Food Fun Family

The Girl He Used To Know #ReadTheGirl

Lolli — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 19:10:16 +0000

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and She Speaks for sending me an advanced copy of The Girl He Used to Know by New York Times Bestselling Author, Tracey Garvis Graves. The book hits shelves on April 2, so be sure to grab your copy this coming week! All thoughts and impressions about the book are my own.

It’s not everyday that I story takes me completely off guard. I was happily enjoying The Girl He Used to Know when – BAM – the story line hit me in the gut. It was so powerful and emotional that I had to stop my reading and talk to my husband about it. But I promise – there will be no spoilers in this post! You’ve GOT to read it to understand what I’m talking about here.

About The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game—and his heart—to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.

Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.

My Thoughts About The Girl He Used to Know

I was instantly intrigued by the main characters, Annika and Jonathan. The story starts off in 2001 (“present day”), with Annika and Jonathan running into each other after 10 years. As the book progresses, we jump back and forth between 2001 and 1991, when Annika and Jonathan met and dated in college. We know from the beginning that their relationship didn’t last past college, but we have no idea why.

I loved seeing the love story unfold between Annika and Jonathan. Annika is an unusual personality (and she knows it!) but Jonathan’s is a pure and unconditional love. One of my favorite parts of the story was seeing how that unconditional love, friendship, and acceptance transformed Annika and helped her reach her personal goals.

It was interesting to read about the effect that Annika and Jonathan had on each other’s lives and futures and wonder about the impact my college roommates, friends and boyfriends had on my own future. And in the same breath, it’s interesting to consider the impact that I have had on the people that have come in and out of my own life through the years.

The Girl He Used to Know Book Club and Discussion Guide

It’s been several years since I was in a book club. I sure miss those days! The discussion guide for The Girl He Used to Know are fabulous for starting a Book Club discussion. Even without the discussion questions, this book left me WANTING to discuss things with someone (hence why I had to tell my husband all about it when I got to the end!). This is a book you’ll want to talk about! Don’t forget that the book is available on April 2! Grab your copy ASAP!

Connect with The Girl He Used to Know

Facebook: @StMartinsPress
Twitter: @StMartinsPress
Instagram: @StMartinsPress
Hashtag: #ReadTheGirl

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Lolli — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 18:51:33 +0000

Little, Brown sent me a copy of Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow to check out, and is partnering with me for a giveaway! All thoughts are my own. Amazon affiliate links used.

We LOVE books. I’ve always been a reader, and I am thrilled that my kids can’t keep their noses out of books. My youngest son is reading a certain magical series through for the second time, and can’t wait to start a new magical series – Nevermoor! I happen to be a fan of reading children’s chapter books, and so I picked up Nevermoor this past week and couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to have a few days off next week to finish it!

About Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Nevermoor Series #1
By Jessica Townsend
In Stores October 31, 2017
Recommended for ages 9-12

A breathtaking, enchanting new series by debut author Jessica Townsend, about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world–but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination.

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she’s blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks–and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It’s then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city’s most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart–an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests–or she’ll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

Perfect for fans of the Harry Potter series and Neil Gaiman, this fast-paced plot and imaginative world has a fresh new take on magic that will appeal to a new generation of readers.

Jessica Townsend – Photo Credit Lani Carter

About the Author

Jessica Townsend lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, but has lived on and off in London for a few years. She was a copywriter for eight years, and in a previous role, was the editor of a children’s wildlife magazine for Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is her first novel.

Enter to Win a Nevermoor Prize Pack!

One (1) winner receives:

copy of Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
branded lapel pin plus Hotel Deucalion pen and notebook;
$50 Amex gift card to have a wundrous holiday season!

Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
This giveaway will end on 11/26/17 at 11:59pm ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!

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Connect with Nevermoor

Visit the Official Site
Follow the author on Twitter and Instagram
Follow the publisher on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
#Nevermoor

Praise for the Nevermoor

“Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is more than just a spectacular debut. Exciting, charming, and wonderfully imagined, it’s the sort of delightful, grand adventure destined to be many a reader’s favorite book.” — Trenton Lee Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Benedict Society series and The Secret Keepers

“[A] spellbinding debut… Morrigan is a captivating heroine, filled with moxie and wit… Whimsical worldbuilding, humorous dialogue, and colorful supporting characters compliment an adventurous, magic-filled plot that champions bravery, self-confidence, and hope.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Readers, like Morrigan herself, will feel at home in this evocative novel where magic and confidence go hand in hand. An excellent and exciting work.” — School Library Journal, starred review

The Adventurers Guild: Prize Pack Giveaway!

Lolli — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 16:17:41 +0000

Disney-Hyperion sent me a copy to check out, and is partnering with me for the giveaway below. All thoughts are my own.

Do you have a middle-grade reader who LOVES fantasy and adventure? Then I’ve got the perfect new book for you! I’m excited to introduce a book by two first-time authors, Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos (more on these two best friends below), that was just released yesterday! The Adventurers Guild is an exciting novel for kids ages 9-12 (and beyond!) and the first in a series that I guarantee kids and adults alike will be eager to read more from.

Here’s a little about the book:

About The Adventurers Guild

Few ever asked to join the Adventurers Guild. . . . Their members often died young.

In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone’s only half elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he’ll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild.

But just as it seems the boys’ dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn . . . and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild.

Led by the fearsome Alabasel Frond, the guild acts as the last line of defense against the Dangers – hungry, unnatural beasts from otherworldly planes. And when the boys uncover a conspiracy that threatens all of Freestone, Zed, Brock, and their new allies – Liza, a fierce noble, and Jett, a brave dwarf – must prove their worth once and for all.

This start of a thrilling new series is sure to be a hit with readers who like their fantasies clever and action-packed, with tons of humor and heart.

About the Authors

The Adventurers Guild authors, Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos

Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos are both editors based in New York. Best friends, they take a coffee break together every day and play Dungeons &
Dragons every week. Zack fervently hopes that magic is real; Nick desperately hopes that monsters are not. The Adventurers Guild is their first novel.

Connect with Adventurers Guild

Follow hashtag: #AdventurersGuild
Visit the Official Site
Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram
Like Disney Books on Facebook
Purchase the book on Amazon (affiliate link)

Enter to WIN Your Own Adventurers Guild Prize Pack!

One (1) winner receives:

Copy of The Adventurers Guild
branded bookmark
branded baseball cap and hoodie
$50 Visa gift card to embark on your own adventure!

Open to US Addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by Disney-Hyperion. This giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET on 10/18/2017. after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.

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The Percy Jackson Coloring Book #PJColoringBook

Lolli — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 11:00:04 +0000

Disney-Hyperion sent me a copy of the brand new Percy Jackson Coloring Book to check out, and is partnering with me for a giveaway! All thoughts are my own. Amazon affiliate links are used within this post.

It’s no secret that we’re Percy Jackson fans at our house. I love that I can be just as “into” a series as my kids!

We’re also a family that loves to color. So it was no surprise that we were thrilled to find out about the new Percy Jackson Coloring Book (especially when we found out that a copy was coming to OUR HOUSE!

Coloring – at ANY age – is soothing and relaxing. It’s so easy to get lost in a coloring book! We found an extra element of enjoyment as we reminisced about scenes that we remembered from the Percy Jackson books while flipping through the pages.

The Percy Jackson Coloring Book is beautifully and simply illustrated on high-quality paper. It’s perfect for colored pencils! Luckily, we’re still in the middle of our summer vacation, so we’ve had plenty of time to color this week!

About The Percy Jackson Coloring Book

Demigods, brandish your pencils!

In Stores and Online NOW!

Over the past decade, millions of young readers, parents, and teachers have come to adore Rick Riordan’s classic series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which made ancient Greek mythology contemporary, relevant, and entertaining as it turned kids on to reading. Now fans can literally color Percy’s world with the amusing portraits, dramatic scenes, and intricate designs on every spread of this large format paperback. This book is a great way to introduce young children to the series, to allow older fans to reminisce, and to augment classroom units on Greek mythology.

About the Author

Rick Riordan, dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, based on Greek and Roman mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, based on Norse mythology. Rick collaborated with illustrator John Rocco on two best-selling collections of Greek myths for the whole family: Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. Rick lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @camphalfblood.

About the Illustrator

Keith Robinson graduated with a degree in graphic design and illustration in 1992 and worked as an animator on some of the earliest digital media productions for clients around the world. He joined the BBC and was part of the R&D team that developed the corporation’s first website. He later founded Codename, an award-winning media production company, before he became a freelance illustrator in 2001. His illustrations have been featured in children’s books, magazines, television programs, and on postage stamps. He especially enjoys drawing fantasy, mythical, and historical subjects. He lives on the south coast of England.

Connect with Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson, and Disney-Hyperion

Visit ReadRiordan.com
Like Percy Jackson on Facebook
Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram
Follow Rick Riordan on Twitter and Instagram
Hashtag #PJColoringBook

Enter to WIN a Percy jackson Coloring Book Prize Pack!

One (1) winner receives:

Copy of The Percy Jackson Coloring Book
Percy Jackson-branded tin of colored pencils
$50 Visa gift card to put towards your artistic quests!

Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Disney-Hyperion.
This giveaway will end on August 29 at 11:59pm ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!

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The Dark Prophecy {The Trials of Apollo Book 2}

Lolli — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:31:21 +0000

Thanks to Disney-Hyperion for sending me a copy, and for providing a prize pack for my readers. All thoughts are my own. Amazon affiliate links are used within this post.

We have been huge Rick Riordan fans since the first Percy Jackson book came out about 11 years ago. We look forward to each new book because we know we’ll find adventure and humor, and we know that we’ll always learn something interesting, too. I love that I can enjoy each Rick Riordan book as much as my kids do!

The second book in Riordan’s The Trials of Apollo series is coming to stores as of May 2, 2017 (it’s available for preorder now), and we’re so excited to get our copy and start reading the story!

About the Book

Zeus has punished his son Apollo — god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more — by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers?

After experiencing a series of dangerous—and frankly, humiliating—trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Somewhere in the American Midwest, he and his companions must find the most dangerous Oracle from ancient times: a haunted cave that may hold answers for Apollo in his quest to become a god again—if it doesn’t kill him or drive him insane first. Standing in Apollo’s way is the second member of the evil Triumvirate, a Roman emperor whose love of bloodshed and spectacle makes even Nero look tame. To survive the encounter, Apollo will need the help of son of Hephaestus Leo Valdez, the now-mortal sorceress Calypso, the bronze dragon Festus, and other unexpected allies—some familiar, some new—from the world of demigods. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride….

The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book 2)
By Rick Riordan
Published by Disney-Hyperion
In stores and online May 2nd, 2017

Inspired by the God of Poetry

Apollo is the god of many things – God of Music, God of Poetry, and God of the Sun. And he LOVES Haikus (what? You didn’t know that about him?). My boys and I decided to have a little Apollo-inspired fun, and we penned these fun little Haikus. Can you tell which is mine, which is my 16-year-old son’s, and which is my 12-year-old son’s? Someone wrote two…

Roses are yellow
Violets are not very blue
I’m a cool fellow

The spring is sprung
Birds chirp outside my window
Send more tissue, please

The sun is outside
The sun makes me happier
The end of the day

The friendship of life
It wrenches away your strife
Young live is now wife

Challenge: Write me a haiku in the comments below! Have fun with it!

Win a Dark Prophecy Prize Pack

This is so exciting! To celebrate the release of The Dark Prophecy, three different prize packs will be offered in giveaways across the web inspired by Apollo’s godliness – God of Music, God of Poetry, and God of the Sun. Collect them all! I’ve got the God of Poetry prize, and one (1) winner from Food Fun Family will receive:

Copy of The Dark Prophecy
The Trials of Apollo pen and pocket journal

Giveaway open to US addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by Disney-Hyperion. This giveaway will close at 11:59pm ET May 11, 2017, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!

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About the Author

Rick Riordan, dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, based on Greek and Roman mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, based on Norse mythology. Rick collaborated with illustrator John Rocco on two #1 New York Times best-selling collections of Greek myths for the whole family: Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. Rick lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @camphalfblood.

Connect with Rick Riordan

Visit ReadRiordan.com
Follow Rick Riordan on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram
Snapchat @disneybooks
#TrialsofApollo

Word of Mouse “Words to Live By” Giveaway #WordofMouse

Lolli — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 22:52:03 +0000

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Jimmy Patterson Books. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

I’ve always been an avid reader, and I love raising kids who are readers, too. I’ve got to say – there was something about Word of Mouse, a new juvenile fiction book by author James Patterson, that caught my attention and begged ME to read it, too.

Just flipping through the chapters is a joy!

Here’s a little about Word of Mouse:

ABOUT WORD OF MOUSE

By James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Release: December 12, 2016
Juvenile Fiction for ages 8-12
Purchase it here or on Amazon

James Patterson’s newest illustrated middle grade story follows the illuminating journey of a very special mouse, and the unexpected friendships that he makes along the way.

What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky—which until recently was something he’d never seen, but had read all about. That’s right—Isaiah can read, and write. He can also talk to humans…if any of them are willing to listen! After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his “mischief” (which is the word for a mouse family), and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family. But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls, and terrified people, it’s hard for a young, lone mouse to make it alone. When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.

Our own “Words to Live By” from Word of Mouse

Have you ever found a quote that resonated with you, like it was written just for you and your situation? That’s what it was like for me and my kids as we looked through Word of Mouse. I asked the kids (minus my older son who is always gone at some sports practice or another!) to find a quote that resonated with them, and it was so interesting that they were each able to find a quote from Isaiah the Mouse that was perfect.

Reese (13) loved Isaiah’s quote “You have to stand for something, otherwise you’ll spend your whole life on your butt.” Reese is a wonderful example to her friends and fellow teenagers at school and at church. She certainly stands for MANY good principles and is always looking for ways to make her community better.

AJ (11) loved Isaiah’s quote, “God gave us the acorns, but he doesn’t crack them open for us.” We’ve been given many blessings and privileges, but we still have the responsibility to do good things with the blessings we’ve been given. As the youngest of five kids, AJ has learned a lot of life skills simply from watching his older siblings. We’ve always taught our kids to be self-sufficient and given them responsibilities, fully believing that they could (and should) handle them!

Necco (17) loved the quote, “All of us are given gifts. How we use them is up to us.” Necco was particularly blessed with many creative talents. I love that she is preparing to use her musical talents and abilities to get a degree in music therapy (she graduates from high school this year!).

If you noticed the shot of me holding the book open above, you’ll see the quote that resonated with me: “The cure for 50 enemies is one friend.” I have had the chance to make deeper friendships in the last year, and I am grateful for those that I call my close friends.

I can’t wait for you to read Word of Mouse so you can also find the words to live by that resonate most with you!

About James Patterson

James Patterson received the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community at the 2015 National Book Awards. A tireless champion of the power of books and reading, he has created a new children’s book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: “We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY Book to say, ‘PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK.’”

LEARN MORE

Visit JamesPatterson.com

Follow JIMMY Patterson Books on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Follow James Patterson on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

#WordofMouse

Enter to WIN a Word of Mouse Giveaway!

One (1) winner receives a copy of Word of Mouse and a $50 Visa gift card. US addresses only. Prizing provided by JIMMY Patterson Books. Giveaway ends on December 21 at 11:59pm ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.

Good luck!

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Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad: A Royal Christmas {Giveaway} #ElenaofAvalor

Lolli — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 04:13:45 +0000

Thanks to Disney Publishing for sending me a Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad: A Royal Christmas gift pack, and for providing a prize pack for my readers, too! All thoughts are my own. Amazon affiliate links may be used within this post.

My kids and I have a long-standing tradition of collecting and reading holiday picture books. We started the tradition when the kids were little and have continued to enjoy those same books for years – even now that the kids are older. I can’t wait to (someday in the future) share my huge Christmas book collection with my grandchildren. I was excited to add a new holiday book to our collection – the brand new Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad: A Royal Christmas, a companion picture book for the hit Disney Channel series, Elena of Avalor.

About Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad: A Royal Christmas

Elena decides to host one big Navidad celebration in the park so that everyone can celebrate together. But each community is more interested in proving that their traditions are the best. Can Elena help her subjects see what the holidays are really about?

About Elena of Avalor: The fable, set in an unspecified time period, incorporates influences from diverse Latin and Hispanic cultures. It introduces Elena as a brave and adventurous teenager who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad: A Royal Christmas is in stores now! Also available on Amazon.
Recommended for ages 6-8

WIN a Elena of Avalor Prize Pack

One Food Fun Family winner will receive:

a copy of Elena of Avalor: Feliz Navidad
an Elena of Avalor ornament
a $50 gift card to the DisneyStore for all your Disney Princess needs!

Open to US addresses only. Prizing provided by Disney Publishing. This giveaway will end on December 3, 2016 at 11:59pm ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!

Visit books.disney.com
Follow Disney Books on Twitter and Instagram
#ElenaofAvalor

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The Protector Giveaway #TheProtector

Lolli — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 17:02:25 +0000

This post is brought to you in partnership with Forever, the romance imprint of Grand Central Publishing.

I love to read, and I’m always excited to be introduced to new-to-me authors and books…especially when I can share them with my readers. I’m excited to share a new book by Jodi Ellen Malpas, along with a fun book-inspired prize pack with you this week.

What are your favorite types of books to read?

ABOUT THE PROTECTOR

By Jodi Ellen Malpas

Available now! Buy it on Amazon

People think they have Camille Logan nailed: daddy’s girl; beautiful, spoiled young woman with her father’s bank balance to fund her lifestyle. But Camille is determined to have a life free from his strings. Out on her own, she’s made mistakes, including one that found her clawing her way back after a stint in rehab and plenty of bad press. Now, after fighting so hard to be independent and happy, she finds her life threatened as a result of her father’s ruthless business dealings. Caught between resentment and fear, Camille prepares herself for the measures her father will take to protect her. But nothing could prepare her for the ex-SAS sniper who crashes into her life.

Jake Sharp resides in his own personal hell. He was distracted from duty once before, and the consequences were devastating–both personally and professionally. He vowed never to let that happen again. Accepting the job of bodyguard to Camille Logan isn’t the kind of distraction from his demons he should take. Women and Jake don’t mix well, yet protecting the heiress seems the lesser of two evils. But Jake soon discovers that she isn’t the woman she’s perceived to be. She’s warm, compassionate, her presence settling, and his duty to protect her soon goes deeper than a well-paid job, no matter how hard he fights it. He needs absolution. He comes to need Camille. But he knows he can’t have both.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodi was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her two boys and a beagle. She is a self-professed daydreamer, a Converse & mojito addict, and has a terrible weak spot for Alpha Males.

Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters has become her passion – a passion she now shares with her devoted readers.

Jodi Ellen Malpas, author (Photo by Kerry Ann Duff)

She’s now a proud #1 New York Times bestselling author – all six of her published novels having hit the New York Times bestsellers list – as well as a Sunday Timesbestseller and international bestseller. Her work is published in over 20 languages across the world.

YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS prize pack

One (1) winner receives:

a copy of The Protector
hand cream, moisture gloves, and a nail care set.

This giveaway will run through Saturday, October 8 at 11:59 pm ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Winner must respond within 24 hours or a new winner may be chosen. Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Forever/Grand Central Publishing.

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LEARN MORE

Learn more at JodiEllenMalpas.co.uk

Follow @JodiEllenMalpas on Twitter and Facebook

Follow @ForeverRomance on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

#TheProtector

Magnus Chase: The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan #HammerofThor

Lolli — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 16:49:51 +0000

I partnered with Disney-Hyperion to offer this giveaway of Rick Riordan’s newest book, Magnus Chase: The Hammer of Thor. All thoughts are my own. Affiliate links used to show you where to buy the books.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that we have been huge fans of Rick Riordan’s books for years. We were excited when the first book in the new Magnus Chase series, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, came out last year (and although Magnus Chase is geared towards tweens and teens, I read it RIGHT away and loved every minute of it). Check out my reaction to the first book. I can’t wait to get my copy of the second book, Magnus Chase: The Hammer of Thor so that I can start reading it. I can’t wait to continue Magnus’ story. I know it will be as full of adventure and laughs as the first book.

ABOUT THE HAMMER OF THOR

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: Book 2

By Rick Riordan

Release date: October 4, 2016

The second installment in Rick Riordan’s blockbuster Norse mythology series has Magnus and friends helping the god of thunder find his missing weapon before all Muspellheim breaks loose.

Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon–the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn’t just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki–and the price he wants is very high.

ABOUT Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds

I am so excited about the new companion book: For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds (An Official Rick Riordan Companion Book): Your Introduction to Deities, Mythical Beings & Fantastic Creatures

So you’ve made it to Valhalla. Now what?

This “who’s who” guide to the gods, goddesses, and other important figures of Norse mythology was commissioned by Helgi, who, after more than a millennium as manager of Hotel Valhalla, became fed up with answering the same questions from newly deceased heroes at check-in. The profiles provide essential stats, interviews, and personal reflections so you can identify the gods and avoid those awkward introductions. Handy facts about other beings round out this go-to tome. You’ll never see Ratatosk as a cute little rodent or confuse a dwarf with an elf ever again!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Riordan, dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of three #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with 45 million copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, based on Greek mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and the Heroes of Olympus, based on Greek and Roman mythology. Rick collaborated with illustrator John Rocco on two best-selling collections of Greek myths for the whole family: Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. The first book in his Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy based on Norse mythology, The Sword of Summer, also debuted at #1 on the New York Times list. Rick lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @camphalfblood.

LEARN MORE

Visit ReadRiordan.com

Read the first chapter of The Hammer of Thor here!

Magnus Chase: The Hammer of Thor Prize Pack Giveaway

One (1) winner from Food Fun Family will receive:

a copy of Magnus Chase: The Hammer of Thor
a copy of official companion book: For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds
Hammer of Thor pen
Hotel Valhalla Swell-Style water bottle
Hotel Valhalla luggage tag
Hotel Valhalla t-shirt

Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Disney-Hyperion.
Giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET 9/23/2016. Good luck!

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Connect with Rick Riordan & Hammer of Thor

Follow Rick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram
Snapchat Disney-Hyperion at @DisneyBooks
Follow hashtag #HammerofThor

Big Fat Notebooks – What Your Tween Needs for Back to School

Lolli — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:12:35 +0000

Have you heard of the Big Fat Notebook series? I’m excited to introduce this fun, engaging, and informative resource for middle school students in partnership with @WorkmanPub. All thoughts are my own and my kids’; affiliate links are used to link to the books on Amazon.

Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post to take home your own set of Big Fat Notebooks!

School starts up again at the end of the month. I have always been grateful that my kids look forward to the start of a new school year. As much as we love summer break, we all thrive on the school year schedule and routine. This is the first year since my oldest daughter started school (15 years ago!?) that we will not have a child in elementary school. We have loved our neighborhood elementary school and will miss it, but we’re excited for all the learning and the opportunities that lie ahead for us in middle school, high school, and college this year.

My youngest son is starting his first year of middle school next week, and though we know he’ll excel, it’s nice to start off a new year and a new school with some extra resources. He has been loving the new Big Fat Notebook series that we received recently from Workman Publishing. He immediately grabbed the American History book and started reading it. I was curious and opened up the English Language Arts book and was instantly engrossed in the information.

The Big Fat Notebooks are NOT textbooks. They are books that tweens and teens will want to pick up and browse through….or pick up when they run into a problem they can’t answer during homework. The Big Fat Notebooks are not read-through-once-and-you’re-done types of books. They’re the kind of resource that will feel comfortable and familiar to middle school kids so that they will not think twice about reaching for them to learn something new, learn something better, or learn something again.

From the parent’s and teacher’s perspective, the Big Fat Notebooks…

meet Common Core State Standards
meet Next Generation Science Standards
meet state history standards
are vetted by National and State Teacher of the Year Award–winning teachers

The Big Fat Notebook series is built on a unique concept – borrowing the class notes from the smartest kid in class. Inside each book, you’ll find key concepts from each of the main subjects middle school students study – Math, Science, American History, English Language Arts, and World History. Each chapter is full of information that is easy to digest and presented in a style that will not only catch middle school students’ eyes, but keep them reading and discovering. Critical ideas are highlighted in neon colors. Definitions are explained clearly. Tricky concepts are explained using doodles and illustrations. Mnemonics are used to help memorize shortcuts. And each chapter ends with a quiz to recap everything they’ve learned.

Believe it or not, my 6th grade son WANTS to take those end-of-chapter quizzes! I’ve been learning a ton, too, as I’ve given him the quizzes.

My favorite thing about having the Big Fat Notebooks in our home is knowing that we have a resource to use when our kids come to us with a question that we don’t know how to answer (how many of my fellow parents are scared of having to recall all of the middle school and high school math we learned ages ago??). I love that we can look up concepts, read through examples, and then have the tools to help our kids succeed.

About the Books in the Big Fat Notebooks Series for #MiddleSchool Students

Everything You Need to Ace Math . . . covers everything to get you over any math hump: fractions, decimals, and how to multiply and divide them; ratios, proportions, and percentages; geometry; statistics and probability; expressions and equations; and the coordinate plane and functions.

Everything You Need to Ace Science . . . takes readers from scientific investigation and the engineering design process to the Periodic Table; forces and motion; forms of energy; outer space and the solar system; to earth sciences, biology, body systems, ecology, and more.

Everything You Need to Ace American History . . . covers Native Americans to the war in Iraq. There are units on Colonial America; the Revolutionary War and the founding of a new nation; Jefferson and the expansion west; the Civil War and Reconstruction; and all of the notable events of the 20th century—World Wars, the Depression, the Civil Rights movement, and much more.

Everything You Need to Ace World History . . . kicks off with the Paleolithic Era and transports the reader to ancient civilizations—in Egypt, Greece, India, China, Africa, Rome; the middle ages across the world; the Renaissance; the age of exploration and colonialization, revolution and imperialism, and the modern world and the wars and movements that shaped it.

Everything You Need to Ace English Language Arts . . . covers everything to get you your best marks: grammar, including parts of speech, active and passive verbs, Greek and Latin roots and affixes; nuances in word meanings; textual analysis, authorship, structure, and other skills for reading fiction and nonfiction; and writing arguments, informative texts, and narratives.

FOLLOW @WORKMANPUB & Big Fat Notebooks

Where to Find #BigFatNotebooks

You can purchase #BigFatNotebooks at the following retailers:

Big Fat Notebooks giveaway

I am thrilled to give away an amazing Big Fat Notebooks prize! Open to US addresses only; prizing provided by Workman Publishing. This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm ET September 12, 2016. Once the giveaway has ended, the winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Please note, I reserve the right to draw an alternate winner should the first winner not respond within 2 days.

One (1) winner from Food Fun Family will receive:

Copies of all 5 titles in the Big Fat Notebooks series;
Branded school supplies including highlighter/pen combos, a notepad, and jigsaw sticky notes.

Enter on the widget below. Good luck!

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