Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Nate Rocks the Boat by Karen Pokras Toz Review & Book Excerpt

Welcome to my stop on the Innovative Online Books Tours for Nate Rocks the Boat by Karen Pokras Toz. Below you will find synopsis about the book, book excerpt, helpful links, buy now links, youtube trailer video and my review.




ABOUT NATE ROCKS THE BOAT

With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend Tommy decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won't actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire 6 weeks.

Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck," Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghost, and even the most wanted criminals.

Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rock once again proves nothing can hold him back in his second book of the Nate Rocks series.

Author, Karen Pokras Toz

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATE ROCKS SERIES:






EXCERPT:

"Welcome, Hawks. I'm Matt, your counslor. I've been coming to Camp Spring Ridge every summer since I was your age. This is a great place, and it's my job to sure you biys have the best summer ever." Matt looks up at the sky as the wind rustles through the paper on his clipboard. "Now, before it starts raining, let's see is if we an get through some of the camp rules."

"Rules? We don't need any dumb rules! It's summer!"

I look over toward the sound of the husky voice to see a boy who looks more like he's Abby's age than my age. He also appears to have arms as big as my thighs and no-neck. I've never seen anyone without a neck before. I'm sure it's there somewhere. It's just that this kid's head is enormous. I am in the right bunk aren't I?

Matt doesn't seem disturbed by the outburst as he continues right along. "The rules are only there to make sure you have the most fun possible while staying safe. We wouldn't want anyone getting hurt...or worse.

Worse? Tommy and I look at each other. I turn around to scan the dirt road. Dad must still be at Abby's bunk. If I left right now and ran, I could probably get there before he and Mom leave. I'm sure Mom would take me with her to see Grandma once I explained how dangerous it is here at camp. She's always saying we don't get to visit with Grandma enough. Or I could just stay at Tommy's house. I'm certain Tommy would follow me if I took off running. But what is they were already gone? Then I would have to return to my bunk. I cold already her that other kids laughing at me as the camp director returned me to the Hawks.

"Okay," Matt starts, holding down the paper on his clipboard. "Rule #1: Always listen to your counselor - he's the coolest guy here." Matt starts laughing, but quickly notices no one else joins in. He clears his throat and continues. "Rule #2: Stay with your bunk at all times unless you have specific permission to go somewhere. Rule #3: Lights out at 10:00pm. Rule #4: When it's our turn to have kitchen duty, everyone must participate, and the most important rule - Rule #5: Stay out of the forest! Look, you guys are old enough to hear this, so I'm just going to tell it to you straight. The forest may look cool, but it is big and dangerous. Every summer, one or two campers decide to wander in there, and the same thing always happens. They get lost. The camp has to call in a search party with dogs and the whole bit. If you wander too far in, you might run across snakes or even coyotes and wolves. So do yourself a favor and stay out!"

I look around the table to see everyone staring at Matt....Even No-Neck.





My Review -  4.5 stars

It has taken me a lot longer to write this blog post & review than it does most. Not because I did not like the book. Not because it was so-so, but instead I have found myself daydreaming and wandering with my thoughts just like Nate! Now, if I could only become a great hero like Nate and save the day! HMMM.......

Karen has a done a delightful job with writing Nate Rocks the Boat. The creativity and imagination she has given Nate is wonderful. This is actually the second book in the Nate Rocks Series. I will be reviewing the first book, Nate Rocks the World next Tuesday, February 19th, so be sure to check back! There is a less than 3 weeks before the release for the third book in the series, Nate Rocks the School on March 4th. I will be hosting a review and giveaway on Match 7th that you won't want to miss!

Nathan sure does endure a lot. From his evil older sister always giving him a hard time to his Mom's awful cooking to getting a black eye just before leaving for a new summer camp. And from no other than his Mom's best friends annoying daughter, Lisa. There is no way he can tell the kids at camp that he got a black eye from a girl. He has to come up with something, and it better be good. Luckily Abby will be tucked away on the other side of the lake. Nathan's best friend Tommy surely won't tell the truth. WHEW! All is well.....or is it?

Poppy and I have both been reading the Nate Rocks series. Poppy says that she loves the way it blends so seemingly between reality and Nate's daydreaming. She especially liked during the Color Wars when the teams had to preform a skit in front of the entire camp. There are 6 teams, Red Boys, Blue Boys, White Boys, Red Girls, Blue Girls and White Girls. The teams are a mixture and are not based on their cabins. Nate is on the red team and Abby is on the white team. Abby's teams skit is based on how Nathan got his black eye. All of a sudden the Hawks are looking at Nathan, knowing that it is not a coincidence. Guess the cat is out of the bag on that one! OPSSS!!! What are older, evil sisters for after all?

I do believe that regardless if you have a "tom-boy" or a "girly-girly", all children will definitely enjoying reading about Nate's daydreaming adventures. Next month I will begin reading Nate Rocks the World to Yang. Seeing as I have natural daydreamers I feel they are/will be able to relate with Nate, making it ever more enjoyable for them. Or did Karen just give them new things to daydream about? ;)



Wanna know a secret?

Today ONLY you can get Nate Rocks the Boat for FREE on Amazon, & you don't need a Kindle!! (Click here for more info) Plus you can get the audio version for just $1.99 & hear Nate come to life! Hurry up and click below to get your copy of the ever awesome, Nate Rocks!!








DISCLAIMER: I received the aforementioned book for the sole purpose of providing an accurate and honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all words and opinions are my own.

Friday, February 8, 2013

American Girl History Month

Sorry I've been sort of AWOL lately. I've had a lot going on.


Sunday Poppy, Yang & I went sledding. I've only been sledding once before when I was about 13 & we went to visit my Dad's side of the family in Michigan. I'd forgotten what fun it was, and that as far as you go down - is as far as you have to walk back up that icy, snowy hill!

Monday the girls and I went to a local pottery place with our homeschool group. Poppy & Yang had both visited before with my Mother, but this was the first time Owlet had ever been. They are all very excited to go back next week and pick up their master pieces!


















This month will begin our unit study on the American Girl doll Kaya. We will be doing a 6 week unit study from Girls of American History. Kaya is a Nimiipuu, known today as Nez Perce Indians, and her story takes place in 1764.

Today we began reading the first book in the series about Kaya, Meet Kaya.In chapter 1 Kaya is traveling with her Mother, Father, twin brothers, older sister and "adopted" sister to visit family. Kaya is boastful about how fast her horse can run when Raven & Fox Tail challenge her to a race. She has been reminded that our actions speak louder than our words, and not to be boastful, but Kaya takes to boys up on a race. Steps High, Kaya's horse, is slow to start but quickly overtakes the boys when Steps High begins to buck. Kaya holds on & Raven quickly grabs the reins and pulls her to a stop. You'd think Kaya learned her lesson when she finds herself in another race, on foot this time, with Fox Tail. He takes off into the forest, and she attempts to follow. It's not long before she stops to try and locate the sound of the river so she may find herself back. Kaya hears a twig snap & quickly whirls around. She thinks she sees someone duck behind a tree but is unsure. Was it the Stick People? Kaya knows the Stick People can be cunning, crafty and strong - when a flock of jays caw & take flight. It sounds as if they are saying "Forgot!" "Forgot!" What could it be that she forgot? Her brothers! She left them in the care of Speaking Rain - her "adopted" sister that is blind. Her brothers are only 4 winters old and are the perfect age for mischief. She knows she much get back to the river to find them, and quickly. Before she leaves she leaves a gift for the Stick People so she does not anger them.



We will be leaving in the late hours of the 24th/wee hours of the 25th to head home for a visit with my Dad in sunny Florida. It will certainly be a change in weather! I miss my Dad, home, the sun and the sand, but I definitely love the seasons of the north.

I think Yang is the most excited for our upcoming trip, as she has never been to Florida before. It has been almost 8 years since Owlet & Poppy where in Florida last. Yang is super excited to go to the beach and find sea shells, as she is a rock collecting fool!

What are you studying this week? Or if do you do monthly unit studies, what are you studying this month? When we get back we will be starting a mini co-op and studying dinosaurs. If you have anything dino related I'd love for you to share it with us on our facebook wall, or in the comments below. 


Saturday, February 2, 2013

Giveaway Link Up

It is time for a new month of giveaway link ups. 




Are you hosting a giveaway? 
Just entered a giveaway that you'd like to share?  
What are you waiting for?
Link up now!  

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Murder by Prophecy by Gary Kassay Review & Giveaway



Welcome to my stop on the Murder by Prophecy tour powered by Innovative Online Book Tours. Below you will find a book blurb, author bio, online links, buy now links, my review and a 5 e-book international giveaway!





 BOOK BLURB:

What would you do if you had been falsely imprisoned and if while in prison your wife and your children had been brutally murdered? Samuel Maxwell, the Prophet, decides to spend his time plotting out his plan for revenge against the greedy men responsible..

The Prophet stops at nothing to avenge the deaths. Will Inspector Duke Becker and his squad from Special Investigations Homicide be able to stop the Prophet and the reasons behind the killings before more die? 





AUTHOR BIO:

Gary L. Kassay born on March 20, 1956 in the Bronx, New York.  He married his high school sweetheart, Eileen on May 6, 1978.  Gary & Eileen had two children, Jason Kassay born March 30, 1980 and Samantha Kassay born January 6, 1986.  Eileen Kassay passed away on May 14, 2003.

Gary worked as an x-ray tech for six years at Brooklyn Hospital and then joined the New York City Police Department, Transit Police. Hr trained for the K-9 unit and worked until injured in the line of duty forcing early retirement.  Gary then worked in the field of commercial photography. Starting in customer service, then becoming the assistant manager, manager and then with two partners buying Diversified Photo located on Long Island
. 
Although retired at the time, worked Ground Zero after 9/11 for several weeks.

In 2004, Gary left the business to two partners and moved to North Carolina  where he met his second wife Raella. They married on September 10, 2005 in Maui, Hawaii. Gary worked for Homeland Security as a TSA officer, and then as a Lieutenant for Guilford County in charge of the Social Services Building. 

In 2008  he moved to Casper Wyoming where he currently resides.


ONLINE LINKS: 

Twitter: @GaryKassay




 


Buy Murder in Silence and Murder by Prophecy NOW!

  

  



My Review 4 Stars

When I first began reading Murder in Prophecy I was not aware that it was actually book 2 in the Duke Becker series. After reading chapter 1, I decided that I wanted to read book 1, Murder in Silence. I wanted to make sure that there would be no gaps in the story. While I now feel I could have read Murder in Prophecy without reading Murder in Silence, I was very happy that I didn't! It was very hard to put either book down, and I in fact had read both in 3 short evenings. I know that I will definitely be reading both books again, and soon I'm sure!

In Murder in Silence, Inspector Duke Becker of the Special Investigations Homicide team, is a single bachelor with no intentions of settling down. While trying to solve a case were officers are having their throats ripped out by any mysterious animal, he meets a very attractive veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Cunningham. Things seem to be going in the right direction when Duke is attacked just before he is suppose to meet Dr. Cunningham for a very romantic date.

Murder in Prophecy, takes place right were Murder in Silence leaves off, which I personally prefer. I hate when the book picks up 2 years later. Duke & Elizabeth have been happily wed and are enjoying their honeymoon on the beautiful beaches of Maui. But the real world is calling and Duke must return to work. It isn't long after Duke returns that Chief Rockwell, a hotshot from Boston, receives a mysterious letter.

Just four year prior Samuel had been falsely imprisoned, resulting in him loosing everything - his beloved wife and children. Samuel is now a free man and means to seek revenge on all those that are behind all his grief. Samuel has been coined The
Prophet from his artful letters. It is now up to Inspector Duke, and his team to stop Samuel before it is to late but it is going to be a hard job since the Chief won't cooperate. His team must figure out who Samuel is after, and why.

The Prophet is careful, meticulous in fact in all that he does. From the letters he writes, to his identity, to the murders. It seems that Duke and his team are always one step by The Prophet. Will they ever be able to get ahead? 

 As with Murder in Silence, Gary has left us with a great cliff hanger at the end, and boy is it a good one! I can't wait to see how the tale unfolds with Inspector Becker and his new life that awaits him.

Enter the 5 ebook international giveaway below and don't forget to enter my 1st Annual New Year's Giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon.com gift card - ends 1/31.







DISCLAIMER: I was given a free copy of the book from the author for an open and honest review. All opinions - good, bad or indifferent are mine!