#MMBBR #FirstLine #Showcase #RunAway by @HarlanCoben via #partner #GrandCentralPublishing

#FirstLine ~ Simon sat on a bench in Central Park - in Strawberry Fields, to be more precise - and felt his heart shatter.

A perfect family is shattered in RUN AWAY, the new thriller from the master of domestic suspense, Harlan Coben.

You've lost your daughter.

She's addicted to drugs and to an abusive boyfriend. And she's made it clear that she doesn't want to be found.

Then, by chance, you see her playing guitar in Central Park. But she's not the girl you remember. This woman is living on the edge, frightened, and clearly in trouble.

You don't stop to think. You approach her, beg her to come home.

She runs. 

And you do the only thing a parent can do: you follow her into a dark and dangerous world you never knew existed. Before you know it, both your family and your life are on the line. And in order to protect your daughter from the evils of that world, you must face them head on.

With over 60 million books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben’s last seven consecutive novels, MISSING YOU, SIX YEARS, STAY CLOSE, LIVE WIRE, CAUGHT, LONG LOST and HOLD TIGHT all debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and lists around the world. His books are published in 43 languages around the globe.

Coben is the winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – and he has received an eclectic variety of honors from all over the world. His novel TELL NO ONE has been turned into a hit French film of the same name. His essays and columns have appeared in many top publications. 

Harlan was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #youmeandthesea by @megdonohue via #partner @WmMorrowBooks who provided a #free #reviewcopy #NewRelease #PubDay #MustRead #5stars

You, Me, and the Sea by Meg Donohue

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ On the morning of the party, rain hit the bedroom windows in blustery waves.

I love Donohue. She writes books that touch the reader deep down, books that resonate, books that stay with the reader long after they finish...You, Me and the Sea is a book that is all of those things and more. I loved it cover to cover. It was original, refreshing and so engrossing. The dialogue is spot on, the pacing is perfection and the characters are those you may never forget. A must read for ALL. Another hit by a master storyteller!

View all my reviews

#MMBBR #Review #Giveaway #IfIWereAParkRanger by @Catherine_Stiervia #partner @barbfisch @blueslipper and @AlbertWhitman ‏who provided a #free #reviewcopy and #prizing for this giveaway #NationalParkWeek #FindYour Park #EncuentraTuParque

If you were a national park ranger, you'd spend every day in one of the most treasured places in America. You'd have an amazing job protecting animals, the environment, and our country's natural and historical heritage, from the wilds of Denali to the Statue of Liberty!

************************************************************************

If I Were a Park Ranger by Catherine Stier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fantastic. It not only highlights the amazing national parks from across America, but also highlights those that protect, help and educated within those parks. I loved the illustrations, they really helped bring the parks to life and create a curiosity of travel, exploration, conservation and the joy of being outside for readers both young and old. I just adored this book and know that readers will be amazed by the beauty that lies within these parks, plus they will understand that these parks need our protection. A great book for home and school! View all my reviews

************************************************************************

As a child, Catherine Stier wanted to be an author or park ranger. She visited her first national park as a baby and has been a fan ever since. She is the author of If I Were President and several other award-winning picture books, and has worked as a magazine writer, newspaper columnist, writing instructor, and children's literature researcher. She lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and volunteers with programs that connect families and children with nature and the outdoors. To learn more, and to download free activity sheets and curriculum guides, visit her website: catherinesier.com. Twitter: @Catherine_Stier Patrick Corrigan was born in the north of England and grew up drawing and designing. After University, he was an art director in a design studio for nearly ten years. He now lives in London with his wife and cat, illustrating children's books. ************************************************************************

Celebrate National Parks Week April 20-28!

#NationalParkWeek #FindYour Park #EncuentraTuParque

************************************************************************

Giveaway!

Ten lucky winners will receive a copy of If I Were A Park Ranger by Catherine Stier. One Grand Prize winner will receive a signed copy of the book PLUS a Park Ranger Stuffed Doll, a “National Park Geek” Iron-on Patch, National Park Animal Cookies, Camping Stickers, Woodland Animal Mini Notebook, and Book Cover Postcards! Winners will be selected at random and notified via email. One entry per person, please. US addresses only. Entries are due by 5/3/19. Follow this link to enter!

************************************************************************

#MMBBR #Giveaway #Review #WeAreNotFriends by @annakang27 @chrisweyant05 via #partner @barbfisch @blueslipper and #TwoLions who provided a #free #reviewcopy and #prizing for this giveaway

********************************************************************

Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small as well as series titles That’s (Not) Mine, I Am (Not) Scared, and We Are (Not) Friends. They also wrote and illustrated Eraser, which was recently honored with The Christopher Award, Can I Tell You a Secret?, and Will You Help Me Fall Asleep? Christopher’s work can also be seen in The New Yorker, and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their rescue dog. 

Visit them at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.

Twitter: @annakang27 @chrisweyant05

Instagram: annakangbooks; christopherweyant   

Facebook: Anna Kang - Author; Christopher Weyant

********************************************************************

We Are Not Friends by Anna Kang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A darling book about friends and how when a new friend joins in things can get a bit complicated. But there best friends figure out how to make it work. With bright and fun illustration and simple text new and emerging readers will find success reading this book. Parents will love reading it with enthusiasm and flair! A great book for the whole family!

********************************************************************

Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a copy of We Are (Not) Friends, courtesy of Two Lions
(U.S. addresses).

 TO ENTER: 

Leave a comment telling me what you are your friends like to do together and please provide your email address so I can contact you if you win!

*********************************************************************

View all my reviews

********************************************************************

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #BeforeSheWasFound by @hgudenkauf #NewRelease #MustRead

Before She Was Found by Heather Gudenkauf

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ The air is cold, but she barely notices.

This book is AMAZING! I love a good thriller and a good mystery. This book is not only good, it is GREAT. I think I can safely say Before She Was Found is one of my all time favorite books ever in this genre, possibly in my top 10 books of all time. It was so perfectly plotted. Each character critical to the story, each unique and compelling. I was totally blown away by the ending and DID NOT see it coming. I could not stop reading and nearly read this book in one day because I NEEDED to know how it would end. It was intense, paced perfectly and the multiple points of view added remarkable depth of both the story and the characters. It was one that is a MUST for book clubs. I also would love to see this book made into a movie or a mini series. It has all the makings of a award winning show. Pick up this book right away and plan to get completely engrossed in this book!

View all my reviews

#MMBBR #ReviewRoundUp via #partner @NatGeo @NGKids @MediaMastersP who provided #free #reviewcopies

**********************************************************************

NEW SERIES ALERT! First Board Book: Animals on the Go and Space with by Ruth A. Musgraves (May 2019, 0-3, $7.99)  National Geographic spins off its best-selling Little Kids First Big Book series into engaging new board books to introduce even the littlest kids to high-quality nonfiction. In Animals On the Go photos of wildlife in action introduce babies and toddlers to creatures that creep, crawl, hop, slither and soar while Space introduces the very youngest explorers to the wonders of the solar system beginning right here on Earth and expanding into the universe beyond. Not only will readers learn about animals and space, they can also find recurring shapes and patterns in the design; occasional callouts will add humor for adults, and sidebar text offers additional learning for older siblings or those ready for more complex information.

MY REVIEW: This new series is amazing! I loved both of these colorful board books. Space allows new and young readers to blast off into space and learn about space basics. It is a great book to learn all about what happens up high in the sky. In Animals On the Go, you get to tag along with some of natures greatest animals while they hop, slide and swing their way into your heart! Great books for young and new readers while teaching them new and interesting facts.

 **********************************************************************

Little Larry Goes to School: The True Story of a Timid Chimpanzee Who Learned to Reach New Heights   by Gerry Ellis with Mary Rand Hess (March 2019, ages 4-8, $16.99)  A true story of Little Larry, an orphaned chimpanzee who was once afraid to climb trees, but learned to be brave. Nestled in a primate sanctuary in Cameroon, Little Larry and his group of chimp friends go to the school each day to learn how to play, communicate, and climb like they would if they were chimps in the wild. The only trouble is, Little Larry doesn't want to learn how to climb. He's perfectly happy on the ground. Will the sanctuary keepers and other chimpanzees be able to teach Little Larry how to explore, keep trying, and gain the confidence he needs to climb high and graduate from forest school?  Featuring photographs from award wining photographer Gerry Ellis this is a perfect read-aloud tale for children reluctant to try new things, preparing to enter kindergarten, or starting preschool for the very first time.

MY REVIEW: Little Larry Goes to School by Gerry Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazing! I fell in love with Larry the minute I saw his sweet face. His story is one that I will not soon forget. I loved reading about his journey; from injury and then about his life at the sanctuary. I love seeing the darling relationships that were formed and how resilient little Larry was. I think kids and adults need to be aware of the ways we can help injured animals and help protect chimpanzees! A wonderful book for home or school. A sweet and special memorable story that the whole family will love.

 **********************************************************************

 

Brother, Sister, Me and You by Mary Quattlebaum (March 2019, ages 2-5, $16.99)  From playing to tumbling to cuddling, this playful nonfiction picture book pairs rhythmic, rhyming text with adorable photographs as it explores sibling relationships in the animal kingdom.  Little ones will delight in the similarities lion, turtle, and even bee siblings have with human brothers and sisters in this charming read-aloud book. Interesting facts about each featured animal are provided for further learning and an afterword by noted early child development expert Dr. Tovah P. Klein, called the "toddler whisperer" by Good Morning America, provides tips to parents for nurturing sibling harmony. Beyond cute, it's the perfect gift for little kids with a new brother or sister on the way. 

MY REVIEW: Brother, Sister, Me and You by Mary Quattlebaum

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An adorable book with rhyming text that highlights the bonds in both the animal world and human world. It has beautiful photographs that bring the young reader into the life of the animals and humans pictured. It is also a great book to get kids moving, as they can act out the actions in the book! A fabulous read and one that kids and adults will love. 

**********************************************************************

 

First Big Book of Science by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfield (March 2019, ages 4-8, $14.99) The best selling First Big Book series by National Geographic Kids is one of their most popular and this Spring it is expanding to include the First Big Book of Science — a lively introduction to the fascinating world of science that explores the different kinds of science, what scientists do, and the amazing things that scientists study: animals and plants; oceans and space; earthquakes and volcanoes; sound and light; inventions and more. Fun activities, games, and simple experiments encourage interactive learning, showing kids that anyone can use scientific observation and experimentation to be a scientist and discover new things. This book inspires kids to be curious, ask questions, and explore the world around them and maybe even grow up to be a scientist one day, too! Topics include astronomy, botany, paleontology, malacology (that's the science of clams, snails, and other animals with shells!), zoology, and more.

MY REVIEW: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Science by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is one of the BEST I have seen! It is awesome how it is laid out!!! It is like a vision sensation! There is so much to look at and read! I am sure that you could read this over and over and over and learn something new. Here is a fun tidbit: An Ecologist observes how all the different parts of an ecosystem work together. Learn about this and so many more awesome and interesting facts in this book! It is jam packed with things that I find fun, interesting and oh so interesting! My kids are going to love this book so much too. An amazing tool we will use this summer!!

 **********************************************************************

View all my reviews

 **********************************************************************

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #TrustExercise by #SusanChoi via #partner @HenryHolt who provided a #free #reviewcopy

"This psychologically acute novel enlists your heart as well as your mind. . . . Packed with wild moments of grace and fear and abandon."
―The New York Times 

Pulitzer Finalist Susan Choi's narrative-upending novel about what happens when a first love between high school students is interrupted by the attentions of a charismatic teacher

In an American suburb in the early 1980s, students at a highly competitive performing arts high school struggle and thrive in a rarified bubble, ambitiously pursuing music, movement, Shakespeare, and, particularly, their acting classes. When within this striving “Brotherhood of the Arts,” two freshmen, David and Sarah, fall headlong into love, their passion does not go unnoticed—or untoyed with—by anyone, especially not by their charismatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley.

The outside world of family life and economic status, of academic pressure and of their future adult lives, fails to penetrate this school’s walls—until it does, in a shocking spiral of events that catapults the action forward in time and flips the premise upside-down. What the reader believes to have happened to David and Sarah and their friends is not entirely true—though it’s not false, either. It takes until the book’s stunning coda for the final piece of the puzzle to fall into place—revealing truths that will resonate long after the final sentence.

As captivating and tender as it is surprising, Trust Exercise will incite heated conversations about fiction and truth, friendships and loyalties, and will leave readers with wiser understandings of the true capacities of adolescents and of the powers and responsibilities of adults.

Trust Exercise by Susan Choi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ Neither can drive.

This book was fabulous. I loved it cover to cover. I was instantly pulled into the book and entranced by the narrative and story. It was one of those stories that draws the reader in and does not let you go. I was lost within the pages. I was moved. I think all book clubs would love this book. I know I did. This book will not disappoint and is one you will not forget. A MUST read!

View all my reviews

#MMBBR #Review #IllShowYouBlueKangaroo by @emmachichesterc via #partner @Harper360

I’ll Show You, Blue Kangaroo 

by Emma Chichester Clark (2/12/19)

A heart-warming story featuring Lily and her much-loved toy, Blue Kangaroo, from award-winning, renowned illustrator, Emma Chichester Clark.

Lily and Blue Kangaroo – a friendship forever!

Lily and Blue Kangaroo are inseparable. Whatever Lily does, Blue Kangaroo is there to see. But sometimes he wishes he wasn’t, because Lily has started to showoff. “I’ll show you, Blue Kangaroo!” she says. Then one day Lily goes too far…

https://www.harpercollins.com/9780008266271/ill-show-you-blue-kangaroo/

I’ll Show You, Blue Kangaroo! by Emma Chichester Clark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this book was a good example of how actions have consequences. There is a lot that kids do that goes against what they are told to do, sometimes everything turns out fine and other times kids get hurt. I enjoyed that Lily was a bold and daring girl, but some of her reckless behaviors could have had some major consequences. This is a great book to open up dialogue with children about how to be both bold and daring, while still being safe and respectful!

View all my reviews

#MMBBR #ReviewRoundUp #SpringTitles for Young #Readers #ChildrensBooks via #partner @mediamastersbks and @Prestel_US

 Cat and Mouse by Britta Teckentrup
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An adorable rhyming story that keeps the young reader entertained and engaged, with a darling and sweet ending. This well designed board book with cutouts will add to this fun cat and mouse race. Fun for both children and adults alike!

New York Day and Night by Aurelie Pollet

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New York Day & Night is an original and creative look at New York City and how this magical city looks both during the day and during the night. I love that this book allows you to take a look at NYC while also opening up the conversation that there is nothing to fear at night. That it is merely our creative imaginations. I love the colorful illustrations and overlaid sheet of translucent blue paper that shows that through the darkness there is light. A creative and fun book for lovers of NYC and fun and entertaining books.

View all my reviews

#MMBBR #Feature #FirstLines #SherlockHolmes & #LucyJames #MysterySeries by @TheLastMoriarty via #partner @SmithPublicity

The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series -- which provides readers young and old with a fresh yet faithful reimagining of the Great Detective, and has earned praise from Publishers Weekly (a "winning" addition to the Holmesian canon that "readers will look forward to further adventures [in]”), The Historical Novel Society (“charming and amusing”) and more.

In the series – which is penned by father-daughter author duo Charles Veley and Anna Elliott, who is the acclaimed historical novelist behind the Twilight of Avalon trilogy and The Pride & Prejudice Chronicles – Holmes, as brilliant and engaging as ever, is the father of Lucy James: an independent, modern-minded American actress living in Victorian London who inherited her father’s intelligence, detective skills, and bravery.

Each book centers on Sherlock and Lucy as they collaborate on solving a crime, and contains clean language, exciting conflicts, and imaginative mysteries in the Conan Doyle tradition.

Like its predecessors, Die Again, Mr. Holmes -- the latest and eighth book in the series -- can easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel or as a part of the series.

********************************************************

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Charles Veley has loved Sherlock Holmes since boyhood. As a father, he read the entire canon to his then-ten-year-old daughter at evening story time. Now this very same daughter, grown up to become acclaimed historical novelist Anna Elliott (the Twilight of Avalon trilogy; The Pride & Prejudice Chronicles), has worked with him to develop critically acclaimed adventures in The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Series! Following the release of The Last Moriarty (2015) and The Wilhelm Conspiracy (2016) – books #1 and #2 in the Sherlock & Lucy series, penned solely by Veley – Veley and Elliott’s collaboration has since brought readers the 2017 releases Remember, Remember, The Crown Jewel Mystery, The Jubilee Problem, and Death at the Diogenes Club, the 2018 novel The Return of the Ripper, and Die Again, Mr. Holmes, released January 2, 2019.

PRAISE FOR THE SHERLOCK HOLMES & LUCY JAMES MYSTERY SERIES

"Elliott (the Twilight of Avon trilogy) and Veley, her father, collaborate on the winning third mystery pairing Sherlock Holmes and his daughter, Lucy James. Readers will look forward to Lucy's further adventures."

– PUBLISHERS WEEKLY  (Remember, Remember: A Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery, Book #3)

“The relationship between Holmes and Watson feels genuine — a more challenging aspect that many novelists struggle with — and Lucy proves to be a marvelous addition to the world of Holmes. She is engaging, intelligent, and brings out another side to the Great Detective that readers rarely see. An intriguing take on both the Holmes canon and the most famous unsolved case in history.”

– SEATTLE BOOK REVIEW  (The Return of the Ripper: A Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery, Book #7)

"Fans of Holmesian stories, historical fiction, and Victorian romance will all find something to enjoy in the Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series."

– CRITICAL BLAST

"It might be difficult to imagine the original Holmes even having an offspring  --  much less one he accepts as an investigating partner. Still, the authors make it seem plausible, and for readers who are not purists but rather pleased to see a hint of warmth coming from Holmes, [the Sherlock & Lucy series] is a new way to enjoy Sherlockian mysteries."

– THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

ABOUT THE SHERLOCK HOLMES & LUCY JAMES MYSTERY SERIES

The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series by Charles Veley and Anna Elliott to date includes The Last Moriarty (2015), The Wilhelm Conspiracy (2016), Remember, Remember (2017), The Crown Jewel Mystery: A Prequel (2017), The Jubilee Problem (2017), Death at the Diogenes Club (2017), The Return of the Ripper (2018), and Die Again, Mr. Holmes, released on January 2, 2019. All titles are available for purchase in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats via Amazon and Audible.

Website: http://sherlockandlucy.com/

********************************************************

THE JUBILEE PROBLEM

A SHERLOCK HOLMES AND LUCY JAMES MYSTERY, BOOK 5

#FirstLine ~ The occasion, on the 11th of November 1896 in Buckingham Palace, is etched upon my memory.

The year is 1897. Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James, his lovely young American daughter, must finally unmask the traitor who has crossed swords with them in their three previous adventures. Their secret adversary is now masterminding a well-orchestrated conspiracy to destroy the most glamorous event of the Century: Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration. Lucy’s growing relationship with Detective Constable Jack Kelly will be seriously tested as she and Jack work with Sherlock and Watson to defeat their murderous enemy. If they fail, the Queen and thousands of innocent people will die, and the British Empire will fall into chaos.

********************************************************

THE RETURN OF THE RIPPER

A SHERLOCK HOLMES AND LUCY JAMES MYSTERY, BOOK 7

#FirstLine ~ My account begins on the morning of October 6, 1897, when Sherlock Holmes and I learned that a young woman had been murdered in Whitechapel.

Who would guess this would be their most romantic adventure yet?

A deadly serial killer returns to London just as Sherlock is battling a ring of diamond smugglers and Lucy and Jack are making wedding plans. As the dangers escalate, the wrong decision will mean certain death.

*******************************************************

DIE AGAIN, MR. HOLMES

A SHERLOCK HOLMES AND LUCY JAMES MYSTERY, BOOK 8

#FirstLine ~ From the upper galley, Holmes and I had a clear view of Thomas Newman as the jurors filed into the courtroom.

Legendary detective Sherlock Holmes makes an uncharacteristic mistake when a young woman begs him to help find her missing fiancé. Sherlock’s daughter, Lucy James, has a missing-persons case of her own, with a strange and aristocratic English lady as her client. But Lucy must also protect Becky, her ten-year-old sister-in-law, from a vicious criminal.

No one expects the devastating news that Sherlock Holmes has been murdered. 

The newest adventure in this popular mystery series takes us from the depths of the Old Bailey courthouse and the seacoast lairs of smugglers to the splendor of a grand British country estate and the posh financial headquarters of Lloyd’s of London. For Watson, Sherlock and Lucy, survival will require valor, sacrifice, and even acts that go far outside Victorian law.

********************************************************

Check out the entire series : HERE

********************************************************