Showing posts with label Texas Authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Authors. Show all posts

05 June 2019

*REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!* Hitchin' Post by Julie Barker

HITCHIN' POST 
and the Tornado Twistin' 4th of July Celebration
by
JULIE BARKER 
illustrated by Carolyn Altman

  Genre: Children's Picture Book / Western / Fantasy
Publisher: BookBaby
Date of Publication: September 28, 2018
Number of Pages: 50

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Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy jackrabbit, is back with an all new adventure on the 6Bs'Ranch. 

Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs' 4th of July celebration will go on! 
This is the second book in the Hitchin’ Post series by Julie Barker, where Julie once again collaborates with her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, who provides the illustrations in this romping, stomping cowboy adventure!


PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS



Howdy, y’all! Guess who’s makin’ another appearance on the B & B Ranch? That’s right! None other than good ole Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy rabbit who works the 6 B Ranch! Now, I’m sure you’re scratchin’ your noggin’ and thinkin’ that the name “Hitchin’ Post” sounds mighty familiar. And you’d be right! Ole Hitch stopped by a while back, and you can click right here to read my review of HITCHIN’ POST by Julie Barker .

Now, I know what you’re thinkin’— Why am I readin’ and reviewin’ children’s picture books here on Books & Broomsticks? Am I right? I knew it! Whelp, it’s like this … I’m a nerd, and I love me some picture books, that’s why! They are (almost) always magical, and they have big ole colorful pictures in them. And those aren’t the only reasons. I especially like Barker’s picture books, because they are woven together with some good ole fashioned ethics and morals that are missing in a lot of today’s children’s books. What do I mean by this?

Read on, and find out, cowpoke!


In Barker’s HITCHIN’ POST and the TORNADO TWISTIN’ 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION (whew, that’s a mouthful!), good ole Hitch has got his work cut out for him. Independence Day is just hours away, and he’s gotta see to it that the barn is ready for the big celebration. Now, I’m not gonna give away the storyline (I don’t know why y’all keep expecting me to), but I will say that there’s a whole lotta hurdles a’gittin’ in the way of Hitch’s plan for a blow out celebration. Including, dare I say, a danged ole twister?! Heck fire, y’all!

“Okay, but what about them morals and ethics you mentioned above?” you ask.

“Well, heck! Give a cowgirl a chance, dangit!” I reply.


My favorite things about this gorgeously illustrated children’s book are these things:
  1.   This book is written in rhyme, and I think that’s awesome!
  2.   Hitch and his crew are proud to be Americans.
  3.  Hitch and his crew are proud Texas who are proud to celebrate Independence Day.
  4.   Hitch believes that hard work pays off in the end.
  5.   Hitch is a family man. He is so happy when his brothers surprise him with a visit.
  6.  With teamwork, anything is possible.
  7.  Last but not least: sometimes the smallest person (or rabbit) can save the day.


There. Are y’all happy now?

Good.

All joking aside, I’ve gotta tell y’all that this book is gorgeous. It’s a nice, big picture book and the colors are vivid, the materials it is printed on are high quality, and this book would be a fantastic gift for any kid … even those of us that don’t (legally) qualify as kids anymore. 
Carolyn Altman's illustrations are rich and enchanting! This book is sure to become a treasure in any child’s personal library.

Barker filled this enchanting book with some good old fashioned American and Texan standards. We need more children's books like this!


And that’s why I give good ole Hitchin’ Post
5 Texas Sized Brooms!


Scroll down for your chance to ENTER TO WIN a copy of this lovely book!

What are you waiting for, y'all?





Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin' Post, her debut children's storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children's author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin' Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin' Post and the Tornado Twistin' 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.





WEBSITE  ┃  FACEBOOK   ┃  GOODREADS 

Carolyn Altman is an artist and the illustrator of the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series, in which she collaborated with her daughter, Julie Barker, the author. Carolyn resides in Vernon, Texas, with her husband Stanley. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. “Touch the Heart with Original Art” is Carolyn’s slogan, which she has used for the past 40 years as she creates lighthearted and inspiring art with subjects such as wildlife, horses, cattle, and cowboys, in hopes of helping to preserve this way of life for many years to come. 

The beginning of her art career consisted of using mostly oil and acrylic mediums, then Carolyn began creating baby memory books in which she incorporates her art into each page. Each baby memory book is personalized and truly a work of art in itself. Carolyn believes that her experiences throughout her life are what inspires her art. 

She has spent her life in West Texas surrounded by wide open spaces and the beauty of the farming and ranching heritage, and that way of life will always show up in her paintings and illustrations. Her latest creations include a series of angel paintings depicting what she deems most important in her life -- her faith. 

WEBSITE  ┃  INSTAGRAM  ┃  ETSY
TWITTER  ┃  PINTEREST  ┃  FACEBOOK 
-----------------------------------------
GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

GRAND PRIZE:
Author & Illustrator Signed Copy of Hitchin' Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration + $50 gift certificate to CarolynAltmanArt.com; 
TWO WINNERS:  Signed Copy of the Book.
May 29-June 7, 2019
(U.S. Only)

CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
5/29/19
Sneak Peek
5/29/19
BONUS Post
5/30/19
Review
5/31/19
Review
6/1/19
Review
6/2/19
Review
6/3/19
Playlist
6/4/19
Review
6/5/19
Review
6/6/19
Review
6/7/19
Review

  
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12 September 2018

*Author Interview & Giveaway!* WHISPERS ON THE WIND by Dana Wayne

WHISPERS ON THE WIND
by
DANA WAYNE
  
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Book Lift Off
Date of Publication: March 7, 2018
Number of Pages: 277

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You didn’t stop him. He killed her.

Dire warnings from a voice only he can hear makes Sheriff Cooper Delaney doubt his sanity. When a body is found matching one from a recent nightmare, he believes he’s gone off the deep end. The dead do not talk to the living. Or do they? One body becomes two. Are there more?

Heart broken by betrayal, Dr. Samantha Fowler finds herself starting over at thirty-three. When she meets the local sheriff, the attraction is instant and fierce, threatening to crumble the defensive walls around her heart. Once burned, twice shy, she vows to stay far away from him for the duration of her stay at the quaint B & B they share. But when she finds one body, then another, avoiding the handsome Texan is impossible.
He’s not done.

Quarry in site, he watches and waits. “I am the master. I cannot be stopped.”  
The clock is ticking…

PRAISE FOR WHISPERS ON THE WIND: 


“Smooth pace and lovable characters drew me in almost instantly.”

“If you love romantic suspense, you are in for a treat!”

“Masterpiece! Dana’s ability to paint a picture with words is incredible.”

“Hard to stop reading once I started.”

“It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book as much as I did this one.”


CLICK TO PURCHASE
Amazon       Barnes &Noble Kobo     Angus & Robertson      Scribd    


Interview with Author Dana Wayne

Where did your love of books and writing come from?

I grew up listening to my father read from a stack of paperback westerns he kept beside his chair. I was fascinated at how someone could create a picture with words so vivid I could see it in my mind. That’s when I knew that one day, I would be a writer.

How long have you been writing?

I have written all my life, but it wasn’t until I retired in 2013 that I was able to pursue my ultimate writing goal of writing a novel.  

Why did you decide to self-publish?

With traditional publishing, you lose a lot of control over your work, and I wasn’t willing to do that.

How important are names to you in your books? How do you choose names?

Names are extremely important and must fit the character. I have been known to name them Male or Female until I find the right one. Sometimes, though, the character comes to me with a name already. Then, I just have to figure out their story.

Which character from Whispers on the Wind is most or least like you?

I’d have to say Sam. We both talk to our pets like they’re people. (I have a Calico cat named Katie who listens – most of the time – when I talk to her.)

What was the hardest part of writing Whispers on the Wind? 

Definitely keeping the suspense level modulated where it wasn’t too much or too little.

What did you enjoy most about writing Whispers on the Wind?

The interaction between Coop and Sam. They were so different yet had some of the same hang-ups. It was fun to watch them work it out.

What projects are you working on at the present?

I typically have a couple going until one insists on being next. Right now, I have another western historical and two contemporaries in the mill, though one of the contemporaries is insisting his time has come.


Tell us a little about yourself. What are some day jobs that you have held?  Have any of them impacted your writing?

I’ve been a waitress, worked in an aluminum mill, legal secretary, home health office manager and software trainer; all of which have provided me with a ton of experiences from which to build my imaginary friends.

What do you like to read in your free time?

I will read anything that captures my interest be it vampires or cowboys, billionaires or aliens, and everything in between.

What’s something interesting, fun, or funny that most people don’t know about you?

I once went shark fishing in a bass boat.

What’s your funniest flaw?

A writer is always writing. Sometimes on paper, sometimes in our heads, so it’s not uncommon for me blurt out whatever I’m thinking at any given time. When that happens, my husband will ask, “Are you talking to me or your imaginary friends again?”

What is your favorite quote?

If you can dream it, you can achieve it.




Awarding winning author Dana Wayne is a sixth generation Texan and resides in the Piney Woods with her husband, (and biggest fan), a Calico cat named Katie, three children and four grandchildren. She routinely speaks at book clubs, writer organizations and other groups about writing and self-publishing.

Her debut novel, Secrets of The Heart, was awarded First Place - Contemporary Romance, 2017 by Texas Association of Authors, was a finalist for the 2017 Scéal Award for Contemporary Romance, Reviewers Top Pick and included on the Top 10 Books to Read This Winter from Books & Benches online magazine.

Her next two novels, Mail Order Groom, released in April, 2017, and Whispers On The Wind, released in April 2018, both received 5 Star Reviews from Readers Favorite among others. She was recently included in the Top 50 Indie Authors You Should Read by calebandlindapirtle.com, an international book blog site.

Affiliations include Romance Writers of America, Texas Association of Authors, Writers League of Texas, East Texas Writers Guild, Northeast Texas Writers Organization, and East Texas Writers Association.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK    TWITTER   
 --------------------------------------- 
GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!
FIRST PRIZE:  Signed Copy of Whispers on the Wind  + Floral Fan + $10 Amazon Gift Card
TWO RUNNERS-UP: eBook Copies of Whispers on the Wind
(Open Internationally)
  September 4-13, 2018

CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
9/4/18
Guest Post
9/5/18
Review
9/6/18
Excerpt
9/7/18
Guest Post
9/8/18
Review
9/9/18
Scrapbook Page &
BONUS Review
9/10/18
Guest Post &
BONUS Review
9/11/18
Review
9/12/18
BONUS Review
9/12/18
Author Interview
9/13/18
Review


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