Bookish Indulgences

22 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 22, 2014 0

#SpecialFeature :: #GuestPost - Do’s and Don’ts for Querying Bloggers for a Review by Linda Lee Schell

*** Special Feature December 2014 ***

Do’s and Don’ts for Querying Bloggers for a Review

DON'Ts

- Don’t address the Blogger by the name of their Blog, or simply say: Dear Madam. If an author cruises the Blog the writer will find the name of the Blogger. Blogger’s names are usually found behind the ABOUT Tab.

- Don’t query a Blogger without reading their Review Policy. The policy will tell the author exactly what information the Blogger must have to consider a book for review. Bloggers have individual needs.

- Don’t send a query for a book for middle grade if the Blogger specifically says he/she reads YA, NA. When a Blogger indicates he/she reads almost any genre, I have sent my middle grade chapter book, sometimes with good results.

- Don’t SPAM a Blogger. Send individual queries. It’s worth the time.

- Don’t send anything the Blogger specifically says he/she doesn’t want to see. They have their reasons. Many times, if a Blogger doesn’t express a preference, I send a PDF of the first chapter and a PDF of the book cover as an attachment with good results.

- Don’t pay hefty prices for a review. I have author friends who have paid as much as $450 for a review with no results.

- Don’t challenge a negative review. The author will come across like a “newbie.” No matter what, suck it up and move on!

DOs

- Do type in the SUBJECT LINE: Review for your consideration for ABC BOOK, by Jane Doe. This simple gesture helps save the Blogger time.

- Do review the Blogger’s introduction to who he/she is. If an author can relate to experiences the Blogger has had or to the Blogger’s interests, it is a kind gesture for the author to make a sincere one sentence comment. If the author cannot be sincere, the author should not make the gesture.

- Do mention where the Blogger’s website was found. Bloggers like to know what’s working for them.

- Do tell the Blogger the genre, the name of the book, the number of pages, and the year the book was published. Most Bloggers request a Blurb. If the Blogger doesn’t request a Blurb, I send a Blurb. The only time I don’t send a Blurb is if the reviewer asks the author not to send one.

- Do keep a “cheat sheet.” Many Bloggers will ask for the author’s website address. At this time I use the website that Create Space gave me. Have the Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter addresses handy, as well as any other social media the author may be using.

- Do leave the Blogger alone! Once the author has made the query, the ball is in the Blogger’s court. The Blogger may be drowning in TBR books, and is taking on the author’s book out of the goodness of the Blogger’s heart. Be prepared to wait six months or maybe longer for reviews. Some Bloggers never get back with the author with neither a “yes” nor “no.” That’s the way the mop flops. Authors should accept the reality of the business, and move on to the next query letter.

- Do say: THANK YOU!

Contact the Author

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Meet Gracie, a ditzy dwarf kangaroo from the Thirty-sixth Universe--a creature who lives in a perfect realm. Because she is bored, Gracie longs for an adventure to St. Petersburg, Russia, a place she imagines is filled with beauty and enchantment. Much to the tiny ‘roo’s surprise, her ability to transport herself to the land of the czars has failed. She ends up at a dairy farm in St. Clair, Pennsylvania, where she saves the life of Gibson, an abandoned Maine coon cat.

The unlikely pair become fast friends. While Gracie tries to find her way back home, Gibson carves a life for himself on a farm with his newly adopted mistress, the farmer’s young daughter. There’s one hitch: The overworked farmer demands that Gibson earn his keep. Gibson’s task is thwarted somewhat when he experiences strange visions. But are these visions the result of a thrashing he received from the farmer’s two dogs? Or, maybe Gibson sees parallel universes?

As outsiders the little kangaroo and the cat from the city negotiate the perils of farm life. They meet two malicious rats who hate anyone who is happy. The two devoted friends must contend with stampeding cows and a barnyard of critters that have little use for newcomers.

Will Gibson keep his sanity and become the little girl’s pet? Will Gracie ever see the splendor of the Russian Versailles? Will the farmer survive the evil machinations of the rats, Bratwold and Eastman? Drift back to the days of Barbie dolls, hula hoops, and Sputnik to find out.

Here she goes again! Gracie, a dwarf kangaroo from the thirty-sixth universe, is skipping across the cosmos to her dream destination: St. Petersburg, Russia. She's traveling with Gibson, a Maine coon cat whose life she saved when he was unceremoniously dumped in front of a Pennsylvania corn field. Expectations and reality quickly collide. What she expected to find was a city of wintery white nights, a city dotted with a hundred islands linked by dozens of imposing bridges, all book-ended by majestic sculptures cast in bronze. She expected to feast her eyes on historic buildings splashed with pink, yellow and blue pastels. Instead, she finds herself back in the 18th century, in Russia's Imperial Golden Age. This is not the city I expected, she laments as she stands bewildered near the entrance to the city's center of activity, the perpetually busy post office. Then, when Empress Catherine arrives in her royal carriage and points a bejeweled finger at the ever-so-handsome Gibson, and declares: I want that cat...the fun begins.

Buy the Books from Amazon

Giveaway

2 sets of the Gracie Series through Amazon’s Kindle (Come Along With Me &The Palace Buzz equals one set)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

19 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 19, 2014 0

#GuestPost by #Author Mike Dickenson

About the Author:

My biggest shifts in writing have come to me during times of tremendous inner-change. Most of this change has been self-induced and has almost always involved travel. After graduating with a degree in English Education at Montana State University, I left Elko, Nevada on a hitchhiking adventure which would culminate in Argentina almost two years later. This journey gave me a much needed perspective about our world and where we are going, both globally and individually. My experiences have shown me that humanity yearns for positive change, that people are inherently good, and that anything is possible. Our perception of the world can transform our reality before our eyes, and it is this message that permeates my novels and films. My writing is part satire, part literature, part humor, part parable. In an effort to change this world for the better, I strive to create works of fiction that both inspire and captivate others to find their truest potential.
I have been a whitewater raft guide, an off-the-grid homesteader, a montessorri teacher, and currently and always, an explorer.
I also create documentary films and lead courses in writing and storytelling with Commonlink Productions.

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The world is changing at an astounding rate and to solve these problems will take courage. Our world needs people who are unafraid of embodying their purpose, though in today's society following your truth can be overwhelming at times. We are born into a world with an already established social paradigm. How are we to proceed?

These thoughts are at the core of what drives my passion to write. The Dreamer's Lotus is a book about uncovering the secrets of the soul, it is about redefining who we are as individuals and who we are as a collective. There are times in our lives when, for whatever reason, something "clicks." These a-ha moments can be few and far between, but when they happen, they become the foundations of our path to enlightenment. I use the term enlightenment lightly, because these days I feel it is overused and misunderstood, a product of the love and light movement perhaps. Enlightenment comes from the late 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition. Think about that.

Culture plays a big part in our identity. It shapes our values, our beliefs, and our actions. Those who are on a path of "awakening" (again, another term I'll come back to) often find themselves asking, "Who am I?" Well that's a very good question. Are we our personalities? Are we our ideas and beliefs? Are we the products of our culture, our friends, our society? Or are we something more?

Halfway through the story, the main character Corvus finds himself communicating with a tree, a concept unheard of (if not feared) by those in his village. The tree tells him, "At first glance you might think that I am just a tree. You can see my bark, and my branches, and my cones lying on the ground. But what about the things you cannot see - the insects beneath my bark, the mushrooms along my roots, the water in my veins? These things are a part of me just like my branches are, but they are not who I am. There is more to this world than what the eyes can see, just as there is more to you than what others perceive. An essence within you awaits your awakening."

And so returns that word, "awakening." What does it mean to be awakened? What does it mean to see that which we have been unable, or unwilling, to see until now? Our path to our truth is one without a clear destination, although I believe that it is a path that we are collectively taking together. From my own experience, I have come to understand that our own stories have the power to awaken others. We are sharing this journey together, and the more we are able to break away from the "norms" of society, the more we venture into the unknown, the more we learn about why we are here, and ultimately, why we are alive.

In a world where everything is symbolic, a young outcast followed by crows knows that not everything is as it seems. Corvus believes the Elders have corrupted the meanings of the symbols for their own gain, but who would believe a boy followed by dark omens? A brave girl, his only friend, convinces him that his truth awaits him in the forest, for that is where the crows come from… No one enters the forest alone. It is a mysterious land of madness and illusions – a place where animals talk, a prison where banished villagers survive, and a darkness so convincing that a person’s fears can manifest without warning. A beautiful lotus, born out of a dream, has the potential to light the way to the true meaning of existence. Corvus must consume the hallucinogen not only for himself, but also for the world he belongs to. If the villagers don’t awaken from their illusion soon, the murder of crows will transform the village, and the forest, into a waking nightmare.

18 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 18, 2014 1

#BookReview :: Kamadeva: The God of Desire by Anuja Chandramouli

Kamadeva, the charming wielder of the sugarcane bow and the flower-tipped arrows, born out of the wellspring of Brahmas latent passion, has for long remained an enigma. This enthralling story of the God of Desire explores his many wondrous adventures, as well as his heady romance with Rati, his chief consort.
Best friends with Indra, the King of the Gods, tutor to the Apsaras in the art of lovemaking, Kamadeva lives a dream life in the magnificent Kingdom of Amaravathi - until danger strikes when he incurs the wrath of Shiva because of a preordained curse. Follow Kama as he hurtles towards his destiny and the Destroyers dreaded third eye. Find out if he will rise from the ashes to reign supreme as the King of Hearts or if he will be doomed to spend an eternity as Ananga - The bodiless one
In Kamadeva - The God of Desire, the author masterfully marries imagination with stellar research to bring to vivid life one of the most intriguing Gods of the Hindu pantheon. Laced with wit and narrated in contemporary flavour, Kamadeva will take you on a rollicking ride into the heart of desire and its tantalizing dark side.

In the time of Mythology retellings, most authors are going back to retell us the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana over and over again and I have to admit, I quite enjoy them. Anuja Chandramouli has previously told us the story of Arjuna, which was a well researched and well narrated story. So, when I was approached to review this book, my first instinct was to accept - afterall, I had already read and enjoyed this aythors work. Secondly, I have never read much about Kamadeva other than the very brief guest appearances in other novels. So, I was quite curious about the subject as well.

Kamadeva - the God of Desire, was born to Lord Brahma. He plays his part in the world of Lords as a friend to Indra, husband to Rati and a tutor to the Apsaras. But because of a preordained curse, he faces the wrath of Lord Shiva, the destroyer. Rati and Kamadeva are then reborn on Earth. Kamadevas destiny unfold in the pages as the readers are taken on a ride. Everything seems to be a part of a much larger plan.

The best part of the book is that Anuja Chandramouli makes her characters very human. Yes, she is telling the story of the Gods, whom we hold with such reverance, yet she humanizes them in such a way that a reader can actually relate to the character and situations. The dialogue delivery in our everyday language adds to the allure of it. The book also discusses some topics that are very relevant in our society. It is very apparent that that the author has put in some quality research time while developing the plot and apllaud the author for that. The language and the narration compliments each other by maintaining a certain balance. The author has a very refined language and it is a pleasure to read her prose.

The only drawback of the book is its pace. While the plot and the language makes up for part of it, I think there were sections in the book that I could do without.

Overall, this book makes for a really interesting read. It will surely attract the Mythology lovers as it portrays a little known character.

17 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 17, 2014 1

#BookReview :: The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

An unforgettable epic romantic thriller about a girl from the future who might be able to save the world . . . if she lets go of the one thing she’s found to hold on to.

Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love.
This is the story of seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time—a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins.
Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth.
But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves.

I have previously read and enjoyed My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares. As such I was really eager to pick this book up.

Prenna James comes from a time where a horrible plague has killed millions and has left the world in ruins. She was sent back in time with a strict set of rules that must be followed at all times... She had believed that she could help prevent the plague from ever happening and felt that the set of rules were quite reasonable and easy to follow until she meets Ethan Jarves.

Both Prenna and Ethan are very loveable characters. Prenna has a lot on her plate as she has to maintain her cover, blend in and keep her secret. At the same time , she is naturally curious. Her faults and drawbacks only made her more relatable. Ethan on the other hand is a carefree person. Together they are adorable and just perfect. The concept of the colony was interesting. The Elders of the colony came across as an interesting lot whom I loved and hated.

The plot on the other hand is simply something else. At first it seemed to me that it was a straight forward time travelling story. But the author has blended in an amazing number of plot twists that give a whole new dimension to the story. The concept of time travel has been explored and explained well. I also liked the fact that Prenna and Ethan do not fall in the love at first sight category. They met and became friends before falling for each other. It made the story so much more interesting.

Overall, this book makes for an interesting read and a good recommendation to YA & Dyatopian lovers.

16 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 16, 2014 0

#BookReview :: The Forsaken Heart (Heart's Desire #3) by Brenda Gayle

When Anna Graham marries Callum Hart she'll get both the man she loves and her uncles' agreement to take over the family ranch. Will the return of Jackson, her long-lost first love—and Cal's brother—throw it all in jeopardy?
Cal has been in love with Anna for as long as he can remember. It was he who picked up the pieces of her broken heart when Jackson disappeared years ago. His brother’s sudden reappearance, just when it seems Anna is ready to love again, is mysterious—as is his father’s casual acceptance of the prodigal son’s return.
But is something more sinister going on? Someone seems determined to prove Anna incompetent to her uncles and insincere to Cal. With an arsonist on the loose and cattle dying, old secrets are exposed, and Anna and Cal face a challenge that will test their love far more than Jackson's unexpected homecoming.

Anna Graham has been the only one in the family who has any interest in the family ranch. She has been working hard towards inheriting it. Callum Hart is the other part of her life that she is passionate about. She wants both and as she is about to reach her dreams, something goes wrong. Jackson, her ex and Callum’s brother, returns to town and at the same time someone is intent on proving that she is not capable of handling the ranch. Callum has always loved Anna, even when she was dating his brother Jackson. When Jackson left town abruptly, Callum was the one to bring things back to normal for Anna. Now with Jackson’s return, Callum not only has to put up with his brother for Anna but also fight for his father to recognize his hard work into the family business. Will things work out or will they get too entangled to work things out?

I absolutely loved Anna. She is a smart and intelligent lady who goes all the way to achieve what she wants. She is gutsy and isn’t afraid of standing up for what is right and what she wants. At the same time she is loving and caring. She could have easily given Jackson the cold shoulder; instead she recognized the fact that he is family. Callum too is a loveable character. Aside from being Mr.Hottie, he is also a hardworking man who deserves the affection of those around him. And they work out their problems together and are equals in their relationship. The mystery part of the book was quite predictable but still made the book more interesting. The author has maintained a well-balanced ratio of love, drama and mystery in the story. The narration style remains interesting and easy to get into.

This is probably my favourite installment in the series. Truly entertaining!

15 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 15, 2014 0

#SpecialFeature :: An #Excerpt from Come Along With Me by Linda Lee Schell

*** Special Feature December 2014 ***

Come Along With Me Book Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

Deep inside the thirty-sixth universe, just south of the Never-Ending Rainbow, millions of shimmering spheres drift serenely through a tranquil sky. Gracie, a gentle soul, lives on one of these spheres, located near the heart of not only one of the oldest, but quite possibly the grandest of all the universes.

When the rays of the Everlasting Never-Ending Rainbow find their way to Gracie’s sphere, rose petals in myriad shades of pink and red flutter playfully to the ground. The creatures in Gracie’s world amicably take turns removing the petals from their lawns and winding paths. Here, even the local version of “bad weather” (which is always conveniently forecast well in advance by the Weather, Whether or Not creature), rarely turns out to be anything more severe than a late afternoon breeze, producing much rose-petal clutter, but little else. Undoubtedly, Gracie’s world is perfect in every way--except for one small problem: Gracie is bored.

So, what’s a tiny kangaroo-like creature with large, almond-shaped, brown eyes to do? Gracie patted her rotund tummy, wiggled her toes (that she hadn’t seen in years), and decided that what she yearned for more than anything else was an adventure, an adventure that would take her to a beautiful city full of history, drama, and most importantly, new creatures. Yes! Something entirely different from what she had known up till now. Wasn’t that the whole point of adventure? Not only something different, but something to learn.

Her decision made, Gracie scampered to the nearest Citadel of Contentment. She checked in with the proper authorities, and then passed directly to the Hall of Knowledge and Wonderment. The workers at the Hall gave Gracie directions to her adventure destination. As far as the workers were concerned, Gracie’s request was routine. Nothing out of the ordinary; nor was there anything in the workers’ directions to warn her to be mindful of any happenstances along the way. What was there to worry about? Nothing bad had ever happened in Gracie’s space. She knew herself to be a privileged creature, therefore did not feel any need to plan ahead for unseen possibilities. She had no reason to suspect that even in the most perfect of worlds there might be exceptions to the rules…

Before departing on her trip, Gracie stopped at the Establishment of Abundant Supplies to purchase some Get Well, Stay Well Stuff in case she became weary on her journey. Gracie tucked her newly acquired supply of Get Well, Stay Well Stuff in a finely crafted drawstring purse and placed it in her handy kangaroo pouch. When needed and used, the stuff would sparkle like stardust. Now, packed and eager to begin her adventure, Gracie, the tiniest of all the kangaroos in all the universes, set out with a hop and a trot down the Path of Desired Destination, singing her own made-up song:

“The sky is oh so blue

The grass is oh so green

It’s a perfect day

In every way

With many new sites to see.

And along the way

I’ll stop to make

Some brand new friends

Who are just as nice

As ME!”

Arriving at the Portal of Specific Destinations, Gracie held up her direction card to the appropriate energy field. A reassuring voice counseled,” All is well." Please push the destination button for Earth…St. Petersburg…Russia.” Trembling with excitement, her fingers shaking, Gracie did so. “Thank you,” said the voice. “Have a pleasant journey.”

Gracie hopped with delight. The prospect of experiencing firsthand the wisdom and art housed in the Hermitage Museum, the largest museum on the distant planet Earth, plus the beauty of the czars’ palaces, the enchanting architecture of the city, the music--oh yes, the music!--all called to her, flooding her heart with a wondrous sense of anticipation.

As she stepped into the Time Warp Tube, Gracie had a disconcerting thought. She knew from all too many past experiences that whenever she became excited about something, she tended to make mistakes; mistakes that occasionally required much time and effort to correct before she could achieve her desired goal. This absentmindedness had caused Gracie no small amount of inconvenience, even mayhem, over the years, but ultimately everything seemed to turn out for the best. That’s why now she tried to recall if perhaps in her eagerness she may have pushed the wrong button. Unsure of her actions, Gracie decided not to worry. If indeed she had erred and hit the wrong key, well, surely the machine would correct her mistake. That’s what machines did.

Her excitement mounting, Gracie prepared for her arrival to the planet Earth. Around her, dashes of energy pushed the Time Warp Tube forward in the warp zone, while simultaneously, pulses of energy pulled the tube toward Gracie’s chosen destination.

A jarring clap of thunder, a distant peal of bells; then, with unexpected abruptness, it was over. Journey’s end. The door to the Time Warp Tube slid open with a soft pneumatic hiss, and Gracie, unable to contain her joy, rushed headlong down a short metal ramp and found herself smack in the middle of …

Whaaa…!

Eyes wide open, Gracie took a slow 360-degree survey of her surroundings. Something was amiss here. Where were the cobbled streets, the bustling people? Gracie’s travel log boasted that St. Petersburg was the greenest of Russia’s major cities. She had prepared herself to revel in the splendor of two hundred parks and gardens, not to mention the one thousand tree-lined streets; but not one travel brochure mentioned corn fields.

Or big trees without branches, one after the other, all connected by black looping wires. Gracie gawked at the bewildering display of earth flora, and wondered why she had never spotted these odd specimens in any botanical catalogue. As she pondered this mystery, a gray barn owl swooped down out of the still opaque sky, circled Gracie like a playful feather, and inquired mockingly, “Hey, hick. Yes…you! Haven’t you ever seen a telephone pole?”

Embarrassed, Gracie cringed--a first for the tiny ’roo. Not only that, she was astonished her thoughts had been so easy to read, even by a common owl.

Ignoring the impertinent bird, Gracie thought, I came to this realm seeking culture and excellence. Instead, I have discovered the land of the uncouth. This will never do. She turned to hold her direction card up to the Specific Destination machine’s energy field. Her plan was to return home and start over. To her chagrin, she discovered it was too late. The machine, its assigned task completed, had already shut the portal door and set off on another journey. Operating on a strict timetable, it waited for no one.

Although disappointed, Gracie knew this unexpected development was merely a minor inconvenience. She had no cause for worry. Her portal access was located in front of the strange tree--no, make that the telephone pole--closest to the lane leading back to a big, white farm house. Gracie leaned back against the pole with her arms folded, and braced her right foot against the pole. She knew all she needed was a little patience. She’d wait for tomorrow’s moon, then catch the next ride home.

With plenty of time to kill, Gracie studied her surroundings with newfound interest. The owl had vanished, but other animals and insects quickly made their presence known, from the worms crawling through the dewy grass to the annoying swarm of mosquitoes trying to feast on Gracie’s ears; crickets chirped, frogs croaked. There was increasing activity everywhere as a new day--Gracie’s first away from home--prepared to dawn.

In the distance, a faint whine slowly rose in pitch as a pair of headlights emerged over a gentle rise in the road. A rolling contraption of glinting metal slowed as it neared the spot where Gracie stood. Gracie recognized the mass of metal as a car, thanks to her pre-trip studies. The back door of the vehicle swung open, and a pair of muscular arms tossed out a large burlap sack which landed with a thud in a swampy roadside ditch. The car, a l958 Chevrolet coupe, spun its tires and sped away. Within seconds, the black ribbon of road was as deserted and silent as it had been just a minute earlier.

Gracie ran over to inspect the bag. Something very much alive--and angry was thrashing about inside. In short order, the bag tore apart and a dark form slowly emerged. Terrified, Gracie fled down the lane toward the farmhouse, taking refuge in some Lilac bushes close to a small bridge leading to the nearby house. From this vantage point, she could see in all directions and still remain hidden.

The creature made its way silently down the lane toward the bridge. Cornstalks bordering both sides of the driveway rustled softly as the shaggy, black-haired animal with a dagger of white on its powerful chest strode warily down the lane. Before reaching the bridge, it stopped; its huge head panned right, then left as it carefully scouted this unfamiliar territory.

What the creature saw in the dim light of dawn confirmed its worst fears. His unblinking eyes took in the fact that he was now on a farm--a place he most emphatically did not want to be. He was a cat, born and bred in the city, with absolutely no experience of life in the boondocks. To his advantage, he wasn’t some common calico, but a fully grown twenty-five pound Maine Coon cat, a dude, if you will. Back home, he had possessed status and a well-earned reputation for terrifying all the prissy little frou-frou dogs in his neighborhood. On a farm, however, he knew that life was played by different rules, and here he was clearly out of his element. If he wasn’t careful, he would find himself at the bottom of the pecking order. His previous cushy existence in the city would mean zilch to these roughneck hayseeds.

As the great cat lingered in place, pondering its fate, its magnificent white whiskers bestowed a look of regal dignity to its already imposing countenance.

Gracie was duly impressed, but wished the great cat would hurry and cross the bridge so she could return to the telephone pole and make herself comfortable while she awaited the next moon. The truth was that Gracie had no desire to remain in this place. Her heart yearned for St. Petersburg. Lingering here would be a waste of time, perhaps even dangerous. What if the big cat took her for an overgrown mouse, or worse, an undersized rat? Gracie fortified her courage by clutching her Get Well, Stay Well pouch and keeping her gaze riveted on the long-haired feline with huge paws.

It took the sound of a rooster’s cry to get the cat moving again. With a deliberate gait, he inched his way across the bridge, then paused again as a light flashed on in the barn. Seconds later, after a harsh burst of static, the lilting melody of the “Tennessee Waltz” drifted out into the yard for all to hear. Roused from his slumber, and none too happy about it, Bergeroff the bull butted his head forcefully against the barn door in a gesture of displeasure. The other farm creatures paid him no heed; they all knew that Bergeroff was always grumpy no matter the occasion.

A farmer clad in overalls and a blue-and-white striped farm hat came out of the barn and headed toward a cinderblock milk house. Two dogs, an Airedale and a Border Collie, danced at his heels as he wrestled with a heavy milk can. The dogs were eager to start the day, their senses heightened as they bounded across their domain, alert for any intruders that might have sneaked in during the night.

Unfortunately for the cat, who was still holding his position in the lane, the dogs’ hunting instincts were well-honed. As if on command, both canines simultaneously froze in place, noses twitching, deep growls rumbling in their throats. Even in the dim light of dawn, their eyes quickly locked onto the cat’s motionless silhouette. Unable to contain their delight at what the morning had brought them--a cat!--the dogs howled excitedly and took off down the lane.

Although slowed by too many years of easy living, the cat still liked his chances. He figured if he could reach the pasture he would stand a better chance of escape. He took a series of mighty leaps and had very nearly reached full speed when the Airedale--well-practiced at this sport--caught him by the neck. To the dogs, trespassers deserved no mercy, and they weren’t about to show any now. They took turns pummeling the cat, smashing its body to the ground. They circled the wounded animal, snarling and barking in glee.

The cat, writhing in pain, knew he would be torn to pieces if the dogs continued their play. But they didn’t thanks to the fortuitous arrival of the farmer’s young daughter. She’d been about to set out on her morning chores when she heard the commotion and saw the dogs circling their prey. Running as fast as her eight-year-old legs could carry her, she reached the site of the melee and quickly figured out what had happened: another stray cat paying the price for wandering onto the family property. Always sympathetic to those in trouble, the little girl commanded the dogs to back off. They did immediately, pleased with their morning’s exercise; then, at the girl’s further insistence, they trotted happily back to the barn.

The little girl bent over to get a better look at the injured animal. The cat was too whipped to utter a sound, let alone move. Alarmed that it might be dying, the girl hurried away so she could tell her father.

When the little girl was out of sight, Gracie ran into the pasture. She approached the cat cautiously, peered at it for a few seconds, then said, “Excuse me? Can you hear me, big guy? With your permission, I’ll come a little closer.”

The cat didn’t stir, so Gracie continued, “Look, if you don’t want to talk, that’s fine. I’ll be on my way.”

After what seemed like an eternity, the mauled cat responded in a weak voice, “You have my permission, but as for talking, I don’t have much strength left to talk.”

Gracie inched closer. Tentatively, she touched his trembling body to see if any bones were broken. She checked his throat, then his stomach. “I think you’re going to make it,” she declared. “Your body has experienced a severe beating, but I don’t detect any broken bones. You can probably thank your shaggy mane for that.” She paused before adding, “I’m not a doctor, but I do have considerable knowledge about matters pertaining to health.”

“So, you’re saying I’ll live?”

“Yes. You’ll need to take care of yourself, of course. You need rest, you need to stay out of the hot sun--”

“How am I going to do all of that in this pasture? Look, I’m not from around here. I don’t know a soul.”

“I’ll help you,” Gracie said. She reached into her pouch and pulled out her drawstring purse containing her supply of Get Well, Stay Well Stuff. She sprinkled a few flakes on top of the cat’s head and across the left side of his body. Although not wanting to appear stingy, she needed to save the sparkling flakes for her journey to St. Petersburg. “Now roll over,” Gracie commanded. “I’m going to do your other side.”

Although in pain, the cat dutifully followed her instructions. Whatever was happening to him at the moment was beyond his comprehension and control. He resigned himself to let whatever was going to happen, happen. Gracie gave one final flick of flakes, then put away her purse. To his amazement, the cat already felt strength returning to his body.

“Okay, I’m going to give you a rub down now,” Gracie announced. Her little fingers began to pound the cat’s chest and stomach. She rubbed and massaged both sides of his body, then scratched with her nails under his chin. His body began to squirm with delight. “I don’t know what you’re doing,” the cat declared, “but it sure does feel good.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that. It means we’re making progress.”

The cat giggled. “I never knew healing could be so much fun.” While Gracie worked her nails down the cat’s hairy back, he inquired, “I don’t mean to pry, but where are you from, anyway? And where did you get those flakes? They can’t be snowflakes. Snowflakes melt.” He paused. “I’m sorry, I forgot to ask your name.”

“My name is Gracie. I’m from a different place in a different space.” Her answer was intentionally vague. Sometimes, for reasons unknown even to herself, Gracie was a very private kangaroo. The cat, however, persisted in his questioning.

“No, seriously, where’s your home? I want to know.”

“Oh, it’s in quantum leaps and linear feet, and somewhere in the middle of time.” Then she added matter-of-factly, “I used a special boarding pass to get here.”

“You did?”

“Yes, a boarding pass that operates in accordance with the laws of nature.”

“I’m sure it does,” the cat replied, totally clueless. He was starting to fear that the dogs had thrashed him worse than he realized. His conversation with Gracie was turning more bizarre by the minute.

“I really don’t understand the mechanics of time travel any more than you understand what makes a car run,” Gracie continued. “I just accept the laws of nature and live my travel life accordingly.” She flashed a smile of smug satisfaction, impressed by the unexpected fluency of her words.

The shaggy cat took a closer look at the self-declared space traveler who had just brought him back from the brink of extinction. “You know,” he said, “you’re too big to be a mouse and you’re too small to be a rat. I have to admit you have a beautiful fur coat, but you’re not like any bunny I’ve ever seen.” Behind a nearby rock, Loveall the rabbit strained to hear Gracie’s response. He hadn’t taken his eyes off Gracie ever since she’d hopped into the pasture. He listened with interest as the cat exclaimed excitedly, “Wait, don’t tell me! Let me guess. You’re a mink!”

Gracie’s eyes fluttered. She was pleased by the cat’s flattery. Then it occurred to her that minks were sneaky-looking creatures. She ceased her grooming of the cat, rose to full height and declared, “I’m not a mouse, I’m not a rat, and I am most certainly not a mink. I’m a kangaroo from a different place in a different space--from the thirty-sixth universe to be precise.” Behind the rock, Loveall hit his head with his paw hard enough to knock himself out. A passing frog croaked and immediately dove into the creek to avoid exposing himself to any more of this insanity.

“Now then,” Gracie continued, “what about you? What’s your story? How did a big, handsome cat like yourself end up in a ditch beside a cornfield? And by the way, do you have a name?”

“My name is Gibson. I’m from Reading, Pennsylvania, which, I understand, is about thirty-five miles north of here.”

“Who’s your master?”

“I belonged to a little girl. Her father is a big shot with the railroad. Her mother is president of the Ladies’ Club and is on the board of the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Most importantly, though, my little girl’s mother is queen of the house. She wants her home to sparkle and shine all the time. That is bad news for me because I shed everywhere. Worse yet, the mother wants a white poodle because she thinks poodles have class…and they don’t shed.”

“What does your little girl want?”

“My little girl wants me, but what she wants doesn’t matter in that house. When her father and older brother went on a fishing trip to St. Clair, they stuffed me in that bag and smuggled me out of the house late last night. They’re the ones who tossed me in that ditch.”

Saddened by the cat’s tale, Gracie said consolingly, “I bet your little girl is crying for you right now.”

“Maybe so,” the cat shrugged, “but that’s not going to give me back my old life.”

Perplexed, Gracie scratched the side of her head. “Where I come from,” she said, “we all get along. This place is very different. It’s a new experience for me.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” the cat declared, eyeing Gracie’s well-fed tummy and beautiful fur coat. “On this planet, lots of animals and humans live in terrible conditions and go to bed hungry at night.”

Gibson’s statement made Gracie feel a little selfish. Had she traded a little boredom in her perfect universe for life on a planet where every day was a harsh struggle? No, she hadn’t. She wasn’t here to fashion a new life for herself. She was on an adventure.

“So tell me something. This special boarding pass of yours…It’ll take you anywhere you want to go? Any place in the entire universe?”

“Yes, although actually there are many universes. Millions, maybe.”

“So why’d you come here? What’s so special about this farm? Personally, if I could choose--”

“I think I got here because I must’ve pushed the wrong button, the St. C button instead of the St. P button. You did say your master was going on a fishing trip to St. Clair, so I figure that’s where we are. Not Russia.”

“Why do you want to go to Russia? Aren’t the Russians the ones who put that thing up in the sky?”

“You mean Sputnik.”

“I do?”

“Yes. The Russians are very advanced scientifically, but that’s not why I want to go there. I’m going to a place that has a winter palace, a summer palace, and a marble palace, not to mention the four palaces on one avenue. I intend to go to the ballet, listen to classical music, and take in a jazz club in Kvadrat. For an entire month, I’m going to be a Peterburger.”

Gibson couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Gracie, the only burgers I know are ground-up meat. Are you saying--”

“No, silly. A Peterburger is just someone who lives in St. Petersburg,” Gracie declared, pleased at the opportunity to display her knowledge.

Gibson weighed this new information. He looked at the little ’roo skeptically, then said, “Let me get this straight. You come from a place so far away that you needed a special time warp boarding pass to get here, although, because of technical difficulties, you sort of got blown off course. But it’s St. Petersburg, where you’re headed, because they have museums and parks and the ballet.”

“Yes. It’s the culture I want to experience. I’m sure St. Clair is very nice, but I think you’d agree--especially after what those dogs did to you--that it’s really very primitive around here, not at all suitable for either one of us.”

Upon hearing these words, two skunks, hidden behind a mulberry bush not ten yards away, turned to each other in angry disbelief. “Stinko,” the larger of the two, sputtered, “Did I just hear what I think I heard?”

“You sure did,” fumed Stanko, his best buddy. The little twerp wants to go to Russia so she can tour the museums and palaces. We aren’t good enough for her. We’re too primitive.”

“They’re troublemakers,” declared Stinko.

“They certainly are,” Stanko nodded in agreement. “and foreigners, to boot.”

Both skunks fell silent as they brooded over this insult to their way of life. Stinko, bolder than his friend, decided to teach the two interlopers a lesson. “I’m gonna spray’em,” he declared righteously.

“Good. Let’em know we don’t want their kind around here.

“Exactly.” Stinko took a deep breath and prepared to launch his attack. “Watch my back, Stanko. This should be fun.” It took the skunk only a few seconds to scurry up behind Gibson and Gracie. They eyed the skunk warily but did not flee. Couple of dummies, Stinko thought contemptuously.

Gibson, a city dude, had never seen a skunk before. He was about to introduce himself when Gracie gave a loud scream and scooted under the big cat’s belly, seeking shelter. “Help me, Gibson!” she pleaded.

The cat was more than willing to do so, but the skunk had already beat a hasty retreat back to the bushes. Gibson had no one to fight. He and Gracie stood in the pasture, enveloped by the most disgusting scent either of them had ever smelled. “This is so-o-o gross!” Gracie wailed.

“Are you all right?”

“No! I stink!”

“So do I.” Gibson wrinkled his nose, “He got both of us.”

“But why?" Why did he do that?”

“Gracie, I don’t know what it’s like where you come from, but down here this sort of thing happens a lot.”

“It does?

“Animals, humans--you never know when one of them is gonna do something mean or crazy. This was a good lesson for both of us. It shows we can’t afford to let down our guard out here, even for a second.”

“I guess you’re right,” Gracie agreed. “This is definitely not the way things are in the Thirty-sixth Universe. There, everyone’s your friend.”

“Yeah, well, here life is a little different. In fact--” Gibson’s body tensed, his defenses on full alert. He sensed danger, real danger, not just the kind that smelled bad. “Gracie, grab hold of my hair,” he ordered. “Now!”

The little kangaroo reached up with both hands and grabbed the cat’s shaggy mane. She dangled in mid-air, her little legs churning as if pedaling an imaginary bicycle. “Hold on!” Gibson shouted. “We’re outta here.”

Like a bat out of Hades, Gibson’s body streaked for the nearest tree in the pasture. Reaching it, he quickly found a secure sanctuary amidst the thick middle branches. Only then did Gracie, still clinging to his long hair, look down and discover why her newfound guardian had fled in such haste.

A farmer in a red flannel shirt with rolled up sleeves hurried toward the tree. Hay clung to his muscular mahogany-colored arms, and he was gripping a pitchfork in one hand. Dancing around him was the same Airedale that had caused Gibson so much grief earlier. This time the dog was determined to catch his prey. He clawed at the base of the sturdy oak tree like a bear, and to Gracie’s horror, managed to pull himself up onto one of the lower limbs. From there he tried to reach a higher branch, but then--as if suddenly realizing that dogs don’t belong in trees--he lost his balance, yelped in dismay, and tumbled to the ground. He landed like a bale of hay at the feet of the farmer, who offered the dog not a shred of sympathy.

More annoyed than angered, the farmer slammed his pitchfork deep into the ground. Peering up at the cat, he said, “My little girl thought you were dying, …

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About the Author

Linda's favorite children’s genre is fantasy/adventure. Her goal is to encourage children to think creatively and critically, and to expand their imaginations while simultaneously exposing them to a variety of cultures and histories through fantasy.

Combining childhood innocence with historical verisimilitude and a dash of magical fantasy--that was Linda's impulse behind writing her first book, Come Along With Me.

Linda was born in Youngstown, Ohio and moved in 1977 to St. Clairsville, Ohio, twenty minutes from Wheeling, West Virginia. Linda left her employment to help her husband establish a classic and collectible car business. While in St. Clairsville Linda was active in the Chamber of Commerce and The Merchant’s Association. Her husband of forty-four years and one son now live in Venice, Florida.

Linda is the daughter of an Ohio dairy farmer and an elementary school teacher. Her working years were in a competitive sales and business environment.

Active in Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, she is a Paul Harris Fellow.

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2 sets of the Gracie Series through Amazon’s Kindle (Come Along With Me &The Palace Buzz equals one set)

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14 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 14, 2014 3

2015 Reading Challenge Announcement: First-Reads!

Welcome to a 2015 Reading Challenge: First-Reads!

After the success of this Reading Challenge for the last 2 years, I have decided to continue Hosting this challenge.

Do you remember the feeling when you read the first book by your favourite author? Yes well, its for that feeling that I have come up with this challenge. Also, there was a time when I would only stick to the books written by authors I had previously read and enjoyed. But soon I realised that I was missing out on a lot other books. So, readers & bloggers, come together to this challenge that will make you pick up books by authors that you haven't read before! You never know, you just might find another author to love and follow.

Points to Know:

1. Read & Review as many books as possible, by authors that YOU haven't read before.
2. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. However, you have to post a review on some site in order to participate. It can be on Goodreads and/or Amazon and/or Barnes & Noble and/or Smashwords.
3. If you are a blogger link up your permalink to the review posts. If you aren't a blogger, then link up the permalink to your reviews from whichever site you have chosen to post the review on.
4. The books can overlap with other reading challenges.
5. Books read may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
6. Post your links to your reviews each month to share with other participants.
7. The challenge runs from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Its never too late to Join In!

How To Sign-Up and Join In:
1. Choose a challenge level listed below.
2. Create a post on your blog, in a group, or on a forum (where possible) to let others see what you’re aiming for (a predefined list of Authors/Books is optional).
3. Grab the badge and place it in your sign up post. Then link back to b00k r3vi3ws.
4. Grab the direct URL to your sign up post, not your blog, click the Linky List and enter your link.
5. Once you review a book it would be great for you to share them by submitting them on the Review List.
7. When you’re done it’s completion post time and you can share these on the completion/wrap-up List.

Challenge Level:
Amateur : Choose to read 1 - 25 New Authors
Lover : Choose to read 26 - 50 New Authors
Expert : Choose to read 51 - 75 New Authors
Fanatic : Choose to read 76 or above New Authors

When talking about this challenge on Twitter, please use the hastag (#FirstReads). It makes it much easier to keep track of the conversations, answer questions and/or tweet back!

13 December, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta December 13, 2014 4

2015 Reading Challenge Announcement: IndieFever!

Welcome to a 2015 Reading Challenge: Indie-Fever!

'Read & Review as many Indie Books as you can!'

After the success of this Reading Challenge for the last 2 years, I have decided to continue Hosting this challenge.

Points to Know:

1. Read and Review as many Indie (Self Published) Books as possible during this year.
2. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. However, you have to post a review on some site in order to participate. It can be on Goodreads and/or Amazon and/or Barnes & Noble and/or Smashwords.
3. If you are a blogger link up your permalink to the review posts. If you aren't a blogger, then link up the permalink to your reviews from whichever site you have chosen to post the review on.
4. The books can overlap with other reading challenges.
5. Books read may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
6. Post your links to your reviews each month to share with other participants.
7. The challenge runs from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Its never too late to Join In!

How To Sign-Up and Join In:
1. Choose a challenge level listed below.
2. Create a post on your blog, in a group, or on a forum (where possible) to let others see what you’re aiming for (a predefined list of Authors/Books is optional).
3. Grab the badge and place it in your sign up post. Then link back to b00k r3vi3ws.
4. Grab the direct URL to your sign up post, not your blog, click the Linky List and enter your link.
5. Once you review a book it would be great for you to share them by submitting them on the Review List.
7. When you’re done it’s completion post time and you can share these on the completion/wrap-up List.

Challenge Level:
Amateur : Choose to read 1 - 24 Indie Books
Lover : Choose to read 25 - 49 Indie Books
Expert : Choose to read 50 - 74 Indie Books
Fanatic : Choose to read 75 or above Indie Books

When talking about this challenge on Twitter, please use the hastag (#IndieFever). It makes it much easier to keep track of the conversations, answer questions and/or tweet back!