Blue's Prophecy by Emily Ross w/ Giveaway

Blue's Prophecy 

by Emily Ross, with Diane Lore 

Genre: MG/YA Scifi/Fantasy 

Release Date: May 15th 2017 

TitleTown Publishing

Two genetically altered dogs, two different fates. One is Robo, a beloved Great Dane, who is tricked out of the embrace of his human family and then is horribly altered by an evil scientist who rebuilds him with robotic parts, weaponizing the dog for money from the military. But that s not all the scientist does the experiments he conducts leave Robo a genius, almost immortal and with powers beyond explanation. But the horror Robo experiences at the scientist's hands changes him driving him insane with the sole mission to destroy all humans, especially those who have tortured and hurt dogs. 

Meanwhile, a scrappy alley husky sits in a shelter, when she with her blue eyes and tough wolf-like features captures the attention of another group of scientists desperate to stop Robo from his path of destruction. This dog, called Blue, could be the chosen one to fight and defeat Robo. She is also genetically enhanced and left with glowing turquoise eyes before being released to face Robo s vicious dog army. Her mission: save human civilization and the packs of dogs she's grown to love.

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Teaser Trailer

Emily Ross, 13, is a fifth generation writer and an owner of three dogs, Balta, Buddy and Zoey. Her prose exceeds her years, with Emily starting work on Blue's Prophecy, a science fiction/fantasy book for pre-teens and teens, when she was 10. Living in Atlanta, Emily is also an animator and a skilled archer, and relaxes by playing the double bass in her middle school orchestra. 

WEBSITE / TWITTER / FACEBOOK

Articles about the Author:

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* Vox Communications

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The Zimmah Chronicles by Scott King

Welcome to my tour stop for the Zimmah Chronicles by Scott King! This is a middle grade fantasy series. The tour runs December 1-11 with reviews, interviews, guest posts and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

Cupcakes vs. Brownies

Zimmah the djinn isn't evil. He simply thinks the world would be more fun if everything was made of desserts. So when ten-year-old Karim Jacobs makes a wish to fix his parent's marriage it's not Zimmah's fault that he twists the wish. He couldn't help himself. Candypunk airships and cupcake castles are cool! Of course Karim isn't happy about his wish going astray, specially when running into fantastical creatures like gummy-grizzly-bears and rock candy beasts; and although he desperately wants to go home, he finds himself in the middle of a war between the Cupcake Kingdom and Brownie Kingdom. With his parents lives in danger, its up to him to stop Zimmah and restore the world to normal.  

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Excerpt

Karim scrambled onto Lion’s back, sinking into the dip between Lion’s shoulder blades and neck. He gripped clumps of the fur in Lion’s mane and held himself in place.

“Yoouuuu want…” Karim said into Lion’s ear.

Lion stiffened, going catatonic.

“You want bath?”

Lion didn’t move or make a sound.

“You want to go night-night?”

Lion whimpered. Karim knew that Lion hated going night-night.

“You want treat?”

Lion squeaked out a half-bark, half-roar that shook the ground.

“You want treat?” Karim asked again. He pointed past the inner wall of the castle toward the village. Peaking over the ramparts were the tips of gingerbread houses. “Go get it. Go get the cookie!”

“Do something, now!” Madam Loope yelled.

The soldiers threw a barrage of spinning nets, but Lion sprung forward, bursting through them. Lion had seen cookies, and nothing was going to stop him. In four leaps, Lion reached the perimeter of the inner wall.

As they grew closer, Karim scrunched deeper into Lion’s mane. He expected Lion to climb the twenty-foot wall. He didn’t want to fall off when that happened. Except, it didn’t happen. Instead of making use of his graceful, snow-lion body, Lion crashed into the wall.

A thunderclap ripped through the air as Lion slammed into the wall. The wall fractured and exploded. Chunks of hardened icing mushroomed into the sky, raining down on the pursuing soldiers. Lion and Karim erupted from the other side. In their wake, the ramparts quivered and collapsed, making it impossible for the soldiers to follow.

Even free of the soldiers, Lion didn’t stop running. At full speed, he charged the nearest gingerbread house. It was gothic with a Victorian wrap-around porch of salted-caramel pretzels. Lion ripped a section of the railing off the porch and held it in his mouth.

“Good boy.” Karim patted Lion’s head and nudged him forward. “Now we gotta go.”

The two made their way down the village street. Most adults screamed when they saw them, while most of the children laughed.

Near the town square, they passed a herd of animal cracker elephants. Having already finished his pretzel stick, Lion eyed them. Karim knew that dog-Lion would have wanted to play with the elephants. Lion always loved making new friends. However, he was concerned that snow lion–Lion might want to eat the creatures. In a stern voice, he ordered Lion to keep moving.

No one impeded their hike through the candypunk town. Within minutes they passed through the city gates and entered the candy forest.

Book Trailer

Mermaids vs. Unicorns

Zimmah the wicked djinn thought he was so smart. He thought nothing could stop him, let alone a mere child. That was until he met Whitney, a devilish girl who used his own powers against him. A wish gone wrong sends Zimmah, Whitney, and Karim to The Otherworld, a magical land where Mermaids and Unicorns are caught in an epic war. All Whitney wants is to save her sick mother, all Karim wants is to get home, and all Zimmah wants is revenge on the children who have tricked him.

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***

Genie vs. Djinn

The chaotic magic of hundreds of djinn are destroying San Francisco. Dinosaurs. Butterfly volcanos. Buildings made of jello– If someone can wish it, it’s happening. Unable to access his own powers, Zimmah the former djinn, must rely on Karim and Whitney’s help.

Standing in their way is Alkema, Zimmah’s murderous father, an almost omnipotent ifrit who enjoys watching the suffering of others. If not stopped he will not only destroy the city, but plunge the entire world into total madness.

 Amazon | Goodreads  

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About the Author:

Scott King is a writer and photographer. He was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Ocean City, Maryland. He received his undergraduate degree in film from Towson University, and his M.F.A. in film from American University.

“DAD! A Documentary Graphic Novel,” King’s first book was published in Fall ’09. He is also the creator and writer of “Holiday Wars” and he is known for his board game photography, specifically his annual calendar that highlights tabletop and hobby games.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

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GIVEAWAY:
$25 Amazon gift card (INT)
Ends December 16th
Prizing is provided by the author, must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law.

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Super Middle Grade Mondays: Author Spotlight – Vanessa Barger with Giveaway #SuperMGMondays

 

Welcome to this week’s Super Middle Grade Mondays presented by Tantrum Books/Month9books!

Today, we get up close and personal with

Vanessa Barger

author of Super Freak from Tantrum Books.

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

     

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), the Virginia Writer’s Club, and the Hampton Roads Writers. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She is married to a fabulous man, and has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

Connect with the Author: 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |YouTube

   

Describe yourself in three words.

Weird Writing Nerd

 

Describe your book in three words.

Geeky Puzzle Solver

 

Tell us about your day job.

In my day job, I’m a high school Technology Education teacher. Which means I do nothing with writing, except run a writer’s club once a month or so. I teach 9-12 graders practical physics (which sounds like an oxymoron, but itsn’t really), engineering, robotics, work skills, 3D modeling, architecture, drafting, and computer stuff. Depending on the year and what classes I have, anyway. I also run a gardening club and we play in the dirt sometimes. J

 

Which writers inspire you?

There are so many! Shakespeare and Austen are always at the top of my list. Tolkien is up there too. In the YA/MG world, I love the way that Lisa Ann Sandell’s words just flow, and I love Rick Riordan’s imagination. And…well, let’s just stop there. I love so many!

 

What is your writing process like?

My writing process is in flux. I am making “office” hours for myself after work, but in a general sense, I keep a writing journal with me all the time. I write notes to myself about things I’m working on or thinking about. When I have enough of an idea that I feel like I can start writing, I try to make sure and sit down and write out the main points. It’s a really basic outline that I go back and add to until its fully fleshed out. But I’m not married to it. If I write and end up somewhere else, I just adapt the outline to work. When I finish a draft, I go through and the first things I do for edits is a search through the document for words I know I use too many (that, just, etc) and then I sit down and try to read it through, looking for mistakes. Once I’ve got it as good as I think it can be, I send it to critters and see what they say. Then I start again!

 

What are you reading right now?

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

 

Do you have an author crush?

Neil Gaiman.

 

Quick questions:

Physical books or eBooks?

Physical Books, though I love my ereader too.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke! Really, root beer, cause I don’t drink caffeine anymore.

Twitter or Facebook?

Both for different things? I like the immediate gratification of Twitter, but I like FB too!

Song you can’t get out of your head right now?

Well, I was doing fine until you asked that. Now Steampunk Revolution by Abney Park is back in my brain. Grrrr.

Sweet or salty?

Sweet.

Coffee or tea?

TEA.

Write on computer or notebook paper?

Blank. Even though I can’t write in a straight line.

   

Thirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals. You’d think she’d be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before.

To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn’t want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown.

Undeterred, Caroline can’t give up. But what’s a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she’s heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.

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The Sword of Demelza & The Gift of Sunderland by J.E. Rogers

They must storm Fortress Demelza, and bring an end to the reign of the King...

Publication Date: April 2014

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Australian Fantasy Adventures

In the forests of Sunderland, a King has gained control of a powerful sword. He wields this sword with evil intent and anger. All of the creatures in the land fear him, and many have been imprisoned for speaking out against him.

It will take a rag-tag band of creatures, some natural enemies, to come together. They must storm Fortress Demelza, and bring an end to the reign of the King.

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Publication Date: February 2015

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Australian Fantasy Adventures

A rift has been created in the Ayers’ lineage. Roland Ayers, Guardian of the Forest, knows that he must obey the voices of past Guardians and declare the next in line. When the announcement is made, two estranged brothers will be torn further apart, causing the Forest to rise from its long sleep.

Follow Fergal, Waylond, and the rest of our heroes as they trek across Sunderland to the depths of Mt. Olga where evil dwells. It’s there they will discover the importance of family and friendship!

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Jeanne E. Rogers is the author of The Sword of Demelza, and The Gift of Sunderland.  Both are multi-award winning self-published middle grade fantasies, which introduce readers to endangered animals of Australia via a fast-paced epic tale of adventure. 

Always a lover of reading and writing, Jeanne decided to combine her love of writing, her concern for the environment and her dedication to promoting the need to protect wildlife, into a new career. Thus, the Australian Fantasy Adventures were born. 

A graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Jeanne can be found on all social media channels. She is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, Association of Independent Authors, APSS, IBPA, Alli, and SCBWI.

Website  |  Facebook  | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | LinkedIn

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Super Middle Grade Mondays: Author Spotlight – Michael Gibney with Giveaway #SuperMGMondays

 

Welcome to this week’s Super Middle Grade Mondays presented by Tantrum Books/Month9books!

Today, we get up close and personal with

Michael Gibney

author of The Three Thorns (The Brotherhood and the Shield #1) from Tantrum Books.

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

 

 

Michael Gibney began working in restaurants at the age of sixteen and assumed his first sous chef position at twenty-two. He ascended to executive sous chef at Tavern on the Green, where he managed an eighty-person staff. He has worked in the kitchens of Morgans Hotel Group, 10 Downing in Manhattan, and Governor in Brooklyn’s DUMBO, among many others. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work alongside cooks and chefs from many of the nation’s best restaurants, including Alinea, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, Bouley, Ducasse, Corton, wd~50, and Momofuku.

In addition to his experience in the food service industry, Gibney also holds a BFA in painting from Pratt Institute and an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Connect with the Author:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Would You Rather With Michael Gibney

 

Would you rather never be able to speak again or always have to say everything that is on your mind?

Everything that is on my mind. I value honesty and the power of words, both written and audible. It’s not in my nature to stay silent, especially concerning injustice i.e. Animal Cruelty, etc.

 

Would you rather be able to read or be able to read minds (but be illiterate)?

I can do both. Haha. Read. I’d find reading people’s minds an invasion of their privacy, unless it was to help them.

 

Would you rather be able to speak fluently every language in the world or be the best in the world at something of your choosing?

Be the best in the world at something. Reason being I love the fact that learning another language is a feeling of achievement and an exciting challenge. I wouldn’t want that challenge made easy.

 

Would you rather read only one book over and over for the rest of your life or read as many as you want but never remember what they’re about?

Oh, tough one. Well, if you can’t remember there’s not much point. Seems like a waste of time and effort for nothing, so I’d go for reading one book and that would be J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan (aka Peter and Wendy). The best fantasy book ever written in my opinion. So simple but yet such Genius.

 

Would you rather only the first page of a book or the last page?

Last Page. I always have to find out how a story ends.

 

Would you rather read 5 pages per day or 5 books per week?

Five books a week if I could and had the time. Knowledge is power.

 

Would you rather read only one genre forever or never read the same genre more than once?

One genre forever because you’d quickly run out of genres, right? And there’s plenty of amazing books and various sub-genres to be found in the Sci-Fi and Horror genre. Not so much in the romance genre.

 

Would you rather be invisible or be able to read minds?

Invisible. Would be so much fun but not if it’s like the Predator or Hollowman/The Invisible Man. That would suck.

 

Would you rather never use the internet again or never watch TV again?

Never watch TV again. There’s too much sad news and superficial reality shows on TV these days and not to mention a cluster of commercials. Yes, give me the Internet, so I can watch the art, music, movies I want and keep in contact with those I love around the world. Much better than a one way street of TV.

 

Would you rather have one wish granted today or three granted in 10 years?

Definitely one wish granted today. Life is unpredictable and short. We’re not guaranteed anything. Also, I hate waiting. Patience is a virtue. Possess it if you can. Seldom in a woman, but never in a man.

 

Would you rather know it all or have it all?

Have it all. I’m a deep enough thinker and have a strong enough imagination as it is and that can be quite exhausting. So, knowing it all would drive me crazy. Plus, one would be viewed as pretentious and arrogant if they had the ability to know it all. And both are not good attributes. =)

 

Three brothers born to a once powerful King were abandoned at birth and cast out into the old world as orphans - alone and unaware of the other's existence or their royal heritage.

In the new world, by order of the false King, three of the most lethal assassins are sent to kill the children before they come of age and avenge their father’s throne.

But when the brothers find one another, Benjamin, Tommy and Sebastian must resist the temptation of magic and power if they are to defeat the unspeakable evil that has threatened them since birth.

The Three Thorns is book one in an exciting children’s fantasy series called The Brotherhood and the Shield from debut author Michael Gibney.

Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD | Indiebound | Google Play | BAM | iBooks

 

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The Chronicles of the Stone by Fiona Ingram

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade adventure series "The Chronicles of the Stone" by Fiona Ingram.

Book 2 "The Search for the Stone of Excalibur" is available for FREE from Amazon (e-copy) between November 18 to 20, 2015.

 

About the Books

Book 1: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Title: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Author: Fiona Ingram

Publication Date: December 30, 2008

Publisher: iUniverse

Pages: 272

Recommended Age: 10+

Amazon (U.S. Print) * Amazon (U.S. Kindle)

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In this exciting Middle Grade adventure set in Egypt, a 5000-year-old mystery comes to life. A scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sincl air an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out!

Awards:

• Finalist Children's Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
• Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
• Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers' Favorites Awards
• Number 2 in the USA Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
• Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
• Finalist Children's Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
• Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
• Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
• Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children's Literary Classics Awards
• 2nd Place in the 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards
• Winner Gold medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards

   

Book 2: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur

Title: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur (The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 2) 

Author: Fiona Ingram 

Publication Date: October 6, 2014 

Publisher: The Educational Publisher / Biblio Publishing 

Pages: 376 

Recommended Ages: 10+

GRAB A COPY FOR FREE FROM AMAZON - Nov 18 to 20, 2015

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A modern-day adventure as our protagonists search for Excalibur and the treasures it holds! Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur. However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them? Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds imp ortant clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped. 

  Awards:

• 2015 Children’s Literary Classics Award Seal of Approval and finalist
• 2015 Children’s Literary Classic Silver Medal (Pre-teen & Tween)

 

The Buzz About "The Chronicles of the Stone"

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab:

"Wow! That was an action-packed story! I loved how Ms. Ingram just dove right into the story. From the time that Adam is given the scarab to the time that Adam and Justin return home, there is non-stop action. Through Ms. Ingram’s fantastic writing skills, I was able to visualize all of the events as they were occurring. I can totally see the story in this book transformed into a screenplay for the big screen. I think it’s a fabulous story filled with mystery, intrigue, and action." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Author Fiona Ingram mixes history and legends in this fast action adventure that keeps you reading till the very end. The characters are cleverly written. Young readers can easily step into the shoes of these two cousins and experienced this exciting adventure that takes you into the heart of Egypt. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery..." ~ 5-Star review from Coffee Ramblings "Billy", Amazon (US)

"This story ROCKED! It was exciting, action-filled, adventurous and history filled book! It pretty much had everything me (as a boy) would want in a book - danger, mystery, legends, exciting setting, myths and much more. The story was written really well and it kept me reading page after page. I really liked the simple penci l illustrations in the book. I liked the characters of Justin and Adam. They were both nice, smart and brave. The book has no bad language or graphic violence in it..." ~ Tween Review, Erik @ This Kid Reviews Books

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur:

"The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is an enthralling sequel to The Secret of the Sacred Scarab and features strong character development; an exciting, action-filled adventure; an unpredictable plot featuring many twists and turns; and many interesting and educational historical facts seeking to clarify Arthurian legend and folklore." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Character development is the key to the story, and the dialogue is snappy... If there are young rel uctant readers in your family, this might just be the kick they need to get over that hump. (5 Stars)" ~ Lit Amri, Readers Favorite

"Fiona Ingram has once again taken myth and legend and blended it into an exciting page turner. The mystery will keep the reader on the edge of their seats as they follow the cousins in their search for clues in old books and on the grounds of a Scottish castle. The story is well told and is suitable for tweens and up. (5 stars)" ~ K. Springs, Amazon

Fiona Ingram is the author of the middle grade adventure series The Chronicles of the Stone, which includes the multi award winning The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur2C and soon to be published The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

     

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice 

Giveaway ends: December 2, 11:59 pm, 2015 

Open to: Internationally 

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Fiona Ingram and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. 

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A Horse Named Dog by Theresa Oliver

A Horse Named Dog

by Theresa Oliver

Release Date: October 21st 2015

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary

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Sam is a typical twelve-year-old boy who works on his parent’s farm, but is not as interested in horses as his horse-training family. However, he does his best to help out until an incident when he is riding with his mother. After saving her from becoming nearly trampled, his viewpoint changes … until a strange horse comes to their farm with quirks, earning him the name Dog.

Dog likes Sam right away, but Sam wants nothing to do with him, as he is the son of Trumpeter, the horse that nearly maimed his mother for life. Sam has a hard time dealing with not only the memory of the accident, but the extra chores and responsibilities suddenly thrust upon him, one of which is training Dog.

Because his mother is out of work and people are canceling orders, money is scarce. With the Indiana Classic coming up—a local horse race with a huge purse—will Sam be able to befriend Dog and save their farm, or will Dog go back to his present owner, never to be seen again?

Find out in Theresa Oliver’s first pre-teen novel, A Horse Named Dog.  

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“Hey,” Carlos said, peeking his head in the door. “Frank, I hate to interrupt, but Mr. Callahan is out here. He says he’s dropping off a horse?”

“Oh, man! I completely forgot. Thanks, Carlos. I’ll be right out,” Frank said, quickly rising to his feet as he took another swig of his orange juice. “Come on, son.” 

“What’s Mr. Callahan doing here?” Sam asked, picking up another piece of bacon to take with him.

“He’s bringing a horse for us to train,” Frank said, then headed out the door with Sam close behind. “I’m supposed to break him.”

Then Sam remembered what his mother had told him. “Mom said something about ‘having to teach the horse manners’?” 

Frank smiled and shook his head. “I’ll have a talk with Mr. Callahan about that.” 

“Dad, what do you think that means?” Sam asked as they headed out the door.

“I’m not sure, son. Your mother told me that he has some ‘quirks’,” Frank said, shaking his head.

“What does that mean?” Sam asked reluctantly, remembering that he was the son of Trumpeter.

“I guess we’ll find out,” Frank replied. They walked up to the gate, and an older man with gray hair, wearing a beat up cowboy hat, was standing by a horse trailer, pulled by a shiny new pickup truck.  

Frank walked up to him with his hand extended. 

“I heard about Sasha’s … accident,” Mr. Callahan said as he shook Frank’s hand. “Sorry to hear about it. How’s she doing?”

“She’s going to be fine, thanks, but we need to get back up to the hospital soon,” Frank replied, then continued. “It gave us quite a scare.”

“I’m sure it did,” Mr. Callahan said as his eyebrows knit together. “Look, if you’d rather me bring Dog back some other time …”

“No, that’s fine,” Frank replied. “We’ll take good care of him for you. Carlos can get him settled while we’re at the hospital.”

“Excuse me, but what did you just call him?” Sam asked. 

Then, as if on cue, a loud whinny came from inside the horse trailer.

“Dog,” Mr. Callahan said, and then amended, “Well, actually, his full name is Dogs of War, but we call him Dog.” He paused for a moment, then added, “Your mother was going to help me with him …” Then, he turned his attention to Frank. “… but if you can just break him for me, that’ll be fine. I completely understand.”

“No; we’ll take a look at him and see what we can do, but let’s get him out of this trailer first,” Frank said, heading to the front of the trailer, taking a lead strap with him, while Carlos stood at the back, ready. “On my count, Carlos,” Frank yelled, reaching through the small side door to hook a lead strap to the horse. “One … two … three …” and then Carlos opened the back door.

The horse whinnied loudly as the men backed him out of the spacious trailer. Despite the nondescript clothing that Mr. Callahan wore, Sam could tell from his equipment that money wasn’t a problem for him. But to Sam, how much money someone had wasn’t important. What was important was how people treated others.

As soon as the horse was out of the trailer, it saw Sam and started toward him. Sam jumped back, remembering that he was the son of Trumpeter and wanted nothing to do with him. Then suddenly, Dog smiled and his tongue lulled out the side of his mouth, and he actually started wagging his tail. Then he bent down, crouching down on his front legs, looking at Sam as if he wanted to play. The men started laughing … everyone except Mr. Callahan, who took his hat off and ran his hand through his gray hair.

“Well, I’ve got to hand it to you,” Frank said, concealing a smile, “at least he’s living up to his name.” The men laughed again. “Now I know what you mean by ‘quirks’.”

“See what I mean?” Mr. Callahan replied, shaking his head as he placed his hat back on his head. “Here he’s the son of a famous racehorse and he thinks he’s a dog! I can imagine pulling him up to the starting gate with him waging his and smiling like that. I’d be the laughingstock of Indiana Grand.” Sam knew that Indiana Grand Racing and Casino was the premier racing facility for Quarter Horse Racing in the state of Indiana.

The men couldn’t help but laugh again.

“Evidently, Dog was spending too much time with the dogs on my farm when he was a colt,” Mr. Callahan said, shaking his head as they men concealed a smile. 

Dog started toward Sam again, wagging his tail and raising his lip widely, showing his teeth, as if trying to smile.

“Well, would you look at that? You’ve made a friend, Sam!” Mr. Callahan said, smiling. Sam took a wary step back.

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Theresa Oliver grew up in southern Indiana, across from Louisville, Kentucky, in Clarksville, Indiana. In her childhood, she fell in love with the power of the written word, a love affair that has continued her whole life. She moved to Florida, where she has lived much of her adult life. She attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tenn., and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree, News Editorial sequence. She also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Early Childhood Education sequence, from Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Ga. She is currently a writer, a full-time teacher, and the owner of Write More Publications and TNT Author Services. However, her greatest adventure is as a mother of three beautiful boys. Oliver currently resides in Kissimmee, Florida, with her husband and children. 

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