Evanescent by Carlyle Labuschagne now just 99 cents!!!! Grab it before the sale is over :)

Click the image above to add Evanescent to your wish list on Amazon OR you can get it now for just 99 cents!  Superb deal from a great author :)

Relics of Mysticus "The Dragons Egg" Book Tour, Personal Reviews and Giveaway!

Tour Page & Schedule 

The Dragon’s Egg (Relics of Mysticus- Book Three) by H.B. Bolton

Sure, the glass castle floating over Evan’s head makes him uneasy, but that’s the least of his worries. With each step inside the Dungeon of Dreadful Dreams, he must battle against his worst nightmares. One after the other, wispy smoke-filled bull sharks come at him — he must remember they’re only illusions pulled from his imagination by those dreaded shadowlike hands. If only the vengeful dragon circling above was also an illusion and didn’t have his mind set on destroying the one person who can control him: Emrys. Inside the castle’s glass tower, Emrys sleeps in an eternal slumber, and Evan’s uncertain whether he can save the great wizard. Especially now that Emrys’ former student, the Lady of the Lake, has joined forces with the cunning immortal Alamaz. Together they have already stolen the Dragon’s Egg, but their greed doesn’t end there. The Siren’s Pearl calls to them, and that means only one thing … Atlantis is in trouble. Join Evan, Claire, and Dunkle — along with a few other unlikely heroes — as they travel across the realm of Medieval Legends, float through the Ancient Isle of Avalon, plunge inside the Dungeon of Dreadful Dreams, and be there when Atlantis rises once again.

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****My Review of The Dragon's Egg****

I really liked this book I think maybe better than the other 2 in the series :)  Perhaps because I am sooo into Medieval times and mythology and this book was chock-full of adventure in this theme!  The kids along with Chacon travel through Avalon and many other worlds to yet again save Sagaas from ruin.  

This book also has a bit of love running through it as Claire finds more than just a friend in Chacon.  This does not seem like the greatest idea to Evan, but he is being sidetracked by his own problem - his dreams are becoming more real and bothersome.  

All in all this whole series so far is amazing and I can definitely see it becoming HUGE in the Young Adult genre!  No need to worry about your kids reading this, it is all clean themes and amazing adventures in fantastical worlds :)  Once again 5 stars!  Loved it!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

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Book Video | Amazon | Goodreads

      

  The Serpent's Ring (Relics of Mysticus- Book One)

Evan and Claire Jones are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another boring museum … that is, until something extraordinary happens to make their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister, Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods. Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.

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****My Review of The Serpent's Ring****  

I really loved this book - I am on the third book in the series now and I must say it reminds me of both Percy Jackson and Harry Potter - where the protagonists don't know they have powers and are thrust into this amazing new world and get to go on new adventures!  The siblings lives seem so mundane until Claire finds the Serpents Ring and they have no idea what it means.  Then along comes Dunkle who is awesomely clever and tricky to help them - although sometimes I think he gets them into more trouble than he helps LOL! 

My favorite character is Claire - probably because she is more responsible but is also headstrong.  Evan is a typical young man - does whatever he wants and throws caution to the wind :) 

This book had me intrigued with the way it changed worlds so completely!  We start out in the seemingly normal world of Claire and Evan and end up in an exciting underground water full of mermaids and mystery!  The imagery that the author portrays is superb - the deep red color of the mermaids hair, the gorgeous underwater world, it all holds your attention till the very end.  Then it all goes back to the normal world ... at least until the next adventure :)

All in all 5 stars because I love to read YA fiction and this series could most definitely become the next great teen series!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

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***My Review of The Trickster's Totem***

Well the second installment in the Relics of Mysticus series did NOT disappoint!  Once again we are thrust into the mysterious and charming world of Sagaas and all it's magic. Dunkle shows up unexpectedly and of course needs help to stop yet another disaster from occurring in the Sagaas world. This one though is not underwater, and the book is based on the rich Native American landscape. To me the Native Americans are so mystical and amazing by themselves, but add to the mix Claire and Evan and their newly-found and still-developing powers just makes it that much more exciting! I also love the "totems" that the kids all develop as well - something new to add to the mix and very interesting for their characters.

The Coyote Trickster is so hilarious - I literally laughed out loud at some of his tricks - even though he does bad things it is hard to completely hate him as with any trickster.  My thoughts on the Coyote Trickster are that he doesn't do things to hurt people intentionally, he does them for fun and he seems to be bored.  Just my take on his actions, but I almost feel sorry for him because before he is unleashed he is alone and held captive.

In these novels I love the way the kids and Dunkle travel through the worlds, it is always something new and fantastical.  And Claire meeting Chayton - sparks are a-flying :)  It will be interesting to see how their relationship and Evan's reaction will play out in the next novel.

Five stars for this book too, it's an awesomely fantastic journey for kids young AND old (like me LOL).  But it is all clean, no parent has to worry about bad words or content in these books that I could see!  All in all a great read :)

***I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

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The Trickster's Totem (Relics of Mysticus - Book Two)

Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it. Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends. Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.     

About the Author:

A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting

characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children. Shh, can you keep a secret? Not only does she write books for the young-at-heart, adventurous sort who yearn to dive into a good young-adult fantasy story, she also writes spellbinding, heart pounding women’s fiction. These particular books are written under the name Barbara Brooke, but that’s another story, altogether.

Connect with H.B. Bolton here:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway:

$25 gift card (Int), paperback set of all 3 books (US), ebook set of all books (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Grazia® Silicone 24 Cup MINI Muffin Pan Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

Grazia Silicone 24 Cup Mini Muffin Pan

#muffinpans

And check out my YouTube video HERE

Grazia® Silicone 24 Cup MINI Muffin Pan is a non-stick food grade silicone muffin cupcake baking pan that is extremely easy to clean, safe to use in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, or freezer. It is heat resistant for up to 450°F.

--FDA Approved
--High Quality Construction
--Manufactured in Socially Compliant Facility
 

First off, let me say that I have never used a Silicone baking item in my life.  I have heard of them, wanted to try them, but just never did (don't ask me why LOL).  So when I was approved for this promotion I was thrilled!  And I was not disappointed in the results.  In fact, I will most DEFINITELY be buying more Silicone baking items after using this!

I decided to try making some blue velvet mini cupcakes for my first go at the Silicone pan.  I always have trouble with cupcakes ... even if I use the cupcake papers they never turn out nice for me.  They taste good (usually) but don't come out of the pan, break apart and just overall are not nice-looking.  This batch I made I did overfill the cups but it was really easy to use.  I sprayed the pan with some olive oil baking spray just in case and then filled them with my batter and popped them in the oven.

20 minutes later, I had perfect mini cupcakes.  AND I didn't even have to use a spoon or knife to get them out - I just used my fingers and pulled each one out.  And NOT ONE broke apart coming out of the pan!  This made me a believer :)  The pan is so easy to clean too because it is so pliable.  I love it and it didn't leave burn marks like my regular metal pans do.  Once I cleaned it up it looked like new!  Superb product and I am so grateful to Grazia for allowing me to review it for them.  

So what are you waiting for?????  Go HERE and order one or more of these for yourself and/or as gifts right now!  I promise it will make your baking life much easier!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Dead of Night by Carlyle Labuschagne Cover Reveal only 3 days away!

Are you ready???  Are you sure???  Because this is going to be a SUPER Cover Reveal!!!

There are just THREE days until the hot cover reveal of Carlyle Labuschgne 's Dead of Night!

 
Add this book to your Goodreads now by clicking on the image above and don't miss out on the fantastic cover reveal :)

The Broken Destiny 

Evanescent A Broken Novel

Dead of night coming October 2014

Absolution coming November 2014

Carlyle will be at UtopYA Con in Nashville this year!

 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Blog | Amazon | Kobo | Indiebound 

Bio

Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African award winning author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her first two books in the Broken Trilogy. Her first young adult dystopian novel "The Broken Destiny" reached top 3 in its YA debut Category. The Sequel Evanescent won YATR literary award for best Sci-Fi book 2013 and was nominated for IRC best Indie Novel and Indie cover award 2014.

“My goal as an author is to touch people’s lives, and help others love their differences and one another.”

 She is not only an author, but works as a marketing manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at College SA.  

Carlyle loves to swim, fights for the trees, food lover and cappuccino addict who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle also writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the second annual book drive – Help Build A Library in Africa Project. And hopes to launch her very own Indie book festival in Johannesburg March 2015.

This year she launched her first student mentorship program in the form of a writing contest, the winner will walk away with a publishing package.

 

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum Review

 

Link to my review on Amazon:

Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum

#BSEY3QBA

• 20% Vitamin C + Amino Complex + Hyaluronic Acid Is The Absolute Highest Quality Vitamin C Serum Available
• This Vitamin C Serum Is Proven To Stimulate Collagen & Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles
• This Vitamin C Serum Will Leave Your Skin Radiant & More Youthful Looking By Neutralizing Free Radicals
• Made in the USA In Our Advanced FDA Registered Facility
• 98% Natural 72% Organic - No Parabens & No Alcohol

 

This is an awesome product!  I used it for a week and my skin feels so refreshed and clean!  The combination of the aminos and hyaluronic acid is amazing and just makes you feel so good!  Besides that the benefits to your skin are wonderful.  I even used a little bit on my nails just to see if it helped ... and guess what???  It DID!  I have terrible nails - I can't grow them, they break too easily and I have tried all the over the counter nail strengtheners - nothing worked.  This stuff has made my nails look a lot healthier and I am hoping to be able to grow them out now :)

I am only 38 but it is never too early to start worrying about anti-aging!   And this product is not full of all the yucky chemicals that cause problems with your skin and can actually cause premature aging.  My skin is very oily and I don't have that natural "glow" that a lot of people do :(  But I must say after using this product that has changed - my skin is not dry but it actually has a nice feel to it and is looking great!  I would definitely buy this product again and I hope you decide to give it a trial run and judge for yourself just how great it is!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Mystelic Beauty Natures Best Vitamin C Serum Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

Mystelic Beauty Vitamin C Serum

• Clinically Test and Proven to Stimulate Collagen, Reversing the Effects of Aging.
• This is the Highest Quality Vitamin C Serum Available on the Market, Guaranteed to Work.
• Our Serum will remove Toxins & create Collagen, Diminishing fine Lines & Wrinkles.
• Organic Ingredients make this product perfect for all skin types, dry, oily, sensitive.
• Manufactured in the U.S.A by our Top of the Line FDA Certified Cosmetic Lab.

This product is very easy to use every day, all you do is rub it into your skin (make sure your face is clean first) and you only need a few drops to get the job done :)

I have very oily skin and lots of acne.  After using this product my skin feels great and my acne has been lessened after just a few days of use!

This is a very fresh-smelling product, you can smell the citrus which I personally LOVE!  No pain or burning during application occurred.  The serum itself is a milky white smooth and silky liquid.  You just pull out the applicator, drip some of your finger and rub it into your face!  Couldn't be easier to apply and takes less than a minute to do.  Best time to do it is morning after your shower or evening after washing off the makeup :)

With sensitive skin it is very hard to find a product that works, actually nothing has worked like the Vitamin C Serum.

I promise you won't be disappointed in this product, it is not extremely expensive which is great for most people, and it is easy to get at Amazon!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Pimsleur Spanish 1 Language Learning Course Review

 

Link to my review on Amazon:

Pimsleur Spanish 1

About the Product: Pimsleur Spanish Level 1 Language Learning Course
Learn Spanish w/Dr. Pimsleur's Rapid Learning Method, Featured on PBS. Hold Real Conversations! Beginner Spanish to Intermediate Fast! Press Play, Listen, Learn - 30 Lessons/16 Audio CDs
Learn Spanish on the Go with Pimsleur - In Your Car, On the Plane, Anywhere... No Books, No DVDs, No Software Required! Pimsleur Spanish Level 1 is the easiest & fastest course available to start holding Spanish conversations.
• Highly effective, 100% audio-based learning
• Based on Dr. Pimsleur's famous research. Learn the Spanish language simply by listening & speaking
• Perfect for travelers, business executives, students & anyone who wants to hold real conversations
• No reading, writing, memorization, textbooks
• Just 30-minutes/day!
• Easily download onto your mp3 player
• No software (unlike Rosetta Stone & Fluenz) The Pimsleur method is an audio-only approach unlike any other available. Its revolutionary scientific system allows you to lock language material in your brain after just one listen!Takes you from beginner Spanish to a basic intermediate level in thirty, 30-minute Pimsleur Spanish lessons - 16 hours of real-life speaking sessions on 16 Spanish language learning audio CDs.
• Initiate & hold face-to-face conversations
• Handle everyday situations - ask for information, directions, & give basic information about yourself
• Participate in casual conversations
• Avoid basic cultural errors & handle travel requirements
• Establish rapport with strangers in foreign countries
• Begin sounding out words with native-like pronunciation About Dr. Pimsleur: Dr. Paul Pimsleur was a legendary linguist at universities around the world. His world-famous, scientifically-proven Pimsleur method has helped millions of people learn new languages quickly & easily. Featured on PBS - Purchased by the FBI. 

I took 4 years of Spanish in High School as well as 2 years in College, I used to be pretty fluent in it.  But after many years of not using it much I have gotten rusty and although I can still "entiende" (understand) a lot of it, it would be very hard for me to carry on a conversation in Spanish.  So when I started listening to the first CD I knew I would understand a lot more than someone who had no previous Spanish knowledge.  I am very impressed by the way the CD is laid out - the repetition of common Spanish words and then asking you to repeat them is great!  It will tell you a word or phrase like "Perdon" (Pardon) several times and then it asks you try saying it.  But then it goes on to break down the words to make them easier to pronounce.  So perdon was broken down into per and don and of course repeated several times giving you a chance to say it out loud.  And even though they go on to different phrases they will come back to what you learned a little while ago to make sure you remember it - repetition WORKS.

 

For those who struggle with English tenses, learning Spanish can be very helpful.  Because in Spanish each of their verbs is spoken differently depending on who you are speaking to or about.  Such as I, you (formal), we, you (informal).  There are 6 tenses total for Spanish and once you learn those 6 tenses you can pretty much transform any verb easily.  There are some tricky ones but this program does give you the tenses separately so that you can learn them one at a time.  It starts with the "I" tense.  The word "entender" (understand) would be "entiendo" in the "I" tense.  So Yo Entiendo Espanol would mean I Understand Spanish.  Tu Entiendes Ingles?  Do you understand English?  Amos/Emos is the tense that is used for us/we.  Entendemos Espanol.  We understand Spanish.  Once you get those tenses down it becomes MUCH easier to translate each word into the correct tense.  

This program features both male and female speakers and there are several so that you can hear the differences in their voices and accents.  In total there are 16 CDs so you would be getting a FULL course of Spanish in a very easy to understand and learn format!  This would be great for kids who may be struggling to learn a language for grade school, high school, college or even adults who want to learn a second language :)  Pimsleur also has a French course which I would love to get as well.  They did not offer French when I was in school and when I got into college I already had the good base knowledge in Spanish so I chose to stay in that.  I would like to be able to speak French as well though because I do a LOT of reading from the Victorian period as that was my degree in college and there are a lot of French phrases that I would love to be able to read :)  

 

Overall I am extremely happy with this set and I can't wait to continue re-learning Spanish and then passing it on to my daughter to learn!  I highly recommend this product for all ages.  This program is extremely easy to listen to anywhere including being able to download it onto your smartphone or mp3 player and listen while jogging or working!

***I received a complimentary copy of this product in exchange for an open and honest review - I received no other compensation*** 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.