Molly Cooper is haunted by one simple fact: it is her fault her twin
brother, Matthew, has spent his life trapped in a frail body while she
has thrived. Deep in her heart, she knows he can’t hold on much longer.
In her desperation to save her brother, Molly finds inspiration in an unlikely source: the newly published novel Dracula.
When her family embarks on the Orient Express to seek treatment for
Matthew in Bulgaria, Molly is prepared to set her plan in motion: she
will sneak away from her parents and journey alone to Transylvania,
where she will seek a vampire, whose blood can make her brother
immortal. Molly’s rash plan is going flawlessly—until she encounters
Percy Hunt, a handsome American traveler running from the shadows of his
own past. When he discovers Molly’s plan, Percy’s concern for the naive
young woman leaves him no choice but to accompany her on her strange
quest. But neither Percy nor Molly is prepared for the feelings that
quickly grow between them or for the death-defying escapade that awaits.
Review - This
is not your typical romance. The main character, Molly, is unusual with
several quirks and a shocking naivety about the difference between
fantasy and reality. The story pace is quick and often relates to
Dracula by Bram Stoker. This story would be good to read along with the
classic Dracula. I felt like I was reading this story at the wrong time
of year. It should be read around Halloween and not the summer. There
seems to be other allusions to other monsters i.e Mummy, but I am not
familiar enough with the Horror genre to know for sure. This felt very
different from Daines's other books...more excitement, horror, naivety,
and unusual characters. It's a clean, wholesome read. I would recommend
it to Romance/Horror fans. To learn more, click here.
Enter the giveaway by filling out the rafflecopter below.
Please note that I received a free e-book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links. Please note that the giveaway is run by the publisher.
The Monster Twins
Written by Robert and Karen Hanvik
Illustrated by Ella Ransom
Publisher’s Synopsis: Bella and Bertie are twins, but they don’t know
that, or each other. Separated while babies by bad law, they grew up
6000 miles apart, in Singapore and London. Follow the twins as they
discover their shared past and do their best to make a better future for
themselves, their families, and others like them. For more information, visit the website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Life Is What It's Called - What was your inspiration for The Monster Twins?
The Monster Twins started as more of an idea than an inspiration. We
wanted a family project that could bring together our interests and abilities
in creative writing, design, and illustration. A children's book was a logical
idea.
From
there, though, the book advanced based on a variety of inspirations. Ella has
been creating monster pictures since she was five or six years old (she is 19
now); as she has grown up, she added a deep interest in drawing architectural
features and icons. These two elements became a focal point for the book.
Karen
has been stretching her creative muscles for many years. Having trained at
London College of Fashion and Central St Martins, Karen has channeled her
creativity into numerous areas over the years, including her own line of
high-fashion scarves (karenhanvik.com) and a successful career as a digital
marketing consultant. She is inspired by her passion for travel, as am I. This
shared passion made the element of multiple locations for the setting of the
book another logical decision.
Regarding
the copy, it started as a much longer manuscript designed to introduce many
concepts and images that could inspire the book's design. Gradually, the words
were pared down to allow the design and illustration to carry much of Bella and
Bertie's story.
Finally,
subconsciously at first, then consciously, the story's emotional elements were
inspired by current events. The Monster Twins features a
number of conflicting emotions, such as sadness and joy, separation and
togetherness, loss, and gain. This mirrors the current state of so much of the
world, with division being such a common theme across geographies, political
leanings, and personal ideologies. We wanted to share a book that focused only
on overcoming those divisions and finding happiness together… in such a way
that makes a positive difference for others.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope kids will gain from reading it? And why should parents want
their kids to read this book?
During
our research as we developed The Monster Twins, we were
pleasantly surprised about the quite wide age range of children who enjoyed the
book. Kids as young as three or four simply enjoyed the big, bold, colorful
pictures and some funny bits. Children up to 11 or 12 enjoyed the look and feel
of the book, but seemed to really spark to the idea of thinking about what the
story really means… giving them a chance to create their interpretation of it.
No matter what the age, though, we want young listeners and readers to like
Bella and Bertie – and their extended family! – as people who overcome
challenges and strive to help others… and have some fun at the same time.
As
for the parents, we hope the book is a joy to read every time to their
children, letting them use their imaginations and apply their own
interpretations. We also hope it might inspire them to talk to their children
about the concepts they take away from the story. Finally, we hope it will
spark an interest in the locations featured in the book and nudge them to learn
more with their children. (We have created a new format for The Monster Twins,
available at monstertwins.com, that is interactive and does not require an e-reader;
it features bonus materials on every page of the book, including fun facts
about the locations, downloadable coloring pages, and activities.)
Life Is What It's Called - Do you each have a favorite part of the book that you'd like to share?
Ella:
My favorite pages are those where Bella and Bertie are on the same page doing
different – but related – things, like where they're climbing in different
locations, or in their separate beds in London and Singapore. Also, because of
my interest in architecture, I think it's great to share with kids my view of
such amazing buildings from around the world.
Karen:
The mobile phone page spread always makes me smile as it's where Bella and
Bertie and the families find each other, thanks to social media, mobile phones,
and the internet! I also love the 'hot spots' in the interactive online version
of the book we created for our website. And it makes me happy and proud to hear
the comments from people that the pictures surprise them in a fun way. We
worked hard to include unusual details that kids and parents would enjoy.
Robert:
I like all the icons in London and Singapore, as they bring back memories of
our travels together. But I think my favorite bits are the smaller touches, like
Baby Bella's Smellies branded diaper and the 'monster accessible' school bus.
My favorite spread is the one that reveals that Bella and Bertie are monsters
because the reference to short arms and selfies makes me smile.
Life Is What It's Called - Can you share a highlight from the process of creating The Monster
Twins?
I
think the overall highlight has been just being able to share such an ambitious
project as a family. In addition to Ella, Karen, and myself, other family
members have helped in many behind-the-scenes ways. You can learn more about
how we created The Monster Twins by visiting the 'Making of' page on our website, which provides an overview of how
the book was drawn, together with early pictures of the character
development.
The
other thing that has been a real highlight is the multitude of reactions and
interpretations we have received from everyone who has been exposed to the
book. To us, that's a sign of a great book, one that engages people in ways
that are meaningful to each individual.
Life Is What It's Called - Are there more books featuring the monsters in your future?
Yes!
We already have drafted manuscripts for two more books, which will take Bella
and Bertie and their family to other parts of the world, including the United
States. We have roughly sketched out more stories but thought we should not get
too far ahead of ourselves.
Life Is What It's Called - Robert, since you have experience in writing journalism, and, Karen, you have
experience in marketing, can you tell us if these said careers are harder or
easier than writing for children? How have your backgrounds helped you write
this book?
Robert:
I feel fortunate in that writing has always come easily to me. I think
journalistic writing is more natural for me, especially having done it for so
long, in that it is quite logical and straightforward. Creative writing can be
challenging because linear thinking is not always best. Plus, I have to
constantly remind myself that I'm not writing the book for myself; I have to
think about those who I want to enjoy it. I do feel that my approach to writing
has helped us think through things in the book. By 'over-writing' as I tend to
do, I cover many things that are much better drawn and brought to life by
design.
Karen:
Writing and illustrating books for children is certainly more fun! Besides the
learning curve of stretching myself to 're-learn' how to draw and design again
after a number of years, it has been a fantastic experience and given me ideas
for new characters and stories. Having had five children (now all adults) and
remembering the pleasure of reading endless books to and with them, also
definitely helped make the book better and added to my enjoyment of creating
it.
Life Is What It's Called - What's one fun thing about you that readers should know?
Ella:
Some of the architectural drawings I submitted as part of my school homework
were so precise that my teachers mistakenly thought I had traced them from a
book.
Karen:
At age 15, I was asked to fill a gap in my school's sports day and throw the
discus for the very first time. Randomly, it turned out I was a natural and,
after lots and lots of practice, I ended up training with the Team Great
Britain, the national Olympic track and field team!
Robert:
I hold a record that will never be broken: longest baby to be delivered at the
hospital where I was born – 24 inches. (I know the record will always stand
because the hospital closed shortly after I was born!)
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Monster Twins and a Visa gift card!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A physical copy of The Monster Twins
A digital flipbook copy of The Monster Twins
A $25 Visa gift card to stock up on more books from your favorite bookstore
Five (5) winners receive:
A choice of:
A physical copy of The Monster Twins
A digital flipbook copy of The Monster Twins
Giveaway begins July 20, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends August 20, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Series: Love Inspires Suspense
Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: September 1, 2019
She was framed! Or was she?
If only she could remember...
Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects— her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?
Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…mysteries and exotic adventures, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey filled with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this book?
Tanya
Stowe - My husband and I are full time RV’ers. During the winter months
we live in southern Arizona near where the book takes place. I’ve
fallen in love with this land, it’s unique characteristics and its
history. I just had to create a suspense novel set there.
Life Is What It's Called - What music would you pick as a playlist for this book?
Tanya
Stowe - I have a playlist of nouveau flamenco that I play while writing
this story. Ottma Liebert created haunting atmospheric music that can
be romantic and mysterious so it helps me get in the mood.
Life Is What It's Called - What actors would you pick to play the part of your characters in a movie?
Tanya
Stowe - That’s a tough one. The heroine is easy. Anne Hathaway. But the
hero is tougher. I think maybe a young Mathew McConnaughey. That fits.
Review
Fatal Memories begins
with the heroine, Jocelyn, losing her memory. Dylan Murphy's, a DEA
agent, job is to determine her innocence while trying to find dangerous
drug traffickers. The story is interesting and fun as the characters try
to help Jocelyn unlock her memories and unravel clues. I didn't always
agree with some of Murphy's decisions, but otherwise the story was an
interesting suspenseful read. It's a quick easy read that would be fun
to take on a road trip or camping trip.
Winter 1839. LIBERTY, MISSOURI. Local jailer, Samuel Tillery (Jasen Wade) is tasked with watching Missouri's most wanted men as they await their upcoming hearing. Caught between the local Missourians' increased drive to remove the prisoners, and the prisoners' desperate efforts to survive, Tillery is pushed beyond what any lawman can endure. Based on
actual recorded accounts, Out of Liberty is an intense, evocative western, with an outcome you have to see to believe. Check out the trailer below and learn more here. This movie will be available to select movie theaters in Utah starting September 13th.
Q&A with Director Garrett Batty
1. Where did the concept come from for Out of Liberty?
I love a good Western, and I've wanted to do one for a while. The events at Liberty
Jail involve a triangle of conflict between the jailer, the mob and the
prisoners. It seemed like an intriguing plot to explore. Amidst some
of the better known occurances were attempted jailbreaks, repeated
appeals to the legal system and an impromptu court hearing. With 1830’s
Missouri as a setting, it’s the perfect backdrop for a powerful
western.
2. What were some high points during the creative process?
Working
in independent film is extremely difficult. It requires a lot of
talented, passionate creative individuals to make things come together.
Stephen Dethloff brought in the first several drafts of the script, and
it was a high point to see that there was a cinematic story in Liberty
Jail. Then, to be able to cast Jasen Wade, Brandon Ray Olive and
Corbin Allred (who came back to acting after a 5 year hiatus just for
this role) was a dream come true. Another high point was getting to see
the set of the jail. We built 2 different sets, to cover interiors and
exteriors. To step onto each set after they were completely prepped
for filming made everything feel real.
3. What was your favorite scene on set?
The
entire shoot was extremely cold, and the pressure to get everything
just right probably impeded me from being able to feel like I had a favorite scene
during the shoot. But now that the film is done, I can look back at
some of the scenes and more accurately choose favorites. There’s a lot
of recorded stories about the friendship between Joseph (Brandon Ray
Olive) and Porter (Corbin Allred.) The scenes in which we tried to
portray that friendship have become some of my favorites. Also, the
jailer, Samuel Tillery (Jasen Wade) has a classic western stand-off with
one of the characters. I’ve loved that scene from the moment it was in
the script, through the final edit.
4. Any learning moments you want to share?
Any
film presents opportunities for learning moments. Whether in the
research phase, fundraising phase, production, post, or distribution,
I’m always learning more and more about the process. One lesson that
relates specifically to OUT OF LIBERTY
was learning to respect the humanness of whom the story is about.
Often I read historical accounts, but fail to recognize that they are
written about real people, who deal with the same human hopes, dreams,
faith and fears that I go through. So I learned to not only show their
actions, but to help the audience understand the human emotion that was
driving their actions. So in a moment of weakness, when Sydney Rigdon
(Brock Roberts) doesn’t live up to my expectations, appreciating his
humanness helps me to be more understanding of his actions.
5. What is the inspiration behind the story? OUT OF LIBERTY is based on the true events that happened at Liberty
Jail in 1839. Mob rule and public opinion collided with religious
liberties and expressions of faith. It lead to a conflict that
escalated beyond what either side wanted. Today, with ever-present
social media and opinionated commentators stirring up reactions and
attacks toward any differing belief, the similarities felt very
relevant. Fortunately, we see in both cases, that principled
individuals, dedicated to the good of society, can make a difference.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?
Stop aspiring, start doing. We need great storytellers!
7. If you had to summarize the film in one line what would it be? OUT OF LIBERTY is a western drama about a jailer caught between his civic job to keep
Missouris’s most wanted men held for trial, and his personal duty to
protect them from those who want them dead.
8. What do you hope people take away from this film?
When audiences go to the theater to see OUT OF LIBERTY,
I hope they come away thinking “Wow, that was an awesome film! Let’s
see it again.” It’s really a cool story, and to see it in theaters
brings it to life in a way that no other format can.
9. What most surprised you in the making of this film?
One
of the surprises along they way was how dedicated and committed the
cast and crew were to telling this story. One example of this is with
the character of Caleb Baldwin played by Adam Johnson. I’ve been
friends with Adam Johnson for years, and have loved watching him in
everything from CHARLY to The Outpost on The CW. He was gracious
enough to come do this movie as a favor for me. I anticipated he would
show up, deliver a good performance, keep the set fun, and be on to the
next project. But Adam surprised me. He brought a performance that
gave a level of humanity and depth that turned Caleb Baldwin into a real
person for me. It was humbling, inspiring, and it has stuck with me.
Every actor gave their all, and it shows on screen. It was really
quite a nice surprise to have that caliber of talent on this film.
10. What scene was the most difficult to film?
Each
scene had its own set of challenges, but for this project I’d have to
say the first day of shooting was the hardest. The film is dedicated to
my mother-in-law, who unexpectedly passed away only two days before
filming began. With this personal tragedy very much on my mind, it was
difficult to try to focus on the film. I was grateful to be surrounded
by a supportive cast and crew, and a wonderful family. One message of
the film deals with enduring extremely difficult circumstances, so that
inspired me throughout the shoot.
11. What other films have you directed? OUT OF LIBERTY is my fourth feature film. Other features I’ve written and directed are THE SARATOV APPROACH, FREETOWN and SCOUT CAMP.
12. How long did it take to film your movie?
We filmed OUT OF LIBERTY in November, 2018.
One fun story - I was holding auditions, and was surprised when Jasen Wade showed up to audition. We had never worked together, and it was an honor to have him audition. He read for a role and did a great job. But I felt I should ask him to read the part of the jailer, Samuel Tillery. He looked a little disheartened, but agreed to read for the
part. He was perfect for it! About a week later, we offered him the part and he graciously accepted. I asked him to make some time for a
call so that we could discuss his approach to the character. As we discussed the character, he paused for a minute, then said “Wait a
minute… I’m just playing the jailer, right?” He was shocked to find out that the jailer was the protagonist of the film. He was expecting it to be just a small supporting role.
Molly O' Malley, lady's maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life's work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway's charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly's eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city's slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them.
Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves.
Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.
Review - A Lady's Maid takes the reader into the households of the privileged and the unfortunate. The slums described in A Lady's Maid reminded me of Dicken's Oliver Twist. The feelings that I felt during Oliver's plight were similar to reading about Molly's escapade in the slums. The imagery and descriptions were very powerfully written. Johnson has a way of making the story come alive in the reader's imagination even if it's not pleasant. Johnson doesn't write light or fluffy romances. She tackles the politics and troubles of the time period. I would also suggest reading her notes after the story. Some of her notes about the history were fascinating. A Lady's Maid is a stand-alone novel, but has some of the same characters as Johnson's The Nobleman's Daughter. I've read The Nobleman's Daughterand Scarlet, and I think by far this is my favorite. The detail is rich and imaginative. The main characters are inspiring and likeable. Even though this is a stand-alone novel, I think the reader should probably read The Nobleman's Daughter first. There are scenes and background information that carry over into this book. The title of the book makes it seem like this is just Molly's story, but there are also other characters that take center stage at times and it's also their story as well. There is some scenes dealing with prostitutes and rude comments made to the women that were appropriate for the scene and doesn't go beyond that. This is a clean novel. To learn more, click here.
Please note that I received a free copy to facilitate this review,
however, my opinions are my own. The giveaway is facilitated by the
publisher. There are affiliate links in this post that help to facilitate the maintenance of this blog.
I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month
some of the blog or social media giveaways I've entered, thought someone
else might be interested in entering or that have been submitted to me
through bloggers. Check back often throughout the month to see if I have
posted more giveaways. If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on
your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me (via email). If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.
The first idyllic hours of Greg and Marena Walker’s Caribbean vacation are filled with turquoise water, sand as soft and white as powdered sugar, and gentle ocean breezes. But all too soon the Walkers find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now they are running for their lives...Scott Vaughn has made a lucrative career of secretly transporting illegal materials. Pay him enough, and he’ll move whatever you want from anywhere to anywhere. And though he has never met the Walkers, he needs them dead. His future depends on making certain they don’t have one. Wayne Hovey desperately wants Scott Vaughn—alive is best; dead is acceptable. And luck has handed him the perfect bait: Greg and Marena Walker.In a heart-pounding game of cat and mouse, each player is driven to succeed, never realizing they are all pawns in something much larger—and more dangerous—than any of them
knows.
Author's Autobiography: I grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City in a pretty typical family. My dad worked most of his life
in a factory, my mom was a homemaker and my three sisters were...sisters! The
two older ones were always bossing me around and I always had to give in to my younger sister.(They may not remember it exactly like that, but it's true--really!) A mom and three sisters means a lot of estrogen in a house, so during my preteen years my dad and I would escape whenever we could to the quiet of the mountains and deserts of Utah pursuing my dad's favorite hobby--rock-hounding. Saturday's meant traipsing over desolate ground and blasting old cans full of holes with a .22 rifle.
My early teen years were filled with pimples and the clumsy awkwardness of getting to know girls and for the most part, those are years to be forgotten. It was during my high school years that two great things happened in my life. First, I discovered airplanes and boats--two things I thoroughly enjoy to this day. But second, and by far the most important and best thing that's every happened to me, was I met my wife, Debbie. (That's a picture of her over on the right.) I met her in a geometry class.
The teacher sat us alphabetically and I ended up in the desk behind her. Had there still been ink wells in the desks, I'm sure I would have dipped the tips of her long dark hair in the ink in an effort to attract her attention. With no ink I had to satisfy myself with untying the bows made from ribbons that she used to tie back her hair. I succeeded in getting her attention, and ultimately convincing her to marry me, but not for several more years.
Review Wrong Place, Wrong Time started off slow for me at first but as the action and suspense started unfolding I was hooked as a reader. The story has several moments where characters were either in the wrong place at the wrong time or the right place at just the right time. It was an action packed and suspenseful read. The descriptions were well-written and I could easily visualize the scenes and characters. It's well worth a read. To learn more about Wrong Place, Wrong Time, click here.
Please note that I received a free copy to facilitate this review,
however, my opinions are my own. The giveaway is facilitated by the
publisher. There are affiliate links in this post that help to facilitate the maintenance of this blog.
Series: The London League Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance Publisher: Phase Publishing Publication date: July 1, 2019
The most dangerous journeys…
Jeremy Pratt is a spy for the Crown, and one of the best. He has been in
more dangerous situations than he can admit, and has always come out
unscathed. But escorting his colleague’s cousin home to her family, even
in disguise, just might be beyond his skills, and the temptation beyond
his ability to withstand.
…May be ones of the heart…
Helen Dalton is convinced there is more to this man escorting her than
meets the eye, and something familiar about him, as well. There is only
one man in the world who looks at her so intensely, banters with her so
easily, and makes her blush so furiously. And when he manages a daring
and heroic rescue, she wonders if she ever knew him at all.
About the Author
Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary,
because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating
stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She
started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked
back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away
from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.
Lady Halloway's charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly's eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city's slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them.
