July is a Blockbuster Month!

Hello everyone! Alright, so I will definitely grant you that it is difficult to discuss anything to do with Winter - especially when the air conditioner is cranked to the maximum and upstate New York is currently experiencing a heat wave with temperatures just under 90 degrees! Having said that, I was delighted to learn that for the entire month of July, there will be a blockbuster sale happening.

Yes, from Friday, July 1st, to Sunday, July 31st, 2016 - the independent author website Smashwords, will be hosting a gigantic 'Summer/Winter Sale'! While there are numerous authors taking part in the sale - too many to mention here, from every genre  - I was delighted to learn that the prolific author Kathryn Meyer Griffith will also be taking part in the Smashwords sale!

Ms. Griffith recently contacted me to let me know that ALL of her twenty-two current ebooks will be available in the 'Summer/Winter Sale'! The prices on her ebooks range from FREE to 50% off!!! Apparently, if you enter the code SSW50 at checkout, you will receive a discount of 50 percent. So, I would advise you all to take advantage of the Smashwords 'Summer/Winter Sale' as soon as you possibly can - I guarantee you that you won't regret it!

May you read well and often

Reading Wrap-up For May at Emeraldfire's Bookmark

Hello everyone out there and I hope that you all had a terrific reading month for yourselves. I am known as Emeraldfire around the Internet and this is my new personal reading blog.

Anyway, I started out May with about two hundred unread books lying around the house and ended the month with...umm...uncountable amounts of books unread. All of the books that I acquired this month came from authors, Bookmooch, Amazon.

Let me try to break down the influx for you:

Rereads
- Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe

Changes to the TBR pile

Read from my TBR pile (Yes! I am a reading machine :))
- Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba
- Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba
- The Wolf of Britannia Part I by Jess Steven Hughes

Added to my TBR pile (oh well, you win some and you lose some! :))
- The Counterfeit Heiress by Tasha Alexander
- A Christmas Homecoming by Anne Perry
- A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry

Taken off my TBR pile and sent to a new home (Yay! Happy Dance! :))

- Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba
- Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba
- Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

Well, there it is...the breakdown! All in all, a very good reading month for me, considering. Here's a further breakdown:

Books Read: 4
Pages Read: 808
Grade Range: A+! to A!

So, there you go! The reading month that was May. I hope that you all had an equally good reading month; if not a little better. :) See you all next month! :)

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For The Head of Medusa by Michelle Madow From June 29, 2016 to July 13, 2016 - Come Join Us!

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Michelle Madow will be touring the blogosphere to promote her young adult Fantasy novel The Head of Medusa. This is Ms. Madow's second virtual book tour with Barclay Publicity. She will be coming to a blog near you from June 29, to July 13, 2016! Come join us for all the fun!

Ms. Madow is also doing an awesome giveaway - she is giving away a signed paperback copy of The Prophecy of Shadows - the first book in her popular young adult fantasy series The Elementals - to one lucky winner at the end of her Blog Tour! Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

The Head of Medusa Blog Tour Information:

Meet Michelle Madow

Michelle Madow writes fast-paced YA (young adult) fiction that will leave you turning the pages wanting more! She grew up in Baltimore, and now lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she writes books for young adults. Some of her favorite things are: reading, traveling, pizza, time travel, Broadway musicals, and spending time with friends and family.

Michelle went on a cross-country road trip from Florida to California and back to promote her books and to encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. Someday, she hopes to travel the world for a year on a cruise ship.

Visit her website, www.michellemadow.com, to get books of Michelle's for FREE!

Connect and Socialize with Michelle!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

About The Head of Medusa:

The epic story of witches, gods, and monsters that USA Today called a "must read" continues in the third book of the Elementals Series!

When Nicole Cassidy moved to a new town, she discovered that she was a witch descended from gods. But that was nothing compared to learning that it was up to her and four others with mysterious elemental powers to help save the world from the Titans, who would soon return to Earth.

Now her relationship with Blake - the fire Elemental - is finally heating up. But she must remain focused, because Typhon, one of the deadliest creatures in history, has escaped from the weakening prison world. Only one object can destroy him - the head of Medusa herself.

Follow the Elementals as they journey to the end of the Earth, facing choices that will put their lives and the entire world at risk. Will they all survive the mission? Find out in the riveting third book in the Elementals Series, The Head of Medusa.

Filled with magic, thrilling adventure, and sweet romance, Elementals 3: The Head of Medusa is the latest installment in Michelle Madow’s exciting Elementals Series. Follow Nicole and her fellow Elementals as they journey to the end of the world, unsure of who to trust, and facing choices that will put their lives and the entire world at risk. Will they all survive the mission? And if they don’t, will the ones who do be able to find the strength to continue?

Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Enter to win a signed copy of Elementals I: The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Head of Medusa Book Publicity Tour Schedule:

June 29th - Review at 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!

June 29th - Review at Ana Loves

June 29th - Review at Beyond the Book Reviews

June 29th - Review at Carrie's Book Reviews

June 29th - Spotlight at Books and Photographs

June 29th - Review at Happy Tails and Tales Blog

June 29th - Spotlight at Just Books

June 29th - Spotlight at What is That Book About

June 29th - Spotlight at Love, Laugh and Read

June 29th - Spotlight at BookHounds YA

June 30th - Review at An Infinite Book World
June 30th - Review at Fiona Reads and FoodSpots
June 30th - Review at Kayl's Krazy Obsession
June 30th - Review at Lisa Loves Literature
June 30th - Spotlight at Random Things in Action
June 30th - Spotlight at The Secrets in Books
June 30th - Review at Vibin With Books
June 30th - Spotlight at What the Cat Read
July 1st - Review at Booking With Lana
July 1st - Review at Julian's Book Angels
July 1st - Review at Rainy Days and Pajamas
July 1st - Spotlight at Starbound With Books
July 2nd - Spotlight at Becky's Barmy Book Blog
July 2nd - Spotlight at I Smell Sheep
July 2nd - Review at St. Sisters Book Reviews
July 4th - Review at Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 4th - Spotlight at Haddie's Haven
July 4th - Spotlight at Wonder Struck
July 5th - Review at A Bookish Escape
July 5th - Review at Sofia Loves Books
July 5th - Review at Voracious Bookling
July 5th - Spotlight at Amy's Bookish Life
July 6th - Review at MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It Book Reviews
July 6th - Review at Nic's Book Pics
July 6th - Spotlight at Emeraldfire's Bookmark
July 7th - Review at Dazzled by Books
July 7th - Spotlight at Mythical Bat Reviews
July 7th - Spotlight at The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange
July 7th - Review at Bookish Youth
July 8th - Review at Functioning Insanity Reviews
July 8th - Spotlight at Just Us Book Blog
July 8th - Review at Story For Dessert
July 8th - Spotlight at The Grace Lucy Review
July 11th - Spotlight at Deal Sharing Aunt
July 11th - Review at Rolo Polo Book Blog
July 11th - Review at T and L Book Reviews
July 11th - Review at One Book Two
July 12th - Spotlight at Just Paranormal Romance
July 12th - Review at My YA NA Book Obsession
July 13th - Review at Amanda's Book Nook
July 13th - Review at Mama Reads Hazel Sleeps
July 13th - Spotlight at Whovianwholikesgirls
July 13th - Review at What's Beyond Forks
July 13th - Review at Bookwyrming Thoughts

May you read well and often

Jess Steven Hughes - The Wolf of Britannia Part I

11. The Wolf of Britannia Part I by Jess Steven Hughes (2015)
The Sign of the Eagle Trilogy Book 1
Length: 321 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Started: 1 May 2016
Finished: 27 May 2016
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 26 April 2016
Why do I have it? I like historical fiction and Jess Steven Hughes is a new author for me.

Britain during the first century is a divided land - a fragmented and unsettled country populated by a myriad of warring Celtic tribes. Thus, it is also a land ripe for invasion from the military might of imperial Rome. Knowing that the Roman juggernaut would love nothing more than to subjugate Britain to the will of the Roman Empire, a young warrior prince must somehow unite his people.

The soon-to-be-legendary Prince Caractacus realizes that he must find a way to unite the southern tribes if they are all to survive. Imperial Rome is proving to be a cunning and strategic adversary; a dangerous enemy more threatening and powerful than either Caractacus or his people could possibly have imagined. Britain surely faces an epic battle for its very survival.

Standing beside the eminent Prince Caractacus is his wife, Rhian, a warrior princess who takes no prisoners. She is the first woman Caractacus has ever loved, and is also a force to be reckoned with in her own right. With her support and that of his other allies, Caractacus must outsmart Adminios - his traitorous older brother who is determined to take the throne. Adminios is aided in his devious plans by a conniving Roman diplomat and a tribal chieftain who is in the pockets of the Romans.

Caractacus' mission is a necessary one, but also incredibly difficult to fulfill. He must not only save his country from the pending onslaught of the Roman Empire, but also from a more insidious internal threat: his own people's treachery. As the various combatants begin to emerge from the shadows and prepare themselves for battle, Caractacus knows that he must succeed in his mission...or else die trying.

I have always enjoyed reading historical epics and The Wolf of Britainnia Part I by Jess Steven Hughes was no different. In my opinion, this story was well-developed and intriguing. At no point in the story did I feel like I was reading a dry, step-by-step historical account.

I found myself quickly immersed in the story and freely admit that I got lost in the plot. I really connected with many of the characters and I'm avidly waiting to find out what happens in the next installment of this trilogy. I give The Wolf of Britainnia Part I by Jess Steven Hughes an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Book Blurb and Cover Reveal Blog Tour For The Portal of Kerberos by Michelle Madow From June 24, 2016 to July 9, 2016 - Come Join Us!

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Michelle Madow will be touring the blogosphere to promote her young adult fantasy The Portal to Kerberos. This virtual book blurb release and cover reveal tour is being hosted by Barclay Publicity and will last from June 25, to July 8, 2016!

Ms. Madow is also doing an awesome giveaway on her website - she is giving away an Amazon Kindle Fire to one lucky winner at the end of her Blog Tour. This giveaway will run from June 24th to July 9th, 2016! Be sure to enter the KingSumo giveaway below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

The Portal to Kerberos Blog Tour Information:

Meet Michelle Madow

Michelle Madow writes fast-paced YA (young adult) fiction that will leave you turning the pages wanting more! She grew up in Baltimore, and now lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she writes books for young adults. Some of her favorite things are: reading, traveling, pizza, time travel, Broadway musicals, and spending time with friends and family.

Michelle went on a cross-country road trip from Florida to California and back to promote her books and to encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. Someday, she hopes to travel the world for a year on a cruise ship.

Visit her website, www.michellemadow.com, to get books of Michelle's for FREE!

Connect and Socialize with Michelle!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

About The Portal to Kerberos:

She will venture into hell to save the one she loves.

After being betrayed by one of their own, Nicole watches helplessly as Blake is snatched into the prison world of Kerberos - along with Medusa’s head, which is the one item they need to stop the Titans from rising again. Now Nicole and the other Elementals must enter the portal, find Blake, and bring him and Medusa’s head back to Earth before the deadly monster Typhon returns and wreaks havoc on the world. But there’s one catch - their elemental powers don’t work in Kerberos. In a dimension designed to make those within it lose touch with reality, and that's filled with dangerous creatures who want to stop them from completing their task, will they make it out alive?

In this penultimate book of Nicole’s story, join the Elementals as they journey through hell to save the world…before it’s too late.

Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Michelle is hosting a giveaway for a Kindle Fire! To enter the giveaway click here!

May you read well and often

Deborah and James Howe - Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

10. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe (1979)

The Bunnicula Series Book 1

Length: 116 pages 

Genre: Horror 

Started: 19 May 2016

Finished: 21 May 2016
Where did it come from? From Bookmooch
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 14 April 2015
Why do I have it? I like horror and Deborah and James Howe are new authors for me.

The Monroe family is just a typical American family - and still is in many respects. However, little does this normal family realize how much their situation will change by the end of a particularly  dark and stormy night. The family pets - Harold the dog and Chester the cat are both spending a quiet night at home, while Mom and Dad Monroe and their two sons - eight-year-old Toby and ten-year-old Pete - are at the movies.

By the time that the Monroes return, they seem to have acquired an unexpected guest - a tiny cute-looking black and white bunny, that the boys found bundled up in the very last row of the movie theater. Obviously, such an innocent, harmless creature only needs a good home and a loving family to care for him. So, the Monroe family decides to take this homeless little waif back with them, and name him Bunnicula, in honor of the movie that they saw: Dracula.

Immediately, Harold and Chester's suspicions are raised. Apparently, all the diabolical signs are there - a seemingly heart-broken mother's message is pinned to the baby rabbit's blanket: "Take good care of my baby" is scrawled in an obscure foreign dialect; strains of exotic violin music echo hauntingly through the night; the desiccated husks of defenseless vegetables litter the Monroes' kitchen floor, although the peculiar bunny shows an obvious aversion to garlic. As Bunnicula slowly settles into his new home and family, Harold and Chester's ultimate mission soon becomes abundantly clear: Beware of the Hare!

The furry duo know that they must do everything within their power to protect the unsuspecting Monroe family from the frightening repercussions of their kindly actions. This well-meaning family has absolutely no inkling of the immense danger in which they have placed themselves. After all, Bunnicula's master plan of domestic domination is stunningly devious for all its quiet simplicity: "Today vegetables...tomorrow the world!" Before it gets too late, Harold and Chester must discover the truth about the newest addition to their household - the suspicious-looking bunny with the mesmerizing eyes and unusual behavior...and fangs!

I've actually read this book once before - when I was approximately ten years old. I had received this book from the Scholastic Book Club during one of the several times a year that the book club sent their newsletter around to all the school districts. The kids in my class were allowed to choose whichever books they wanted to buy, and I was usually the one kid who ended up having the most books stacked up on her desk. I have since lost my copy of this book but wanted to get another copy to keep in my collection.

I found this book to be easy-reading and to be extremely funny, although it seemed to be slightly dated for being written in 1979. I would still give this book an A! I think that I have some of Mr. Howe's books from this series somewhere on my bookshelf.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Introducing The Last Vampire by Kathryn Meyer Griffith!

I'm delighted to tell you all that Kathryn Meyer Griffith's EPIC EBOOK Awards  *FINALIST* for 2012 - the horror novel The Last Vampire - is currently $3.99 to download from Amazon. I have it on good authority - Ms. Griffith herself - that the Amazon sale will only last for a limited time. Since this is actually the first time that the book has ever been on sale, I would advise you all to take advantage of it while you still can!

I had the pleasure of reading Ms. Griffith's 2012 EPIC EBOOK Awards  *FINALIST* horror novel - The Last Vampire - back in December of 2010! Here is my review.

Meet Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Since childhood I’ve been an artist and worked as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before I quit to write full time. But I’d already begun writing novels at 21, over forty-two years ago now, and have had twenty (ten romantic horror, two horror novels, two romantic SF horror, one romantic suspense, one romantic time travel, one historical romance and three murder mysteries) previous novels, two novellas and twelve short stories published from Zebra Books, Leisure Books, Avalon Books, The Wild Rose Press, Damnation Books/Eternal Press; and I’ve self-published my last five novels with Amazon Kindle Direct and my dinosaur novels are my best-sellers.

I’ve been married to Russell for thirty-six years; have a son, James, and two grandchildren, Joshua and Caitlyn, and I live in a small quaint town in Illinois, which is right across the JB Bridge from St. Louis, Mo. We have three quirky cats, ghost cat Sasha and Cleo, and live cat Sasha (Too), and the five of us live happily in an old house in the heart of town. Though I’ve been an artist, and a folk singer in my youth with my brother Jim, writing has always been my greatest passion, my butterfly stage, and I’ll probably write stories until the day I die…or until my memory goes.

2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* for my horror novel The Last Vampire - Revised Author’s Edition ~ 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* for my thriller novel Dinosaur Lake.

Connect and Socialize with Kathryn!

Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

The Last Vampire by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2015)

Length: 419 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

The Last Vampire Blurb: 

Emma, watching the world disintegrate around her, finds herself alone, her family dead, and fighting off an unnatural hunger as she becomes one of the undead. Defying her unwanted destiny, she is determined to resist the bloodlust and loss of humanity she feels, and deny the need to kill and feed on human blood, for as long as she can bear it. But she is so hungry and the night calls...

May you read well and often