Blacktip Island & The Secret of Rosalita Flats by Tim W Jackson @TimWJax

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The Secret of Rosalita Flats is Book II of the Blacktip Island series by Tim W Jackson. Just looking at the fun cove rmakes me want to read it. I get the Rockford Files, Magnum P I vibe from it. What do you think?

The Secret of Rosalita Flats (Blacktip Island #2)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Secret of Rosalita Flats by Tim W Jackson is a fun romp in the Caribbean, looking for lost treasure.

Cal makes me think of Rockford, from the Rockford Files, and Thomas, from Magnum P I, though he is no private investigator, just a watchmaker. When he inherits a football-shaped house on Blacktip Island, the mystery begins, on a tropical island filled with quirky characters.

Cal had no intention of staying on the island and there is more than one person interested in buying the house. But, as the mystery surrounding the house and the supposed treasure grows, it only creates a bigger mystery and he was drawn in. Whoever was driving him out, only made him more determined to stay…that and a long lost romantic interest.

Tim W Jackson writes some fun filled adventures with wonderfully odd characters and mysteries not easily solved. So, dive in, but be sure and watch out for the sharks.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Secret of Rosalita Flats by Tim W Jackson.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Cal’s a hapless watchmaker. Marina’s a beautiful scuba instructor. They were friends as kids. Now, not so much. Together they’ll solve the secret of Rosalita Flats. If the sharks don’t get them first.

The Secret of Rosalita Flats is about a man trying to unload the football-shaped house he inherited, while dodging the backwater Blacktip Island’s quirky collection of con artists, smugglers and other ne’er-do-wells: an ornery housekeeper who refuses to be fired, a rum-soaked attorney with his own agenda, a chair-wielding resort manager who thinks he’s an avenging angel, and a self-styled psychic who may be able to see the future. There’s also a mysterious someone—or something—trying to scare Cal off the island. Cal has to figure out what his old man was mixed up in, fast, if he’s to sell the house and get off the crazy little rock alive.

Written with Hiaasen-esque humor, The Secret of Rosalita Flats is a beguiling mystery for anyone who’s ever dreamed of chucking it all and running off to the Caribbean. From the author of the award-finalist Blacktip Island.

ABOUT TIM W JACKSON

Tim W. Jackson

Armed with a newly-minted master’s degree in creative writing, former journalist Tim W. Jackson knew he was qualified to be a bartender, a waiter, or to apply to a PhD program. Instead he chose Secret Option D: run off to the Caribbean to work as a scuba instructor by day and write fiction at night. More than a decade later, he still wishes that was half as interesting as it sounds. Or even a quarter . . .

Jackson is the award-winning author of the literary novel Mangrove Underground and The Blacktip Times humor blog. His second novel, Blacktip Island, is a comic misadventure set in the Caribbean. His “Tales From Blacktip Island” short stories have been published in literary journals worldwide. He is currently concocting his next Blacktip Island novel, The Secret of Rosalita Flats.

For more insider info, visit his website, www.timwjackson.com, the Blacktip Times (www.blacktipisland.com) or follow him on Facebook (Tim W. Jackson) and Twitter (@timwjax).

A portion of the proceeds from his stories goes to the Nature Conservancy’s Coral Reef Preservation Fund.

MY TIM W JACKSON REVIEWS

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Giveaway – The Protector by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks @XpressoTours

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The Protector
Abigail Owen
(Fire’s Edge #4)
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: December 7th 2020
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The cousin of the High King, Lyndi Chandali has lived with the constant threat of being pawned off as a political prize. A rare, female-born dragon like Lyndi can’t truly mate—not in the way it counts. Which is why she’s kept her distance from a certain sinfully delicious Beta. Instead, she’s built a life for herself giving orphaned dragons in the Americas a home.

As Beta of his team of enforcers, Levi Rowtag is a fighter first, last, and always. His job is to protect—his team, the shifters in his territory, and the stubborn woman hell-bent on fighting with him at every turn. He knows from the moment they first meet what she’ll never accept—they are destined to be mated.

But with the kings at war, the enemy is now coming for Lyndi. Worse, he’s coming for her orphans, too. He’ll have no choice but to defy his king and go rogue if he has any hope of protecting them all…and finally claiming his mate.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

EXCERPT:

Levi grunted as his dragon surged again. Still needing distance, he stumbled inside the cavern he’d just drilled a hole into, seeking calm in the cooler interior out of sight of the others.

After several minutes, he spotted the group through the entrance, all shifted and now moving inside where he waited. The newcomer, Drake, walked in front, blocking Levi’s view of the female causing him so much trouble.

Then Drake, his face seeming to be formed in a permanent scowl, red eyes glowing with flame, moved to the side, and Levi’s dick went as hard as a steel broadsword as his gaze zeroed in on her.

Silky black hair, lithe body, and the face of an angel. Her wide smile, highlighted by a deep dimple that gave her beauty an adorable edge, hit him at the same time as her spring scent. Levi agreed with his dragon on the spot.

Mine.

Lyndi turned her head away from Deep, who had escorted her inside with her hand linked through his arm, and stilled at the sight of him. No doubt his eyes were golden flames. The skin over his cheekbones tightened. Hell, everything tightened. He opened his mouth to welcome her, but her smile suddenly disappeared and she shot him a glare so full of spitting fury, he stepped back.

“Just because I am female-born doesn’t mean you need to treat me like a leper and fly away,” she snarled at him.

Levi froze, a riot of conflicting thoughts keeping him from correcting her. He knew he’d just fucked up, and his dragon was riding him hard to tell her she was wrong. That some misplaced sense of male dragon superiority wasn’t why he’d run.

It was exactly the opposite, actually.

Lyndi walked away while he stood there, still stunned, and he watched her go.

There was no easy answer here, and the lead weight in his chest told him so. Given who she was related to and what she was, not to mention her clear aversion to him already, he had no damn clue how fix any of this, or if he should even try.


Author Bio:

Award-winning paranormal romance author, Abigail Owen, grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

No matter the genre, she loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Pinterest / Bookbub


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MY REVIEWS FOR ABIGAIL OWEN

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Children’s Book Tour – Abracadabra Whoopsie by Adam Kargman @iReadBookTours

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Join us for this tour from Dec 2 to Dec 22, 2020!

Book Details:

Book TitleAbracadabra Whoopsie by Adam Kargman
CategoryChildren’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  40 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
PublisherMascot Books
Release date:   April 2019
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

When Jordy discovers a magic wand, he learns he can do just that. Whenever he wants some peace and quiet, all he has to do is say “ABRACADABRA WHOOPSIE,” and . . .POOF! His little sister Keeka vanishes. When he’s ready for her to come back, he simply says it reversed: “WHOOPSIE ABRACADABRA.” What could possibly go wrong?

Buy the Book
Amazon.com ~ Mascot
B&N ~ Books-A-Million ~ Walmart


Meet the Author:

Adam Kargman lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife and their two children. He was inspired to write Abracadabra Whoopsie after witnessing the sibling rivalry between his kids, which led him to wonder what would really happen if one sibling’s dream to make the other one vanish came true.

Connect with the Author:  facebook  ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 
Tour Schedule:

Dec 2 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Dec 2 – Library of Clean Reads – book review /giveaway
Dec 3 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 4 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Dec 4 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Dec 7 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 8 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 8 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 9 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Dec 10 – Novels N Latte Review – book review
Dec 11 – Pick a Good Book – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 14 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Dec 15 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 16 – The Momma Spot – book review
Dec 17 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 18 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 21 – Rajiv’s Reviews – book review / giveaway
Dec 22 –Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway: 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


 

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Giveaway – The Diamond Rose by Daniela Valenti @The_Sentinel_10 @iReadBookTours

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Join us for this tour from Nov 30 to Jan 29!

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Diamond Rose (A Sentinel 10 Novel) by Daniela Valenti
CategoryAdult Fiction (18 yrs +),  250 pages
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
PublisherEnigma Publishing
Release date:   Nov 2020
Content RatingPG-13 + M. Suicide is mentioned, that’s for the M. One sex scene without explicit description of the genitals.



Book Description:

Amanda’s med school graduation is unlike any other. A solar flare awakens her super psychic powers, enabling her to fight evil, supernatural and human alike. She is the Sentinel 10, the most powerful warrior in a secret society of similarly endowed people. Her life becomes a whirlwind of international travel and exciting paranormal challenges. But all is not as it seems. Soon Amanda discovers that the man she loves has an evil alter ego, and that her own powers have a dark side. This first year as a Sentinel will push the limits of her resilience, and put her own humanity to the test. The Diamond Rose is a thrilling and romantic adventure, the first in an exciting new series. Fans of paranormal romance will enjoy this tale of a female heroine who struggles to understand love and master her own powers.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon


Meet the Author:

Daniela Valenti is the pen name for a Canadian psychiatrist who writes Paranormal Fiction. That may seem incongruous, but it’s not really. The work in her chosen field and her writing dovetail nicely. She is able to draw upon her work as a psychiatrist to create multidimensional characters who are simultaneously powerful and vulnerable. Daniela lives in Montreal and holds a medical degree from McGill. She speaks French and regards herself a chatty introvert. Growing up, she was a voracious reader of sci-fi and fantasy. Her interests today include supernatural lore, skincare and fashion, gorgeous travel destinations, true crime, and learning about narcissism and psychopathy. She’s thought a lot about love and evil and maintains that narcissism is the true nature of all evil. Daniela has traveled extensively. Her love of the exotic dominates many of the settings where the characters in her stories romp and play their parts. Her prior attempts at writing began at age nine with a story about a doctor’s cat, and then a short sci-fi story at age twenty-three. Thirteen years later, her foray into serious-minded writing simply happened. She began writing in 2017, after she returned from a trip to Prague for an international forensic psychiatry conference. What she learned there, combined with her impressions of Prague, her prior ruminations on the nature of love and evil, and her clinical knowledge all combined to create the first book in her series. It was a moment when all sorts of aspects of herself, her life experiences and her interests came together, like a self-assembling puzzle. The story came to her like a movie, unfolding in her head as she sat on an airplane, staring at the screen-less back of the chair in front of her, for the eight-hour trip back to Canada. Once set in motion, the wheels of creation kept on turning, and resulted in the Sentinel 10 series.

connect with the author:  website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram

 
Tour Schedule:

Nov 30 –Splashes of Joy – book spotlight
Dec 1 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 7 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 7 – Gina Rae Mitchell  – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 10 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 14 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 11 – Amy’s Booket List – book review / giveaway
Jan 11 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 14 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview
Jan 14 – Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway
Jan 15 –she_a_bibliophile – book review
Jan 18 – Bookswithpaulak – book review
Jan 19 – Pine Enshrined Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 20 – The Momma Spot – book review
Jan 21 – Four Moon Reviews – book review / giveaway
Jan 22 – The Review Crew – book review / giveaway
Jan 26 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 28 – JBronder Book Reviews – book review
Jan 29 –
I’m Into Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 29 – Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review
 

Enter the Giveaway: 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


 
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Sherry’s Shelves 11.29 – 12.5.20 #sundaymemes

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Sunday Post #431 August

Hello fellow bloggers. It’s been a quiet week and right now that is a good thing. How about you? Anything new you would like to share? Hope you have a good week.

Stay safe and I’ll be seeing you.

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

COMING UP ON fundinmental

  • Sherry’s Shelves
  • Giveaway – The Diamond Rose by Daniela Valenti
  • Children’s Book Tour – Abracadabra Whoopsie by Adam Kargman
  • Blacktip Island & The Secrets of Rosalita Flats by Tim W Jackson
  • Books From The Backlog – Nan’s Story by Paige Farmer
  • Review – Snowflakes and Shots by Amanda Siegrist
  • Giveaway – Haven by Jessica Jayne
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Tackling The TBR – 11.29 – 12.05.20 #tacklingthetbr

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I got the idea and the motivation to start doing Tackling The TBR from All The Book Blog Names Are Taken. It has helped me to keep track of my reading shelf as far as current events and I also started doing a post for Books From The Backlog, from Carole’s Random Life in Books, to tidy up my shelves. I feel better about my out of control TBR and have even knocked off a couple of those old ones that had been hanging around for years.

COME ON….JOIN IN.

Previous Total: 2440

Currently Reading

Stranger Danger

Books Read

Dragon's Pearl (A Sheryl Locke Holmes Mystery)  A Ghost of a Chance (A Brimstone Inc. Short Story)

Books Added: 0

Books DNF-ed: 0

Books Deleted: 4

Duplicates Removed: 1

New TBR Total: 2434

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Giveaway – I Will Always Love You by Ashley Lee London @iReadBookTours @LondonAshley

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Join us for this tour from Nov 16 to Dec 11, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title:  I Will Always Love You by Ashley Lee London
CategoryAdult Fiction (18 yrs +),  287 pages
Genre: Romance
PublisherAshley Lee London
Release date:   June 2020
Content Rating:  PG. No F Words, I can think of several swear words and one very mild sex scene after its conclusion.

Book Description:

Grace Parrish made two mistakes when she fell in love. She forgot her mother’s stories of segregation. “Don’t love a white man, Grace. It’s too hard and he’ll break your heart.” Even worse, she fell in love with her best friend’s husband, Peter. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU is a poignant story about the foundation of marriage: love, honor, and fidelity—and the heartache of unrequited love. The must-read story shows how the power of love can overcome adversity, the pain of loss, and rejection because of racial heritage. Grace honors her best friend Lori’s marriage and refuses to pursue an affair, yet her heart will not allow her to love another. The bond of Peter’s love continues after Lori’s passing. During a chance meeting between Peter and Grace, much to their surprise, a spark ignites that causes them each to wonder, “Could it be that we’ve been given a second chance to fall in love?” 

Buy the Book:
Amazon

Meet the Author:

America’s new romance author.

connect with the author: twitter ~ facebook ~ goodreads

 
Tour Schedule:

Nov 16 – Corinne Rodrigues – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 16 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 17 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / author interview / giveaway
Nov 18 – I’m Into Books – books spotlight / giveaway
Nov 19 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Nov 20 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 24 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Nov 25 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 27 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Nov 30 – Instagram.com/asreadbydanielle  – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 1 – The Review Crew – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 2 – Instagram: All Booked Up Reviews – book review / giveaway
Dec 3 –Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Dec 4 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 7 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 7 – Novels N Latte Review – book review / giveaway
Dec 9 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Dec 10 – Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review / giveaway
Dec 11 –  Adventurous Jessy – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


 

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for stopping by fundinmental!

Labyrinth of the Dolls by Craig Wallwork @craigwallwork

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Labyrinth of the Dolls is book two in Craig Wallwork’s Tom Nolan series. I loved the first one, so it was a no brainer grabbing this one when Craig asked me if I would like a copy.

Labyrinth of the Dolls (Tom Nolan #2)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I loved the first book of the Tom Nolan series, Bad People, by Craig Wallwork, so when I got the chance to get my hands on Labyrinth of the Dolls, Book II, there was no hesitation.

Pam Bollen was in a great mood as she set off to work. Every Wednesday, at 6:00 AM, she headed to the home of Joanna Harcourt to clean her house. The grisly sight awaiting her was the macabre body of Joanna.

Enter MIT, the Murder Investigation Team, and Tom Nolan. He had joined the team with the specific purpose of chasing down his nemesis.

The past converges with the present as Tom Nolan hunts for what the media has labeled the Dollmaker. Tom has a knack for finding serial killers and it will take all his resources to put the past to bed once and for all.

I love that Tom is not a GQ kind of guy, though there is nothing wrong with that. LOL In fact, I love them too. But Tom feels like a realistic character. He’s a bit on the chunky side with an overbite, but there is someone for everyone, isn’t there? Will we have a little romance on the side?

The Ragman is his boogieman, that comes in the dark doing evil things. Only he knows why he does what he does, but Tom is pretty darn good at getting into his head.

The Tom Nolan series is one of those that keeps on giving. In fact, I think it got better with Labyrinth of the Dolls. As I sit, watching Criminal Minds, I feel as if Craig Wallwork could have been one of the writers. His books are filled with human evils, frailties, weaknesses and strength.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Labyrinth of the Dolls by Craig Wallwork.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

EVIL HAS A NEW FACE

It’s been one year since the horrific murders of Stormer Hill, and the events of that time continue to resonate with Detective Constable Tom Nolan. In an attempt to find the second killer, known only as the Ragman, Nolan joins West Yorkshire’s Murder Investigation Team.

Partnered with Jennifer Morrison, a straight-talking detective with her eye on promotion, the two officers are assigned to track down a new killer whose victims are all found dressed like human dolls. As the investigation progresses, Nolan becomes an intricate piece in the killer’s grand vision that puts his life in danger.

But with the body count rising daily and the pressure to find who the media is labelling the Doll Maker increasing, Nolan discovers more than just a series of grisly murders…

Within the human dolls, the answers he has sought for nearly a year may finally be found.

ABOUT CRAIG WALLWORK

Craig Wallwork is the author of the novels, Bad People, and The Sound of Loneliness, as well as the short story collections, Quintessence of Dust, and Gory Hole. His stories have been nominated three times for the Pushcart Prize, many of which feature in various anthologies and magazines both in the U.K. and U.S. He currently lives in England.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

MY CRAIG WALLWORK REVIEWS

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Books From The Backlog – Torn by Christine Hughes @HughesWriter #booksfromthebacklog

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Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books.

Torn by Christine Hughes has an updated cover (the below one). I really like the first one. The covers pop and the wings make me think of angels. Which appeals to you most?

Torn (Torn Series, #1)
Torn

Amazon / Goodreads

GOODREADS BLURB

TORN With the sudden, mysterious death of her father, Samantha discovers her life isn’t what it seems. Not only isn’t she the normal teenage girl she thought she was, Sam must now take her father’s place in the fight between two groups of fallen angels, the Faithful and the Exiled, in a race to save humanity. In addition to dealing with a devastating betrayal—and having feelings for someone she’s forbidden to love—Sam must also fight the growing darkness within her as she struggles to make a choice between fighting alongside the Faithful or succumbing to the temptation of the Exiled. Both sides require sacrifices Sam isn’t sure she can make.

Goodreads Ratings: 3.93  ·  299 ratings  ·  115 reviews

I added Torn by Christine Hughes to my Goodreads TBR on 10.30.12. I probably won the book, because I don’t see where I downloaded it from a retailer. Torn has so many elements I love in books, angels/demons, apocalyptic/dystopian, paranormal/supernatural, forbidden love…and the author being a Jets fan (like Mr Wonderful) caught my eye.

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Gingerman: In Search of the Toymaker by Tony Bertauski @tonybertauski

I have been reading the Claus series by Tony Bertauski since the first one, Claus, Legend of the Fat Man. I have missed one or two, and hope to catch up on them. The series is unique and fun to read.

Gingerman: In Search of the Toymaker (Claus #8)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Gingerman is not my first foray into the world of Claus by Tony Bertauski and it won’t be my last. I have been loving this quirky series since the beginning, with Claus, Legend of the Fat Man.

Christmas White Blizzard, better known as Chris, is off to school. His mother loved Christmas so much, she names him and his sister, Yuletide. He is terrified of going off to school, but his desire to learn overrides his fears.

The Institute of Creative Minds is the ultimate dichotomy:

“Be creative and free. But follow the rules or go home.”

The Institute is unlike any school I have ever heard of before. It is Christmas all the time.

When he meets Joli, she decides to be his introduction to the school. I love her feisty, independent personality. She’s a rebel.

Gingerman….well, I don’t want to spoil your introduction to him, so you will need to discover everything about him yourself. I will tell you…he is…unusual. Whether he is good or bad, we will have to wait and see. The verdict is still out, but I do have my thoughts.

The magic of Christmas comes alive through Tony Bertauski’s descriptive words. So, come along with me, Chris, and the Gingerman to solve the mystery of the Institute. It is a wild ride and I think you may enjoy it. It is delightful, unique and mysterious.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Gingerman by Tony Bertauski.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

His real name is Christmas. It’s embarrassing.

He’s been accepted into the Institute of Creative Mind, a prestigious institute for eccentrics, outliers, and gifted students. A school located in the middle of nowhere with two-hundred-year-old castles and a formidable stone wall. A school where Christmas is celebrated the entire year.

Christmas trees, ornaments, and lights decorate the castles. Presents are given out every month, and students are pitted against each other in creative challenges. Chris soon finds out, however, the stakes are high.

The losers are expelled.

He spends sleepless nights keeping up with his homework to not disappoint his parents and to keep a cruel guidance counsellor off his back. But this place is more than a demanding school for gifted students. Chris finds a clue in a textbook his first night, written in code.

Run, run as fast as you can.

When he’s presented with an impossibility that defies all laws of physics and biology, anything becomes possible. Chris discovers students aren’t chosen for their artistic abilities but because of a DNA test. He doesn’t know what the school is really after. If he doesn’t stop them, Christmas will end forever. Everything depends on his courage.

And a strange little friend.

ABOUT TONY BERTAUSKI

Tony Bertauski

Get my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com

My grandpa never graduated high school. He retired from a steel mill in the mid-70s. He was uneducated, but he was a voracious reader. I remember going through his bookshelves of paperback sci-fi novels, smelling musty old paper, pulling Piers Anthony and Isaac Asimov off shelf and promising to bring them back. I was fascinated by robots that could think and act like people. What happened when they died?

I’ve written textbooks on landscape design, but that was straightforward, informational writing; the kind of stuff that helps most people get to sleep. I’ve also been writing a gardening column with a humorous slant. That takes a little more finesse, but still informational for the most part.

I’m a cynical reader. I demand the writer sweep me into his/her story and carry me to the end. I’d rather sail a boat than climb a mountain. That’s the sort of stuff I wanted to write, not the assigned reading we used to get in high school. I wanted to create stories that kept you up late.

Fiction, GOOD fiction, is hard to write. Having a story unfold inside your head is an experience different than reading. You connect with characters in a deeper, more meaningful way. You feel them, empathize with them, cheer for them and even mourn. The challenge is to get the reader to experience the same thing, even if it’s only a fraction of what the writer feels. Not so easy.

MY TONY BERTAUSKI REVIEWS

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