You Can Never Die by Harry Bliss GIVEAWAY!

 New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss loved his sweet dog Penny, a joyful part of his life for seventeen years. Every day that he cared for his beloved pet, Harry joked with her, talked to her, and drew the adorable creature―Penny’s presence is unmistakably, hilariously incorporated into Harry’s iconic cartoons. In one, he gazes up at the night sky, remarking on the vastness of outer space, while she digs into the ground, unbothered, fuzzy tail wagging in the air.

Harry grew up in a family of artists, a rowdy and turbulent bunch, and attended art school in Philadelphia. A therapist once suggested that perhaps when he looked at Penny, he saw himself as an innocent child. As Harry grieves Penny’s loss, he reflects on his parents in their later years, his love for his wife and home, and the colorful artists, friends, and mentors who have shaped him.

With humor and gut-wrenching honesty, You Can Never Die is an intimate portrayal of a man making sense of the beautiful and painful world around him. This singular memoir integrates sharply crafted, witty stories with hundreds of gorgeous cartoons and never-seen-before sketches from Bliss’s career.

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You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir: Bliss, Harry: 9781250883681: Amazon.com: Books

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Harry Bliss is an internationally syndicated cartoonist and cover artist for the New Yorker magazine. His self titled Cartoon 'Bliss' appears in newspapers throughout the United States, Japan and Canada. Bliss has illustrated over 25 books for children and is currently collaborating with entertainer Steve Martin on books of cartoons. Harry Bliss is the founder of the CCS Cornish Residency Fellowship for graphic novelists, located in Cornish New Hampshire.

www.harrybliss.com

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry Giveaway!

 The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?

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Shield of Sparrows (Deluxe Limited Edition): Perry, Devney: 9781649378514: Amazon.com: Books

Devney is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

I don't normally read this genre but after reading Shield of Sparrows I will be reading it at least by this author. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it; I could not put it down. I can't wait for the next book to come!
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Animals of the National Parks

 

America's national parks are some of the most magical places in the world, and home to a diverse array of creatures, both well known and more unusual. From American Bison (which are also the largest mammals in the parks) to flying squirrels (which can glide the length of a football field) to Xeme (which take two full years to grow their adult feathers), this picture book takes children on an enchanting alphabetical adventure through the natural world.

The book features fascinating facts about each animal, including information on where they can be found. A passport page to record visits and an illustrated map of all the national parks will encourage children and their families to make the most of every trip. With beautifully evocative art that's nostalgic yet contemporary, this is a special gift for outdoor and national park lovers of all ages.

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Amazon.com: Animals of the National Parks: An Alphabet Book: 9780593837344: Fifty-Nine Parks: Books

Fifty-Nine Parks is a beloved and renowned art collective that believes public lands and the art of printmaking are worth preserving. They are known for their original poster art, which celebrates America’s national parks and features the work of prominent artists from all around the world. Fifty-Nine Parks donates proceeds of its poster sales to the National Park Service and the series is archived by the Library of Congress. This book was created in collaboration with Fifty-Nine Parks and New York Times bestselling illustrator Kim Smith.

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson Giveaway!

 He was never going to leave the island, and she wasn't going to stay. But if she walked away, she would always wonder . . .

For digital content creator Cretia Martin, home is wherever her carry-on suitcase lands. And it's constantly landing in new places as she travels the world. She's never been interested in settling in one spot--after all, houses are just places that collect junk and tie you down. But when she literally bumps into local dog breeder Finn Chaffey on Prince Edward Island and all the tools of her trade end up in the harbor, she can't exactly leave until she gets things sorted out.

Finn is horrified by the part he played in the accident and offers to help, arranging for Cretia to stay with a friend at the beautiful Red Door Inn. The longer Cretia is forced to remain in one place, the more she discovers what she's been missing with life on the road--and the more she wants to see Finn and his business succeed. But helping him means staying put, the one thing she always swore she wouldn't do, and risking the only thing she's never put on the line--her heart. 

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Sometimes You Stay: (A Sweet, Clean, Contemporary Romance with forced proximity trope set on Prince Edward Island): Liz Johnson: 9780800744892: Amazon.com: Books

By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.

I was looking for a fun light read, and I found it. I have enjoyed the Read Door Inn series this one might be my favorite. I love the traveling influencer; I want to travel and tell people about all the places.
The whole don't be like your mom made this a fun read.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher GIVEAWAY!

 She's ready for adventure--isn't she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain--and the bears--better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

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Capture the Moment: A Clean Sweet Summer Romance Novel with a Park Ranger and a Wildlife Photographer in Grand Teton National Park: Suzanne Woods Fisher: 9780800745318: Amazon.com: Books

Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne's website at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

What a sweet romance with a little mystery this one was. Not Fisher normal story or setting. It makes me want to go to a national park now. It was so much fun to read.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Summer on Camp May by Monica Garner GIVEAWAY!

 Fast friends since forever, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share a special love for the historical beach town of Cape May. For Lu, it was a welcome escape from the corporate arena into a simpler life—owning a B&B with her soon-to-be-husband, Zach. . . . Kenya fell for Cape May's tranquil shores and believed she and her high school sweetheart would be there together forever. . . . And family vineyard owner Natalia feels it’s the perfect place to complete her happy marriage with the baby—or babies—she desperately longs for . . .

But as the trio plans Lu's lavish wedding, the bride-to-be is stunned when the estranged father she thought was dead shows up to make amends—and throws her every certainty about family and love into heartbreaking doubt. Meanwhile, widowed Kenya is drawn to a kind, attractive stranger, even as she wonders if passion is enough to risk her future on. And when Natalia uncovers an unthinkable betrayal, the secrets she and her friends have kept from each other will explode across the long summer nights . . .

Moving and relatable, here is a captivating story of true sisterhood, and the ties that challenge us—and help us heal.

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Summer on Cape May: Garner, Monica: 9781496750402: Amazon.com: Books

Monica Garner writes women's fiction. Her novel Summer on Cape May is scheduled for release in April of 2025. She is the co-author of Road Trip, a novel written in collaboration with Electa Rome Parks.

Her alter-ego Monica Richardson writes romance. Her debut romance title, AN ISLAND AFFAIR, was released in 2015 by Harlequin's Kimani Romance. She currently has 4 books that are a part of that Talbots of Harbour Island series. And her latest romance novel, The Last Sunset Over Mexico, was released in March of 2021 by Rose Gold Press.

Her alter-ego, Monica McKayhan currently has 11 titles in print. Four are adult novels, and 7 are young adult titles. The first book in her young adult series, Indigo Summer, was the launch title for Harlequin's imprint, Kimani TRU which made its debut in January of 2007. That same year in May, Indigo Summer snagged the #7 position on the Essence bestsellers list, another first for Kimani Press. It also appeared on the bestsellers list in the May 2007 issue of Black Issues Book Review (BIBR). Indigo Summer appeared on the American Library Association (ALA)'s list of 2008, 2009 & 2010 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Monica's young adult title, Ambitious, appeared on the ALA's list of 2013 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults. In 2009, Monica received a film option from Karat Films for the first five books in the INDIGO SUMMER series. And Tropical Fantasy was her last title as Monica Mckayhan.

Fortunate Harbor by Davis Bunn GIVEAWAY!

 It’s a promise of better things to come . . .

With its colorful history, and miles of sand, tide, and windswept oaks, North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a paradise for locals and tourists alike. For Curtis Gage, returning after nineteen years to be the new assistant manager of a 5-star, ocean-front resort, it’s a chance to start a new life—and come to terms with an old one. This is where his father, a revered police chief, died in the line of duty. Whisked away by his mother when he was just a child, Curtis always yearned to come back and reclaim this magnificent necklace of islands as home.

But he never imagined the risks . . .

This coastal haven is in attorney Rae Alden’s blood, and the resort’s expansion is encroaching on precious Fortunate Harbor. For Rae and the old-town families she represents, their generations-old heritage is not for sale for all the money in the world. Who’d have guessed that the ordeal would tie Rae to Curtis, a childhood sweetheart whose family tragedy once converged, fatefully, with her own past? The landgrab is reuniting them in more ways than one. Because the property is more valuable than even Rae believed. The proof is in a secret deed and a long-lost map to a bona fide buried treasure.

If pirate legends, rekindled romance, and real-life adventure aren’t enough to make the heart pound, Curtis and Rae discover they aren’t the only ones hunting. In love and in danger, they have each other, and are finding a place to call home. That alone is a fortune worth fighting for.

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Fortunate Harbor (An Outer Banks Novel): Bunn, Davis: 9781496754226: Amazon.com: Books

Davis Bunn's novels have sold in excess of eight million copies in twenty-six languages. He has appeared on numerous national bestseller lists, and his titles have been Main or Featured Selections with every major US bookclub. In 2011 his novel Lion of Babylon was named Best Book of the Year by Library Journal. His recent title Trial Run has been named Best Book of The Year by Suspense Magazine. Lately he has appeared on the cover of Southern Writers Magazine, Retailing, and Publishers Weekly, and his titles have earned Starred and Top Pick awards from Library Journal, RT Reviews, Booklist, and Kirkus. His most recent series, Miramar Bay, have been acquired for world-wide condensation-books by Readers Digest. Currently Davis serves as Writer-In-Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He speaks around the world on aspects of creative writing.

Davis is so descriptive. The setting was great It didn't hurt that I love North Caralina being I live there.
The story just took me away. I didn't want the story to end. Such a sweet romance.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.