Book Review and Giveaway - The Adventures of Forkman: What's That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie on tour with IRead Book Tours

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Forkman: What's That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan 2021
Format available for review:  print (USA only), ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

When poor manners are present, Forkman will be there to save the day! Join Kathryn and William as they learn how to load the dishwasher properly and avoid inappropriate distractions at the table with the help of all their utensil friends. This second book in the Adventures of Forkman series is a great introduction to mealtime etiquette for readers of all ages.

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
B&N
Mascot Books

Meet the Authors:

Tiffany Caldwell: I have worked with children for over thirteen years and every year basic manners become less evident. When I was growing up, my sisters and I took etiquette classes during the summer while we visited our grandparents. Etiquette was always a big part of our upbringing. ​ When we would have our family dinners, my dad, W.R. MacKenzie, would make our utensils come to life as we were eating. Forkman became a part of our dinner routine! ​ I am a mother of three great kids and military wife to my hero. A few years ago, I told my dad we needed to start writing our story. We are so excited to share Forkman with the world!

W.R. MacKenzie: I spent thirty-nine years in the bakery business. After I retired and my four children were grown, I felt it was time to share the importance of the family meal with the world. ​​​​​The Adventures of Forkman teaches children how to properly conduct themselves at the table. Our books are filled with characters all children can relate with and I believe Forkman and his crew will help children of all ages learn manners and table etiquette.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview:

1. How did you do research for your book? Research for the book comes from basic table manners handed down to me through the teachings of my Mother and Grandmother. I paid this forward at the family dinner table after my children were born; additionally, my daughters attended Etiquette classes when they were young.

2. Which was the hardest character to write?  Hardest and yet easiest, Forkman.  Easy to make him the central character…but to create and introduce a talking Fork with a cape, would take a bit of imagination and silliness with just enough convincing to intrigue young readers. 

3. In your book you make a reference to Forkman, how did you come up with this idea?  My explanation of how my Dad taught me… back when I was a young man, teaching wasn’t always so delicate!  If I made the mistake of eating with my elbows on the table-a manner I had certainly been taught, my Dad would nicely bump my elbow with the butt end of a table knife to get them off the table.   Forkman came alive when I realized the I could not tap my daughters elbows with an instrument to teach them, so I would say  in an animated voice, “Forkman says get your Elbows off the table” and so on.

4. What made you write a book about…?  In 2010 my daughter Tiffany came to me, as her family was beginning and suggested we should write a book about Forkman.  Truly never thought about writing a book about Forkman until that moment.  Parents teach all the time; these silly lessons made an impression and I truly loved the idea of us creating this series together-Father and Daughter!

5. Where do you get inspiration for your stories? Everyday life at the family table; watching other families at restaurants…who have children struggling with the basics; visiting family and friends and seeing who is cleaning up and how, do they involve the children or are they just catered to and never really learn.  Keep your eyes open and you see the need for these lessons everywhere.

6. There are many books out there about….What makes yours different? There are many books on Etiquette, but there are none with a superhero Fork!

7.. What advice would you give budding writers?  Don’t let anyone tell you, that you can’t do it! Journaling at a young age…take notes, lists, jot ideas and new words down-one day you will find yourself with the beginnings of something great!

My Thoughts:

I read this book with my 9 and 7 year old boys. This book could not have come at a better time. We have been struggling and forgetting how to use our manners. This is a book all about table manners. My boys loved that the superhero was a fork. Forkman helps the kids to stay on track when it's their favorite night - Game Night! But first - they have to load the dishwasher. I love how fun the author made this chore - it actually helped in my household. My boys now pick up "Forkman" and ask what the next step is in clearing the table. 

This book is well written, beautifully illustrated and a fun read. The book does start on chapter 3 - but it rolls nicely. 

Thank you to Iread Book tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book. 

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 - Because I said so and other adventures in Parenting - review/guest post/ giveaway
Feb 3 - Cover Lover Book Review - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 - Fantastic Feathers - book review
Feb 4 - She Just Loves Books - book review / giveaway
Feb 5 - Books for Books - book spotlight
Feb 8 - The Momma Spot - book review / giveaway
Feb 9 - The Adventures Of A Travelers Wife - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9 - Westveil Publishing - book review / giveaway
Feb 10 - Laura's Interests - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 12 - Lisa's Reading - book review / giveaway
Feb 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books - book review
Feb 15 - Sandra's Book Club - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 16 - Splashes of Joy - book review / author interview / giveaway
​Feb 16 - A Mama's Corner of the World - book review / giveaway
Feb 16 - Gina Rae Mitchell - book review / giveaway
Feb 17 - Library of Clean Reads - book review / giveaway
Feb 18 - Deborah-Zenha Adams - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 19 - Icefairy's Treasure Chest - book review / giveaway
Feb 23 - Bound 4 Escape - book review / giveaway
Feb 24 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review / giveaway
Feb 25 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 25 - Nighttime Reading Center - book review / giveaway
March 1 - Reading is My Passion - book review
March 2 - Bigreadersite  - book review / giveaway
March 2 - StoreyBook Reviews - book review / giveaway
March 4 - I'm Into Books - book review / giveaway
March 4 - Pause for Tales - book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:  HERE

Book Review and Giveaway - MC Plays Hide and Seek: An Empowering Story for Healthy Children Who Care About a Person Living with Cancer by Eva Grayzel On tour with IRead book Tours

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  MC Plays Hide and Seek: An Empowering Story for Healthy Children Who Care About a Person Living with Cancer by Eva Grayzel
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  64 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan 5, 2021
Format available for review:  print (USA), pdf
Tour dates: Jan 5 to Feb 1, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

M.C. is a cancer cell who shares just enough information about the nature of the disease to promote dialogue and minimize fear. The scary part of cancer is the unknown. Learn about doctors who look for cancer. Understand feelings children experience and learn ways to cope. Empower children with knowledge and how to make a difference. M.C. Plays Hide & Seek strengthens communication and builds emotional health.

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
Eva Grayzel ~ B&N

Meet the Author:

Eva Grayzel is a motivational speaker, storyteller, and cancer survivor. When her children were five and seven years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. Their fear of losing her was deep, real, and suppressed. When she got a second chance at life, she created the Talk4Hope book series to help children understand cancer and make it less scary.

connect with the author:  website ~ twitter ~facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram

My Thoughts:

MC Plays Hide and Seek: An Empowering Story for Healthy Children Who Care About a Person Living with Cancer by Eva Grayzel is a Children's Fiction book. It is geared toward ages  3-7. However my 7 and 9 year old enjoyed this book. I love how the author took a scary diagnosis and made it not so scary. This breaks it down into kid terms. Kids are smarter then we give them credit for. They sense if something is going on. M.C. loves to play hide and seek. M.C. explains that while they can make people that he hides in sick - it is not contagious. This book is a great book for all kids to read especially if a loved one is sick. This opened up a discussion with my children about a family member that is suffering from alcoholism. While it's not cancer - we were able to relate M.C. to what our family member is going through. This book is well written, perfect verbage for children, and had great pictures. 

I received a copy of this book through the IRead book tour program - all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Schedule:
Jan 5 –Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Jan 5 -Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Jan 5 - Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 5 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 7 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
Jan 7 - The Momma Spot – book review
Jan 8 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 11 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 12 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 13 – 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 13 - Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Jan 14 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Jan 14 - My Reading Journey - book review / giveaway
Jan 15 – Library of Clean Reads – book review / giveaway
Jan 18 –  Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 18 - Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 19 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Jan 19 - Laura's Interests - book review / giveaway
Jan 20 –The Bespectacled Mother – book review / guest post
Jan 21 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Jan 22 – Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Jan 25 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Jan 26 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 27 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 28 – Bookswithpaulak – book review
Jan 28 - Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Jan 29 – I'm Into Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 1 - Instagram: All Booked Up Reviews – book review
Feb 1 - Lisa's Reading – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 - I'd Rather Be At The Beach – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway: HERE

Book Review and Giveaway - Lethal Intent Author: Cara Putman On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Lethal Intent

Author: Cara Putman

Genre: Romantic Suspense

If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home. 

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda? 

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her? 

This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.

An award-winning author of more than 30 books, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.

When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons. You can read chapters for most of her books and connect with Cara at her website: http://caraputman.com.

 

More from Cara

Each novel has a unique genesis story. The spark that launches it into a journey of 90,000 words. For Lethal Intent, that journey began with a friend’s journey of childhood leukemia with her oldest. From watching their family wind through years of treatment including cutting edge therapy trials. Then it developed with the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack and the thought what would someone be willing to do if they believed they’d found the next strain of immortal cells. The lead characters made appearances in other books, but now would have their opportunity to step to center stage. The story morphed and changed, dictated by the vagaries of the law and changes.

 

Each story has a spark. For Caroline it was a brainstorming session with my writing buddies Rachel Hauck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter. That was when her backstory developed, all the things that happened to her to form her into the adult she is on the pages. One who cares deeply about others but who is fundamentally scared, longing for a place she can relax and take a deep breath.

 

Each story has a spark. For Brandon, it was brainstorming with another writing friend Tricia Goyer that lead to a creative job for a hero that wasn’t the typical law enforcement. His role with the group foster home was set and the backstory filled in quickly. What would it be like to be separated from and lose a brother in the foster care system? Would that generate this need to keep sibling groups together? And then the law changes and the fabric of your professional identity and something so much deeper is threatened.

 

Each story has a spark. The pharmaceutical start-up where ethics collides with the desire to save children. The push to do whatever it takes overshadowing the guardrails of the law. If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. But does Caroline really have the strength to battle and does she need to?

 

Lethal Intent grew from each of these sparks and many more to develop into a story I can’t wait for you to read. In the process I learned immense amounts about CAR-T cell therapies and foster care law. Most of all, I hope you’ll fall into the pages and be engrossed in a story you can’t bring yourself to put down until the final page.

My Thoughts

Wow. That is my overall reaction to reading this book. Lethal Intent by Cara Putman is a legal thriller mixed in with some medical suspense. In this book we meet Caroline Bragg. She is starting over as in house counsel for Praecursoria, a research lab and a pharmaceutical start-up. They are on the breaking edge of stem cell research. Caroline gives the doctors legal advice - and they choose to ignore it. Caroline knows that legally there are things going on that are not ethical. She tries to convince her boss to follow it. One of the things about this situation is the author approached a controversial subject and tied it in with the love of money and greed. 

The other main character we meet is: Brandon Lancaster. He and Caroline have a past. Brandon is a former professional foot ball player. He is now involved in is Almost Home that has provided for sibling groups needing a landing place. He has invested in the pharmaceutical start up and worries about losing everything. 

The author has written some amazing characters. You really feel you get to know them as you read this book. The twists and turns that you will go on with this book will keep you reading long into the night. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program -- all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 21

lakesidelivingsite, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 22

A Novel Pursuit, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 23

Betti Mace, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 23

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

HookMeInABook, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Fiction Book Lover, January 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, January 26

EmpowerMoms, January 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 26

Artistic Nobody, January 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 27

By The Book, January 28

Older & Smarter?, January 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 29

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29

Blossoms and Blessings, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Splashes of Joy, January 30

Pause for Tales, January 30

Spoken from the Heart, January 31

Just Your Average reviews, January 31

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Hallie Reads, February 1

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 1

Genesis 5020, February 1

To Everything There Is A Season, February 2

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 3

Daysong Reflections, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away  the grand prize package of a “Just one more chapter” pillow cover, a copy of the book, an Erin Condren journal, and a hand-stamped bracelet!!

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/10627/lethal-intent-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway -I Can Handle It! (Mindful Mantras) by Laurie Wright on tour with IRead book tours

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  I Can Handle It! (Mindful Mantras) by Laurie Wright
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Laurie Wright
Release date:   August 2016
Format available for review:  print, ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

Your child will incorporate the idea of 'I Can Handle It' almost immediately after reading this book, even in our current uncertain times. After reading this book, they will have great ideas for how to ‘handle’ tough situations! When they are tired of having to stay home, they will think 'I can handle it'! When they are missing their friends, they will think 'I can handle it'! When they are feeling worried about the future, they will think 'I can handle it'! Even if they aren't saying the words out loud, this mantra will become a part of their self-talk. Over 300 5-star reviews say so! Positive self-talk is vital for improving and maintaining strong mental health which is exactly what the world needs right now. Help your child feel emotionally strong along with Sebastien, and provide a tool to help them get through these challenging times. And because parents have such a difficult and important job, this book includes updated free resources.

Buy the Book
Amazon
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Children's author and book marketing coach, Laurie Wright is a silly but smart, busy mom of three who laughs at her own jokes just a bit too much. The minivan is her sanctuary, and the only place she can sing out loud without being shushed. She’s known for her short term memory and extreme love of chips and dip. Usually on her best behavior, watch out when her filter wears off! Never without her laptop and a notebook. Trust her with your kids and your books, but not your coffee!

connect with the author:  website  ~  twitter  ~  facebook ~ instagram

My Thoughts

This is a must read for all parents and children. I read this book with my 7 and 9 year old sons. Each page presents a "obstacle" that a child may face. For example - "I feel ashamed when I do something wrong - Can I handle it?" Then there are several different ways they can react. For this question - the options are: I can draw an I'm sorry picture, I can do chores without being asked for once, I can go to my room and stay there until I'm 80, or I can handle it. It really made my children think each and every scenario and we went over each answer and compared it. My 7 year old can get overwhelmed quite easily - and I have seen him reading this book on his own. 

I received a copy of this book through IRead book tours - all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Schedule:
Jan 25 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 25 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 26 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Jan 26 - pickagoodbook – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 27 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 27 - Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 28 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 28 - The Book Review Crew – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 29 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Jan 29 - Library of Clean Reads – book review /giveaway
Feb 1  – She Just Loves Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 1 - Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 2 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 2 - The Momma Spot – book review / author interview
Feb 3 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 - Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – Lisa's Reading – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 - 100 Pages A Day – book review / giveaway
Feb 5 – I'd Rather Be At The Beach – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway: HERE