A rootin-tootin good read! Planet Land: The Adventures of Cub and Nash by Janet Beasley

Question: What do you get when you mix cowboys, a magic book, and the talent of author Janet Beasley?

Answer:  A rootin-tootin good time in a book you don’t want to put down!

I found myself laughing and cheering out loud for Cub and Nash as I read, Volume Two of the Hidden Earth Series. Planet Land: The Adventures of Cub and Nash take you on a Wild West journey like no other. The story is about two 10 year old boys who wanted to avoid being kissed by a girl only to discover a doorway into the Lower West.

“The real West,” as Bristol tells them with the aid of his fairy like Pee-Wee Flyers. In the Lower West Cub and Nash are charged with a quest to find the element and keep it out of the outlaw Blackjack’s hands. There are lessons of friendship and faith mixed in that touch all ages. You won’t miss any of your favorites from Hidden Earth Volume One. A few residents of Maycly join the mix too.  

If you want a fun read for the whole family filled with rich characters and great story telling then you better click that add to cart button right now. Be sure to check out the other Hidden Earth books on the series website.

Hey Janet, hurry up with book two! 

Be a book rebel read banned books!

Banning books is not a thing of the past. Every day books are challenged, or removed from libraries or schools. No book is safe from the possibility. At one point the children’s fairytale, Alice in Wonderland was on the banned list.

For a while, my own county libraries banned the 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy from their shelves. Library patrons wouldn’t hear of it, they continued to request, and demand their right to read about Christian and his red room. Now the books are available on library shelves and ereaders.

What would the world be like if readers didn’t rebel and just let someone choose what books were suitable for the public. What if the words of To Kill a Mockingbird, Shakespeare’s Sonnets, or even Harry Potter had never touched our lives?

If there weren’t book rebels we wouldn’t have seen Vivian Lee as Scarlet O’Hara in her curtain dress. Get to be frightened of  saint bernards named Cujo, or see Leonardo DiCaprio become Gatsby. The stories these memorable characters all came from books that were challenged or banned at some point.

What’s the difference between banned or challenged books? According to the ALA a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of challenged materials from public or school libraries, possibly bookstore shelves.

Books could be challenged for various reasons. The top three are explicit sexual content, offensive language, or ‘unsuited’ to any age group. The last meaning any theme or topic deemed unsuitable for viewing. Books that fell into this category were The Hunger Games, The Catcher in the Rye, and Blood and Chocolate. Thanks to awesome librarians, teachers, students, and concerned citizens most challenges are unsuccessful.

What makes the list from year to year can be surprising. Tomes of every genre and age range can be found there. Chances are you’ve got a few of them on your bookshelf or to be read pile already. You can find out more on ALA or Band Books Week websites. To see this years list go to Books Challenged or Banned  2012-2013.

Don’t let someone tell you your books are ‘unsuited’. Be a book rebel read some banned books this week.

This week I’m reading Blood and Chocolate and my son is reading The Hunger Games We’re book rebels, how about you? What are you reading? Do you have a favorite banned book?

Gladiator's Pen Reviews The Hungry Heart by Brenda Gayle

Today we review the novel, The Hngry Heart by Brenda Gayle

Nora's heart is hungry for a little more living, Hunter's heart is hungry for Nora. The Hungry Heart is a fun read with a strong female lead and a sexy hero. Hunter can cook for me any time he wishes I'll even wash the dishes :). 

Though the story is a bit predictable with the boy meets girl-breaks up -gets back together -lives happily ever after, the characters are vivid and interesting. Plus there's a few twists with a bit of suspense and mystery thrown in to keep  you reading. It's definitely a book you have trouble putting down. 

Gladiator's Pen gives 4 Gladiators to The Hungry Heart for keeping the ludis warm and a chilly fall night. 

Don't take our word for it here's a little taste.

Blurb

Child advocate Nora Cross doesn't have time for the private cooking lesson her sister won at a charity auction. Hunter Graham, the young chef, is the last person she needs telling her she's forgotten how to have fun. So why can't she get the very hot, very eligible man off her mind?

After a stellar debut in New York City, Hunter's back in Santa Fe to open a new restaurant. He lives a charmed life and he knows it. He isn't interested in a workaholic who's glued to her smart phone. So why is he trying to convince Nora to relax and enjoy life—with him?

When Nora's apartment and office are ransacked, Hunter comes to her rescue, surprised to find himself playing knight-in-shining-armor to the uptight executive. But when it becomes clear Nora is no random target, Hunter realizes he'll do anything to keep her safe.

The Hungry Heart:  An Excerpt

Whoever said a cold shower could cool your ardor didn’t know what they were talking about. Ten minutes of standing under freezing cold water had turned Nora’s skin blue, but it had done nothing to dampen her desire.

“Agh!” She allowed free rein to her frustration, not caring whether or not the running water covered her scream.

She turned off the faucet and sat on the edge of the tub. This was so unfair.

They had come so close. Hunter had wanted her—seemingly as much as she wanted him. She still wasn’t quite sure what went wrong.

Dammit, I should never have agreed to stay for dinner. This was her fault.

It wasn’t that she was in love with Hunter. She was too smart to allow that to happen. But she had made up her mind, made a decision that she would allow herself some pleasure—and why not? Then having done so, she had set out to try to make it happen. Not that she would have seduced him or done anything quite so bold. She’d just decided that she wouldn’t pass up any opportunities that came her way.

She knew he found her attractive. He had said as much, demonstrated it, too. He wasn’t a saint, and given his reputation it wasn’t unreasonable to expect him to make a move on her while they were sharing the same suite.

Only now they weren’t.

She inhaled deeply and willed away the threatening tears. No, she wouldn’t cry for him. It was only sex. She shouldn’t allow herself to feel this much anguish over one night.

She stood and towel-dried her hair. It was probably for the best, anyway. What was the point of one night of mindless sex?

She thought about Taylor and wondered what her relationship with Hunter had been like. Was she in love with him? Or had the sex been that good? Whatever the reason, the woman was still crazy about him, although he seemed to have little interest in renewing what they’d had.

Nora rubbed the condensation off the mirror and stared at the face looking back at her. She tried to be 

objective, but all she could see was a woman about to turn thirty-five. Tiny lines were beginning to form at the corners of her eyes—he’d called their color café noir when they’d first met—and there were more lines just above her top lip.

Her age had never bothered her—in fact, she’d always felt she’d accomplished a lot while still quite young—at least professionally. But dammit, it would be nice to experience fantastic sex at least once before I’m thirty-five.

What was it about turning thirty-five that disturbed her so much? It was just a number.

Her lips were a rosy pink and slightly swollen. She touched them gently, remembering the feel of Hunter’s mouth as it grazed hers, and then the hard urgency with which he had kissed her in the garage.

Stop it.

She turned away, frustrated. This was getting her nowhere.

Forget it. Forget him. None of it mattered anyway. Tomorrow morning she’d be back in her real world, and all this would be nothing but a memory.

She heard a noise and paused to listen more intently. Was that banging?

She slipped on a robe—the scratchy generic one provided by the hotel, not at all like the luxurious plush one she’d borrowed from Hunter—and opened the bathroom door.

Yes, someone was definitely pounding on her door.

“Who’s there?” she called, tightening the belt of the robe.

“Room service.”

What? “I didn’t—”

She stepped up on her toes to peek out the peephole. Her knees felt like jelly and she leaned against the door, closing her eyes and murmuring a heartfelt “thank goodness.” Then she looked again to make absolutely certain her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.

Hunter was magnificent in a fresh pair of dark khaki pants and a red golf shirt. His hair looked damp, as if he had just stepped out of a shower, too. In one hand he balanced a platter, covered by a large silver lid. He was impatiently shuffling from one foot to the other.

She pulled open the door and stepped back, waiting.

Hunter’s eyes widened and then he dropped his gaze to take in her bare toes. Slowly he raised his head. His appraisal of her was slow and intense. She felt exposed, and rubbed her palms against the fabric of the robe just to assure herself she had actually put one on. When he got to her face he paused, and then broke into his seductive, heart-stopping grin.

“I see you’re expecting me,” he said.

About the author: Brenda Gayle has been a writer all her life but returned to her love of writing fiction after more than 20 years in the world of corporate communication—although some might argue there was plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. A fan of many genres, she is drawn to contemporary romance and enjoys writing deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense. Her first book, Soldier for Love, was a recommended read by a number of reviewers. Her new book, The Hungry Heart, is the first in her Heart's Desire series, which chronicles the difficult road to finding love and family acceptance for the three Graham cousins. Brenda lives in eastern Ontario with her wonderful husband, two fabulous children, two Siberian Huskies, a rescued cat, and assorted aquatic wildlife. Connect with Brenda on her website, Facebook, or Twitter.
Get The Hungry Heart on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

  Wanna win a $50 gift card or an autographed copy of The Hungry Heart? Well, there are two ways to enter...

1. Leave a comment on my blog. One random commenter during this tour will win a $50 gift card. For the full list of participating blogs, visit the official Hungry Heart tour page.
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest! I've posted the contest form below, or you can enter on the tour page linked above.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Magical Book Signing at Raintree

Yup that's me... sorry if I cracked your screen : D

This past Saturday, I did a book signing event at Raintree Books. It's a wonderful new/used book store in Eustis, Florida. Being able to sign here was a very special moment for me. Raintree was the first book store I remember going to.

At about  7 or 8 yrs old. I can remember finding out that magic was real. My mom and I walked into the small storefront and looked at all the books in the little nook right where my table sat on Saturday.

Right in the heart of Historic Down Town Eustis, Florida 

There's a long counter that curves around a corner on the other side of the small storefront. You follow that counter around the corner and the magic happens. The small store becomes this huge one.

With rows and rows of books to explore. They have something for every subject you can imagine. The first time I saw it I was sure there was a wizard in there somewhere.

From the outside the shop looks average size, not big at all. Until you walk around that magical corner into pages of wonder.

Raintree's small storefront where the magic begins.....

Not only did I get a day of signing books. the chance to meet readers, and see my books on a store shelf for sale. I was given a chance to relive that special magic again.

And see a few other first time visitors experience it too. It was a magical afternoon at Raintree Books. I can't wait to go back.

Poof you have a book store 3x as big as the front part.
There has to be a wizard in this place somewhere. Maybe some
fairy dust involved? 

Something that makes every writer's heart skip Their books
on a store shelf. Truly awesome sight. :) 

Libraries Go EBook With Overdrive

Libraries across the nation have found a way to make EBooks accessible for check out by patrons though Overdrive. That's right you can borrow an ebook for 14 to 21 days on a checkout to your favorite EReader or right to your computer.

Each library has it's own ELibrary site. Lake County, Florida has theirs at mylakelibrary.lib.overdrive.com  . It is set up like an online store. You choose the book you want to borrow, add it to your chart, then check out. Within seconds you're reading your selection on your favorite device. 

There are only 2 copies available for each title so it is first come first serve, but you can place a title on hold. Instead of add to e cart you click place on hold just as you would searching the print book catalog. As soon as the title is available for you to borrow your Overdrive library will send you an email. Click the link in your email and check out your next favorite read. 

Overdrive library sites are easy to navigate for browsing or a specific search for a title, author, or series. Will these ELibraries take the place of your local library with that libraian who shushes you? Not a chance. 

Libraries are a place with many adventures in and out of the pages. There are many more services, classes, events, author meets, and much more for all ages that you can't get from a website. Did you know you can check out DVDs and music CDs at your library? Audio books, games for Playstation, Wii, XBox and more are available to be checked out for a week at a time as well. 

Libraries are combining with technology to better serve the patrons of their communities. Especially if you're a writer, your local library is an important tool we should never forget. The Lake Library System has been a tremendous supporter for local authors.Support your library today with a visit either virtual or in person today. 

  

Book Blogger Blog Hop 6/10 to 6/13

This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! This weeks Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Lori’s Reading Corner

This weeks Book Blogger Question is:

WHO IS THE ONE AUTHOR THAT YOU ARE DYING TO MEET?

 This is a good question. I have a list of them I’d like to meet. Stephen King would be at the top of my list. I’ve seen some videos of a few of his lectures and seen some interview appearances. He's always very honest about his work and the writing craft in general. 

King has written several books on writing as well. I think I’ve learned the most from his writings than any other. It would be awesome to hear him speak in person.

That’s my answer what’s yours J

   

Book Blogger Hop Friday: Books to Movies Good and Bad

Yay it's Friday and time for another Book Blogger Hop! Hosted by the wonderful Crazy-For-Books.com Today's question is about book to movie adaptations.

  "What book-to-movie adaption have you most liked? 

I have a few book to screen movies that I have loved. I think one of my favorites was Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. It was adapted into the film Fried Green Tomatoes starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy. 

Both book and movie will have you laughing out loud and grinning ear. Evelyn is a mild mannered house wife who visits her husbands aunt in the nursing home. Until she meets Ninny Threadgoode who begins to tell her the story of Idgie Threadgoode's life.  

Evelyn begins to grow into the woman she's always wanted to be with the mighty cry of, "Tawanda!" 

You'll laugh until your in tears with this great story of love, friendship, and being just a little different. 

 Which have you disliked?"

I must say some of the best books/ stories to film I have seen have been adaptations of Steven King's work. On the other hand some of the worst adaptations I've seen have come from there as well. Not by fault of the novel or story, but the screen writer just couldn't get the job done to bring King's vision to life. 

A few of these adaptations have even been redone such as The Shining. It was remade to follow the book more closely. Though I have to admit I do like the original film. Can't go wrong with Jack Nicholson as your leading man... even though he ended up a crazed murder.  REDRUM

My absolute least favorite early adaptation for a King novel was Salem's Lot. I felt like have the movie was missing and it didn't capture the real fear of a vampire being discovered in town. 

Misery missed the mark for me too. There were just too many small changes for me to enjoy that one.

Even if it's not always on the mark (such as Harry Potter) seeing your favorite book coming to life can be an enjoyable night at the movies. As a matter of fact I think tonight I'll pop the corn and watch a couple of my favorites. 

The Secret Window, starring Johnny Depp and adapted from a short story by Steven King , and, The Silver Brumby, starting Russell Crowe and adapted from The Sliver Brumby books written by Elyne Mitchell 

   

Book Blogger Hop Friday May 20

Whew, it has been a busy life lately with lots of ups and downs. But all that is shoved aside for a BOOK PARTY! That's right it's time for another fantastic Book Blogger Hop. This week's bookish question is…..

"If you were given the chance to spend one day in a fictional world (from a book), which book would it be from and what would that place be?"
My Answer….. 
I think I would like to spend a day in the fictional world of JD Robb's In Death series. My Sis in Heart Rose got me hooked on this series. I usually don't care for reading futuristic style books but this one is different. The world is written in a way that makes it subtle. Not in your face sci fi like say Star Trek.

But I like the idea of walking into the kitchen and telling the 'autochef' what I want for dinner. Gliding through the streets in flying cars and being able to take flights to the moon or other planets for a couple hours then jetting back home. 
The people and places aren't really all that different from home but there's a few more conveniences to enjoy J Oh yeah I forgot to mention Rorke would sooo be my tour guide for the day. *wink

 






   

Deleted Book Love

Some of the books we adopted 

Yesterday was library day for my house. We love our library it’s not the biggest or has the most but we love it. Everyone is always friendly and they go out of their way to help you if you need it.

Yesterday’s trip was extra special. Not only did we find some great books to check out but the Library manager was in the process of deleting some books from the collection. 

While deleting books from the library collection doesn’t really sound like a good thing trust me it can be. First what causes a book to lose its place on the library shelf and into the deletion pile?  There may be a newer version out of a reference book , it’s rarely been checked out, the book is older and it’s time to move it out to make room for new books coming in.

Now why is this deleting thing good for us? Actually it’s good for both patron and library. Most libraries have a space or room for a ‘book store’. This is where all those deleted books go for adoption into someone’s personal collection.  

Most of these books are in new condition with little wear. They cost anywhere from twenty-five cents to one dollar each. A new book for a quarter can’t beat that! It’s more than just reference books in there too. Novels of all kinds, maybe even some DVD’s or music CD’s. You get to adopt great books and more for your own collection and help the library raise funds. 

This trip finding Miss Pam deleting was a big treat. She knows my son loves art and to draw, so, she set aside some books she thought he might like. This is something she does for us and other patrons that frequent the library.  See why they’re the best? J

We ended up with two tote bags full of books to adopt.  So what are you waiting for grab some extra bags and show your library some love by adopting some deleted books. 

Part of the Library Thursday Hop.. yeah okay I'm day late :) 

   

Lee Child’s Jack Reacher

This week on the Book Blogger Hop we are to pick a character from a book we’re currently reading or have recently read. I’m in the middle of The Hard Way by Lee Child.

Which lets me slip this under L for the A to Z Blog Challenge. Yeah I know cheating a smidge and getting a 2 for 1 here.

I really enjoy these thrillers though staring the character Jack Reacher. Jack is a former MP, tall, dark, and handsome. What’s not to like? Okay that’s from a girl’s perspective. For all readers Jack Reacher offers intelligence, awareness, a deep pocket, and a knack for finding himself knee deep in a situation.

He doesn’t just use his brawn and prowess with weapons to get though the ordeal. Jack uses the mental skills he’s developed over the years as well as his muscle. He’s got a rough edge but underneath you can see a man with heart enough to stand by someone in need.

Lee Child has a great writing style that keeps me turning the pages. Jack has a few entanglements with the ladies here and there but these books aren’t about romance. They’re about the mystery and thrill. I look forward to more Reacher books. A strong character to keep a girl warm at night.

  

Judging a book by its cover

I admit I do. Many, many times I have picked up a book because the cover caught my eye. The cover for a book is like the model for the swimsuit.

The thin sexy beauty gets up there and struts her stuff across the stage. Clad in the designers swimwear. Sure we like the bikini, but what sells us on going to the store and trying it on is the model.

She shows us how good it makes her look and we think, “I would look so hot in that.”  At least until we get into the dressing room. Once we get our not so modelish form squeezed into the bits of spandex will we know for sure if we really like it.

The same goes for a book cover we look at it and say ooo that’s a great cover. Caught by color or image and reach out to “try it on.”

Opening the book becomes stepping into the dressing room. We read the synopsis, the first few pages. Maybe give it the old page 99 test. Then we know if it’s a keeper or makes our butt look too big.

But it was the cover that got us that far. The best covers are simple, to the point. Eye catching colors or a stark image that says, “I’m the perfect fit.”

As a designer myself it’s very important to find the perfect image to capture the feel or meaning of the book. I want the reader to know what kind of story their looking at. At the same time I want it to grab attention and say, “Pick me, pick me!”

Not an easy task. Having a good designer is as important as having a good editor. You want a designer that will choose materials to bring your work to life.

Readers judge books by their covers, just like we do clothing on a model. The perfect cover design is just like that swimsuit. It will make you look sleek and sexy for all to oogle on the beach… er the bookshelf.

This post is part of the Fellow Writer’s Blog Hop and the A to Z challenge  Be sure to check out the other great blogs on the hop!

If you would like to see my design work please go to EV Designs.

Happy hoppingJ

   

Book Blogger Hop I'd jump in a book with Harry Dresden

 Every Friday Crazy for Books.com blog will post a question centered around books/reading. It's like a book party every weekend. So check out the list of great blogs participating this week on Crazy for Books.com Here is this weeks question and my answer. 


 Book blogger Hop Q: "If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

Hmmmm you know that's a hard question. Especially since the books I like to read are kind of on the dangerous side. 


I think I'll pick the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. There's some magic by a handsome wizard/P.I.. Who most of the time is down on his luck but hey I don't mind. We would face all the dangers of normal man and that of the other worldly creatures that creep up to cause havoc. With the aid of his trusty hockey stick of course. Yeah Murphy would have to go though. Sorry babe you lost your place in line. :) 

 

Until next Happy Scribbles :)