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Thursday, April 25, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: RES-Q Tyler Stop by June McCrary Jacobs on tour with JustRead

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Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for RES-Q Tyler Stop by June McCrary Jacobs with JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK


Title: RES-Q Tyler Stop  
Series: Tyler Stop, Book 1  
Author: June McCrary Jacobs  
Publisher: JMJ Story Stitcher Books  
Release Date: April 22, 2019  
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

It's the summer of 1968 in Sonoma County, California, and eleven-year-old Weston Gregg and his nine-year-old sister, Wendy, are looking for fun things to do during their summer break from school. When they discover some abandoned rabbits, they hatch an idea to make a positive difference for animals and people in their small town of Tyler Stop.

They decide to form 'Rescue Each Species-Quickly', or RES-Q Tyler Stop.

There are challenges to face as they move forward into their new venture, including standing up to someone who is targeting Weston's friends for being different and a painfully bad decision.

Will Weston have to handle these issues on his own or will he learn to accept the advice and wisdom shared by some important people in his life? Join Weston and his family and friends as they share some adventures and learn and grow together in RES-Q Tyler Stop. 

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

"Adventure has no end in this tale, where a heart for animals inspires and surprises await around every bend. . . . The characters and the situations they face come across realistic, and the scenes develop naturally. Not only does the author keep a nice paced plot rolling along but adds interesting and practical information about animals and ways to handle certain situations along the way. It makes for a fun mix of fiction and fact.

This appears to be the first book in the series, and I’m eager to see where the RES-Q Tyler Stop adventures will head to next." ~ Tonja Drecker, Author of Music Boxes 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository



EXCERPT

CHAPTER ONE
The Discovery

July, 1968
Sonoma County, California

"DAAA-AAD! Come quick!" Weston's voice, loud even for an eleven-year-old, boomed across the empty hall. He and his little sister, Wendy, were sweeping up the section where the rabbits were kept at the Fur and Feathers Hall at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The family was volunteering for after-hours clean-up duties.

Their father, Glen Gregg, dropped the broom handle and rushed toward Weston's voice. He found them in the far corner of the hall peering into several wire cages.

"Look what we found," Wendy said, voiced rimmed with worry. She turned toward her father with wide eyes. "Dad, these rabbits look really scared. They're shaking. Are they going to be okay?"

"I think they look sick, don't you? They're not healthy and happy-looking like our Ruby," Weston said.

"Let's have a look," Dad replied.

Dad had loved animals since he was young boy which was one reason why he was a high school biology teacher. After looking in each cage, he decided the six rabbits were overheated. The animals were heading toward heatstroke. His family had learned the hard way about heatstroke in rabbits one summer when he was a young teen in 4-H. His hometown experienced a 'once-in-a-century' heat wave that took its toll on many of his family's pets and livestock. 

Weston knew Dad was being quiet because it was bad news. Once his dad put his hands on his hips, Weston knew for sure Dad was angry. His father didn't want to upset Wendy and Weston about these rabbits, so he didn't answer right away. Dad was trying to be calm in front of them.
"Dad?" Wendy tugged on her dad's hand.

"What's wrong with them?" Weston asked.

 Glen Gregg observed the rabbits closely. All were panting and salivating heavily. The bunnies looked tired and confused. Worst of all, their ears had reddened. All were symptoms of overheating.

"I'm a little bit angry someone left their rabbits at the fair too long. The deadline for animal pick-up was four o'clock yesterday."

"I know," said Weston.  "That means they probably haven't had food or water for almost twenty-four hours."

"It's got to be over a hundred degrees in here right now. Tyler Stop has been hotter than normal for fair week, and yesterday afternoon it was ninety degrees in the shade."

"Yeah, plus the fans in here were unplugged when they closed the fair yesterday."

"When they close the doors at night, no air moves in here at all," Wendy said.

"You're both right. I need you to go find Mrs. Fletcher. She'll know how to reach the owners."



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


 'RES-Q Tyler Stop' is June McCrary Jacobs's first middle-grade book. June is a retired elementary school teacher and literacy mentor who is fond of California history and children's literature. She especially loves to write, read, and blog about middle-grade fiction and non-fiction on her 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' blog.

In addition to writing inspirational romance books and stories for adults {A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom, 2013; Robin's Reward, 2015; Handmade Hearts, 2019}, June's original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and on sewing industry blogs in the past decade.

When she's not writing, reading, blogging, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, visiting art and history museums, and touring historic homes and gardens.

One of her most memorable and thrilling childhood adventures was her ride in the Goodyear blimp as it floated over Long Beach, California. She can still remember the people on the beach waving to her as she zoomed past them.
LOOK FOR MORE TYLER STOP BOOKS COMING SOON!

CONNECT WITH JUNE: Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Goodreads Blog | Amazon 


MY THOUGHTS

I chose to read this book with my almost 8 year old son who loves to read and has a huge heart for animals. I had not heard of this author prior to reading this book. I love the way the author has created well written characters, a story line that kept both mine and my son's attention. The story will appeal to boys and girls and is set in Sonoma County in Northern California in the summer of 1968. This book is geared toward 8-12 year olds. I loved the characters! The love for animals and helping them out is all through out this book. I also learned a lot about the  Pomo Indians. The author did some amazing research to craft this book. My son and I both enjoyed it - and look forward to book 2. 

I received a copy of this book through the Just Read Blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win
  • $20 Amazon gift card (US/International)
  • Signed Paperback Copy of RES-Q Tyler Stop (US only) or Digital Copy (International)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 22, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 29, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

ENTER: HERE
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Book Review: Homecomings by Laura Bogan


Homecomings
           by Laura Bogan
           About The Book
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron—better known as the Blue Angels—is one of the most iconic and respected aerobatics teams in the world. For years, photographer Laura Bogan has been chronicling the Blues as they return to Pensacola, the team’s beautiful seaside home on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through moments both triumphant and poignant, Bogan has captured stunning scenes that, until now, have only been enjoyed by those lucky enough to be there. This is Homecomings.
Officially licensed by the Department of the Navy

My Thoughts

We love watching videos of the Blue Angels. We visited Pensacola last summer and enjoyed seeing Naval Aviation Museum. If you are ever in the Pensacola area, it is a wonderful, family friendly experience. (Find out information here: https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/
Here are a few pics from our visit




Now, onto the book. The book features breathtaking pictures of the Blue Angels. I had no idea that the Naval Air Facility in El Centro California was their winter home. This book showcases the talents of this crew. It has beautiful pics in various formations, air shows, and homecomings. 

Here are some of my favorites



My boys, Colton (7) and Wyatt (5) really enjoyed looking at all the pictures and reading the facts. This is a great edition to our coffee table book collection. 


I received a copy of this book through the publisher, Mascot Books. All thoughts are my own.