Cherie Colyer's Blog, page 14

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES by Leah Cupps Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES

Author: Leah Cupps

Pub. Date: June 22, 2022

Publisher: Vision Forty Press

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Will Ninja Nickles tell Mom the truth and admit that he’s the one who dropped the pickles?

Or will he stay and hide while Lincoln is scolded for the pickle pantry mess? Read along with Ninja Nickles and his story of the midnight pickles to find out!

In this delightful rhyming story, Ninja Nickles teaches children that there is a time for fun and games and a time for personal responsibility. In Ninja Nickles and the Problem with Pickles, Leah Cupps tells a story about friendship, loyalty, and doing the right thing that will have children laughing and learning along with their new friend, Nickles the dog!

Make reading and bedtime a treasured family experience with Ninja Nickels! Also available in paperback!

Ninja Nickels Book Series:
Book 1: Ninja Nickels and the Problem with Pickles
Book 2: Ninja Nickels and the Trouble with Tickles (Coming Soon) 

Peek between the pages...

My thoughts...

What can I say about this book? It's adorable. It's exciting. And it's sure to be a hit with the kids. The text is delightful, the illustrations bright and fun, and Leah Cupps even snuck in a lesson for our young readers to learn from. Shh... don't tell them! Ninja Nickels and the Problem with Pickles gets 5-pickles and I'm looking for to seeing what's next for a ninja pup!

 

About Leah Cupps:

Leah Cupps is an entrepreneur and author. She writes Middle Grade Mystery Adventure Books as well as Thriller, Mystery, Suspense for Adults.

Leah’s novels are fast-paced mysteries that will keep you up at night as you can’t wait to see what happens in the next chapter.

Leah lives in Indiana with her husband, three young children and three dogs. When she isn’t losing sleep writing her next novel or scaling her next business, she enjoys reading, golfing working out and spending time with her family.

 

Connect with Leah Online:
http://www.facebook.com/harleyjamesad...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Sign up for Leah’s VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released: www.harleyjamesadventures.com

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

One winner will receive a finished copy of NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/4/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt/IG Post

7/4/2022

Rajiv's Reviews

Review/IG Post

7/5/2022

Yabookscentral

Excerpt/IG Post

7/5/2022

Write. Read. Live.

Excerpt/IG Post

7/6/2022

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

7/6/2022

GryffindorBookishNerd

IG Review

7/7/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

7/7/2022

Little Red Reads

Review/IG Post

7/8/2022

@thebookishfoxwitch

IG Review

7/8/2022

For The Love Of The Page

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

7/11/2022

@just_another_mother_with_books

IG Review

7/11/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review/IG Post

7/12/2022

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

7/12/2022

The Book Review Crew

Review/IG Post

7/13/2022

@jacleomik33

Review/IG Post

7/13/2022

Nerdophiles

Review/IG Post

7/14/2022

Jazzy Book Reviews

Review/IG Post

7/14/2022

celiamcmahonreads

Review/IG Post

7/15/2022

Cocoa With Books

Review/IG Post

7/15/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

N.N. Light Book Heaven's Summertime Books Bookish Event continues. Visit N.N. Light Book Heaven to find the links to each book spotlight. Plus enter the Rafflecopter giveaway where one lucky reader will win a $35 Amazon gift card.

I'm excited to have Damned When I Didn't spotlighted today. Want extra entries? Purchase my books and send N.N. Light a pic of the purchase.

Just one of the books spotlighted in the event
Title: Damned When I Didn't
Author: Cherie Colyer
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Can an eighteen-year-old virgin fulfill her succubus duties without losing her innocence?

Book Blurb

Death isn’t the end for eighteen-year-old Avery Williams, and her final resting place isn’t beyond the Golden Gates. No, the Queen of the Damned has plans for her and, unbeknownst to Avery, fought hard to gain possession of her soul. As Hell’s newest succubus, Avery is expected to siphon life from the living. It only takes a long, meaningful kiss, but for a virgin like Avery, kissing guys she barely knows isn’t something she’s comfortable doing. Avery focuses on the upside of her fate—she’ll be returning home, or so she thinks. When the Queen of the Damned cuts her off from her old life, Avery is determined to find a way back to her family and friends, even if it means facing Hell’s fury if she’s caught.


What readers have to say
Winner Best Paranormal Romance 2021 – N.N. Light, Book Heaven"Damned When I Didn’t is such a fun paranormal romance, I loved every minute of it. ... If you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a fresh take and snarky dialogue, pick up Damned When I Didn’t. Highly recommend!" 
"This novel serves up a unique story that brings many different characters together in a breathtaking read." - InD'Tale Magazine
"Damned If I Didn't is the perfect mix of romance, drama, and friendship. You won't be disappointed!" - Goodreads Reviewer
Read an excerpt.
Buy now!

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am so excited that VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE by Sam Beck Blog is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for 2 finished copies of VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE courtesy of Wonderbound  & Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

 

About The Book:

Title: VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE

Author: Sam Beck, Rebecca Taylor (Editor)

Pub. Date: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Wonderbound

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 256

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Bookshop.org

 

FACE THE MAGIC

THE BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE OF MAGIC HAS TAKEN ITS FIRST PRISONER.

Held captive by the leaders of a dangerous new movement, Neitya is forced to face a darker side of her abilities that threaten to tear her away from Fife, her only true friend. The only way back to one another may be to follow their destinies down divergent paths and discover what it means to face their worst fears alone. 

Book 2 of the three-book original graphic novel fantasy series!

Reviews:

“Verse's rich drawings and colours beautifully illustrate a complicated, engaging fantasy world filled with sympathetic characters. I can't wait to learn more about them as their journey continues!" -- Faith Erin Hicks ― "The Nameless City" - Comics Creator, Writer, Artist

"An intricately woven tale of magic and mystery, Sam Beck has written and illustrated an unforgettable story." -- Victoria Ying ― Illustrator - "Diana Princess of the Amazons," "I Kissed Alice," and more!

"VERSE is an intricately woven story of magic, mystery and unforgettable characters with lushly illustrated worlds. You’ll want more and more." -- Victoria Ying ― Illustrator - "Diana Princess of the Amazons," "I Kissed Alice," and more!

"Verse is the sort of book you spend hours pouring over, even after the first read. Every single page is a visual delight – I lingered on every panel and relished every page-turn. Sam expertly crafts a sprawling world full of gripping characters and thrilling stakes that transported me to another dimension– it's the kind of book I would have devoured as a teenager, and certainly still love now." -- Hannah Templer ― Artist - "Cosmoknights"

Grab book 1 VERSE now!

FOR DOWNLOADABLE DIGITAL ITEMS (Bookmarks, Digital Wallpapers, and Poster), please click on this link: https://www.readwonderbound.com/books...

To see and hear Sam talk about VERSE, click on the YouTube link below for her Zoom chat at the 2021 US Book Show, entitled: MAGIC IS REAL: https://youtu.be/6kJ_1k--KDs

 

Excerpt: 

 

About Sam Beck:

is a writer and illustrator living in Toronto. She likes to explore themes of identity and relationships through the lens of fantasy. Sam has done work with Dark Horse, Vault Comics, and BOOM! Studios. When she's not drawing, find her admiring the forests of northern Ontario or playing the ocarina and guitar.

Sign Up for the Verse email list!

Verse Website | Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer is here and I'm delighted to be a part of N.N. Light Book Heaven's Summertime Books Bookish Event, and you're invited to join the fun! Summer officially kicks off on June 21. Many readers are looking for great books to read this summer as they lounge at the pool, sunbathe on the beach, or vacation in exotic places. N.N. Light gathered a terrific selection of books to read this summer by award-winning, bestselling, and top-rated authors. Visit N.N. Light Book Heaven to find the links to each book spotlight this week plus the Rafflecopter giveaway where one lucky reader will win a $35 Amazon gift card.
I'm excited to have Friends to the End spotlighted today. Want extra entries? Purchase my books and send N.N. Light a pic of the purchase. 

Spotlighted Today

Title: Friends to the End Author: C.L. ColyerPublisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Middle grade, ghosts, action/adventure

Book Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Zach is convinced he'll never be happy without his best friend Jeremy by his side. But both of their lives changed with a bang five months ago, and as far as Zach's concerned, it's his fault Jeremy will never see his twelfth birthday.

When Zach moves with his family to a Chicago suburb, he quickly becomes friends with a group of thrill-seeking kids trying to find a disappearing haunted house. But Zach's not worried. He doesn't believe in ghosts, so he follows them into a wild, dangerous encounter that becomes a battle to decide what's real and what's not.


What readers have said
2021 Best Middle-Grade Finalist ~ N.N. Light Book Heaven“Friends to the End is a wonderful middle-grade paranormal mystery from start to finish."

“A compelling, gripping nail-biting page-turner. You’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting...dreading?... what happens next. I know you won’t be able to put the book down (I couldn’t).” ~ Allan Woodrow, bestselling author of over 30 books for children

"Full of danger, adventure, grief, friendship, loss, atmospheric writing, hope, & survival. Highly recommend!" – Reviewer, Belles Middle-Grade Library
Click here to read an excerpt.
Buy now!

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am so excited that I get to spread the love for the SUNSET RISING SERIES by S.M. McEachern!

If you haven’t yet heard about these wonderful books, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for 2 eBook sets of the complete series from S.M. & Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

 

About the Books:

Title: SUNSET RISING, WORLDS COLLIDE, NEW WORLD ORDER (Sunset Rising Series)

Author: S.M. McEachern 

Pub. Date: Final book was published in 2015

Publisher: Clownfish Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 284

Find them: 

Book 1 FREE with a Kindle Unlimited membership: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

Book 2: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Book 3: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

From Book 1:

“This book has it all—love story, good vs evil, drama, and suspense. Definitely a book you can’t put down!” – Midwest Book Review

"I've seen it compared to The Hunger Games and I'd have to agree. I can already see the movie version becoming a hit!"  Amazon Reviewer

2015 Readers Favorite Gold Medal Award for best YA Dystopian

Deep inside a mountain in what used to be North America dwells the last of humanity. Welcome to the Biodome, where steel, rock and armed guards separate the privileged from the slaves.

Born and raised a slave in the Pit, Sunny O’Donnell has always accepted that she'll spend her life working to keep the Dome running and, if she lives long enough, willingly meet her end in the annual Cull when she reaches the age of thirty-five. This was the price her ancestors paid for their place inside the Biodome, the only safe haven from the global nuclear war of 2024. But when Sunny’s mother is killed in the Cull, the hopeless reality of her future becomes painfully clear.

Bereft and disillusioned, she heads down a reckless path that sets off a deadly riot in the Pit and leaves her accused of treason. Her only way of escaping public execution is to make a truce with her prison mate, who happens to be the heir to the dictatorship and hated enemy of the Pit. Now caught between two worlds on the brink of war, Sunny must weigh her own survival against risking everything to save the Pit.

S.M. McEachern delivers the action and adventure of The Hunger Games, the intrigue of The City of Ember, and the romantic notes of Les Misérables in her debut novel set in a future that is disturbingly plausible.

G Rating: no foul language, no explicit sex, some mild violence.

________________________________________________

What Readers are Saying:

"One of THE BEST dystopian books I've ever read!! If/when this becomes a movie ... I will be the first in line!" - Midwest Book Review

"Romance, intrigue, and action all come together beautifully here to create an experience that will leave anyone asking for more." - Readers Favorite Gold Medal Award for best YA Dystopian

“… a romance straight out of a Shakespearean play, with the action of Katniss and Peeta.” - Amazon Reviewer

"I might even love this more than I loved Hunger Games (and that's saying a lot!)" - Goodreads Reviewer

"I've seen it compared to The Hunger Games and I'd have to agree. I can already see the movie version becoming a hit!" - Amazon Reviewer

"I was a huge fan of the Hunger Games series and I actually loved Sunset Rising more! I am putting it on my top 10 list of most favorite books." - Amazon/Goodreads Reviewer

"FABULOUS!!! I fricken loved this story! If you love Dystopian YA novels, READ THIS BOOK!" - Goodreads Reviewer

"This book truly blew my mind. It is pure GENIUS ... (it's) as good, if not BETTER, than the Hunger Games." - Amazon Reviewer

"If you like Veronica Roth, you'll like this. I'm glad I tried a new author!" - Amazon Reviewer

"Let me start off by saying this novel stole hours of my sleep. I could not put it down." - Goodreads Reviewer

Excerpt From Book 1, SUNSET RISING:

I found the rope and gave it a good tug to make sure it was secure. “Here. Use this to rappel down. I’ll go first and guide you along as best I can.” I scrambled over the side and began my descent.

“Wait!” Jack’s face appeared above me, terrified. “Aren’t you going to use the rope too?”

“I don’t need it. I’ve been doing this since I was five. And besides, I don’t think that old rope is going to hold two of us.”

I climbed down about ten feet to give him room. I heard him double- checking the rope. “Come on.”

“I can’t even see!”

I rolled my eyes. At this rate we were going to get caught for sure.

Finally, he lowered himself over the side, tentatively feeling around with one foot. I descended another ten feet and looked up to see if he was following, but he hadn’t made any progress. “Jack, you’re taking too long. Trust the rope.”

“You mean this old rope, Sunny?” he snapped. I bit back a laugh.

I heard him take a deep breath and watched him lean out. He lowered one foot, then the other, and again. He continued to rappel in a slow and steady rhythm. I descended another ten feet, thinking I probably shouldn’t be this close. If he fell, he would take us both down.

We continued on, me staying ten feet below Jack and encouraging him to keep going. He was painfully slow, but I tried not to get frustrated. I remembered it was hard the first time I did it, too.

Finally, we arrived at the sixth level and I pulled myself onto the landing. “Almost there, Jack.”

When his feet dangled just above my head, I gave them a little tug to help him along.

“Stop!” Jack’s voice was edged with panic. “I’ll do it myself.”

I let go of him. I didn’t need him screaming and bringing the guards in here. He lowered himself far enough to reach over to the landing. I grabbed him by the elbow and pulled him in. He hugged the side of the wall, testing to make sure his feet were firmly on the ground.

“That was the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Scariest? He had no idea. “Welcome to the Pit, Jack.”

 

 

About S.M. McEachern:

S.M. McEachern (who also writes new adult as Susan McEachern) comes from the rocky shores of Canada’s East Coast. She is a graduate of Dalhousie University, with an honors degree in International Development Studies with a focus on ocean development. Throughout her academic studies and early career, Susan had the privilege to study and work with Elizabeth Mann Borgese, daughter of nobel prize winner, Thomas Man). An author in her own right and a political activist for world peace, Mrs. Mann Borgese played a significant influence on Susan’s view of the political world stage.

Visit Susan's website at smmceachern.com for free short stories and updates on new releases.

Sign up for S.M.’s Newsletter!

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win eBooks of the SUNSET RISING series, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Welcome to my stop on The Eidola Project Novels Virtual Book Tour. There are three books in this exciting series. Robert Herold will be awarding a $20 GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Be sure to leave a comment! Enjoy!

The Eidola Project

An Eidola Project Novel Book 1

by Robert Herold

Genre: Horror 

A gothic version of the X-Files. The Eidola Project is a 19th century team of ghost hunters who become ensnared in a deadly investigation of a haunted house.

 They are a psychology professor, his assistant, an African-American physicist, a young sideshow medium, and a traumatized Civil War veteran, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses. Will any of them survive?

**On Sale for Only .99 cents June 3rd- July 1st!!**

Add to Goodreads

Amazon* Apple* B&N* Google* Kobo

Moonlight Becomes You

An Eidola Project Novel Book 2

The Eidola Project travels to Petersburg, Virginia, to investigate a series of murders in the Black community—rumored to be caused by a werewolf. Once there, danger comes from all quarters. Not only do they face threats from the supernatural, the KKK objects to the team's activities, and the group is falling apart. Can they overcome their human frailties to defeat the evil that surrounds them?

Add to Goodreads

Amazon* Apple* B&N* Google* Kobo

Totem of Terror

An Eidola Project Novel Book 3

The Eidola Project, a team of 19th Century ghost hunters, have been tasked with trying to stop a deadly shapeshifting demon attacking the native people of La Push, on the Washington Coast. The team brings their own demons with them, in the form of drug addiction, a werewolf's curse, and being in mourning from the death of a loved one. Can they rise to this new challenge, or will they face they same grisly end as the shapeshifter's other victims?

Add to Goodreads

Amazon* Apple* B&N* Google* Kobo

Check out Robert's other new release!  

Witch Ever Way You Go

A Friday the 13th Story

Goodreads* Amazon

The supernatural always had the allure of forbidden fruit, ever since Robert Herold’s mother refused to allow him, as a boy, to watch creature features on late night TV. She caved in. (Well, not literally.)

As a child, fresh snow provided him the opportunity to walk out onto neighbors’ lawns halfway and then make paw prints with his fingers as far as he could stretch. He would retrace the paw and boot prints, then fetch the neighbor kids and point out that someone turned into a werewolf on their front lawn. (They were skeptical.)

He has pursued many interests over the years (among them being a history teacher and a musician), but the supernatural always called to him. You could say he was haunted. Finally, following the siren’s call, he wrote The Eidola Project, based on a germ of an idea he had as a teenager.

Ultimately, he hopes his books give you the creeps, and he means that in the best way possible.

Website* Facebook* Twitter * Instagram* Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the HARLEY JAMES AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MAYAN KINGS by Leah Cupps Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: HARLEY JAMES AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MAYAN KINGS (Harley James Adventures 1)

Author: Leah Cupps

Pub. Date: May 11, 2022

Publisher: Vision Forty

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 172

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Will Harley Find the Missing Mayan Statue & Save the World?

Amateur cryptologist Harley James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. She’s made a few friends, a few mistakes…and a ground-breaking discovery.

The legendary statue of the long-lost Mayan King.

Just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen. Right from her own room!

And what’s worse? The legend says if the statues of the three kings are reunited, they’ll bring back an army from the dead to rule the world.

Follow along with Harley as she tracks down the missing Mayan statue, solves a few riddles and stumbles upon a secret society that will change her life forever!

 

Book Trailer:

Peek between the pages
Chapter One: The Glowing Statue
Tikal, Guatemala, Present Day

You know how you just know something in your “knower”? As if you had a crystal ball built into your brain?

Well, today I had a feeling. This was going to be my year.

I, Harley Rebecca James, am going to win the Junior International Cryptography Competition.

What is that, you ask?

JICC is an online competition that follows the story of two explorers as they embark on a cryptographic adventure. Solving riddles and clues are my favorite things to do, so naturally, I love cryptography. Each week for twelve weeks, a new chapter is released, with a new code to break. Thousands of kids enter to win. And I was about to solve the clue for week two.

Thirty-nine characters. A famous phrase… got it!

I scribbled the answer down in my journal and smiled.

“Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure,” I whispered to myself.

A quote from the ancient philosopher Rumi. Of course, I’ve heard Dad say this a hundred times.

The code itself had been easy to crack. The technique used was a simple Caesar shift. The hard part had been finding the key to unlock the cipher.

I couldn’t wait to get back to my room so I could log on and enter the answer.

“Harley? Have you finished your report on Mayan glyphs yet?” A voice suddenly broke through my thoughts.

Report?

Right, I was supposed to be finishing my homework, not cracking codes.

“Almost,” I replied, tucking a piece of unruly blonde hair out of my face. I was with my tutor Jessica Rodríguez and her dog, Daisy, sitting under the shade of the famous temples of Tikal, an ancient Mayan site nestled in the dense Guatemalan forest.

“Are you solving riddles again?”

I smiled in response, shrugging my shoulders.

“You need to finish your history assignment.”

Jessica frowned at me and readjusted her long legs, shifting in her chair. She was pretty when she smiled, but most of the time, I felt like she was scowling at me. I sat upright and grabbed my notebook.

She hated when I got distracted during homework time.

Upon hearing my voice, Daisy rose up from her spot next to Jessica and walked over to me. She licked my face, and I patted her on the head.

I was currently sweating through another afternoon of sixth-grade homework, my books scattered over a large blanket. I scribbled in the last few lines on my report and shoved them back into my history binder.

“Done!”

Daisy was tugging at my backpack, begging for a walk. I smiled at her. I’ve always wanted a dog, but it was one of the many things I had to give up as a famous world traveler.

Okay, not quite famous, but the world traveler part was spot on. You see, I’m a bit of a nomad. The only daughter of world-renowned archeologist and engineer, Russell James. Global traveler, student of the world.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

I’ll admit it, some parts are great. Exploring remote sections of the world, making new friends, learning new languages.

But then there are the other parts of world travel: staying in hotels with no air conditioning and traveling to remote areas with big—I mean BIG—spiders isn’t always fun. There was one time in Peru when we spotted a Giant Huntsman spider the size of a dinner plate. I had nightmares about it for weeks.

And Dad? Let’s just say he’s overprotective. I’m never allowed to explore anywhere on my own. I can barely get alone time in my room without him checking on me every fifteen minutes. I love him dearly, but I’d just like a little more freedom.

Daisy placed her tiny furry chin on my outstretched leg, breaking me from my thoughts.

“You ready for a walk, girl?” I scratched her head. “I’m ready for a break, too.”

Daisy stood up, twirled around in a circle, and nudged at her leash.

“Jessica? Would you mind if I take Daisy for a walk?”

Jessica barely looked up. “Hmm?” Her eyes lingered on the pages of her book.

“I could use a break.”

She raised her eyes to me and Daisy, who was now shaking with anticipation. “Okay. Just remember, stay close—”

“I know, I know. Don’t talk to strangers and don’t go into the jungle.”

Jessica gave me a thin smile. “And be careful.”

“Of course.” I gave her my most confident grin. “Let’s go, Daisy!”

I swung my favorite purple backpack over my shoulders. This wasn’t just any backpack, mind you. It was decorated with patches from all over the world. Mom had given it to me, along with my first traveler’s patch from France. I kept all the necessities inside; cell phone, colored pencils, a leather notebook, gum, and a headlamp—just in case.

Daisy fell in step with me as we started out across the edge of the jungle. Tikal, Guatemala, was a huge archeological site full of Mayan temples, statues, and monuments. Some of the temples extended above the tops of the trees, like lighthouses in the forest. The Mayans built one of the largest ancient cities in the world… made with no bulldozers, no cranes, and no construction equipment of any kind.

I stared out over the city. How did they do it?

Everything was going great—I was being completely safe—until Daisy suddenly tugged me away from the path around the Temple of the Jaguar toward a dense spot in the jungle.

“No, Daisy,” I said, pulling back on her leash. “We have to stay on the path.”

If I left this path, I’d never be allowed out of Dad’s or Jessica’s sight again.

But Daisy wasn’t giving up. She pulled me into the brush and out of the sunlight. Not good. Snakes and spiders loved hanging out in the shade. I looked around nervously.

“What is it, girl?”

As my eyes adjusted to the shade, I saw a figure standing in the trees about fifteen feet away.

“Hello?” I said, my voice cracking. Daisy continued to pull me forward like a sled dog. “Daisy, will you stop?”

But she was not giving up, and I couldn’t hold on any longer. The leash slipped from my hand, and she bolted into the jungle.

“Daisy!” I cried, dashing after her.

Branches and leaves whipped past me as I followed her deeper into the forest. I wasn’t about to lose Daisy in the jungle, rules, or no rules.

Just as I was about to run out of breath, Daisy stopped ahead of me with an excited, yip!

Apparently, she had found something.

I caught up to her in a few long strides and peered into the jungle. Nestled behind a bramble of jungle leaves was a wall made of stone. After I grabbed Daisy’s leash, I took a step closer.

“What did you find, girl?”

Six nooks were carved into the side of the wall, about the size of my outstretched hand. Five of the nooks had carved stones placed inside. I recognized the carvings. They were Mayan.

In fact, I had just been studying them for my history lesson.

Now I was intrigued. Maybe that report would come in handy. Dad was always going on and on about using our great knowledge of history in the field.

The first five symbols stood for Jaguar, Sun, Snake, Rain, and Skull. But the sixth nook was empty. I touched the soft grooves of the granite. My code-finding mind went to work. There must be a stone that fits into the final slot. It must follow a logical pattern.

What do the glyphs for Jaguar, Sun, Snake, Rain, and Skull have in common? I bit the edge of my lip. I tried to think of something useful from my report. I had taken a particular interest in the Mayan glyphs, given my love of codes and symbols.

I knew that Kinich Ahau, the god of the sun, was often depicted as a jaguar. And Chaac, the god of rain, was drawn with the body of a snake. And the skull? Well, the god of earth, and the underworld, was Cizin. He was often shown as a skull.

I felt a little chill run up my spine. Creepy.

But back to the glyphs.

Jaguar, Sun, Snake, Rain, Skull… Earth?

It was worth a shot.

There were stones scattered about the jungle floor and I quickly shifted through them, looking for earth symbol. A few were broken, some had parts of a carving. They represented everything from rain drops to mountains.

Then I stumbled over a sharp object jutting out of the jungle floor. I got down on my knees. I could see a stone half-buried in the mud. I dug my fingers into the ground and began to dig. When I was done, I stared at the stone.

It had the symbol for earth. Bingo!

I ran back to the center of the wall and placed it in the sixth nook. To my surprise, it fit perfectly in place.

Then something weird happened. The ground beneath began to rumble.

Was this an earthquake?

It wasn’t that unusual for an earthquake to happen in Central America. But right after I placed the sixth symbol? That was a little odd.

The stones in front of me suddenly began to move, and I pulled Daisy back as several rocks began to fall. We huddled together near the ground. I placed my hands over my head and squeezed my eyes shut. A few seconds later, the shaking stopped.

I looked up. The center of the wall that held the carved stones had crumbled into a pile at my feet.

So much for solving that riddle.

“Come on, Daisy, we better get back,” I said, pulling on her leash.

If my overprotective dad knew I was by myself in the jungle during an earthquake?

I shuddered at the thought.

But just as I was about to leave, my eyes caught on a peculiar green glow coming from the pile of stones.

Daisy must have noticed it too, because she walked back over to the spot. As she sniffed the ground, I saw she was standing over a small object that appeared to be lit from within. I squatted down and took a closer look.

It was a little statue, about as big as an eggplant. I reached down and touched it, feeling the cool surface on my skin. Perhaps it was made of jade?

I could hear Dad’s voice in my head shouting, You should be wearing gloves!

Well, he wasn’t here, so I picked it up.

It had to be a real Mayan artifact. What else would it be doing here in the jungle?

Then I got that weird feeling you get when someone’s watching you. I spun around and looked every which way I could. Leaves were moving off toward the temple as if someone had just parted them.

I figured I had a few choices. I could run the piece back to Dad and share my discovery. That would be the obvious thing to do.

Or I could do some research of my own, find out who this little guy was. Maybe if I found out enough, I could convince Dad that I was old enough to explore on my own.

What should I do?

One thing I did know was I had to get out of there. The waving tree limbs gave me the heebie-jeebies.

And then, the answer hit me.

I’d pay a visit to my friend, Aly, whose parents managed one of the museums here in Tikal. She could help me figure out what it was.

“What do you think, Daisy girl? Should we get out of here? Check this one out ourselves?”

Daisy yipped back, obviously agreeing with me.

I stashed the statue in my backpack and set off towards our rental house in the village. First, I had to stop at home and enter this week’s answer for the cryptography competition. After that, we’d head over to the museum.

I didn’t know it at the time, but that little statue I had stuffed in my backpack?

It was about to get me into a whole world of trouble.

 

About Leah Cupps:

Leah Cupps is an author, designer and entrepreneur. She came up with the idea for Harley James with her oldest daughter Savannah. Savannah had taken an interest in Mayan history and so the two of them worked together to come up with the idea for the first Harley James book; the Mystery of the Mayan Kings.

Leah lives in Indiana with her husband and three children. She is also the cofound of Vision Forty Press, a small family owned publishing company.

 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of HARLEY JAMES AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MAYAN KINGS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/13/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

6/13/2022

@jaimerockstarbooktours

IG Post

6/14/2022

The Momma Spot

Excerpt/IG Post

6/14/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt/IG Post

6/15/2022

Ya Books Central

Excerpt

6/15/2022

Jenguerdy

IG Post

6/16/2022

Write Read Live

Excerpt/IG Post

6/16/2022

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

6/17/2022

Sadie's Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

6/17/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt

Week Two:

6/20/2022

More Books Please blog

Review/IG Post

6/20/2022

Rajiv's Reviews

Review/IG Post

6/21/2022

@jacleomik33 The Page Ladies

IG Review

6/21/2022

beersbooksandboos

Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

6/22/2022

@allyluvsbooksalatte

Review/IG Post

6/22/2022

The Bookwyrm's Den

Review

6/23/2022

Fire and Ice

Review/IG Post

6/23/2022

M reads often

IG Review

6/24/2022

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review

6/24/2022

Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf

IG Review

Today is my stop on the And Time Stopped by Kristen L. Jackson book tour hosted by XpressoTours. Kristen is giving away signed copies of the first two books in the series to one lucky winner!

And Time Stopped: Dimension 9

Kristen L. Jackson
(Keeper of the Watch, #3)
Publication date: Kristen L. Jackson
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Young Adult

After a smooth jump to Dimension 9, Chase, Alyx, and chimera pup, Bo, discover that this world’s peaceful existence only extends as far as the local high school. A different kind of battle wages there, and the identity of the school bully is a surprise they never anticipated. When Chase decides they have no choice but to enroll at Dune Harbor High and repeat their senior year, Alyx is less than thrilled. But the two soon discover the influence just one person can have over the decisions, lives, and even deaths, of those around them. While they try to prevent one tragedy, another one unfolds even as Chase unravels one more piece of his family history. What he discovers will leave him reeling, and his life will never be the same.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Peek between the pages...

Alyx was already shaking her head vehemently. “No. No way.”

“We have to. I don’t see any other way,” Chase said.

“There has to be another way. I’m not...” her voice rose an octave.

“Yes, you are. We both are.” Chase winked. “We’re going back to school.”

“I’m not going. I didn’t go to school back home; I’m definitely not going to high school here.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“All the more reason for you to go. You missed out on high school the first time around. Here’s your chance to make up for that.”

She huffed, pacing the hotel room. “I didn’t want to go then, and I don’t want to go now. You don’t get it. My parents let me get my diploma online, and I was happy to do it. You can go back to school if you want, but I’m not. I escaped that torture the first time around. What would we accomplish, anyway?”

“We have to keep an eye on Jared, right? He’s the descendant of the keeper family in this world. And maybe we can help end his reign of terror on the school.”

Alyx was shaking her head before he finished. “None of that is any of our business.”

“You’re wrong. Mr. Young, Jared’s dad, knows something he’s not telling us. And maybe we can find the hunters through them.”

She re-crossed her arms, glaring at him.

Chase took advantage of her silence. “And how many girls do you think Jared targets at school? So far, he’s gone after you, and those two girls Ellie and Sophie, and that’s only the ones we saw. There are bound to be others. Not to mention Mason and Colin. You said it yourself. I was there to stop the bullying in my dimension. It’s this bad because I wasn’t here to do that in this world. Maybe I can fix that. Like that old movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ or something.”

Meet the author:

Kristen L. Jackson lives in Reading, PA, with her husband, two grown sons, and four large-breed dogs. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, and writing for children of all ages is close to her heart. Her debut novels KEEPER OF THE WATCH and MAGIC HARBOR (Books 1 & 2) are available now, as well as a novella, DIMENSION KEEPER, which is the prequel to the series. A children’s picture book, JOCELYN’S BOX OF SOCKS, (2019 1st Place Pencraft Award Winner) is also available now. Kristen enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with her family at their cabin in the Pocono Mountains of PA. Follow Kristen on Social Media:

Website / Facebook / Twittwr / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Aissatou Balde and Diariatou Sow will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Follow the tour and leave comments. The more you comment, the better your chances are of winning! Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 

Diari doesn’t mind when Mommy goes into the city for work, because she and her little sister, Fatima, get to spend the whole day with Daddy.

From when the moon trades places with the sun until the sun trades places with the moon, daddies and daughters do everything together.

A day with Daddy means cooking, learning, dancing, and playing. After all, Daddy knows that with a little imagination, a sense of fun, and a lot of love, every part of a normal day can feel special!

About the Authors:
Aissatou Balde is the creative director and editor in chief of TalesandTurbans.com, a lifestyle brand sought after by all those looking for an authentic and positive representation of womanhood, motherhood, and family. Aissatou currently lives in Indiana with her husband, Alhassane, and her two daughters, Diari and Fatima.

It’s no surprise that six-year-old Diariatou Sow would become an author at such an early age. Diari is an avid reader, eager learner, and incredibly creative kid who loves learning new languages. When she is not dancing, drawing, playing with her little sister, or writing with her mom, she is hanging out with her dad, which is her favorite thing to do.

Nandi L. Fernandez is an illustrator, concept artist, and animator. While she grew up in Uganda, Zambia, and Liberia, her love for travel, art, and exploring different African cultures was nurtured. Nandi has worked as a concept artist and has illustrated educational materials and various children’s books. She currently resides in the United Kingdom.

Instagram
Website
Facebook

Target
Website
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions to reveal the cover of the upcoming rerelease of JANE AUSTEN LIED TO ME, a rom-com by Jeanette Watts. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn host. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Dear Diary,

In three years of college, there are seven times my life seemed to suddenly turn into a Jane Austen novel; seven times my life, instead of becoming a romance, turned into a made-for-TV drama.

What am I doing wrong?

About the Author:
Jeanette Watts has written three Jane Austen-inpsired novels, two other works of historical fiction, stage melodramas, television commercials, and humorous essays for Kindle Vella.

When she is not writing, she is either dancing, sewing, or walking around in costume at a Renaissance festival talking in a funny accent and offering to find new ladies’ maids for everyone she finds in fashionably-ripped jeans.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest
Instagram
Tiktok

a Rafflecopter giveaway