It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme, “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?” hosted at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

It was a good week, especially for reading, We got a foot of snow over the past few days and had 2 neighbours help with shoveling, as well as my son. Hard to believe we are almost at the end of January. Hope everyone as a good week.

I read 5 books plus 4 picture books – 2 women’s fiction, a romance a fantasy and a YA fantasy.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Loved this – my first read by this author. Have already checked out more books.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. A new author to me and I’ll be looking for more of her work. Really enjoyed this one.

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca Finally finished this and so enjoyed the last of the series (so far)

Ruby Fever by Iloan Andrews. Have so enjoyed this series. Hope they will continue with more books in this world.

Radiance by Alyson Noel. This was a read for a book challenge (one word title) and it was okay – a YA fantasy. Interesting world she created though.

I have been taking part in Storystorm this month – a picture book challenge, to create a pb idea each day as well as read inspiring posts. I’m trying to read more pbs as well. Here are 4 I rea this past week, all excellent reads.

Oceans by Carron Brown and Becky Thorns

The Unbreakable Thread by Emily Joof, illus by Asma Enayeh

The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park, illus by Robert Sae-Hrng

Yetis are the Worst by Alex Willan

What I’m Reading Now 

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Whispering Through Water by Rebecca W. Wheeler

What I am Reading Next

The Choice by Nora Roberts

5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 Book Tag

I saw this book tag at “The Corner of Laura” and thought this would be a good one to start the year. (This originated at Madeline’s of The Bookish Mutant

5 BOOKS YOU LOVE

The first 3 books I have reread, and will probably reread the final two. All were wonderful reads with stories that drew me in completely.

Written in Red by Anne Bishop (actually the whole Others series)

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

The Forgotten Cottage by Courtney Ellis

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

4 AUTOBUY AUTHORS

Anne Bishop

Susanna Kearsley

Katherine Center

Louise Penny

3 FAVORITE GENRES

Romance (Contemporary, historical, fantasy)

Fantasy and Paranormal

Memoir

2 PLACES YOU READ

Usually at the dining room table, which is were I usually work and srite.

And in the car – I always have a book with me.

1 BOOK YOU PROMISE TO READ SOON

The Choice by Nora Roberts

I have been waiting forever for the library copy. Finally, I saw it at Costco and decided to just buy it. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series.

I won’t single out anyone – but join in. It was fun to look back over the past year of books read and enjoyed.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day! Amazing Sports From Around the World. Written by Douglas McLaughlin and illustrated by Michelle Griffis

I am very excited to be participating in and reviewing a book for the 10th Multicultural Children’s Book Day (Jan. 26). to shine a spotlight on all the great diverse KidLit books and people.!

This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about their Mission & History HERE.

Be sure you scroll down to the bottom of the post to find out about the virtual party where you can join the discussion and enter to win prizes and also to see other participating reviewers!

*Please note:I received this book free from the publisher via Multicultural Children’s Book Day so I could provide an honest review. )

MCBD Book:

Amazing Sports From Around the World. Written by Douglas McLaughlin, illustrated by Michelle Griffis

Published by:

Language Lizard, LLC
“Inspiring Kids Through Language!”
info@LanguageLizard.com
https://www.LanguageLizard.com
1-888-554-9273

My Review

People around the world, from young to old, enjoy a love of games and sports. Douglas McLaughlin has given us a book that features 18 unique sports that range from individual sports, like the Caber Toss (Scotland) or Tuna Toss (Australia) to team sports like Nzango (Africa) of Kho Kho (South Asia).

There are even sports that involve animals described in the book. Can you imagine playing polo on an elephant (Nepal, India, Thailand) or riding on an ostrich (South Africa)?

The book gives a quick overview of all these spots with links in the back to learn more. So many fascinating sports , some that are centuries old(like Bokh – From Genghis Khan) to newer sports like Quidditch (from Harry Potter fame).

The books are available in several different languages, in dual language format as well.

Games are truly international now – it really is a small world. Reading about these amazing sports will introduce you to such a wide world of sports and may lead you to a new, wonderful world of play.

I enjoyed learning about these international sports, many of which I had never heard of, but want to investigate further.I highly recommend this interesting and informative book

Be sure to check out all the info below!

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)

 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages 

 Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight 

 Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press,  Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle

 Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward

MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik 

MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!

MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!

Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

 FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

• MCBD 2023 Poster
• Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
• Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
• Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
• Gallery of Our Free Posters
• FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program

Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 26, 2023, at our virtual party!

Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 26, 2023, at our virtual party!

One Word 2023 – First Check-in

Get More Familiar with Your New One Word

In this first month with our new words, we are asked to answer these questions. (Check here for how to participate)

A. WHERE IS MY WORD?

Where have you already seen your word? Where can you put it so you can see it more often?

It is surprising how the word stretch jumps out – whether it is about different stretches we need to do to keep us limber or how we need to stretch our abilities.

B. WHAT DOES MY WORD LOOK LIKE?

What does your word look like to you? Take a photo or draw a picture or create a graphic to visualize your word.

Since I have been using OLW, I have created a canvas for my word – to keep it visible and front and centre in my workroom.

I have also created a journal, to write in quotes and thoughts about the word.

Here are a couple of new quotes I have found:

“ Keep stretching yourself beyond your level of comfort”

“Stretch yourself beyond what you think is possible”

C. WHY THIS WORD?

Why did you choose this word? 

I have been collecting ideas, books and supplies over the years and have visited blogs , signed up for courses and dreamed of being published or having an art show.

But the past few years, with covid and my husband’s health, I have done little to move myself forward. I dream with little follow through

So I thought about what I needed to do to move forward and I realized I really needed to stretch myself. To actually take those dreams and DO something.

I have taken an inventory:

 of art and spiritual books I want to read and work through;

 of ideas of art prompts I want to do; 

of courses I’ve started and want to finish.

I’ve also been hesitant to reach out to others . I watched a show recently where Jane Fonda said she reached out to people she admired and said “Let’s be friends.” I need to stretch a hand to others and make new friends.

So – stretch, grow, be fearless, get uncomfortable.

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme, “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?” hosted at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

It was a good week – for reading, and for hearing good news abot my hubby. lungs have improved. Yeah. Now, we are getting the first of the bigger dumps of snow – a couple of inches today but at least a 6 inches on Wed. Not as bad as the States tho. And friends and family are heading south for a few weeks! .Because hubby is on dialysis, we won’t be able to travel easily for sometime..

I read 8 books –3 romances, a woman’s fiction a fantasy., a NF, an historical romance and a pix book of poetry.

2 books by Lauren Layne.: Made in Manhattan and Passion on Park Avenue.

So enjoyed them both. Now on to the next 2 in the series when they are available from the library.

The Dangers of Loving a Rogue by Jeri Black, I read this for a review (check here) and I really enjoyed this historical romance.

84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff. This is a reread but I enjoyed it now, as much as I did when I first read it years ago. An epistolary, NF.

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren. So enjoy their books and this was a fun read.

Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid. An enjoyable romance novella by an author I enjoy.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert. I have read and enjoyed all the books in this series. Be warned, they are all very steamy fantasies, with the Greek myths turned into a unique world.

The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell. This was for a WOW review – a lovely, sweet book of poetry for children.

What I’m Reading Now 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca ( I am still reading this, just slowly. Hope to finish it this week)

What I am Reading Next

The Choice by Nora Roberts (I had to return this to the library last week, so I finally bought it at Costco on Friday.)

WOW Blog Tour for Raven Howell’s “The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes”

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for  Raven Howell’s children’s poetry book “The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes” (illustrated by Nazli Tarcan)., which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

This was a delightful children’s book of verse, full of sweet poems that touch on a range of topics that relate to children. Feelings of sadness and happiness are explored as are everyday adventures that children enjoy from eating, to making snow angels. In simple language and fun rhyme, there is a poem a page, backed by the lovely illustrations by Nazli Tarcan.

The poems include short three and four line poems to longer ones that invite you to read them aloud.

My favourite short poem was “Golden Delicious” and mytwo favourite longer poems were “Sadness” and “Let’sGo” I can image rereading these poems aloud, over and over again with children and even being inspired to write their own poems.

I highly recomend this poetry book. Children will enjoy these poems.

Book Summary

Discover the magic in simple moments when a child peers in the mirror to unintentionally come upon his smile,
where kittens nap in boots, fairy hugs feel good, mice delight in reading books, and January snowflakes taste
yummy.
Twenty whimsical poems warm the heart and inspire cheer; a collection enticing both the young and seasoned
reader to explore the enchantment of the wonderful world of poetry.

Publisher: Handersen Publishing
ASIN: B0BJNT69WG
ISBN: 1647030757
ISBN-13: 978-1647030759
Print Pages: 28 Pages

Purchase a copy of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or
Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author

Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Having published several award-winning picture books,
she enjoys sharing her love of literature by visiting classrooms and libraries. Raven is Creative & Publishing
Advisor for Red Clover Reader, served as Poetry Director for Monster Magnificent, and writes The Book Bug
column for Story Monsters Ink magazine. Her poems are found in children’s magazines such as Ladybug,
Spider, Highlights for Children, Humpty Dumpty, and Hello Magazine. She’s an editor, and collaborating
author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal.
When not writing, Raven enjoys sunshine and the beach, spending time with her family, hiking, laughing,
reading, goofing around with artwork, and inventing new recipes.

You can find her on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pickward/_saved/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22

Blog Tour Calendar – be sure to check out all the stops along the way

December 26th @ The Muffin
Join us at our WOW! blog today, The Muffin, for the blog tour launch of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little
Gnomes by Raven Howell. You can read an interview with the author and have a chance to win a copy of the
book for yourself.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

December 28th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Join Wendi as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

December 28th @ Reading Girl Reviews
Gina reviews Raven Howell’s book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://www.instagram.com/readinggirlreviews/

December 29th @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com

December 30th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Join Anthony as he features a guest post by author Raven Howell featuring a beginner’s guide to writing poetry.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/category/blog-tours/

January 1st @ Page Peeks
Visit Jeanne’s book review column as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://medium.com/page-peeks

January 2nd @ Mother Daughter Book Club
Join Cindy as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://motherdaughterbookclub.com/blog/

January 4th @ AJ Kormon’s Blog
Join AJ as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://www.ajkormon.com/blog

January 6th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy as she shares her insights into Raven Howell’s book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

January 8th @ Shoe’s Seeds & Stories
Join Linda as she features a guest post by author Ravne Howell about why we love gnomes so much.
https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

January 10th @ Mother Daughter Book Club
Visit Cindy’s blog again for a guest post by Raven Howell about arts and crafts, making fun gnomes for all
ages.
https://motherdaughterbookclub.com/blog/

January 12th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog as he reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/category/blog-tours/

January 12th @ The Mommies Reviews
Visit Glenda’s blog today to read her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
You’ll also have a chance to win a book copy too!
https://themommiesreviews.com/

January 16th @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona’s blog as she shares author Raven Howell’s insights about the impact on children through author
visits to schools or libraries.
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

January 15th @ Shoe’s Seeds & Stories
Linda treats us to her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

January 17th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Lisa interviews Raven Howell about her book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

January 18th @ Bev A Baird’s Blog
Join Bev as she features a guest post by author Raven Howell about her lifelong journey as a poet and how she
made it happen.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

January 20th @ Bev A Baird’s Blog
Come by Bev’s blog again as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes. A must-read children’s
book you’ll love!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

January 20th @ Editor 911
Margo treats us to her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.

https://editor-911.com/
January 22nd @ World of My Imagination
Nicole shares her thoughts about The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://worldofmyimagination.com/

January 23rd @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog and read a guest post by Raven Howell about gnome fashion and how the fairy realm
influences fashion today.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/

January 25th @ Carole Writes
Visit Carole’s blog for her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
https://carolemertz.com/
J

anuary 27th @ Editor 911
Come by Margo’s blog again and read Raven Howell’s guest post featuring yummy treats with a gnome theme.
https://editor-911.com/

January 28th @ Lisa’s Reading
Join Lisa as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes. You also have the chance to win a copy of
the book too!
https://lisasreading.com/

January 29th @ Jill Sheets’ Blog
Visit Jill’s blog as she interviews author Raven Howell about her writing journey and her experience as an
author.
http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

Book Blast Tour for Last Chance by Darren E. Watling!!

Be sure to check out this sci-fi comedy by Darren E. Watling!

(Links to buy the book and a rqfflecopter for a draw are at the end of the post)

Book INFO

The earth’s epilogue was a forgone conclusion.
Our World selects seven of the best human beings that man, woman, and other could put their
faith in, to ensure human existence, each displaying traits of a master in his/hers/its field.
However, not all traits are in the best interest of humankind.
Out of this World places seven hospital patients on a Plan B shuttle. Life was difficult on Earth.
A new planet presents new problems. The ex-Fruit and Nut Friendly Psychiatric Hospital
patients are up for the challenge.
Into the Other World—The Twist. Not only a mid-1900s dance, it is also associated with a
lemon, a warped shape, a frame of mind, a warped frame of mind, a face you pull from sucking
lemons and an end of story, unexpected finish, not to be given away, glancing at the back
cover.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born Darren Edward Watling, Subiaco, Western Australia, 1966. Darren excelled in English,
maintaining ‘A’s, throughout his schooling and wrote a play, ‘Laughing Gas’, for his school at the
age of 10. Credited with one small, published article, Darren found inspiration and reward,
arriving at his latest piece, ‘Last Chance’.
He completed an apprenticeship, as a fitter, at Princess Margaret Hospital, while continuing his
passion for short story writing.
Traveling Australia for three years on a private bus gave Darren a beginning to the experiences
and continued, humorous outlook he has on life.
Darren approached his mother Jill Stubbs Mills and asked for her blessing to take her short
story, ‘Deception’, and rewrite it into a novel. (The feedback from her publisher about her story
was exceptional). Jill agreed to her son’s request. Sadly, Jill now suffers with dementia, but,
keeps her sense of humour.

Various forms of employment, including a movie extra, a welder on a crocodile farm, a drummer
for a touring band and currently a roof plumber, gave Darren considerable ‘fuel’, for a fired up,
comedic novel.
Darren has had several passions over the past 56 years while walking this Earth. Drums,
Karate, tennis and continuing today- comedic writing.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darren.watling.37
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watlingdarren/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darrenwatling2
Buy Links:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-chance-darren-e-watling/1142556116
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Chance-Future-Apocalypse-Trilogy/dp/0228882869
https://www.ebay.com/itm/404074259007

Darren E. Watling will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

WOW Blog Tour for “The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes” by Raven Howell – Guest Post

 I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for  Raven Howell’s children’s poetry boo “The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes” (illustrated by Nazli Tarcan).

Today Ms. Howell is visiting my blog to share her thoughts on her journey as a poet.

Welcome !

My lifelong journey as a poet, and how I make that happen

“So, what inspired you to get into writing children’s poetry? How did that come about?”

I was a poetry writer for children’s magazines for years prior to becoming a book author, but it wasn’t until my first children’s poetry compilation, Dozy Poems for Cozy Days (now out of print) was released that readers became curious, and I was asked: how does one start or choose or stumble into writing for this genre?

I looked up research regarding talent and family inheritance and found a study from 2014 which states, “Genetics and inheritance do have some influence on the abilities and talents that children will inherit. New research has confirmed that inheritance doesn’t only happen through DNA though, but also through epigenetic inheritance. This means that a parent’s experiences can be passed down to their children too.”

Interesting because my father was a lifelong poet like me and certainly influenced me with his emotional spoken word performances and love of language. He would look at life’s experiences, people, places, and things through the lens of wonder, and even oddity, and express that through poetry. We shared love of nature and most everything whimsical. With that affinity in my heart, I wrote my new children’s picture poetry book, The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.

My journey as a poet has been colorful and diverse. Growing up in a bi-lingual household, I’ve always had a love for words of any language. I love the look of them, the sound of them, I like writing them out with pen on paper, and I dance in the “music” words convey. In childhood, our household copy of “Best Book of Words Ever” and “Busy, Busy Town” (by Richard Scarry) had worn pages and ripped edges from excess turning and handling.

During elementary school years, my mother mailed in some of my poems to magazines accepting poetry written by children. I remember being extremely shy about it (“Mom, do you HAVE to?”). She did though, and they were published.

I was a musician in my youth, too, and set my poems to music hoping someday I’d have a career as a songwriter for some of the best artists and singers and bands popular during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Those dreams did come to fruition on a small scale, and I had success in my jobs at RCA and Atlantic Records in New York City. Still, being on the inside of the business looking out, it was a bit too cut-throat for me and eventually I found myself settling into a quieter life, moving to the Hudson Valley mountains. I began writing verse for greeting card companies – another place to channel my poetry, and I loved it!

Before long, I embraced another life change when my husband and I started our own family and around that same time I began writing poetry for children’s magazines. I was delighted to develop wonderful relationships with some of the editors, several who considered and accepted my poems regularly. In those days creative connections with publishers were frequently more personable. I learned a lot about what writing specifically for children entailed.

Writing children’s poetry books and story books was a natural next step. To date, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to share every one of my 20 published books, half of which are picture poetry collections, and The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes is no exception. It’s written as a gift of magic and wonder to adventure into; to spark an inner smile no matter what your age.

Thank you so much Raven for a lovely post on your journey as a poet.

Be sure to check all the stops along the way of the blog tour.

Goddess Fish Blog Tour for The Dangers of Loving a Rogue by Jeri Black

I am honoured to be part of the Goddess Fish Blog Tour for Jeri Black’s historical romance,  The Dangers of Loving a Rogue, which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. This is also my first review with this group)

My Review:

Jeri Black has written a captivating historical romance that gives us engaging major (Jack and Celia) and minor (all of Jack’s crew) characters, lots of adventure, danger and romance.

It was a fascinating look at the dangers of the time, especially travel at sea, with pirates and weather. Even the accuracy of the hurricane that struck Charles Town was used to good effect to advance the story.

It took me a bit for me to be drawn into the story, but once I was, I was committed and engrossed in it.

I would highly recommend this historical romance. I found it a very hard-to-put-down novel.

Book Summary

If not for deplorable timing, Celia Breckenridge might have avoided a pirate attack. She’s
grateful for her rescuer, truly, however the stubborn man is sailing in the wrong direction! Most
alarming still? The silver-eyed rogue is devilishly attractive and Celia must keep reminding
herself she’s betrothed to another.
Jackson Beaumont had a plan: sail to the Caribbean; find a hidden cache of emeralds; return to
society a wealthy man. Alas, he arrives in Charles Town with marauding pirates, a disgruntled
heiress, and a hurricane at his heels. Rescuing the lady from pirates posed little challenge –
allowing her to return to her betrothed is proving far more difficult.
But Jack won’t return to England without his fortune, and when it comes to another man’s bride,
he’s not above a little plundering himself.

EXCERPT
Meet

It occurred to her then that his amusement stemmed from the fact that she’d baldly stared at him
for several moments while he waited for her to introduce herself. But my, what a spectacular
figure this Jackson Beaumont made.
His arm swept out, gesturing to their surroundings. “Rather odd circumstances in which to meet
a lady, but we shall have to muddle through.”

For heaven’s sake, he behaved as though they’d just been introduced at tea. Next, he’d take a
pinch of snuff and comment on the weather. He watched her closely and she knew he expected
her to speak, but her throat was swollen and parched. One would think her pitiful attempt at a
scream would have indicated a difficulty. She raised her hand to her throat, attempting to
communicate the problem.
He raised a brow and his lips quirked. “Forgive me. ’Tis obvious my attempt to set you at ease
has failed.”
And then he smiled.
Not one of those swift quirks of the lips she’d seen before. Oh, no. This was a full smile, with
wide lips and white teeth, and eyes gone crinkly at the corners. Her entire being stirred and
preened and fluttered helplessly beneath it.
Lud, a man could kill a woman with a smile like that. What on earth was it doing on a swarthy
sea captain? Her gaze swept him from head to toe again. Dangerous he may be, but also,
without question, the handsomest man she’d ever laid eyes upon.

Author Bio and Links

A love of history and happily-ever-afters lured Jeri Black from reading historical romances to

writing her own. She earned a B.A. in Finance after working several years as a bartender.
Spending countless nights with a variety of humanity has given her a unique perspective on the
attitudes and exploits between the opposite sexes. Her lively, witty characters are a result. Jeri
writes historical and contemporary romance and is a 2017 Golden Heart Finalist.

She lives on the west coast of Florida with her husband and forty-year-old box turtle rescue named
Klide—who likes strawberries, chasing bunny rabbits, and chewing on her shoes.

Links:

The Dangers of Loving a Rogue
Amazon  –  B&N  –  iBooks

http://www.JeriBlack.com

FaceBook:  authorjeriblack

Instagram:  authorjeriblack

Twitter:  @jeri_black

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It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme, “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?” hosted at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

It was a quieter week this past week, with some snow and colder weather. So I didn’t go out much and instead had a bit more reading time..

I read 6 books –a a MG NF, 3 romances, a woman’s fiction and a fantasy.

I read 2 new authors to me( and will be reading more by them: Ash Keller and Lauren Layne.

Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews. This was the final book in their fantasy Sweep series and I really enjoyed it. What a crazy inn they have.

The Many Colours of Us by Rachel Burton. Loved this woman’s fiction, where secrets abound.

To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne. An epistolary novel, and enemies to friends – this was a fun read.

The Day We Met by Ash Keller. A quick-read, novella, with a cute-meet

When Christmas Comes by Debbie Macomber. Yesw, I am still reading Christmas books and enjoying them!

Picture Yourself Writing Poetry by Laura Purdie Salas. This middle grade non-fiction was quite informative. I have started a new writing challenge with my writing partner and this was helpful. (Check out our first post of the year – Free Verse Friday – hope you join it. It’s every first Friday of the month.)

What I’m Reading Now 

Dangers of Loving a Rogue by Jeri Black (for a review)

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca

What I am Reading Next

The Choice by Nora Roberts