Book Series Title: Fearless and Friends by Mother Melania Salem
Category: Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date: Feb 28, 2022
Content Rating: G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Book Title: Capers and Harry: High Climbing – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category: Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date: January 2018
Content Rating: G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Capers the Cat gets stuck in a tree, but is too vain to admit it. Can Fearless the Fire Duck and Harry the Hound rescue their friend?
Book Title: Greedy the Crow: Finders Keepers – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category: Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date: October 2021
Content Rating: G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Greedy the Crow’s greedy ways are going to get him in trouble! Will anybody help him?
Book Title: Mimi the Mynah: It’s All Mine! – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category: Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date: November 2021
Content Rating: G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Mimi knows two words – “me” and “mine.” When disaster strikes the Duck Pond, will she finally learn a new word?
Book Title: Bluster Blue Jay: Not My Fault! – Teaching Values to Children in a Fun Way by Mother Melania Salem
Category: Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date: November 2021
Content Rating: G – This is a wholesome children’s book.
Bluster Blue Jay is not the easiest bird to be around. Nothing ever works for him, but it’s never HIS fault! When he joins Fearless and Grateful on their camping trip, can they be patient with him? And will he learn a lesson about accepting blame? Join them and find out!
Amazon
Mother Melania is the Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. She grew up in a house that always had tons of children around, her poor parents had to read to her till they were hoarse, and from the moment she learned to read, she always had her nose in a book. So, it was only natural for her to grow up to write children’s books. In her books, she strives to teach virtue in a fun, non-preachy way.
connect with the author: Amazon
May 2 – Working Mommy Journal – books spotlight / giveaway
May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 3 – Splashes of Joy – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 4 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS / giveaway
May 4 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 5 – Fur Everywhere – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 6 – Bigreadersite – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 6 – Literary Flits – books spotlight / giveaway
May 10 – Baroness’ Book Trove – books spotlights / giveaway
May 10 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 10 – Reading is My Passion – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 10 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / guest post / giveaway
May 11 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 11 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / guest post / giveaway
May 11 – Kam’s Place – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 12 – Bookworm for Kid – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 12 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / author interview / giveaway
May 12 – @twilight_reader – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 13 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 13 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS
May 16 – fundinmental – books spotlight / giveaway
May 16 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / guest post / giveaway
May 17 – Older & Smarter? – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 17 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of GREEDY THE CROW: FINDERS KEEPERS / giveaway
May 17 – Books for Books – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT!
May 18 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING / giveaway
May 18 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / giveaway
May 19 – Triquetra Reviews – book review of MIMI THE MYNAH: IT’S ALL MINE! / guest post / giveaway
May 19 – Ravenz Reviewz – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 20 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of BLUSTER BLUE JAY: NOT MY FAULT! / giveaway
May 20 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of CAPERS AND HARRY: HIGH CLIMBING
- You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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SPOTLIGHT BOOK TOUR: Unseen Arms: A Story about Cancer, Crisis, and Being Carried by Faith by Evelyn & Wayne Hausknecht @iReadBookTours
Book Details:
Book Title: Unseen Arms: A Story about Cancer, Crisis, and Being Carried by Faith by Evelyn & Wayne Hausknecht
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 168 pages
Genre: Medical Memoir
Publisher: Mascot Books
Publication Date: May 3, 2022.
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: Mature as it is a medical journal/novel.
Patient and Caregiver: the main characters in a drama that started in 2007 and is still unfolding for Evelyn and Wayne Hausknecht. In 2007, Evelyn was diagnosed with an aggressive, recurrent type of non-Hodgkin’s T-cell lymphoma. Although in Unseen Arms Evelyn and Wayne are as medically accurate as their memories and blog allow, the greatest purpose here is to tell the story from a patient’s and caregiver’s perspectives.
Recently, while having an in-depth conversation with a lung doctor when Evelyn was in the hospital with pneumonia, Evelyn was thanked by the doctor for what she and Wayne were doing. She was in awe of his excitement for the book. The doctor saw the need for future patients to learn from experienced patients. Evelyn and Wayne were peer volunteers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for years. The goal of that program was the same: an experienced caregiver and patient walk beside a person entering the transplant program to make their path smoother. Even though each diagnosis and circumstance is different, every patient has the same questions, fears, and needs. The greatest need is for someone understanding to talk to. When Evelyn was diagnosed, it was easy to find medical information, but caregiver and patient perspectives were limited.
Evelyn and Wayne had three purposes for writing this book. One was to give God the Glory for His faithfulness during this process. The second was to give hope to the patients and caregivers of today and the future. The third was to give some limited insights into the stem cell transplant process. The medical part of this process is rapidly changing, but the patients and caregivers still have the same needs.
Evelyn and Wayne Hausknecht have spent most of their careers in education. Evelyn has taught different subjects and ages in public and Christian schools. Wayne, a wood engineer, helped build the largest sawmill in Brazil and has managed mills in Michigan and North Carolina. They both enjoy motorcycle riding and rode their Harley Davidson Road King to Glacier National Park in 2006. Recently, they traded their motorcycle for a Model A truck and now enjoy going to car shows. They have two married children and six grandchildren and reside in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
connect with the author: facebook ~ instagram
May 3 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight
May 3 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight
May 4 – JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book spotlight
May 5 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight
May 6 – fundinmental – book spotlight
May 9 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight
May 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight
May 11 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight
May 12 – Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight
May 13 – From the TBR Pile – book spotlight
May 16 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight
Giveaway – What Makes Me…Me by Anne Baldwin @iReadBookTours
Book Title: What Makes Me…Me by Anne Baldwin
Category: Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 34 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Anne Baldwin
Release date: June 2021
Formats Available for Review: print – softback (USA only), e-book PDF
Tour dates: May 2 to May 20, 2022
Content Rating: G -Suitable for everyone.
What Makes Me…Me is a story about harnessing your super powered brain. We are all special and unique and our differences are what make us all special. What Makes Me…Me was written especially for those kids with neurological differences, their families, and their friends.
Anne Baldwin is a wife, mom, and fierce advocate for neurodiverse kids. Anne wrote her first book What Makes Me…Me after her son Levi was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. Passionate about stopping the stigma around Tourette-Syndrome, Anne hopes that her books about embracing your differences as what makes you unique will help kids with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, and other neurological disorders to feel included and accepted by everyone. Anne lives in metro-Detroit with her husband Nick, their sons Levi and Gus, 3 cats, a dog, and a leopard gecko.
connect with the author: website ~ instagram
May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
May 2 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 3 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 3 – Baroness’ Book Trove – book spotlight / giveaway
May 4 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
May 5 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
May 6 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
May 9 – Triquetra Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
May 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
May 11 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 11 – @twilight_reader – book review
May 12 – Reading is My Passion – book review
May 12 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
May 13 – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
May 16 – Kam’s Place – book review
May 17 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
May 17 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review / giveaway
May 18 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
May 18 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 19 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
May 20 – Books for Books – book review
May 20 – Ravenz Reviewz – book review / giveaway
WHAT MAKES ME…ME Book Tour Giveaway
- 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!
Giveaway & Review – From Caterpillars to Butterflies by Raynelda A. Calderon @iReadBookTours
Book Title: The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies by Raynelda A. Calderon
Category: Children’s Non-Fiction (Ages 8-12)
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Cayena Press, Inc., 48 pages
Release date: March 2022
Content Rating: G. Suitable for all readers.
MY REVIEW
The Mirabel Sisters is a wonderfully illustrated look into a moment in time in the Dominican Republic during the rule of the dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Because of these sisters, November 25th was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in their honor.
Kudos to these brave ladies, and those that supported them. I am happy to share their story and the courage they showed. The book and illustrations work together to tell their inspirational story.
The sisters were just people, people who loved to read, paint, worked in the family store, and, even though the youngest, Dede, was not killed, she was left to raise the children and tell their story. They are the true definition of heroes, which I feel is bandied around all too easily nowadays.
Recommended age group: Grades 4 – 6, Ages 8 – 12. The MIrabel Sisters would be a great addition to any library.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Mirabel Sisters by Raynelda A Calderon.

Born in a small town in the Dominican Republic, the Mirabal sisters lived at a time when the country was under the merciless rule of a dictatorship. Their deaths on November 25, 1960 (at ages 36, 34, and 25), have received international coverage. In their honor, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25.
Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
Raynelda A. Calderón, a Dominican native who lives in Queens, NY, is a children’s book author who has worked in public libraries for more than 15 years. She holds a doctorate in leadership in higher education, and she has taught Information Literacy at various colleges, most recently at Bronx Community College. As a librarian, working with children inspires Raynelda to write about the accomplishments of Hispanic women in history. She hopes to inspire young readers to follow their passions and never take no for an answer. Raynelda is the creator of the first Hispanic Heritage wall calendar that honors the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans in the United States. She lives with an untamed Shih Tzu, Toby, and a much attached Chihuahua, Maya. She spends her free time thinking (and drafting) about books to write, or painting, crocheting, or crying over abused dogs.
connect with the author: author’s website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Mar 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Mar 1 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 1 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight
Mar 2 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Mar 2 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 3 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Mar 3 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 3 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 7 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Mar 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 9 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Mar 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 11 – Westveil Publishing – book spotlight /guest post / giveaway
Mar 14 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Mar 15 – bujos_n_books – book review / giveaway
Mar 16 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Mar 17 – @twilight_reader – book review
Mar 18 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Mar 21 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:
The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies Book Tour Giveaway
- 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!
Giveaway – Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman @iReadBookTours
I am super excited to be a part of the tour for Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman. I love animals and hate whenever any are mistreated. Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest, from any assortment of 750 animals of all types, from dogs, hedgehogs, chickens….
MY REVIEW
The wonderful cover for Cinidi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman is thick, as are the pages, and can definitely handle those sticky fingers that will want to reach out and touch the animals inside.
I found myself chuckling as the critters, Cindi and Pitty Pat, were decorated in costumes and paraded through the neighborhood. I love that creatures of all kinds and disabilities were shared in such a fun way.
And…we are left with a question…Have you ever changed your mind about things you might not like? Sure to inspire your child to answer and I would love to know what they come up with.
I love that some of the proceeds will be donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman.

Book Details:
Book Title: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Book Baby
Release date: January, 2022
Content Rating: Rated G. Suitable for everyone
Book Description:
Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her
people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this
outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.
Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer. As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story. They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest!
Buy the Book:
BookBaby
Amazon ~ B&N
18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.
Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.
Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 3 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 4 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 7 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
Feb 9 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Lisa Everyday Life – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 10 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 14 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:
CINDI’S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverley Reichman Book Tour Giveaway
- 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!
Giveaway – Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman @iReadBookTours
Book Details:
Book Title: Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot
Release date: February 1, 2022
Content Rating: Rated G. Suitable for everyone
MY REVIEW
This is a super cute, humorous hardcover book with pages that can handle sticky fingers exploring them as the book is being read to your youngster. The book was inspired by a Valentine Day at school with Helen Millman, the author, and her son. I remember my excitement when my mom got my bag of valentines and I sat choosing which classmate got which one, handing them out in class and getting one in return. Life’s simple pleasures and wonderful memories.
Seeing love through a child’s eyes in poem form was sweet and endearing. I smiled throughout and wondered…what was I thinking back then? A child’s imagination is amazing.
The illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre are perfectly matched to the story.
In this book, she is hoping to share with her readers the idea that love is in everything we do. I believe, do you?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman.

Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Mascot
Children’s author Helen Millman is a loving wife and mom. Her three young boys continually inspire her with their wild adventures and vivid imaginations. They even helped inspire her to write her new book, Olive and the Valentine’s Spell!
While living in Vero Beach, FL, she spends her time writing, reading, singing, and growing through her life’s experiences. She knows the importance of “seeing the bright side of life” and encourages her readers to “choose love, even when it seems impossible”. A friendly, optimist Helen has always loved to read to her own children and remembers how much her imaginative voices really helped bring the stories to life. She invites her readers to gather with a beloved book, for it truly is one of the best places to snuggle, giggle, imagine, and make unforgettable memories – together.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram
Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 7 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 8 – Reading is My Passion – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 11 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 11 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 14 – @twilight_reader – book review
Enter the Giveaway:
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman Book Tour Giveaway
- 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!
Giveaway – Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard @iReadBookTours
Book Details:
Book Title: Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Mill City Press, Inc
Release date: September 28, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone.
MY REVIEW
I love dogs, so to read Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard, a children’s interactive illustrated book, was fun and I smiled throughout. Bentley thinks everyone forgot his birthday, so he grabs his magic stick and walks through the park. He finds Bella, a new dog in town, that is lost.
For me, the great thing about reading children’s books is the simple wonder of life, the appreciation of everyday things that we, as adults, are sometimes too busy to see.
I can see a youngster reaching out to touch the wonderfully illustrated pages and pet all the different dogs. At the end are some questions to prod your youngster, words to find, things to count, playing your own birthday games with Bentley.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard.

Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever!
Bentley is back, and it’s his birthday! Bentley is excited to share his special day with his new friends, but they are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Bentley meets Bella, a lost dog whose family has recently moved to Bentley’s neighborhood. Tia, Bentley’s Fairy Dogmother, and the Dog Pack have a BIG secret! They are planning a surprise birthday party for Bentley, and when Tia is around there is always some magic. Wait till you see Bentley’s reaction to his surprise party, and especially to the special guest that Tia brings!
This book once again highlights Bentley’s kind nature, and also shows that moving to a new neighborhood can be fun! Beautifully illustrated by Anne York, Bentley fans will not be disappointed as they follow Bentley’s latest adventure.
Buy the Book:
Claire Eckard
Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
add to goodreads
Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub
Jan 31 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Jan 31 – Because I said so adventures in parenting – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 2 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 2 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 4 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Chit Chat with Charity – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 14 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 15 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 15 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 16 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 17 – @jayme_reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 18 – Pick A Good Book – book review / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:
Bentley’s Best Birthday EVER! Book Tour Giveaway
- 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!
Giveaway – L’Origine by Lilianne Migrom @virtualangel14 @iReadBookTours
Join Us for This Tour from February 1 to February 21!
Book Details:
Book Title: L’Origine: The secret life of the world’s most erotic masterpiece by Lilianne Milgrom
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 255 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Girl Friday Books – a new imprint from Girl Friday Productions
Release Date: 2020 first edition. October 2021 re-released by Girl Friday Books
Content Rating: R. My book does not have bad language and only one descriptive sex scene, but the protagonist is a painting whose explicit depiction of a woman’s lower torso and genitals has made it a controversial work of art for over a century and a half.
The riveting odyssey of one of the world’s most scandalous works of art.
In 1866, maverick French artist Gustave Courbet painted one of the most iconic images in the history of art: a sexually explicit portrait of a woman’s exposed genitals. Audaciously titled L’Origine du monde (The Origin of the World), the scandalous painting was kept hidden for a century and a half. Today, it hangs in the world-renowned Orsay Museum in Paris, viewed by millions of visitors a year.
As the first artist authorized by the Orsay Museum to re-create Courbet’s The Origin of the World, author Lilianne Milgrom was thrust into the painting’s intimate orbit, spending six weeks replicating every fold, crevice, and pubic hair. The experience inspired her to share her story and the painting’s titillating, clandestine history. L’Origine is a tale of survival, replete with French revolutionaries, Turkish pashas and nefarious Nazi captains. Hold onto your berets for a riveting ride through history.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Welcome Lilianne Milgrom. It is so nice to have you on fundinmental, sharing your thoughts. So, without further adieu…take it away:
How long have you been writing?
Aside from my work as a professional studio artist, I have been a regular contributor to numerous arts publications over the years. I love reading and I love writing. I think that penning my debut novel L’Origine was a natural progression, especially since the book marries my three passions – art, literature and history.
How did you come up with this idea?
This could well be a chicken-or-the-egg type of question, but in this case, it is definitely the chicken. I did not start writing L’Origine because I had an idea to write about the remarkable adventures of a 19th century painting. It was the painting that found me! I stumbled on Gustave Courbet’s irreverent and shocking painting at the Orsay Museum during an artist’s residency in Paris a decade ago. As I learned more and more about it, I became obsessed with exposing its remarkable story of survival against the odds to readers outside of the confines of the art world. Art history is not some dry subject you have to take in college–it’s vibrant, exciting and often scandalous!
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
The book spans a century and a half, and introduces the reader to multiple eccentric characters through whose hands the painting passed. The ‘easiest’ character was Gustave Courbet himself because he was a prolific letter writer and I could visualize the way he spoke, the way the thought. The hardest characters to write about were those collectors whom history largely overlooked and about whom so little is known. On the other hand, this allowed me to exercise more artistic license and rely more on my imagination to flesh them out.
If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?
Oh, that’s easy to answer because I make a significant appearance both in the prologue and towards the end of the novel. I play myself as the artist authorized by the Orsay Museum to copy Courbet’s masterpiece. My intimate encounter with Gustave Courbet’s painting L’Origine du monde (The Origin of the World) plays a significant role in the novel.
What is your next project?
Receiving six literary honors for my debut novel gave me the validation and the motivation to embark on a second novel whose working title is The Boudoir Princess. It is another historical fiction largely taking place in Paris towards the end of the 19th and early 20th century. The protagonist is a woman by the name of Marguerite Alibert whose checkered past leads her to commit murder. I want to encourage the reader to decide whether Mme Alibert was a victim of circumstance or a scheming murderess….
What advice would you give budding writers?
Stay the course. Writing is hard work and when you finish your manuscript, that’s when the really hard work begins! Don’t give up.
Name a quirky thing you like to do.
To let off steam, I belly dance–something I picked up while living in the Middle East!
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Giveaway – A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T Ryan @iReadBookTours
Book Details:
Book Title: Three May Keep a Secret: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T. Ryan
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 264 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: MX Publishing
Release Date: November 29, 2021
Tour dates: November 29 to December 17
Content Rating: G.
Book Description:
When
a meeting with a client goes disastrously wrong, Sherlock Holmes soon finds himself involved in a case of murder with two dead bodies and too few clues.
From some clear pieces of glass and a raven’s feather, the Great Detective must divine exactly who the client was and what prompted him to seek assistance at 221B. Fortunately, Holmes has a
number of experts upon whom he can rely as well as his own vast store of esoteric knowledge.
Treading a twisted path, Holmes soon finds himself matching wits with an unseen criminal, who appears to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty. At the same time, he is tasked with sparing the monarchy any possible embarrassment that may stem from
the investigation.
It’s a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that finds Holmes and Watson attending underground auctions, using rare and priceless artifacts as bait and holding a late night vigil in anticipation of deterring a theft, all the while trying to understand how a priceless antiquity fits into their investigation.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Amazon.UK
B&N ~ Kobo ~ BookDepository
Meet the Author:
A lifelong Sherlockian, Richard Ryan is the author of “The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure,” “The Stone of Destiny,” “The Druid of Death” and “The Merchant of Menace,” and “Through a Glass Starkly,” all from MX Publishing. “Three May Keep a Secret” is his sixth Holmes pastiche, and he is currently at work on his seventh.
He has also written “B Is for Baker Street (My First Sherlock Holmes Book),” an alphabet book he penned for his grandchildren.
Among his other credits are “The Official Sherlock Holmes Trivia Book,” a book on Agatha Christie trivia and the well-received murder mystery “Deadly Relations” that has been produced twice off-Broadway.
He pursued his graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in medieval literature. To this day, he remains a die-hard fan of the Fighting Irish.
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Enter the Giveaway:
Three May Keep a Secret: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T. Ryan Book Tour Giveaway
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Giveaway & Review – The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle @iReadBookTours
Join Us for This Tour from November 26 to December 17
Book Details:
Book Title: The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Mascot
Release date: September 2021
Formats Available for Review: print-hardback USA, e-book (PDF)
Tour dates: November 26 to December 17
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
***** 2021 Family Choice Award Winner
MY REVIEW The Living Christmas by Kristin Sponaugle is a magical story I think all kids will love, maybe some grown up kids too. It may have your youngsters trying to stay up late and spy on the Christmas Tree, waiting to see if… The hardcover book is colorful with large, thick pages for those small hands that like to touch and share. I think any child will love the story and may want to help pack away the ornaments, being extra careful. Perhaps they will even be eagerly waiting to help unwrap them for next Christmas, looking for some Christmas magic. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle.
During the day, the Miller family’s Christmas tree stands tall in their living room, sparkling with lights and ornaments. Little does the family know that their Christmas tree is anything but ordinary. Each evening, the magic of Christmas brings their tree to life—much to the delight of Hannah and William Miller. Follow along as Hannah and William experience the magic of Christmas in a whole new way.
Buy the Book:
Mascot
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Target
Kristin Sponaugle was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and her master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Kristin had always dreamed of becoming an author, and made that dream a reality with her two published children’s books, The Princess Puppy and The Living Christmas Tree. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and playing with her Maltese dog, Rosie. Kristin lives with her husband, daughter, and Rosie, and resides wherever the Air Force sends them.
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Enter the Giveaway:
THE LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE Book Tour Giveaway
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