway
July 8 - Bless Their Hearts Mom - review / guest post / giveaway
July 9 - StoreyBook Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway
July 10 - Sarah Rehmatullah - review
July 13 - Did YOU Hear About the Morgans? - review
July 13 - The Autistic Gamer - review 
July 14 -Just One More Chapter - review / giveaway
July 15 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review
July 16 - Zerina Blossom's Books - review / giveaway
July 17 - Jorie Loves a Story - review
July 17 - Jessica Cassidy - review / author interview / giveaway

 

The Great Pyramid of Cydonia (Aoleon The Martian Girl #5) by Brent LeVasseur

Aoléon, Gilbert, Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot make it to their final destination - Cydonia where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive. They infiltrate a secret underground base and are confronted by a small army of sentrybots.


Bizwat lends Aoléon and Gilbert some of his advanced combat skills via a psionic brain dump. However, this may not be enough to save them from overwhelming hostile forces that will do anything to stop them.

They finally meet Pax - the Martian who originally set them out on the mission to discover the truth about the Luminon and his plans to invade Earth. However Pax is not who he seems to be, and through a turn of events, they uncover the true power behind all that has been happening on Mars.

Will they be able to rescue Aoléon’s parents and save Earth from invasion?

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in the conclusion to this exciting middle-grade science fiction and fantasy adventure!
 

Kindle Edition

Published February 1st 2015 by Aoléon Press

ebook provided as part of tour 

 

This past month I have been reviewing all 5 parts to this little gem of a series, today's post will be the final one.  As I write this review I must say that it was the illustrations that really brought this story to life.  It is one thing to read the words and draw a picture in your mind but it's another to see them.  The author himself did the graphics and they are stellar.

The Great Pyramid of Cydonia finishes this series off nicely.  Though I am not usually a science fiction fan I am a fan of MG and YA fiction, which this series fit perfectly.  The author not just opened the imagination of the reader, but managed to create a bond with Aoleon and Gilbert (aw well as Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot)  The plot was executed with the right amount of humor and lots of adventure.  This final book was not drawn out, there were the twists and turns that always adds suspense and lots of page turning.

 

I highly recommend this series to not just MG age but all ages.  Thank you to IRead Book Tours for asking me to be part of this tour.

 

 

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl

Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 4 by Brent LeVasseur

Science Fiction Series Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 4 Illegal Aliens (Part 4 of 5)

Aoléon and Gilbert have become the Luminon’s top priority in stopping the Martian resistance movement, and after being chased by the Royal Paladin Guard, they are forced to flee the Martian Megalopolis. Aoléon, Gilbert and Zoot escape with the help of Bizwat and his newly found friend, Helios, a first generation soldierbot.

After their saucer is destroyed, they crash land somewhere in the deep Martian desert, and they set out to locate Kyrios and the secret base where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive.

After battling the forces of nature, starvation, a Klyklon dust storm, (and not to mention a giant slor that almost swallows them alive), they finally make it to their destination. However, after Kyrios gives Gilbert some basic training to develop his budding psionic power, they learn that their journey is far from over.

Will Aoléon, Glbert, Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot be able to rescue Aoléon’s parents and stop the Martian invasion of Earth in time?

Read part 4 to find out!

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in this exciting middle school sci-fi adventure!
 

Kindle Edition

Published February 1st 2015 by Aoléon Press 

***1/2

This the 4th book in series had a different feel to it then the previous third.  Maybe not as witty or colorful, but it was still a good read.  It is like the author is setting up for the final battle to come in the concluding chapters.  Not just focusing on Aoleon and Gilbert's plight, we get a glimpse of what is happening not just on earth but at different locations in Mars.  I finished this book anxious to find out what is going to happen here, especially with Gilbert.  Does he stay, does he go back home?  It was nice to finally see him thinking about his family and wondering about what is going on in their minds right now.

This book is still illustrated with bright and interesting pictures that enhanced Illegal Aliens, but they weren't as large and plentiful this time around.  Not that I am complaining or saying that in a negative way, this did not impede the story at all or take away from my enjoyment. I still recommend an iPad or color ereader to take advantage of the full affect.

Please note that this is not a standalone books, you really need to start at the beginning.

 

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Aoleon The Martian Girl - Part 3 The Hollow Moon by Brent LeVasseur

Science Fiction Series - Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 3 The Hollow Moon (Part 3 of 5)

Aoléon and Gilbert investigate the Luminon to try and uncover the plot to invade Earth to steal it’s milk cows. In the process, they discover a disturbing revelation about the Martian leader. After overhearing the Luminon discuss his plans to use sabotage to disrupt Mars’s galact supply, the duo races to try and warn Aoléon’s father Deimos, who is a manager at the galactworks plant before the saboteur can act.

Meanwhile, Aoleon has to take her pilots exam, which would enable her to eventually join the Martian intergalactic explorational fleet. However, during the test-run, something goes horribly wrong. The two are put in a life threatening situation that only Bizwat, a Procyon commando, and Aoléon’s friend can save them from.

Gilbert finally gets his chance to learn to skyboard. However, things go horribly wrong and they are chased by the Royal Paladin guard.

Will they survive?

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in this exciting middle-grade scifi adventure story to Mars and beyond!

Kindle Edition

Published February 1st 2015 by Aoléon Press

ebook provided as part of this tour 
*** 1/2 

Picking up right where The Luminess of Mars left off the action continues for Aoleon and Gilbert in this the third book of The Martian Girl series.  Things have taken a turn and they have discovered the plot to invade Earth and why.  With some new twists and turns I enjoyed watching Gilbert adjust to the way of life on Mars and now with the added danger I am looking forward to the final 2 books in this series.

Please see my previous 2 reviews pertaining to books one and two.  There really isn't a lot extra that I can add to this review, other then that the story continues with action, adventure and mayhem.  With middle grade/children in mind this series also appeals to an older audience.

Again the illustrations are bright and continue on nicely with this part of the story. I am reading on my  iPad to take full advantage of the color pictures, this I highly recommend or read on your computer.  Definitely not a stand alone story, they should be read in sequence to get full enjoyment.

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.


Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl