Bargaining for the Barrister Book Tour, Author Interview, Review and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Louisa Cox is tired of fortune hunters pursuing her dowry. So when Lady Kellen offers to help her find an eligible suitor, Louisa eagerly accepts and makes a list of what she wants in a husband. The man selected is barrister Paul Sheldon. He may be a complete stranger, but he has one thing in his favor: he is unaware of her fortune. What Louisa did not anticipate was his curiousbehavior—or being so attracted to him.

When Paul catches wind of the matchmaking organization his mother and her friends are establishing, he pities the fellow who will be caught in their scheme—until he realizes he is to be their first victim. Horrified, Paul determines to thwart his mother’s plans by whatever means necessary. 

After meeting his intended, however, his increasing desire to be near her threatens to disrupt his convictions. Louisa is everything he could want in a wife, and when an unexpected adventure sets in motion the very plan he had determined to halt, he almost wishes his mother’s plot could succeed. But Paul harbors a secret and a past that make it impossible for him to give Louisa the life she deserves.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What makes this book stand out from the market?

Anneka R. Walker - Bargaining for the Barrister is not just another regency romance. It's a community coming together to bring about the happiness of two people. While the matchmaking mamas add a fun element, the two main characters steal the show with their strong voices and unique personal battles.

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?

Anneka R. Walker - The managing editor at my publishing house sent out a letter requesting more stories with strong family ties. I answered that call by creating my matchmaking mama series. I do pit my characters against their scheming mothers, but their intentions and responses are tied with love. The culture of today compared to the early 1800s differs greatly, but the motivations of wanting good things for our families continue. I hope my story captures that.

Life Is What It's Called - How many books can we expect to see from this series?

Anneka R. Walker - There will be a minimum of four stories with possibilities for more!

Life Is What It's Called - What do you plan to write next?

Anneka R. Walker - I am writing the end of the second book in this series right now! I think fans of Bargaining for the Barrister will love it!

Life Is What It's Called - What authors inspire you?

Anneka R. Walker - I have so many authors who have influenced my writing journey. Historically, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens and several of the romantic poets. I have my scriptural heroes too. The contemporary authors happen to be many of my critique partners and fellow authors at Covenant. Sarah Eden will always be someone I adore. She is as incredible a person as she is a writer. She was an early mentor and helped me believe in my writing.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope readers will gain from this story?

Anneka R. Walker - First, I hope they are entertained and feel a little lighter when they close the book. And secondly, I hope the morals resonate with them. Love is worth the effort, no matter the relationship or the challenges that come with it. And marriage, while unfortunately not afforded to all in this life, is still a union worth seeking and supporting.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you want your readers to know about you?

Anneka R. Walker - I'm a romantic at heart. You never would have guessed. I write quirky plots and awkward characters because it's true to me. I can dance in a public setting and embarrass my entire family, and I can introvert at home with the best of them. I'm a sucker for babies (especially my own), classic movies, and dark chocolate.

REVIEW

To be honest, I wasn't excited about the premise of this book...matchmaking during the Regency period is overdone. However, I was excited to read another book by Anneka Walker and she didn't disappoint me with this book. In Bargaining for the Barrister, I found that she gave a fresh take on matchmaking during the Regency period in her witty comedic style. There were twists, turns, and a few unexpected surprises in this story. I found it easy to read and a relaxing fun read. The characters were likeable. I found that they grew as the story went on and developed as they learn from their experiences. The writing pace was just right, and I felt like there was never a dull moment. There are a few characters that she sets up for the other books in her series and I already have my favorite that I can't wait to read. This book is clean, and I would feel comfortable letting a teen read. I don't want to spoil anything by saying too much...if you enjoy reading books during the Regency time period, I suggest checking this one out. Learn more here.

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Please note that I was given a free ebook to review. This post is in coordination with the publisher and the author. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.

The Kindness Machine Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview and Giveaway

The Kindness Machine

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press | ISBN-13: 9781955119085

Publisher’s Synopsis: Creative and artistic 2nd-grade teacher, Mr. Wilson, wants to teach his students about kindness. Mr. Wilson creates The Kindness Machine, a special machine that shows the students exactly what they can do to bring kindness to their classroom and into their hearts! Instead of telling his students to “be kind,” which is something children hear from a very early age, they learn exactly what they can do in their own lives by pressing the special buttons. In the end, Mr. Wilson teaches his students that they each have their own Kindness Machine within them to help make kind decisions for others and themselves.

This creative, innovative, and fun teaching method will direct kids to be kind to one another in their classroom and beyond. The book includes discussion questions to help the reader consider not only kindness towards others but also kindness towards themselves, a lesson that is not always taught.

The Kindness Machine is a practical and innovative tool for teaching emotional literacy, kindness, and acceptance of self and others.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an ebook on Amazon or Bookshop.org. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher. She has a passion for literacy and believes that we can change the world by reading to the children in our lives. This is her debut picture book. She lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband, Chad, and their two children. She has dreamed of collaborating with her husband to merge their two professions of educator and artist into one meaningful product. The Kindness Machine allowed that dream to come true.

Learn more about Christina at www.christinadankert.com.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write The Kindness Machine?

Christina Dankert - As a mother and a teacher, the concept of kindness is extremely important. I wrote The Kindness Machine to help spread kindness and shine a light on how simple, but necessary kindness can be. Writing this book allows me to reach more students and families beyond the four walls of my classroom. It is my goal to create a kindness ripple in homes and classrooms around the world.

Life Is What It's Called - What lessons do you want the reader to take away from reading your story?

Christina Dankert -The lesson that I want readers to take away from the story is that kindness to others and kindness to yourself are both important. I want parents, teachers and caregivers to walk away from the story knowing they are helping to lay a positive foundation for kindness. The concepts in the story are simple and are easy to implement. It is often through small acts of kindness that make a big difference. I want the reader or listener to walk away from the story knowing that kindness is their superpower.

Life Is What It's Called -  How can The Kindness Machine be used in the home and the classroom?

Christina Dankert - The Kindness Machine can be read at home as a feel good story and a way to start or continue a conversation about kindness. Since this book takes place in a classroom and promotes kindness, it would be an excellent book to add in a classroom or school library. The book will help spark whole group or small group discussions that can help start a school year as you build a classroom family, or be used as a mid-year reminder to why kindness to others and to yourself is important.

Life Is What It's Called - Why is it important to teach children about kindness?

Christina Dankert - We often expect people to innately be kind. However, kindness like so many other character strengths must be explicitly taught and modeled. When you teach children the importance of kindness through discussions, modeling, role play, etc., children have the opportunity to take the lessons learned or experiences they have witnessed, and continue to spread kindness as young adults and adults. Kindness becomes more tangible when children know what they can do to be kind and also what kindness looks and feels like.

Life Is What It's Called - Do you have any supplemental information that goes along with this book?

Christina Dankert - There are discussion questions at the beginning of the book for parents, teachers, counselors and caregivers to use. The questions are for before reading, during and after reading. These questions allow for the kindness conversation to continue beyond the text. In the heart of the book, there are little questions embedded in the bottom right hand corner of the page. These are one sentence questions that allow even the youngest listener to make a connection to their own life. I also have supplemental kindness content that can be found on my website or in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Life Is What It's Called - What is your background in education?

Christina Dankert - I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood K-5 and a master’s degree in Special Education. I have been teaching for 11 years with 10 of those years being in second grade. The Kindness Machine takes place in a second grade classroom.

Life Is What It's Called - Why is it important to expose children to literature?

Christina Dankert - I could talk about this for days! Literature, especially picture books, allow children to experience situations from the comfort of their own home or classrooms. To quote Neil Gaiman, "...a book is a little empathy machine." One of my favorite phrases I continue to hear in the publishing world is that a book should be a window and a mirror: A window into the lives of others and a mirror to reflect your own experiences. Not every book will contain both, but by reading or listening to a large variety of picture books, a child is able to experience a wide range of cultures, holidays, problems and solutions. A picture book provides a springboard for a child to safely ask questions and have a discussion on different topics. Diversity, equity and inclusion can not simply be buzz words. They must be words that carry meaning to allow children, and adults, to see that it is through our differences that make us beautiful, unique and should be celebrated.

Life Is What It's Called -  What are some of your next writing projects?

Christina Dankert - I am currently working on more children's book manuscripts. They all revolve around a character strength or positive message that I feel are important for children to read and listen to.

Life Is What It's Called -  What writers would you say influence your writing?

Christina Dankert -There are so many inspiring children's book authors. As a mother and a teacher, I read a lot of picture books and continue to learn about new books daily! Diane Alber, author and illustrator of The Little Spot series, creates adorable books on social emotional learning that provide tangible steps for children. It was important for me to include kindness actions that would be implemented immediately without prep.

Life Is What It's Called -  What sets The Kindness Machine apart from others on the market?

Christina Dankert - I was encouraged by a local librarian to read as many children's books on kindness before writing my manuscript. During my research, I was able to find plenty of other books about kindness. However, I was unable to find a book that not only focused on kindness to others but on kindness to ourselves. As adults, we often struggle with being kind to ourselves due to social media or constant comparisons. If we can teach children to really love themselves and who they are, I truly believe we can help raise the next generation with a more positive self image and a healthy focus on mental health. Including the concept of "love yourself" in my book, is the part I am most proud of. I hope each and every person reading this loves themself or is working on loving themself.

GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of The Kindness Machine or one of five individual copies!

One (1) winner receives:

• A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners' school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.

Five (5) winners receive:

• A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert

The Kindness Machine: Book Giveaway 

 This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Purple Butterfly Press.

Son of the Deep Review

 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Orpheo never meant to disobey his father or betray his kind, but when he finds the young human woman weeping over the death of her own father, his compassionate heart moves him to comfort her.

All Rose ever wanted was to make her father proud, but after the mysterious Boy in the Sea eases her through her grief, Rose throws aside her reservations and vows she will find the boy and marry him.

As Rose despairs of ever finding him, Orpheo sells his voice to the Sea Witch and gives up his family in a desperate bid to fulfill their love and heal a hundred-year rift between their worlds. But restoration cannot be bought through black magic, and when Orpheo becomes human, Rose does not recognize him.

At the end of all hope, only great sacrifice can bring Rose and Orpheo a happily ever after.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K. B. Hoyle’s love of good stories began when she stepped through a wardrobe at age six, and she never looked back. She is the multiple award-winning Young Adult author of THE GATEWAY CHRONICLES and THE BREEDER CYCLE. In addition to her many novels, she is a longtime columnist at Christ and Pop Culture, a sought-after voice in the areas of storytelling and culture, and she has contributed articles and essays to a variety of publications.

K. B. stays busy at her home in Wisconsin on a winding creek with her husband, their four sons, and the foxes, deer, woodpeckers, cardinals, grass snakes, hawks, and toads that frequent their land.

REVIEW

Son of the Deep shares an interesting twist on the classic "Little Mermaid" fairy tale. K. B. Hoyle replaces the traditional mermaid with a merman. The story also goes further into the tale by exploring the separation of the human and merpeople worlds as well as exploring backstories of all the characters. I found the storytelling to be instantly captivating and enjoyed the fresh retelling of such a classic story. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed seeing the characters come alive with their different personalities and perspectives. Middle grade readers will enjoy seeing this world come alive. There is some mention of death and concubines that younger middle grade readers (lower elementary school) might not be mature enough to understand. Overall, I thought it was a fun read. To learn more about Son of the Deep click here.

Please note that I received a free pdf of the book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.