Book Blast: The Magic Violin, Frederico the Mouse Violinist, and The Doll Violinist

December 12, 2013 - Ambrosia Leave a comment

THE MAGIC VIOLIN
Eight-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it’s time for a magic dose of self-esteem. A mysterious old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman’s hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve. Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magic? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?

Praise for The Magic Violin

“Mayra makes this storyline and its backdrop magical, with just the right hint of mystery to it. Her characters’ “voice” comes through loud and clear. Accompanied by the crisp, detailed, and lifelike illustrations of K.C. Snider, this book is a keeper. This is a great read, especially for kids interested in music, mystery, magic during the holiday season, and the beauty of winter.”
–Stories for Children Magazine
“… The Magic Violin is an inspiring and uplifting book about a young girl and her realization that believing in oneself can have a very magical outcome… Mayra’s book definitely has a strong message, one that is important and everlasting. For children and jaded adults alike, The Magic Violin will lift spirits and just may give you and your child the boost to believe in your power to reach your goals.”
–Mama Divas

FREDERICO, THE MOUSE VIOLINIST
Frederico is a tiny mouse with a big dream: he wants to become a violinist. Each day he watches as Stradivari makes his famous violins. Each night, he sneaks into the workshop to play. But the violins are too big! Then, unbeknown to Frederico, Stradivari sees him playing and begins carving a tiny device. Could it be a famous Strad especially for Frederico?

Praise for Frederico, The Mouse Violinist

“Cute and curious, a little mouse transports us into Antonio Stradivari’s magical workshop. In a sweet playful way, Frederico conveys to us his love for the violin, while he introduces us to this marvelous instrument. Lovely tribute to a genius, whose exceptional instruments have delighted us for 300 years!”—Dorina Raileanu, violin teacher, author of the Dorina Violin Method

“Frederico’s story is adorable and touching. I’m sure it will entertain many children, teach them a few things about the violin–and who knows, perhaps even give them the desire to learn to play!”—Francine Engels, Suzuki violin teacher
“Frederico the Mouse Violinist, written by Mayra Calvani, is a sweet story about a small mouse who lives in the workshop of the famous violinist, Antonio Stradivari. My family and I loves animal tales. I read it to my seven year old son, Noah, and he loved it. The illustrations are beautiful, and this story will entertain and teach children, ages 4-8, about violins for years to come.” –Book Reflections

THE DOLL VIOLINIST
Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it’s been sold, but the shop owner, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together?
ABC’s Children’s Picture Book Finalist!
Honorable Mention Award in the 75th Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition!

Praise for The Doll Violinst

“The story reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time to reach out and give to the less fortunate. It is also a time to have compassion for the homeless and orphans like the main character Emma…This story will pull at your heart, and it will inspire you to go donate tons of toys to your local orphanage this upcoming holiday season.”—Speak4Languages
“I loved this picture book! It reminded me of Christmas stories from my own childhood. This is a feel – good picture book that will be enjoyed both by the child and by the adult who reads it to them since it truly embodies the spirit of Christmas. The Doll Vioinist would be the perfect gift for that little girl on your Christmas list!” –Kidztales

Author Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications like The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, Bloomsbury Review, and others. She lives in Belgium with her husband of 25+ years, two wonderful kids, and her two beloved pets. When she’s not writing, editing, reading or reviewing, she enjoys walking with her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. She’s represented by Serendipity Literary.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Blog * Website

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/2/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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WWW Wednesday 12/11/13

December 11, 2013 - Ambrosia 10 Comments

This is another one hosted over at Should be Reading

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What are you reading next?

I am currently reading Lightborn by Alison Sinclair:

The Darkborn aristocracy has rejected magic, viewing the pursuit of science as the only worthy goal. But Lady Telmaine Hearne does not have that luxury. She has kept her own powers secret, fearful of being ruined in society…until her husband Balthasar draws her into a conspiracy to protect the archduke and his brother against a magical enemy. But who will protect them from her?

I just finished Revealed by P C & Kristin Cast:

Here is my Review

Drastically altered after her fall at the end of Hidden, Neferet is now more dangerous than ever—and her quest for vengeance will wreak havoc on humans, as well as Zoey and her friends. Chaos is loosed in Tulsa and the House of Night is blamed. Can Zoey stop Neferet in time to keep her anger from escalating to full-on war? Or will someone else have to step in to take the fall?

Next I am not 100% sure but it will be either:

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a mega-bestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.

Gates of Paradise by Melissa De La Cruz

Schuyler Van Alen is running out of time. The Dark Prince of Hell is storming the Gates of Paradise, intent on winning the heavenly throne for good. This time he has his greatest angels by his side, Abbadon and Azrael—Jack and Mimi Force, as they are known in the Coven.

Or so he thinks. Even as Lucifer assigns Jack and Mimi the tasks of killing their true loves, the Force twins secretly vow to defeat the Dark Prince once and for all. But how far will Mimi and Jack go to conceal their real loyalties?

It’s beginning to look a lot like jewelry

December 10, 2013 - Ambrosia Leave a comment

It is that time of year when we deck the halls and sing about holly and all things Christmas, or Yule, or Chanukah whichever winter themed holiday you celebrate with your family. Now if your Husband, Boyfriend or just significant other is anything like mine hints do not work and sometimes you just have to tell them what you want and go from there. I cannot be the only one who has to do that can I?

Now I normally just go ahead and purchase my own jewelry because when I see something it tends to be easier to get it myself at the time, but this year I decided to let my Husband know I want something that sparkles under the tree. This beautiful bracelet hit the top of my want list and I made sure to not only send him the link to the item but the picture, no mistakes here! While selecting my favorite item I came across a lot of wonderful pieces on the Kranich’s site, many which I book marked for birthdays and holidays.

Did you know that they make colored diamonds now? I was not aware of that personally until I started looking at the beautiful pieces on the site and found that they have diamonds in Blue, Yellow, Black and Brown. One of the reasons I myself never really liked diamond jewelry (my engagement /wedding ring is not diamond made it clear I didn’t want diamond) was that the color for me never seemed to pop. I know that is not the most common thought process and I admit as I have gotten older my stance has wavered many of the regular diamond pieces appealed to me as well, however the colored diamonds really popped for me and made me smile. Even better is the fact that they have something that can fit every pocket book, here are just a couple examples:

This stunning blue diamond pendant is $1,600.

While this beautiful necklace with black diamonds is just $150.

Kranich’s doesn’t just have diamond jewelry either but a variety of items, really there are so many I can’t possibly post them all but I am going to put up some of my favorites.

This Belle Etoile Beauty Bound Maroon Pearl Ring is just $275, and comes in more then just maroon.

Animal lovers (like me) are going to love these Sterling silver and Blue enamel earrings for $147.50

Also as for uniqueness you can get masonic items here and that is something I have never seen at any other jewelry site myself. My Grandfather was a Mason so I can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a piece like this.

So there are just a few of the reasons I am choosing to send my Husband shopping at Kranich’s this year, but beyond that they are a business that you can trust. The company was founded originally under the name Kranich Brothers Jewelers in 1903 and has steadily expanded and brought quality items since then. They also are involved in a lot of charity events, and I personally will always love a company that gives back.

Teaser Tuesday 12/10/13

December 10, 2013 - Ambrosia 16 Comments

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Do you think he killed the woman?”

“No” Mycene said, without hesitation. “I’d lay my money it was the father of her bastard.” ~ Pg 123 Lightborn by Alison Sinclair

Musing Monday 12/9/13

December 9, 2013 - Ambrosia 6 Comments

Musing Monday is hosted over at Should Be Reading.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

Being that I am still on a Vampire kick from Halloween but I am going to try to read a Christmas story for the season my Muse this week is, do you try to read holiday books this time of year? Or do you still just read what you want to read and go from there.

So like I said I am trying this year to read a holiday book. Honest side of it however is that up until this year I haven’t and I have not really given much thought to the time of year when I pick a book to read. I don’t go for the over the top Christmasy stuff since I celebrate Yule myself.

Sunday Salon 12/8/13

December 8, 2013 - Ambrosia Leave a comment

My oh my it has been a while since I have done the Sunday Salon. It has been an up and down year and I let some of my Meme’s fall behind while I was keeping on time of everything else. So here we are another Sunday and back on the Salon. If you are a regular reader of my blog you will see that I have been on a Vampire Kick since October. That does not seem to be letting up as I am about to start reading Lightborn soon, I loved Shadowborn so I think this one will also be good. I meant to start it a few days ago but I got bogged down with work. Tis the season eh? So I will probably start it today.

Ah yes that makes me think of this season, Tis the season of harassed people. I have already gotten some of the grumpy looks from people at stores. I mean what is with that? I am trying hard not to be a scrooge this year. I know I am normally not much of a Christmas person, because well I do Yule and the rest of my family loves to sing to their savior. So I decided to do some outside decorating. Snow and all. Ah yes we got a scary amount of snow for this time of year on Friday.

I like my sparkly light up Tardis and I am very happy with how it turned out. You can’t see my candy cane garland and the candy canes at the bottom of the stairs. My next thing to try to get more into the holiday mood is going to be to try to read some holiday books. I do not usually do that but hey I went all Vampire for Halloween season why not go into Christmas/Yule stuff too.

So Happy Sunday everyone, I am hoping to get on a more long winded run once I settle in to doing Sunday Salon more again. In the mean time here is Isis enjoying the snow.

Quotable Sunday 12/8/13

December 8, 2013 - Ambrosia 1 Comment

I am in a Loki mood..so…here we go 😉

Thor: Loki, this is madness!
Loki: Is it madness? Is it? IS IT? I don’t know what happened on Earth to make you so soft! Don’t tell me it was that woman?… Oh, it was. Well maybe, when we’re done here, I’ll pay her a visit myself!
[Thor and Loki continue fighting]

Loki: Look at you. The mighty Thor! With all your strength! And what good does it do you now? Do you hear me, brother? There’s nothing you can do!
[Thor smashes the Bifrost] Loki: What are you doing? If you destroy the Bridge, you’ll never see her again!
Thor: Forgive me, Jane!

Loki: What troubles you, gatekeeper?
Heimdall: I turned my gaze upon you in Jotunheim but could neither see you nor hear you. You were shrouded from me like the Frost Giants that had entered this realm.
Loki: Perhaps your senses have weakened after your many years of service.
Heimdall: Or perhaps someone has found a way to hide that which he does not wish me to see.
Loki: You have great power, Heimdall. Did Odin fear you?
Heimdall: No.
Loki: And why is that?
Heimdall: Because he is my king, and I am sworn to obey him.
Loki: He was your king. And you’re sworn to obey me now. Yes?
Heimdall: Yes.
Loki: Then you’ll open the Bifrost to no-one! Until I have repaired the damage that my brother has done!

Loki: Can you? Can you wipe out that much red? Drakov’s daughter, Sao Paulo, the hospital fire?… Barton told me everything. Your ledger is dripping, it’s GUSHING red, and you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child at prayer… PATHETIC! You lie and kill in the service of liars and killers. You pretend to be separate, to have your own code, something that makes up for the horrors. But they are a part of you, and they will never go away!… I won’t touch Barton. Not until I make him kill you! Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear! And then he’ll wake just long enough to see his good work, and when he screams, I’ll split his skull! This is MY bargain, you mewling quim!

Loki: Of course it does. I’ve come too far anything else. I am Loki, of Asgard and I am burdened with glorious purpose.

Loki: You WILL kneel before me!

Loki: Please tell me you’re going to appeal to my humanity
Tony Stark: Uh, actually I’m planning to threaten you.
Loki: You should have left your armor on for that.
Tony Stark: Yeah. It’s seen a bit of “mileage” and you got the “glow-stick of destiny”. Would you like a drink?
Loki: Stalling me won’t change anything
Tony Stark: No, no no, threatening! No drink? You sure? I’m having one.

Loki: Enough! You are, all of you are beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I will not be bullied by…
[Hulk flattens Loki with repeated smashes into the floor] The Hulk: Puny god.

[Loki awakens to find the Avengers staring at him] Loki: If it’s all the same to you, I’ll have that drink now.

December Kindle Fire HDX #1

December 7, 2013 - Ambrosia Leave a comment

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

December Kindle Fire Giveaway #2 Sponsors

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

Ends 1/1/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Blast: Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

December 7, 2013 - Ambrosia Leave a comment

Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …

Big time.

On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Praise
“Simply put, this book was amazing. I’ve read more fantasy novels than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn’t some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn’t on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It’s about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves.” ~Morgan

Purchase ~ just .99 cents

Amazon Kindle

Author Shawn Underhill

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Review: Revealed (House of Night #11) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

December 6, 2013 - Ambrosia Leave a comment

Revealed is the spellbinding eleventh and penultimate installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling vampyre series by PC and Kristin Cast.

Drastically altered after her fall at the end of Hidden, Neferet is now more dangerous than ever—and her quest for vengeance will wreak havoc on humans, as well as Zoey and her friends. Chaos is loosed in Tulsa and the House of Night is blamed. Can Zoey stop Neferet in time to keep her anger from escalating to full-on war? Or will someone else have to step in to take the fall?

The House of Night series is an international phenomenon, reaching #1 on U.S., German, and UK bestseller lists, and remaining a fixture on The New York Times Children’s Series bestseller list for nearly 150 weeks and counting. With more than 12 million copies in print, rights sold in thirty–eight countries to date, and relatable, addictive characters, this series is unstoppable. Now, in the eleventh and penultimate installment of the series, the action is more intense and the stakes even higher as Zoey and her friends battle to protect their school and home from devastating evil—all while balancing romances, precarious friendships and the daily drama of the House of Night’s halls.

This review has:

There were things I liked about this book and things I did not like about this book. What I did not like is a lot of the repetitiveness that is cropping up. We seem now to be going in circles with the actions and even the big things that people are doing. Including how in the end Zoey has a temper tantrum of horcrux like style and kills to guys. Sure they were creepy and preyed on little girls, but hello call the cops. It is a sad day in reading when you are starting to root for the very bad bad guy just because the kids are starting to get a little ridiculous.

Now one thing that I did like a lot was Kalona, he is really starting to come into his own as a character and be more then just the winged immortal. He has a soul has feelings and he truly is trying to get back on the good side of the Goddess. Watching his struggle is so very human and enjoyable. Maybe the fact that he is not a teenage brat is helpful as well because he you know acts like an adult.

Like many I have stuck with the series this long I am going to stick until the end, I just feel myself getting a bit happier that the end is very near now. Oh and for the record we really don’t learn as much about Neferet as they claim we will…at least nothing interesting.

My Gemstone Rating:

The Purple Booker

Reading is…Bigger on the inside

Author: Ambrosia

Book Blast: The Magic Violin, Frederico the Mouse Violinist, and The Doll Violinist

WWW Wednesday 12/11/13

It’s beginning to look a lot like jewelry

Teaser Tuesday 12/10/13

Musing Monday 12/9/13

Sunday Salon 12/8/13

Quotable Sunday 12/8/13

December Kindle Fire HDX #1

Book Blast: Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

Book Review: Revealed (House of Night #11) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast