Lord Tempesto is a snake in every sense. As a human, he is slimy, deceitful, and manipulative, but when he’s denied what he wants, he transforms into a gigantic, powerful snake. He wants nothing more than to rule the kingdom for himself, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Princess Melina dreams of marrying a knight in shining armor so she can rule her father’s kingdom someday. But when monster Lord Tempesto captures her and threatens to destroy her beloved kingdom if she doesn’t marry him, she has no choice but to submit to the hideous monster’s demands.

James, the son of a knight, hears about Princess Melina’s plight and sets out on the long journey to rescue her. But his own skills aren’t enough to win the fight against such a ruthless monster with strong, sinewy arms, and it takes teamwork between the captive and her rescuer to save the kingdom from the monster for good.

The Knight in Battered Armor shows children of all ages the importance of doing what is right no matter what and not being afraid to protect what is most important.

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Raised on a steady diet of rich fiction, novelist Brianna Tibbetts has been writing exciting, speculative worlds as long as she can remember. Currently based in the Pacific Northwest, she reads voraciously and writes extensively. In everything from short stories to series, Brianna demonstrates her passion for lively stories infused with faith. In addition to writing, her other superpowers include being ginger and yarn crafting. When she isn’t spending time in her own creations, she loves indulging in the fictional worlds of others.  

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

The Knight in Battered Armor by Brianna Tibbetts and illustrated by Liz Stockton is a fun and fairytale-like story that young readers will thoroughly enjoy.  The pictures are simple, but bright and colorful, bringing to life the story of a knight on a quest to save a princess.  This story teaches children about always doing what is right now matter what in an entertaining and fun format.  This is an excellent books for parents to use as a teaching tool too.  Young readers will be sure to enjoy the turn of every page in this delightful story.
 
Genre: children’s, historical, fairytale
Publisher: Redemption Press
Publication date: March 19, 2019
Number of pages: 58
 
A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity Tours.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. 

L.A. James graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in English. She has written for diverse businesses and non-profit organizations, published in various print media, and taught English to domestic and foreign students. In the end, she has looped back to what she has always wanted to do - write her own books.

You can visit L.A. James at www.jameswritinganddesign.com

Check out the author interview HERE.

Title: Kelly's Search for Family (Searchers #2)
Author: Bertha Schwartz
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

It's 1880 and Kelly lives alone with her Papa, a lighthouse-keeper in Massachusetts. She longs to know more about her Mama, and Papa has finally promised to tell her the truth on her fourteenth birthday. Before Kelly can learn much though, dangerous men the notorious Blackburn Brothers arrive unannounced and take Papa away. Kelly is left alone and responsible for the lighthouse.
​
Granny, a former slave and family friend, learns of Kelly's plight and decides to help find the answers to her questions. Mysterious letters, snow storms, and violence threaten Kelly's safe haven as new friends help unearth old secrets in Kelly's lighthouse home. How can she bring her papa back? Who is her true family?

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Ambassador

​KELLY CRAWLED BACK INTO BED and pulled the covers tightly around her shoulders. She was almost afraid to move, afraid the dan­gerous men would come back and hear her moving around.
 
As lightning lit up the room, Kelly noticed the baby quilt, and she hugged it tightly to herself as the thunder crashed again. It was a fierce storm. As long as Kelly could remember, whenever there was a bad storm, she and Papa would wait it out together in the living room.
 
But now Papa was outside in the storm with those awful men, and Kelly was afraid to leave her bed. She prayed for Papa’s safety. Kelly’s thoughts went back to the evening before. Papa had finally told her about Mama, but now as Kelly hugged the quilt closer to herself, she wished Papa had never told her. Now she felt so alone.
 
Papa had told her repeatedly she would never be alone because she had Jesus by her side. Kelly closed her eyes to pray, but no words came. Only tears.

​Enter the giveaway HERE.

Title: Daisy's Search for Freedom (Searchers #1)
Author: Bertha Schwartz
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

It’s the 1850s and Daisy, a slave girl from Alabama, is thrilled when her Mama is brought to her plantation to be the new cook. Six Oaks Plantation has been Daisy’s home for years, and the future looks bright now that she and her Mama have been reunited. The happiness doesn’t last, though, when a dangerous encounter with a notorious slave hunter endangers Daisy’s life. She has no choice but to run. Leaving behind everything she has ever known, Daisy strikes out alone on the Underground Railroad.
​
Daisy’s search for freedom leads her deep into the woods. Along the way she is joined by Simon, a four-year-old boy and his pet kitten. Pursued by dogs, uncertainty, and a slave tracker determined to capture them by any means necessary, Daisy starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again. Does Jesus care about runaway slaves lost in the woods?

PURCHASE LINKS:
​Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Ambassador

The rest of the afternoon and evening, Cook stayed very close to Daisy. Daisy tried to pretend that all was normal, but she was afraid someone would notice her trembling hand or hear her beating heart. Inwardly, she continued praying, Sweet Jesus! Sweet Jesus! which seemed to be all the words she could form in her thoughts.
 
When it was finally time for bed, Daisy remembered that Mama had once told her, ‘If you are ever in trouble an’ can’t find the words to pray, just call on Jesus’ Name. He’ll understand.’ The words brought Daisy comfort now.
 
She sank on the cot. What if she just ignored the message? She knew instantly she couldn’t do that. Before she blew out the candle, she again noticed Cook’s apron. What if she never saw Cook . . . Mama again? She lovingly touched the apron, and then stopped. The pockets were bulging! She pulled out some biscuits and cheese! Mama knew about the message! Was she supposed to leave tonight? Daisy sank onto the cot, her legs weak with fear. She didn’t want to leave! She was safe here with Mama, wasn’t she? Daisy swallowed hard to tamp down the fear. She remembered all the stories of runaway slaves who were caught.
 
No, Daisy decided. It would be much safer to stay here. She would stay in bed and pretend she never got the message. It was much safer—or was it?
​

​Enter the giveaway HERE.

It has been nine months since Gordy and his friends, Max and Adilene, Saved B.R.E.W. (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and the Vessel—the power source for the secret society of potion masters. Now, Gordy is starting the eighth grade, and has been trying new potion brewing techniques, but when he starts zoning out during practice, he knows something is wrong.

Gordy and his friends continue to work on their potions, but when Gordy chooses Max as his lab partner, Adilene starts to wonder if she still has a place with her old friends. She turns to a new friend, Cadence, who might know a way to help Adilene become a potion master on her own.

And in Greenland, Mezzarix has a chance to escape his Forbidden Zone—as long as he agrees to work with the mysterious Ms. Bimini and replicate an unusual solution known as “Silt.” It could be just the weapon Mezzarix needs to destroy B.R.E.W. forever.

With both B.R.E.W. and the Vessel in danger, and with the potion world in chaos, it’s up to Gordy, Max, and Adilene to rally the remaining Potion Masters before it’s too late.

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Frank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 45,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. The Guardians of the Finisher's Fury is Frank’s 7th published book and will release this November, 2013. You can learn more about his writing at franklewiscole.blogspot.com.

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Check out upcoming events HERE.

Title: Sarah's Search for Treasure (Searchers #3)
Author: Bertha Schwartz
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

It’s 1849, and when Sarah’s papa and brother strike out for gold, she is stuck at home to help take care of the family and farm. This task quickly turns dangerous as the Gold Rush rises in frenzy around them. Neighbors abandon their livestock and the family must fend off half-started miners ready to steal everything they have. Sarah decides to turn her circumstances into a business—feeding the miners in exchange for gold and labor.

Sarah’s ingenuity and leadership are tested as she faces thieves, mysteries, and violent miners. Trouble closes in on all sides, and Sarah must make tough decisions on her own.
​
Soon Sarah learns that true treasure is not always gold, and that the greatest adventures can happen without even leaving home.

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Ambassador

​“Something’s sure going on!” exclaimed David. As they neared Katy’s Junction, more riders and wagons passed them. Everyone seemed to be in a big hurry.
 
“Sarah,” said Pa. “Let me see that list again.”
 
Sarah quickly pulled out the list. She felt uneasy as three more riders passed. What would they find at Katy’s Junction? News of war?
 
Pa handed the list back. “Let’s get double of everything. If war broke out, we might not be able to get supplies later.”
 
A crowd had gathered in front of Stan’s Mercantile. Men were talk­ing excitedly. Sarah felt another shiver of fear. What was going on?
 
Soon, another rider caught up with them. “Hey, Bill!” David called to their neighbor as he was about to pass them. “What’s going on?”
 
“Gold!” shouted Bill Martin, hardly slowing down. “They found gold just south of here. Huge nuggets of it!”

(1) winner will receive:

• a set of all 3 books in The Searchers series (US only)

​
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 9, 2019 and lasts through 11:59pm February 4, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops - and remember to visit the tour each week for more posts.

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Daisy’s Search for Freedom by Bertha Schwartz is a fun children’s historical fiction story following the Underground Railroad.  This story follows a young girl and boy as they escape slavery with the help of several people, including their mother, as they work their way along the Underground Railroad, while being hunted by a brutal slave hunter.  This story is full of excitement, adventure, danger, friendship and love.  Young readers will delight in this excellent story.
 
Series: The Searchers
Genre: children’s, historical, inspirational, middle grade
Publisher: Ambassador International
Publication date: June 17, 2018
Number of pages: 104
 
Other books in the series:
 
2-Kelly’s Search for Family
3-Sarah’s Search for Treasure
 
A review copy of this book was provided by JustReat Tours.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. 

Help your children learn to love the scriptures with this fully illustrated storybook! From Lehi to Moroni condenses important stories from The Book of Mormon, so that children can get to know and love it. This storybook is perfect for bedtime, for reading during sacrament meeting, and as part of family scripture study. The engaging and detailed illustrations will ensure From Lehi to Moroni is picked up and read over and over again. ​

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Sandra Meaders studied English and minored in creative writing and history at Southern Virginia University and earned her master's degree in literature from the University of Akron. Currently, She is raising two children, managing a blog, and editing on the side. Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? is her debut children's book.

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Sandra Meaders’ book Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? is a fun, simple, and engaging book for children.  With it’s easy to understand story of prophets from the scriptures and it’s brightly colored illustrations to go along with the easy-to-read test, young children will delight in this thrilling book.  This is also a good teaching tool that parents can use to help young children learn about stories from the Book of Mormon.  I would recommend this board book to parents with young children that are just beginning to teach their children about the gospel and the prophets in the scriptures.
 
Genre: children’s, religious, LDS
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: July 10, 2018
 
An e-review copy of this book was provided by the author via the publisher.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Sandra  also be doing a storytime/signing at Marissa's Books and Gifts in Utah in December. Check out the following graphic for more info.

​November 26, 2018 - Rockin' Book Reviews
November 27, 2018 - Singing Librarian Books
November 28, 2018 - My Book A Day
November 28, 2018 - Bookworm Lisa
November 29, 2018 - Life's Journey to Perfection
November 30, 2018 - Making Life a Bliss Complete 

​November is National Adoption Month, and we're celebrating with the Why Did You Choose Me? Saturday Hop and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Tours and Ambassador International! Every Saturday in November, hop along to the different host blogs and enter the great giveaway!

Title: Why Did You Choose Me?
Author: Katie Cruice Smith
Illustrator: Sarah Strickling Jones
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: November 12, 2017
Genre: Children's Picture Book, Adoption

Most adoptive and foster children struggle at some point in their life with knowing who they are and where they belong. They want to ask questions, and parents need to be prepared with an answer that helps their child feel loved and secure.

After searching for adoption storybooks to read to her own adopted children, Katie Cruice Smith decided that there was a need for more books that parents could read at bedtime to connect with their adopted and fostered children.

In Why Did You Choose Me?, Katie Cruice Smith answers that question in a way that young children can understand. Drawing from her own experience as an adoptive mom to three children, Katie uses the questions her own children have asked to help them see there never really was a choice she knew right away that they were hers.
​
With beautiful illustrations by artist Sarah Strickling Jones, Why Did You Choose Me? lovingly demonstrates the uniqueness that each child brings to a family.

PURCHASE LINKS:
​Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Ambassador International

Katie Cruice Smith is a freelance writer, journalist, and editor, and she resides in the Upstate of South Carolina with her husband and three adopted children. Katie is an adoption and foster care advocate, and she and husband are licensed foster parents and the founders of their church’s orphan ministry. She is currently working on a devotional book to accompany Why Did You Choose Me?

CONNECT WITH KATIE:
​Website | Facebook | Twitter

​Sarah Strickling Jones enjoys working with oils, acrylics, ceramics, and printmaking. She creates her artwork and teaches students of all ages from her country home. She lives in Greer, South Carolina, with her husband Darren and four children: Trevor, Peyton, Blake, and Renea. Why Did You Choose Me? is Sarah Strickling Jones’ first illustrated children’s book in watercolor.

Why Did You Choose Me by Katie Cruice Smith and illustrated by Sarah Strickling Jones, is an inspiring and special book about the unconditional love a parent can have for an adopted child.
Each page is filled with charming colorful pictures with coinciding poetry text of a beautiful conversation between Mother and an adopted daughter.  This is a wonderful book that will touch the heart of readers and especially the heart of adoptive parents or children.
 
Genre: children’s, family, adoption
Publisher: Ambassador International
Publication date: November 12, 2017
 
A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

(1) winner will receive

• a print copy of Why Did You Choose Me?
• "For This Child I Prayed" ornament (more info HERE)

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 3, 2018 and last through 11:59pm December 1, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter the giveaway HERE.

​Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops/dates!

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Shelly was born in Portland Oregon but spent most of her growing up years in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a child you could usually find her wearing a swimsuit and bouncing between the pool, the beach, and her family's ski boat. 

She has always loved children and books so it made sense when she started writing books for children. In her spare time she helps her husband, author Chad Morris, write MORE children's books. In her extra-extra spare time she loves the theater, history, kdramas, and traveling. She is also one of the worst tap dancers you will ever meet. But she does it anyway.

She has no regrets, one husband, three chickens, five children, and sixty-four Pez dispensers. ​

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Squint is a beautiful, powerful, and inspiring story of two friends, their struggles, fear of being judged, and learning to lean on and trust one another.  Chad Morris and Shelley Brown have come together and created a realistic fiction and contemporary story focused on family and friendship that readers will immediately fall in love with.  From the delightful and beloved believable characters, to the sweet and charming story of true friendship, readers will come to see what in life matters most.
 
Genre: children’s, contemporary, middle grade, family, realistic fiction
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publication date: October 2, 2018
Number of pages: 256
 
A review copy of this book was provided by Shadow Mountain.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.