Spotlight & Giveaway: The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom by Kim Davis

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(The Board Game Chronicles, #1)
Publication date: January 30th 2024
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Middle-Grade

Synopsis:

Book includes a fun recipe for kids!

Amber Addison is fed up with her kindergartener sister. It’s Ava’s fault she’s missing her best friend’s birthday party, the most anticipated event in their sixth-grade class. To make matters worse, Ava has coerced her into playing Sweet Treats board game and she keeps losing to a five-year-old. When Amber’s irritation gets the best of her, she throws the game, destroying it.

As the board disintegrates, the two girls are swept into a swirling vortex and they find themselves in the middle of Sweet Treats kingdom. Ava is kidnapped by an evil queen, and Amber finds herself relying on a mint-green rabbit to help her find her way to Bonbon Castle with the hope of finding her sister. Along the way, she encounters more sweets than she could ever eat along with fantastical beings. Some will become her friend and others create danger that she must survive in order to save her sister and find their way home.

Excerpt

A rumbling sound filled my ears and the ground started tilting and rolling. The light hanging over the dining room table began swaying and the wood mini-blinds rubbing against the windows sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard. 

“Amber?” Ava grabbed my hand and held on tight. 

“Don’t worry. It’s just an earthquake.” Growing up in Southern California you got used to this kind of thing. “Remember what they taught you at school? Drop, cover, and hold on?” 

I pulled her toward the dining room table to hide beneath it, although I was positive by the time we got into position the quake would be over. 

We were ten steps away from the table when Ava stopped walking. She yanked my arm and started pulling me backward, toward the family room. I heard the crash of glass breaking on the kitchen tile and was glad I had flip-flops on. Our family portrait fell from the dining room wall, the glass splintering from the black frame sent shards of glass flying across the room. A small piece caught my ankle, sending a sting up my leg. 

“Knock it off, shrimp. We need to get under the table right now!” While I had been in several earthquakes, this felt different. It wasn’t slowing or stopping, like I thought it would. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was scared. Could this be the “big one” grownups talked about? 

Instead of letting me lead her toward the dining table, Ava began pulling me harder toward the family room. With my feet sliding on the slick tile, I couldn’t stop. 

“What’s that?” I had never heard my sister screech like that before, so I turned around to see what she was talking about. 

The small fragments of the Sweet Treats board game were hovering in midair, swirling in a circle, going faster and faster. The floor tilted us toward the flying pieces, and we were slipping toward the growing whirlwind. The edge of the vortex was expanding outward at a rapid rate, while the center was a dark, black hole. It looked like a giant vacuum hose, and it was sucking us toward it. 

My terrified sister started screaming, clinging to my legs. “Do something, Amber!” 

I started shrieking as I tripped over Ava, and we were pulled head first into the middle of the vortex.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband and mini Goldendoodle puppy, Missy. When she's not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing the puppy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

She also writes the Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, the Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, The Board Game Chronicles middle grade series, and a suspense novel, A Game of Deceit, written under K. A. Davis, along with several children’s nature articles in a variety of magazines.

Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. 

Connect:

https://kimdavisauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KimDavisAuthor

https://twitter.com/Kookiesandbooks

https://www.instagram.com/kimdavishb/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kim-davis-899e51b0-5661-401c-98b1-ec4c2973d58a

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20202599.Kim_Davis

Spotlight: When the Red Bird Flies by Courtney Reames Haydell

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George and Murphy are two brothers who share everything - toys, secrets, and especially the love for their sweet grandmother. But one day, she goes to Heaven, and the brothers miss her a lot.

Then, something amazing happens. Bright red birds start showing up wherever they go. These aren't just any birds; they seem special. Following these birds, George and Murphy go on a big adventure. Along the way, they learn that these birds have messages from their grandmother!

The story of When the Red Bird Flies is like a big, warm hug. It tells us that even when someone we love goes away, they're still with us in different ways. Sometimes, they might send signs to let us know they're watching over us. All we have to do is pay attention and believe.

So, join George and Murphy as they learn about love, memories, and the magical ways the world tells us that we're never truly alone. With every chirp and flutter of the red bird's wings, they find a little more happiness and remember all the fun times they had with their grandmother.

Excerpt

On a cold night in November, a loving grandmother had gained her heavenly wings—this left all her family in tears but especially George. George said “How will we go on without her? I will miss her so terribly much, Mommy.” His parents told him that he would never be alone, that his grandmother may have left but she is still here—right here. “You can feel her, but you can’t see her. If we believe enough and ask her to send us signs to let us know she is watching over us, she will do just that—always look for the signs when you need them most.”

Shortly after his grandmother’s passing, George celebrated his seventh birthday. His parents tucked him into bed on the evening of his birthday. As his mom closed his door, she whispered: “Close your eyes and make a wish.” So, he did—he wished for his grandmother to send him a sign to let him know she is still with him.

Buy on Amazon Hardcover | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Courtney Reames Haydell, born to Bonnie Carville Reames and Michael Wilks Reames, is the youngest among six siblings.  Hailing from a small town in Louisiana, she’s an author deeply rooted in familial ties and the wonder of nature.  Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and surroundings, her stories often touch upon themes of love, loss and healing.  Courtney currently resides in Texas, where she finds joy in the company of her husband and two sons.  Through her writing, she hopes to touch young hearts, helping them navigate through life’s profound moments.

Connect:

Twitter: @Bookgal

Instagram: @therealbookgal

Amazon: https://amzn.to/48IaXgh

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203611917-when-the-red-bird-flies

Spotlight A Cup of Love: Relationship Goals for Kids by Michael Todd and Joel Santana, Illustrator

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In his first children’s book, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Relationship Goals shares a tender story that helps kids understand how our families are strengthened by God’s love.

Drawing on key ideas from his #1 New York Times bestseller Relationship Goals, Pastor Michael Todd offers a fun and sweet tale about how developing a close relationship with God spills over into healthy relationships with our family and friends.

Seven-year-old Isabella loves spending time with her mom and dad, so she feels left out when they prepare to go on a date night without her. Her father brings her into the kitchen and uses the faucet, a pitcher, and cups of water to illustrate how God fills him and Isabella’s mom with love, and they pour love into each other by taking time for their relationship. Then all that love overflows onto their kids! When we make room for ourselves to be filled with God's love and care for our most important relationships, nobody’s “cup of love” will run dry.

Buy on Amazon | Audible

Spotlight: Brave Howie and the Terrible Giant by Clark R. Burbidge

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Gold Medal Winner, Mom’s Choice Awards

In his picture book debut, award-winning author Clark Burbidge weaves together a Dr. Seuss style rhyme of bravery, courage, and kindness for parents, grandparents, children, and the young at heart to enjoy together. 

The kingdom of Snee is in great danger…can anyone save it?

The kingdom of Snee has always been a peaceful and happy place…until a terrible giant shows up. He torments the kingdom and troubles the people. He storms unexpectedly from his lair in the dark swampy forest and destroys their crops, homes, and wagons. 

The King is desperate and sends out pleas for heroes to end the giant’s reign of terror. Mighty knights and heroes come from near and far, but none can defeat the giant. Then, one day, a smallish, unimpressive boy answers the call for help. Brave Howie certainly does not look like a hero in armor that is a little too large for his small stature, and the people doubt his offer. 

Can this unlikely knight defeat the giant? How can one so small make a difference? He is the only one that thinks he has a chance. Join Brave Howie in his dangerous quest into the dark and fearsome swampy forest. Will he succeed or meet his doom?

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Clark Rich Burbidge was born and raised in the mountain valleys of the Rockies. He earned an MBA from the University of Southern California and a BS from the University of Utah. His finance career includes life as an investment banker and Chief Financial Officer, and his involvement in community and church service spans four decades. Clark and his sweetheart, Leah, live near Salt Lake City, Utah, where they enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain and road biking and sharing their lives with their blended family of 10 children and 11 grandchildren. He and his wife enjoy traveling, cycling, and scuba diving.

Spotlight: How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree by Stefanie Gamarra

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Date Published: Nov 14, 2023

Join Amelia and her best friend, Paco the polar bear, on a tooth-aching adventure in a world where cotton candy clouds and ice cream slides are just the beginning.

When they are almost running out of their favorite treat, marshmallows, Amelia's wild imagination leads the friends to an idea: a marshmallow tree!

But can you really grow a tree from a marshmallow? With a dash of school knowledge, a sprinkle of sugar, and some really bad dentist jokes, Amelia and Paco are determined to find out.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Stefanie Gamarra, full-time project manager, part-time marshmallow tree cultivator, has officially added 'children's book author' to her list of LinkedIn titles. While originally from Germany, she now calls the US home and peppers her debut children's book, 'How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree,' with a blend of transatlantic charm and humor.

She finds her greatest critics (and inspiration) in her two little ones, whose laughs and sticky marshmallow-covered kisses are the only literary recognition she's after.

Connect:

Author website: https://www.ameliaandpaco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshmallowtreepress/

Spotlight: A Pug's Tale: The Pawfect Match by Adam Palladino

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Date Published: December 2023

In the heartwarming tale, "A Pug's Tale: The Pawfect Match," meet Roy, an 8-year-old boy with a fervent desire for a loyal companion. His dream of having a pug named Chug becomes an enduring journey filled with anticipation. Through the moments of hopeful waiting and the ticking of time, Roy's wish is granted, and the enchanting story unfolds as he discovers the joy of finally having his pawfect match, a furry friend who becomes his inseparable companion and confidant. Join Roy on this touching adventure that celebrates the magic of friendship and the fulfillment of dreams.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Dr. Adam Palladino is a second-time author who wanted to publish a book that would bring humor to his students. As a K-12 educator and administrator, he showed his passion for learning and laughing by creating a pun-filled book. He currently resides in New York with his wife, LisaMarie. When he is not writing, you can find him studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, watching movies, walking around Barnes and Noble or being adventurous with his wife.

Dr. Palladino's first book, Terror in GuacamoleVille was a huge success, and the popularity of it continues to grow. If you have not received your copy yet, please pick yours up now!

Dr. Palladino's second book, A Pug's Tale: The Pawfect Match is a wonderfully adorable book for children from infancy to 8 years old. It has not yet been released, but when it does, please get your copy soon! Dr. Palladino will be traveling around the nation to promote both books, conduct read aloud, meet fans, and sign copies of his books. Please do not hesitate, get your copies today!

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terroringuacamoleville/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrP775883386312