Only in September by Cynthia Flowers - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Only in September
by Cynthia Flowers

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GENRE:  Women's Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

When Jacqueline follows her trusty Labrador Bailey down a hidden path to the beach, she's unaware that her vacation plans on a small island off the New England coast has already taken her life in a new direction. Running into an unassuming local beach comber stirs new thoughts, desires, and a self-determination she never knew she possessed. Jacqueline will need to trust her instincts and make the most of what fate has in store if she wants the future that, until now, she has only dared to dream of.

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EXCERPT TWO:

During their return trip on the trail, they happened upon a series of small cottages. One of them was having exterior repairs done. The sudden screech of a buzz saw gave them a startle. Bailey was off leash and ran over to investigate. Stephen called after her.

The buzz saw suddenly stopped. Then someone from behind the cottage exclaimed, “Hey, I know you.”

The person behind the voice rushed out from behind the cottage and came into view. It was Michael. He looked at Jacqueline. Their eyes locked. She was happy to see him, and he seemed equally pleased to see her. Bailey jumped up on Michael like she had when they first met earlier in the week at the beach.

“Hey, there.” Michael motioned to Jacqueline. His smile was unavoidable.

Jacqueline slowly walked toward him. She didn’t want to seem too eager in front of Stephen.

“Do you two know each other?” Stephen inquired.

“Well, sort of,” Michael said with a chuckle. “We met at the beach the other day. Or, I should say, our dogs met at the beach. We just happened to be tagging along.”

Jacqueline broke her silence and elaborated further about how the pooches got along famously. “I meant to make it to the beach again before setting sail, but the week got away from us.”

“Don’t need to apologize to me. It’s Serendipity you need to square with. But unfortunately, she’s not with me today. Maybe another time,” Michael suggested.

“Considering we’re on the early afternoon ferry tomorrow, I don’t think that’s possible,” Stephen said deliberately and looked at Jacqueline to finish what he started. Instead, she looked down at Bailey to avoid Stephen’s gaze.

“Oh, well, I suspect you’ll be back, “Michael shot back. “It’s seldom that someone visits this island only once.”

As they started off, she lingered behind Stephen for a moment to clip Bailey’s collar to the leash and took the opportunity to mouth at Michael, “See you in the morning.”

He acknowledged her invitation with a wink.

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, Only in September, is an intriguing, captivating, and compelling women's fiction read! I felt immediately whisked away to this beautiful, tranquil, tiny tear drop island known as Block Island, and became fully immersed into Jacqueline and Bailey's story.

This book, Only in September, follows main character, Jacqueline and her adorable chocolate Labrador Retriever Bailey. Jacqueline and Bailey visit Block Island, but unlike the previous four year's vacation trips, this year is wildly different, as it's full of mysteries, secrets, vulnerabilities, and new adventures. What seemed like just a regular, yearly trip becomes anything but, when Jacqueline begins to see her life in a new light filled with exciting new possibilities and opportunities she's only dreamt of. Can Jacqueline find the strength, self-determination, and courage to follow this new path?

Only in September, is an inspiring and beautifully told story of a women's journey to true happiness, self-discovery, and well-being.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all women's fiction readers will be sure to like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

Cynthia Flowers, a recently retired advertising professional, now grant writer, resides with her husband and four-year old Labrador named Eddie, at their “sanctuary” in Upstate New York, Although previously published, this is Cynthia's first book of fiction. Early on in grade school, Cynthia looked forward to creative writing class and enjoyed reading her stories aloud to her eager classmates.

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AMAZON BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/Only-September-Cynthia-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0DWT79L6N

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Only-September-Cynthia-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0DWT79L6N

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GIVEAWAY:

Cynthia Flowers will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Owls of Wickenden Wood by Shauna Kramer Barnes - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

The Owls of Wickenden Wood
by Shauna Kramer Barnes

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GENRE:   Children's Picture Book

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BOOK BLURB:

Landing in a different reality, the hero of our story is challenged by wise and mysterious owls.

Will the storyteller be able to face their doubts and fears?

Or will they forever remain in the Wickenden Wood?

An inspiring, rhythmic tale, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and to trust in their own innate talents and abilities.

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EXCERPT TWO:

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "The Owls of Wickenden Wood," is a fun, interesting, and entertaining children's picture book filled with exciting adventures, rhyming sequences, and many, many owls!!

This book, "The Owls of Wickenden Wood," follows an unnamed main character who falls down a hole into a mysterious realm, Wickenden Wood. The main character is then greeted by several owls who demand that the character tells them a story - "that is fresh, that is new, and hopefully one that is funny too!" While the main character is hesitant, they are told they must comply in order to be free. Will the main character agree to the owls request? What story will they tell them? Will the owls allow the character to leave?

This book is ideal for out-loud story time and bedtime readings.

I enjoyed most of the rhyming sequences, however, I felt like some lines were awkwardly worded in order to complete the rhyme. In addition, I think some of the word choices were not suitable for younger learning to read material. For example, words such as: emitted, immense, reluctantly, enraptured, helm, and refrain are not only difficult for younger readers to pronounce, let alone recognize and understand.

Unfortunately, I feel like this book has no identity as none of the characters have names, ages, genders, or characteristics. While this can be seen as a universal identity, able to fit to any reader, I felt like it did the opposite as it seemed unrelatable, distant, and hard to connect to.

This book's blurb references having positive messages of "encouraging readers to believe in themselves and to trust in their own innate talents and abilities." While I do enjoy and appreciate that this book does encompass adventure, imagination, creativity, and curiosity, I found it a bit unsettling that the main character was demanded - more like forced to comply with the owls ultimatum. I'm not sure that was the best way to go about that - do what we say or you can never leave mentality. I love the idea of positively empowering young readers and encouraging them to bravely follow their imagination, fantasy, creativity, innovation, and beyond - and I think this book was trying to push toward that direction, but got a little lost in their rhymes over their message.

This book is filled with moderate abstract crayon illustrations. These illustrations are mostly comprised of dark crayon colors and are a bit more on the younger, drawing style side. However, I felt they were encouraging to young readers who would be inspired to get out their crayon sets and start drawing owls, trees, and leaves too!!

This book is 34 eBook pages cover-to-cover and filled with 16 pages of text and 11 pages of corresponding illustrations.

This book is appropriately “G” rated as there is no swearing, no gory violence, no adult situations, and no sexual content.

At this time, this book does not appear to be part of a book series.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it - especially to owl lovers!!  I think all young readers and their families will like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:

Shauna Kramer Barnes lives in Deep Cove, BC, with her husband and daughter. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the owls who reside in the true Wickenden Wood, she was inspired to write this story and hopefully tell a tale that entertains.

Website:

https://shaunakramerbarnes.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/SHAUNAB303

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GIVEAWAY:

Shauna will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey! There are MONSTERS at My House! by Marlene Thalman - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey! There are MONSTERS at My House!
Reggie and Rufus Series
Book One
by Marlene Thalman

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GENRE:   Children's Picture Book

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BOOK BLURB:

Reggie is a young child who is afraid of the dark and worries about monsters. He and his pet cat, Rufus, try to find monsters in various places but they are unsuccessful. Reggie starts to doubt that monsters are real when he begins to find natural explanations for what he mistakenly believed were monsters. Rufus is often mistaken by Reggie as a monster. Reggie continues to face his fears about monsters while protectively caring for Rufus. Reggie is very brave during the day but his fear of the dark makes him less secure at night.

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EXCERPT THREE:

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "Hey! There are MONSTERS at My House!," is an adorable, fun, charming, exciting children's read filled with entertaining adventures, clever rhyming sequences, and bright, vibrant illustrations!!

"Hey! There are MONSTERS at My House!," was such a fun book to read out loud! The clever rhymes and exciting monster hunt adventure kept this family completely engaged, and quickly flipping the pages curious to find out what happened next.

This book follows Reggie and his pet cat, Rufus, in their pursuit of tracking down monsters that may be hiding in their house.

Young readers and their families will be able to easily relate to this narrative of fear of the dark and fear of monsters. This book provides a positive experience tackling these common fears and shows readers how regular household items can appear scary in the dark. For example, in the dark, buttons or circles on a t-shirt can look like monster eyes, or a plush teddy bear can look like a frightening monster shape, but in the end they are still harmless everyday items.

This book is easy to follow along as young readers bravely join Reggie and Rufus looking both high and low for any hidden monsters around their home. While on the hunt, Reggie also contemplates the basis of monsters and ponders what monster's look like, why they are frightening, why they only come out at night, why they hide in dark and spooky places, and why they want to scare people. These are all very interesting questions that not only add value and context to the book, but also help breakdown the foundation of a monster - shining light on these imaginary, mythical creatures - creating a path toward vanquishing these scary, terrifying fears.

I was truly impressed with the quality and quantity of rhyming sequences in this book. In the past, I've noticed other children's book authors often try to achieve this goal, but it can be difficult to find the right word for your story that also rhymes and is an appropriately aged word that a child can read and understand. Marlene Thalman brilliantly showed off her rhyming skills and accomplished such a feat in her new book, "Hey! There are MONSTERS at My House!"

This book is ideal for bedtime story time and as a learning to read to book. Plus, I think this book would be an excellent addition for any young readers experiencing fear of the dark, fear of monsters, or fear of their home's scarier rooms like basements and attics.

This book is a moderately quick read at 52 Paperback pages cover-to-cover and filled with 23 pages of text and 23 pages of corresponding illustrations.

This book is appropriately “G” rated as there is no swearing, no gory violence, no adult situations, and no sexual content.

This book is Book One in the new book series, "Reggie and Rufus." "Hey! There are MONSTERS at My House!,"is a wonderful start to what seems to be a very promising and exciting new book series.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all young readers and their families will like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

Marlene Thalman is a former high school art teacher, with many years of experience reading thousands of books to her children and grandchildren; from Berenstain Bears to Dr. Seuss to Where the Wild Things Are. Now happily retired, she hopes that readers will join Reggie and his cat Rufus as they bravely explore their big dark house and the monsters that may be within!

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AMAZON BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3NA41to

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3BSU4ED

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Hey-There-are-MONSTERS-house-ebook/dp/B0CPDJN3FP

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Hey-There-are-MONSTERS-house/dp/B0CR8QQMNL

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GIVEAWAY:

Marlene will be awarding a $20 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

One Little Witch by Crystal Beach - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

One Little Witch

by Crystal Beach

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GENRE:  Children's

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BOOK BLURB:

A brilliant Little Witch counts the pumpkins in her pumpkin patch and discovers some surprising surprises. Join author and illustrator Crystal Beach (One Polar Bear and Two Polar Bears) as she captivates you with her latest adventure story and a brand-new series—One Little Witch. You and your child will be delighted by this hilarious tale as together you learn counting and sight words, and experiment with sound.

A charming holiday tale for autumn, or any time of the year, One Little Witch is filled with pumpkins and childlike enthusiasm for learning. This little book is sure to enchant, and will make a spooky addition to your child's library.

If you can be anything, be inclusive.

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EXCERPT THREE:

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "One Little Witch," is a fun, exciting, delightful, Fall/Halloween-themed, children's read filled with stimulating learning and developmental skills, clever rhyming sequences, and bright, vibrant illustrations!!

This book, "One Little Witch," follows a young girl, referred to as, "Little Witch," as she sits outside in a pumpkin patch in her backyard. The book starts out with Little Witch watching over her ten pumpkins and over the course of the night, one-by-one the pumpkins burst and reveal a special Halloween surprise!!

No tricks here - these pumpkins are full of delightful Halloween themed fun!! Readers will enjoy counting along and seeing what exciting surprises await them on the next page.

I love how the author finds unique ways to engage young readers, while also inspiring them to recognize and identify numbers, shapes, and patterns all across the pages. Readers will not only find pumpkins to count, but can also keep track of the moon and stars on Little Witch's nightgown, the pawprints on her hat, the yellow moonlight dots, singing crows, candy corn pieces, apples, flowers, leaves, and stars - readers will enjoy spotting these additional items that are scattered throughout the pages and that correspond to that page's particular number count.

“One Little Witch,” is full of clever rhyming sequences that are sure to delight young readers while also supporting their cognitive development.  This book includes numerical values featured throughout the pages to help teach readers to count while further enhancing and boosting their literary skills.

In addition, the author displayed the phrase, “good night,” in several different languages on the last two pages of the story, further promoting diversity and getting young readers started early on their language skills.  I also want to mention that I appreciate the author including which language the phrase is from.

I love this book's fun Halloween/Fall season themes, which certainly got us in the pumpkin holiday spirit. While this book is spot on for the upcoming holiday, this book can truly be enjoyed anytime of the year.

This book is full of vibrant, bright, beautiful illustrations that are sure to keep readers engaged.

This book is ideal for bedtime story time and as a learning to read and count book.

"One Little Witch," is a quick read at 33 eBook pages cover-to-cover and filled with 22 pages of text and illustrations.

This book is appropriately “G” rated as there is no swearing, no gory violence, no adult situations, and no sexual content.

This is the third book from Crystal Beach that I've hosted, read, reviewed - and loved!! Our family has also thoroughly enjoyed her other books, "One Polar Bear," and "Two Polar Bears." It seems Crystal has two more children's books in the works - "One Little Troll," and "Three Dancing Polar Bears," that are set to be released soon. I can't wait to check them out!! And while all these books can be read in any order or as standalones, now is the perfect time to dive in and get started - especially with "One Little Witch," as Halloween is this month!!

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all young readers and their families will like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children's future.

Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children's literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.

She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.

For more information visit the links below!

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CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL:

Website:

https://www.crystalbeachauthor.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/crystalbeachauthor

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40712712.Crystal_Beach

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@crystal.beach.aut

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/crystal_m_beach

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GIVEAWAY:

Crystal will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Adventures of Penny and Yaya: Lost and Found by Marsha S. Clarke - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

The Adventures of Penny and Yaya:

Lost and Found

by Marsha S. Clarke

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GENRE:   Childrens Picture Book

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BOOK BLURB:

Oh no!

Yaya can't find her beloved stuffed toy. Join her in her adventure as she seeks to find her toy with the help of her sister Penny and her parents.

At the end of the book, test your child's memory on Yaya's journey from lost to found with some questions that will be fun to answer.

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EXCERPT THREE:

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "The Adventures of Penny and Yaya: Lost and Found," is a fun, exciting, easy to follow, children's read.

This book follows Yaya in her pursuit of tracking down a beloved toy, her stuff elephant, Fern. Young readers and families will be able to easy relate to this narrative and are sure to find adventure as they help search for Fern.

This book is easy to follow along as young readers join Yaya searching her home and asking her family members for help to locate the missing elephant.

This book is full of bright, colorful illustrations that are sure to keep young readers fully engaged.

This book is ideal for bedtime story time and as a learning to read to book. At the end of the book is a short questionnaire of five questions related to the story. Some of these questions include: "What is the name of Yaya's stuff elephant?" and "How many places did Yaya look for Fern?" These questions are a great way to test young readers about what they just read or was read aloud to them. Young readers should be able to recall the answers, but the story is short enough that it can be quickly reread to identify the answers.

This book is a super quick read at 22 eBook pages cover-to-cover and filled with 8 pages of text and 8 pages of illustrations.

This book is appropriately “G” rated as there is no swearing, no gory violence, no adult situations, and no sexual content.

I also want to point out the inclusive and diversity elements this book includes as it features a multiracial family. Multiracial families are often unrepresented, so this book is refreshing to support them, especially as there are over seven million families in the United States that identify as mixed-race (AAMFT, https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Multiracial_Families.aspx).

This book is Book One of The Adventures of Penny and Yaya Book Series and what seems to be a promising new book series coming soon.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all young readers and their families will like this book too!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

Marsha Clarke is an attorney who adores her nephews and nieces. They are her inspiration for her children's book, The Adventures of Penny and Yaya: Lost and Found. In the first book of the series, please follow Yaya's journey as she tries to find her beloved stuff animal.

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AMAZON BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3S5Zm4P

Amazon US Hardcover:

https://amzn.to/3y1xvMk

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Adventures-Penny-Yaya-Lost-Found/dp/0228853370

Amazon CA Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.ca/Adventures-Penny-Yaya-Lost-Found/dp/0228853362

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Marsha will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble (Winner's Choice!!!) Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Happy Harry: A Magical Golden by Barbara Lampert - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Happy Harry: A Magical Golden

by Barbara Lampert

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GENRE:  Dog Memoir

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BOOK BLURB:

"Nobody who loves dogs will be able to resist your book! A magnificent love story!"

~ Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, international bestselling author of Dogs Never Lie About Love and When Elephants Weep.

In her dog memoir Happy Harry: A Magical Golden, psychotherapist Barbara Lampert, a lifelong dog lover, tells the story of her beloved Golden Retriever, Harry. Like her first dog memoir, Harry's story comes from her mostly uncensored daily journal and takes place in Malibu, California.

Harry was a genuinely free spirit - wild, and very wolf-like. Did all this contribute to his being exceptionally happy? Perhaps.

Harry was not only the happiest being Barbara's ever known, happy to the very core of him, but also the bravest. More than once in his life, Harry had to face true adversity, and each time, Barbara would look at him in wonder, not fully understanding how a being could be so brave and at the same time continue to be so happy.

Harry literally pranced through life, with a joyous attitude that made being around him like magic. Barbara fell in love with Harry. And as you immerse yourself in Harry's story, it's likely you will too! Happy Harry is unforgettable!

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EXCERPT ONE:

I call Harry my calendar dog. Exquisite face. That’s what drew me to him when he was nine weeks old. Sounds superficial, but I thought his face was extraordinary. And this sounds superficial too, but I’d hoped his face would stay as gorgeous when he grew up. Well, it has. But you know, no matter what he turned out to look like, I knew I would love him tremendously. What’s inside Harry is amazing!

Harry is the happiest dog I’ve ever known. Genuinely happy, from the core of him. Mostly with a ball game. Harry can’t wait for the moment when he can go out to play.

The first few years with Harry were insane. He was a maniac, wouldn’t listen. Particularly when he was out of the house on a walk or at the big field at the nearby school. We tried every kind of leash and harness. We enlisted a dog trainer. Nothing worked. But little by little, he’s getting better. Still pays scant attention when we’re out of the house, but at least I don’t have the feeling he would run away. Though he’s never off leash when we’re out. Never!

Those first years were so chaotic with him that I was resigning myself to the possibility he might be a sociopath, because he seemed to not care about rules, listening, or consequences. I needed to accept him as he was. But now, at six, Harry has become incredibly devoted and loyal. Our wild wolf has settled into his pack.

I’m at work right now and can’t wait to get home and see Harry. Give him lots of kisses, get his over-the top joyful greeting with a soft toy in his mouth. Seeing Harry brimming with enthusiasm makes me so happy! I love him so much!

Harry’s adapting… But more than that, he’s still so joyful. His abundance of happy energy is so wonderful to be around. He’s still putting stuffed toy rabbits and balls in his mouth, particularly when he’s really happy. Still comes to me with even more enthusiasm and his head held even higher than usual when I say, “Hey Harry.” I love saying that to him, and Harry seems to love hearing it. I only use the “Hey” with Harry. It’s special, just for him. Something I started saying to him a few years ago. To me, it’s a way of emphasizing how cool Harry is. Yes, Harry is really cool, in the true sense of the word. Unafraid, carefree. Still.

Dogs are such special beings. I swear a big reason they were put on this earth is to teach us how to be.

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "Happy Harry: A Magical Golden," showcases the author's deeply devoted love for Harry, their special bond, and his unfazed happiness, energetic passion, and full of life mentality.

This book, "Happy Harry: A Magical Golden," is a delightful pet memoir about a very special Golden Retriever named Harry. This book is written in journal style entries that date over the course of almost 11 years, starting November 22, 2005, four days after Harry's arrival to the author's home, to September 15, 2016, just a few days after what would have been Harry's 11th birthday.

This book is full of fun, sweet, beautiful, entertaining stories of Harry, his friends and family, and his silly shenanigans and crazy adventures. It's very clear that Harry was so truly loved and cared for. Sadly, he was only here for a short time, however, he absolutely made a impression on all those he met and now, all those who have had the privilege of getting to read his story!!! It's hard not to fall for this sweet, gentle, wild-spirited, beautiful Golden!!!

The author, Barbara and her husband purchased Harry, a pure bred Golden Retriever with AKC papers, from a California pet shop. The book starts out with Harry's arrival to the author's home, his introduction to his new digs and meeting their other pets, including their other Golden Retriever, Barney, a rescue dog found wandering on the PCH. The book then progresses to the family’s adjustment of having a new baby furball full of energy running on his own alarm clock. (As someone who's taken care of both kittens and puppies - the amount of time and energy needed at this growing stage is so very exhausting and stressful, but also so very sweet, entertaining, and rewarding!!!) The book continues to follow Harry and his "big brother/mentor" Barney in their day-to-day lives, including tail-wagging games of fetch, exciting and varied long walks through new areas and neighborhoods full of new scenery, new scents, and new people, and spending time lounging on comfy chairs in their home garden. As Harry continues to grow, both physically and mentally, the author begins to realize that nothing seems to bother this sweet, gentle giant, he always seems so happy, so energetic, so full of life. This book proceeds to showcase a very Happy Harry as he continues to prance through life, enjoying new adventures, making new friends - including a girlfriend, a yellow lab named Roxie, and even becoming a "big brother/mentor" to new family member and playmate, Bentley, another Golden Retriever.

This book, "Happy Harry: A Magical Golden," tells the beautiful story between a pet and their owner, a bond of true love, friendship, and selflessness.

I loved that this book also featured many adorable black and white photos of Harry, Barney, Bentley, Oreo, the author, her husband, their home, and their garden. In addition, there are several intriguing wolf themed author quotes weaved throughout the book.

This book spans twenty-six chapters across 295 Paperback pages. Each chapter is also divided up into many short and dated journal entries. I haven't read too many books in this style format before, but I actually really enjoyed it. Some the entries were short, just the basics, and then moved on. Others that needed more detail felt appropriately longer. Thankfully, the author didn't write an entry every single calendar day just to write something, she only wrote when an update was necessary, sometimes days or weeks after their previous entry. It's interesting how the author started the journal to write about her garden, but ended up spending the time talking about her dogs. But who doesn't love dogs?? Especially Golden Retrievers!!! And as someone who used to train Golden Retrievers (also Yellow and Black Labs) for Guide Dogs for the Blind, these are (all three) very special, highly intelligent, and truly just the most amazing dogs ever!!!

Warning - Box of tissues needed!!! While this book does contain many happy, fun stories that are sure to bring laughs and smiles; there are quite a few pages that will bring sadness, tears, and heartbreak. Perhaps it's because we lost a family pet earlier this month, I'm a little more emotional about this, but even as a huge animal lover, it is still very hard having to say that final goodbye. And even having only read about these sweet furbabies, hearing their passings, were still quite sad and heartbreaking.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

My passion is dogs! I’ve had dogs most of my life and hope to have at least one by my side always. Dog energy is the best!

I’m the author of two dog memoirs: Happy Harry: A Magical Golden and before that Charlie: A Love Story. Each about one of my Golden Retrievers. (I told you dogs are my passion!)

I’m a psychotherapist, licensed for over thirty years, specializing in relationships.

I was a flight attendant for nine years. And taught sociology at several universities. I have two master’s degrees and a doctorate.

Gardening is another love – not as much as dogs, but right up there! I see my garden as a work of art and garden as much as possible in my free time. I love being in nature.

I  live in Malibu, California with my husband David and, you guessed it, our two wonderful Golden Retrievers, Oliver and Henry.

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CONNECT WITH BARBARA:

Website:

https://www.happyharryamagicalgolden.com/happy-harry-a-magical-golden

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.lampert.50

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/barbaralampertauthor

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@barbara.lampert5

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/barbaralampert1

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/drbarbaralampert

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amzn.to/3VANV7k

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AMAZON BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://www.amzn.to/4ceb9G6

Amazon US Paperback:

https://www.amzn.to/3VkTR2Z

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Harry-Magical-Barbara-Lampert-ebook/dp/B0CN842PJ1

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Harry-Magical-Barbara-Lampert/dp/B0CMTXK538

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Barbara will award a $40 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.